SLAM! Wrestling Editorial: What I'm thankful for
By MATT GARDNER -- SLAM! Wrestling
Matt Gardner welcomes The Canadian Crippler's recent push.
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With my Thanksgiving turkey digesting through my body I would like to
take some time to reflect on what I am thankful for in this past year of
wrestling. Come along with me on this journey. Or don't. I'll leave that
up to you loyal SLAM! readers.
I'm thankful for Smackdown!, for without that I probably wouldn't be
back at SLAM! full time.
I'm thankful for the women of wrestling who I lust for every Monday and
Thursday nights. Occasionally Sundays too. Ms. Kitty, Kimberly, Ivory,
Stephanie, Ryan "Symphony" Shamrock, Spice, Debra, Terri, Gorgeous
George, and my favorite and yours, Torri Wilson.
I'm thankful for Chris Jericho. Wasting away in the WCW early in the
year, he jumped ship and wlll soon be the WWF's golden boy ala Shawn
Michaels and Steve Austin.
I'm thankful for the McMahon family. Without Vince, Linda, Shane and
Stephanie I know wrestling wouldn't be as cool as it is right now.
Vince's promos in early 99 as the evil Mr. Mac-Mahon were classic and who
can forget his surprising turn as Greater Power. Linda is a calming
effect, just like a mother. Shane has really come into his own this year
and has a bright future. And Stephanie has proven worthy of TV time and
Andrew Martin's life-long love at least while on TV.
I'm thankful for Vince Russo and Ed Fererra. They have been a vital part
of making WCW watchable again and for that they deserve some awards.
Also, who knows where the WWF would be without their influence in the
past.
I'm thankful for the oppurtunity to watch matches featuring Owen Hart,
Rick Rude, and Gorilla Monsoon. All three were great performers and
apparently wonderful people to be around. They will be missed.
I'm thankful for Chris Beniot's push. It took forever but The Crippler is
finally getting what's been owed to him for so long.
I'm thankful for not having Sable around anymore. She's an egomaniac
whose career will go no where with out the guidance of the WWF. We can
only see her nude body so much before we move on to another
big-breasted blonde. Good riddens, and please stay gone! That goes for
Marc too!
I'm thankful Bobby Heenan, Joel Gertner and Jerry Lawler. Their antics
and opinions make each broadcast they announce that much more enjoyable.
I'm thankful for Jim Ross, Mike Tenay, Gene Okerlund, Joey Styles and
Tony Schiavone. Most of the time there a bunch of BSers, but there
trademark voices have become something of legend. They too bring
something to the table that makes each match they call so much better.
Although, I still haven't fully forgiven Tony for giving away the
results of Mick's title match. Speaking of Mankind.
I'm thankful for Mick Foley. I read his book in about 4 days and barely
stopped for a breather. How can you not respect a man who has given so
much for the sport he loves? He's one of the great people in this world
and from the sound of it his presence on televison will soon be no
longer. I'm glad we've had a Mankind-filled year. Will I ever forget his
World title victories? The Rock and Sock Connection? Probably not.
I'm thankful HHH as a heel. He's becoming one of the greats right before
our eyes.
I'm thankful Bret Hart. Maybe we can finally put this Montreal screw-job
stuff behind us and move on. He's a World Champ again so let's watch as
The Hitman makes more history.
I'm thankful for Jim Duggan. In a year where he has fought through
cancer and come back stronger than ever. He reminds me of why I loved
wrestling in the 80's. He's a vital member of the WCW roster who will
always be a King in my book.
I'm thankful for ECW. Finally I have somthing good to look forward to on
Friday nights. Paul Heyman has come a long way and should get more
credit. Before long ECW may be as famous as The Big Two. With stars like
RVD, Jerry Lynn, Sabu, The Impact Players, Candidio and Sytch, Raven,
Sandman and Dreamer things can only get better.
I'm thankful for Taz. Why? The best reason is because I know he'll make
me thankful for the year 2000. He's a force to be reckoned with, so get
ready WWF.
I'm thankful Ric Flair. He's still stylin' and profilin' which is a
testament to his greatness. He is a consumate professional whose
character was put though storyline hell this year. He's not done yet
though. He'll never be done.
I'm thankful for the Outsiders, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. They're funny
as hell no matter how far out there they get. We get it.
I'm thankful for The Rock. With Austin out of the picture he should step
up and become the WWF poster boy. He really went over this year whether
he was a heel, a face or a tweener.
I'm thankful for a thriving tag team division. In past years we've had
to witness such atrosities as The Body Donnas, The Blu Brothers, The
Godwinns, and The Dancing Fools. Watching the Ladder Match involving
Edge and Christian and The Hardys is a testament to how far we've
come and how much further and better it will get.
Wrestlers I'm thankful for, for various reasons: Al Snow, The Big Boss
Man, Kane, Booker T, Jeff Jarrett, Kidman, Curt Hennig, Vampiro, D'Lo
Brown, The Godfather, Meng, Test, Roaddogg, Rob Van Dam, Raven, Steve
Austin, Buff Bagwell, Shane Douglas, Sid, Chyna, X-Pac, The Undertaker,
The Big Show, Dr. Death, Test, All the WWF tag teams, especially The
Dudleys, The Acolytes and The Hollys, and for British Bulldog. I work
him all the time, but I respect his intestinal fortitude for coming back
after a career threatening back injury.
I'm thankful for so much more, but I want to know what you the fans are
thankful for? It's been a busy past year, is there something I failed to
not mention? Email and let me know r thoughts on 1999!
Matt Gardner is a reporter here at SLAM! Wrestling. He writes our weekly Smackdown! reports. Matt can be reached by e-mail at mailto:gardner316@webtv.net.
