NBA Off-Season Moves as of 7/31/2013

It's that time again to report on the wheeling, dealing and signing of the last two weeks. There is still a lot of big names that out there but for now here are the ones who have new homes. Please remember I only report on deals that have been made official and the ink has dried on the contract.

Atlanta Hawks

Boston Celtics

Brooklyn Nets

Charlotte Bobcats

Chicago Bulls

Cleveland Cavaliers

Dallas Mavericks

-Signed C Samuel Dalembert

-Signed G Devin Harris

Denver Nuggets

Detroit Pistons

Golden State Warriors

-Signed C Jermaine O'Neal

Houston Rockets

Signed C Marcus Camby

Indiana Pacers

LA Clippers

LA Lakers

Memphis Grizzlies

Signed F-G Mike Miller

Miami Heat

Milwaukee Bucks

-Signed G-F Carlos Delfino and C Zaza Puchulia.

-Traded G Brandon Jennings to Detroit for G Brandon Knight, F Khris Middleton and C Viacheslav Kravtsov

Minnesota Timberwolves

Signed C Ronny Turiaf to a two-year contract

New Orleans Hornets

New York Knicks

-Signed F Metta World Peace

Oklahoma City Thunder

Orlando Magic

-Signed F-C Jason Maxiell

Philadelphia Sixers

Phoenix Suns

-Traded F Luis Scola to Indiana for F Gerald Green, C Miles Plumlee and a first-round draft pick.

Portland Trail Blazers

Sacramento Kings

San Antonio Spurs

Toronto Raptors

Signed G D.J. Augustin to a one-year contract

Utah Jazz

Washington Wizards

Release All the Names Linked to Biogenesis

Review of ECW Unreleased Vol. 2 Review

Initial Reaction to WWE Total Divas on E!

CM Punk and Daniel Bryan: The Iron Man Match That Needs to Happen

Over the years pro wrestling has had some great 60 minute matches whether it be a time limit draw or an Iron Man Match. Over the last three years CM Punk and Daniel Bryan have gotten to a level in WWE that no one ever thought they would. It almost reminds me of Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart in the early 90's and how they rose to the top and it eventually culminated to one of the best matches in WWE history at Wrestlemania 12. CM Punk and Daniel Bryans history is a lot deeper then Michaels or Hart because they started in the smaller circuits together and crossed paths many times before ever making it to WWE.

There have been five 60 minute Iron Man Matches in WWE history and they are:

Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart: Wrestlemania 12- March 31, 1996

Triple H vs. The Rock: Judgment Day- May 21, 2000

Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle: Smackdown- September 18, 2003

Chris Benoit vs. Triple H: Raw- July 26, 2004

John Cena vs. Randy Orton: Bragging Rights- October 25, 2009

I think the WWE Universe is due for another Iron Man Match. They have proven that they can go the distance and have the stamina, creativity and styles to make it a great match. You have your Cenas, Ortons, and stars of that nature but right now CM Punk and Daniel Bryan are the two best pro wrestlers on the roster. I have always been critical of WWE for not letting Punk and Bryan use their Ring of Honor styles on WWE TV. I think an Iron Man Match between these two would allow it to happen. A lot of the younger generation of wrestling fans don't know what Punk and Bryan are capable of but as a pro wrestling fan I have watched CM Punk and the American Dragon during their time in Ring of Honor and I know what they are capable of doing inside of a wrestling ring. 

There are so many scenarios that could make this happen like maybe a WWE Title and World Heavyweight Title unification match, or maybe the next time the WWE has a pay-per view in Philadelphia which is the home of the old ECW and not to far from the home of Ring of Honor. These are just a couple of scenarios that would make this Iron Man Match a great one. 

Whether it happens or not remains to be see but if it does it would go down as one of the greatest matches in pro wrestling history. The Best in the World versus the American Dragon in an epic showdown would be remembered for years to come. WWE it's time for another Iron Man Match and these two are the perfect two for the job. 

The Straight Edge Approach Towards Athletes

I've been thinking alot about all the news I see on people like Aaron Hernandez, Ryan Braun and others as of late. I see on ESPN that are making horrible choices and hurting the people around them. When I have been thinking about about these athletes who make poor decisions I think about one of my favorite pro wrestlers and a quote he always uses when he was playing a bad guy. That quote is "Straight edge means I'm drug free, alcohol free, and better than you." I think after all these years that maybe he wasn't talking to the crowd. I think maybe he was talking to the Lance Armstrongs, Ryan Brauns, and A-Rods of the world! Punk lives his life in a clean way and should be rewarded for doing so.

I am not saying CM Punk or any other professional athlete should be put on a pedestal but I believe they are the ones who should be getting endorsements, and talked about more. CM Punk the character has done some horrible things as a bad guy on TV but Phil Brooks lives a clean and honest lifestyle. I am sure there athletes out there that live the same way but for some reason we aren't talking about people who do things the right way, we are focusing on those who cheat and lie.

Think back to the late 90's when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa broke Roger Maris' single season homerun record. They were heroes, the were giants of the game and then many years later it was revealed that both were suspected of using PEDs. I have always wondered why we didn't go back and talk about Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas and Jim Thome and some of the great seasons they had. They were never steroid users, they were never accused or suspected of cheating the game.

Another person we have been hearing a lot about is Aaron Hernandez. Why don't we talk about what a great role model Tim Tebow is and how he is someone that kids should inspire to be like. There are so many examples out there that can be talked about. I am not saying everyone should embrace the straight edge lifestyle that CM Punk lives but I wish the athletes who lived cleanly and did the right things would get more attention.

I would like to say that I don't think CM Punk or athletes who stay clean are above or better humans than those who don't but I will say they do make better choices than the ones who don't. If you don't believe that straight edge is a way of life ask Los Angeles Angels Pitcher CJ Wilson, or members from some of your favorite bands such as Fall Out Boy, Papa Roach and even Metallica.

Athletes and celebrities are the heroes in the eyes of many but some of them make bad choices and should not be looked at as a rolemodel. So let me ask you, who do you think should have the rewards and the spotlight? The ones who live the right way or the ones who make bad choices?

A Look Into CM Punk vs Brock Lesnar at WWE Summerslam 2013

I'm Sick of Hearing About Ryan Braun and Other Steroid Users

Where Wrestlers Might Land if TNA Impact Wrestling Closes

There have been many rumors circulating that TNA Impact is in rough shape. There have been a chain of recent events that suggest it might. TNA cut ties with Ohio Valley Wrestling, reportedly aren't paying wrestler and can't even got licenses for their performers to run a house show. I've always been a supporter of Jeff Jarrett because he started the company and I thought he should have remained in power. With TNA's future in question, here are my predictions of where the TNA Roster could land if it closes:

WWE

Abyss

Bobby Roode

Bully Ray

Chavo Guerrero

Devon

Gail Kim

Gunner

Hernandez

James Storm

Mike Knox

Magnus

Miss Tessmacher

Rob Terry

Tazz

Velvet Sky

Wes Brisco

ROH

AJ Styles

Austin Aries

Chris Sabin

Christopher Daniels

Jeff Hardy

Kazarian

Mickie James

Mr. Anderson

Samoa Joe

Zema Ion

NEITHER/INDEPENDENTS/RETIRE

Eric Young

Garrett Bischoff

Kenny King

Kurt Angle

ODB

Sting

This is all very hypothetical and just guessing on my part. I thought it would be interesting to breakdown TNA's roster and give an idea of who could go. To those reading this I'd love to hear your opinions and find out who you think would be a good fit in either WWE or ROH. Only time will tell to see if TNA stays alive or not. 

Reaction to Chris Sabin Winning the TNA World Heavyweight Title

The Next Paul Heyman Guy Should Be....

Over the last several weeks Paul Heyman has hinted about scouting talent from NXT to be his next client. There is one man who is the logical choice for the spot. This man has wrestled worldwide, and is considered one of the best wrestlers that came out of the Indy Scene. He also wrestled former WWE Champion CM Punk many times before they even made it to WWE. His name is Kassius Ohno but before he came to NXT he was known as Chris Hero to many.

Ohno is the last of the original Ring of Honor guys that are still in NXT who have not been brought up to WWE's main roster. Ohno has been in wrestling since 1998 and has been trained by greats like William Regal, Dave Taylor, Fit Finlay and Dory Funk Jr. He can be a brawler, a high flyer or get technical if he has to. I would say he is a well rounded worker who would do successful on Raw or Smackdown.

From a storyline point of view it would make sense and give him an instant feud with CM Punk once the Brock Lesnar angle runs its course. Heyman could use Ohno to get the best of Punk since they have worked in the ring for so many years. A lot of people credit the Chris Hero-CM Punk matches from IWA-Mid South for putting Hero and Punk on the map in pro wrestling.

He's worked Evan Bourne, Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins, William Regal, Bray Wyatt, and Cody Rhodes. He's familiar with the guys who have already been on the roster and understands the style of WWE. The person who he has been most associated with has been on the WWE Roster for awhile now and has had some great matches and a little bit of success. Claudio Castagnoli(WWE's Antonio Cesaro) and Ohno were known as the Kings of Wrestling before they came to WWE and dominated the tag team scene wherever they went. They took on The Worlds Greatest Tag Team(Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin and many teams in Japan.

Kassius Ohno has held over twenty titles on his career from various parts of the world. A lot of people have been making a case for him to get on the main roster of WWE but he has the attitude of what a Paul Heyman Guy is. He comes from the same mold as CM Punk which also is a heavy factor of why he is the perfect guy to be the next Paul Heyman guy.

Kassius Ohno, is a King of Wrestling and should be treated as such. A king with Paul Heyman. I could see a lot of great things coming out of that.

If you disagree with opinion and thought process behind this here is my message for you:

Details on the Ring of Honor World Championship Tournament

The brackets for thetournament to crown a World Champion for Ring of Honor have been set. The dates have also been finalized for the first round matches. Here is how the tournaments first round will play out:

July 27th

FIRST ROUND - Adam Cole vs. Mark Briscoe

FIRST ROUND - Jay Lethal vs. Sonjay Dutt
FIRST ROUND - Karl Anderson vs. ACH

August 3rd
FIRST ROUND - Tommaso Ciampa vs. Silas Young/Adam Page
FIRST ROUND - Michael Bennett vs. BJ Whitmer
FIRST ROUND - Kevin Steen vs. Brian Kendrick
FIRST ROUND - Michael Elgin vs. Paul London
FIRST ROUND - Roderick Strong vs. World TV Champion Matt Taven

A lot of men have held the ROH World Championship. The match to determine the first ever ROH World Champion was a Fatal Four Way 60 minute Ironman Match in which Lo Ki defeated Christopher Daniels, Spanky, and Doug Williams. A lot of notable names have held the ROH World Championship and that list is filled with greatness that includes:

Samoa Joe

Austin Aries

Brian Danielson (WWE'S Daniel Bryan)

CM Punk

Tyler Black (WWE's Seth Rollins)

Jerry Lynn

Nigel McGuinness 

Only two wrestlers in this tournament have previously held the World title and that is Kevin Steen and Roderick Strong. This tournament is filled with a lot of young talent and I am sure other wrestling promotions will be watching. Stay tuned to see who becomes the new ROH World Champion and puts their name in history books.

NBA Off-Season Moves as 7/15/2013

It's been a busy offseason so far so here we go. As alway please remember that I only report trades and signings that have been made official and the ink has dried on the contract. So here we go

Atlanta Hawks

Boston Celtics

-Named Brad Stevens coach.

-Traded Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, D.J. White and G Jason Terry to Brooklyn for Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries Kris Joseph, MarShon Brooks, Keith Bogans and 2014, 2016 and 2018 first-round draft picks

Brooklyn Nets

Charlotte Bobcats

-Signed C Al Jefferson and C Cody Zeller.

Chicago Bulls

Cleveland Cavaliers

Dallas Mavericks

-Agreed to terms with G Monta Ellis.

Denver Nuggets

-Fired coach George Karl.

Detroit Pistons

-Named Maurice Cheeks coach.

-Signed F Josh Smith to a four-year contract.

Agreed to terms with G Chauncey Billups on a two-year contract.

Golden State Warriors

-Renewed the 2014-15 option on the coach Mark Jackson.

Houston Rockets

Signed C Dwight Howard to a four-year contract.

Indiana Pacers

-Named Larry Bird president of basketball operations.

LA Clippers

-Announced the retirement of F Grant Hill.

-Named Doc Rivers coach and senior vice president of basketball operations. Traded an undisclosed future first-round draft pick to Boston for Rivers.

-Acquired G J.J. Redick from Milwaukee and sent G Eric Bledsoe and F Caron Butler to Phoenix. Los Angeles received F-G Jared Dudley from Phoenix and Re-signed G Chris Paul to a five-year contract and F Matt Barnes and C Ryan Hollins.

LA Lakers

Signed C Chris Kaman.

Memphis Grizzlies

Miami Heat

Milwaukee Bucks

Signed G O.J. Mayo. to a three-year contract.

Minnesota Timberwolves

New Orleans Hornets

New York Knicks

-Announced the retirement of G Jason Kidd.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Orlando Magic

Philadelphia Sixers

Phoenix Suns

-Named Jeff Hornacek coach.

Portland Trail Blazers

Sacramento Kings

San Antonio Spurs

Toronto Raptors

Utah Jazz

-Acquired C Andris Biedrins, F Richard Jefferson, and G Brandon Rush. Re-signed G Randy Foye and traded him to Denver and sent G Kevin Murphy to Golden State. Golden State received G Andre Iguodala from Denver.

Washington Wizards

Check back at the end of the month for any more wheeling and dealing their are still some notable free agents out there including Derek Fisher, Richard Hamilton, Elton Brand, and Brandon Jennings. These are just a few of many still left out there so stay tuned and check back on the 15th and 30th/31st each month until the NBA season begins. 

Results, Recap and Review of WWE Money in the Bank 2013

Tonight was the annual Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View and I have to tell to that my initial reaction is that it was awesome from opening to close even the pre-show match for the WWE Tag Team Championships. The Shield defeated the The Uso's to retain the Tag Team Championship gold in the pre-show. The first match of the night was the World Heavyweight Title Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Six out of the seven guys in this match have never held a World Title so it was nice to see the spotlight being put on the future of the company. Each superstar had their own unique highlights in the match and Dean Ambrose even had help from The Shield. However the biggest shocker was watching Damien Sandow turn on a bloody Cody Rhodes to win the Money in the Bank Briefcase. I think the fact that Rhodes was bloody made the turn even better than it was originally suppose to be. It is not the last time we should blood in the evening.

Philadelphia is Paul Heyman country and the fans were going to give him a great reaction. He came to the ring with Curtis Axel for his match against The Miz. Heyman got kicked out and it made for a great one on one match between the two combatants. Axel found a way to wiu and hold onto the prestigious Intercontinental Title. This was not the last we saw from Axel or Heyman during the show.

I've said it before and I will say it again, AJ Lee and Kaitlyn are this era's version of Trish Stratus and Lita. They both have great chemistry together and have put on some of the best WWE Diva's matches in quite sometime. AJ Lee keeps her momentum going by the retaining the Diva's title but I believe this feud is going to be going for a long time.

It was great to see Ryback get a good match with Chris Jericho tonight. I am liking where the Ryback character is going because it is adding a different dimension and dynamic to he is. All this time we have seen this indestructible machine but now we are seeing different things from him. If someone would have told me that Ryback would have won with a rollup I would have called you crazy.

My least favorite thing about the pay-per-view wasn't even a bad thing. I am not sure where there storyline is going with this but I don't agree with not putting the World Heavyweight Championship back on Dolph Ziggler. I get they are breaking up Dolph and AJ with Big E. Langston being involved but it should have been done differently. Alberto Del Rio gets no reaction as a heel and just isn't doing the title any favors right now.

For once, John Cena was not in the Main Event of a pay-per-view. If you're asking why, it's because his matches are boring, and they always end the same. Mark Henry was just there to be another opponent for Cena. Cena's real feud will start soon and build towards Summerslam and into the fall or winter. I give Mark Henry props for a good match but it was too predictable.

If you want to talk unpredictable then look no further than the Main Event. The Money in the Bank All Stars match was off the charts. Rob Van Dam returned, Daniel Bryan was on fire, and Paul Heyman betrayed CM Punk. It started with Curtis Axel coming out and attacking Daniel Bryan. It then led to a GTS on Axel and then finally Heyman came out and busted CM Punk open with a ladder. These events led to Randy Orton hitting an impressive RKO to RVD in mid air which allowed Orton to climb the ladder and capture the briefcase to end the show.

My reaction after all of it was and is that it was a great show for WWE to build up to Summerslam. If someone would have told me that Damien Sandow and Randy Orton were going to be holding the briefcases at the end of the night, I would have called you a crazy person. I never saw it coming which is what I like. It made the show unpredictable and shocking which is something WWE had a hard time with these days. I will be curious what happens with the fan favorites that were involved tonight. A lot of people thought Wade Barrett and Daniel Bryan would be walking out with the briefcases so I wonder what's in store for those two for the rest of the summer. One thing's for sure and that is the WWE Champion and World Heavyweight Champion are no longer safe. Its going to be an interesting rest of 2013. Our next stop is Summerslam so come on back for all the news on Summerslam 2013.

Why I Escape to Sports

I've been told by many people over the last nine years that my life is consumed by sports and that I make it a topic of conversation everywhere I go. On July 13, 2013 George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the case that saw him kill Trayvon Martin. When I turned on my usual sports networks or went to their websites they were giving athletes reactions to the verdict.

When I go to Fox Sports or ESPN, I don't want to hear about murder, racial injustice, political issues or anything related. I write and talk about sports because its an opportunity to get people away from the cruel reality of what this world can be like at time.

Sports are fun, competitive and they bring out a positive energy in people. People like to cheer for things, and be passionate about things. I am sure most people like myself don't want to be brought down by negative news. Sports have always had a way of healing things and bringing peoples spirits back to live.

I always think of September 13, 2001. Vince McMahon and WWE held Smackdown in Houston, Texas in front of a sold out crowd. It was the first sporting or entertainment event after what terrorists attacks of 9/11.. That set the tone for the MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA to get back to work and allowed the nation to be distracted while we healed from what happened. Even in 2013, after the Boston Marathon bombing, the people of Boston got behind the Celtics, Bruins and the Red Sox. They found comfort by watching their teams, and going to the games.

Sports have a way let people get away from reality, find comfort, and give them something to cheer for. I love sports and in my worst times I look to sports to lose myself in the moment. I don't want to turn on ESPN and hear about negativity, political issues and senseless crimes. I want to watch the game, voice my opinion on the teams and athletes that surround those games.

Sports as it's defined in Webster's Dictionary "is to play in a happy and lively way." It sounds like a pretty positive way to live to me.

Major Fights Scheduled for UFC in the Second Half of 2013

It was announced earlier this week that a rematch between Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva would take place on December 28 at UFC 168. That is the major MMA news but as we get ready to close out summer and into fall and winter there are a lot of great fights set to happen for the rest of the year. Here are some of the big fights scheduled for the second half of 2013.

UFC 163: August 3, 2013

Featherweight Championship Jose Aldo (c) vs. Chan Sung Jung

Light Heavyweight Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis

UFC on Fox Sports 1: August 17, 2013

Mauricio Rua vs. Chael Sonnen

Alistair Overeem vs. Travis Browne

UFC 164: August 31, 2013

Lightweight Championship: Benson Henderson (c) vs. Anthony Pettis

Frank Mir vs. Josh Barnett

UFC 165: September 21, 2013

Light Heavyweight Championship: Jon Jones(c) vs. Alexander Gustafsson 

Renan Barao vs. Eddie Wineland

UFC 166: October 19, 2013

Heavyweight Championship: Cain Velasquez(c) vs. Junior Dos Santos

Diego Sanchez vs. Gilbert Melendez 

UFC 167:  November 16, 2013

Welterweight Championship: Georges St-Pierre(c) vs. Johnny Hendricks

UFC 168: December 28, 2013

Middleweight Championship: Chris Weidman(c) vs. Anderson Silva

Bantamweight Championship: Ronda Rousey(c) vs. Miesha Tate

Keep staying tune for any major UFC fights or news.

Give Chris Weidman Some Credit for Winning the UFC Middleweight Champion...

Why I love Daytona

Whether it be at the end of February during Speedweeks or 4th of July weekend, nothing beats the excitement of a race at Daytona. Since I was kid I have loved watching the NASCAR races there regardless if it's the Trucks, Nationwide Series or the Sprint Cup.

Daytona has brought a lot of excitement, a lot of cheers and at times a race track full of people shedding tears. In 2001, Daytona was host to NASCARs darkest day when Dale Earnhardt died on a last lap crash. Five months on a hot July summer night, Dale Jr. won and honored his dad's memory.

On July 2nd, 2010 Dale Jr. would be tribute to his father again in the Nationwide Race. He drove the number 3 Wrangler Chevy, a car his father once drove in his early years. So many great tributes and past paint schemes have returned at Daytona. It gives the fans in attendance and viewers at home a nostalgic feeling of the old days. Even in the old days a dark horse could win the 500 or 400.

There are names like Trevor Bayne, Jamie McMurray, Derrike Cope, Ernie Irvin, Michael Waltrip and Ward Burton who were all long shots to win the 500. The same could be said for the 400 in July. Men like Jimmy Spencer, John Andretti, David Ragan, and Greg Sacks have won at this famous track when no one expected them to. Some of these men have had few wins in their careers but the thrill of winning at Daytona in February or July can complete a racers career even if thats the only win they ever have. You have to expect the unexpected at Daytona and you can never count anyone out until the checkered flag waves in the air.

The Nationwide Race on July 6th 2013 reaffirmed everything I've mentioned. When I saw Kurt Busch driving the number 1 City Chevrolet it gave me that feeling of loving Daytona. He raced this car as a tribute to the movie Days of Thunder which starred Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall. They took a lot of real life incidences and put them into this great movie.

Racing at Daytona is exciting, unpredictable and fun to watch. Whether it be in huge pack or two car tandems you don't want to blink because you never know what is going to happen next. I love Daytona. Daytona is famous, fierce, fast and fearless.  Names like Petty, Earnhardt, Yarborough, Allison, Jarrett, Waltrip, and Gordon have been dominant at this track and when they weren't an unexpected driver was celebrating in victory lane. 

I love Daytona! What's not to love? It's the real fast and furious.

Reaction to Dwight Howard Signing with the Houston Rockets

Who is Your Money on for WWE Money in the Bank 2013?

Reaction to Ric Flair and Rowdy Roddy Piper on Celebrity Wife Swap