Nice appearance on Between the Ropes this week Kevin. It was only Fritz and his Producer for the whole show, because Vito and Dickerman were MIA so it was nice to have a smart guest call in.

I agree with your points about Matt Hardy turning on Jeff, and how it will mean so much more then when they tried it back in '01.

Did MVP get any sort of reaction, or has the losing streak killed all interest in his character?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Thanks. I could barely hear Fritz's questions because I was at the Arena so I hope I didn't say anything stupid.

MVP did get a reaction. A lot of fans at ringside were on him about losing, so at least people still care avout him to some degree.

It is off topic for this post, but my new favorite wrestlers (in addition to Shwan Micheals, Jeff Hardy and Undertaker)

Rey Mysterio - he has been having great matches and flying all over the place. He's been on fire for a few months now

Kofi Kingston - awesome moves, but as Jerry Lawler said, he makes a simple drop kick look mind boggling. That move he did where he ducked a punch, took the arm over his head and rolled was awesome.

He needs a good story line to elevate him. Possibly will with Kane and they will likely work well together. It will be a shame that Kane has to job out again though.

CM Punk - another one who has been having great matches

When Evan Bourne gets back, the mid card will be stacked with amazing action.

The tag team match between Morrison/Miz and KK and Punk the other night on Raw was great. It is a shame though that it looks they are probably dropping the HBK Morrinson feud. That had great potential to elevate Morrison more. And as much as I hate to say it, Miz is winning me over as a heel.

What's this supposed to mean?
So you are not going to post tomorrow about Smackdown, full with spoilers and everything?
Couldn't you wait a few hours more? What's wrong with you?!

Oh, right. I've almost forgotten. Thank you very much for another post,Keveck.

I think JH getting such a good response must partly be from relief that the seemingly endless cycle of back and forth between the top stars has been broken (CM Punk not included). WWE gives the fans same old same old so much, getting something different is a real luxury. It's a shame it seems like we're heading to a Batista/HHH double title win at Mania though - If Batista/Cena is twice as good as at Summerslam it'll still be a trainwreck by Mania main event standards.

Now Hardy has the belt, do you have any thoughts on who the next first time world champ will be? I personally would enjoy a feature profiling the guys who have a chance and how you rate their prospects.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Like your idea abut potential world champs. I'll put on that on my to-do list.

Awesome Blog Kevin I was at the show too and believe Baltimore Sold Out or not can put many cities to shame!!!!!!!! We love our wrestling here in Baltimore. A lot of people here live and breathe for a WWE show in town but I agree a family of 4 right now would be a pricey night out. They would spend $200.00 on tickets $20.00 to park. The kids are going to want to eat and drink along with Mom and Dad and maybe something from the merch stand so you are talking a family of 4 spending at a minimum $250.00-$300.00. So until Mr. Obama gets this economy going I think empty seats will continue and the WWE knows this as they would sell out at The Baltimore Arena quickly if they give us a Pay Per View in 2009. I would bet my bottom dollar it would sell out quick....Thanks again for the great writing and don’t let those Pittsburgh fans get to you!!!!!

Kevin - you probably were sitting fairly close to where my daughter and I were sitting based on the R-Truth entrance --- we had floor seats in section 4 - but in the 5th row --- and lots of kids were around us. My daughter who is short was having issues taking pictures due to the first few rows standing up during entrances but other than that - we really enjoyed the show - Overall I agree that although the arena wasn't as packed as I thought it would be, the enthusiasm was great - especially the cheers for Jeff and the jeers for Edge. Personally, as I've said before my favorite wrestler was Triple H --- so
I was disappointed he didn't do his usual water-spitting entrance, etc. and although he was good when he came in, if you blinked you missed him - so I was disappointed in that area. Now I know he does what he's told to do - and whether he appears for 20 minutes or 2 minutes, he gets paid, so I can't blame him for that. But on another note, after Tuesday, I think Triple H went down a notch on my favorite list and Jeff Hardy moved from my 4th favorite wrestler to the top spot. After "chasing the gold" for awhile and his personal demons/tragedies, I think he truly appreciates it and really cares for his fans.

I've got a different opinion of Triple H after Tuesday --- Tuesday around 1 p.m., a co-worker and I (we work about 2.5 blocks from the First Mariner Arena) decided to walk over on our lunch break and see if any of the wrestlers were arriving, and see if we could get any pictures and maybe an autograph if we were lucky enough. When we arrived, there were probably about 12-15 people there with the same intention - some of them had been there a few hours. We were informed that Edge was already there and the Undertaker (who by the way I heard is dating Michelle McCool and they arrived together) -- but during the 30 minutes we stood there, a limo pulled up and Triple H got out really close to the exit of the garage across from where we were standing - the fans were calling him, etc. and he didn't even turn around, wave, anything --- I guess at that point, I became disillusioned with him - thinking you know I'm paying money tonight to come see you guys and you can't even wave --- I guess stardom has gone to his head. Oh well --- on another note, while we were there, Ricky Ortiz arrived who was very gracious and posed for pictures for people and Todd Grisham arrived who was also very courteous and posed for pics and signed some autographs. Anyway - overall I thought the show was good --- and I'll just stop and end this --- signed by a disillusioned with Triple H fan.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I was in the first row in Sec. 7 (hard camera side). If you watch the show on TV, you'll get a lovely view of the back of my head for a good portion of it.

im 29 y/o been goin to events at the arena since sting v flair in 1990,i just have 1 question,,was the old guy who brings a rubber chicken to antagonize the heels there?i didnt go last night cause i was 2 lazy but that guy is always there near ringside

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I haven't seen that guy there in years. Nor have I seen Dr. X.

I know who would be at the top of my potential champions list....... Mis-terrrrr Kennedy! That is assuming he could stay healthy enough to get the belt in the first place. Can you imagine the promos he'd cut as champion? It'd be priceless. I'm talking one's that would rival the Rock here.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I wouldn't put anyone in The Rock's league.

I remember the rubber chicken guy, too. He looked fairly old when I saw him a few years ago, so maybe age has caught up with him.

There were a few Ravens fans that I saw on TV, but not too many. I guess everyone has moved on from the 2008 season, since the Cowboys are probably going to beat up on the Ravens pretty bad Saturday night. What really sucks is that the Orioles are unlikely to be going to provide any relief to Baltimore sports fans.

ECW was pretty fun to watch. I've been enjoying the New Talent Initiative, since it gives the show a different feel from the other shows that use the same guys we've seen for years. I can't really get into Matt Stryker's commentary, and Todd Grisham isn't much better. The match quality is usually quite good, though.

The main event six man tag was a fast paced and enjoyable spectacle, with only a few botched moves. The Worlds Strongest Santa bit was pretty entertaining, too. I'm just waiting to see if they turn Atlas face, or just fire him when he's done with his current role. I think he's done quite well, and seems to have had a positive influence on Henry since his arrival a few months ago. Besides, how can you not respect a duo whose powerlifting credentials are as accomplished as theirs? There aren’t too many people that could bench 500+ raw.

kevin,who is Dr X? I saw the chicken guy at a smackdown taping like in 05 i remember it was when JBL was comparing himself to real americans,i became a jbl fan that night when he compared himself to MLK.Anyway i remember the guards telling chicken guy to put the rubber chicken away , i think because he was always on camera,and when they turned their backs he would shake the chicken at them

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: In the 1980s there was a guy with a Dr. X mask and t-shirt who used to attend the shows at the Baltimore Civic Center and the Capital Centre.

Hey, if Miz isn't used to the you suck chants by now he'll never get used to them.

"signed by a disillusioned with Triple H fan."

Another reason The Trip should just turn heel again where he naturally belongs so you can let out your outrage appropriately.

His character is cool and he is a great performer in the right situation, but I don't get how people buy into his holier and better than everyone else persona as a baby face.

I remember rubber-chicken guy. Back in the '70's I used to sit in the front row near Mrs. Krieger, and RCG was always around. His name is Ron and he lives in Montgomery County. I last saw him about a year and a half ago at an Orioles game. He told me then that he still goes to the big events in Balt. and D.C. (which is more than I do at this stage in my life).

Other Civic Center memories:

Georgette Krieger (1899-1982)--wrestling's all-time number one fan. The WWWF honored Georgette with an in-ring ceremony featuring Andre the Giant (French, just like Georgette) in 1979. I often wonder what she would think of today's "sports entertainment". I think she'd prefer the indies.

Mildred, the security guard they assigned primarily to keep Georgette from going overboard.

Ed, a strange guy who would take out his false teeth and try to hand them to female wrestlers.

Duane and his pom-poms, also visible at Blast games.

Dr. X, Bud and all those other guys sitting across from us on the other side of the ring.

Johnny Venditti, ring announcer par excellence. He and Washington's "Friendly" Bob Freed were the best around, with Joe McHugh running closely behind.

The ritual before-the-card dinner at the Gino's across the street.

Pat Buckley--is he still the ring attendant at the WWE cards?

Local refs--Vince DiPaula, Eddie Black, Ernie Fischer, Howard Zachmann, and--imported from Philadelphia--the legendary Dick Woehrle.

The State Athletic Commission with their overly-restrictive rules--plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.

Did Mrs. Ring Posts know you were hanging out at the Sheraton?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Of course.

Kevin, have you ever seen that steel cage before? That looked different than the normal cage and it looked like it was impossible to climb over the top/escape (especially with Big Show standing on the turnbuckle for a minute without making an attempt to climb out.)

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I have seen it before. That was an old-school cage.

Late December/early January is usually when WrestleMania speculation begins.

I'm putting my money on Triple H winning the Royal Rumble and facing Jeff Hardy at WM25.

I'm not sure who will win, but I guess we'll figure that out based on how Hardy manages with the title from here till then.

I always try to get floor seats but when ticket go on sale they are always already gone. HOW DO YOU GET FLOOR SEATS???

Kev, I agree that we would all would be interested on a post concerning future first time champs...I look forward to it.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: If I told you, I'd have to kill you.

Don't be too hard on HHH. Let me tell you a story from at least 20 years ago. I went to the Buffalo airport with my mother to meet a friend of hers. While we were waiting at the car rental counter, several wrestlers had just deplaned and were waiting for their cars. Among them was Randy Savage. I remember thinking it was strange to see him dressed as his wrestling character. Anyway, they all looked dog tired. A lady started asking for an autograph. Randy was very nice but he mentioned how tired they all were and they just wanted to get to their hotel. The lady asked a couple of more times and when she wasn't successful just stood their looking like someone stole her puppy. (And I am not talking about Jerry Lawler's puppies.) I can tell Savage felt bad about denying her but at the same time, I can completely understand why he did what he did.

So, it would be nice if celebrities could always take the time to give back to the fans who make their large salaries possible, but put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if everywhere you went there were people wanting a piece of you? You might enjoy the attention but there has to be times, for whatever reason, that would want some personal time. I remember reading Michael Jordan used to have to sneak into movie theaters 5 minutes after the show started and leave before it ended.

"A lady started asking for an autograph. Randy was very nice but he mentioned how tired they all were and they just wanted to get to their hotel. The lady asked a couple of more times and when she wasn't successful just stood their looking like someone stole her puppy. (And I am not talking about Jerry Lawler's puppies.) I can tell Savage felt bad about denying her but at the same time, I can completely understand why he did what he did."

So that's why Vince hates Savage!

Kevin, I know you have "sources" and contacts to report on the wrestling stroylines. I have been on Adam Copelands (Edge) myspace page (I know alot of these are fake) He posted a blog about the storyline with Jeff Hardy and basically was like he I didn''t write it. It was an WWE writer and even named him. He also appears eager for the storyline with Vickie G to be over as well...If this is his myspace page....anyway
Enjoy him as a performer.
Thanks for the work you do for the Sun

Bob - don't think I'm being too hard on HHH - it was 1:30 in the afternoon or so and we were just hoping he turned and waved - he didn't have to come over and sign autographs, etc. -- I'm sorry I feel if they don't want to acknowledge fans, then maybe they should get out of the limelight. I'm really favoring Hardy now,

Kevin, on another note - keep up the great blogs. I really enjoy them.

No Dr. X, but a Kevin Eck sighting. Hmmmm....thinking 1 in the same!

Kevin we were also sitting in section 7 in the 3rd row. We've been trying to place where you were in the 1st row as we don't remember seeing you based on the picture above. Side, Middle, Left?

As for that steel cage...I have not seen that since I was a kid watching wrestling at the "Baltimore Civic Center". I think it was Paul Orndorf vs. Hogan in the cage. Brought back memories.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Pretty close to the center of the row Unlike the picture above, I have bleached blonde hair (ala Hardcore Holly, Scott Steiner, Mr. Kennedy) at the moment.

Hi everyone, It is nice to be remembered, I am the fan in the stands, known as "Dr X"
I started the Dr. X masked wrestling fan, at the age of 15, until the age of 25, it was a blast. That of course was during the late 70's, and mid to late 80's.
Wrestling was so different in those days, we really wanted to beleive it was all real, kept ourselves on the end of our seats, cheering the "Good Guys", even though deep down we loved the bad boys like Ric Flair, Don Muraco, Superstar Billy Graham, but would always get on them, and give them hell.
In those days, we got to have so much fun, yelling at them, and them giving us crap back, no tv camera for them to rush the match, they loved response from the audience, and they fed off of our enthusiasm.
I have NOT been to a wrestling match in years, I took my kids, a few years ago to a PPV at the Arena, and it was truly a show, I did not feel the same atmosphere we had in the "Old Days", everything went smooth, the matches were great, but there was no connection with the audience.
I am now 45 yrs old,married, father of 3 awesome kids, busy coaching my kids in numerous sports.
And by the way, yes, I still watch all the wrestling shows, still read the wrestling observer weekly, have probably 300 wrestling tapes, most from the 70's & 80's.
I attended every monthly wrestling show in Baltimore as,well as at the Capital Centre, always donning a Whie Mask with a X on it, with a T-Shirt that had the picture of the Doctor X on it, white wrestling tights, and Black Boots, given to me, by Bob Backlund. I even met Pop Star at the time Debbie Harry, (Blondie), and she wore my shirt in concert, which I have a framed 11 x 14 framed pic of.
Keven, you do a great job, writing about the sport,

Thanks for remembering a very fun time