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2/7 Dot Net One Shots: The Dot Net staff give their quick thoughts from the previous week in WWE, TNA, MMA and indie wrestling

Posted in: Blogs, MUST-READ LISTING
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Feb 8, 2013 - 12:00 PM

Welcome to the Dot Net One Shots. Each week, we will present a quick "one shot" thought from each staff member about the previous week in each of the following areas: WWE, TNA and Other (MMA, Indies, etc).

WWE

Will Pruett (Twitter - @itswilltime): Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. This is increasingly the case with Raw. Between The Rock, Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman, and C.M. Punk, Raw has been a must-watch show. Sadly, we've also seen comedy and far too many pointless matches. It's hard to accept good and bad sometimes, but at least there is some good.

Jake Barnett (Twitter - @barnettjake): It's strange to me that the closing segment of Raw went over so poorly, considering how much star power it had. Maybe it was the crowd, maybe it was the Maddox segment prior, but it just didn't work. Crowd burnout is a very real factor on these 3 hour Raws.

Zack Zimmerman (Twitter - @zzimm22): Paul Heyman is a genius, what more needs to be said? I can't ever recall a character bringing as much to the show on a weekly basis as he is. Every act he's associated with benefits exponentially from his presence. Except maybe Brad Maddox. I've enjoyed some of his stuff, but was that supposed to be a babyface turn? People don't like rats, losers, or whiners; all of which accurately describe the Brad Maddox character.

Ryan Kester (Twitter - @Innominatus_): Out of all the things that keep me coming back to wrestling week after week, Paul Heyman's current act is one of the most prevalent. He's doing some of the most unique and entertaining work of his career, and the method he's using to "manage" Lesnar is doing wonders to make the man look like an even bigger best than he already is.

Darren Gutteridge (Twitter - @Dazatheg): I liked the way WWE smoothly got around the problem of The Rock not appearing on Raw, but I can't help but feel they missed a chance to let Punk cut a promo on it. Not in a Cena style "I'm always here, he's not", but as a way to proclaim he's a better "peoples champion". It draws attention to Rock's unfortunate situation, but if anyone could turn it into a positive, it's Punk.

Chris Shore (Twitter - @TheShoreSlant): Mark Henry's return filled my heart with joy. Henry was the reason to watch Smackdown just a few months ago until an injury sidelined him for much longer than I would have thought. The best part is he appears to be playing the same character instead of trying to establish himself as a babyface. He may yet turn, but I think what he's doing now is a perfect continuation from before.

TNA

Will Pruett: As much as I have criticized the theory of the move, I am really enjoying Bully Ray as a babyface. His performances are lending credibility to Brooke Hogan, Hulk Hogan, and Sting. He is holding this wedding story with the Aces and Eights together at this moment.

Jake Barnett: The Aces and Eights are now a total albatross on the TNA brand. It's billed as a powerful heel faction, yet they are always losing matches and voluntarily unmasking members, ruining their element of surprise. TNA need to hit the drawing board and turn this around quickly, otherwise they are just prolonging the agony.

Zack Zimmerman: James Storm was a long term story plan, and it didn't play out. Claire Lynch was a long-term story idea, and it was dropped. The addition of Bischoff and Brisco to Aces and Eights may be a nail in the coffin for another failed attempt at a story arc. I'll admit I was the final holdout for the long-haired member being Cliff Compton, on the basis of not wanting to see Brisco nor Bischoff featured any more prominently on weekly TV. At least the shows feel big-time in the UK even if the storytelling doesn't; a reality I foresee following Impact as they go on the road.

Ryan Kester: I am thrilled to hear the news that TNA is taking their show on the road permanently. While the Impact Zone crowds have improved recently, the stage still gives TNA a stuffy feel and doesn't allow them to be presented as a big deal. This move will not solve all of TNA's issues with some of their stories, booking decisions, and pacing, but I am excited to see what kind of life this breathes into the product.

Chris Shore: With Jeff Hardy's sudden appearance on the WWE Alumni section, many have wondered whether Hardy will resign with TNA or make the jump back to WWE. While I still believe Jeff re-signs, a sudden departure of not only a star the likes of Jeff Hardy but also their champion could do serious damage to TNA's credibility.

Other (MMA, Indies, Etc)

Will Pruett (Bonus): Want to see the difference in how to build up major invading factions and their feud with main event talent? Look at The Shield and Aces and Eights. The Shield was made of virtual unknowns. The Shield has had far less mic time. The Shield could actually main event a pay-per-view. Aces and Eights had the advantage of known talent, but has somehow squandered it.

Jake Barnett (UFC): I just want to give some credit to Bigfoot Silva for getting a huge victory over Alistair Overeem. Just another example of how underestimating your opponent in MMA is a terrible mistake that Alistair seems to repeat far too often.

Zack Zimmerman (Wrestling is _____ ): In my state, Wrestling is Art. Elsewhere, Wrestling is Fun, Serious, Respect, Awesome, and Best. I'm intrigued by Mike Quackenbush's venture to set up Chikara-esque territorial promotions throughout the Northeast. Massachusetts is getting Colt Cabana, Mike Quackenbush, Chuck Taylor, AR Fox, Sugar Dunkerton, and other top indie talent on Feb 16 and 17. Do some research and see if your state has a Wrestling is promotion of its own because it is likely worth checking out. Support independent wrestling.

Ryan Kester (UFC): If you're not watching this season's The Ultimate Fighter, you missed one of the most brutal knockouts I have ever seen. Uriah Hall hit a spinning back kick flush on Adam Cella's jaw that put the man down for several uncomfortable minutes. Hall is one to keep an eye on.

Darren Gutteridge (Social Media): How has the world never invented a time related filter for social media feeds? Imagine, if you watch Raw on a Tuesday morning as I do, there was an option to remove all wrestling related accounts from your Twitter feed until you turn them back on after watching it, helping you avoid all spoilers. In fact, consider this my 'patent pending'.

Chris Shore (ROH): ROH seems so close to breaking through to a great wrestling television show, but something keeps holding them back. I have no idea what it is. Sure, transmitting in HD would help (they plan to change soon), but that isn't the problem. As logical and thoughtful as the booking has been, it hasn't been exciting yet. Here's hoping Hunter Johnston will take a chance on something outlandish here soon.

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