Diamonds are Forever

From his days in the Four Horsemen to his run with Evolution, Ric Flair has always been synonymous with professional wrestling. With bleach blonde hair, and thousand dollar suits his charisma exceeded everyone else in the game. When thinking of what Ric Flair means to me. He means passion, love and respect for the pro wrestling and the people who are involved or want to be involved. He makes want to be in the professional wrestling business even more. With his trademark “Woooooo,” and famous strut he captured my attention for 20 years as a wrestling fan. He was hated, he is loved and he will always live by the phrase to “To be the Man, You have to beat the man.” Watching his confidence has given me more confidence to be successful. He is a 16-time World Heavyweight Champion, a feat that no other man has accomplished. He was simple but flashy at the same time. His thousand dollar robes brought out it has charismatic and cocky ways. That’s how I am, simply but flashy and exceeds confidence. The Nature Boy could do an interview like no other. He could build himself up really good, and make his opponent look even better. He has legendary feuds with some of the best of all time including Hulk Hogan, Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat and many more. He bled, paid the price and sacrificed to be the best. But like all great things they have to come an end.

On March 29 2008 he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame being the first active wrestler to do so. Everything about Ric Flair is real. His emotions, and his heart for pro wrestling are true in a business that people criticize for being fake. On March 30 2008 he wrestled one final time against his friend and another favorite of mind Shawn Michaels. He walked down the aisle for the last time but still remained the guy who coined the phrase “I'm a limousine-ridin', jet-flyin', kiss-stealin', wheelin-dealin', son of a gun, who has kissed the girls... WORLDWIDE... and made 'em cry.” When Shawn Michaels pinned Flair 1.…2.….3, tears came down unknowingly because I knew a legendary era was over. He was and is the best ever. He will go down as the greatest of all time, there never be another like Ric Flair. As he would say so many times in his interviews “Learn to love it, learn to live with it. Diamonds are forever, and so is Ric Flair!”

Wrestlemania 24 Recap

Wrestlemania 24 has come and gone and I must it was worth the money. It was so awesome. Even the lighting mishap made it fun because it’s all unpredictable. I was a little disappointed that Rev. Theory didn’t play but that’s alright. It was a good night, an emotional night. A night that will be remembered for a long time. So lets get down to the matches

The Belfast Brawl was decent, Finlay took some sick shots in the match. It was good to see Hornswoggle back. I noticed like everyone was wearing new tights last night and Finlay was one of them. I like how he’s playing out the Irish Heritage with new look. It was a good opener.

Next up was Money in the Bank. Money in the Bank always has some great spots in it especially when Shelton Benjamin went crashing through the ladder. It was also great to see Matt Hardy return setting up his feud with MVP again. CM Punk winning the match was a huge shock to me. I thought it was a good fight for the briefcase and I am looking forward to seeing CM Punk win a title on Raw or Smackdown eventually.

Umaga vs. Batista I had a feeling would be a slow paced match because they are both big men but I was surprised how well the match came off. Batista almost killed himself by trying to power bomb Umaga but it look good anyways. They did their best and that’s all you can ask. I hope to see them feud for awhile so they can try and do more stuff. It could be a very good feud if done right

Next was the match of the night. The Legendary Ric Flair vs. the Icon Shawn Michaels. Despite Shawn almost killing himself twice, this was indeed a great match. I loved the ending to this match when Shawn said “I am sorry, I love you,” and super kicked Flair and pinned him 1, 2, 3. It was a great way for him to go out. Shawn Michaels gave Ric Flair a wonderful match the will be remembered for a long time. Tears came down as he walked the aisle one last time. Thank you Ric Flair for everything you have done for the wrestling business. It’s because of guys like you I want to be involved in the business.

Next up with the Diva match in which the lights went out during the match. Thank God too. I cant stand anything WWE does with the Women. TNA has a better Women’s Division the WWE. Anyways it was a good moment to see Snoop Dog beat up Santino Marella. Funny stuff. Snoop Dog is cool.

The highly anticipated Triple Threat Match between John Cena, Randy Orton and Triple H. It was a good match but not the best Triple threat match. I was truly shocked to see Randy Orton hold on to the title but he is on top of his game. Who would have thought five years ago that the two champions going into Wrestlemania would be Randy Orton and Edge. I think this will set up a good match between Orton and HHH for Backlash. It was enjoyable to watch. Good job by all three guys. Very enjoyable.

Next was the most ridiculous match in Mania history. Mayweather vs. Big Show. It was so dumb. Big Show could easily break him in half. I am going to say this much, Floyd did a good job selling during the match but after match he didn’t sell any of the damage he received and acted all cocky. It was a slap in the face to the WWE and anyone who wrestles, period. I am glad it wasn’t the last match. I can honestly say that Lawrence Taylor had a better match 13 years ago. Thank God that part of Wrestlemania was over.

The Main Event between the Undertaker and Edge was freaking awesome. I enjoyed every bit of it. Edge really looked like he would beat the Deadman but Undertaker prevailed and won the title and kept his streak alive at 16-0 now. Awesome, just awesome. What a wonderful match. It proved to me Edge belongs in that spot and deserves everything he gets out of the business.

Overall if I had to rate the PPV out of 10, I would 7.5. It was in my top 10, possibly top 5 when I sit down and watch it again. It was good. The one thing I forgot to mention is Kane beat Chavo Guerrero for the ECW title in a matter of 10 seconds. It was awesome. Kane deserves to have a title again. I cannot wait to see the fallout from Wrestlemania. WWE really earned some of my respect back last night. All 3 PPV’s this year have been decent and I am really look forward to Backlash on April 27th. Thanks WWE for a great Wrestlemania

Final Days before Wrestlemania 24

Well we are just days away from Wrestlemania 24, the greastest spectacle of all time. This years Wrestlemania has gotten more coverage then Wrestlemania’s in the past (thank you Floyd Mayweather). It’s going to have celebrities, legends, classic matches and more. On paper this looks one of the best Wrestlemanias ever. I think it will up to all of the hype and more. Every major news station has been covering Wrestlemania, CNN, NBC, ESPN, and more. Here is the final card for Wrestlemania 24

WWE Championship Triple Threat Match
Randy Orton (Champion) vs. John Cena vs. Triple H

World Heavyweight Title Match
Edge (Champion) vs. The Undertaker

Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show

Money in The Bank Ladder Match- Winner gets a title shot whenever he wants
Chris Jericho vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. CM Punk vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjimen vs. John Morrisson vs. Carlito

Bunny Mania Lumberjack Match
Maria/Ashley vs. Melina/Beth Pheonix

Carrer Threatning Match
Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels

Raw vs. Smackdown
Umaga vs. Batista

Belfast Brawl
Finlay vs. JBL
ECW Title Match

Chavo Guerrero vs. Winner of Pre-Wrestlemania Battle Royal

Pre Wrestlemania Battle Royal (Airs on WWE.COM for Free at 6:30pm Sunday Night)
Particpants Include:
Brian Kendrick, Cody Rhodes, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Hardcore Holly, Lance Cade, Snitsky, Trevor Murdoch, Val Venis, Chuck Palumbo, Deuce, Domino, Festus, Jamie Noble, Jesse, Jimmy Wang Yang, Kane, Mark Henry, Shannon Moore, The Great Khali, Elijah Burke, Kofi Kingston, Matt Striker, The Miz, Tommy Dreamer

Then on Saturday Night WWE presents the Hall of Fame Inductees of 2008 which include:
Ric Flair, Rocky Johnson, Peter Maivia, Jack Brisco, Gerald Brisco, Mae Young, Eddie Graham, and Gordon Solie.

Other Big Things happening at Wrestlemania are:
Kim Kardashian will be the Hostess for Wrestlemania
John Legend will be performing America the Beautiful
Raven-Simone will be with 50 Kids from 50 states for the Make A Wish Foundation and will be at Wrestlemania
Snoop Dog and 50 Cent will also be appearing at Wrestlemania
Rev. Theory will be peforming their song “Light it Up”

For peoples money this one will be the Greatest Wrestlemania in a very long time. I havent seen a great Wrestlemania in seven years and this is shaping up to be in the top 5 of best Wrestlemanias ever. Even people who don’t like Wrestling should pay to see this years Wrestlemania. Wrestlemania is going to tear the Citrus Bowl down. Wrestlemania this Sunday live on PPV with a special start time of 7pm. Don’t Miss It.

Rockets Streak Snapped

The Houston Rockets 22-game streak ended the other night against the Boston Celtics. I was thrilled that something like this got to happen. The NBA needed this. Sports in general needed this. I tip my hat off to the Houston Rockets. I think this streak will be remembered for a long time. I am looking foward to the playoffs and what might go down. I think the Rockets made them a serious condenter for the championship. I think right now it will come down to Sun/Lakers and Pistons/Celtics. That will be the final four. More as the playoffs get closer.

Bristol, Denver Nuggets, Houtson Rockets and more

So watching Bristol was awesome this past Sunday. Some wild and crazy things happened. Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin all look like they had the race won until Jeff Burton came soaring by. Richard Childress Racing finished 1, 2, 3. Totally awesome. Another good run for Dale Earnhardt Jr. He's the dominant one in Hendrick Motorsports right now. Good job Jr.

The Denver Nuggets blasted the Seattle Supersonics a few nights back. 168 points a regualation game without overtime. Thats unreal to me. Seattle should be embarrassed. I would be. I hear there moving soon to a new town. So long Seattle fans.

I wouldn't be a true sports fan if I didn't talk about the Houston Rockets and their winning ways. Their 22 game win streak is amazing. I would expect that out of Celtics, Pistons, Spurs, Suns, and Dallas but not the Rockets. I hope they break the streak which would be awesome to see. I look foward to see what happens tonight on TNT between the Rockets and Celtics.

I watched the Tigers yesterday on TV in their 5-3 lost against the Reds. They didn't look to bad. Relief Pitching is still a concern for me. Todd Jones needs to go. I am still hearing that Brandon nge might be a Dodger. Get some pitching for him and get rid of Jacque Jones while you're at it. He needs to be elsewhere. Give Raburn or Cleven a chance to play Leftfield.

It was announced Revelation Theory will be performing at Wrestlemania 24. I look really look foward to seeing that. "Light it up" is a great song as is "Snow" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Can't wait for Wrestlemania 24

Well everyone tata and have a great Easter with family and friends. I'll report back if something big happens (Like a Rockets loss)


***On a side note, I would like to offer my condolences to the family of legenedary wrestling manager Gary Hart. He passed away a couple of days ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jeff Hardy, Wrestlemania Card/Thoughts, Goodyear and more

WWE Star Jeff Hardy was suspended following his lost to Chris Jericho for the Intercontential Championship. He is suspended for 60 days for violating the Wellness/Drug Policy. Now I am trying to professional when I say this but what an idiot. The guy had a major push going for him but now he screwed up majorly. I am very disappointed in Jeff Hardy for doing this even though I am still a fan of his. I hope he learns his lesson and realize that WWE doesn't take this lightly. Hopefully when he comes back he will get a decent push again.

Wrestlemania is shaping up to be awesome. Here is the card for WrestleMania XXIV:

Triple-Threat WWE Championship Match
- Randy Orton (c) vs. John Cena vs. Triple H
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match
- Edge (c) vs. The Undertaker
ECW Championship Match
- Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Raw/SmackDown/ECW Battle Royal Winner
Money In The Bank Ladder Match
- Confirmed thus far: Ken Kennedy vs. Chris Jericho vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Carlito vs. MVP vs. CM Punk vs. John Morrison
Career Threatening Match
- Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels
Raw vs. SmackDown Match
- Umaga vs. Batista
BunnyMania Lumberjack Match
- Candice Michelle & Maria vs. Beth Phoenix & Melina
Belfast Brawl
- Finlay vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Raw/SmackDown/ECW 24-Man Battle Royal
- Winner gets a ECW Championship shot the night against Chavo Guerrero.
Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather

Some of predictions are true and things I didn't predict are looking pretty good. I am looking foward to 3 things. Money in the Bank, The ECW Title situation and Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels. It will be great. More on Mania as we get closer.

So this past Sunday Tony Stewart and others were complaining about the tires Goodyear provided them. I must say I dont blame him. It was scary just watching the race. Those cars were not handling right at all. I think Tony show commended for speaking out. It was to see Jr. have another stong finish. I look for big things from him this year. This weeks race should be interesting with what happens to Goodyear.

Finally on a lighter note, the Carolina Panthers added a couple of new linebackers which will help improve their defense. Thank God, I was getting worried there for awhile. I hope to see my Panthers back in the hunt this coming year.

Well thats all for now. Send me some questions, I love to debate with people. Peace and have a great Palm Sunday

Brett Farve and other sports legacys

With Brett Farves retirement yesterday one has to think he will go down as one of the greatest Quarterbacks of all time. He may not have won the most championships but he was always defying the odds. He is a 3-time MVP a feat that has never been accomplish and in all likely hood will never be again. He has had some amazing performances and has broke almost every record there is to break. Farve will never be forgotten by all sports fans.

When I think of legendary figures in sports, I think of Michael Jordan who did so much for the NBA. He brought in a new-dimension to the game. I think of Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron in terms of baseball. They played the game the right way and silienced all of their critics. The word legend is used to often but guys like Michael Jordan, Brett Farve, Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron are truely legendary.

Hendrick Motorsports, NFL Free Agency, Baseball Season Begins, and more

Yesterday was a good day for Dale Jr. at the race in California. I am a little bit frustrated right now that Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson don't want to help there teammate. I honestly thought thats why Dale Jr. came to Hendrick Motorsports. Obviously there egos are getting in the way. Jr could have easily won the 500 two weeks ago but Johnson and Gordan weren't there helping him. If I knew it was going to be like this I would have much rather seen him go to Joe Gibbs and be Stewarts partner because they always work well together.

NFL Free Agency has begun and thank god that the Patroits are breaking up. Now we don't have to hear about how great of team they have or had. I am a little disappointed in my Carolina Panthers. They let go of Deshauwn Foster, they traded Kris Jenkins however they got Mushin Muhammed back. They need to work on getting a running back and a possibly a new Quarterback if Jake has one more bad year. How about Shaun Rogers. I didn't see this coming. I mean I saw the trade but not to the Browns. I figure the Dolphins, Raiders or 49ers would take him. He is going to look horrible in a Cleveland Uniform.

Spring Training has started and my expectations for the Tigers are high. Higher then they were a year ago due to all of the talent they have. Should be good. Hank Steinbrenner really cracks me up with his comments about the Red Sox and their not being a Red Sox Nation. Theres more Sox fans then Yankee fans. He's jealous and resentful that they spend all this money and can't win a championship. Sounds like some other teams I know in sports.

My good friend Noah Lott has his DVD coming out this week I believe and it looks pretty awesome. I can't wait to watch it.

I am enjoying watching the Lakers right now. They have one superstar and a good supporting cast. Much like the Bulls were in the 90's. They are serious contender for the NBA Championship this year. They will have to get past the Spurs, Suns and Maverick. The East in my opinion is between three teams. Cleveland, Boston and Detroit. Detroit has been together the longest and will be in the hunt for title again. Should be a terrific ending to a good NBA season

And lastly on a awesome note. The Rock will be invovled at Wrestlemania 24 by inducting his Father and Grandfather into the Hall of Fame. If I know the fans they will start chanting "one more match," and will try to get him to comeback. He has had a great acting career so far but if he truly loves wrestling like he says he does he will make a return to the ring. I look foward to watching the Hall of Fame ceromonies as well as Wrestlemania 24.

Until next time. God Bless and keep watching sports.