FRANK MILLER WANTS TO DO A SUPERMAN COMIC WITH BATMAN AS THE BAD GUY

Bleeding Cool reports (read the article here) that on the heels of the release of the Batman vs. Superman trailer last week, Frank Miller, author of "The Dark Knight Returns" revealed at the CCXP Comic show in Brazil that he would like to write a Superman comic...with Batman as the bad guy. As a fan of Superman I would love to see what Miller would do with the Man of Steel. I think Miller may run into some issues with Batman fans.

Frank Miller is considered the quintessential "Batman" writer with The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One defining Batman for many generations as well as elements of his work being used in Tim Burton's Batman movie, Batman Begins, and Gotham. Most fans love Dark Knight Returns because of the fight at the end where Batman beats the hell out of Superman. Dark Knight essentially established Batman as the rebel and Superman for generations as the boy scout.


I think that if Mr. Miller does do a Superman comic then it would be fine if "Batman" was the bad guy but Bruce Wayne isn't. Maybe the story takes place in a different timeline where Bruce Wayne is too old or dead to be Batman. Thus a new Batman is on the scene terrorizing people working as a corporate puppet for Lex Luthor. Superman could be a new hero that works to stop Luthor and Batman as well.


Frank Miller doesn't need my help to write a Superman story. Whatever he does will be great and will thrill fans of all ages. I hope this happens soon because I would love to see Frank Miller's take on Superman.


Class Dismissed
The Professor

MY THOUGHTS ON THE MOST RECENT BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN TRAILER

The newest trailer for Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice was posted a few days ago (see it here). There are a few things that I enjoyed about it:

1. Clark and Bruce as well as Superman and Batman were presented as equals

This is very important. Sometimes Batman/Bruce is presented as smarter or even more dangerous than Clark/Superman but that was not the case here. The trailer showed the strengths of both characters from Superman's powers and Clark's reporter instincts to Bruce's drive and Batman's gadgets.

2. Zod is Doomsday!!!!

For months there were rumors that Zod would somehow become Doomsday through Lex Luthor's machinations. It was confirmed that this happens as Zod is shown then Doomsday shoots heat vision from his eyes at Batman.

3. Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman shows up at the end of the trailer and protects Batman from Doomsday's heat vision blast. Gal Gadot makes an impressive Wonder Woman which looks even better in action than the still pictures we have seen previously.

4. Campy Lex Luthor

I noticed that Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) is very campy in this trailer from his first meeting with Clark and Bruce to talking to Lois Lane, this Lex Luthor reminds me a lot of the Gene Hackman version in Superman 1 and 2.

There is no doubt that Warner Brothers wants this to be a big deal and it's being presented as such. This movie will make hundreds of millions of dollars. It will be interesting to see how it does when it debuts in March of 2016 especially with Captain America: Civil War debuting in June.

Class Dismissed,
The Professor

ALEXANDRA DADDARIO CAST IN BAYWATCH MOVIE

Alexandra Daddario

Get her red suit ready! Bleedng Cool reports (read the article here)that Alexandra Daddario has been cast in the new Baywatch movie starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Zac Efron. Daddario starred with Johnson in San Andreas which came out earlier this year.

The young beauty will play Summer who was played by Nicole Eggert in the original Baywatch TV show.



We still have yet to find out who will play the role of "C.J." in the film although the role is rumored to be coveted by many actresses. Pamela Anderson used the role to catapult herself to Superstardom and become a sex symbol in the 90's. The Baywatch movie comes out in 2017.

Class Dismissed
The Professor

RIP NICK BOCKWINKEL

Nick Bockwinkel as AWA champion

Before there was Ric Flair there was Nick Bockwinkel. Flair made his reputation as a well-dressed ladies man who liked to "style and profile". In the 1970's there was one champion that did it with style and flare as well. That champion was Nick Bockwinkel. Bockwinkel died on Saturday at the age of 80. Wresling lost another of it's all-time greats.

Bockwinkel wrestled in the AWA (American Wrestling Association) during the 1970's and 1980's. This was during the territory days so he wrestled every great legend of his time including Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Jerry "The King" Lawler just to name a few. Bockwinkel was a 4-time AWA champion.

In fact Bockwinkel was the first champion to work with Hulk Hogan during his time in the AWA from 1981-1983 when Hogan was just starting Hulkamania in the AWA. Who knows where Hulk Hogan would be without Bockwinkel's help. Ric Flair who was a fan of the AWA and was trained by Verne Gagne (the AWA's founder and great wrestler in his own right) also borrowed his style approach from Bockwinkel wearing custom-made suits.

RIP Mr. Bockwinkel. Your impact on this sport will never be forgotten.

THE PROFESSOR

KEVIN OWENS SHOULD BE THE NEXT WWE CHAMPION

Kevin Owens as NXT Champion

At Survivor Series, the WWE will crown a new World Champion. Seth Rollins who was the champ had to vacate the title due to injury. Now WWE is holding a tournament to crown a new WWE champ.

Many are speculating that Roman Reigns will become champion since Vince McMahon see his as the next "IT" guy. I don't think that's the right call. If WWE wants to make the statement that Reigns is "The Man" they'll have to do it at WrestleMania when the world will be watching WWE.

In the meanwhile WWE will need someone who can carry the title until that time and maintain the fans interest. Kevin Owens is that man.

Owens is a great heel that knows how to get under the crowd's skin and elevate everyone he works with. He has great mic skills and can definitely hold his own with almost any superstar.

Owens isn't a musclebound superstar like John Cena so WWE may not want him as champion but they may need him as champion. It is his different type of physique that makes him a draw and could bring fans into the sport when they see a different body type.

I hope WWE makes Owens the champion but I don't think they will. We can only wait and see.

THE PROFESSOR

ANDRE WARD VACATES SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE

Andre Ward

Andre Ward has vacated his Super Middleweight title in order to move up to the light weight division and face light weight champion Sergey Kovalev sometime in 2016 according to ESPN (read the article here). Ward has been a world champion since 2009.

Ward has just signed a three-fight contract with HBO. He was supposed to fight on the undercard of the Miguel Cotto-Canelo Alvarez fight on Nov. 21 but he had to cancel due to injury.

Whenever Ward and Kovalev fight it will be one for the ages. Both have a great amateur background with Kovalev being more of a knockout artist with scary power. Ward is more technical and he likes to out box his opponent.

Many consider Ward the second best pound for pound fighter behind Floyd Mayweather. Ward will have his chance to lay stake to that claim when he returns to boxing on HBO sometime next year. As a fan I can't wait to see it.

THE PROFESSOR

THE A-TEAM GETS ANOTHER REBOOT

The A-TEAM

The A-Team is the latest TV show to get a reboot according to Bleeding Cool (read the article here). Chris Morgan who wrote and produced Fast and Furious has a new take on the classic series which includes switching some of the gender roles.

Back in 2010 a movie based on the tv show was released and starred Liam Neeson and Rampage Jackson.

In this era of superheroes, the A-Team is a perfect show to reboot. As a child of the 80's I am anxious to see what changes will be made. Hopefully it will go over better than the Knight Rider reboot that came on NBC in 2008.

THE PROFESSOR

R.I.P. JACK LARSON

Jack Larson as Jimmy Olsen

Jack Larson who played Jimmy Olsen in the 50's series "The Adventures of Superman" died yesterday at the age of 87 according to TV Line (read the article here).

I first saw Mr. Larson on TV in the late 80's hosting an Adventures of Superman marathon on Channel 9 WWOR-TV during Thanksgiving. At the time I didn't know about the 50's TV show having only seen the Christopher Reeve "Superman" films.

Mr. Larson played Jimmy as an earnest young man who often got into trouble and needed Superman's assistance.

Now as superheroes are common place in pop culture I wanted to say "Thank You" to Mr. Larson for his contribution and being a pioneer in the genre.


THE PROFESSOR

R.I.P. ROWDY RODDY PIPER

Whether you knew him as "The Hot Rod" or "The Rowdy Scot" there is no denying that  "Rowdy" Roddy Piper was a larger than life character in and out of the wrestling ring. That is why it was such a shock when I read that he had passed away at the age of 61 due to cardiac arrest.


When I became a wrestling fan in 1991 I had missed the hey day of Piper in the early to mid 1980's (I have caught up through the DVD's of his legendary career). During that time he had memorable feuds with Ric Flair, Jack Brisco and Greg Valentine in the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance). It would be his feud with Hulk Hogan in WWE in 1985 which would put wrestling in the national spotlight. Piper would go on to team with Paul Orndorff against Hogan and Mr. T at WrestleMania I and help WWE become the global corporation it is today.


Piper also found success in the mainstream world starring in many movies including the cult classic "They Live" with Keith David. Their fight scene in that movie is regarded as one of the best of all time.


In the late 90's during wrestling's last boom period Piper appeared in WCW and fought Hulk Hogan  at Starrcade '96 in a match to determine who was the true icon of the sport. After Piper left WCW he made sporadic appearances for WWE and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.


No one will ever forget the contributions that Rowdy Roddy Piper made to the sport of pro wrestling and to the entertainment industry itself. He was a villain, an anti-hero, a rebel, and a true legend. We will never see his type again.


THE PROFESSOR

RUMOR: NBC LOOKING AT A XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS REBOOT

Lucy Lawless as Xena:Warrior Princess


Another action-adventure hero is getting a reboot as Xena: Warrior Princess may be headed back to the small screen in 2016. According to a report from TV LINE, NBC Universal is looking into bringing back the heroine sometime next year. Executive Producers Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi are trying to bring back the show which ran from 1995-2001 in syndication. They are searching for a writer to do a modern reboot on the series.

Original Xena actress Lucy Lawless will have some presence on the show both in front of and behind the camera. This is no surprise as the role made Lawless a household name. Also she and Tapert fell in love on the show and were married in 1998.

With the rise of superheroes as well as elite women in sports including Ronda Rousey, Serena Williams, and the recent World Cup win by the U.S. Women's soccer team, it's no surprise that NBC would be looking at Xena for a reboot.

Xena: Warrior Princess was an actual spinoff of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys as Xena was a villain that led her army across Greece and conquered many villages. Hercules stands in her way and turns her from a villain into a hero by his example. The big question will be whether this new reboot will stick to this origin or will it change to reflect a new sensibility.

Xena and Hercules were special for their time as there weren't a lot of sci-fi/superhero shows on the air at that time and because they offered a modern take on greek mythology. Now with the explosion of pop culture, superheroes and sci-fi are everywhere. It might take something special to lure in new fans. One advantage is that Xena is a known brand. As a fan I would love to see Xena back on TV. I hope this rumor works out.

THE PROFESSOR
.

WWE GOES OLD-SCHOOL WITH LESNAR VS. THE UNDERTAKER AT SUMMERSLAM

On RAW last night we saw Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker engage in an epic brawl. Lesnar came out and attacked The Undertaker after he interrupted Paul Heyman's promo. They brawled in the ring as security and most of the WWE locker room came out to separate them. You can watch the brawl itself here.


It was announced that Lesnar vs. The Undertaker will take place at Summerslam next month when WWE comes to the Barclays center. This is an old-school type of fight in wrestling where two guys who really don't like each other are out to settle a score. Brock Lesnar ended The Undertaker's WrestleMania win streak at WrestleMania 30. On Sunday night, The Undertaker interfered and cost Lesnar his shot at the WWE title in his match against Seth Rollins. Each man has a score to settle with the other and they will settle it at Summerslam.


As I said this is an old-school type of fight. These guys don't need to cut a long 20 minute promo to get fans excited about their match. The fans believe in both performers and want to see this match. I hate to say it but this type of fight is rare in wrestling and especially WWE nowadays.


WWE will need to make more attractions like Lesnar and The Undertaker if they want the fans to stay interested in the product. Future Superstars like Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins will need to be believable characters with strong motivations going against strong heroes like John Cena and Randy Orton.


The match between Brock Lesnar and the Undertaker will be great and harken back to an era where scores were settled in the ring and stars were stars for life.


THE PROFESSOR

IN TODAY'S CULTURE BATMAN IS A WARMACHINE; SUPERMAN IS JUST SUPERMAN

By now we've all seen the trailer for Batman Vs. Superman.  The trailer shows how the events from Man of Steel have impacted the world, specifically Bruce Wayne.


I never liked the direction of Superman in Man of Steel and how dark it was. Business Insider has an article on why filmmakers have such a hard time making a good Superman movie. The article even quotes Henry Cavill from an interview that he gave to Entertainment Weekly when he says, "People like the darker vigilante... I think it speaks to the human psyche more easily rather than the god-like being that we can't really understand." I disagree with Mr. Cavill on that statement.


I would argue as a counterpoint to Mr. Cavill's statement that Superman hasn't changed much through the years but the culture has changed dramatically over the last 75 years.


When Superman was first created in 1938, the idea of a hero or strongman was a circus acrobat. In the 80's he was modeled after Arnold Schwarzenegger. In today's world the idea of a hero or a man of great strength is someone like a soldier or a spy. A man or woman that has been trained to fight and succeeds in their mission no matter what. Batman fits that mold perfectly. He has spent years training in different martial arts in order to become Batman. He is DC's version of a soldier, a spy, even an MMA Fighter. If you look at the movie Batman Begins, director Chris Nolan paints Batman as the human warmachine against terrorists in Gotham City.

If I were DC I would reinvent Superman as a soldier or spy in the vein of  Captain America. While Batman is responsible for Gotham City, Superman would have adventures all over the world like James Bond. That would make him work better in today's culture.


There's also the problem that Superman is invulnerable to everything so DC might want to go back to Superman being invulnerable to bullets and knives like he was in the 1930's. This won't happen anytime soon because DC and Warner Bros. don't want to damage the Superman brand.


DC and Warner Bros. won't do anything to change the story of Superman not even a little bit because they're worried that they might lose fans and possibly lose money. The problem is that they've lost fans already as Marvel has put out better Superhero movies.


Filmmakers don't have to change Superman's attitude or life story, just change a few key elements and Superman could truly have a cultural resurgence.


THE PROFESSOR

R.I.P. DUSTY RHODES

DUSTY RHODES


Dusty Rhodes passed away yesterday at the age of 69. Rhodes came to prominence in the late 1960's as a member of the tag-team known as the Texas Outlaws with Dick Murdoch. They were a feared tag team and one of their big-time feuds was with the Crusher and the Bruiser in the AWA.


Dusty would move onto Florida where he became a good guy known as "The American Dream". Dusty was a common man who related to the people because he wasn't a muscular specimen buy any means but rather a heavy set man with great athleticism. People saw themselves in Dusty Rhodes. He was a man who fought against the odds to attain his dreams.


In wrestling the dream of any pro wrestler is to be a World Champion. Dusty was no different. He engaged in multiple rivalries with Terry Funk, Harley Race, and Ric Flair over the NWA World title. Dusty was a 3-time World Champion defeating the likes of Harley Race and Ric Flair to become a legend in the sport.


In WWE in the 1970's Dusty had a great feud with Superstar Billy Graham for the World title. Both men redefined the industry with their interviews that were exciting and entertaining.


In Florida Dusty would work under the tutelage of Eddie Graham and became one of the best creative minds in the business. He helped Jim Crockett Promotions become one of the most powerful promotions in the 80's.


Recently Dusty worked for WWE in their developmental programs and helped the young talent develop their characters.


There are no words that I can write in this post that can do justice to the career of Dusty Rhodes and his impact on Professional Wrestling.


All I can say is Thank you Dusty for everything you've done to entertain me as a fan. Your impact will never be forgotten.


THE PROFESSOR

KEVIN OWENS: THE REAL FUTURE OF THE WWE

KEVIN OWENS NXT CHAMPION


Seth Rollins may be called "The future of the WWE" by Triple H, but we may have seen the real future of the WWE last night on RAW. NXT Champion Kevin Owens (Kevin Steen) came out during John Cena's U.S. Open challenge. Owens and Cena engaged in an exchange that established Owens as a force to be reckoned with. Owens ended up Powerbombing Cena and stepping on the United States Championship (watch the video HERE).


In one segment, Owens established his character as a bada$$ and made the world stand up and take notice of him. He didn't back down from Cena and that put him on equal footing with the biggest star in the company.

SETH ROLLINS WWE CHAMPION

Although Seth Rollins is the current WWE champion, he isn't perceived as a fighter. Rollins is more of a thinking man's wrestler who uses his wits to take advantage of his opponent's weaknesses. In today's world, with MMA being prevalent, people respect fighters more than opportunistic heels. That's why Brock Lesnar was such a respected and popular champion. 

Owens has a lot of the qualities that Brock has and that's why fans are attracted to him. During that confrontation with Cena, you can hear the fans cheer for Owens. WWE has a great chance to bring fans back to wrestling with performers such as Owens, and Brock Lesnar who use MMA-style tactics in their wrestling matches.


If WWE is smart they'll put men like Kevin Owens at the top of the business to attract fans that have left wrestling for MMA. That would definitely be best for business.


Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR

THANK YOU BRYAN DANIELSON

Bryan Danielson aka Daniel Bryan


Last night on WWE RAW Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) vacated the Intercontinental title due to injuries. He said that because of the injuries, he isn't sure if he'll be able to wrestle again. I'd like to use this space to say a big THANK YOU to Mr. Danielson for all of his accomplishments in pro wrestling and WWE specifically.


As a fan I had only heard of Bryan Danielson on the internet and read about his time in ROH (Ring of Honor). I remember being very excited when I heard he was signed by the WWE because I knew I'd get to see this great wrestler on my TV every week.


Bryan Danielson overcame all of the odds including being fired by WWE during his first run to coming back and winning the U.S. Championship and feuding with The Miz. He would go on to win the World Heavyweight Championship and work with A.J. Lee as his on-screen girlfriend. Their combination of ability, talent and humor elevated both of them into WWE's upper echelon.





Danielson would go on to feud with Kane and they became Team Hell No winning the world tag team titles. Kane and Danielson produced some of the best skits and matches not seen since the Rock and Sock Connection days with Mick Foley and The Rock.













His most triumphant moment came when he won the title at WrestleMania 30. In an almost year long storyline he battled against The Authority to prove that he could be the "Face of the WWE" and he became a household name in the process. Thanks to him and CM Punk, the WWE has added more guys that may not have "the look" such as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.







I hope that Bryan Danielson does come back to WWE to wrestle but if he can't I just want to thank him for all of the terrific memories he's given me as a wrestling fan.


THE PROFESSOR

THEORY: IS "OLD-SCHOOL" SUPERMAN COMING BACK TO DC IN JULY?

Superman in Batman/Superman # 22


In July, DC will present Superman in a whole new way after their two-month convergence event. Starting in July Superman will get a makeover. Gone is his spandex suit and cape. Now Superman will wear a T-Shirt (with the "S" symbol on it) and jeans but what if the costume isn't the only thing that Superman loses?


In the picture above Superman is shown riding a motorcycle into Gotham City. Why would Superman need to ride a motorcycle if he can fly or run at super speed? What if he can't do either of those things?


My theory is that something happens that causes Superman to lose his powers and return to one of  his early incarnations where he could only leap tall buildings in a single bound, had super strength and invulnerability to bullets and knives. One piece of key evidence is the Superman shield on his T-shirt. Hardcore fans know that particular symbol is from the Fleischer Superman cartoons that ran during the 1940's


If Superman does have only some of his powers then fans of the hero will wonder what happened and what caused this change in the status quo.


Critics of Superman say that he is so powerful that it's tough to relate to him because he can't be put in life or death situations like Spider-Man or Batman. If my theory is correct then that may all change.


We can only wait and see what happens in July.


Class Dismissed
THE PROFESSOR

THE ONE

RONDA ROUSEY

Back in the 1980's Hulk Hogan was "The One." In the late 1990's Stone Cold Steve Austin was "The One". In 2001 The Rock became "The One" and his career has gone where no other wrestler's career has ever been. All these men have some things in common: charisma and believability.

In MMA right now Ronda Rousey is "The One". No one else has her skills or charisma. She beat her last two opponents in under 30 seconds. Her career is taking off with mainstream roles in movies like, "Fast and Furious 7".

In WWE Brock Lesnar is "The One," not just because he beat the Undertaker but because fans believe in him due to his background in amateur wrestling and MMA. He also has a magnetic personality.

WWE needs to decide who they want to be "The One" in women's wrestling. They need someone who is believable and has a skillset that is unique. Natalya Neidhart could fit that description. She has the family legacy and the skillset. WWE doesn't seem to trust her in the title picture. They want someone who looks more like a model like Nikki Bella.

TNA wrestling had someone who could have been "The One" in Awesome Kong back in 2007. She had the look and the skillset that fans were attracted to. TNA misused Kong and she left the company. She's returned now but hasn't gotten the same momentum of her first appearances.

I hope WWE is serious about it's women's division, it could be one of the best parts of WWE programming if handled correctly.

THE PROFESSOR

SETH ROLLINS IS THE NEW WWE CHAMPION

SETH ROLLINS

Last night at WrestleMania, Seth Rollins became the new WWE Champion when he cashed in his Money In The Bank contract and beat Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns in an impromptu triple threat match. 

Rollins has proven over the last year that he is one of the best young performers in WWE today. His matches with Dean Ambrose, Daniel Bryan, and John Cena have proven his ability in the ring. At the Royal Rumble he impressed everyone in the triple threat match against Brock Lesnar and John Cena which was considered by fans and pundits as match of the year.

Rollins is an old-school champion in a new school era who's a combination of Ric Flair and Jeff Hardy with wrestling moves and breath-taking aerial maneuvers.

A new era in WWE has begun.

THE PROFESSOR

BROCK LESNAR IS THE WRONG OPPONENT FOR ROMAN REIGNS

Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns

At this year's WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar will face Roman Reigns for the WWE title. Lesnar is a former NCAA Wrestling champion, former WWE Champion and former UFC Champion. Reigns is a member of one of the largest wrestling families in the industry which includes Superstars like The Wild Samoans, Peter Maivia, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, and The Rock. He is also a former football player.

When you compare their credentials, Lesnar clearly outshines Reigns and has more credibility than Reigns. That in itself is the problem. WWE over the last year hasn't done anything to help Reigns gain more credibility as a wrestler. He doesn't use submission maneuvers like a Kurt Angle or a Bret Hart which would at least make him look like he could win  against Brock in that respect. If Reigns had some martial arts skills like a Ricky Steamboat, even that would help him look like a stronger threat in the eyes of the fans.

Reigns hasn't shown anything in his skillset that could help him beat Brock. So far, he has been marketed as an underdog who still has a fighting chance to win, but hardcore fans aren't buying into it. Because he's simply seen as a big, imposing, tough guy hardcore fans don't believe he can beat Lesnar. Lesnar has defeated many big, imposing, tough, men in WWE and UFC including Big Show, Mark Henry, and Shane Carwin.

It's not that Roman Reigns doesn't belong in the main event, it's that Roman Reigns shouldn't be in the main event with Brock Lesnar.  Fans see Brock as "The Real Guy" while Reigns is a product of sports-entertainment. If Reigns was in there with anyone else he wouldn't be experiencing as much fan backlash.

As a fan myself, I don't care who wins at WrestleMania, I'll still watch WWE. I watched during the  early 90's so there's nothing they can do to scare me away now. I just hope that whatever happens the fans enjoy the event and have plenty of memories.

Class Dismissed,

THE PROFESSOR

REY MYSTERIO HAS SIGNED WITH AAA WRESTLING PROMOTION

REY MYSTERIO

Rey Mysterio who left the WWE a few weeks ago without much fanfare has officially signed with AAA according to WRESTLEZONE (read the article here). Rey will make his debut in AAA on March 15th during their Rey Des Reyes show.

It is expected that Rey will also appear on AAA's sister promotion, Lucha Underground sometime this year. This is a major acquisition for AAA as Rey has international star power and can help AAA break into the U.S. market.

Class Dismissed

THE PROFESSOR

ALUNDRA BLAYZE IS GOING INTO THE WWE HALL OF FAME IN 2015

Debra "Madusa" Miceli a.k.a Alundra Blayze

It was announced last night on RAW, that Alundra Blayze aka Madusa Miceli would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2015. What made Alundra Blayze stand out was that she could wrestle like Bret Hart or brawl like Stone Cold Steve Austin. She was beautiful and athletic.

As a longtime fan of wrestling I remember when Alundra Blayze entered WWE around 1995. At the time her main rival was a Japanese female wrestler named Bull Nakano. They would trade the WWE women's title many times during that year.

During that time women's wrestling was not popular and much like today WWE and Vince McMahon used it more as a novelty attraction than as a main attraction.

The first time I saw Madusa, she wasn't wrestling rather she was the manager of Ravishing Rick Rude in WCW. At the time Rude was the U.S. Heavyweight Champion and Madusa would interfere in matches when Rude would get in trouble against opponents like Sting or Nikita Koloff.

After 1993 she left WCW and appeared in WWE in 1995 as Alundra Blayze.  She would return to WCW during the Monday Night War in 1997 and  throw the WWE Women's championship into a nearby garbage can. That became one of the most memorable moments of that era.

I've always believed that moment happened because WWE and Vince McMahon has never truly loved women's wrestling. Yes, WWE has more women in its ranks than it did in 1995 but Vince and company has never really supported women's wrestling with any epic feuds. I've always believed that Vince sees women's wrestling as a novelty attraction and not a mainstream attraction.

The women in WWE today are expected to be pretty and powerful but not to have any real substance or character development. It's why Nikki Bella is the champion and not Natalya Neidhart. In order to add real credibility to the title you would need two women in the division who have the reputation of being good wrestlers. In wrestling, perception is reality. Natalya Neidhart comes from the hart family which has the reputation of a family of great wrestlers.

Back to our regularly scheduled blog post, Madusa is one of the pioneers of women's wrestling due to her technical ability and amazing athleticism. She has worked for all of the major promotions including WWE, WCW, and the AWA. She is someone who truly deserves to be inducted into the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame.

Class Dismissed,

THE PROFESSOR