News and views on Scott Hall, Matt Hardy, Desmond Wolfe
Here are some recent pro wrestling headlines and my take on them:
News: Scott Hall is sentenced to 10 days in jail in Seminole County (Fla.) stemming from an incident last year in which he was charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer at a bar. Given credit for time served, Hall will actually be incarcerated for eight days beginning July 5, according to wrestlingobserver.com.
My view: What else can you say about Hall at this point other than it’s a very sad situation and you just hope than he can straighten himself out at some point and get well.
News: Matt Hardy reportedly was not at last week’s Impact Wrestling tapings because he was being disciplined by TNA for repeatedly showing up late to events.
My view: It wasn’t all that long ago that my perception of the Hardys was that Jeff was the screw-up and Matt was the responsible one. Now I’m of the opinion that they both have character issues. I respect what they have accomplished in the business and put their bodies through for our entertainment, but their behavior outside the ring is troubling to say the least. After seeing the infamous Taser video on YouTube, I don’t know how anyone can possibly feel good about these guys.
News: Desmond Wolfe is released by TNA.
My view: Wolfe’s inactivity in TNA over the past nine months has been the subject of much speculation. Last September, Wolfe (aka Nigel McGuinness) was scheduled to participate in a tag team match at the No Surrender pay-per-view, but he and partner Magnus were replaced at the last minute reportedly because an undisclosed medical issue with Wolfe. Wolfe did not appear on TV again until last month, when he returned to play the role of commissioner on TNA Xplosion, a syndicated show that airs outside the U.S. Rumors regarding Wolfe’s medical situation have circulated for months, but none of them have been substantiated. It is worth noting that a month prior to Wolfe signing with TNA, WWE reportedly backed out of a verbal agreement with him because he failed the company’s pre-screening medical exam. As a fan, I’m disappointed that Wolfe’s wrestling career may be over. I enjoyed his work and thought he was going to be a major player in TNA for years to come. Wolfe made an immediate impact in TNA by feuding with Kurt Angle and having a couple of outstanding pay-per-view matches with him. Once Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff joined TNA, however, it didn’t take long for Wolfe to slide down the card. Had he not had the medical issue, I wonder if Wolfe would have eventually received another opportunity at a top spot.
Comments
A TNA thought I had the other day:
Why is TAZZ an announcer ?
The whole time he was a wrestler he never talked. Bill Alfonso and Rob Van Damm did all the talking. Tazz and Sabu just stood there.
The most talking Tazz ever did, was when they were setting up the whole Tazz-Sabu feud. And even then it was a series of " I'm going to break your neck " or "Get your ass out here Sabu !!! "
It just seemed like Vince gave Tazz the announcer job to screw over ECW.
And then once ECW was no longer a threat. Bye - bye Tazz. Then TNA picked him up like he was talking talent.
People trash Booker T. But at least Booker T was a talker.
Those old Harlem Heat promos were all Booker T running his mouth.
Stevie Ray on the other hand just stood there looking tough.
And that's the way I look at it. TNA might as well have Stevie Ray as their commentator.
Posted by: Evan Benz | June 22, 2011 12:35 AM
Matt Hardy never really had problems with tardiness in WWE as far as we've known. My guess is professionalism breeds professionalism. In WWE, they know if you're on time or if you're late. I'm guessing the atmosphere at TNA breeds character flaws.
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | June 22, 2011 1:15 AM
The Scott Hall info just continues to be a long recurring line of sad news. Everything I have read about him, states that most like him and truly think he is a good guy. His demons just continue to own him. Sad to read.
Hardy's on the other the hand just seem to be immature. Hall's issues are when he isn't sober (agreed that's far too often). Hardy's seem to be sober, drunk, other....doesn't matter.
Perhaps back in the territory days, before major publicly traded corporations and the access to instant info via the internet, you could get away with stupid behavior. Not anymore....these companies have too much to lose to invest in perennial screw ups.
Tough to feel bad for the Hardy's as many people do not get to experience the success they have, only to let their poor judgment mess it up.
Posted by: Dan | June 22, 2011 7:31 AM
The way I read it, he has already served eight days and only needs to serve two more.
RESPONSE FROM KE: That's what was reported initially, but wrestlingobserver.com later said that was incorrect,
Posted by: Rood Dog | June 22, 2011 11:07 AM