BEARcast - WrestleCast 11/26/2014

BEARcast - WrestleCast 2014-11-26 with Fred "The Oracle"

Fred and I are back to cover this week’s RAW after a great Survivor Series last Sunday.  With everything going on, there’s really just one thing to say, STING was in a WWE ring!!!


Please check us out at www.worldofbear.com and on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/world-of-bear/id828777439?mt=2 and don't forget to Subscribe!  Also, don't forget to spread the word to friends, family and fans.

Thanks,
WK
@wkbear on Twitter or email the show at WorldOfBearBC@gmail.com to send in ideas and comments.
Contact Fred on Twitter @FreddyD15

WWE Power Rankings, RAW 11/24/2014

Coming at you from Indianapolis, and I’ll be the first one to eat CROW.  Like a SPLASH of cold water to your dome whilst you’re asleep.  Almost as if a small sharp-pointed organ at the end of a creature’s abdomen or tail punctured me.  A creature of legend, who resides in the RAFTERS… Okay, enough… STING!!!  Survivor Series saw the first time Sting has officially appeared in a WWE ring!  Mother fucking STING!!!  I don’t care if no one under 25 knows who Sting is but to all of us long time wrestling fans this was like finally seeing a unicorn.  All I can say is, Vincent K. McMahon won.  Everyone comes to / back to the WWE and this was the last exception to the rule.  

We’ll talk about this more in the weeks to come and you can check out a very special edition of the BEARcast - WrestleCast LIVE post Survivor Series (www.worldofbear.com and on iTunes) so I won’t beat this to death but c’mon.  STING!!!!!!!!

I was very down going into Survivor Series but by the end of the night I was surprised and extremely pleased with the PPV.  Again, check out the podcast for a full recap but it wasn’t just Sting that made for a great show.  Miz and Miz-dow won the Tag straps.  Ziggler got the push we’ve all been waiting for.  AJ Lee (and in turn CM Punk) may have officially received the “kiss of death” literally and figuratively.  And we were teased with a taste of next month’s PPV, Tables Ladders and Chairs (TLC), via the match between Ambrose and Wyatt.  Overall a great show on Sunday night.  

It was one of those Sundays were as soon as the show ended, all you can think about is what are they going to do on Monday.  Even though I’m still not sure what Team Cena’s win will do to the company, the WWE has me hooked and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.  Basically, the WWE did their job correctly.

So with that, let’s get to the rankings as of this week’s RAW on 11/24/2014...

1. Sting (N/A) – This was a lock from about 7:45pm PST Sunday night.   
2. HHH and Stephanie (12) – Real quick, Stephanie might have lost “authority” but she got an A-minus for Monday’s outfit.  She also killed it on with her opening shoot.  HHH was not too shabby either, even if the last part was straight from the “A Few Good Men” script.  If you’re going to plagiarize, plagiarize from the best.  
   
3. Dolph Ziggler (1) – Now we know why Ziggler dropped the IC belt last week.  He doesn’t have time for that shit any more.  Ziggler’s a main event-er now. 
4. Miz and Damien Miz-dow (3&4) – Just as I predicted, Miz would come out with both belts and Miz-dow would have two fake kids versions.  Perfection.  
   
5. Luke Harper (2) – He was great at Survivor Series and excellent with Ambrose.  Harper has high expectations and having the IC belt mean the WWE has big plans for him.  They certainly can’t bury him like Cesaro, who supposedly got a big push earlier this year.  Imagine if they were to start a feud, huh huh?
   
6. Dean Ambrose (11) – A long two segment match ended with an Ambrose DQ when he bumped the ref.  Once again descending in to a TLC preview with Ambrose getting the  T, L and C treatment from Wyatt.  A nice flip (or juxtaposition, if you want to be fancy about it) from how it went down at Survivor Series.  
7. Bray Wyatt (11) – See Ambrose.  Wyatt was getting some heat from the crowd.  I suppose that shows how over Ambrose is.
8. Seth Rollins w/ Minions (Mercury and Noble) (6) – WWE, don’t insult me with the idea that 3% and 4% of the audience voted for options A and B.  It’s like when an evil dictator wins an “election” with 95% of the vote.  At least do us the favor of making Noble come out in full Jamie-san regalia, mask and all.
   
9. The Dust Bros (4) – You have to like them if only that they put an end to Larry the Cable guy train-wreck.
10. John Cena (13) – It took 2:40 for Team Cena to show up.  That’s balls considering all we’ve heard for the past month is TEAM CENA every week.  I am a little saddened that there’s going to be a whole generation that sees Cena and his gimmick the way my generation sees The Rock, Austin, DX.  
11. The Big Show (18) – The Big Traitor.  I did like how he delivered;  “I’m a Giant.” and  “I have a medical condition that makes me this freakishly large and powerful.” 
12. Rusev w/ Lana (16) – Lana is back in white.  Feel free to check out some great pics going around the internets of Lana.  Trust me, your effort will payoff.  This was stupid.  If they’re really Ruskies, they wouldn’t pledge to the flag nor would it mean anything.  What if this is what sends us back into a cold war.  Please don’t let the history books show the reign of our Russian overlords began with this fake wrestling gimmick.  
13. Jack Swagger w/ Zeb (N/A) – Someone had to come save Slaughter so I guess Swagger is back in our lives.  Is Swagger 2.0 really going to be the one to beat Rusev or just are we just Holding Out for a Hero (in the middle of the night.  ‘Cause he’s gotta be fast and he’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fresh for the fight.)
14. Eric Rowan (N/A) – He’s getting a push.  Let’s see if he can do something with it.
15. Justin Gabrielle (N/A) – Listen to the BEARcast - WrestleCast (www.worldofbear.com) for Fred’s recap of who this gentleman is and what he’s been up to for the past year.
16. AJ Lee (9) – GREAT mic work.  Where has this been?  Except it’s hard for her to make the “Talent isn't something sexually transmitted,” when she’s with CM Punk.  But it’s still a great line.
17. B-Bella w/ N-Bella (10) – Your new Divas Champ(s).
18. Concession Stand Kane (N/A) – It’s always odd to see the crowd sectioned off to allow the wrestlers to perform a supposed “natural” skit.  I guess I’m too old and cynical to waste what precious time I have left on this planet with this kind of bullshit.  You can tell what interest in have in the “The Big Guy” by the fact he’s not even on the list.
19. Fandango 2.0 w/ Rosa Mendes (N/A) – They’re doubling down on this dancing fool.
20. Adam Rose & The Bunny vs Tyson Kidd & Natalya (19&8) – It’s a sad day when someone says, “You know what Adam Rose and the Bunny need; Larry the Cable guy and Santino.”  (writer claps their hands and leans back in their chair) 

Honorable Mentions

Daniel Bryan – In what was the WWE’s final surprise of their free month of November, Daniel Bryan came back to make an appearance.  I’m fine with Bryan running RAW but I’m weary of going back to the days when we had a different GM each night.  I like Daniel Bryan the wrestler but Daniel Bryan the GM?  Not so much.  This is why we need the heels HHH and Stephanie running the show.  But for one night we have to let the heroes bask in their glory.  

The Church of The New Day – Stronger, smarter and higher.  How about we cross our fingers for, “Don’t Get Buried.”  

Santino and Larry the Cable Guy – 1) They made another Jingle All The Way?  Who was asking to revisit this franchise?  2) Santino is still sticking with his accent.  GOAT.  3) This Larry the Cable Guy is supposed to be a comedian, right?  4) I thought Larry was a millionaire?   Why are you doing this?  Have some self respect.  

Sergeant Slaughter – It’s my favorite time of year.  The traditional wheeling out of Sargent Slaughter to do something patriotic.  Would it have been more appropriate during Veteran’s Day week?  Sure.  If there was only some sort of document or app that keeps track of the 365 days per year and when holidays occur.  Regardless, I was a huge fan of GI Joe, so I’ll always have a place in my heart for the Sgt.    

Side Note(s)

Kris Jenner tweeted N-Bella, how much did the WWE have to pay for that?

Until next time…

BEARcast - WrestleCast 11/23/2014 Special LIVE edition!

BEARcast - WrestleCast 2014-11-23 post Survivor Series show LIVE!

A special LIVE post Survivor Series show!  The crew stuck around to break down the PPV results of a surprisingly great Survivor Series.  We hope you enjoy, we did. 

Please check us out at www.worldofbear.com and on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/world-of-bear/id828777439?mt=2 and don't forget to Subscribe!  Also, don't forget to spread the word to friends, family and fans.

Thanks,
WK
@wkbear on Twitter or email the show at WorldOfBearBC@gmail.com to send in ideas and comments.
Contact Fred on Twitter @FreddyD15

BEARcast - WrestleCast 11/19/2014

BEARcast - WrestleCast 2014-11-19 with Fred "The Oracle"

This week’s RAW was the Survivor Series "go home show” and Fred and I don’t let up on the horrible state of the main event / storyline.  Was an appearance by the adorable Grumpy Cat enough to save RAW?  You’ll have to listen to find out.  We also give our Survivor Series predictions but who cares about that.  GRUMPY. CAT.


Please check us out at www.worldofbear.com and on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/world-of-bear/id828777439?mt=2 and don't forget to Subscribe!  Also, don't forget to spread the word to friends, family and fans.

Thanks,
WK
@wkbear on Twitter or email the show at WorldOfBearBC@gmail.com to send in ideas and comments.
Contact Fred on Twitter @FreddyD15

WWE Power Rankings, RAW 11/17/2014

Coming at you from Virginia (I’m guessing Blacksburg), it is never a good sign when they don’t show the name of the city or mention where they are at the beginning of the show.  In hindsight, if I were the location of possibly the worst RAW of the year, I might not want to be mentioned either.  Don’t think I’m giving the city a pass either, the crowd was awful too.  Two wrongs don’t make a good RAW nor a “Go Home Show” for Survivor Series.

All I need to say is; a contract signing for a Survivor Series match?  What could possibly go wrong?

Check out the BEARcast - WrestleCast for a full breakdown of RAW and our predictions for the PPV on Sunday.  Go to www.worldofbear.com and subscribe on iTunes. 

So with that, let’s get to the rankings as of this week’s RAW on 11/17/2014...

1. Dolph Ziggler (9) – Am I crazy to think that Ziggler and Harper could put on a 5-star match at a PPV?  Both participants let it all out and unfortunately Ziggler dropped the IC title.  Very funny, WWE.  For a moment I was convinced Ziggler was getting a push.  You tricked me again!  Ziggler being the IC champ was a good fit, but now I couldn’t tell you what’s next for the Showoff.  The least I could do was give him the top slot before he gets buried.  Again. 
   
2. Luke Harper (N/A) – Excellent match.  I have no idea why he needed the IC belt?  I’ve got high hopes for Harper.  For get about all this Survivor Series crap, let’s see what he does in the next few months.
3. Miz and Damien Miz-dow w/ Grumpy Cat (1) – The great and powerful Miz and his stunt double Damien Miz-dow get two slots because I’m the god of these rankings and they’re the best.  They do need something to do other than be comic relief.  BTW, doesn’t Miz look like Grumpy Cat?  It was a no brainer to put these two pillars of Hollywood together.
4. Miz & Miz-Dow / The Dust Brothers (1&N/A) – I struck a deal with my girlfriend, she had to watch the tag match in exchange for watching the Grumpy Cat segments.  After a few minutes explaining the rules and how the teams were arranged, she really got into it.  You know who she liked most?  Miz and Miz-dow.  That’s all you need to know as to why they’re at the top of the countdown twice.  I can’t wait for the 4-way tag match at SS.  
5. The Usos / Los Matadors w/ El “Dorito” (N/A&19) – Like last week, Los Matadors are riding the coattails of a superior gimmick and / or superior partners.  The most offensive thing about Los Matadors is that if the two of them had a better gimmick, they could be a great tag team.  They can wrestle just as good as The Usos or The Dust Brothers.  Again, these four teams should put on a great match at SS. 
6. Seth Rollins w/ Minions (Mercury and Noble) (4) – As much as I have been complaining about the main storyline of the WWE and Team Cena vs Team Authority, the one person that’s not only floating above the wreckage but seemingly raising his stature is Rollins.  This year’s SS is brining everyone down except Rollins.  I have no idea where he’s going with the Money in the Bank title or who his next opponent will be if RKO is out for an extended period but he’s a great performer on mic or in the ring.  
7. Cesaro (N/A) – Cesaro gets a special bump this week because he carried Ryback’s carcass through their entire match.  Cesaro should be getting this Ryback push.  At least he was involved in the end and sided with HHH and Stephanie.  That’s a good sign for the long run.
8. Tyson “Beats” Kidd w/ Natalya (14) – Maybe “Beats” Kidd is a poor choice for a nickname in light of the current Adrian Peterson situation.  If that’s the case, maybe Kidd shouldn’t wear purple Vikings colors?  Maybe he and Natalya should start a line of husband and wife wrestling porn?  Maybe they’re getting a bump because they didn’t offend my wrestling watching sensibilities?  
9. AJ Lee (8) – It was a good week for the CM Punk / AJ Lee family.  Punk was on Talking Dead and announced that he was writing an issue of Thor for Marvel Comics.  AJ Lee had very good impression of her performed by B-Bella and shined as the Divas champ.  Unfortunately my gut tells me that Sunday is the last day of the AJ Lee Divas championship reign.  
10. AJ-B-Bella vs N-Bella (20) – Yes, I’m as shocked as the rest of you to see both Bellas in the top 10.  B-Bella did a great job at playing dress-up.  To bad Halloween was two weeks ago.  Don’t make the mistake in assuming I’ve changed my stance on this horrendous Bella vs Bella feud.  This week they were interesting and certainly better than most of the other segments on RAW.  
11. Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt (10&11) – Oooohhhh, Bray has a new “smoking” lantern.  I bet the WWE couldn’t wait to show that off (and probably sell it on WWEshop.com ASAP).  Even I, a huge Wyatt fan, am tired of these rambling soliloquies.  These two should be teaming up, not fighting against each other.  But like two superheroes clashing when their paths first cross, I suppose that’s what is happening with Bray and Dean?  Hopefully we get a great match on Sunday with no shenanigans.  The problem is that neither of them needs a win over the other and neither of them needs a loss to the other.  I don’t see how any clean result helps either wrestler so we’ll probably see some bullshit ending.
12. HHH and Stephanie (7) – As WWE fashion expert, Stephanie gets a C-plus.  Not that she didn’t look good, but that red dress needed to be shorter or full length.  Now let’s get to the show.  The HHH and Stephanie characters once again did a fine job.  HHH had a few slip-ups but he made up for it with his shots at the WCW (but if you really think about it, weren’t his “friends” the ones running WCW to which he was taking shots at?).  The other contribution my girlfriend made was this quote, “So what happens if Team Authority loses?”  To which my answer was, “Exactly!”  What does happen if Team Authority loses?  NOTHING!  Nothing will change.  Is Cena and crew going to start cutting checks to the truck drivers and staff?  Will Big Show start arranging the travel plans for all the wrestlers.  Will Eric Rowan be in charge of merchandise sales and putting together quarterly reports for investors?  Nothing will change.  Lastly, what’s the purpose for Team Authority to have the US and IC champions?  This whole match is ridiculous but it’s not the HHH and Stephanie character’s fault.  If you want to blame it on Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon, be my guest.  I will say, HHH looked legit hurt after going through the table at the end of RAW so I don’t want to beat a man while he’s down.
    
13. John Cena (6) – He tries so hard.  I tip my cap to him.  Do we really need the other jabronies with Cena at SS?  Can he just put on his SuperCena cape and take on the entire Team Authority?  The WWE should just push all their chips in this one time, while no one is caring what happens, and let SuperCena be the superhero to all the kids in the world and have him defeat Team Authority singlehandedly.  
14. Ryback (15) – He’s horrible on the mic.  He can’t wrestle for shit.  He fucks up almost all his signature moves and he looks like a muscular rag doll when Cesaro is tossing him around the ring.  How is the “The Big Guy” over with so many fans?  This is a mystery only Mike Tyson’s Mysteries can solve.
15. Sheamus (5) – So what happened to Sheamus?  I literally fell asleep during the match.  The ringing of the end of the match woke me to find Sheamus and Big Show being taken down my Rusev and Henry.  If anyone knows what happened, let me know.  I’m afraid if I watch, I’ll fall asleep.  It’s like Evil Dead.  You can’t read the scripture from the book of evil or you’ll release Beelzebub.  Two weeks ago he was the US champ, now… nothing.  At least Ziggler will have a friend buried in the same ditch.
16. Rusev w/ Lana (12) – Our new US champion.  As Fred has said on the BEARcast - WrestleCast (www.worldofbear.com) this could have some interesting storylines.  Being part of Team Authority is not one of them.  If the world had any sense of humor, somehow someway the topless pictures of Lana from Banshee would have popped up on the jumbo-tron.  Just for a split second.  
17. Mark Henry (16) – He was there.  He slammed someone through the table.  I checked out.
18. Big Show (17) – Grumpy Cat had the same displeasured look on his face as I did watching anything containing Big Show and Mark Henry.  What an inspiration it was to see Big Show limp to the ring to support Cena.  It was like watching Willis Reed limp out for game 7 of the 1970 NBA finals.  Truly a miracle.  
19. Adam Rose and The Bunny (13) – The Bunny must feel shame.  He must be humiliated.  Take him into the Red Room of Pain.  This allowed the WWE to play around with some sodomy and bestiality jokes.  No one happier than The King who could whip out some of his classic “puppies” material. 
20. Heath Slater (N/A) – This is how I imagine the conversation between the WWE and Heath Slater going… “Virginia / West Virginia, who gives a shit?  You’re from “a” Virginia so put this stupid Uncle Sam costume on and get your ass out there.  Oh, you don’t like it?  Are you seeing what we’re doing to Kofi, Big E and Xavier Woods?  Now get your fucking ass out there.  No, no, stop crying.  We don't care if you have family out there.  You’ll dress up and job to who we tell you to.  You’ll really be crying if we send you to the unemployment line with Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal.  

Honorable Mentions

Grumpy Cat – It’s “Grumpy Cat” not “Grumpy THE Cat,” Michael Cole, you dumb fuck.  get it right and show some respect.  I won’t harp on the horrible announcing but will only say that if JBL, Cole and The King were more concerned with the show and who or what is on said show rather than arguing about Marie Laveau and stealing each other’s jokes, the product might be better.

The Church of the The New Day – it’s coming.  Big E looks like a 1950s gas station attendant, wash rag and all. 

Lucha Underground – El Rey Network, channel #341?  Looks cool but this has been done before.  Remember when MTV2 tried something like this.  It sounds and looks like a great idea but there’s something that just doesn’t work with a produced wrestling show.  Even though wrestling is all scripted, it must be done LIVE.  Having said this, I do believe there is better version of wrestling waiting to be done.  More scripted with better stories and production but you also must have full, unedited matches.

WWE 2k15 – My Career mode, you say?  Do they have the part where your character gets buried for 2 years because of backstage politics?

Until next time…

BEARcast - WrestleCast 11/12/2014

BEARcast - WrestleCast 2014-11-12 with Fred "The Oracle"

It’s my turn to go off on a rant this week.  I hated RAW and needed to let the world know it.  Luckily Fred talked me off the ledge and started the show with a great story not to be missed! 


Please check us out at www.worldofbear.com and on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/world-of-bear/id828777439?mt=2 and don't forget to Subscribe!  Also, don't forget to spread the word to friends, family and fans.

Thanks,
WK
@wkbear on Twitter or email the show at WorldOfBearBC@gmail.com to send in ideas and comments.
Contact Fred on Twitter @FreddyD15

WWE Power Rankings, RAW 11/10/2014

Coming at you from Liverpool, and thank god for a fabulous crown on Monday because the show was garbage.  I halfheartedly joked that we have been sending horrible NFL games to London and new we were going to send a horrible WWE show.  I only wish it had been a joke instead of an accurate psychic premonition.     

"Listen up, Dummy!"

Usually the WWE gives the UK some quality shows but not this time.  Monday saw the WWE send a Jacksonville Jaguars-esque sized crap to the UK as if it were 1783 and the USA was rubbing England’s nose in our newly won independence.  I fell asleep Monday night about an hour into the show.  I thought, maybe I was tired and needed fresh eyes to finish the show.  Nope.  Save for a few good promos and a handful of decent wrestling moves, this show was terrible.  

I do believe that it has everything to do with the fact that the main event for Survivor Series has got to be the worst Main Event for a PPV this year.  Maybe the WWE knew TEAM Cena vs TEAM Authority was going to be a visual Ambien and if they didn’t give November and it’s PPV away for free, the fans would revolt.

As my partner in crime, Fred, has said on the BEARcast - WrestleCast (www.worldofbear.com and on iTunes) the WWE is desperate to get subscribers of the WWE Network up and / or the WWE is under pressure from broadcasters and shareholders to increase its profits / value / ratings / etc.  If this is the case, I’m baffled on the choices the WWE is making with their on-screen product in order to improve their product and increase revenues.  

Well, it’s official, it looks like we’re going to have a full fledged, fully produced, “previously on RAW…”  This is a waste of time when you have three hours to tell your story.  Also, since you have multiple storylines it would be more effective to work the “previously on…” into each new segment.  Basically just do what wrestling has been doing for the past 50 years.  Audiences where able to follow what was happening when wrestling was still territorial and had no national TV show.  

Here are the 4 notes you’ll need when listening to the BEARcast - WrestleCast this week (www.worldofbear.com or on iTunes):

-Which team is Ryback on and is he a HEEL or FACE?

-Team Authority: 1-Rollins, 2-Kane, 3-Rusev, 4-Henry and Ryback???  Luke Harper = 5?

-Team Cena: 1-Cena, 2-Ziggler, 3-Big Show, 4-Sheamus and Ryback???  Surprise #5?

-RKO out “indefinitely”?

So with that, let’s get to the rankings as of this week’s RAW on 11/10/2014...

1. Miz and Damien Miz-dow w/ Mini-Miz (3) – The best thing the WWE is putting out on a weekly basis.  They actually made a match with the Matadors and Bull-ito enjoyable to watch.  Hands down my favorite gimmick and from the fans reaction, I’m not alone.
   
2. Paige (N/A) – Paige and Alicia put on the best match of the night.  It’s a knock to the rest of the roster not because it was a Divas match but because it was so short and the ratio of men to women so huge that the numbers would suggest that the male Superstars should always have the best match.  Not on Monday.  Congrats to Paige and Alicia for putting on the best pure wrestling match.  Also, Paige’s semi-homecoming was great.
   
3. Alicia Fox (N/A) – Fox is great.  Sometimes I argue against the over-the-top hysterics but she can wrestle. 
4. Seth Rollins w/ Minions (Mercury and Noble) (1) – Rollins is not the problem with this Survivor Series mess.  He continues to put on good matches and does whatever is asked of him to the best of his abilities, which are sky high. 
5. Sheamus (9) – He was never a good fit as US Champ but it gave him a push for a minute.  He no longer needs the belt, he no longer has the belt but he’s still toiling with Rusev which he’ll hopefully move on from ASAP.
6. John Cena (HM) – I may not give two shits about this run.  Even if I did, said two shits wouldn’t amount to much because even with a Win, what happens to Cena, the Authority and the WWE?  (shhhhh, I’ll tell you a secret… NOTHING)
   
7. HHH and Stephanie (6) – Yes, yes, I know I’ve spent most of this article bashing the WWE Creative, but when it comes to the characters of HHH and Stephanie, I really like them and what they do.  Chalk this up to my descent into madness and example one of why I should be locked away in the looney bin.
8. AJ Lee (15) – Is it too early to give AJ’s championship run a eulogy?  Here’s what’s going to happen; AJ will drop the belt to N-Bella (or possibly B-Bella on a twist, a term I use loosely) which will lead to a multiple months long feud between the Bellas and ultimately to Bella vs Bella at WM.  If I believed in a god, I’d be praying that the WWE would let the Bellas do their thing on one side of the company and let the good Diva wrestlers still have time to shine.  AJ, Paige, Fox, Emma, Natalya, Layla, Naomi and Summer are all very capable and exciting wrestlers which I’d much rather see than half the male performers.  With one caveat, give their writing and stories the same attention you’d give to the male wrestlers.  Their talents will be wasted if every female storyline is either centered around “fake friends” or “the crazy lady” trope.
9. Dolph Ziggler – (7) It seems like once we get past Survivor Series, Zigglers next feud will be with Harper?  I’m interested.  Let’s see how this plays out.
10. Dean Ambrose (5) – Ambrose and Wyatt don’t need the push that being on Team Cena or Team Authority would provide.  I just want to see them go at it.
11. Bray Wyatt (10) – So what if Wyatt doesn’t make any sense or having him out crazy Ambrose undermines Ambrose’s gimmick.  I just want to see them wrestle.  It should be great. 
12. Rusev w/ Lana (11) – Y’all know how I feel about Lana.  And if the WWE ran with just one of the many scenarios Fred has brought up on the BEARcast - WrestleCast (www.worldofbear.com), I’d be fine.  But they’re not so I’ll just have to keep jerking off to Lana until they do something interesting with Rusev’s character.  BTW, having Ryback be the face that stops Rusev is a HORRIBLE idea.
13. Adam Rose w/ The Bunny (N/A) – I’m only interested in this if Samy Zane turns out to be The Bunny and we get a heel Rose vs face Zane which should provide great matches.
    
14. Tyson Kid sans Natalya (HM) – I had to fill up 20 slots and “TeeJay” did his job.
15. Ryback (14) – I know I’m in the minority but I can’t stand Ryback.  Listen to the BEARcast - WrestleCast (www.worldofbear.com) for my complete rant on this.  Bottomline, he sucks.  Feel free to try to explain otherwise.  I’m all ears.
16. Mark Henry (12) – Slow and boring part 1.
17. Big Show (12) – Slow and boring part 2.
18. Jack Swagger (N/A) – They’re in the UK.  The GOP destroyed the Democrats in last week’s election.  Name me a better time for a classic Zeb rant?  What’s the point of him being there if not to do a Tea Party rant?
19. Los Matadors w/ El “Dorito” (19) – Only the greatness of Miz and Miz-dow made these two clowns somewhat entertaining.  With their huge win last Tuesday, how soon can the Republicans pass anti-immigration laws that would prevent these three from coming back into the USA?  If they could pull that off, I’ll switch over to the GOP party tomorrow.  
    
20. B-Bella on behalf of N-Bella (20) – Garbage.  But as I said in the AJ Lee breakdown, I full expect one of them to win the title and then continue to feud to a WM Bella vs Bella Divas title match.  (gun in mouth, cock hammer, pull triggg……BAM!)

Honorable Mentions

Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston – The Hardest Working Man in Wrestling, A new day is coming… (times 2).  We went from Corporate Nation to the New Baptist Church of the Holy Cross Body.  Now Big E’s “preacher” shoot makes sense.  He’ll be the third part of this Holy Trinity.  This will either be the face version of the Wyatt’s gimmick or an offensive mess.  

ECW Week – That’s worth 9.99 (or free this week)

Exo-Dan – In a cross promotion with US military technology the WWE, Dan Rose used / showed off a cool new exoskeleton suit that will surely be the future.  The only question is, how badly do I need to wound myself before being eligible to get one of these?

Grumpy Cat – How low is RAW going to get?  Is this really how you get viewers?  As I say this, my girlfriend is asking, “Can you just save the Grumpy Cat part to show me, I don’t need to watch the whole show.”  The key to all media is PUSSY: 1) hot chicks or 2) cat videos.  This is what propels 97% of the internet.  

Side Note(s)

Well, it’s official, it looks like we’re going to have a full fledged, fully produced, “previously on RAW…”  This is a waste of time when you have three hours to tell your story.  Also, since you have multiple storylines it would be more effective to work the “previously on…” into each new segment.  Basically just do what wrestling has been doing for the past 50 years.  Audiences where able to follow what was happening when wrestling was still territorial and had no national TV show.

Until next week…

BEARcast - WrestleCast 11/05/2014

BEARcast - WrestleCast 2014-11-05 with Fred "The Oracle" and special guest Dustin!

We’ve got everything this week.  We discuss RAW, I tease Fred about the Lakers and we have a special guest!  Dustin joins us and we get The Doc-ta’s hot takes on the WWE and the WWE Network.  

Please check us out at www.worldofbear.com and on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/world-of-bear/id828777439?mt=2 and don't forget to Subscribe!  Also, don't forget to spread the word to friends, family and fans.

Thanks,
WK
@wkbear on Twitter or email the show at WorldOfBearBC@gmail.com to send in ideas and comments.
Contact Fred on Twitter @FreddyD15
Dustin at @Peabody3030

WWE Power Rankings, RAW 11/03/2014

Coming at you from Buffalo, and say what you will about the ice trolls that live in upstate New York, at least they’re a reliable wrestling crowd.  A welcome change from the poor crowds of the last two weeks.  This should be a good show.

Is it just me or are these recaps getting longer and longer (and you’ll recall I’ve already voiced my opposition to said “recaps” but I digress).

Well, it’s not every day that I get to say Welcome Mr. McMahon!  FYI kids, the owner of a billion dollar company used to come out EVERY week.  He’s fired people, had objects stuck up his own ass, had people kiss the same ass, even had a club made from people that have kissed his ass, physically fought his top performers and insinuated that he’s had some sort of sexual relationship with many of the Divas.  This is just scratching the surface.  But by god, when I see the McMahon strut coming down the ramp, I can’t help but love it.

This month’s “Free” PPV, Survivor Series (which by the way, am I getting refunded one month on my subscription?) is getting undermined by the fact that on Monday’s RAW we got multiple PPV level match-ups, including Ziggler / Rollins, RKO / Rollins, Henry / Big Show (while no one is looking forward to this match, you know it would be on the PPV card) and Rusev / Sheamus for the US title (which isn’t technically on the show but post-RAW airing on the WWE Network).

Check out this week’s BEARcast - WrestleCast for all the detail and rundown (www.worldofbear.com and subscribe on iTunes).  Our best and favorite guest, Dustin, drops by so we can get his hot takes on the WWE.  Always a lot of fun.

So with that, let’s get to the rankings as of this week’s RAW on 11/03/2014...

1. Seth Rollins w/ his Minions (Mercury and Noble) (3) – Pulling true double duty and ending the show as the top heel (sorry Brock, if I can’t see you, you don’t exist) is what puts Rollins over RKO this week.  Going against Ziggler and RKO in the same night is like having a colonoscopy and a tooth pulled all in the same day.  
2. Randy Orton (4) – Welcome all you bandwagon-ers to the RKO show.  Don’t worry, I’ve been riding this train a long time and there’s more than enough room, come on board.  When RKO has a direction to point his anger to and he can focus on something, he’s the best.  RKO got bloodied, beaten and curb stomped.  And I can’t wait to see how he comes back at Rollins and The Authority.  After last week’s rant about how I never want to see RKO and Cena in the same ring again; now I have to take that back.  I can’t wait to see RKO and Cena as partners with a true common enemy to which they’ll have to and want to work together.
   
3. Miz w/ Damien Miz-dow (2) – Not only did they pull semi-double duty but they were great both times.  I’m bored praising them.  They’re so fun to watch in the ring, outside the ring, hell, even on the ring apron I love them.   
4. Cesaro (9) – You know it’s bad when my doctor’s office is wondering why every time Cesaro gets a push, the WWE immediately buries him (shout out to Gio).  The man puts on great matches, like always.  Lest we forget he won that silly Andre The Giant Rumble at WM?  He’s swimming around the top tier guys but hasn’t yet been put in a solid feud with anyone.  Fix this WWE.  Fix it now. 
   
5. Dean Ambrose (5) – A fine match against Cesaro.  We’ve got Crazy vs Creepy in Ambrose vs Wyatt.  It doesn’t have the sizzle or background of Ambrose vs Rollins but I think it could be even better.  Neither is tied to anything (like Rollins is tied to MitB and The Authority) so they could go anywhere with this.  
6. HHH and Stephanie (7&8) – Steph looked great in her curvy black and pink rorschach dress.  HHH’s viper charm has worn off.  While being all over the show, they didn’t seem to dominate the proceedings.  The only issue one could have is that no matter what, even is Team Authority loses, they’re not really going to lose any “power”.  We’ve seen it time and time again with Mr. McMahon.  He would always end up losing these types of matches but magically he’s still the owner.  Stephanie was great at pushing HHH to “take care of him” and HHH really showing a reluctance to turn on RKO.  
7. Dolph Ziggler (1) – Ziggler and the IC strap getting elevated to a higher tier because of talent and the fact the WHC is no where to be found, hmmmm, where have I heard that before?  OH Yeah, on the BEARcast - WrestleCast (www.worldofbear.com or on iTunes).  Check it out. 
   
8. The Usos (12) – There’s not much to say other than I like the slightly darker / more aggressive version of The Usos.  They wrestle good matches.  I am entertained. 
9. Sheamus (N/A) – Is it still pulling double duty if no one sees the second part on the Network?  My theory of having the US belt held by an American isn’t so crazy now, is it?!  Let me whisper something in the WWE’s ear, HIRE KURT ANGLE A.S.A.P. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.  They’ve figured out a way to waste both the US title and Sheamus vs Rusev in one quick push.
10. Bray Wyatt (13) – He’s getting closer!  He was backstage last week and on the top of the ramp this week.  Yes, it’s a slow burn but when you know the guy can wrestle and a feud with Ambrose is a lock to be great, I’m willing to be patient.  It wouldn’t seem so bad if the roster was so thin.  
11. Rusev w/ Lana (N/A) – Drop the Russian, keep the white suit and find a new sugar daddy.  Mr. McMahon should have had Lana draped on his arm as he came out.  
12. Mark Henry vs The Big Show ( ) – This is one of the best matches you’ll see from Big Show / Henry.  Where you entertained?  Do you want to see more on a PPV?  Do you!?!?  Answer me!!! 
    
13. Stardust w/ Goldust (11) – Y’all know how much I love these two so it pains me to rank them this low but when you’re losing to any combination of Los Matadors, I can’t rank you higher.  At least it doesn’t seem like they’re going to loose their belts to El Torito’s handlers (fingers crossed).  I might have to stop watching for a while if at the next PPV we hear, “…and the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions…Los Matadors!”
14. Ryback (N/A) – I’m going to have to ask Dustin “The Doc-ta” why he likes this “The Big Guy” and why is he so over with the crowd?  It makes no sense to me.
15. AJ Lee (14) – She’s great on the mic because she doesn’t play into the corny JBL / Cole / King comedy black hole.  She pulls a CM Punk and just lets them sit in awkward silence when they fall flat on their faces.  I love it.
16. Emma (N/A) – Here begins the line of jobbers that fleshed out the RAW lineup on Monday.  Keep in mind, as Fred always says on the BEARcast - WrestleCast (www.worldofbear.com and on iTunes), just being on TV is the most important thing a wrestler can do is be on camera each week.  In order from least to most pathetic, Emma gets the nod at #16.  When she’s not shoplifting iPad cases, she’s actually a very good wrestler.  
17. Titus O’Neil (N/A) – From the backstage antics of Total Divas, The WWE presents… Titus O’Neil!  Cut to getting destroyed by Ryback.  Is Titus pregnant?  He’s still super muscular (not because I look at these things) but he also seems to have something growing in his belly.  If he isn’t staring in Tyler Perry’s version of Junior, then he’s got an Alien chest-burster growing inside of him.  I don’t know which is worse?
18. Zack Ryder (N/A) – When the camera comes back from commercial and fades in on Ryder, don’t you quickly run through the remaining roster to try and guess who he’ll be jobbing to?
19. Un Matador w/ otro Matador y El Torito (N/A) – I never thought I’d hate a feud / gimmick more than Los Matadors but congrats to…
20. N-Bella w/ B-Bella (20) – Here’s a positive spin, this is exactly as bad as I thought it was going to be. 

Honorable Mentions:

Mr. McMahon – Listing one’s rivals would normally be a way of propping up one’s accomplishments but in Mr. McMahon’s case, he truly is underselling himself.  Sure he’s lost a few times but when all is said and done, he’s got many more wins on the scoreboard of life than almost anyone alive.  I do a lot of criticizing and joking but it’s only because I love the WWE and wrestling.  While I might not always agree with Mr. McMahon, there’s no one I respect more for taking chances and putting everything he has on the line, whether it’s his money, his business, his reputation or literally his own ass and body in a match.  This is the first chance I’ve been able to publicly “tip my hat” and show him the respect he deserves.  Now let’s get back to me complaining about how thin the WWE roster is…   Team Authority vs Team Cena, and if the Authority loses, they lose authority

No Cena? – One of the best jobs HHH and Stephanie did was to move the Team Cena storyline forward without John Cena, he of Team Cena, nowhere in the building.  

Xavier Woods – I’ll reserve the WTF until I see more but this Rev. Brown / Mr. James Brown character.  It’s as if the WWE brain trust just finished watching the documentary on HBO from last week and said, “Woods, do something like that…”

Tyson Kidd w/ Natalya – I still haven’t watched the last episode of Total Divas and I feel great!  It’s just sitting on my DVR like a car crash that I prefer not to see.

Until next time…