Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Yeah, Undertaker win again in Wrestlemania 17-0


Whoever conjured up that old cliché obviously knew nothing of Undertaker . After an epic battle pitting shadow against light, The Demon from Death Valley was finally able to bury the soul of “Mr.Wrestlemania ,” Shawn Michaels. A triumph of darkness, the victory propels Undertaker’s WrestleMania winning streak to an unprecedented 17-0.

As more than 70,000 sets of eyes focused on the ring inside Houston’s Reliant Stadium, vendors twiddled their thumbs and bathroom breaks were put on hold during the classic confrontation that had the international crowd fixed to their seats.

Having never defeated HBK, Undertaker set a deliberate and destructive pace, which seemed to pay dividends early in the match. Then again, Michaels enjoys quite a reputation for stamina and managed to recapture the momentum before moving outside the ring.

That’s when The Deadman leaped over the top rope, taking aim at HBK. But just as Undertaker was about to land atop Michaels with the full force of his nearly 300 pound frame, HBK darted aside and pulled a cameraman into Undertaker’s path. After a near count-out, The Phenom dragged himself back into the ring, and the legendary Superstars traded some of the most lethal maneuvers in their arsenal.

In the end, though, Undertaker would administer a second and final Tombstone to bury Michaels and secure his place in the annals of WWE history.

Though he lost, Michaels is to be commended for his efforts, never flinching from the daunting task before him. Unlike many of his predecessors, Michaels seemed unafraid to face The Phenom on WWE’s grandest stage, girded by both devotion and confidence.

For his part, Undertaker never once lost sight of his goal: Keeping his WrestleMania record unblemished. Now, in light of his monumental victory, Undertaker can rest – perhaps not “in peace” – but at least until he’s called on to defend The Streak at next year’s WrestleMania.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

You Can't See Me John Cena

John Cena
Height: 6 foot 1
Weight: 240 pounds
From: West Newbury, Mass.
Signature Move: Attitude Adjustment, STF
Career Highlights: World Heavyweight Champion; WWE Champion; U.S. Champion; World Tag Team Champion, 2008 Royal Rumble Winner

Let’s be honest: hailing from the rolling hills and broad valleys that constitute West Newbury, Mass., will likely never earn you “street cred”--unless, of course, you’re John Cena. Then again, it didn’t happen overnight for him, either. Long before he became the Dr. of Thuganomics, young Cena had to endure the neighborhood rocker kids’ taunts about his baggy pants and rayon Kwamé shirts. His love for freestyling lyrics about rebellion and individualism just didn’t fit within the small rural community. By the time he turned 15, however, those same kids would stop teasing him, for it became apparent that Cena had been developing another passion: hitting the gym.


After applying to more than 60 colleges (and being accepted by 58), Cena attended Massachusetts’ Springfield College, where he excelled as a Division III All-American offensive lineman and team captain for the Pride. But as much as he fondly remembers his college football accomplishments, he’s equally as proud of earning his degree in Exercise Physiology, which he attributes to making him a smarter, more durable performer in the ring today.

Though a huge WWE fan since childhood, rooting for heroes like Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, and Shawn Michaels, Cena had honestly never even considered a career in WWE. Instead, he flew out to California in 2000, to pursue a profession in bodybuilding (a move he now admits to making simply because his father had told him he wouldn’t make it out there). But while working behind the counter of Gold’s Gym in Venice, a discussion with a wrestler-in-training encouraged Cena to enroll in classes at Ultimate Pro Wrestling. He was instantly hooked, and became motivated to learn everything he could about his newfound craft. He obviously proved a quick study; within a year, World Wrestling Entertainment signed Cena to a developmental contract to train at Ohio Valley Wrestling. By June 2002, he had joined the SmackDown roster, and less than a year later headlined the first of what has since become countless main-event matches.


That said, Cena has never forgotten his roots. In fact, remembering where he came from has helped him evolve into the man he is today: a well-versed hip-hop artist, a successful movie star and a blue-collared Chain Gang Soldier who’s always ready to fight. In his jean shorts and Under Armour Proto Power sneakers, he leads his WWE fan-based army into battle with the mission statement he’s been down with since Day One: hustle, loyalty and respect.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

The Smallest Man In WWE Hornswoggle



Hornswoggle
Signature Move: Tadpole Splash
Career Highlights: Cruiserweight Champion
Associates: Finlay
WWE Debut: May 26, 2006

When ECW Superstars face Finlay inside the ring, they also now have to watch out when they step outside the squared circle.

Amidst an eerie green glow under the ring resides Hornswoggle, a little man who looks like a mini version of the fighting Irishman. Clad in all green with a shaved head, Hornswoggle does most of his damage once Finlay’s matches are over; the fighting Irishman will lift up the ring apron, and Hornswoggle will scurry out to attack Finlay’s defeated opponent.

Originally believed to be the illegitimate son of Mr. McMahon, Hornswoggle was revealed on Raw to be the son of then-SmackDown Superstar Finlay. The pint-sized Superstar was attacked during a cage match against Mr. McMahon by JBL, who later told the Chairman that Hornswoggle was not a McMahon.

Following the startling announcement of where Hornswoggle truly comes from, the dynamic father and son contingent has enjoyed tremendous success among the tag team ranks.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Finlay


Finlay
Height: 6 foot 2
Weight: 233 pounds
From: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Signature Move: The Celtic Cross
Career Highlights: United States Champion; WCW Television Champion; WCW Hardcore Champion
Associates: Hornswoggle
WWE Debut: 20 January 2006

Finlay has made his mission clear: he’s here to fight. That’s exactly what he’s going to do, and he’s always been good at it. Hailing from the mean streets of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Finlay will tell you that he loves to fight, and this double-tough individual can back up his bravado.
Throughout his career, Finlay has been regarded as one of the toughest men to ever step foot inside the ring. Originally plying his trade in Europe, Finlay held 16 major championships in Great Britain and Germany before coming to the United States in the mid-1990s.

Landing in WCW, Finlay immediately began an intense rivalry with fellow European William Regal. Finlay went on to win the WCW Television Championship from Booker T in 1998, but made his true mark in WCW’s Hardcore division. However, shortly after winning the first ever Hardcore Junkyard Invitational in 1999, Finlay suffered a severe leg injury at a WCW live event when he was sent crashing through a table. After a short stay in WCW following his return, Finlay returned to his native Great Britain to wrestle in 2001.

After five years away from American rings, Finlay came to SmackDown in January 2006 looking for a fight, but no one ever expected him to be a father. Though originally believed to be the illegitimate son of Mr. McMahon, Hornswoggle was revealed to be the son of the Fighting Irishman. Since the announcement of this startling revelation, the dynamic father and son contingent has enjoyed tremendous success among the tag team ranks.

Friday, March 20, 2009

The Dead Man Undertaker


Undertaker
Height: 6 foot 10 1/2
Weight: 299 pounds
From: Death Valley
Signature Move: Chokeslam; Tombstone; Last Ride
WWE Debut: Nov. 22, 1990
Career Highlights: WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, World Tag Team Champion, WCW Tag Team Champion, Hardcore Champion, undefeated at WrestleMania (16-0)

From the moment his signature gong fills the air, The Undertaker captivates WWE fans by his mere presence. The Deadman from Death Valley is usually a man of few words, but he can intimidate even the toughest WWE Superstars with just one glance. His somber persona has been a terrifying trademark of WWE for nearly two decades and no list of WWE all-time greats can be considered complete without Undertaker.


First seen at the 1990 Survivor Series, Undertaker was introduced as the final member of Ted DiBiase’s “Million Dollar Team.” Since then he has come to be a multiple time WWE and World Heavyweight Champion, and maintained a WrestleMania undefeated streak that stands at an impressive 16-0. The Deadman has defeated such Superstars as Randy Orton, Triple H, “Sycho” Sid, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Bret “Hitman” Hart and Jake “The Snake” Roberts to earn his many titles and keep his WrestleMania streak intact. In October 2007, The Deadman also became the first man to break free from The Great Khali’s Vise Grip to defeat the 7-foot-3, 420-pound colossus as well.

Throughout his time in WWE, Undertaker has notoriously disappeared for months at a time; often thought dead and “resting in peace,” The Phenom always mysteriously returns to the ring to seek vengeance against those who have sent him away. From Yokozuna to Kane to Edge, Undertaker always finds a way to claim the souls of those who have wronged him.

In addition to his solo success, Undertaker has been quite the team player throughout his career. From his lengthy relationship with manager Paul Bearer to spearheading the Ministry of Darkness (which included the recruitment of Superstars such as the Acolytes, The Brood, Mideon & Viscera), The Phenom has been successful in every venture. He has even earned multiple World Tag Team Championships, standing alongside the likes of The Rock, Stone Cold, Big Show and his own brother, Kane.

In fact, the Big Red Monster is the ally-turned-adversary (and often back again) that Undertaker continuously comes to crosses with. Kane made his WWE debut by costing his brother the first-ever Hell in a Cell Match, and while their relationship is always turbulent, they have seen eye-to-eye on many occasions as well. They’ve been opponents at multiple WrestleManias, but they’ve also held the World Tag Team Championship together; a true theme for brothers in all walks of life.

The Undertaker also has many firsts to his credit. Aside from being the originator of the Tombstone Piledriver, he has also taken part in the inaugural Hell in a Cell Match – against Shawn Michaels in October 1997 – as well as the first-ever Casket Match, which saw him defeat Kamala at Survivor Series 1992.

Undertaker had never beaten Edge, so his perfect WrestleMania streak was in dire jeopardy going into WrestleMania XXIV. The Rated-R Superstar proved that he was up to the task of withstanding The Phenom’s mightiest blows, including a Tombstone Piledriver and Last Ride, until Undertaker locked Edge in his mysterious submission hold. Edge finally tapped out, relinquishing both his World Heavyweight Title and unbeaten record against The Phenom. The win boosted Undertaker's astounding WrestleMania streak to 16-0.


Five-time World Champion Edge ended the legendary WWE career of Future Hall of Famer Undertaker at One Night Stand in San Diego on June 1, 2008, after a carefully laid-out plan with SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. However, a pre-wedding betrayal by the Rated-R Superstar caused Guerrero to have a change of heart, reinstituting The Phenom and opening a new era of dominance by The Deadman.

Throughout it all, Undertaker has remained one of WWE’s most popular Superstars, almost cementing his place as a Future Hall of Famer.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

John Morrison


John Morrison
Weight: 219 pounds
From: Los Angeles
Signature Move: The Snapshot, The Moonlight Drive
Career Highlights: ECW Champion; Intercontinental Champion; WWE Tag Team Champion
Associates: The Miz
WWE Debut: April 2005

John Morrison endured a personal evolution of sorts after capturing the vacated ECW Championship at Vengeance: Night of Champions. The Tuesday Night Delight, formerly known as Johnny Nitro, officially renamed himself John Morrison, his given birth name, on the historic July 17, 2007, edition of ECW. Morrison had reached the peak of his fame with the ECW Championship and he believed he could "be himself" from that point, forward.

Shortly thereafter, Morrison found unexpected success alongside another brazen, rising star in the Land of the Extreme, The Miz. The unlikely tandem secured the WWE Tag Team Championship on SmackDown territory following the unique talent exchange arrangement between SmackDown and ECW managing officials. The Shaman of Sexy's vanity reached new heights, much like his sports-entertainment career.

And Morrison has good reason to be confident. He has never been too far away from gold since his debut in 2005, capturing tag team gold as well as the Intercontinental Championship. The Shaman of Sexy was ultimately drafted to ECW during the 2007 Supplemental Draft on WWE.com, and his career was given new life. As the world can now see, Morrison has taken full advantage of his extreme home, and ECW may never be the same.

Alongside, the Miz, John Morrison won the WWE Tag Team Championship, defeating Montel Vontavious Porter & Matt Hardy on SmackDown. Since, the duo has dominated WWE's tag team division.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Miz


The Miz
Height: 6 foot 1
Weight: 231
From: Cleveland
Signature Move: The Mizard of Oz
Career Highlights: WWE Tag Team Championship
Associates: John Morrison

If you ask self-proclaimed chick magnet The Miz, all the ladies want him and all the guys want to be him. And, quite frankly, it's hard to argue otherwise.

A devoted WWE fan his whole life, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin competed on the fourth season of "Tough Enough" in hopes of winning a contract to become a WWE Superstar. After finishing as the runner up, The Miz didn’t give up on his dream and continued to train once the "Tough Enough" competition ended. Now, his hard work is being rewarded as the reality TV alum with the frat boy looks, sophomoric humor and explosive intensity is living out his dream as a Superstar on ECW.

The Miz was first introduced to TV audiences as one of the seven strangers on "The Real World: Back to New York," the 10th season of MTV’s popular and groundbreaking reality show. Since then, The Miz has certainly made his rounds on the reality TV circuit. He’s been on four seasons of the "Real World/Road Rules Challenge," "The Inferno," "The Gauntlet," "Battle of the Network Reality Stars," and recently as a competitor on a special edition of "Fear Factor."
Alongside John Morrison, The Miz won the WWE Tag Team Championship, defeating Montel Vontavious Porter & Matt Hardy on SmackDown. Since, the duo has dominated WWE's tag team division.