Fight Network Radio Recap December 9th
With Mauro Ranallo and John Pollock
By: Jorge Barbosa
Today's edition of TFN Radio is a pro wrestling pact show, as the first guest is James Guttman of World Wrestling Insanity and also author of "Shoot First, Ask Questions Later." Guttman tells us that TNA's current booking is suffering due to a lack of direction from the writers. He believes that the promotion needs to go back to basics in terms of plots. He asserts that fans enjoy simpler storylines which involve a clear start and finish. The other issue Guttman points out is that they have problems connecting with the fans; they have a great roster, but no direction with gimmicks and promos.
Ranallo then asks about his thoughts regarding the promo in professional wrestling and the increased amounts of comedy. It is said that wrestling is too scripted, thus the art of the promo has been lost. Guttman tell us that because of the added amount of script in the promo it hinders the performers, thus they are no longer able to project their own vision which in turn hurts the character they are trying to promote.
The discussion turns over to the WWE as the slammys become the topic of interest. When asked about his thoughts on the slammys, Guttman reveals that he was a fan of the production. I would have to agree on one of his points, as he suggests that the WWE did the right thing when it came to the placement of the slammy segments. The 3 hour show happened and the slammys was fit into it, as opposed to the show being centered on the concept of the slammys.
(Here's a little backstage news for ya: apparently on the Tribute to the Troops show, JBL has been harassing Joey Styles. Styles had enough and punched him in the face.) For more info check out the radio show.
Former WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino appears on the show to discuss his professional wrestling career. The legend tells us about his fond experiences in Toronto, as he praises the promotion headed by Frank Tunney. Sammartino tells us that once he began to get comfortable in Toronto, McMahon Sr. had called him up and wanted him back in the New York territory, according to Sammartino, "the New York promotion wasn't doing well."
Sammartino reveals his dislike for ring rival Buddy Rogers. He tells us that Rogers had a strong hold over the New York territory and with that, wanted to push his own boys. Therefore anyone whom he believed to be a threat was treated poorly. Sammartino tells us that several wrestlers were never utilized to their potential and Antonino "Argentina" Rocca was one of the many who suffered due to Rogers' politics. Despite all of the backstage happenings, Sammartino was given his title shot upon his return and captured the title in a matter of seconds.
Ivan Koloff was the other name brought out from the past, as Sammartino discusses their match for the WWWF strap. Sammartino tells us that after holding the title for 8 years, he was just beat up and needed time off to recuperate. In addition he talks about Koloff's strengths as a wrestler and puts him over.
Sammartino continues to say that after Morales took the title, business started to drop slightly. Vince Sr. had asked him once again, to come back for a year until they could find a new superstar who could carry the load. Of course we know that the proposed one year lead to several more for Sammartino.
To end off the discussion, Ranallo asks, "Will you ever accept an invitation to the WWE Hall of Fame?" Sammartino responds, "I don't think so, Vince Jr. changed too many things." Essentially he tells us that since the product turned to the extreme usage of nudity, profanity and steroids, he has been turned off to the promotion he once held the title for. Since the WWE has recently made attempts to alter the "rating" in the programming, it would be interesting to know what his thoughts are on the current product.
Catch Fight Network Radio every Monday - Friday at 3pm EST on Sirius 98 Hardcore Sports Radio
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