World Golf Championships- Bridgestone Invitational

By Eric Kammeraad

 Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio welcomes the 78 Top Ranked Golfers in the World for the chance to win the Gary Player Cup. Firestone is the longest Par 70 course on the PGA Tour this year, and for many years previous. The players will have their hands full, and most likely scorecards full, in trying to put out the blaze of Firestone Country Club.

The biggest story coming into the Tournament is by far the return of Adam Scott after his disaster of a finish two weeks ago in The Open Championship. And not to mention, he is the Defending Champion of the Bridgestone Invitational. It won’t take long to see what he has going on in his head and on the course since Ernie Els took advantage of his final four hole meltdown at Royal Lytham. Adam Scott could shoot lights out coming out of the gate on Thursday, or he could start with those 4 straight bogeys again. And that could be even more disastrous, because this is a No Cut Event. All 78 players will play all 4 rounds this week in Akron. Only time will tell how this will affect Adam Scott.

The discussion of the top favorites has to being with the one and only Eldrick Woods. Tiger has won this Event a total of 7 times, that’s right 7! Only Darren Clarke (2003), Hunter Mahan(2010), and Adam Scott have won the Bridgestone Invitational have won since 1999, when the tournament became a WGC Event. Tiger played well at The Open Championship until he couldn’t get his game going enough on that Sunday. Put him in a place where he is comfortable this week, and I could easily see him managing his game around Firestone once again to lead the field on Sunday Evening.

As for other players that you should keep an eye on this weekend in Akron, there are a few I expect to perform at the top of their games. Let’s start with the two Englishmen. Luke Donald had a terrible Friday at Royal Lytham, but besides that he turned in 3 very good scorecards and finished T-5 and one of a couple handfuls of players Under Par. Lee Westwood has lots of confidence when he plays at Firestone Country Club. He has three Top 10’s in the last 4 years there. Both of these players were big favorites, again, at The Open Championship. That was their expectations as well since neither has a Major Championship on their mantle. Expect both of them to come out aggressive and ready to go low while trying to take out their frustrations on another ‘failed’ attempt to gain their 1st major.

Keep your eyes on the leaderboard for these guys who are on top of their games right now and ready to fight for a WGC Event; Zach Johnson is the hottest player on Tour since April, Rory McIlroy has shot in the 60’s for the past 2 years straight at Firestone, Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson because their length off of the tee box should be a great advantage on this long course, and my underdog player of the week to perform has to be Rickie Fowler and his genius weekend play last year at Firestone.

The Bridgestone Invitational has a history of fantastic finishes and phenomenal highlights. These Top 78 Players in the World(minus Webb Simpson) are unquestionably ready to give us viewers a great show. It’s that time to make a pick for my winner. As much as I feel Tiger Woods is finally back towards the top of his game, this just doesn’t feel like his week. So my unanticipated ‘Firestarter’ of the week and 2012 Champion will be Matt Kuchar. He is playing lights out and was one of the few to play last week at the Canadian Open in preparation for the WGC Event starting on Thursday. By the time Sunday comes, I anticipate Matt Kuchar holding up the Gary Player Cup as this year’s Champion.

NBA Off-Season Moves as of 7/25/2012

Well it's been about two weeks since I last posted on the NBA off-season so here were are again with
another roundup of trades and signings. As always, I am only reporting the ones that have been made official.

-Dallas Mavericks signed forward Elton Brand. Also signed guard O.J. Mayo.
-Brooklyn Nets agreed to terms with guard C.J. Watson. Also guard Jerry Stackhouse.
-Boston Celtics re-signed forward Kevin Garnett, forward Brandon Bass and center Chris Wilcox. Also   signed guard Jason Terry
-New York Knicks traded Jared Jeffries and Dan Gadzuric to Portland Trailblazers for guard Raymond Felton and center Kurt Thomas.

-L.A. Clippers signed forward Grant Hill to a two-year contract.

These are just some of the highlighted moves in the off-season so far. Keep checking back for more wheeling and dealing as the off-season progresses. 

The Undertaker 20-0 The Streak DVD Review

Penn State: The Scandal and Aftermath

Review of WWE RAW 1000

Monday Night at the 1000th episode of Monday Night Raw, there were two images that stuck out in my mind. The first one started the night off and that was when DX had a reunion but it wasn't just Shawn and Triple H. They brought out the other members of DX from 1998 which saw Billy Gunn, Road Dogg, and X-Pac come out to join the party. They were having lots of laughs and the out came Damien Sandow, the WWE's version of a pure moralist. He ripped into DX saying they brainwashed the crowd and that if he got beat up he'd by a martyr. Well he got beat up by taking a superkick and a pedigree and ended that segment with a bang. That was not the last we saw of Triple H in the evening. Triple H called out Brock Lesnar which led to Paul Heyman coming out and talking about Triple H's children. These words brought out Triple H's wife Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie began to verbally and physically abuse Heyman until Lesnar hit the ring and fought Triple H toe to toe.

Speaking of reunions, the Brother of Destruction reunited by taking out 6 disgruntled jobbers. Kane and Undertaker brought a lot of memories back since they have been apart of each others careers since Bad Blood 1997. The Undertaker was still sporting the mohawk from Wrestlemania 28. Speaking of jobbers, Jack Swagger lost in about 30 seconds to Brodus Clay. Clay and Dude Love had a dancing session at the end of the match.

Heath Slater has been losing to legend after legend and this time was no different. Heath Slater lost to Lita after some help from the APA. After the match all the legends that Slater has lost to came out and celebrated  with Lita. Lita was not the only Diva that was highlighted on the night. AJ was all set to marry Daniel Bryan until she said a different man had proposed to her. That brought out Vince McMahon to announce that AJ was the new General Manager of Raw. I think AJ as GM is going to be very fun and entertaining. I think it's going to create a lot of buzz every Monday night.

There was only two matches in my opinion that stood out to me and that was the 6-man tag in the beginning which featured Sin Cara, Rey Mysterio, and Sheamus on one side with Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho and Alberto Del Rio on the other side. Sheamus and company won the match after Ziggler attacked Jericho to cost them the match.

The Main Event featured WWE Champion CM Punk taking on the man who cashed in his Money in the Bank Briefcase winner John Cena. Cena and Punk went back and forth the entire match. When Cena finally got control the Big Show interfered in the match and caused a DQ. When CM Punk finally came to he did not help Cena. In fact he left the ring which prompted The Rock to come out and attack Big Show. Finally out of nowhere the reigning WWE Champ Punk attacked The Rock and gave him the GTS. At the end of the show Punk was standing tall above Cena and The Rock but was showered with a chorus of boo's to end the show. People are now left wondering why CM Punk launched his attack on The Rock.

Raw 1000 was a night of reunions, legends, and shocking moments. I will say that the quality of matches could have been better. I forgot to mention that The Miz captured the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Christian. Moving forward one has to wondering what will happen with CM Punk, John Cena and The Big Show. It's already been determined that The Rock will return at the Royal Rumble to take on whoever the WWE Champion is.


The rest of 2012 will really start shaping up what Wrestlemania 29 is going to look like. The Rock being attacked by Punk makes me think that CM Punk will hold on to his WWE Championship until the Royal Rumble. If that does indeed occur, Punk will have had a 14 month title reign which hasn't happened in a long time. Raw 1000 made a lot of new memories and moments that fans will never forget. Hopefully we get to experience episode 2000 someday. Until then lets enjoy what we saw at Raw 1000 and see where it brings towards Summerslam, Royal Rumble and beyond.

Review of WWE Falls Count Anywhere

Review of ECW Unreleased Vol.1

Review of WWE No Holds Barred

The Open-ly Challenging Championship

By Eric Kammeraad

Welcome to Northwest England and the country where golf was created. Welcome to howling winds, tormenting rains, a thick 8 inch rough, narrow fairways, and, not to mention, the 205 bunkers on the course. Welcome to Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Except the only thing inviting about this course is the luxurious clubhouse, traditionalism of the oldest of Golf’s Major Championships, and the friendly local hospitality.

Royal Lytham and St. Annes will be host it’s 11th Open Championship starting with the first Tee Time on Thursday morning at 1:20am EST, or 6:30am locally. The first time the Open Championship was held here was in 1926, when a young American Amatuer named Bobby Jones defeated the rest of the field. The course also has previously hosted the event in 1952, 1958, 1963, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1988, 1996, and most recently in 2001. A few previous Winners at Royal Lytham and St. Annes are Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros(1979 and 1988), and Tom Lehman.

England has been waiting since 1996 to once again crown an Englishman the victor at ANY Major Championship since 1996. That was over 18 years ago when Sir Nick Faldo won in Augusta at The Masters. It seems like quite a few people think this is the best chance in years to overcome that battle. Lee Westwood is favored in most betting lines, and the experts that I have seen and heard can’t get enough of him right now. Luke Donald is also a huge fixture this weekend for England to end their slump of Major Championships. And let’s also not forget about Justin Rose’s chances this weekend also. He must first rise above playing in the same Group as Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia on Thursday and Friday, but he has also been playing and driving the ball well as of lately. But like any player this week , keeping the ball in the fairway and staying out of as many bunkers as possible will be key to winning.

After those three, there are also a few other contenders that I see out there on this treacherous terrain of a golf course. Let’s start where everyone wants to, Tiger Woods. He has played the best golf of any professional in the World this year; in both statistics and wins. That being said he will be in the Top 10 and most likely even closer to the top with the way his game is in form right now. Adam Scott has not played much this year, but when he has he has performed, as he has a Top 15 finish in both other Majors this year. Graeme McDowell hasn’t played too well in the U.S. this year, but on the European Tour it is a different story. He knows what it takes to win a Tournament as big as this. And as for taking a darkhorse or a bit of an underdog, I will have to take Francesco Molinari. He is 2nd in points on the European Tour and plays a consistent game with a good putter as well. His consistency will help him manage this course easier than others.

The Open Championship is easily one of the toughest tests for Professional golfers. But don’t forget that his also included playing in wind-soaked, raining sideways times on the course that many players just aren’t or can’t get accustomed to. This means players like Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, Steve Stricker, Padraig Harrington, and Bubba Watson won’t likely be in contention on Sunday. Also players who just aren’t playing well coming into The Open will continue to struggle; like Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, Ian Poulter, Hunter Mahan, Jim Furyk, and Geoff Ogilivy.

Northwest England’s gem of a course in Royal Lytham and St. Annes should be the biggest test, and most difficult Tournament of the entire year. For the PGA Tour, and the European Tour as well. This will take a lot of patience, skill, luck, and many other intangibles to be crowned Champion at this course. That being said I am going to make my pick for the winner, Tiger Woods. He is finally poised to make another giant leap again in his career, and he will do it by winning his 15th Career Major Championship. But here at Royal Lytham and St. Annes, let’s just say anything can happen at this place. Because the last time The Open Championship was held there in 2001, David Duval raised the Clarett Jug…

Ziggler and Cena Capture the Briefcases at Money in the Bank 2012

Tonight was the Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View. I for one always enjoy the Money in the Bank Ladder Matches because they are crazy and it gives you an idea of where WWE is headed.  The opening contest was the World Title Money in the Bank Contract Match that included Dolph Ziggler, Damien Sandow, Tyson Kidd, Christian, Santino Marella, Tensai,  Cody Rhodes and Sin Cara.. This match was all over the place including a few botches that made the match interesting and more dangerous then what it should be. All of these guys are hungry right now ans only one of them have had a legit World Championship reign. In the end Dolph Ziggler prevailed as he got the briefcase. All I got to say is it's about time. The fans have been solidly behind him and he's one of the most charismatic and talented guys on the roster. I hope WWE recognizes that the fans want him as champion which brings me to the next match.

Both World Champion Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio have great ring skills but nobody has been into what they are doing for quite sometime now. They have good matches but something is missing with both of them. Sheamus looked like he didn't want to be there tonight and WWE is trying to get Del Rio to have a more vicious side to him. With those two factors they didn't have that good of a match. Sheamus retains the title but with Ziggler winning the briefcase I don't see him holding the title much longer.

There were three unadvertised matches tonight. First one saw Epic and Primo defeating the Primetime Players in a really good solid tag team match. I have always liked tag team wrestling and I am hoping matches like this will bring interest back to the tag team division. Ryback finally got some competition in the former Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins but as always Ryback defeats two wrestlers making it look fairly easy. Then there was the Diva's match which was a typical Diva's match.

The most intriguing storyline of the year so far has been with AJ, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. I have to say it's been very unpredictable and intense like storylines should be. This match should have been the last match but it wasn't which is okay because it was the best match on the card. Throughout the match Punk and Bryan beat each other up good and I honestly didn't know from one second to the next what AJ was going to do. In the end, Punk took it the decision into his own hands by suplexing Bryan through a table to win the match and retain his title.

The last match was the WWE Title Money in the Bank contract match featuring John Cena, Big Show, Chris Jericho, Kane and the returning Miz. I honestly felt this match should have 3 more competitors. Since it was former WWE Champions the other three should have been Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, and legend like Mick Foley, Kevin Nash or someone who could still work. Five men made it to obvious and made it very limited. There were some good highlights in the match but when it was all said and done, John Cena won the Money in the Bank briefcase which guarantees that he will be champion again.

This was a good show for WWE even though a championship match hasn't been the main event of pay-per-view since Elimination Chamber in February. CM Punk is on of the longest title reigns in recent memory and the fact he isn't the last match on a PPV is really hurting WWE and devaluing the WWE Championship. I am sorry but a John Cena match is not as important as a WWE Championship match. With Ziggler and Cena holding the briefcases it will be interesting to see where the WWE is headed. Next WWE PPV is Summerslam on August 19th so stay tuned for more coverage.

Big UFC Fights on the Horizon

It's the middle of summer and we have already seen a lot of big fights in the UFC this year. There are my fights to look forward to the second half of the year. Here are fights that have been finalized or heavily rumored.

UFC on FOX
Light Heavyweight bout:  Maurício Rua vs  Brandon Vera
Light Heavyweight bout:  Lyoto Machida vs  Ryan Bader

UFC 150Lightweight Championship bout: Benson Henderson (c) vs  Frankie Edgar
Lightweight bout  Donald Cerrone vs  Melvin Guillard
Middleweight bout:  Jake Shields vs  Ed Herman

UFC 151

Light Heavyweight Championship bout: Jon Jones (c) vs  Dan Henderson

UFC 152

Welterweight bout: BJ Penn vs.  Rory MacDonald

UFC 153

Light Heavyweight bout:  Glover Teixeira vs. Quinton Jackson

UFC 154
UFC Welterweight Championship bout:  Georges St-Pierre (c) vs.  Carlos Condit
Welterweight bout:  Martin Kampmann vs.  Johny Hendricks

As you can see their are a lot of fights with title implications and contenders for those titles as well. Obviously more bouts will continue to be made and if their are any bouts worth mentioning they be covered. The first half of 2012 saw excitement in UFC. Hopefully the second half of 2012 will continue on the momentum. 

NBA Off-Season Moves as of 7/13/2012

It's been almost a month since the NBA finals concluded and their have been a lot of wheeling and dealing, signings and trades. All transactions I cover will be ones that are final and official not what ESPN reports. So with that being said. Here are some of the moves that have went on since the finals ended.


-Philadelphia 76ers waived forward Elton Brand-

-Detroit Pistons signed forward Andre Drummond to a multiyear contract and signed forward Kyle Singler to a multiyear contract. Also traded guard Ben Gordon and a future first-round draft choice to Charlotte for guard Corey Maggette

-Miami Heat signed guard Ray Allen and forward Rashard Lewis.

- Brooklyn Nets re-signed guard Deron Williams to a five-year contract and forward Gerald Wallace to a four-year contract. Also agreed to a contract extension with center Brook Lopez.

-Atlanta Hawks acquired guard Anthony Morrow, guard Jordan Farmar, forward Jordan Williams, forward DeShawn Stevenson and forward Johan Petro and a 2017 second-round pick from the Brooklyn Nets for guard Joe Johnson. Also Traded guard Marvin Williams to the Utah Jazz for guard Devin Harris. Also signed guard Lou Williams to a multi-year contract.

-Phoenix Suns signed guard Steve Nash and traded him to the L.A. Lakers for 2013 and 2015 first-round draft picks and 2013 and 2014 second-round draft picks. Also signed guard Eric Gordon to an offer sheet.

As you can see it's been a busy couple of weeks for the teams of the NBA. The Nets have been busy as well as other teams. Keep checking back every couple of weeks for more updates. As I said I am only reporting official deals that have been finalized because things always can always change. Stay tuned because this off-season is just getting started.

Interview with Fabuzio

In the twenty plus years I have been watching wrestling I have seen a lot of big men in the squared circle. Some good, some not so good and some really impressed me. In 2005 when I traveled down to Coldwater Michigan I was surprised to find one of the most agile big men I have ever seen. He was teaming with Rastakhan and during the match I saw something blew my mind. A  spring board moonsault from the send rope from Fabuzio. I first thought of Vader but this moonsault was more impressive then what I had seen Vader do just because it had a huge impact.

Once I saw Fabuzio I knew I had saw a special human being and a special athlete. Seven years later Fabuzio is still wrestling down in Coldwater and still impressing fans with his agility. I had the opportunity to find out more about Fabuzio's journey and what led him to become a pro wrestler.


What are your earliest memories of pro wrestling?
My earliest memory of wrestling is pretty much what you would hear alot of the boys say. Wrestlemania 3, Hulk vs Andre I can remember being a kid wanting to watch a movie called Howard the Duck instead of Wrestlemania but my cousins who were up for the summer and out voted me to watch Wrestlemania. I was sour about it because I really wanted to see this duck from outer space but forgot all about my feathered friend when I saw that main event and the rest is history, haha.

What made you want to get into pro wrestling, and who influenced you?

I wanted to get into wrestling when I would watch it and could feel myself in the ring. It's really something I cant explain but I knew it's where i wanted to be at!


What are your first memories of training at Dan Severn's Michigan Sports Camps?

My first memories of Dan the Beast Michigan Sports Camps was first walking into the facility and seeing The Alpha Male Monty Brown, Dan Severn and a few of the other guys. I was just overwhelmed to be that close to someone I used to watch and follow. I never forget that you had to earn your way into the wrestling ring you just didnt get in and start doing some b.s. They really train you there and I remember having to pass blue mat matches which was meant to teach you how to work in case the ropes break, work on your chain wrestling and everyone watched and critiqued you on a pass or fail basis.

Who did you enjoy wrestling on early on in your career?

I really enjoyed working with BAM, Carter Grey, Alpha Male Monty Brown and Rastakhan to name a few.

Who is your favorite opponent that you have ever worked with?

My favorite opponents to work with had to be the Perfect Connection a tag team consisting of Johnny Dollar and Noah Lott against myself and Rastakhan. I feel like everything clicked that night just felt right.

If you could wrestle 5 guys past or present on the indy scene or in one of other major companies who would they be and why?

If could wrestle five guys past or present it would be the following in no particular order. It would be Austin Aries, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Mick Foley and Vader.

What is your favorite match that you have watched?

My favorite match that I could watch over and over a thousand times hands down would be Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart in the iron man match. It doesn't get any better than the boyhood dream coming true!

What is your favorite match you've competed in?My favorite match I ever competed in has to be when me and Rastakhan won the Price of Glory Tag Team Titles. It was a good match with a nice story and the fans were into it. Everything just clicked!

If you had a choice to wrestling in ROH, TNA, or WWE what would it be and why?
If i had the choice of course it would be WWE. Who wouldnt but to be honest I wanna go wherever I can get better and show what I can do. I am all about entertaining the fans no matter where or what promotion.

What are some of your favorite memories from traveling on the road?
A lot of memories from traveling on the road growing up was loving hip hop but the boys in the lockeroom are from all different backgrounds and I was exposed to some other types of music. I normally wouldnt have even given the chance to bands like System of a Down but I love that chop suey song! I can remember Rastakhan and BAM about to do a couple of high impact spots not in the ring, but in the middle of a nightclub and the waitress freakin out. I remember when Mental Insanity didnt tell me he wasnt a good driver and I had to find that out with semis barreling down on us, haha...good times.

What can we expect from Fabuzio in the future?

My last thought to leave you with is what I always say to the ring "Watch out because somebody is going to get punched right in the face!"

Is Austin Aries the Best in the World?

When you hear the quote "best in the world" you automatically think CM Punk or Chris Jericho and their repeating use of that quote. On Sunday July 8th 2012 Austin Aries defeated Bobby Roode to win the TNA Heavyweight Title at Destination X. The interesting thing about this is that Aries forfeited the X Division Championship to earn a Heavyweight title shot so technically he never lost the X-Division crown. With that being said, Aries has dominated the TNA Impact Wrestling scene for the last year defeating such people as Bully Ray and Samoa Joe while holding the X Division title. Aries held the X-Division title for 298 days which I believe is the longest title reign for an X-Division champion. Aries has also held the Ring of Honor Heavyweight title on two separate occasions.

Aries made his debut almost 12 years ago and has wrestled for TNA, ROH and Dragon Gate. He has had numerous feuds with Matt Sydal, Roderick Strong, Jimmy Rave, Jimmy Jacobs, Tyler Black, and many more. He has held 12 title reigns throughout various promotions in the United States. For WWE fans who don't know Aries he played the voice of Jacob Cass in WWE 12 and attempted to try out for WWE's most recent version of Tough Enough but failed to make it. I am sure looking back on it now WWE probably wishes they had Aries who has brought a lot to TNA in the last year. 

For those who think a smaller man shouldn't be the Heavyweight Champion take a look at Shawn Michaels, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, and CM Punk. They all are tremendous performers and I believe Austin Aries is becoming a tremendous performer. He ended one title reign on Thursday and began a new one on Sunday but it was all his choice. 

With Austin Aries dominating the X-Division and now becoming the new TNA Heavyweight Champion,  does this make him the best in the world? Only time will tell. 

Other results from the Destination X:

-Mason Andrews defeated Rubix, Dakota Darsow and Lars Only in Last Chance Four Way match to determine the final qualifier for the TNA X Division Championship Tournament
-Mason Andrews defeated Kid Kash in a X Division Championship Tournament Semifinal match
-Kenny King defeated Douglas Williams in a X Division Championship Tournament Semifinal match
-Sonjay Dutt defeated Rashad Cameron X Division Championship Tournament Semifinal match
-Zema Ion defeated Flip Cassonova X Division Championship Tournament Semifinal match
-Samoa Joe defeated Kurt Angle in a Bound For Glory Series match
-A.J. Styles defeated Christopher Daniels in a Last Man Standing match
-Zema Ion defeated Mason Andrews, Kenny King and Sonjay Dutt in the Ultimate X Tournament Final match to determine the new TNA X Division Champion

Are the Good Ole Boys Afraid of Danica Patrick?

This past weekend at the Daytona Nationwide Race Danica Patrick qualified 3rd and ran very well throughout the race even leading 18 laps in the race. With the 18 laps a wreck occurred and Danica was involved again. It seems like every week for the last month her fellow male drivers have wrecked her. Whether it be intentional or unintentional I find it kind of odd that it keeps happening to her. I have never seen a driver involved in more wrecks in one season then her. You can say it's bad luck all you want but lets face it. The male drivers are on the Nationwide Circuit are intimated of Danica and don't wont to lose to a woman. A lot of of NASCAR purest hate the fact that a woman is driving in their good redneck sport. I personally think it's great for the sport because Danica has a huge fan base and if she's successful more people are going to tune. So if I was Danica's agent or a representative of her and she asked me for advice I would meet with her crew chief Tony Eury Jr. and car owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. and tell them how I would handle it.

Firstly, I would tell Tony Jr. to start to talking to fellow crew chiefs and threaten to take them to NASCAR officials to be investigated to see if they really are trying gang up on Danica Patrick. Crew Chiefs have to power to reprimand their drivers and tell them to back off. The Crew Chiefs and spotters are just as responsible out there as the drivers are. I am surprised Tony Jr. has not been in any fights this year with other Crew Chiefs this year because of all of this non-sense. Eury needs to step up and start confronting others who should be held accountable for what they do on the race track.

Secondly, I would tell Danica that if she feels threatened on the race track then start retaliating and wrecking someone back. I know it sounds bad but she needs to show that she's not going to take any crap from any of the other drivers on the track. I know she's not Dale Sr. but when someone wrecked him intentionally he would came back and get them back eventually without making it look intentional even though it was. Danica needs to stand up for herself and show her toughness and prove to the critics she's just not a pretty face behind the wheel.

Lastly, if I was Dale Earnhardt Jr. I would get behind the wheel in a Nationwide race and protect my investment. I don't think a lot of people would intentionally wreck Dale Jr but if I was him I'd protect Danica and race right behind her the entire race. What these drivers should realize is by wrecking Danica they are costing Dale Jr. money because he owns Danica's car. If I was a car owner and my driver was getting wrecked regularly I would be pissed and I would do something about it. In my opinion Dale Jr. needs to do something about it.

Do I think the male drivers are afraid of Danica? Yes I do. I don't think they would know how to handle a woman winning a race or even winning a championship. Danica's best finish this year is 8th and currently 9th in points. I think she has the potential to win a race this if she doesn't get wrecked by another driver. All I got to say is Danica keep racing hard and earn respect out there and you'll eventually win a race and be accepted by others on the track. W

Kenny King Just Got Noticed

This past Thursday as TNA was finalizing who would be in the X-Division Title tournament for Destination X on July 8th a familiar face came through the curtain to compete. Kenny King, who is one half of the Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions showed up on Impact to compete against  Lars Only to earn a spot into the X-Dvision Championship tournament. I've seen a lot of things happen in my time like Mike Awesome showing up on WCW, or Rick Rude appearing on WCW and WWE in the same night. Apparently King was under a handshake or verbal agreement with ROH Wrestling to continue wrestling with them but keep his options open. Obviously by him appearing on Impact Wrestling ROH severed ties with him and said his breach of their agreement was unacceptable.

Kenny King was the talk of pro wrestling this morning as it was huge news because you don't see that happen in pro wrestling these days. When TNA was first starting out, they allowed their wrestlers to work for Ring of Honor to support their families and get more ring work. It was only a couple of years  when TNA would not allow its performers to be on ROH shows. Kenny King was apparently looking for a better situation for his family and he found it. King's departure really screws up the tag team division because Rhett Titus is now without a partner and cannot defend the tag team championships.

As for King he will be in the X-Division title with seven other competitors that are Zema Ion, Kid Kash, Doug Williams, Flip Cassanova, Rashad Cameron, Sonjay Dutt, (Winner from Last Chance Fourway). The Last Chance Four will be Dakota Darsow vs. Rubix vs. Lars Only vs. Mason Andrews. One thing is for certain and this Kenny King better bring his best ring abilities at Destination X or he might not have a job at all. King was not a big name but he made himself a name by jumping ship from ROH to TNA in the way he did. You know you have gotten noticed and made an impact when the internet is talking about the next day. For loyal WWE fans you might remember Kenny King from the 2nd season of Tough Enough. Kenny was a runner up and went on to wrestler in ROH and FIP.

From what I have seen of Kenny King he has a lot of high flying talent and has a good look. I think he will be a good competitor in the X-Division but as I said before he will have to impress at Destination X. Stay tuned for more on the Kenny King X story.

Interview with Stuntman Mike

When someone has aspirations of being a pro wrestler their training usually starts at an early age. For Stuntman Mike, his training started at 37 years old and now has been in pro wrestling for three years. Stuntman Mike has always been a pro wrestling fan and I've come to realize that to be really successful in pro wrestling you have to be a fan of it and have a passion for it. People think it might be crazy to start training into your late 30's but lets not forget about two guys. Diamond Dallas Page started at age 32 and Batista didn't get his break until he was 34 years old. With that being said, here is what the uniquely and outspoken Stuntman Mike had to say about his road to being a professional wrestler. 

What are your first memories of pro wrestling growing up?

As a kid I remember being a sucker for the one who could cut an awesome promo. Flair, Piper, Ted Dibiase, Jake the Snake, among others. My fondest memory is my Father taking me to see Wrestlemania Three where Hogan slammed Andre. He even bought me a Jake the Snake shirt there and that was awesome too.

What made you want to get into pro wrestling?
I have always been a fan of wrestling and wished to get into it. I was a small child and was picked on a lot. I grew up wanting to be bigger and stronger so that nobody would push me around anymore. I figured as a wrestler I would be idolized by people or they would be intimidated enough to at least leave me alone. I never knew how to go about getting into it though and so like DDP I am a very late starter.

Who trained you and how have they helped along the way?
My trainer was and still is Electric Eric Freedom! I cannot say enough good things about him. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met and I owe him a lot. He gave me a chance when most people would have laughed at me and sent me on my way or took advantage of my just to make some money. He runs Universyl Wrestling Enterprizes and trains people at the Electric Kompany. Lets just say if it was not for him and my good friend John Campbell who is on then I would not be wrestling anywhere at all. They gave me the courage to try and to persevere when it seemed like I would never make it.

Who is your favorite opponent to go against?
I enjoy a good brawl with John Campbell as he is a master of ring psychology and I always know the crowd will be at the edge of thier seats waiting to see what we will do next. There's also another gentleman that I have wrestled a few time that goes by the name of Tyberious Blaze and he and I have amazing chemistry when is comes to having matches. hes one to look out for.

What is your favorite match that competed in so far?
It is going to sound weird but my favorite match would have to be the battle royal at UWE's Headlock on Hunger last November. The main reason is that I was allowed to wear my crash helmet during the whole match and even managed to get one Jamed Dillinger to use me as a battering ram at one point in it.

Any good road stories?
My best one is one where I will not name any names. Lets just say it was two other wrestlers and I   and one was fairly beligerant. Just about every car we were driving past he would start screaming racial slurs and just saying off the wall things that made us crack up for just about the whole road trip. Then theres also that time I managed to get everyone to stop and sing karaoke on the way home and Dillinger sang a love song to John Campbell. I believe it was a modified version of Oh Sandy from Grease.

If you could be in any type of match, what kind of match would you chose and why?
A championship of course. Any kind of championship. I like gooold. Seriously though I seem to think the kind of matches where I shine the most is in Battle Royals.

If you could wrestle any 5 guys past or present who would they be and why?
Easy "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase, Jake the Snake, Junkyard Dog, Bam Bam Bigelow and The Boogeyman. Millionaire Ted was my all time favorite growing up and it would be like being a kid again to be in the ring with him. Jake the Snake had so much charisma in his heyday that I can imagine how great it would be to be face to face with him and hearing the crowd go crazy. I loved the Dog and think that our styles of wrestling wuld have been very compatable. Bam Bam was one of the most agile wrestlers I ever saw back in the day for his size and if anyone was going to smash me into oblivion Id like it to be him. Id like to wrestle The Boogeyman or Slither as he is called now just because I think it would be a nice way for me to attempt another one of my daring stunts trying to avoid having to eat worms.

If you had the choice to go go ROH, TNA, WWE, or New Japan which one would you chose and why?
It would have to be WWE as I like money and fame. Although not neccesarily in that order. Ok maybe in exactly that order.

Why should people come watch Stuntman Mike in the ring?
Because I am the one and only stuntman turned professional wrestler hailing from Nashville Tennessee who will perform his daring deeds for your enjoyment. Watch as I am thrown headfirst into the turnbuckle, gasp as I am thrown out to the floor, and cringe as I am pummelled all over the ring and yet somehow still come out alive even if not standing. All because I'm Stuntman Mike and I'm OK!

What are your goals in the future for pro wrestling?
I plan to take life as it comes. I will wrestle anywhere I am able to and have no objections to travelling. I like to entertain people and as long as they keep on cheering for me I will keep on throwing myself out there and giving whatever I can of myself to keep them entertained. If I never make it to one of the bigger companies then I will continue to work for the local ones as it is what I love to do and I cannot imagine not doing it now that I have started.

Any final thoughts?
Just that my favorite thing is when kids come up to me and ask me for my autograph. I have five kids myself and have no problem signing anything so always feel free to ask if you see me around. I am on twitter at @StuntmanMikePro and welcome anyone that wishes to subscribe.

True Americana

By Kelli Beaudry

It’s the Fourth of July, time to celebrate Patriotism, family and friends and enjoying each other’s company…or especially in my case some of the best sports trash talking you’ll ever hear all year round. First, since its July we’re in the heart of baseball season, which right now has my Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers in the middle of their respective divisions, about .500 records…could always be worse, I’ll gladly take it. The Chicago Cubs are in the basement…what a shock.

Detroit has the addition of Prince Fielder this year, and unfortunately he’s not living up to his name nor salary. That’s all I’ll say about that one at this time. Brandon Inge now has a home in the Oakland A’s clubhouse; but hit a grand slam in his first game as an A. Hmmm…what’s that say about him? Justin Verlander is stellar…but has no offense to give him the wins his record deserves; if it was me suffering loss after loss because my teammates couldn’t carry the weight…I woulda had an epic meltdown like good ole’ Charlie Sheen did in Major League.

Chipper Jones started the season by saying it was his last; heartbreaking, but he’s been a great leader for the team. He’s also been my least favorite, call me crazy if you will but Chipper Jones only made me smile when he put runs on the board and stopped others from scoring. Every other team member I’ve rooted for never really stuck around…perhaps I was the curse.

They’ve done great so far this season being the second season without Bobby Cox on the bench. Granted they’re still not the same, but every team has to move on. We moved on without Maddux, we moved on without Glavine. We will move on without Chipper when the time comes, and Chipper being named as a replacement on the NL’s roster, I do hope he has a good time. He’s already said he doesn’t mind if he doesn’t play, not too many people have that outlook on the game.

So folks, when it comes time to sit down and enjoy burgers, hotdogs, too much ketchup that ends up on your shirt and some cold long necks, remember what makes this country great and what it is all about. Say thank you to those vets who made it possible for us to enjoy the ability to stand on the picnic table, still stone sober at this time and scream, “CUBS STILL SUCK!”

Top 10 Matches of 1000 Episodes: My Favorite WWE Monday Night Raw Matches

In January 1993 a new wrestling program debuted on the USA Network and it was called Monday Night Raw. Nearly 20 years later we are approaching 1000 episodes. In all the episodes of Monday Night Raw there have been some great matches that have taken place. I have somehow narrowed a list down to my top ten favorite matches that really stood out to me. I put this list together based uniqueness of the match, quality of the match and how it impacted Monday Night Raw or wrestling history. A lot of people are going to have different opinions of what their top 10 are going to be but these matches had a lot of significance to them and changed the landscape of sports entertainment. The five matches I considered for the top 10 that didn't make it in were good but it was a hard decision. Here are those 5:

WWE Championship Match- Mankind vs. The Rock(c), January 1999

WWE Championship TLC Match- Ric Flair vs. Edge(c), January 2006

WWE Championship Match- Triple H vs. Mankind(c), August 1999

WWE Championship Match: Edge vs. John Cena vs. RVD(c), July 2006

WWE Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Johnny Nitro vs. Jeff Hardy(c), November 2006

#10- Vince McMahon has and always will be at the center of some controversy. In the summer of 2009 it was no different. Raw was suppose to be in Denver but Nuggets owner Stan Kronke made the mistake of scheduling one of the playoff games on that night which deprived the fans of WWE in Colorado and left WWE  without a building. Los Angeles stepped in and gave Monday Night Raw the Staples Center. It was on that night a unique tag match took place. It was the WWE's version of the Lakers and Nuggets. This night would almost mark the last night of Mr. Kennedy in WWE as he was released a day later. This was one of those matches that unique and fun to watch because of the circumstances behind it.

#9- The week before Wrestlemania 18 we saw a once in a life time handicap match that I can guarantee you that we will never ever see again. It was the n.W.o (Hogan, Hall and Nash) taking on The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. It was a match of epic proportions and had huge star power in it. The n.W.o won the match and gained momentum towards Wrestlemania. This was Hogan's first match in a WWE ring in 9 years. WWE struck gold on this night when 3 legends who reigned in WWE in the early and mid 90's and the two that took it to higher levels in the late 90's into the new decade.

#8- On a night where John Cena was looking for two tag team partners to take on Christian, Jericho and Tomko he didn't have to look very far. Shawn Michaels stepped up earlier in the night and Hulk Hogan made a special appearance. It was the first and only time that these three would appear in the ring together. It was the past, present and future all in one match. It was a really good match that showcased all three superstars talents. The cool part about this is that Cena left the ring and gave the ring to Hogan and Michaels. This match to me will stand the test of time because it was a once in a lifetime match that had tremendous star power.

#7- In 1993 when Raw started Shawn Michaels was the reigning Intercontinental Champion. On this given night when Raw was barely a month old Marty Jannetty re-appeared on WWE programming to challenge his former tag team partner for a title match. Michaels accepted and the match was considered a classic and named match of the year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Jannetty won the Intercontinental title and proved he wasn't a slouch like everyone thought he was. Jannetty did not hold on to the title very long but it was the first time a title changed hands on Monday Night Raw but it wouldn't be the last. This match was a classic title match that set the standard for title matches on Monday Raw for years to come.

#6- On a night where the entire WWE locker room paid tribute to Eddie Guerrero there is one match that stood above the rest. Shawn Michaels and Rey Mysterio had never met in the ring until this night. On this night they honored Eddie Guerrero by having a 20 minute classic. Rey Mysterio won the match but the real winners real the fans in attendance and those watching at home. Eddie Guerrero would have been proud of this match. I know I was watching it on TV.

#5- In December 2003, the Triple H-Shawn Michaels feud broiled on a year and a half later after it started. This particular Monday Night Raw was held in Shawn's home state of Texas and it did not disappoint. Shawn and Triple H had a classic and in the end Shawn looked like he won the title but it was ruled both men's shoulder were down on the mat. It was ruled a draw and Triple H retained the World Heavyweight title. This match led to more classic matches between these in 2004. Anytime these two met in the ring it was a match to watch. They always had the best matches of the night and this one was no different.

#4- In 2002, Jeff Hardy was coming into his own as a singles competitor and on this night he truly got noticed. He took on The Undertaker in a ladder match for the WWE Championship. On this night a lot of people thought the upset of the century would happen because The Undertaker had never competed in a ladder match. Jeff and Taker had a great ladder match. Even though Jeff Hardy has had his up's and down's since then, I truly believe that this is the night Jeff got noticed as a singles competitor. Jeff has had many great moments and when Undertaker raised his hand at the end of this match that was one of those great moments. 

#3- The duo of Triple H and Steve Austin shook things up in the WWE in the spring of 2001. At one point Austin was WWE Champion, Triple H was Intercontinental Champion and they held Tag Team Championships. In May of 2001, The Two Man Power Trip took on the duo of Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho. This match was a great match even though Triple H got injured. Jericho and Benoit won the titles but many remember it as the night Triple was sidelined for 9 months. The match was epic and so was Triple H's effort after he got injured. Jericho and Benoit went on to a month long title reign that involved them being in some more epic matches along the way.

#2- A week before Backlash in 2007 Shawn Michaels had to prove he could beat John Cena. In a 45 minute classic in the UK Shawn Michaels defeated Cena with Sweet Chin Music. I am not a fan of Cena's wrestling ability but this was probably his match in his tenure in WWE. Shawn Michaels has always made everyone in the ring better and on this night it was no different. This would not be the last time Cena and Michaels would meet but when they did it couldn't match what they did in the UK.

#1- In the first month of Raw there were very few epic matches. This match took place on January 18th 1993. Mr. Perfect and Ric Flair had a successful partnership for over a year and it ended abruptly when Perfect realized he was being held back by Flair and Bobby Heenan. The reason this match is still number one in my opinion is because it set the standard for epic, drama filled matches on Monday Night Raw. There was no internet spoilers back then so nobody knew Flair was headed back to WCW which made it even more shocking when he lost. I honestly thought Perfect was going to lose and go back to announcing since he was having on and off again back issues. This match was so fun to watch and it's even funner to remember. 

It was hard to narrow the list down to 10 but these matches are what stands out to me in being significant and classic to the history of Monday Night Raw. The 1000th episode of Raw airs on July 23rd at 8pm on the USA Network. I have no doubt that it will create new memories and be a monumental night in the history of television, sports and entertainment and most importantly the WWE.   The world will indeed be watching.

2012 MLB All Star Rosters

The 2012 MLB All Star game is just a little over a week a way and the rosters were announced today.  The All Star game will be played in Kansas City where again the home-field advantage for the World Series. The All Star Game will be played on July 10th on Fox. I am sure their will be much debate about who should be in and who shouldn't be but the rosters are final. Here is what the fans and managers decided.

American League

Starters

C Mike Napoli, TEX
1B Prince Fielder, DET
2B Robinson Cano, NYY
3B Adrian Beltre, TEX
SS Derek Jeter, NYY
OF Josh Hamilton, TEX
OF Curtis Granderson, NYY
OF Jose Bautista, TOR
Pitchers

P Ryan Cook, OAK
P Matt Harrison, TEX
P Felix Hernandez, SEA
P Jim Johnson, BAL
P Joe Nathan, TEX
P Chris Perez, CLE
P David Price, TB
P Fernando Rodney, TB
P CC Sabathia, NYY
P Chris Sale, CWS
P Justin Verlander, DET
P Jered Weaver, LAA
P C.J. Wilson, LAA

Reserves
C Joe Mauer, MIN
C Matt Wieters, BAL
SS Elvis Andrus, TEX
SS Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE
3B Miguel Cabrera, DET
2B Ian Kinsler, TEX
1B Paul Konerko, CWS
OF Adam Jones, BAL
OF Mike Trout, LAA
OF Mark Trumbo, LAA
DH Billy Butler, KC
DH Adam Dunn, CWS
National LeagueStarters

C Buster Posey, SF
1B Joey Votto, CIN
2B Dan Uggla, ATL
3B Pablo Sandoval, SF
SS Rafael Furcal, STL
OF Melky Cabrera, SF
OF Carlos Beltran, STL
OF Matt Kemp, LAD
Pitchers
P Matt Cain, SF
P Aroldis Chapman, CIN
P R.A. Dickey, NYM
P Gio Gonzalez, WAS
P Cole Hamels, PHI
P Joel Hanrahan, PIT
P Clayton Kershaw, LAD
P Craig Kimbrel, ATL
P Lance Lynn, STL
P Wade Miley, ARI
P Jonathan Papelbon, PHI
P Stephen Strasburg, WAS
P Huston Street, SD
Reserves

C Yadier Molina, STL
C Carlos Ruiz, PHI
1B Bryan LaHair, CHC
2B Jose Altuve, HOU
SS Starlin Castro, CHC
SS Ian Desmond, WAS
3B David Wright, NYM
OF Ryan Braun, MIL
OF Jay Bruce, CIN
OF Carlos Gonzalez, COL
OF Andrew McCutchen, PIT
OF Giancarlo Stanton, MIA

There are five candidates in each league that are up for the final vote for the All Star Game. Here are those final five in each league

National League
Michael Bourn, CF, Braves
David Freese, 3B, Cardinals
Bryce Harper, RF, Nationals
Aaron Hill, 2B, D-backs
Chipper Jones, 3B, Braves

American League
Jonathan Broxton, RHP, Royals
Yu Darvish, RHP, Rangers
Ernesto Frieri, RHP, Angels
Jason Hammel, RHP, Orioles
Jake Peavy, RHP, White Sox

There are your 2012 MLB All Stars. It's going to be fun to watch as always and it's always the most meaningful All Star game out of any sport in America. It was announced a couple of weeks ago that the New  York Mets would be hosting the 2013 All Star Game. Until then enjoy the 2012 All Star Game and season.