Remembering "Rowdy" Roddy Piper

Today is truly another sad day in professional wrestling and another gigantic loss. Rowdy Piper passed away Friday afternoon in his sleep of cardiac arrest. This comes as a huge blow and another major loss in WWE. Piper was WWE's rebel and wildman in the 80's into the early 90's but his legend started long before he ever got to WWE. He had come classic matches in the NWA, and CWF-Mid Atlantic. He ran hard with Ric Flair and had a brutal Dog Collar Match against Greg Valentine.

In the WWE, he feuded against Hulk Hogan, Rick Rude, Ted Dibiase, and Ric Flair. He was an Intercontinental Champion, and a Tag Team Champion. There are a lot of great memories that I have like Pipers Pit with Morton Downey Jr., his epic promo against Hulk Hogan at Halloween Havoc 1996, and his personal hatred for Mr. T. I have to say my all time favorite moment was the Hollywood Backlot Brawl at Wrestlemania 12 against Goldust. They say pro wrestling is fake but there was nothing fake about Roddy's intensity during that match or in his career. Rowdy was a one of a kind unique performer who will never be duplicated or replicated.

After WWE he spent three years on and off in WCW fighting against the nWo. Piper was still a big name in the industry but his role like many others was mismanaged in the company. He did have some great matches against Hogan, Flair and the nWo. After WCW shut down he traveled around the indies, TNA, and Ring of Honor. He was enshrined into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He still made occasional appearances and still made an impact.

One thing that made Piper awesome was his mic skills and how he could come up with some great lines that stood out. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Piper:

“I came here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I'm all outta bubblegum.”
"You don't throw rocks at a man with a machine gun!"
"Just when they think they have the answers, I change the questions."

"Sooner or later, everybody pays the Piper!"
"I'm so quick, I could spit in the wind, duck, and let it hit the old lady behind me."

Roddy Piper will never ever be forgotten by those who watched him and worked with him. He was Rowdy before rowdy was cool. My thoughts and prayers go out to Roddy's family, friends and to all those who loved him. 

Kyle Busch Deserves a Chase Spot No Matter What

As everyone knows Kyle Busch did not start of the 2015 NASCAR season the way he wanted to.He crashed hard into the wall at Daytona during an XFinity race. He returned in May and has been working hard to make the chase since his return. The rules NASCAR set are that if he can crack the top 30 in points that he will be eligible to make the race. Usually I would agree with that but under the circumstances of how Busch is performing he deserves a spot no matter what at this point. 

In eight races he has three wins, and one top ten. He has had two bad races but in the other six he has ran consistently well. The fact that he has three wins is really impressive considering everything he had to overcome. I don't think he should be punished for something that was out of his control. It's not his fault that the other drivers on the circuit while he was gone. There were many opportunities for drivers to win a race and they didn't. I would have had reservations about this if would have had 1 win but you can't ignore three wins with or without the rules.

I really hope Kyle Busch does make the Chase for the Sprint Cup on points to avoid any and all arguments about whether or not he should be involved. He has seven more races to crack the top 30 in points and I truly believe he will have no problem doing so. Busch definitely has my respect and admiration for what he's done so far during his comeback. It's inspiring and motivational to watch someone have the great of a comeback after a major injury like Busch had, Good luck to Kyle Busch the rest of the way. Hopefully the Chase gets Rowdy when it starts in two months. 

Results, Review, Recap of WWE Battleground 2015

Tonight St. Louis was the place for a perfect Battlegound. This was the best opportunity for WWE to build up for WWE's Summerslam. Before I begin here are the results:

-Preshow Match: King Barrett defeated R-Truth
-Randy Orton defeated Sheamus
-Prime Time Players defeated The New Day to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship
-Bray Wyatt defeated Roman Reigns
-Charlotte defeated Sasha Banks and Bri Bella in a triple threat match.
-John Cena defeated Kevin Owens to retain the WWE United States Champion
-Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins ended in a No Contest

I was really happy to see the Prime Time Players retain the Tag Titles. They have been a team far too long to have a 5 week reign. It's very well deserved and until The Uso's are back, they are the best team in the division. I think the invasion of the NXT Divas is the best things that's happen to the Divas Division in a long time. Banks, Lynch and Charlotte are the fuel to the fire that the Division needs so it was good to the daughter of Flair win her first WWE pay-per-view match. I love the fact they kept up with the Intercontinental Title storyline when Big Show knocked out The Miz. Hopefully we will see that match down the road.

It was really disappointing more people weren't into the Roman Reigns-Bray Wyatt match until the end of it. I personally didn't it was that bad of match. I really wish people would stop hating on Reigns. I got it at first but the guy is working his butt off. He's done more then anyone has asked for since Wrestlemania so he needs to be given the shot that he originally was suppose to have. I personally don't Wyatt-Reigns should have been booked to begin with. A lost by either guy would kill a lot of momentum for where their suppose to go. I am absolutely disgusted that John Cena went over on Kevin Owens. He got to kill the momentum of Rusev at Wrestlemania and now he got to derail Kevin Owens early WWE career. This really feels like a Vince McMahon decision and that's why he needs to step down and let Stephanie and Triple H run the company.

In the Main Event, Seth Rollins was dominated Brock Lesnar in the early going. Rollins had some offense but Lesnar dominated. It looked like Lesnar had the title won until the gong hit and the lights went out. The Undertaker appeared and did the Tombstone to Lesnar twice to end the show. Overall with all the hype, rumors and attention this pay-per-view was getting it was kind of a letdown leading up to Summerslam. Yes, The Undertaker showed up but that was spoiled by all these "journalists" who reported that The Undertaker and Sting would be at Battleground. This is another reason why I hate all the pro wrestling "journalists." They make up garbage, then the fans buy into it and then when it doesn't happen the fans crap all over the product or when it does happen it's not a surprise any longer.

Overall I would give the show 6 out of 10 for not living up to the hype and for WWE allowing their surprises to be leaked. I truly hope the next four weeks of television builds up Summerslam to be a great show because tonight did very little to do so. Summerslam is four weeks but until then soak in what you saw tonight and hope for better the next time around.

The Re-Evolution of Women in WWE

This past Monday on Raw, WWE fans across the world got a moment they were longing for. For about the last 10 years since the careers of the Lita and Trish Stratus ended the Divas Division has been the sacrificial lamb of WWE. It's been the match to calm people before the main event, and it's been known as the bathroom break match. The Divas have not gotten the respect that many feel they deserve. Over the last year and a half the women of the NXT brand have been making a lot noise and gaining notoriety that women in WWE haven't seen in the years. The reason I call it the the re-evolution is because this is isn't the first time Divas evolved. In the early 2000's when Divas weren't really doing much then a long came ladies like Trish Stratus, Lita, Chyna, Jacqueline, Ivory, Molly Holly, Victoria, and Jazz. Before them there was Alundra Blayze and Sable but they really had no competition for them to shine.

Since Lita and Trish ended their careers I am going to give you a list of all the women who either held the Divas or Womens title. I am going to either put good or bad by their name. Good means that they were a positive for the Divas Division and bad means they were a negative for the Divas Division:

Michelle McCool- Good
Maryse- Good
Jillian Hall- Bad
Melina- Good
Eve Torres- Good
Natalya- Good
Brie Bella- Bad at first, Good now
Nikki Bella- Bad at First, Good Now
Kelly Kelly- Bad
Layla- Good
Kaitlyn- Good
Alicia Fox- Good
Candice Michelle- Bad
Beth Phoenix- Good
AJ Lee- Good

With the majority of the Divas between 2006 and now being decent why didn't they get put into the spotlight? May it's because they didn't have a good background story? Maybe it's because they were pretty faces with forced ability and no passion? Maybe it's because they weren't developed in a system like the NXT women? It could be all of these things but I still think some of them would fit well in today's Divas Division.

Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Charlotte and Paige all have great stories. They have all have backgrounds and they all have the passion to be the best.  A lot of people are conflicted that they were introduced by Stephanie McMahon but the words behind the introduction were powerful and inspiring. I think the Divas Division is going to become the highlight of the rest of 2015 and into 2016. If I were to rank the top 15 Divas in WWE and in NXT here is how I would rank them

1. Paige
2. Sasha Banks
3. Charlotte
4. Becky Lynch
5. Nikki Bella
6. Brie Bella
7. Naomi
8. Tamina
9. Emma
10. Bayley
11. Alexa Bliss
12. Alicia Fox
13. Dana Brooke
14. Carmella
15. Cameron

As you can see the Divas division is looking strong and will continue to get stronger. I hope they be in the spotlight at events like Summerslam, Wrestlemania and the other big events WWE produces. I honestly haven't been this excited about women in wrestling for a long time. The future is here, now and ready to shine. It's time for women in the WWE to steal the spotlight and steal the show. The only thing left is to bring back this:

Hollywood and Brent Predict the 2015 MLB Home Run Derby

This year will be the 30th Anniversary of the Home Run Derby during the All Star Festivities. There is a new format, two veterans, and lots of hungry young players wanting to make a name for themselves. Brent Schrader and myself talk Home Run Derby, it's participants and who will take home the trophy in this in depth conversation:

Joey Williamson
Welcome to the 2015 Home Run Derby Prediction Coverdsation

Here are the first round matchups

Albert Pujols vs. Kris Bryant 

Joc Pederson vs. Manny Machado 

Josh Donaldson vs. Anthony Rizzo 

Todd Frazier vs. Prince Fielder Official

Brent Schrader
I'm liking those first round matchups Hollywood. Lots of power there.

What do you think? Any upsets?

Joey Williamson
Although I pick Prince Fielder to move past the first round I could see Todd Frazier upsetting him

Brent Schrader
Hey Hollywood. I got the seedings up. Frazier is the second seed. But you're right. I can Todd winning. He's many peoples favorite to win it all.

I can see Prince winning also. That matchup is huge. I'm looking at the Number One seed Albert Pujols vs Kris Bryant the 8 seed.

Joey Williamson
Kris Bryant is having a hell of a year as a rookie. The Cubs have life in them for the first time in years. It's crazy because the Cubs have two chances to win the Derby.

Brent Schrader I gotta say Kris Bryant isn't a friggin 8 seed in this contest. Just because he's a rookie.

I think he can beat Pujols. He's got scary power.

Joey Williamson
Which Cub has the best chance, Rizzo or Bryant?

Brent Schrader
I honestly think Bryant.

Joey Williamson Is there anyone you wish would have been in the Derby? I have two

Brent Schrader
I don't see Rizzo getting past Josh Donaldson to be honest with you.

I'm a Tigers fan. As you know. I gotta go with Cespedes. The man has won the Home Run Derby before. He can put on a show.

Joey Williamson
Yes he can...for me I wish Stanton and Harper would have been in

But back to Donaldson...

Brent Schrader
If Stanton hadn't been injured. Absolutely, Bryce Harper's killing it for the Nationals.

Joey Williamson
Donaldson has brought life into the Blue Jays much like Bryant and Rizzo have for the Cubs

Brent Schrader
Josh Donaldson is one of those stars that flies under the radar playing for the Blue Jays. But you're right. The guy has talent. He's been a budding star since playing with the A's. 21 HR's at the break. You can't count him out of this.

I think he beats Rizzo but could run into a beast mode killer in either Frazier or Fielder.

Who do you think takes home the hardware?

Joey Williamson
I don't think Fielder will go any farther then first round...He's getting older and really isn't in shape like he should be. Because of the time limit stamina will be a HUGE factor

At the end of the day, I have to go with Kris Bryant. He has the most to prove

Brent Schrader
See I think Fielder is in better shape than he was with Detroit. I think he'll give Frazier a good run for his money.

However I do agree with you.

I want to go with Bryant here as well.

Joey Williamson
Really we agree? That’s scary

But who will he beat in the finals?

Brent Schrader
I think he'll beat Prince Fielder. I'm going with him. He's been revitalized, and I think he's got a lot to prove also.

Joey Williamson
I can see where you're going. I am going to throw it out there and say it will be an all Cubs Final. Rizzo vs. Bryant

Before we end do you think any of these guys have a chance to be MVP this year?

Brent Schrader
MVP? You know. Pujols has a shot at MVP. He's returned to his old self from when he was with the Cardinals.

You know who we forgot to mention though. Poor Manny Machado and Joc Pederson in this contest. How do you see their chances? Slim to none?

Joey Williamson
Machado and Pederson would be pissed if people like us kept overlooking them. I think on any given night anyone could be a killer in the Derby. Look how it made Josh Hamilton a superstar when he dominated at Yankee Stadium

Brent Schrader
Josh Hamilton is left handed and he was hitting at Yankee Stadium. That year was made for him.

Joey Williamson
He still kicked ass! Speaking of the Texas Rangers as far as MVP...Prince Fielder hands down right with Miguel Cabrera on the DL

Brent Schrader
You're right though. One of them could come out and win this thing. They'd be downright pissed if we didn't mention them. Hell we'd look like fools if they won. And Prince is revitalized. He's having a hell of a year man.

Joey Williamson
13 Home Runs, 51 RBI's and .346 BA

Brent Schrader
Not numbers to laugh at Hollywood.

Joey Williamson
Why couldn't he perform like that in Detroit?

Brent Schrader
I'd like to see a few more bombs from Prince though. I think in Detroit he had his mind too much on his personal affairs. Which is sad. He was getting paid far too much money to worry about women.

Detroit did the right thing in getting rid of him at the time.

Joey Williamson
I agree. So we both agree that Kris Bryant will win and Prince is reinvented himself. It's anyones contest to win. I am looking forward to watching this unfold. Any final thoughts?

Brent Schrader
When's the last time someone hit a bomb over 500 feet? That's what I'd like to see this year. That's my final answer Joe.

Joey Williamson
500 feet would be awesome. Well Brent thanks for your predictions and insight into the Home Run Derby this year. Tune in to the Home Run Derby Monday Night at 8pm on ESPN

Brent Schrader
It's been a pleasure!

A Rod snubbed? Or blackballed? You be the judge.

With the MLB All Star Game looming just a mere seven days away. There's been a lot of media hype surround Cincinatti for various reasons. We will see the Home Run Derby. We will see Pete Rose make a triumphant return to what was once his city. And yes, we will see the All-Star Game itself. Where the National League takes on the American League for homefield advantage in the World Series. The teams have been chosen and there have been a few surprises that made the team. There is one big surprise however, in who was left off. Alex Rodriguez, did not make the AL All Stars.

Now I know a lot of people will state. "So what. He didn't make the team. The guy is a cheater!" I say this about the All-Star games and the Hall Of Fame. If you dig really deep and take out everyone who was dirty and didn't use anything to get an edge in the game. Take them all out of the All Star Games and out of the Hall Of Fame, you'll have a few empty Hall Of Fame and very few people on the All Star teams. So please check your morals at the door.

Alex Rodriguez deserves to be there. Plain an simple. His numbers. .283 batting average. 16 home runs. 47 RBI's. While not earth shattering. Are pure and very strong numbers alone at this point in the season. And sure if you put him up against Nelson Cruz and Prince Fielder. The two DH's on the AS team. His numbers aren't quite up to par with those in his specific position. However, you could surely make a case for him against some of the reserves.

A-Rod versus Brock Holt. I have seriously never even heard of Brock Holt until he was elected to go to this years All Star team. But look at his line. .294 batting average 2 HR's and 21 RBI's. and a .802 OPS which is nothing compared to A-Rods .902 OPS. Yet A-Rod is out and this guy is in. The AL has many relief pitchers in. Brad Boxberger? Who is that? Who the hell knows. One of the most under the radar closers in the game makes it to the game and is stunned when he gets the phone call stating he made it. He gets in and A-Rod is shunned. John Kruk made one of the dumbest statements on ESPN when he stated the number don't back up A-Rod getting in. Ok they sure in the hell don't back up Brock Holt or even Russell Martin compared to A-Rod. But yet Yost snubbed him in favor of his boys or another fielder.

Which all of this makes me wonder. Has A-Rod been blackballed here? He didn't even get a shot at making it with the AL's final vote. I have an odd feeling that with his past even if he had a .340/25/65 line right now. He wouldn't make the team anyway. Just purely because of his history. And it's not right. He's an all-star personality. He'd put asses in the seats. And we all know this year is pure. The guy's urine has to be like spring water for him to even be able to play. I frankly don't find it right. He's almost 40, and he's putting up these kinds of numbers. We know A-Rod will be retiring soon. One more All Star game would've given him some sort of redemption for his past. However with 14 All Star Games behind him. It's not something I'm sure he'll be missing much sleep over.

The HOF snub that may come after he retires might be a different story however. Let's just hope this isn't the trend for a player who would've had the numbers no matter what era he played in.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Highlights My Favorite Fourth of July Memories

For as long as I can remember, one of NASCAR's greatest races, on perhaps it's greatest track, is held on every 4th of July weekend. Most people look at the Daytona 500 as the greatest race in stock car racing. but how can you not put the 400 mile race right up there with it? The special paint schemes, the patriotism and the fact it's under the lights makes for a great race. I've been watching this race since I was a child. Looking back on it, I have two very distinct memories of the 4th of July weekend in Daytona. 

In 2001, NASCAR lost arguably its greatest driver in Dale Earnhardt Sr. on the last lap of the Daytona 500.  Two of Dale Sr's cars finished first and second, but unfortunately, neither Michael Waltrip or Dale Jr. could celebrate. They mourned and Waltrip's victory was the backstory to the tragedy the occurred that day. Fast forward five months at the Daytona night race and the return to the track that claimed a father and a team owner's life. Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt Jr. teamed up to finish first and second again. This time, Junior was first and Waltrip was second. They got to celebrate the two Daytona victories together. I can honestly say as a fan of both Earnhardt's, I was overcome with emotion. In my heart and mind, I still believe this was and is the greatest victory Junior ever had. Any normal person would have dreaded going back to the place where their father passed away; however, Junior and Waltrip took all the emotion and gave everyone some iconic images that will never be forgotten.

We fast forward to 2010, when Dale Jr. drove for Richard Childress in the Nationwide Race. He drove the iconic Wrangler #3 car, which was his dad's first big sponsor in NASCAR. It was the old school paint scheme with a modern day look. I truly believe the Intimidator was inside Junior that night and that it was destiny to win that race. A lot of people thought when Senior passed away, the number died with him. Junior gave everyone their dream for one night and made the most of it. I think it gave Junior, Richard Childress and NASCAR some closure into everything that happened nine years earlier. 

I personally love the Coke Zero, Pepsi, or Firecracker 400. It doesn't matter what you call it, because the race speaks for itself. I always keep a close eye on the number 88 to see what magic he comes up with. Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the rest of the Sprint Cup drivers always put on a good race on the 4th of July, and I am sure in the years to come, we will be provided with more memories and iconic images from the greatest track in America. I can't wait for the fireworks on and off the track at Daytona.