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/wrestling /guests /Lavigne |
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/wrestling /guests /Lavigne |
| Guest Columns | Jon Lavigne |
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MY TAKE Konnichi-wa, everybody-san! My name's Jon, and I'm here to bullshit you all about everyone's favorite subject: Crochet! No, actually I'm going to talk about wrestling. But you weren't fooled, were you? I didn't think so, I have faith that the human race as a whole is smarter than that... quit laughing! My idea here is to put forward my opinion as to who the best performers are in the business. Ring skills, mic skills, whatever other intangibles there might be... I'm including it all! So, in no particular order... Chris Jericho Of course, this might seem like I'm jumping on a bandwagon or something like that, but ever since the first time I saw the guy, I've felt that he's the most talented mic worker, one of the best ring workers, and... well, I own one wrestling-related t-shirt, and it says "Jerichoholics Anonymous" on the back. So I'm not really being objective here. Since I think Jericho's the best, he is. Period. Chris Benoit I don't care if he picks up a microphone at all, I don't care that I'm mildly annoyed at the Revolution's new catchphrase ("Out with evolution, in with the Revolution"... that's just wrong. It sounds like some fucked-up Creation Science propaganda. But I don't want to go there here.) Watch this man in the ring, and you see pure intensity, physical intensity. No matter who he's wrestling against, he has a way of making both of them look good. And, best of all, according to tony Schiavone, he's "full of snot." How can you NOT like a guy that's full of snot? Mick Foley I'm going to be honest here, I've not actually seen Mick work too much. The only time on a monday that I swith to USA is when I get word that Jericho's on. So I can't really relate my own firsthand views of him, but, of course, that won't stop me from putting my two cents in. Mick's a freak. Even though I've heard he's going to be focusing less on the big spots and more on actual wrestling, the things that he's done, the things that he's sacrificed himself for... he's just what I would consider a badass to the first degree. The man lost an EAR for the business, for chrissake! And he keeps on going, loving every minute of it, working a microphone like the genius he really is. Mick's one of my heroes, a real professional, and my hat goes off for him. Sting Speaking of real professionals, who's been more of one than Sting? since he first showed up, he's been doing what he does best, happily eating whatever slop that's gotten thrown his way, and staying basically around the top of the company. He consistently puts people over that only work half... well, less than half, in Sid's case... half as well as he does, he goes out every week that he can and gives us the best show that he can possibly give, and hardly complains at all. so, when he does, people are sure to listen. Plus, he's still an electrifying mic worker when he wants to be. But I'm NOT looking forward to him changing back to his old look. not as much of a step backwards as the Hulkster (shudder), but it'll be pretty close. And that's all I'm gonna say about THAT. Konnan HA! Just kidding. Disco Inferno If I had to pick just ONE guy in WCW to carry on Jericho's "comical heel with great ring skills" role, Disco'd be the guy I'd have to go with. Why? Because that's exactly what he is. Plus, to give him credit, he's the one that started the "Young vs. Old" angle with a single semi-shoot interview. Forget Buff Bagwell, forget the way the Revolution's going now, they all jumped on the bandwagon. Disco's the man that put it into words on television for the first time. And he's also been a professional his entire career. More of one than anybody else out there, what with his semi-jobber status. Most importantly, though... he makes me laugh. And he means to. That's why I think he rules, plain and simple. The Rock Otherwise known as Rocky Maivia. I used to hate the guy, mostly because I abhor catchphrases, but there's no denying that he's got that personality that seems to endear him to his fans. And, dammit, he's funny, too! What I've caught of him speaking, I've grudgingly enjoyed, and I've seen that his ring work is pretty competent, as well. He's no benoit, but, considering where he works and what he does, he doesn't need to be. I may not necessarily be able to smell what he's cookin', but I can sure as hell open up a can of ravioli and give credit where credit's due. Taka Michinoku I've seen two of his matches. Both of them were incredible. I've never heard him speak, I don't know what happened to him, but SOMEBODY needs to put this guy on TV again. I don't care who, I don't care how, I don't care why... he's unbelievable! But I also think that ALL the Japanese guys rule, so what do I know? I'd love to see him work a program with lil' Rey Rey, Kidman, or one of my sleeper favorites, Kaz Hayashi. Barring some moronic run-in, any of those matches would be candidates for match of the year, if done right. Segueway into... WCW's entire cruiserweight division Yes, that's right, the whole thing. From Lenny to Lash to Kaz to La Parka to Psichosis to Silver King to... you get the idea. They move quickly. They perform more wrestling moves in one match than you'd see over the course of an entire year's program between Hogan and Luger. They put their bodies up for sacrifice every time they step foot in the ring, and they do it happily. They put on a show, which is a hell of a lot more than I can say for most of the damn heavyweights and "main eventers" there. Let's give the little guys their due! I use "little" in the context of "smaller than the heavyweights," because I'm certainly not a person who could be considered "big." I've said many good things about people here, so I guess in my next installment, I'll have to criticize something. Expect your ears to bleed. So, 'til next time... give me some hell! Jon Lavigne freelance Mail the Author |
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