CM PUNK IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD

This is CM PUNK. He has been a WWE Superstar for six years. Over the last couple of months he has been a hot topic as to whether he'll stay in WWE when his contract expires in July. WWE incorporated this into their storyline last week when PUNK said that he will beat current WWE Champion, John Cena and leave the WWE with the championship without renewing his contract. Over the last few weeks CM Punk has made derogatory comments towards WWE and the rumors are that he is unsatisfied with his position in the company.

So on last night's WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW at the end of the show Punk said this:John Cena, while you lay there, hopefully as uncomfortable as you possibly can be, I want you to listen to me. I want you to digest this, because before I leave in three weeks with your WWE Championship, I have a lot of things I wanna get off my chest.

I don't hate you, John. I don't even dislike you. I like you a hell of a lot more than I like most people in the back. I hate... this idea... that you're the best... because you're not. I'm the best. I'm the best in the world. There's one thing you're better at than I am, and that's kissing Vince McMahon's ass. You're as good at kissing Vince's ass as Hulk Hogan was. I don't know if you're as good as Dwayne... he's a pretty good ass-kisser... always was and still is. Oops... I'm breaking the fourth wall. [Punk waves to the camera.] I am the best... wrestler... in the world. I've been the best ever since Day One when I walked into this company, and I've been vilified and hated since that day because Paul Heyman saw something in me that nobody else wanted to admit. That's right, I'm a Paul Heyman guy. You know who else was a Paul Heyman guy? Brock Lesnar... and he split, just like I'm splittin', but the biggest difference between me and Brock is that I'm going to leave with the WWE Championship.

I've grabbed so many of Vincent K. McMahon's imaginary brass rings that it's finally dawned on me that they're just that. They're completely imaginary. The only thing that's real is me, and the fact that day in and day out, for almost six years, I've proved to everybody in the world that I am the best on this microphone, in that ring, and even on commentary. Nobody can touch me. And yet, no matter how many times I prove it, I'm not on your lovely little collectors' cups, I'm not on the cover of the program, I'm barely promoted, I don't get to be in movies, I'm not on any crappy show on the USA Network, I'm not on the poster of WrestleMania, I'm not on the signature that's produced at the start of the show. I'm not on Conan O'Brian, I'm not on Jimmy Fallon, but the fact of the matter is I should be, and trust me, this isn't sour grapes, but the fact that "Dwayne" is in the main event of WrestleMania next year and I'm not makes me sick!

Oh hey, let me get something straight, those of you who are cheering me right now... you are just as big a part of me leaving as anyone else, because you're the ones sipping out of those collector cups right now, you're the ones that buy those programs that my face isn't on the cover of, and then at five in the morning at the airport, you try to shove it in my face thinking you can get an autograph and sell it on eBay because you're too lazy to get a real job.

I'm leaving with the WWE championship on July 17 and hell, who knows, maybe I'll go defend it in New Japan Pro Wrestling... maybe I'll go back to Ring of Honor... [Punk waves to the camera again] hey, Colt Cabana, how you doing? The reason I'm leaving is you people because after I'm gone you're still going to pour money into this company -- I'm just a spoke on the wheel -- the wheel's gonna keep turning. And I understand that... that Vince McMahon's gonna make money despite himself... he's a millionaire who should be a billionaire... you know why he's not a billionaire? It's because he surrounds himself with glad-handing nonsensical [censored] yes-men like John Lauranitis, who's gonna tell him everything he wants to hear... and I'd like to think that maybe this company will be better after Vince McMahon is dead, but the fact is it's gonna get taken over by his idiotic daughter and his doofus son-in-law and the rest of his stupid family.

Let me tell you a personal story about Vince McMahon. You know we do this whole bully campaign...

(Microphone is cut off. Punk hits the mic a few times, says something inaudible, yells "I've been silenced", and we fade to black.) (Credit: ewrestlingnews.com)

This is a historic moment in pro wrestling because Punk did a "shoot" promo on all of the problems that WWE has and why there are long-time wrestling fans that are dissatisfied with the current WWE product.
For those of you who don't know a "shoot" is when a wrestler breaks character and does something unplanned during the show. In a "worked shoot" it is something that seems unplanned but the wrestler is actually following the script. In this case Punk did a "Worked Shoot." Vince McMahon needs something different to jumpstart his compny and CM PUNK may have just provided it.

This "shoot" was historic because it:

A. Talked about many of the "problems"  people hate about WWE such as John Cena being pushed as the only top Superstar of WWE.

B. Stupid executives like John Laurinaitis under the direction of Vince McMahon and his family firing great wrestlers because they don't fit a certain mold.

C. WWE only elevating wrestlers that have a certain look or charisma i.e. John Cena and ignoring others i.e. CM PUNK.

D. PUNK mentioned going to another promotion such as New Japan or Ring Of Honor. Ever since WWE bought WCW in 2001 they have never mentioned another promotion since that time.  

Not since the Monday Night Wars from 1995-2000 has a "shoot" been done this effectively.

If done right this could be the next great rivalry that sparks a new interest in Pro Wrestling. Except the participants won't be Vince McMahon and The Rock or Stone Cold Steve Austin. The participants could be C.M. PUNK and Stephanie McMahon or Triple H.

Class Dismissed
The Professor

A NEW SUPERMAN ON THE HORIZON

Image courtesy of COMICBOOKMOVIE and DC COMICS

So this is the new Superman suit that debuts in Superman #1. Notice that DC has taken away the red underwear. Made the belt around Superman's waist red, instead of yellow and made Superman's suit look more like a suit of armor. I can only think that when the relaunch happens in September, Superman may be not as powerful as his current incarnation so to give him a reason to wear armor.


Image Courtesy of DC COMICS

This is the image that goes along with the solicitation that accompanies Action Comics #1. I think the symbolism here means that Superman will go back to his roots of being a champion of the oppressed. Superman debuted in 1938 and tackled many social issues of the time such as crooked politicians and gangsters. It will be interesting to see if this is the path that Grant Morrison explores.

If Action Comics deals with a more "common man" Superman and Superman # 1 deals with a more Science Fiction aspect of the character then it will be interesting to see which version fans will enjoy more and which book will have higher sales.  

As a fan I will probably buy both books to see what the new status quo is.

Class Dismissed.
The Professor

RANDOM THOUGHTS.....

On my last blog I talked about the new DCU. Now everyone is talking about this as a reboot or a relaunch. DC says that it's just a relaunch. I wish they had rebooted the entire line after Infinite Crisis. In my opinion they should have used that event as an endpoint for DC Continuity.

Then they could have started a new line with a fresh take on the heroes with no history or bothersome questions of what events happened and didn't happen in the DCU. JUST MY OPINION.

KEVIN SMITH DOING A REALITY SHOW



Kevin Smith is reportedly doing a reality show. According to the NJ Star-Ledger, http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2011/06/kevin_smith_reality_show_may_l.html

Kevin's reality show will take place in a comic book store and it may land on AMC. That would be cool.


Class Dismissed
The Professor

SEPT 2011: WHERE IT All BEGINS AGAIN FOR DC COMICS

In September DC Comics will relaunch it's comic book line with 52 new No. 1 titles including Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. According to an article at Comic Book Resources at this link:
(http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=32563) DC is looking to bring in new readers by changing the look of its characters and making them younger and by crafting more modernized stories. By launching all their titles at number one in September the writers and artists on each title won't have to worry about previous continuity or history of a character and they'll be able to create their own stories.

In my opinion I think this type of relaunch should have happened years ago after "Infinite Crisis" in 2005. DC Comics attempted a reboot of its characters called, "One Year Later" but it did not work. All other reboot attempts such as the All-Star line featuring Superman and Batman as well as Superman: Confidential and Batman: Confidential did not achieve the success that DC wanted.

On August 31, 2011 DC will launch their new titles with Justice League #1(see above image). The main members of the team are: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Cyborg. All of them look younger and their uniforms have been updated by Jim Lee. The book will be written by Geoff Johns (DC's Chief Creative Officer) and will be drawn by artist, Jim Lee (DC's Co-Publisher along with Dan Didio). Both Johns and Lee are renowned in the comics industry for their writing and art. This book should be a hit among fans.

I hope this relaunch will be successful for DC Comics. As a fan of comics I think this is a great idea and I hope it will usher in a new competitive era between Marvel and DC.

In the coming days I will offer my opinion on some of the new books coming out and what I hope are some new titles.

Class Dismisssed
The Professor

RIP MACHO MAN RANDY SAVAGE

On May 20th 2011 the world lost one of its most colorful and charismatic figures. Macho Man Randy Savage died from a heart attack while driving with his wife in Florida. To commemorate his legendary career, I'd like to list some of my favorite Randy Savage matches.

1. Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage (Intercontinental Champion)- Wrestlemania 3

This match is considered by many to be the best Wrestlemania match of all time and after watching it I can understand why. It is one of the best technical matches ever put together on wrestling's biggest stage. This match set a standard in storytelling and action that is missing in today's presentation. Savage would lose to Steamboat but he would prove to be one of the best athletes wrestling ever had. 

2. Randy Savage (World Champion) vs. Hulk Hogan-Wrestlemania 5

Long before Shawn Michaels or Bret Hart won the WWE World championship belt in the land of the giants. Macho Man Randy Savage did it with wrestling's biggest star: Hulk Hogan. The story was that Savage thought Hogan wanted Miss Elizabeth and in a jealous rage attacked Hogan. Savage would lose the WWE title to Hogan but would still be recognized as on of the WWE's best.


3. Randy Savage (World Champion) vs. Ric Flair-WCW

I know that Ric Flair and Randy Savage feuded in WWE but I loved their feuds in WCW even better. Here is a link to their Starrcade'95 match: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2xzzj_macho-man-randy-savage-vs-ric-flair_sport. Randy always made you believe that he hated Flair and vice versa. Two of the very best ever. 

4. Randy Savage vs. Diamond Dallas Page

This is the rivalry that put DDP on the map. I'll never forget how it started when Macho Man showed pictures of DDP's then wife Kimberly in Playboy covered by the NWO logo. Out came Kimberly humiliated by being spray-painted.  Here's a link to the actual moment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34fsgq1kSIE

At that time from about 1995 to 1997 wrestling would begin to turn a corner and go into the late 90's era that would bring pro wrestling back into the mainstream. From sexy women (Sunny, Sable, Kimberly) and Extreme action (ECW). Macho Man was apart of  two separate boom periods. 

RIP Macho Man. 

You will never be forgotten

5 THOUGHTS ON SMALLVILLE FINALE

Hello Class:

My aim for today is to offer five thoughts on the smallville finale.

1. The Lois and Clark scenes were great

I have to say that Tom Welling and Erica Durance have great chemistry. Their scene talking to each other from behind each side of the door was great. Erica Durance for my money is the best Lois Lane of all time. She has the beauty, brains, and attitude.

2. Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor was great

Ever since Michael Rosenbaum has had trouble replacing him. Eventhough Tess, Doomsday, Zod, and VRA  were nice, the key to the show's success was always Clark's journey to Superman and Lex's journey to Superman's arch nemesis. Michael Rosenbaum's return felt as if he never left. He delivered his lines with the same fierceness and flare that we've loved about his Lex Luthor from the start of this show.

3. How did Green Arrow kill 3 New Gods with just 3 arrows

Green Arrow killed 3 new gods with 3 regular arrows. They're gods. They shouldn't be killed that easily if at all. I don't get it but that's Smallville for you.

4. Tess makes Lex forget his time on Smallville with a neurotoxin

Hated this scene because it made the Lex character moot. I would have loved to have seen a Smallville world where Lex knew the secret but didn't tell anyone. One of the problems with Smallville is that it attempted to fit into the world of the Superman Richard Donner films and establish its own mythology, never getting the two exactly right.

5. No Clark in the full suit

Sure we saw Clark rip open the shirt to show the "S" at the end of the episode but I wanted Clark standing on top of a building in the full Superman gear with the classic hero pose. Yes I saw CGI Superman save Air Force One and push Apokolips into space like a basketball but not what I really wanted.

Overall I loved Smallville tips of the hat to the mythology but I wish they were more like the Ultimate Universe in Marvel and established their own. The chemistry between Tom and Erica was great. Michael Rosenbaum defined Lex Luthor for a generation and was the best Lex Luthor to date even surpassing my favorite, Gene Hackman. I might get the Smallville episodes when they come out on DVD just because there are a few episodes I'd like to see again.

Class Dismissed!!
The Professor

Thoughts on Smallville

Hello Class,

Today I'd like to offer some thoughts on Smallville. I've watched Smallville for the past ten years and I would say that despite some of its questionable storylines over the years, it remains DC/WB second strongest comic book property behind Christopher Nolan's Batman franchise.

I've never understood why Warner Brothers and DC didn't give more attention to Smallville. It could have been the property that launched Superman. Hopefully, the next Superman movie will launch Superman but I have my doubts.

MTV SPALSHPAGE had this article up on Friday's episode of Smallville: http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/05/02/smallville-season-10-episode-20-preview-prophecy-legion-of-doom/#more-51629

It shows a group of Supervillains sitting around a table including Black Manta, Metallo, and Solomon Grundy. I think any three of these villains would have made a bigger impact on Smallville if used during the past three seasons. The Smallville versions of  Doomsday, Zod, and Darkseid seem to be watered down versions of Superman's best villains.

Of course that's been Smallville's problem, they like to water down Superman's villains and give them enough motivation to fill a 22-episode season.

And Clark should be in the suit but he's not because the show wants to stick to its creator's vision of this being Clark's journey of life lessons to Superman. Of course I feel like he's done that enough and should be in the suit. I think it would have been interesting to see a young Clark Kent of 23 or 24 as Superman and the mistakes he makes or how he juggles the dual identity.

Also, LOVE Erica Durance as Lois Lane.

Class Dismissed,
The Professor