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2008: The stories of the year
By
SLAM! Wrestling Staff
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Usually when we do our year-end story of the year surveys, there's one or two
stories that get consideration as the top news item of the year. Last year bucked
that trend in a horrid fashion after the Benoit family double-murder-suicide.
In 2008, we get the same undisputed winner, but for a much more pleasant reason.
Really, there was no other story that came close, and it was reflected in staff
voting with no other story getting multiple votes. All other news pieces from
2008 that flashed across the SLAM! Wrestling home page and N&R board were
small by comparison.
Ladies and gentlemen, here are the top news stories of 2008.
Story of the Year: Thank you, Naitch
What Happened: We knew it was coming from about mid-2007. After a drawn-out
storyline, in which Ric Flair's next loss would be his last WWE match, Naitch
wrestled his last bout at WrestleMania XXIV in a match for the ages. Voted as
SLAM! Wrestling's Match of the Year, the bout closed the book on one of the
greatest careers in the history of the squared circle. One night later, on Raw,
Flair was feted in a celebration that happens far too seldom in wrestling.
It was an emotional two days, preceded one day earlier by a memorable induction
into the WWE Hall of Fame.
What Will Happen: Flair's retirement from active ring competition looks to
be firm (as hard as it is to believe after, what, 100 previous ones?), but his
participation in wrestling may not be. For now, at least, Flair is helping his
son, Reid, break into the business, while also doing the legends convention
circuit. A return to WWE in one capacity or another is always possible.
The Youth of the Federation
What Happened: 2008 was the year that a new generation was truly ushered in
for WWE. Natalya Neidhart, Ted Dibiase Jr. and Afa Jr. (aka. Manu) were all
introduced to WWE fans, while Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Snuka Jr. were given a next
generation feel as part of Legacy.
What Will Happen: The official debut of the Next Generation Hart Foundation
seems imminent now, with membership including Stampede Kid T.J. Wilson, Neidhart
and D.H. Smith.
A Knockout Success
What Happened: The momentum that TNA's women had from 2007 carried through
2008, with Taylor Wilde upsetting Awesome Kong for the title mid-year. Kong
regained her form and held the Knockout Championship at year's end. Meanwhile,
The Beautiful People continued their impressive run, Christy Hemme returned
to active competition, Rhaka Khan gained valuable experience, Roxxi Levaux paved
her way as the hardcore icon of the ladies ranks and ODB was... well... ODB.
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Go Wilde with Taylor! Photo courtesy TNAwrestling.com
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What Will Happen: Overshadowing the success by TNA's women this year was the
departure of
Gail Kim, supposedly over pay issues. Kim left TNA to return to
WWE, and depending on the validity of the rumour that the women are upset about
being paid less than the guys, she may not have been the last to head north.
TNA will need to continue building stars in the Knockouts ranks, lest they lose
another top star.
TN...?
What Happened: Despite getting a decent run going towards the end of the year,
TNA still has not managed to catch on with the large wrestling fanbase or mainstream
entertainment. There may not have been any bigger indicator of this than the
TNA Impact video game, which, according to sales-tracking website vgchartz.com,
sold less than 200,000 through its first 10 weeks on the shelves.
What Will Happen: As stated, TNA seems to have gained a bit of momentum with
the Main Event Mafia vs. Frontline feud drawing in more viewers, so there is
hope, no matter how faint those hopes are.
A fake attack
What Happened: Prior to Survivor Series, WWE posted a story on WWE.com that
Jeff Hardy was found unconscious in his hotel as part of an angle, rather than
as a legitimate news story. The story hit too close to reality for many fans
who have feared for the Charismatic Enigma's health over the years, especially
in light of his two suspensions due to Wellness Policy violations and a recent
intoxication story at an airport.
What Will Happen: It's unlikely that WWE won't use its website to advance a
storyline while also using it to post legitimate health-related stories concerning
its roster.
WWE, have a nice day
What Happened: After seemingly returning to WWE TV for good, Mick Foley, amid
frustrations in his new broadcasting career, leaves WWE for TNA, taking on a
prominent on-screen role.
What Will Happen: Foley will return to active competition at the Genesis pay-per-view,
but it's anyone's guess as to how frequently he will appear in the ring and
how long his tenure in TNA will be.
The Rainbow-haired Warrior takes the gold
What Happened: After years of questions as to whether Jeff Hardy will ever
make it to the top rung of the WWE ladder, the Charismatic Enigma becomes WWE
Champion at Armageddon.
What Will Happen: It remains to be seen whether WWE has full confidence in
Hardy's ability to be the top dog on Smackdown. Some are speculating that this
will be an abbreviated run a la CM Punk, while others speculate that Hardy will
hold the belt through WrestleMania. Only time will tell.
In memory of...
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Gary Hart. Photo by Greg Oliver
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What Happened: Wrestling lost one of its all-time greats this year with the
passing of
Killer Kowalski. Other deaths included
Penny Banner,
Johnny Weaver,
Don Curtis,
Leo Garibaldi,
Gary Hart,
Special Delivery Jones,
Rudy Kay,
Yvon Robert Jr.,, and
Mike Bell.
What Will Happen: Unfortunately, this is the story that will be on this list
year-in and year-out. May the memories of our fallen heroes live on for years
to come.
Gabe Sapolsky gone from Ring of Honor
What Happened: Probably the most surprising story of the year was the firing
of Gabe Sapolsky, who had been with Ring of Honor since its inception. Adam
Pearce, reportedly, has taken over the booking duties in the highly popular
indie promotion.
What Will Happen: RoH continues to roll forward, but there will always be questions
of how long their talent will stay before being head-hunted by WWE and TNA.
Sapolsky, meanwhile, could return to wrestling in the new year, given the number
of independent leagues that are gaining prominence in North America.
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