Shooting From The Hip Wrestling Podcast

Hottie Of The Week #2.9 Maria Kanellis

2012-02-27T00:09:00.000-06:00

Lets start off the week right but then again when I give you a new Hottie Of The Week every Monday it always starts right. This week I bring you a ravishing redhead who just celebrated her 30th birthday over the weekend. That is right I am talking about the very beautiful Maria Kanellis. Hard to believe she finished 5th in the 2004 Diva Search but she had stiff competition in the winner of the contest Christy Hemme. Since then she had a nice little run in the WWE but has moved on to others goals. She recently has shown up in Ring Of Honor with real life boyfriend Mike Bennett. Who I must say is a very lucky man but now we all get to be a little lucky and enjoy some very sexy pics of her.

HOTTIE OF THE WEEK
#2.9 MARIA KANELLIS

Talking Smack 2/21/12 The Super Duper Live Edition

2012-02-22T18:25:00.000-06:00

Welcome back to a very special edition of Talking Smack as it is the Super Duper Live Edition. Looking back at last nights live Smackdown. What can I say about the show as a whole but not very Super Duper. Maybe it is just me but when Smackdown goes live on a Tuesday the show should be more then just a normal week. Now sure there was good things but besides a Champion Vs. Champion match what was so special about that show? I'll still give it a pass but next time WOW me WWE. Now lets take a deeper look at the show.

I loved the opening with Daniel Bryan and The Miz until Sheamus came out just to set up an open match with Miz. Miz talking about how much he did to get Bryan where he was was pretty funny. Never would have thought that I would see Miz giving praise to him. Of course they had to ruin the start with a meaning less match that did nothing for anyone involved.

Who thought a R-Truth and Kofi Kingston tag team was a good idea? There to different to be paired but now they have to tag matches under the belt. I don't get why they beat the tag champs on Raw just to lose to Swagger and Ziggler on Smackdown thou. Not that I don't like Swagger and Ziggler as a team just would have made since to have a title match against Epico and Primo since they beat them in a non title match. Oh well I guess we just have to see if Little Boom stays together as a team or if they go in another direction.

Lucky for us we got another Mark Henry/Big Show match. Oh wait no that doesn't make us lucky at all. Nice they had a finish to the match as well. Oh wait again they didn't. Well at least Cody Rhodes came out during and made fun of the Big Show but then again that makes you believe we will be getting that match at Mania. What a treat for Cody to be put in a match with such a shitty opponent. Hopefully they at least have him go over Show.

Speaking of shit thanks WWE for the rematch between Ezekiel Jackson and David Otunga.

Lets just move on to the main event. I really enjoyed the wrestling in this match but it was not as good as there first match a few weeks ago on Raw. Sure it was better then most matches but I still expected them to out do themselves. The match was mostly used to build the story line feud between Teddy Long and John Laurinaitis about who should become General Manager of both shows. Not sure where the feud is going but you would assume some match or matches at Mania. Here is hoping for the end of Laurinaitis as an on screen personality.

There you have it for this weeks Talking Smack and I'll try and bring something good to read to replace it at the end of the week.

Hottie Of The Week #2.8 Madison Rayne

2012-02-20T02:13:00.000-06:00

Welcome back to another week in sexy women from the world of wrestling. This week you get the 26 year old former Knockouts Champion and current number one contender to the title as well as one half of the Knockouts Tag Team Champions. If you didn't read the title or haven't guessed by now it is the very beautiful Madison Rayne. Now onto the show.

HOTTIE OF THE WEEK
#2.8 MADISON RAYNE

Talking Smack 2/17/12 Random Thoughts Edition

2012-02-19T02:49:00.000-06:00

First off I just want to wish "The Original" Dan Phelps a very Happy Birthday a few hours late. Now onto the go home edition of Smackdown. Overall it was a nice show but lacking the going into a Pay-Per-View show. Just seemed like they were holding back but hopefully that means they go all out on Sunday and then the live Super Smackdown on Tuesday. Now it is just some random thought from the show.

First off why does Randy Orton always walk around in his gear and one of his t shirts? You never seem him in regular clothes and what made it weird last night was that he wasn't cleared to wrestle. Oh well if he wants to walk around like that all the time it is his business.

I hate when they put big guys in the chamber matches because then they never lose towards the build to the show. So now you have Big Show and Great Khali looking strong and Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes look weak and like filler. With as strong as they built Big Show last night I hope they use him to put over one of the heels big. Hopefully either Daniel Bryan or Cody Rhodes.

I don't know about you but I am so tired of seeing Ted Dibiase against Hunico. Then you had Ezekiel Jackson tapping out to Jindar Mahal but I thought Jackson was suppose to get another push. Not off to a good start if you are tapping to Mahal. Finally on the lower card guys why are they still not doing anything with Drew McIntyre? He is so talented and could be a quality mid carder if not a main event player.

Who thought it was a good idea to have Natalya's gimmick be that she farts? I thought that was bad enough but now they have her farting in matches. What kind of idiots work for WWE creative? Really wish they would show case the talent in the Divas division and not had them be a giant joke.

I did enjoy the Daniel Bryan's promo and then his match with Sheamus. I liked how they pushed his heel character in the promo and then do what ever he could do to get Sheamus to snap. Just wish they would give him a pin fall or submission win now and again. Hope he goes into WrestleMania as champ so his in a "Main Event".

Finally randomness is why in the blue hell did Santino get the last spot in the Elimination Chamber spot? As much as I know he has no shot of winning I'm worried why they put him in the match in the first place. Someone tell me they wont do something that makes another wrestler look stupid against Santino. I'd be fine if he pinned Big Show or Great Khali but if he eliminates anyone else or worse and wins the title I will be lost in what is going through the minds of Vince and his brain trust.

Classic On Honor February 2012 Part 1

2012-02-16T17:17:00.000-06:00

I decided that since we don't do a lot of talk about Ring Of Honor that I would start putting up blogs every few weeks on what is going on in the company. I will give my opinion on what is going on in the company good or bad and thoughts on where maybe they should go. This week I have thoughts on two current story lines that I'm not to fond of.

The first story line we will look at is the one between Ring Of Honor World Champion Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Kyle O'Reilly, and Adam Cole. Before I get into what I don't like let me say if you didn't watch last weeks ROH episode then you should because there is a great match between Eddie and Kyle. Also I would like to say that I consider Davey and Eddie two of the best pure wrestlers going today and Kyle and Adam are two young up and comers. However with that said I am not a fan of this whole feud, Basically it is about Kyle trying to prove he is a better friend to Davey then Eddie is. I know there is more to it but that is how it breaks down. Besides the stupid thing the feud is based on I also have to call out each men for a lack of promo skills and a lack of any personality besides being whiny bitches. All Davey, Eddie, and Adam do is bitch and moan about who did what and who did this. It really has gotten old fast and boring do to a lack of charisma. I don't know how to fix this since you can't teach personality but the best advise I have is just end this feud as soon as possible.

The second and final thing I want to look at is the feud between Kevin Steen and Jim Cornette. This is your basic wrestler against figure head feud. You will never get a match but that is a good thing since who wants to see Jim wrestler? My problem comes from how Cornette goes after Steen. He will come him a big mouth and a bully and I have no problem with that it is when he says he should hit the gym or stop worker his supper muscle and work harder. Now it would be fine in away if Cornette was the heel but he is the face and his attacking the best all around wrestler they have in the company about not being a gym rat. I can see this crap in WWE or TNA but ROH is suppose to be better then them and about the wrestling in the ring and not a beauty contest. Unless the plan is for the heel face role is suppose to change between the two there is no point for the attacks on the weight. So my advise to ROH is to be what you say you are and don't push how the guy is fat and not attractive and just push how there is no one in that company who compares to him when you take his in ring ability and throw in the promo skills. Shine a light on your brightest star not take shots at him as if you were a Michael Cole want to be.

Those are just my thoughts and I know not everyone will agree but that is what makes wrestling talk fun. Like I said I will do more ROH talk probably on a bi monthly basis so expect another look at the company at the end of the month.

Chamber of Injustice

2012-02-13T20:46:00.003-06:00

As you all know Sheamus is our Royal Rumble winner for 2012 and will going to WrestleMania to face the champion of his choosing. Over the next month we will see Sheamus compete in matches that are of no consequence, much like Alberto Del Rio did last year. It almost becomes a chore for the writers to keep the Royal Rumble winner relevant until we reach the final leg of the Road to WrestleMania. With this the winner has a cake walk of a schedule till WrestleMania. I don't fault him with this, but what about the champion?

The champion more often than not has to compete in a grueling match in side a cage in which he has a one in six chance of coming out of the PPV still champion. The champion has done nothing to deserve this and he most certainly doesn't deserve to have to go through all of this just for his chance to main event at WrestleMania. Logically it doesn't make sense and apparently from the writing side it doesn't make sense. I have a proposal that involves two changes to how WWE handles the Royal Rumble winner and their Champions.

First part of the proposal is that you move the Elimination Chamber event to July. That would replace the Money in the Bank PPV, which is already expected to be dropped. There will only be one Elimination Chamber match at the winner of that match would just like Royal Rumble would have their choice in which champion they face at SummerSlam. It would make Elimination Chamber more meaningful by having just one match.

The last part is a little different and I am sure won't be for everyone. The main event for the February PPV would be a triple threat match involving the Royal Rumble winner and the two reigning champions. This match is designed so that the Royal Rumble winner gets his main event at WrestleMania and it breaks down like this:

If the Royal Rumble winner wins, we will face the champion that he got the deciding fall over at WrestleMania and he goes into WrestleMania as the champion.

If one of the champions gets the deciding fall, they would have the decision of facing the Royal Rumble winner, the known quantity or they, much like on "Let's Make a Deal", could decide to choose to face whoever is behind box number two.

If the champion chooses box number two, then the Royal Rumble winner would face the other champion at WrestleMania.

I know that by doing this, you slightly give a little preview to WrestleMania, but I think that overall positives from both events and storyline aspects cancel out any negatives. At the least, the champion doesn't receive a treatment that is more suiting for a chump.

Hottie Of The Week #2.7 Danielle Moinet AKA Summer Rae

2012-02-13T17:18:00.000-06:00

Sorry for being a little late in the day for everyone who came earlier looking for the newest Hottie Of The Week but rest easy she is her. This week I have chosen Danielle Moinet a 28 year old model and former Lingerie Football League player. Signed to a developmental deal by the WWE last year she debut in Florida Championship Wrestling in November as Summer Rae. Enough about her now its time to take a look.

HOTTIE OF THE WEEK
#2.7 DANIELLE MOINET

Talking Smack 2/10/12 Elimination Chamber Participants Edition

2012-02-12T00:25:00.000-06:00

Back after missing a weeks edition of Talking Smack to look at the 12 men who will participate in the 2012 Elimination Chamber matches. Definitely a unique group but as you will find out unique doesn't always mean good.

Raw Elimination Chamber Participants
1) CM Punk - The WWE Champion is on a roll and on his way to taking part in the title match at WrestleMania 28. The only question is does he go in as champ or challenger? As of this moment at 11:57 pm my gut tells me challenger. I just think the best way to set up the title match at Mania is for him to lose and go in chasing it. I'll get to who I thinks wins the match when I get to the man down the list.

2) The Miz - Things haven't been going his way for awhile now and after Raw this week things may get worse before they get better. There are to many good things there just for WWE to throw it away now but for at least the Chamber match I see him as a none factor and probably the first one eliminated from the match.

3) R-Truth - The guy who might get the best showing outside of Punk only because he was part of an accident from Raw. Now I'm not saying he shouldn't get a good showing I'm just saying it shouldn't happen because of an accident. To me he is the weakest of the six men and should not be a main event character if you are going with the crazy face gimmick. Now if he was a heel I'd have no problem him being there but as a face it is just comedy not quality.

4) Dolph Ziggler - Punk is the only man who have put on a better show over the past few months but my gut says that will not help him in this match. The only way he comes off on top in this match is if they go in a totally different direction then what they have been building for and I can't see that happening now. The soonest we see the Show Off in a main event at Mania is next year at WrestleMania 29.

5) Kofi Kingston - If it wasn't for the Cena/Kane feud Kofi would be no where near this match. I'm a fan of this guy and think he could be a fine to good main event baby face but they need to build him there. Not that I think they are trying to make him one this second but they could have built him a little before putting him in this match. We all know he has less then no chance of winning unless he becomes work out buddies with Triple H in the next week.

6) Chris Jericho - Everyone has there own thoughts on how his return has gone. Love it or hate it he will be in the WWE Championship main event at Mania. Which is cool with me because him and Punk will have an epic match and the promos back and forth will be worth watching for 6 weeks. I really think he will come out of Chamber with the championship to set up a rematch for Punk at Mania.

Smackdown Elimination Chamber Participants
1) Daniel Bryan - First off he is the best pure wrestler in the company. Second I like some of the things they have done to turn him heel but not all. I don't like how they have made him the typical coward heel but at least he tries to get out of things better then most heels they make a coward. I hope he makes it out with the title but I'm no where near 100% thinking he will. If he does make it to the World Championship match at Mania I think it will be a three way but I have been wrong plenty of times in the past.

2) Randy Orton - I think he and Barrett would be the only two real choices to have win if Bryan is to fall short. The only question is would they go with a face vs. face match with Orton and Sheamus? This is also were I could see the 3 way comes about. Bryan loses to Orton and Sheamus picks Orton only to have Bryan reveal he has the guarantee rematch at Mania which makes Teddy Long make it a 3 way.

3) Wade Barrett - Like I said he has the best odds with Orton of winning the title. I don't mind either because he has come a long way in the past few months. Plus with the matches they are setting up for you could have a weaker World Championship match with him and Sheamus and maybe even throw in Bryan for a three way match.

4) Cody Rhodes - As much as I would love for him to win I don't see him having much of a chance unless he goes the same route I said Kofi would have to go down.

5) The Great Khali - I think Dan made a good point to me saying he could see him winning so Sheamus can beat someone his size and they make a really big deal out of it. I just hope he doesn't win and really wish they wouldn't have brought him back in the first place. Khali brings nothing to the table but his size and does that even mean anything?

6) The Big Show - The sad thing is his a bigger waste of space then Khali. Show has nothing left as a full time wrestlers. His appeal was lost years ago and should be an attraction not a main event guy week after week. His lame as a face and the whole knock out punch is even lamer and don't get me started on how weak his spear looks. The man is past his prime and should be use like they have use him at Mania as an attraction against another oddity. Not wasting the time of talented workers like the first four names in the match.

Fun With The Yahoo Answers Wrestling Section 2/11/12

2012-02-11T17:48:00.003-06:00

Ah the internet. It is a wonderful place where people from all walks of life can get together and share knowledge, become friends and generally make the world a better, closer place. This was in fact the dream when the internet was made public, and then came Yahoo Answers. With one click of a Yahoo staffers mouse, the world became dumber, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the wrestling section. I have tried to call these people out and make them wake up on their home turf, but I now know that that is a losing effort, so instead, I will just make fun of them here.

Let us start with this little gem from, well, apparently CM Punk!

Top 5 Best Tag Teams In WWE History?

I Would Say:

1. D-Generation X (also known and spelled as Degeneration X, DX and D-X) was a professional wrestling stable in WWE (previously the World Wrestling Federation and World Wrestling Entertainment). The group originated in the midst of the WWF's "Attitude Era" from 1997 to 2000. Their gimmick was that of a gang of rebels who acted and spoke as they pleased, no matter how provocative

After its original run with members Rick Rude, Chyna, Triple H and Shawn Michaels, the group expanded to become a mainstay of the Attitude Era with new additions X-Pac, the New Age Outlaws and Tori until it disbanded in August 2000. After a teased reunion in 2002, DX reformed in June 2006 as the duo of Triple H and Shawn Michaels for the remainder of the year and again in August 2009 until March 2010, shortly before Michaels' retirement. They reunited at the 2010 Tribute to the Troops for one night only.

2. Rated-RKO was a villainous professional wrestling tag team in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) based on the Raw brand. The team consisted of Edge, Randy Orton, and Lita, their valet. The name "Rated-RKO" contains part of Edge's nickname, "The Rated R Superstar,"[1] and Orton's initials/finishing maneuver, RKO.[2]

Edge and Orton formed an alliance in October 2006 to challenge the team of Triple H and Shawn Michaels, collectively known as D-Generation X (DX), who Rated-RKO felt were preventing them from becoming world champions. Rated-RKO would succeed in defeating DX, giving the latter their first loss since their reunion in June 2006. The following month, Edge and Orton became World Tag Team Champions, and Lita left the group after her legitimate retirement.

In January 2007, Rated-RKO would go on to lose the World Tag Team Championship, which would cause tension between the two. The group officially disbanded in May 2007, after Edge moved to the SmackDown brand. Since then, Edge and Orton have occasionally had reunions until Edge retired in April 2011.

3. Edge and Christian (E&C) was a tag team made of real life best friends Edge (Adam Copeland) and Christian (William Reso, who normally uses his middle name of Jason), who performed in WWE and the Canadian independent circuit.[They won the WWF Tag Team Championship on seven occasions. Initially, the two were portrayed as on-screen brothers, but the aspect was de-emphasized in the mid-2000s, and in 2010, the team was officially retconned as childhood friends. In 2011 they reunited briefly on the SmackDown brand. Edge, however, announced his retirement from professional wrestling due to injury on the April 11th episode of Monday Night Raw, which would ultimately end their final run together. The team's popularity propelled Edge and Christian to singles success, with both men becoming multiple-time world champions in their own right.

4. Evolution was a villainous professional wrestling stable on WWE's Raw brand between 2003 and 2005. At the height of its existence, the group consisted of Triple H, Ric Flair, Randy Orton and Batista

Evolution slowly began dissolving in 2004. The group turned on Orton the night following SummerSlam, when he won the World Heavyweight Championship and kicked him out. After winning the Royal Rumble in 2005 and teasing that he would chase the WWE Championship, Batista turned on Triple H and decided to pursue the World Heavyweight Championship himself. Although Batista's departure was largely the end for the group, the final break up came when Triple H turned on and attacked Flair.

5. The Hardy Boyz.

Okay Mr. Punk, you just made a list of the best Tag Teams in WWE history. Are you in fact excluding WWF? I see no mention of Hart Foundation, British Bulldogs, LoD, Demolition, Dudley Boys or countless other teams who I would actually consider to be, you know, tag teams. Most of the "teams" you listed are factions or two main eventers thrown together. If you think RKO is the second best tag team of all time, why not just throw these guys on there:

Oh wait, I forgot, this is just the "WWE" right? I do respect the way you give the insightful history (or the first line from their wiki entry? Who knows? I am way to lazy to look that up.) in case we don't remember who DX is. Too bad I may never know the long and fabled history of whoever these "The Hardy Boyz" are. Or the alternate spelling of their names for that matter. Oh well, at least Edge and Christian made the list. This has to be the worst best tag teams list eve... oh wait, "Smurfette" chimed in with her list underneath

1) DX
2) Team Xtreme
3) Edge and Christian
4)Jerishow
5) Diva's of Doom

Okay CM, I'm taking it all back.

"Andrew", lets see what you got.

Should John Cena call it quits after Wrestlemania?

If he isn't turning heel, his character is just to boring to keep on

... and this is the problem with a typical internet wrestling fan. If they aren't complaining about WWE being PG, they are begging for Cena to retire or turn heel. I know you don't like him, I get that, but guess what, you aren't SUPPOSED to like him. Cena is for the kids and the women and as long as he sells the most merch and gets the buy rates, he is not going anywhere, nor should he for that matter. I could pull this question out 100 more times, so I am just gong to post it this once and get it over with. The best (?) answer here goes to "Radicalz for Lyfe" with this response:

I think he should retire because he's bland and his mic skills suck, but he won't. Theres even talks of him ending the Undertaker's streak at Wrestlemania when, if anyone, it should be Kane.

Are these "talks" coming from your uncle that works at WWE? He told you that you could play as Luigi in Mario 64 when he worked at Nintendo too right?

Close us out "Royal Flush"

Would this be a crazy match?

a ladder match mixed wit a steel cage match and d only way to win is from gettin the belt all d way at d top center of d ring lik they do ladder matches???

Wait, what? Oh, there is more?

ok they're gona have 4 ladders on each corner and d cage is also an object on which they could u to hurt there opponents

Me too A-Double

So you combined a cage match with a ladder match and with a on-a-pole match, but instead of poles, there are more ladders? Oh wait, I know who this is....

Was that joke too easy?

Next week: fantasy booking with Yahoo Answers!

The Ratings Game For Smackdown 2011

2012-02-10T19:41:00.000-06:00

Been putting up the ratings from last year for each wrestling show and now its time to check out Smackdown's ratings.

2011 SMACKDOWN Top 10 Ratings
1) February 25, 2011 - 2.34 3,553,000
2) October 14, 2011 - 2.26 3,167,000
3) December 9, 2011 - 2.24 3,238,000
4) November 4, 2011 - 2.22 3,265,000
5) October 21, 2011 - 2.21 3,112,000
6) September 23, 2011 - 2.15 3,257,000
7) August 30, 2011 - 2.14 3,283,000 (Live On A Tuesday)
8) April 8, 2011 - 2.13 3,267,000
9) January 21, 2011 - 2.12 3,295,000
10) November 29, 2011 - 2,12 3,052,000 (Live On A Tuesday)

Shocking to see have the top 10 in the last three months since that was there worst rating period for Raw and Impact. Really makes you wonder why did they do so well at the end of the year compared to the other two shows.

2011 SMACKDOWN Bottom 10 Ratings
1) July 1, 2011 - 1.63 2,333,000
2) May 13, 2011 - 1.69 2,600,000
3) June 24, 2011 - 1.72 2,397,000
4) July 15, 2011 - 1.72 2,582,000
5) June 17, 2011 - 1.73 2,705,000
6) July 8, 2011 - 1.73 2,716,000
7) May 6, 2011 - 1.74 2,793,000
8) August 26, 2011 - 1.78 2,673,000
9) February 11, 2011 - 1.79 2,554,000
10) June 3, 2011 - 1.79 2,660,000

Not hard to see were Smackdown took the hit and that was the summer. Who knows why they did so poorly there to the rest of the year. Maybe it has to do with people going out more on a Friday in the summer.

Average Rating For SMACKDOWN By Month
January - 2.00 3,035,250
February - 2.04 3,144,500
March - 2.00 3,038,500
April - 2.00 3,020,800
May - 1.80 2,815,500
June - 1.76 2,618,500
July - 1.80 2,649,400
August - 1.89 2,816.400
September - 1.97 2,929,500
October - 2.18 3,039,000
November - 2.05 3,026,400
December - 2.03 2,920,750

To compare January 2011 to January 2012 here is the number.
January 2012 - 2.09 3,046,250
So Smackdown is the only show of the three with and increase from last year to this year in the first month of the year. Lets see how things go for the month of February now.

The Ratings Game For Impact Wrestling 2011

2012-02-09T18:45:00.000-06:00

Just like yesterday more ratings to look over but new show. Again if you don't like looking at the ratings not your thing but if you do then you might enjoy this.

2011 IMPACT WRESTLING Top 10 Ratings
1) March 3, 2011 - 1.36 1,847,000
2) October 20, 2011 - 1.35 2,019,000
3) February 3, 2011 - 1.31 1,953,000
4) January 27, 2011 - 1.28 1,934,000
5) March 17, 2011 - 1.28 1,781,000
6) November 3, 2011 - 1.28 1,702,000
7) June 30, 2011 - 1.27 1,838,000
8) May 12, 2011 - 1.27 1,809,000
9) February 24, 2011 - 1.26 1,545,000
10) July 21, 2011 - 1.25 1,794,000

More spread out compared to the numbers from Raw for last year. Seeing 4 shows from February and March might tell us that TNA also benefits from the Road to WrestleMania. Maybe when wrestling fans return for the run they watch as much wrestling as they can. Not sure if that is true but it is a theory.

2011 IMPACT WRESTLING Bottom 10 Ratings
1) November 24, 2011 - 0.99 1,405,000
2) October 6. 2011 - 1.00 1,376,000
3) June 9, 2011 - 1.01 1,483,000
4) September 8, 2011 - 1.02 1,358,000
5) December 22, 2011 - 1.03 1,358,000
6) October 13, 2011 - 1.05 1,438,000
7) August 18, 2011 - 1.05 1,455,000
8) September 1, 2011 - 1.06 1,419,000
9) December 8, 2011 - 1.07 1,444,000
10) August 11, 2011 - 1.07 1,536,000

Besides being all towards the second half of the year again not much of a pattern but then again that is its own pattern.

Average Rating For IMPACT WRESTLING By Month
January - 1.21 1,697,250
February - 1.23 1,673,750
March - 1.26 1,744,800
April - 1.14 1,577,000
May - 1.20 1,698,000
June - 1.16 1,646,400
July - 1.19 1,648,000
August - 1.12 1,512,250
September - 1.10 1,485,800
October - 1.14 1,588,750
November - 1.16 1,614,000
December - 1.11 1,485,200

To compare January 2011 to January 2012 here is the number.
January 2012 - 1.15 1,617,750
Like Raw the number is down from last year to this year but they can expect a slight rise in February. Will be interesting how things start to go for Impact with them putting on much better shows then they have in a long time.

The Ratings Game For Raw In 2011

2012-02-08T21:21:00.000-06:00

I meant to do this in early January but I kept putting it off so what better time then now. This isn't anything special just a look at the ratings for Raw from last year so unless you are a dork like me and pay attention to those numbers you probably wont care. If you are into that stuff you can really find a pattern of when things are hot for the show and when things are just down. It wont be every rating just the top 10 and bottom 10 along with the average for each month. Also for everyone who likes this I will be putting up a Smackdown and Impact Wrestling one in the next few days. So for all my fellow rating dorks enjoy.

Note the first number is percentage of homes watching Raw and the second is the number of homes watching.
2011 Raw Top 10 Ratings
1) February 21, 2011 - 3.90 5,860,000
2) March 7, 2011 - 3.90 5,785,000
3) February 28, 2011 - 3.82 5,600,000
4) March 28, 2011 - 3.80 5,838,000
5) April 4, 2011 - 3.80 5,600,000
6) March 14, 2011 - 3.60 5,651,000
7) January 31, 2011 - 3.50 5,285,000
8) April 25, 2011 - 3.50 5,200,000
9) May 2, 2011 - 3.45 5,200,000
10) April 11, 2011 - 3.40 5,450,000

With a quick glance you can see the Road to WrestleMania and the weeks that follow was the good times for Raw last year. It makes you think what if anything can they do to get higher ratings in the summer and fall.

2011 RAW Bottom 10 Ratings
1) July 4, 2011 - 2.40 3,717,000
2) September 12, 2011 - 2.72 3,856,000
3) December 12, 2011 - 2.84 4,109,000 (3 Hour Raw)
4) November 7, 2011 - 2.90 4,015,000
5) December 19, 2011 - 2.90 4,300,000
6) July 11, 2011 - 2.90 4,380,000
7) December 26, 2011 - 2.93 4,462,000
8) December 5, 2011 - 2.97 4,352,000
9) September 26, 2011 - 2.98 4,150,000
10) August 22, 2011 - 3.00 4,637,000

December is a bad month for wrestling so no shock that all four episodes from the month was in the bottom 10. Another that is not a shock in the July 4th show because wrestling doesn't draw on holidays plus if I remember right is was a Raw from England so it was taped early in the day. The third thing not to be shocked by is all but three dates were against Monday Night Football.

Average Rating For RAW By Month
January - 3.26 4,857,000
February - 3.53 5,287,000
March - 3.65 5,598,500
April - 3.45 5,237,000
May - 3.25 4,928,000
June - 3.23 5,068,750
July - 2.93 4,434,500
August - 3.17 4,717,600
September - 2.93 4,132,750
October - 3.16 4,593,400
November - 3.13 4,482,500
December - 2.91 3,444,600

To compare January 2011 to January 2012 here is the number.
January 2012 - 3.16 4,512,600
So the number is down but not by a lot and things should pick up here in February and even more so in March.

Hottie Of The Week #2.6 Lita

2012-02-06T01:00:00.000-06:00

Time for the first Hottie of February. This week I give you one of the most popular Diva's of the Attitude Era. The fiery risk taker the lovely Lita.

HOTTIE OF THE WEEK
# 2.6 LITA

Classic's Seven Best Matches Of January 2012

2012-01-31T21:38:00.000-06:00

Anyone who is a regular to the blog know what time it is but for any new visitors it is time for me to list the seven matches I thought were the best of the month. I might have some of your favorites and I might have missed a few but that is why it is mine and not yours. You can always leave your thoughts in the comment section or email us about this or any other topic at mnrshootingfromthehip@gmail.com.

7) Daniel Bryan Vs. The Big Show
World Championship Match
January 6, 2012 From Smackdown
This was a pleasant surprise because I didn't go in with high hopes for this match but they pulled out something fun. It was a classic big man against small man of power versus speed. Sure there wasn't a clean finish but it was a well done finish.

6) James Storm Vs. Kurt Angle
#1 Contenders Match For The TNA World Heavyweight Championship
January 12, 2012 From Impact Wrestling
There second best match from over the past few months and the bonus of it being on free television. They work really well together but then again who doesn't work well with Angle. The biggest question after the match is whats next for Angle but hopefully sometime away and then a return in a few months for another good feud with someone new.

5) Austin Aries Vs. Kid Kash Vs. Jesse Sorensen Vs. Zema Ion
X- Division Championship Four Way Elimination Match
January 8, 2012 From Genesis
This is the kind of match the X-Division was built on. A mixture of seasoned veterans and some younger up and comers who go out and leave everything out there. The new guys they have brought in for the division in the summer really have put the division back on the map. I just hope they continue with the focus and get it back to the point were it can main event pay-per-views.

4) Cody Rhodes Vs. Booker T
Intercontinental Championship Match
January 6, 2012 From Smackdown
The best of there three matches from the past month. Cody really have come into his own as a top level performer in the ring and on the mic. It was nice seeing Booker still has something left in the ring. Hopefully they don't over use him and when he does wrestle put over younger guys who can use the rub from him.

3) Randy Orton Vs. Dolph Ziggler
January 30, 2012 From Raw Super Show
Not a feud but they have had a lot of matches of the past few months. This wasn't there best match but out shined all but 2 matches for the month from everyone else. My only problem is Orton has won most of there battles and it would have been nice after his WWE Championship loss the night before if they would have gave Dolph a big win.

2) CM Punk Vs. Dolph Ziggler
WWE Championship Match
January 2, 2012 From Raw Super Show
This was a fun feud to watch with the matches they had because they always gave us a show with this match being the best. They could have done a better job of building around the two and not having others involved but at least we got quality. Dolph is at the door about to break in to the best of the best in the company.

1) CM Punk Vs. Daniel Bryan
Champion Vs. Champion Match
January 30, 2012 From Raw Super Show
Hands down the best match of the month. Even without a finish this match outshines every other one. For a wrestling dork like me this was a awesome thing to see in WWE that you never expected until a few weeks ago. I hope we see this match again and on pay-per-view because I know if they head lined one they would go out and tear the house down.

Hottie Of The Week #2.5 Buggy Nova

2012-01-30T01:00:00.005-06:00

Welcome back for another week of wrestling and the brand new Hottie Of The Week. This week I have chosen Buggy Nova a 21 year old Independent wrestler who just a few weeks ago got a try out with the WWE. Not sure if they have signed her yet but one thing I know is she has a unique look and doesn't look like the typical diva. I know I like her look and I'll let you all judge for yourself.

HOTTIE OF THE WEEK
# 2.5 BUGGY NOVA

Quick Royal Rumble Predictions

2012-01-29T10:48:00.000-06:00

We are just 8 hours away from the 25th annual Royal Rumble and the whole Shooting From The Hip crew will be there in attendance. I'm like a kid on Christmas so I hope the show is a great one. Now on to my predictions.

Kane over John Cena by DQ unless the match is changed to a Street Fight or No Holds Barred match or something along those lines. If it is changed to a match with no rules then I would say Cena goes over.

Daniel Bryan escapes the cage to retain the World Championship over Big Show and Mark Henry.

CM Punk survives his match with Dolph Ziggler and retains the WWE Championship.

Chris Jericho draws number 19 in the Rumble and cashes in his ticket to a title match at WrestleMania. Even if Jericho isn't the man I say who ever draws 19 wins it all this year. So hopefully he is 19 and a get a bonus on my prediction.

I told you they would be quick predictions. Hope everyone one who watches has a great time.

The Original Dan Phelps' Royal Rumble Flashback

2012-01-28T09:07:00.009-06:00

As you may or may not know, the MNR crew will all be attending Sunday's Royal Rumble event. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Royal Rumble, and because I may just hate myself, I have decided to watch all the Royal Rumble matches in a 48 hour period. I have recorded the results for your enjoyment.

I will update this post as I post more videos.

Click the title for more videos

Talking Smack 1/27/12 Edition

2012-01-27T23:05:00.000-06:00

We are less then 48 hours away from the Royal Rumble and the excitement is building. I'm ready because I will be there live for my first Royal Rumble in person. I figured it was a good time to give the odds for all the Superstars who may or may not be in it since we really only know a handful of participants. Don't worry it wont be a long read so don't be scared to take a look.

The first group of guys was will look at are the men they really have no need to show up because if they are in they have no chance of winning and if they did it would be a huge joke and a waste of time.
- Alex Riley - David Otunga - Curt Hawkins - Heath Slater - Jinder Mahal -
-Johnny Curtis - JTG - Michael McGillicutty - Santino - Trent Barreta -
Tyler Reks - Tyson Kidd - Yoshi Tatsu

Our next group of guys really don't have a shot either but wore things could happen if they won it. However lets face it they are just filler to make sure there are 30 guys in the match.
- Big Show - Brodus Clay - Drew McIntyre - Ezekiel Jackson - Primo or Epico -
- Hunico - Jack Swagger - Jimmy or Jey Uso - Justin Gabriel - Kane - R-Truth -
- Kofi Kingston - Mark Henry - Mason Ryan - Ted Dibiase - William Regal -

The third group of guys have a shot. It could be a long shot but they definitely bring more to the table then the first to group of Superstars.
- Alberto Del Rio - I know he is out but if he would make his return he wouldn't be the first to win back to back Rumbles.
- Christian - Another guy who has been out but who wouldn't be surprised if he returns on Sunday and with what he did last year I could see him having a better then average chance if they wanted to shock us.
- The Miz - I wouldn't have put him so high before Monday but with being the number one guy in it I could see him being the fifth man to be 1 or 2 and win the whole thing.
- Cody Rhodes - His a star on the rise and why not shock us with the second man to be Intercontinental Champion and win the World title at WrestleMania.
- John Cena - I don't see why he would win but I could see the WWE doing it.
- Dolph Ziggler - I don't see him winning the World Championship so why not pull double duty and try to steal the show.
- Daniel Bryan - I could see him losing the title and then entering to try and win a chance to get back what is his. Hopefully he doesn't lose his title but anything is possible.

Now on to the five names who have the best chance of taking it home and lets face it more then likely will. This time unlike the other times before I will put them in the order of what chance I think they have of winning from worse to best chance.
- Sheamus - I could see the Celtic Warrior dominating and getting the Mania spot but he has the worse chance of the final five.
- CM Punk - I don't see him losing his WWE Championship but if he did I could see them putting him right back in place to win it back on the grandest stage of them all.
- Wade Barrett - His on the hottest streak of anyone I would say and is ready for a top spot. However I don't know if they would go the same route as last year and have a heel scream he will win and then do it.
- Randy Orton - He has the best chance of the Smackdown names but I still lean towards my number one guy right now. Plus I don't think he should win another Rumble yet.
- Chris Jericho - He wouldn't have returned if it wasn't going to be in a big spot at Mania and what bigger spot then winning the Rumble and getting the title shot. From everything that is out there you have to expect we will see Punk against Jericho at WrestleMania so the only question is will the WWE Championship be on the line?

Hottie Of The Week #2.4 Jemma Palmer

2012-01-23T14:41:00.000-06:00

It's the last Monday before the Royal Rumble which means a new week and a brand new Hottie. This week we have the British model/wrestler Jemma Palmer. She is best known as Inferno for her work on the British version of American Gladiators known as Gladiators. She was also briefly signed to a WWE developmental deal but was released after not being able to get a work visa. Now that you know her back story it is time to see the pics.

HOTTIE OF THE WEEK
#2.4 JEMMA PALMER

Talking Smack Sin City Smackdown Edition

2012-01-21T17:17:00.000-06:00

Last night the Raw Roulette wheel made its way to Smackdown to spice up there Friday night show. With it they brought some good and also it share of bad. Overall I enjoyed the show but I will break down things a little further in this weeks Talking Smack.

- I really enjoy the Daniel Bryan turn. It has added something to him but they haven't gone so far were if it hits a bump in the road they can always go back to the baby face version of his character.

- The Cody Rhodes/Justin Gabriel match was a nice little match but would have loved to see more time for the two. I really don't know how far up the card Gabriel can go but I do see a mid card title in his future someday.

- Not sure where they are going with Mark Henry. I mean are they turning him face or what. It will be interesting to see what ends up of the Worlds Strongest Man.

- With Evan Bourne being suspended again it leaves two tag teams left in the company for now. However I like both Primo and Epico and Jimmy and Jey Uso. Not sure how big they can become thou since WWE isn't in the making of great tag teams anymore.

- I really enjoy Brodus Clay so far as the funk master but not sure how soon I may get tired of it but so far I really like it. Also the dance off segment made me ready to see William Regal have another run as and in ring competitor. I know he has something left so use it to help younger talent.

- The tables match between Sheamus and Wade Barrett was my favorite match of the night. Nothing fancy just to big bulls with big hit after big hit. I didn't like that Jinder Mahal got involved but that is probably because I don't care for him.

- I'm shocked that we got a flag match in 2012. That gimmick should be dead in my book.

- I hate the Drew McIntyre story line because it hasn't gone anywhere in a month. Maybe if it would lead to Drew going on a roll and racking up wins I would like it but there taking to long. I guess the bright side is at least his back on television.

- I liked how they did they main event up until when the lumber jacks attack but it was a way to get out of the match with out having a winner and setting up the triple threat at Rumble. I knew it was going to happen so I'm not to shocked but I am shocked it is a cage match. Hopefully Bryan walks out as champ and they continue the cocky heel turn.

Hottie Of The Week #2.3 Naomi

2012-01-16T13:46:00.000-06:00

Just 13 days until the Royal Rumble which means it is Monday and time for another lady of professional wrestling to showcase. This week we have Naomi from season 3 of NXT and currently one of the dancers with Brodus Clay. Not everyone is a fan of the Funkasaurus gimmick but you have to be a fan of her work with him. You have to admit she has the moves.

HOTTIE OF THE WEEK
#2.3 NAOMI

Talking Smack 9 Hours Of Wrestling In 6 Days Edition

2012-01-13T23:02:00.000-06:00

End of the week so it is time to talk some Smackdown. Oh wait there is more you get this week. I wanted to put stuff up earlier in the week so now you get a 4 for 1 bonus. Not only will I give my take on Smackdown but also my thoughts on Genesis, Raw Super Show, and Impact Wrestling. I guess it is only a treat if you like my thoughts but oh well you get them no matter what.

TNA Genesis
The big winners for me was the X-Division four way elimination match for the championship and the Monsters Ball match. The four way was everything you expect from the X-Division with great spots and guys working there ass off to prove why there more then a mid card title. Aries is caring that division back to where it once was and Ion and Sorensen or great young talent with a bright future. Then you had a fun brawl between Bully Ray and Abyss. They used everything they could as a weapon and really took it up a notch. I don't think that high of Abyss but in a brawl there might not be anyone else better in the business. Ray on the other hand I think is a great talent who should be more of a focus on and I could see huge things for him in 2012.

What I will complain about is the ending of the Mickie James/Gail Kim Knockouts Championship match and the World title match between Robert Roode and Jeff Hardy. Now I know your not going to have the heel champ go over cleanly every time they defend there title but when all you do is come up with ways for them to get by with out winning no body gains anything but the face who is over no matter what. How does it hurt Mickie or Jeff to lose to the champ cleanly but because it took everything from the heel. It wont mean anything if Roode does not start getting some clean wins against guys that matter.

WWE Raw Super Show
The only thing that I loved about this show was the Funkasauras Brodus Clay. Now I know some hate it or think it is stupid but I thought it was different and could be a good thing in the long run of his career. What is the big deal if he shows up and he is just your everyday monster? Nothing is the right answer now he can prove there is more to him then just his size and if it doesn't work out then you can always go the monster route.

Pretty much everything else on Raw was a bore and not worth watching. I don't blame them phoning things in with the BCS Championship going on but you could have gave us a little more. Hopefully this week is more of a show then this one.

Impact Wrestling
Not a lot of matches but they had some good matches and advanced some story lines. Both things equal a good week but there is always room for improvement.

Again the biggest complaint is the ending of the World title match but it is leading some where good hopefully. Also I don't care for the Bischoff's story line at all. I have seen enough or Eric in my life and Garrett needs more time before he is a weekly face on television.

Smackdown
Nice show with some good matches. The build to Rumble has been a good one and I liked the way they played out the World Championship match. Even without a finish I like what we got. Hopefully before it is over Bryan gets a true win over Big Show.

I'm not a fan of Jinder Mahal so when his on things suck to me. Another guy who needs work on there character is Ted Dibiase. I'm not sold on him being a face but at least he is a better worker in the ring then Mahal.

I tried to keep it short because who wants to read on and on about a show. So hopefully you enjoyed my thoughts and as always I would like to know yours. You can live a comment or email us at mnrshootingfromthehip@gmail.com. Have a great weekend and see you back here on Monday.

Ten Things that Brodus Clay's Redebut Was Better Than

2012-01-10T18:14:00.003-06:00

There has been quite a bit of backlash regarding the redebut of Brodus Clay. Unexpectidly he came back not as a monster heel, but rather a throw back to the early 80's and came out to a funkadelic theme. He danced with two "fly" girls much like Rikishi used to do with Too Cool. People on the internets have howl their dislike for Brodus's new character saying that the WWE has ruined him already, that he's a big joke and that he must being punished for something. I for one disagree them and believe that this might have been the best thing I have seen in wrestling since CM Punk left the WWE with the title. Here is a list of things that Brodus's return was better than.

10. Chris Jericho's Return
9. 95% of what I have seen on TV from TNA in the last year.
8. HHH vs. Nash feud
7. The Slammy's
6. Michael Cole's Announcing
5. TNA's use of Samoa Joe
4. The Insane Icon
3. JR's Rap
2. 100% of what I have seen on TV from ROH in the last three months.
1. Kurt Angle going to James Storm's hometown

Hottie Of The Week #2.2 Reby Sky

2012-01-09T02:15:00.000-06:00

New week new lady to check out. This week it is the lovely and talented Reby Sky. I really don't know how talented she is but to be Matt Hardy's girlfriend you have to have some talent.

HOTTIE OF THE WEEK
#2.2 REBY SKY

Talking Smack 1/6/12 Questions To Ponder Edition

2012-01-06T22:59:00.000-06:00

Tonight was the first Smackdown of 2012. We got two championship matches to start off the year. I enjoyed both on different levels. Over all it was a good show and a good way to kick off the new year. Watching the show I have come up with some questions for us all to think about and discuss.

What can keep Cody from becoming a main event performer this year?

Was it just me or did Booker T look like he still had a few matches in him before he hangs it up for good?

Does anybody really want to see Cody against Dustin at this stage in Dustin's career?

Will Michael Cole ever shut up? Why must he bury talent show after show? How will that help make any new stars?

How does Santino still have a job? Come on people is he really that funny to you?

Is the Drew McIntyre one more chance story line going to lead to a push again? Or will it lead to them wishing Drew the best in his future endeavors?

Will D-Bag Daniel Bryan get over as a heel? How do you like it so far? For the record I'm not sure yet but it has made me laugh at times.

Why must Hornswoggle be used in a wrestling role at times?

Who has a job longer? Ted Dibiase or Jinder Mahal?

Has Hunico grown on anyone else but me?

Who else thinks Barrett has stepped up big time since beginning the feud with Orton?

Will anybody really be that shocked when Orton is a surprise participant in the Royal Rumble?

Since it has been a few months now how sold are you on Sheamus as a face?

Is it me or is Rosa even hotter when dancing around?

What are they doing with Natalya?

Could they have done a better job booking out the match for the World Championship?

How did you like the ending?

There you have the questions that I have. Feel free to respond and let me know your thoughts.