Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
The SmarkTown Weekly
January 27, 2003
Alan Edwards

The Return of the Red and Yellow
Hulkamania’s running wild again! Proving that Hulk still rules, Stephanie McMahon’s bombshell wasn’t a promise for a PPV return of a Hollywood superstar as many had expected…but the surprise return of the man formerly known as Hollywood! Proving he could still draw the biggest pops, Hogan came out at the New York SmackDown taping to an ovation possibly bigger than the one he received after WrestleMania X8 on the Montreal show. Hulk sat down with the WWE.com writing team later with some comments on his return.

One thing Hogan had mentioned is that nobody in the crowd, not to mention very few backstage, had any idea he’d be appearing that night. The Hulkster even hinted that he, himself may not have known he was returning until less than a week before that night. He did admit that there was more to his leaving than a simple back injury, but did feel the time was right for him to return.

This sets up a huge match for WrestleMania X9, pitting Hogan against Vince McMahon in the ultimate worked-shoot type of angle. Of course, we all know it’s a work now…but in that ring, mark my words…there will be some real heat, bringing back issues and frustrations from the past. Vince knows what the people want this time, and hopefully, he’ll give it to them. Hogan went over Rock cleanly last year, he couldn’t possibly job to Vince now.

Unfortunately for some marks and smarks alike, this is most likely Hogan’s last run. It has an air of “bringing closure” and one can’t help but feel that he is doing his very best to go out on top. Add in the “Real American” music, and put him over Vince…and for good measure, end the brand extension and put him over HHH for the title…and let him retire at the VERY top. This is what Hogan deserves. Hulkster, I’m marking for you…and I always will. Enjoy your last run.



Raven, Justin Credible Released

In a move that surprised no smark on this planet, Vince McMahon’s company released to of the true talents on their roster this week. Former ECW World Champions Justin Credible and Raven were let go just days after Raven entered into a new gimmick on Raw.

Raven, re-debuting in a way, sported short blond hair and an entirely new gimmick but had no time to develop it. While it could have been wildly successful, we’ll now never know. It’s further proof of the “Competition Burying” that Vince has been actively participating in.

Popular ECW Stars Buried by Vince:
Raven, Justin Credible, Tommy Dreamer, RVD (Come on, he’s getting buried, can’t you see it?), Taz, Steven Richards, Mike Awesome, and possibly Rhyno upon his return. ALL OF THESE SUPERSTARS were ECW Champions besides Rob Van Dam, and all have been buried by WWE.

Popular WCW Stars Buried by Vince: (partial list, of course)
Lance Storm, Hugh Morrus, Booker T, Steven Regal, Diamond Dallas Page, David Flair, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, Shannon Moore, Chavo Guerrero, Buff Bagwell, Curt Hennig, Perry Saturn, Johnny the Bull, Shawn Stasiak, and many more

As you can see, Vince has done more than enough to ensure that those who held any type of belt in the competitors’ arenas are at least one notch down the card if they are even employed that long. In many cases, he has simply buried and released top-notch talent. All this is eventually going to lead to the rise of NWA-TNA or another promotion, and the competition will again make programming better. However, until then, we are losing the chance to see great talent in action.

Vince, swallow your pride and utilize your talent!




Credits:
Alan Edwards, Alan Edwards, and Alan Edwards. alanpugh@sbcglobal.net to get in touch, and if you’re female, send a pic for a quick response. If you’re male, send a pic of your sister, and that will work just as well. As always, keep your shoulders off the mat, and keep reaching for the ropes…transmission complete…

*static*