-Joe Burgett
For a long week or so now, I have heard some really crazy things regarding the upcoming NFL season.
Whether its the Vikings continuing to go after Bret Favre, or Micheal Vick's whole 4 game suspension thing.
But the craziest thing of all involves the Cowboys. "America's Team", or so they say, has really started to look great.
Why? Because star QB Tony Romo broke up with his Country Singing/Actress Jessica Simpson. Of course this is something that will help the Cowboys right? Well right?!?!
To me, only an idiot would say the Cowboys are going to be good this season, even Super Bowl contenders, because Romo dumped Simpson.
People talk about him being distracted, but seriously, the dude is not going to play better because he broke up with the girl. If he plays better this season, it will be because he worked on his game.
We all know he is a good regular season QB, but is he a good post-season QB? I'm not so sure. He has never gotten past the first round, despite having a good enough team. Keep in mind, that he played Football as a starter for Dallas before he met Simpson. So while people want to make her the excuse for the horrible play, he is actually the problem.
I know this is something sacrilegious to say, but its completely true!
I feel the Cowboys will be worse in fact. Before he broke up with Simpson, people had the Cowboys possibly out of the play-offs. That is including some of Dallas' own fans, mind you.
Once Romo broke up with Simpson, people now have Dallas as a top contender? Are you kidding me?
I feel the loss of Terrell Owens is huge for the 'Boys. Owens had the most in yards and TDs over the past few years with the team. He was basically Romo's #1 target, and now he is gone!
Who do they have? Witten is the only guy there that can really say he started more than a few games and actually scored in most. Roy Williams seems to be as overrated as Charlie Weis' Head Coaching. Williams did improve, but I saw nothing that can make me think he can replace Owens.
Then you have the two running backs in Marion Barber and Felix Jones. Both are great RBs, but they can't run the whole game. Romo is in trouble, so I hope he is focused. If he gets into the play-offs, the weaknesses will show.
The impact of Simpson being dumped is basically nothing. It won't hurt or help the team, and it should have never been an issue to begin with. The fact that it was brought up was a personal issue between he and Simpson. Just because she was at games, it didn't make Romo play better or worse.
He was just as focused on the games whether she is there or not. He is a pro-ball player, wouldn't you think he could do that by now. I think so.
If anyone is to blame, its the Cowboys for playing like garbage and making Romo do everything. I'm Just Saying.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Jessica Simpson-Tony Romo Break-Up: Does it really have an effect fans?
-Joe Burgett
For a long week or so now, I have heard some really crazy things regarding the upcoming NFL season.
Whether its the Vikings continuing to go after Bret Favre, or Micheal Vick's whole 4 game suspension thing.
But the craziest thing of all involves the Cowboys. "America's Team", or so they say, has really started to look great.
Why? Because star QB Tony Romo broke up with his Country Singing/Actress Jessica Simpson. Of course this is something that will help the Cowboys right? Well right?!?!
To me, only an idiot would say the Cowboys are going to be good this season, even Super Bowl contenders, because Romo dumped Simpson.
People talk about him being distracted, but seriously, the dude is not going to play better because he broke up with the girl. If he plays better this season, it will be because he worked on his game.
We all know he is a good regular season QB, but is he a good post-season QB? I'm not so sure. He has never gotten past the first round, despite having a good enough team. Keep in mind, that he played Football as a starter for Dallas before he met Simpson. So while people want to make her the excuse for the horrible play, he is actually the problem.
I know this is something sacrilegious to say, but its completely true!
I feel the Cowboys will be worse in fact. Before he broke up with Simpson, people had the Cowboys possibly out of the play-offs. That is including some of Dallas' own fans, mind you.
Once Romo broke up with Simpson, people now have Dallas as a top contender? Are you kidding me?
I feel the loss of Terrell Owens is huge for the 'Boys. Owens had the most in yards and TDs over the past few years with the team. He was basically Romo's #1 target, and now he is gone!
Who do they have? Witten is the only guy there that can really say he started more than a few games and actually scored in most. Roy Williams seems to be as overrated as Charlie Weis' Head Coaching. Williams did improve, but I saw nothing that can make me think he can replace Owens.
Then you have the two running backs in Marion Barber and Felix Jones. Both are great RBs, but they can't run the whole game. Romo is in trouble, so I hope he is focused. If he gets into the play-offs, the weaknesses will show.
The impact of Simpson being dumped is basically nothing. It won't hurt or help the team, and it should have never been an issue to begin with. The fact that it was brought up was a personal issue between he and Simpson. Just because she was at games, it didn't make Romo play better or worse.
He was just as focused on the games whether she is there or not. He is a pro-ball player, wouldn't you think he could do that by now. I think so.
If anyone is to blame, its the Cowboys for playing like garbage and making Romo do everything. I'm Just Saying.
For a long week or so now, I have heard some really crazy things regarding the upcoming NFL season.
Whether its the Vikings continuing to go after Bret Favre, or Micheal Vick's whole 4 game suspension thing.
But the craziest thing of all involves the Cowboys. "America's Team", or so they say, has really started to look great.
Why? Because star QB Tony Romo broke up with his Country Singing/Actress Jessica Simpson. Of course this is something that will help the Cowboys right? Well right?!?!
To me, only an idiot would say the Cowboys are going to be good this season, even Super Bowl contenders, because Romo dumped Simpson.
People talk about him being distracted, but seriously, the dude is not going to play better because he broke up with the girl. If he plays better this season, it will be because he worked on his game.
We all know he is a good regular season QB, but is he a good post-season QB? I'm not so sure. He has never gotten past the first round, despite having a good enough team. Keep in mind, that he played Football as a starter for Dallas before he met Simpson. So while people want to make her the excuse for the horrible play, he is actually the problem.
I know this is something sacrilegious to say, but its completely true!
I feel the Cowboys will be worse in fact. Before he broke up with Simpson, people had the Cowboys possibly out of the play-offs. That is including some of Dallas' own fans, mind you.
Once Romo broke up with Simpson, people now have Dallas as a top contender? Are you kidding me?
I feel the loss of Terrell Owens is huge for the 'Boys. Owens had the most in yards and TDs over the past few years with the team. He was basically Romo's #1 target, and now he is gone!
Who do they have? Witten is the only guy there that can really say he started more than a few games and actually scored in most. Roy Williams seems to be as overrated as Charlie Weis' Head Coaching. Williams did improve, but I saw nothing that can make me think he can replace Owens.
Then you have the two running backs in Marion Barber and Felix Jones. Both are great RBs, but they can't run the whole game. Romo is in trouble, so I hope he is focused. If he gets into the play-offs, the weaknesses will show.
The impact of Simpson being dumped is basically nothing. It won't hurt or help the team, and it should have never been an issue to begin with. The fact that it was brought up was a personal issue between he and Simpson. Just because she was at games, it didn't make Romo play better or worse.
He was just as focused on the games whether she is there or not. He is a pro-ball player, wouldn't you think he could do that by now. I think so.
If anyone is to blame, its the Cowboys for playing like garbage and making Romo do everything. I'm Just Saying.
Monday, July 27, 2009
NES Review #16: The Rocketeer
The Rocketeer is based on the 1991 Disney movie of the same name.
Nazis are trying to steal an experimental jet pack that will give them an edge in modern warfare for the purpose of world domination.
It is up to the hero to don the jet pack and the helmet to stop the Nazis and keep the world safe!
The Rocketeer is a side-scrolling, run-and-jump and sometimes fly game. About halfway through the first stage, the Rocketeer is able to scavenge jet fuel power-ups, in addition to health and ammo power-ups.
The fuel power-ups allow him to use his namesake power and fly for short distances.
The Rocketeer is one of the coolest ideas ever put on film, at least to me. The video game version of it is only an extension of a great idea!
Nazis are trying to steal an experimental jet pack that will give them an edge in modern warfare for the purpose of world domination.
It is up to the hero to don the jet pack and the helmet to stop the Nazis and keep the world safe!
The Rocketeer is a side-scrolling, run-and-jump and sometimes fly game. About halfway through the first stage, the Rocketeer is able to scavenge jet fuel power-ups, in addition to health and ammo power-ups.
The fuel power-ups allow him to use his namesake power and fly for short distances.
The Rocketeer is one of the coolest ideas ever put on film, at least to me. The video game version of it is only an extension of a great idea!
Friday, July 24, 2009
NES Review #15: Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! is a game which needs no introduction.
Enjoyed by decades, and linking generations, the premise of Jeopardy is pretty simple. Alex Trebek, the lovable Canadian fires answers at the three willing contestants, looking for the proper question.
Jeopardy! has been on the air since 1964. Originally hosted by Merv Griffin and presented in the daytime, the keys were eventually handed over to Alex Trebek and it is now a staple of the Afternoon to Prime Time Lineup.
Jeopardy is one of the few TV shows or movies that is extremely conducive to making a video game. Since Jeopardy consists of watching a screen give you clues anyway, this is just a natural progression of it. The main difference being that instead of just shouting out the answer at the TV, you can gain points for answering correctly.
The one wrinkle is that since the game was made in 1987, the questions that dealt with current events no longer are as easy as it was originally intended. Still a worthy buy for anyone interested.
Enjoyed by decades, and linking generations, the premise of Jeopardy is pretty simple. Alex Trebek, the lovable Canadian fires answers at the three willing contestants, looking for the proper question.
Jeopardy! has been on the air since 1964. Originally hosted by Merv Griffin and presented in the daytime, the keys were eventually handed over to Alex Trebek and it is now a staple of the Afternoon to Prime Time Lineup.
Jeopardy is one of the few TV shows or movies that is extremely conducive to making a video game. Since Jeopardy consists of watching a screen give you clues anyway, this is just a natural progression of it. The main difference being that instead of just shouting out the answer at the TV, you can gain points for answering correctly.
The one wrinkle is that since the game was made in 1987, the questions that dealt with current events no longer are as easy as it was originally intended. Still a worthy buy for anyone interested.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A Look into the WWE's Next PPV, The Night Of Champions
The WWE's upcoming PPV, Night of Champions which airs this Sunday, looks to be great in my eyes.
Not only do you have the whole world wondering who Chris Jericho's tag partner is, but you also are set to see every single title in the WWE defended.
That means both women's title, all the World Titles, the US and IC Title, and of course the unified tag title.
It is a PPV that many wait all year to see. While some say that the WWE only has 5 PPVs people consider the best of the year in Summerslam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, No Way Out, and Wrestlemania. We have to realize that the WWE has a gem here in Night of Champions.
It may be considered a gimmick PPV, but who cares? I love it, and we will definitely see titles change.
I feel it is a given that Maryse will lose her Diva's Title. Only because she is the longest reigning champion in the WWE right now. Mickie James needs to be recognized, and she needs the title if you ask me. Maryse had her shot, its time to give it up.
The Women's Title is one of those that could be passed. However, because Maryse could possibly lose, there is no way the WWE would have both women's titles change hands. So, I see McCool retaining Sunday.
Dolph Ziggler is one of the hottest heels in the WWE today. The WWE, especially Vince McMahon are high on him. This is why he is getting a huge push. I feel that even though Rey Mysterio just won the Intercontinental Title, Ziggler will take it from him.
I feel he needs it to really get on a roll, even more so than he already has.
The World Titles are a toss up to me. I feel that Orton could easily lose to either Triple H or John Cena. But it seems the WWE wants to really keep him as WWE Champion for a while, at least until the Fall. So, I feel he will retain.
The World Heavyweight Championship is a tough one, but you have to go with CM Punk to retain here. I mean, Jeff Hardy's WWE contract expires shortly after the NOCs PPV. Because of this, the WWE won't give him the title. I hate to say it ladies and gents, but Hardy won't win this Sunday.
Christian vs Tommy Dreamer is another tough one. But to me, you have to go with Christian. True, he has had his shot with the title before. However, Christian is a better fit as ECW Champion rather than Dreamer. Dreamer is up in age, and he doesn't need to be the #1 guy on the brand. Christian can be, plus, Christian is already being misused by being on ECW in the first place. So, to reward him for being on the WWE's C Show without complaining, you have to give him the title back.
Also, the WWE never planned to have Dreamer hold the title long anyway.
The US Title is one that could go one of two ways. Either Kofi Kingston somehow retains or Big Show wins the title, plain and simple.
Keep in mind, Big Show has not held a title in the WWE since being on the ECW Brand 4 years ago. He hasn't even held a tag title. Keep in mind also that Big Show took a leave of absence from the WWE to pursue a boxing career that didn't pan out.
He has not held a title in the WWE since his return well over a year ago. So, I feel he is due for a win, and he could walk out the new United States Champion. So I pick him. But, if he is not the winner or Kofi does not retain, I'll be shocked.
The Tag Title mess seems to be catching everyone off guard a bit. I feel that the WWE is making such a big deal out of the new tag partner for Jericho that there is no way he and his new tag partner will not walk out still Unified Tag Champion. Sorry Legacy!
-Joe Burgett
Not only do you have the whole world wondering who Chris Jericho's tag partner is, but you also are set to see every single title in the WWE defended.
That means both women's title, all the World Titles, the US and IC Title, and of course the unified tag title.
It is a PPV that many wait all year to see. While some say that the WWE only has 5 PPVs people consider the best of the year in Summerslam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, No Way Out, and Wrestlemania. We have to realize that the WWE has a gem here in Night of Champions.
It may be considered a gimmick PPV, but who cares? I love it, and we will definitely see titles change.
I feel it is a given that Maryse will lose her Diva's Title. Only because she is the longest reigning champion in the WWE right now. Mickie James needs to be recognized, and she needs the title if you ask me. Maryse had her shot, its time to give it up.
The Women's Title is one of those that could be passed. However, because Maryse could possibly lose, there is no way the WWE would have both women's titles change hands. So, I see McCool retaining Sunday.
Dolph Ziggler is one of the hottest heels in the WWE today. The WWE, especially Vince McMahon are high on him. This is why he is getting a huge push. I feel that even though Rey Mysterio just won the Intercontinental Title, Ziggler will take it from him.
I feel he needs it to really get on a roll, even more so than he already has.
The World Titles are a toss up to me. I feel that Orton could easily lose to either Triple H or John Cena. But it seems the WWE wants to really keep him as WWE Champion for a while, at least until the Fall. So, I feel he will retain.
The World Heavyweight Championship is a tough one, but you have to go with CM Punk to retain here. I mean, Jeff Hardy's WWE contract expires shortly after the NOCs PPV. Because of this, the WWE won't give him the title. I hate to say it ladies and gents, but Hardy won't win this Sunday.
Christian vs Tommy Dreamer is another tough one. But to me, you have to go with Christian. True, he has had his shot with the title before. However, Christian is a better fit as ECW Champion rather than Dreamer. Dreamer is up in age, and he doesn't need to be the #1 guy on the brand. Christian can be, plus, Christian is already being misused by being on ECW in the first place. So, to reward him for being on the WWE's C Show without complaining, you have to give him the title back.
Also, the WWE never planned to have Dreamer hold the title long anyway.
The US Title is one that could go one of two ways. Either Kofi Kingston somehow retains or Big Show wins the title, plain and simple.
Keep in mind, Big Show has not held a title in the WWE since being on the ECW Brand 4 years ago. He hasn't even held a tag title. Keep in mind also that Big Show took a leave of absence from the WWE to pursue a boxing career that didn't pan out.
He has not held a title in the WWE since his return well over a year ago. So, I feel he is due for a win, and he could walk out the new United States Champion. So I pick him. But, if he is not the winner or Kofi does not retain, I'll be shocked.
The Tag Title mess seems to be catching everyone off guard a bit. I feel that the WWE is making such a big deal out of the new tag partner for Jericho that there is no way he and his new tag partner will not walk out still Unified Tag Champion. Sorry Legacy!
-Joe Burgett
NES Review #14: The Untouchables
The Untouchables is based on the 1987 film by Brian De Palma and works to correspond to the movie's plot outline. In 1920s Chicago, Eliot Ness and his crew of law enforcement professionals are determined to bring down Al Capone and his boys.
The game features 7 levels of action named The Street, The Warehouse, The Bridge, The Alleys, The Train station, The Hostage, and The Rooftop.
If you want to get an idea of how the game plays, think of the recent Godfather game, but without all the fancy graphics and corporate tie-ins.
Let's put it this way...if they can make a video game out of the movie Juno, then one for the Untouchables isn't so far fetched.
The game features 7 levels of action named The Street, The Warehouse, The Bridge, The Alleys, The Train station, The Hostage, and The Rooftop.
If you want to get an idea of how the game plays, think of the recent Godfather game, but without all the fancy graphics and corporate tie-ins.
Let's put it this way...if they can make a video game out of the movie Juno, then one for the Untouchables isn't so far fetched.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Who is Chris Jericho's New Tag Partner? I Have the Answer!
Chris Jericho escaped, literally escaped losing his Undisputed tag titles by the skin of his teeth.
See, his partner Edge suffered an injury which will sideline him indefinitely. This was a huge blow to the tag title and Jericho. But because Jericho had the law on his side, he was able to keep his gold.
But because Jericho's partner Edge is out, he will have to find a new partner. He has mentioned that his new partner will be revealed this Sunday at the WWE PPV Night of Champions. This leads me to my point, I want to figure out who his new partner is. I feel I have the answer, or at least suspects.
Chris Masters was released a while back, but Vince McMahon sat down with him, they discussed his issues and signed him back. Since he signed the WWE deal months back, he is available.
He was an emerging name while he was in the WWE around 2003 to early 2007. Before he was released, he was being pushed for a possible World Title reign.
Since he is back, and he is considered to be coming back as a heel, he will work for the WWE and Jericho.
Masters is significantly smaller than what he once was, but that won't stop him from showing his improved wrestling ability. He may no longer be "The Masterpiece" as far as he body goes, he is good enough wrestling and mic wise to return to the WWE and be Jericho's partner.
While I feel he is the man who will most likely be the choice, I feel that there is another.
Carlito recently split from his brother Primo. I, along with many others thought there would be a storyline with them. That didn't happen, which is surprising because usually when a tag partner, (especially a brother) turns on the other, there is always a storyline with them unless something bigger is about to happen.
Although Carlito is in the 6 pack US Title match, he most likely won't win the title. I feel Kofi will retain or Big Show will win it, but we will have to see.
In any case, I feel it is puzzling that Carlito was added to the US Title match and not left out to feud with his brother. Therefore, he could be someone to keep in mind for Jericho's partner this Sunday.
Carlito and Masters are the two people at the top of my list. But I could be wrong.
Who do you feel Jericho will choose?
-Joe Burgett
See, his partner Edge suffered an injury which will sideline him indefinitely. This was a huge blow to the tag title and Jericho. But because Jericho had the law on his side, he was able to keep his gold.
But because Jericho's partner Edge is out, he will have to find a new partner. He has mentioned that his new partner will be revealed this Sunday at the WWE PPV Night of Champions. This leads me to my point, I want to figure out who his new partner is. I feel I have the answer, or at least suspects.
Chris Masters was released a while back, but Vince McMahon sat down with him, they discussed his issues and signed him back. Since he signed the WWE deal months back, he is available.
He was an emerging name while he was in the WWE around 2003 to early 2007. Before he was released, he was being pushed for a possible World Title reign.
Since he is back, and he is considered to be coming back as a heel, he will work for the WWE and Jericho.
Masters is significantly smaller than what he once was, but that won't stop him from showing his improved wrestling ability. He may no longer be "The Masterpiece" as far as he body goes, he is good enough wrestling and mic wise to return to the WWE and be Jericho's partner.
While I feel he is the man who will most likely be the choice, I feel that there is another.
Carlito recently split from his brother Primo. I, along with many others thought there would be a storyline with them. That didn't happen, which is surprising because usually when a tag partner, (especially a brother) turns on the other, there is always a storyline with them unless something bigger is about to happen.
Although Carlito is in the 6 pack US Title match, he most likely won't win the title. I feel Kofi will retain or Big Show will win it, but we will have to see.
In any case, I feel it is puzzling that Carlito was added to the US Title match and not left out to feud with his brother. Therefore, he could be someone to keep in mind for Jericho's partner this Sunday.
Carlito and Masters are the two people at the top of my list. But I could be wrong.
Who do you feel Jericho will choose?
-Joe Burgett
Monday, July 20, 2009
NES Review #13: Werewolf:The Last Warrior
Werewolf: The Last Warrior is the story of an evil leader and his gang of bio-engineered monsters has taken over the land and only one man stands in their way.
Only he's not a man, he is a lycanthrope, a person able to transform into a terrible werewolf to let loose his anger.
This game brings to mind the series of very popular 1980's movies, Teen Wolf. The first movie starred Michael J. Fox, while the second, which was a considerable drop-off in both plot and acting, starred one Jason Bateman.
You start the game in human form. The human can punch, jump, move and shoot a powered up shot which moves horizontally across the screen. By finding a red icon, the human is able to transform into a mighty werewolf creature.
However, if you accidentally grab a blue icon or lose too much energy, you will change you back into a mere human being. The werewolf form offers higher jumps, quicker speed, greater strength, a shockwave attack and the ability to climb walls.
Additionally the werewolf form has an anger meter that is augmented by collecting orbs. After 5 such orbs, the werewolf will transform yet again into a Super Werewolf with even greater strength, speed and partial invincibility.
There are 5 stages in all. Each stage has a boss who moves in a distinct pattern.
Although my favorite Wolf paraphernalia is both a wolf shirt and the song Werewolves of London, this makes a run for the title.
Only he's not a man, he is a lycanthrope, a person able to transform into a terrible werewolf to let loose his anger.
This game brings to mind the series of very popular 1980's movies, Teen Wolf. The first movie starred Michael J. Fox, while the second, which was a considerable drop-off in both plot and acting, starred one Jason Bateman.
You start the game in human form. The human can punch, jump, move and shoot a powered up shot which moves horizontally across the screen. By finding a red icon, the human is able to transform into a mighty werewolf creature.
However, if you accidentally grab a blue icon or lose too much energy, you will change you back into a mere human being. The werewolf form offers higher jumps, quicker speed, greater strength, a shockwave attack and the ability to climb walls.
Additionally the werewolf form has an anger meter that is augmented by collecting orbs. After 5 such orbs, the werewolf will transform yet again into a Super Werewolf with even greater strength, speed and partial invincibility.
There are 5 stages in all. Each stage has a boss who moves in a distinct pattern.
Although my favorite Wolf paraphernalia is both a wolf shirt and the song Werewolves of London, this makes a run for the title.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Is WWE Supertstar Kofi Kingston's Accent Fake?
As we all know, the WWE is an entertainment company. That is what the "E" in WWE stands for after all.
The reason I say this, is because we have to realize that not everything we see on WWE TV Shows are real. This even goes with gimmicks wrestlers use.
WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston for instance, has a Jamaican Wrestler gimmick. We all know that Jamaicans speak their own language in Jamaica, and of course when they speak English they have a bit of an accent.
Now, apparently Elijah Burke knows this and he is kind of in an uproar over Kingston's Jamaican accent. In a recent tweet, he had this to say regarding Kingston:
"Well Kofi, at least Seth Green did his homework; His c-list acting was more believable than your "Jafacian Accent" on commentary! ~ PHS"
First of Burke, if I were you I wouldn't be making fun of a guy who has a job, when you certainly do not. Also I wouldn't make fun of a guy who has won three different titles in the WWE, where you won 0. This is a personal attack on Kingston to me. Burke, you lost your job in the WWE, and you know why. Kingston is one of the best young stars in the business today, get over it, your old news dude!
See, the WWE gimmick Kingston has is that he is a Jamaican born wrestler.
Key word is Jamaican born, this does not mean he lived there his whole life. See, I have a friend who was born in Spain. Neither of my friends parents were from there, but my friend's mother had her overseas, so while my friend had duel citizenship, she does not have an accent.
You can be born somewhere and not have an a strong accent.
I am sure Kingston was born there because one or both of his parents were from there. He moved to the United States and when he came to the WWE, they gave him a Jamaican gimmick.
So because he knows how to speak Jamaican, he may not have as strong of an accent as others because he came to America where he learned English early in life. Also, you can study and find ways to improve your speaking.
Burke is bitter, that is all this is. Kingston may not have the best Jamaican accent in the world, but it may not be fake. He may just be improving his voice. Did you ever think of that Burke? I think NOT! So please Burke, go home and update your Twitter feed to say this
"Me Elijah Burke, I call myself the Pope even though I am not from Italy, and I live my life by making fun of others. Yes, I have no life."
Have a nice day Burke!
Make sure to come back tomorrow and everyday to see more blogs from Toywiz.com!
-Joe Burgett
The reason I say this, is because we have to realize that not everything we see on WWE TV Shows are real. This even goes with gimmicks wrestlers use.
WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston for instance, has a Jamaican Wrestler gimmick. We all know that Jamaicans speak their own language in Jamaica, and of course when they speak English they have a bit of an accent.
Now, apparently Elijah Burke knows this and he is kind of in an uproar over Kingston's Jamaican accent. In a recent tweet, he had this to say regarding Kingston:
"Well Kofi, at least Seth Green did his homework; His c-list acting was more believable than your "Jafacian Accent" on commentary! ~ PHS"
First of Burke, if I were you I wouldn't be making fun of a guy who has a job, when you certainly do not. Also I wouldn't make fun of a guy who has won three different titles in the WWE, where you won 0. This is a personal attack on Kingston to me. Burke, you lost your job in the WWE, and you know why. Kingston is one of the best young stars in the business today, get over it, your old news dude!
See, the WWE gimmick Kingston has is that he is a Jamaican born wrestler.
Key word is Jamaican born, this does not mean he lived there his whole life. See, I have a friend who was born in Spain. Neither of my friends parents were from there, but my friend's mother had her overseas, so while my friend had duel citizenship, she does not have an accent.
You can be born somewhere and not have an a strong accent.
I am sure Kingston was born there because one or both of his parents were from there. He moved to the United States and when he came to the WWE, they gave him a Jamaican gimmick.
So because he knows how to speak Jamaican, he may not have as strong of an accent as others because he came to America where he learned English early in life. Also, you can study and find ways to improve your speaking.
Burke is bitter, that is all this is. Kingston may not have the best Jamaican accent in the world, but it may not be fake. He may just be improving his voice. Did you ever think of that Burke? I think NOT! So please Burke, go home and update your Twitter feed to say this
"Me Elijah Burke, I call myself the Pope even though I am not from Italy, and I live my life by making fun of others. Yes, I have no life."
Have a nice day Burke!
Make sure to come back tomorrow and everyday to see more blogs from Toywiz.com!
-Joe Burgett
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
NES Review #12: Skate or Die
Word on the street is that people who are vegans enjoy playing Skate or Die.
Skate or Die was released in 1988 and can be thought of as a precursor to the Tony Hawk games.
Skate or Die incorporates five distinct styles of skating, which can be attempted individually or in turn. You skate around a menu room to choose which one to attempt.
Just like in Virtua Tennis, you must visit a shop before playing, in this case, Rodney's skate shop, so you can buy equipment.
The first event is freestyle, in which your aim is to score as many points as possible in 10 attempts. Judges determine how much style and skill you have shown.
The High Jump uses the same equipment, only this time your task is to jump as high as possible at the end of the ramp.
The downhill events are overhead-view races. In the Downhill Race you simply try to complete the course within 90 seconds.
In the Downhill Jam you try to outperform a human or computer opponent whilst dodging or jumping hazards. You can use attacking moves to either remove hazards or knock your opponent over.
The pool joust is more of a one-on-one beat em up using a stick, set within a pit to skate around.
If you like Tony Hawk and his series of games, then give this one a try. If not, well give it a try anyway.
Skate or Die was released in 1988 and can be thought of as a precursor to the Tony Hawk games.
Skate or Die incorporates five distinct styles of skating, which can be attempted individually or in turn. You skate around a menu room to choose which one to attempt.
Just like in Virtua Tennis, you must visit a shop before playing, in this case, Rodney's skate shop, so you can buy equipment.
The first event is freestyle, in which your aim is to score as many points as possible in 10 attempts. Judges determine how much style and skill you have shown.
The High Jump uses the same equipment, only this time your task is to jump as high as possible at the end of the ramp.
The downhill events are overhead-view races. In the Downhill Race you simply try to complete the course within 90 seconds.
In the Downhill Jam you try to outperform a human or computer opponent whilst dodging or jumping hazards. You can use attacking moves to either remove hazards or knock your opponent over.
The pool joust is more of a one-on-one beat em up using a stick, set within a pit to skate around.
If you like Tony Hawk and his series of games, then give this one a try. If not, well give it a try anyway.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Brock Lesnar's Pre and Post Fight Attitude
It seems the whole world wants to talk about UFC 100, and they do have a right to, as it was in my opinion one of the best UFC PPVs ever. It lived up the the hype, which I am glad to see something actually do so.
Quite Frankly, Brock Lesnar totally kicked... uh.....butt. Yeah, thats the word.
Ok, I admit I had Frank Mir winning the fight between the two, boy was I wrong. I figured that because Mir was a better technician, he would go in and get Lesnar locked up and make him submit, again. We all knew Lesnar would improve and not make a mistake like he did last time. But people forgot that Mir would do the same. He knew Lesnar could brawl, and he couldn't stand up against him, he needed to hit the mat. Yet, just like he did last time Mir went out and tried to brawl with Lesnar and it cost him. Lesnar won the fight, and proved he could hang with the best.
However, most people are not talking about the fight. Rather, they are talking about Lesnar pre and post fight behavior. People were upset that he flipped off the crowd, cursing, and talked about not liking certain beer(Bud which was sponsoring the event). By the way, wait until 21 to drink responsibly.
Anyway, people are talking about what Lesnar did, however they do not talk about what triggered it. For the people who watched the event, you saw the crowd cursing out Lesnar in the beginning. Lesnar didn't start that, the crowd did. All he did was get even, while I do not condone his actions, he didn't start it, just finished it. And for his comments to Mir, think of this. Mir has been talking up a big game for months now. He talked about how he beat Lesnar, how he would woop Lesnar, how Lesnar didn't match up with the likes of him, how "wrestlers" should go back where they came from.
Of course this infuriated Lesnar, therefore he took his feelings out on Mir in interviews and in the Octagon.
Now don't get me wrong, I feel Lesnar didn't handle things totally right. However, people do need to realize the actions that occurred before, rather than what happened at UFC 100.
Lesnar deserves respect for what he has done. He is UFC Heavyweight Champion afterall. He beat Herring, Couture, and even rival Mir along the way.
If you want to hate on someone, hate yourselves fans for causing this, and yourselves alone. Lesnar only reacted to what was caused by the you the fan.
Hate him if you will, but respect him you shall.
-Joe Burgett
Quite Frankly, Brock Lesnar totally kicked... uh.....butt. Yeah, thats the word.
Ok, I admit I had Frank Mir winning the fight between the two, boy was I wrong. I figured that because Mir was a better technician, he would go in and get Lesnar locked up and make him submit, again. We all knew Lesnar would improve and not make a mistake like he did last time. But people forgot that Mir would do the same. He knew Lesnar could brawl, and he couldn't stand up against him, he needed to hit the mat. Yet, just like he did last time Mir went out and tried to brawl with Lesnar and it cost him. Lesnar won the fight, and proved he could hang with the best.
However, most people are not talking about the fight. Rather, they are talking about Lesnar pre and post fight behavior. People were upset that he flipped off the crowd, cursing, and talked about not liking certain beer(Bud which was sponsoring the event). By the way, wait until 21 to drink responsibly.
Anyway, people are talking about what Lesnar did, however they do not talk about what triggered it. For the people who watched the event, you saw the crowd cursing out Lesnar in the beginning. Lesnar didn't start that, the crowd did. All he did was get even, while I do not condone his actions, he didn't start it, just finished it. And for his comments to Mir, think of this. Mir has been talking up a big game for months now. He talked about how he beat Lesnar, how he would woop Lesnar, how Lesnar didn't match up with the likes of him, how "wrestlers" should go back where they came from.
Of course this infuriated Lesnar, therefore he took his feelings out on Mir in interviews and in the Octagon.
Now don't get me wrong, I feel Lesnar didn't handle things totally right. However, people do need to realize the actions that occurred before, rather than what happened at UFC 100.
Lesnar deserves respect for what he has done. He is UFC Heavyweight Champion afterall. He beat Herring, Couture, and even rival Mir along the way.
If you want to hate on someone, hate yourselves fans for causing this, and yourselves alone. Lesnar only reacted to what was caused by the you the fan.
Hate him if you will, but respect him you shall.
-Joe Burgett
NES Review #11: Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf
When Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf came out in the late 1980's, it was the best golf simulation available for the NES.
Despite it's name, there was no fighting involved. In fact, the game is a straight-forward representation of what a golf game would actually be. That is, BORING!
The biggest challenges faced were Sand Traps, Water Hazards, Trees and the like. There were no bells and whistles like most of the sports games you will find today.
There are four characters to choose from, with one of them being a fictionalized version of Lee Trevino, in the game as "Super Mex." Once the game is finished, you are shown a photo of the country club setting that the game has taken place in. That's it.
An episode of The Simpsons spoofs "Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf" when Marge buys "Lee Carvallo's Putting Golf," and gives it to a less than excited Bart for Christmas. I sometimes wonder if Lee Carvallo's Putting Golf would have been more interesting than Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf. One can only wonder.
Despite it's name, there was no fighting involved. In fact, the game is a straight-forward representation of what a golf game would actually be. That is, BORING!
The biggest challenges faced were Sand Traps, Water Hazards, Trees and the like. There were no bells and whistles like most of the sports games you will find today.
There are four characters to choose from, with one of them being a fictionalized version of Lee Trevino, in the game as "Super Mex." Once the game is finished, you are shown a photo of the country club setting that the game has taken place in. That's it.
An episode of The Simpsons spoofs "Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf" when Marge buys "Lee Carvallo's Putting Golf," and gives it to a less than excited Bart for Christmas. I sometimes wonder if Lee Carvallo's Putting Golf would have been more interesting than Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf. One can only wonder.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Hendo Knocks Bisping Out...
Dan "Hollywood" Henderson, or Hendo to you, knocked Bisping into space. What a face-smashing he gave him, clearly stiffing him up on the ground like a surfboard. But that wasn't good enough for Hendo, he just had to get one more leaping, mini superman punch in for good measure to "shut him up for good". Now, I'm a HUGE Dan Henderson fan, and even I thought that last punch was a little, um, lets just say 'not very nice'... But this is the UFC, right, not tennis?!? LOL!
UFC Action Figures
UFC Action Figures
Hendo Knocks Bisping Out...
Dan "Hollywood" Henderson, or Hendo to you, knocked Bisping into space. What a face-smashing he gave him, clearly stiffing him up on the ground like a surfboard. But that wasn't good enough for Hendo, he just had to get one more leaping, mini superman punch in for good measure to "shut him up for good". Now, I'm a HUGE Dan Henderson fan, and even I thought that last punch was a little, um, lets just say 'not very nice'... But this is the UFC, right, not tennis?!? LOL!
UFC Action Figures
UFC Action Figures
Lesnar Destroys Mir...
...And that's putting it nicely. After a 2 round beating, Mir, who came into the ring looking as confident as ever, left looking like he just left a pinata party... and he was the pinata. He took a good 4-5 shots too many in my opinion, but I'm no professional ref. Lesnar wasn't exactly a gentleman after the fight, but he was so amped up, and hated Mir so much that he couldn't help himself. No matter, UFC 100 was an awesome night of fights, and Lesnar beating, er, I mean demolishing Mir, was well worth the money...
UFC Action Figures
UFC Action Figures
Lesnar Destroys Mir...
...And that's putting it nicely. After a 2 round beating, Mir, who came into the ring looking as confident as ever, left looking like he just left a pinata party... and he was the pinata. He took a good 4-5 shots too many in my opinion, but I'm no professional ref. Lesnar wasn't exactly a gentleman after the fight, but he was so amped up, and hated Mir so much that he couldn't help himself. No matter, UFC 100 was an awesome night of fights, and Lesnar beating, er, I mean demolishing Mir, was well worth the money...
UFC Action Figures
UFC Action Figures
Saturday, July 11, 2009
CM Punk vs Jeff Hardy-Who is the TRUE winner?
While watching SmackDown last night, I saw a wonderful promo cut by none other than CM Punk. He talked about his life compared to Jeff Hardy's.
He spoke of how Hardy has 2 strikes and he has 0. He then preceded to speak about how he has never been suspended and Jeff has. He basically relating his life to Hardy's.
Straightedge vs The Charismatic Enigma. Who will win?
I say, who cares? Why you ask?
Basically we are seeing the best storyline in the WWE right now, Punk vs Hardy. It has everyone intrigued in some way.
We saw Punk as a babyface character for so long and the moment he went out and cashed in Money in the Bank on the super over Hardy, he has been the bad guy, even after explaining his actions.
Now, while this was not right for the fans who once loved Punk to now turn on him out of no where, it was cool to see them do it.
It shows how Hardy is indeed the most popular and beloved superstar in the WWE today, and how there is no one who can dispute it. Because of this, we have a guy in Punk who can show how his lifestyle relates to his. It is basically, the Saint vs the Redeemer.
Hardy is trying to redeem his career and is trying not to make mistakes like he once did with drugs an alcohol, while Punk never has made these mistakes.
It is something people are on the edge of their seat about, not just because they "like" either superstar, but because of the story between the two, both real life and storylined.
People will love how the story develops no matter the winner. Even if they have a favorite in the feud, they will always remember the storyline for what it was, one of the best the WWE has done in some time.
When you relate real life to a storyline in the WWE, you basically bring in excitement to what the superstars do. The fans get behind the face more than ever, or you make the fans agree with what the heel has to say somewhat.
No doubt that this match at Night of Champions will be greatly anticipated. We will see a lot in the coming weeks with these two. And because of this, it will only bring more excitement to an already red hot storyline.
-Joe Burgett
He spoke of how Hardy has 2 strikes and he has 0. He then preceded to speak about how he has never been suspended and Jeff has. He basically relating his life to Hardy's.
Straightedge vs The Charismatic Enigma. Who will win?
I say, who cares? Why you ask?
Basically we are seeing the best storyline in the WWE right now, Punk vs Hardy. It has everyone intrigued in some way.
We saw Punk as a babyface character for so long and the moment he went out and cashed in Money in the Bank on the super over Hardy, he has been the bad guy, even after explaining his actions.
Now, while this was not right for the fans who once loved Punk to now turn on him out of no where, it was cool to see them do it.
It shows how Hardy is indeed the most popular and beloved superstar in the WWE today, and how there is no one who can dispute it. Because of this, we have a guy in Punk who can show how his lifestyle relates to his. It is basically, the Saint vs the Redeemer.
Hardy is trying to redeem his career and is trying not to make mistakes like he once did with drugs an alcohol, while Punk never has made these mistakes.
It is something people are on the edge of their seat about, not just because they "like" either superstar, but because of the story between the two, both real life and storylined.
People will love how the story develops no matter the winner. Even if they have a favorite in the feud, they will always remember the storyline for what it was, one of the best the WWE has done in some time.
When you relate real life to a storyline in the WWE, you basically bring in excitement to what the superstars do. The fans get behind the face more than ever, or you make the fans agree with what the heel has to say somewhat.
No doubt that this match at Night of Champions will be greatly anticipated. We will see a lot in the coming weeks with these two. And because of this, it will only bring more excitement to an already red hot storyline.
-Joe Burgett
Friday, July 10, 2009
Lesnar vs. Mir: The Ultimate Showdown!!
Tomorrow night, July 11th 2009 has been marked on the calendars of every Mixed Martial Arts fan for months now.
UFC 100 will take place tomorrow night, and ever since it was announced earlier this year, it's been eagerly anticipated.
The storylines are abundant. Brock Lesnar, who is becoming very popular, very quickly, is taking on Frank Mir in a rematch two years in the making. In addition to all of the excitement of the rematch of Lesnar's first UFC fight, the Undisputed Heavyweight title is up for grabs.
The Heavyweight title is not the only title that is on the line tomorrow night. Also on the main card is a fight between Georges "Rush" St. Pierre who is defending his welterweight title against Thiago Alves.
Adding to the excitement is the fact that the proceedings are taking place in Las Vegas, NV. That will add an extra element to all that's happening, as you will have extra buzz.
Predictions:
Welterweight Championship Bout:
St. Pierre over Alves in 3rd.
Heavyweight Championship Bout:
Lesnar over Mir in 2nd.
UFC 100 will take place tomorrow night, and ever since it was announced earlier this year, it's been eagerly anticipated.
The storylines are abundant. Brock Lesnar, who is becoming very popular, very quickly, is taking on Frank Mir in a rematch two years in the making. In addition to all of the excitement of the rematch of Lesnar's first UFC fight, the Undisputed Heavyweight title is up for grabs.
The Heavyweight title is not the only title that is on the line tomorrow night. Also on the main card is a fight between Georges "Rush" St. Pierre who is defending his welterweight title against Thiago Alves.
Adding to the excitement is the fact that the proceedings are taking place in Las Vegas, NV. That will add an extra element to all that's happening, as you will have extra buzz.
Predictions:
Welterweight Championship Bout:
St. Pierre over Alves in 3rd.
Heavyweight Championship Bout:
Lesnar over Mir in 2nd.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Edge update and possibility for the Unified Tag Titles
As many WWE fans know by now, WWE Superstar Edge hurt himself in a house show match with Jeff Hardy.
He tore his Achilles heel tendon, which is very painful. For those of you who have had the injury, you know what I mean.
Because of this injury, Edge had to have surgery in Birmingham, Alabama with world renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Andrews said that while this was a bad injury for Edge, it was not as bad as it could have been. He feels Edge will return just as good, if not better than before. Which is a good thing to hear.
The Unified Tag Team Champion will be out 6 to 8 months. Meaning he will be back at some point in 2010. I feel personally that Edge will be back at the Royal Rumble, which is at the end of January.
So essentially, Edge would be out 7 months if he came back then.
The original plan for Edge was to have him turn face after he and Jericho lost the tag titles. However, he won't be able to turn babyface(good guy) until he returns.
Therefore, look to see Edge return as a face instead of a heel(bad guy).
There is no inside information regarding the Unified Tag Team Titles now. Because the WWE has openly said that Edge has had surgery, everyone knows he is going to be out and not able to compete at Night Of Champions.
The reason there is no inside information could be because nothing has really been discussed.
The idea most people are thinking is obviously Edge and Jericho will have to drop the titles, but to who and how?
I would think Legacy would be the obvious choice considering they were supposed to face Edge and Jericho at NOC. However with the emerging storyline with Ted DiBiase Jr. and Randy Orton, that seems unlikely to me.
I feel what we should see is a fatal four way for the tag titles at Night of Champions.
Cryme Tyme, Legacy, Hart Dynasty, and William Regal and Vladimir Kozlov will compete to be the new Unified Tag Champs.
I would throw Legacy out as I mentioned before, and then throw ECW's Regal and Kozlov out.
That leaves SmackDown's Cryme Tyme and Hart Dynasty.
Because the WWE is not really in love with CT, it is unlikely they will give them the straps and make them the best tag team in the WWE.
Therefore, that would make the obvious choice the Hart Dynasty(DH Smith and Tyson Kidd)
They are already the best tag team in the WWE. They have all the tools, and they need more exposure and gold to show how good they really are. Why not make them the new champs? I'd plan on seeing Hart Dynasty as the new tag champs after Night of Champions myself.
But back to Edge. No doubt this is a big loss to the SmackDown Brand. However, they do have others that can take his place. So hopefully they can take fans' mind of seeing Edge and the ratings won't slide.
-Joe Burgett
He tore his Achilles heel tendon, which is very painful. For those of you who have had the injury, you know what I mean.
Because of this injury, Edge had to have surgery in Birmingham, Alabama with world renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Andrews said that while this was a bad injury for Edge, it was not as bad as it could have been. He feels Edge will return just as good, if not better than before. Which is a good thing to hear.
The Unified Tag Team Champion will be out 6 to 8 months. Meaning he will be back at some point in 2010. I feel personally that Edge will be back at the Royal Rumble, which is at the end of January.
So essentially, Edge would be out 7 months if he came back then.
The original plan for Edge was to have him turn face after he and Jericho lost the tag titles. However, he won't be able to turn babyface(good guy) until he returns.
Therefore, look to see Edge return as a face instead of a heel(bad guy).
There is no inside information regarding the Unified Tag Team Titles now. Because the WWE has openly said that Edge has had surgery, everyone knows he is going to be out and not able to compete at Night Of Champions.
The reason there is no inside information could be because nothing has really been discussed.
The idea most people are thinking is obviously Edge and Jericho will have to drop the titles, but to who and how?
I would think Legacy would be the obvious choice considering they were supposed to face Edge and Jericho at NOC. However with the emerging storyline with Ted DiBiase Jr. and Randy Orton, that seems unlikely to me.
I feel what we should see is a fatal four way for the tag titles at Night of Champions.
Cryme Tyme, Legacy, Hart Dynasty, and William Regal and Vladimir Kozlov will compete to be the new Unified Tag Champs.
I would throw Legacy out as I mentioned before, and then throw ECW's Regal and Kozlov out.
That leaves SmackDown's Cryme Tyme and Hart Dynasty.
Because the WWE is not really in love with CT, it is unlikely they will give them the straps and make them the best tag team in the WWE.
Therefore, that would make the obvious choice the Hart Dynasty(DH Smith and Tyson Kidd)
They are already the best tag team in the WWE. They have all the tools, and they need more exposure and gold to show how good they really are. Why not make them the new champs? I'd plan on seeing Hart Dynasty as the new tag champs after Night of Champions myself.
But back to Edge. No doubt this is a big loss to the SmackDown Brand. However, they do have others that can take his place. So hopefully they can take fans' mind of seeing Edge and the ratings won't slide.
-Joe Burgett
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
NES Review #10: Tetris
Tetris. It's the best game ever.
Seriously though, Tetris has had a long lasting effect on the human race.
Have you ever been loading your car with grocery or whatnot and you think to yourself, how can I position this stuff better?
Then your teenage mind kicks back in and you realize...I've faced this situation before, with some snazzy music in the background.
The greatest thing about Tetris? It's math based, so you're learning while you're having fun.
Tetris has stood the test of time, originally starting on the PC and is now even featured as a game on IPod's.
Seriously though, Tetris has had a long lasting effect on the human race.
Have you ever been loading your car with grocery or whatnot and you think to yourself, how can I position this stuff better?
Then your teenage mind kicks back in and you realize...I've faced this situation before, with some snazzy music in the background.
The greatest thing about Tetris? It's math based, so you're learning while you're having fun.
Tetris has stood the test of time, originally starting on the PC and is now even featured as a game on IPod's.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2010-The Video Game
How many people here love video games? Well, while I cannot see a show of hands, you can comment letting me know.
Anyway, if you do love video games and you love or even like the WWE a tad, then this is the game for you.
While it has not come out yet, it will come out in the Fall. We are supposed to know more about it around late August, so that means I will keep you all updated as I know more.
However, right now we do know what the artwork on the case will be. The case has Randy Orton, Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, and Edge on the cover.
It is a nice case, but, who cares about that right? We want to know about the game.
THQ, the maker of the WWE SmackDown vs RAW franchise said that "it will have more freedom than ever before" I personally want to see what they mean by this myself.
By more freedom, I think that we will have more arena access, a bigger move-set, and chances to make our own storylines.
I personally love last year's addition of "create a finisher" I feel it can be improved, but it was cool to see if you ask me.
What I miss is the GM mode, it was one of my favorite features, as I got to control and entire brand and see how mine stacked up against the others. It was fun, and should not have been taken out.
Instead, the WWE added the Wrestlemania Mode to the game. While it was well done, you could only do it with a few stars, so it got old. You could choose anyone on previous games for story mode, but not then.
Also, last year did have a mode where you could be anyone you wanted and work your way up to be a champion, but it wasn't that much fun and had no storyline at all, therefore making it not be as fun as previous games.
I gave last year's game a "C" only because I couldn't do as much in it as I could in the past with the others.
I want a "A" grade game from THQ and the WWE this year. The 2010 version needs to be the best of the best.
They are still working on the game, and the roster of stars will be bigger than ever before. So they have a lot to work with here.
What would you want to see in the game, WWE video game fans?
I want to see the GM Mode back, but that is my personal opinion. What is yours?
-Joe Burgett
Anyway, if you do love video games and you love or even like the WWE a tad, then this is the game for you.
While it has not come out yet, it will come out in the Fall. We are supposed to know more about it around late August, so that means I will keep you all updated as I know more.
However, right now we do know what the artwork on the case will be. The case has Randy Orton, Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, and Edge on the cover.
It is a nice case, but, who cares about that right? We want to know about the game.
THQ, the maker of the WWE SmackDown vs RAW franchise said that "it will have more freedom than ever before" I personally want to see what they mean by this myself.
By more freedom, I think that we will have more arena access, a bigger move-set, and chances to make our own storylines.
I personally love last year's addition of "create a finisher" I feel it can be improved, but it was cool to see if you ask me.
What I miss is the GM mode, it was one of my favorite features, as I got to control and entire brand and see how mine stacked up against the others. It was fun, and should not have been taken out.
Instead, the WWE added the Wrestlemania Mode to the game. While it was well done, you could only do it with a few stars, so it got old. You could choose anyone on previous games for story mode, but not then.
Also, last year did have a mode where you could be anyone you wanted and work your way up to be a champion, but it wasn't that much fun and had no storyline at all, therefore making it not be as fun as previous games.
I gave last year's game a "C" only because I couldn't do as much in it as I could in the past with the others.
I want a "A" grade game from THQ and the WWE this year. The 2010 version needs to be the best of the best.
They are still working on the game, and the roster of stars will be bigger than ever before. So they have a lot to work with here.
What would you want to see in the game, WWE video game fans?
I want to see the GM Mode back, but that is my personal opinion. What is yours?
-Joe Burgett
Monday, July 6, 2009
SEGA Dreamcast
Taking a break from writing about NES games, I'd like to dive into another video game system that is near and dear to my heart.
That's right, the almighty Sega Dreamcast! After watching Andy Roddick take on Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final yesterday, I decided to dust off my old system so I could play some Virtua Tennis.
I know what you're thinking. Yes, that Virtua Tennis. Also known as the best tennis game ever made for any video game system, ever.
After popping it into the system, I quickly regained my awesome Tennis stroke and promptly disposed of my challengers.
If only Jim Courier was as dominating in real life as he was in the game, he would've been on that Centre Court yesterday, winning his 15th major. But alas, it was never meant to be.
That's right, the almighty Sega Dreamcast! After watching Andy Roddick take on Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final yesterday, I decided to dust off my old system so I could play some Virtua Tennis.
I know what you're thinking. Yes, that Virtua Tennis. Also known as the best tennis game ever made for any video game system, ever.
After popping it into the system, I quickly regained my awesome Tennis stroke and promptly disposed of my challengers.
If only Jim Courier was as dominating in real life as he was in the game, he would've been on that Centre Court yesterday, winning his 15th major. But alas, it was never meant to be.
Friday, July 3, 2009
What is next for Jeff Hardy?
- by Joe Burgett
For over 10 years now we have seen a Charasmatic/Extreme Enigma by the name of Jeff Hardy make his way up the "Ladder" of the WWE.
I was a fan since day one when he beat Razor Ramon(Scott Hall) by a count out in his debut match with the WWE.
It seems weird that I would become a fan of this man then, but I did. He left for a while after jobbing to bigger names, and came back with his brother Matt to form the Hardy Boyz.
They began doing well in the tag team division, beating teams such as the APA, Edge and Christian, and even the Dudleys/Team 3D.
But still, they were just as good in the singles division as they were in the tag team division.
This was proven to the world when Jeff Hardy won his first Intercontinental Championship.
He took on the likes of Triple H and the Undertaker and came out looking better than they did, even in a lose.
The time he really began to shine was when he took on The Undertaker for his Undisputed Championship in Hardy's specialty, a Ladder Match.
Hardy almost won, until Taker grabbed him just in time, took him down, and retained.
He did so well against him that fans took notice and began wanting to see more of him. Therefore the WWE gave him more titles such as the European, IC, and cruiserweight title.
We finally saw a a dream come true for Hardy and his fans when he won the WWE Championship at Armageddon this past year. He only held it a month, but he did win the title, which is something no one can take away from him.
Now, what is next for Hardy?
He is currently in contract talks with the WWE, as his current deal expires in a few weeks.
He is said to be close to signing a new deal, but if he doesn't then he will do a "by appearance" deal with the WWE, where they will pay him everytime he wrestles and/or does TV work with them.
He wants time off, so he will obviously take the time off this month. Probably after Night of Champions, considering the rivalry between he and CM Punk is not over yet.
Jeff Hardy's action figure is one of the most popular action figures in the history of Toywiz. So why don't you go with crowd and get what all your friends are getting, the Jeff Hardy action figure! Available right here on Toywiz.com
For over 10 years now we have seen a Charasmatic/Extreme Enigma by the name of Jeff Hardy make his way up the "Ladder" of the WWE.
I was a fan since day one when he beat Razor Ramon(Scott Hall) by a count out in his debut match with the WWE.
It seems weird that I would become a fan of this man then, but I did. He left for a while after jobbing to bigger names, and came back with his brother Matt to form the Hardy Boyz.
They began doing well in the tag team division, beating teams such as the APA, Edge and Christian, and even the Dudleys/Team 3D.
But still, they were just as good in the singles division as they were in the tag team division.
This was proven to the world when Jeff Hardy won his first Intercontinental Championship.
He took on the likes of Triple H and the Undertaker and came out looking better than they did, even in a lose.
The time he really began to shine was when he took on The Undertaker for his Undisputed Championship in Hardy's specialty, a Ladder Match.
Hardy almost won, until Taker grabbed him just in time, took him down, and retained.
He did so well against him that fans took notice and began wanting to see more of him. Therefore the WWE gave him more titles such as the European, IC, and cruiserweight title.
We finally saw a a dream come true for Hardy and his fans when he won the WWE Championship at Armageddon this past year. He only held it a month, but he did win the title, which is something no one can take away from him.
Now, what is next for Hardy?
He is currently in contract talks with the WWE, as his current deal expires in a few weeks.
He is said to be close to signing a new deal, but if he doesn't then he will do a "by appearance" deal with the WWE, where they will pay him everytime he wrestles and/or does TV work with them.
He wants time off, so he will obviously take the time off this month. Probably after Night of Champions, considering the rivalry between he and CM Punk is not over yet.
Jeff Hardy's action figure is one of the most popular action figures in the history of Toywiz. So why don't you go with crowd and get what all your friends are getting, the Jeff Hardy action figure! Available right here on Toywiz.com
Review: Round 5 World of MMA Champions Figures
By Bebs
WHO YOU CALLIN' A DOLL, PAL?
So how many points of articulation does an MMA fighter need to be called an action figure and not a doll? NONE! Unless you want to argue with Matt "The Terror" Serra about that. In which case, we'll go ahead and notify your next of kin.
But we recommend that you forget the fully articulated posers and go for what really matters - looks, style and attitude.
Round 5 captures the look and spirit of the best MMA fighters in this new line of action figures.
These artists capture each champion in a unique caricature-style figure with oversized fists, detailed clothing, and natural fighting stances. I was thrilled to see Mauricio "Shogun" Rua with details right down to his ripped, tatooed biceps!
These are a must-have for any collector or MMA/UFC fan.
And for any purists out there who say anything that doesn't bend at the elbows should technically be called a doll...a nice gentleman called "The Pit Bull" will be stopping by your house later to straighten things out.
WHO YOU CALLIN' A DOLL, PAL?
So how many points of articulation does an MMA fighter need to be called an action figure and not a doll? NONE! Unless you want to argue with Matt "The Terror" Serra about that. In which case, we'll go ahead and notify your next of kin.
But we recommend that you forget the fully articulated posers and go for what really matters - looks, style and attitude.
Round 5 captures the look and spirit of the best MMA fighters in this new line of action figures.
These artists capture each champion in a unique caricature-style figure with oversized fists, detailed clothing, and natural fighting stances. I was thrilled to see Mauricio "Shogun" Rua with details right down to his ripped, tatooed biceps!
These are a must-have for any collector or MMA/UFC fan.
And for any purists out there who say anything that doesn't bend at the elbows should technically be called a doll...a nice gentleman called "The Pit Bull" will be stopping by your house later to straighten things out.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
NES Review #9: American Gladiators
With Independence Day coming up, I figured it would be a good time to choose an NES game with an American theme to it. And really, what is more American than roided up gym rats beating each other with sticks?
American Gladiators was a popular show back in the 80's and early 90's, and enjoyed a comeback a few years ago, with Hulk Hogan at the helm.
The NES version of the game was not generally well-received as it differed greatly from the real-life version of things.
The NES version included seven games, all of which are shown from your characters point of view.
The first six events are team events, which included Assault, Human Cannonball, Atlasphere, Joust, Powerball and The Wall.
The game included ten characters, five female and five male. Just like in the TV show, they were given names like Ice, Lace, Blaze, Gemini and the like.
While the actual show was fun to watch, the game didn't really live up to expectations.
It's kind of like the Arena Football League game that came out for the newer systems in the past couple years. While the event is fun to watch, it's not as fun to play, at least in video game form.
American Gladiators was a popular show back in the 80's and early 90's, and enjoyed a comeback a few years ago, with Hulk Hogan at the helm.
The NES version of the game was not generally well-received as it differed greatly from the real-life version of things.
The NES version included seven games, all of which are shown from your characters point of view.
The first six events are team events, which included Assault, Human Cannonball, Atlasphere, Joust, Powerball and The Wall.
The game included ten characters, five female and five male. Just like in the TV show, they were given names like Ice, Lace, Blaze, Gemini and the like.
While the actual show was fun to watch, the game didn't really live up to expectations.
It's kind of like the Arena Football League game that came out for the newer systems in the past couple years. While the event is fun to watch, it's not as fun to play, at least in video game form.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Why we should all look toward ECW for our next big name star
If you're not watching ECW, I ask you to make sure you start. This is the place we are seeing the next John Cena, Triple H, and Jeff Hardy.
Let's list off some of the wrestlers who have come from ECW.
CM Punk, Jack Swagger, Evan Bourne, and Kofi Kingston.
There are even more that I didn't get to, I know. However, these 4 men seem to be the most successful.
CM Punk won the ECW Title on ECW before going to RAW where he cashed in Money in the Bank on Edge and won his first World Title in the World Heavyweight Championship. He then won MITB again this past year and cashed it in on Jeff Hardy, shame on him. However, he is a 2 time World Champion, 1 time tag team and IC Champion. He is the fastest triple crown winner in WWE history.
Jack Swagger won the ECW Title in his first few months on the show, so you know he has proven himself. He was just drafted to RAW, so there is no telling what else he is capable of in the future.
Kofi Kingston is a big time player too. He is a former Tag Team and IC Champion. He is the current US Champion too. He is beating people who are bigger and/or stronger than him and will be a staple in the future of the WWE. One of the best young talents the WWE has ever had is Kingston.
Then we have Evan "Air" Bourne. You don't get that nickname from riding planes guys and gals. You get it from being one of the best highflyers in the WWE. He even went toe to toe with the best high-flyer in the business, Rey Mysterio. I personally love this guy. He could be the next Mysterio.
While Bourne has never won a title in the WWE, he can really give us great matches. Now that he has moved to RAW, I can see him getting in the US Title hunt quickly and possibly win it before to long.
In ECW's time, it has resurrected WWE careers too. People such as Mark Henry, John Morrison, The Miz, Shelton Benjamin, and of course Christian.
All of these men by the way have been champions once or after they went to ECW too.
Quite frankly, without ECW some of these men would be gone from the WWE. But because they went to ECW, they are now big time performers in the WWE.
See, ECW is not only a place for new superstars, but it is a place for those who need to show that they are for real and are misused on other shows.
While we still see the people like that come in, you have to think seeing new superstars come into the WWE is also something cool to see too.
People such as the newly formed Hart Dynasty- Tyson Kidd, DH Smith, and Natalya are big time players in the WWE too. What is freaky is that all three went to the Hart Dungeon. If you are not familiar with the place, it is the same place that taught Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Dynamite Kidd, and British Bulldog. So all three learned from the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.
They will be tag champs before to long, and I see Natalya winning the Women's Title before to long. All three were recently drafted to SmackDown, so it could happen.
The new superstars will keep coming in. We need to realize that out future stars are coming from ECW. So if your not watching, you need to start soon.
Next week ECW has a special day and start time. Thursday at 7/6c instead of the usual Tuesday at 10/9c. So make sure to watch. The show is only coming on at that day and time next week, but afterward it will go back to Tuesday at 10/9c. It is only seen on Sci Fi.
I want to hear from you, the Toywiz readers and customers. Who is the best to come from ECW, and who do you think will be the next big star in the WWE from there?
Let's list off some of the wrestlers who have come from ECW.
CM Punk, Jack Swagger, Evan Bourne, and Kofi Kingston.
There are even more that I didn't get to, I know. However, these 4 men seem to be the most successful.
CM Punk won the ECW Title on ECW before going to RAW where he cashed in Money in the Bank on Edge and won his first World Title in the World Heavyweight Championship. He then won MITB again this past year and cashed it in on Jeff Hardy, shame on him. However, he is a 2 time World Champion, 1 time tag team and IC Champion. He is the fastest triple crown winner in WWE history.
Jack Swagger won the ECW Title in his first few months on the show, so you know he has proven himself. He was just drafted to RAW, so there is no telling what else he is capable of in the future.
Kofi Kingston is a big time player too. He is a former Tag Team and IC Champion. He is the current US Champion too. He is beating people who are bigger and/or stronger than him and will be a staple in the future of the WWE. One of the best young talents the WWE has ever had is Kingston.
Then we have Evan "Air" Bourne. You don't get that nickname from riding planes guys and gals. You get it from being one of the best highflyers in the WWE. He even went toe to toe with the best high-flyer in the business, Rey Mysterio. I personally love this guy. He could be the next Mysterio.
While Bourne has never won a title in the WWE, he can really give us great matches. Now that he has moved to RAW, I can see him getting in the US Title hunt quickly and possibly win it before to long.
In ECW's time, it has resurrected WWE careers too. People such as Mark Henry, John Morrison, The Miz, Shelton Benjamin, and of course Christian.
All of these men by the way have been champions once or after they went to ECW too.
Quite frankly, without ECW some of these men would be gone from the WWE. But because they went to ECW, they are now big time performers in the WWE.
See, ECW is not only a place for new superstars, but it is a place for those who need to show that they are for real and are misused on other shows.
While we still see the people like that come in, you have to think seeing new superstars come into the WWE is also something cool to see too.
People such as the newly formed Hart Dynasty- Tyson Kidd, DH Smith, and Natalya are big time players in the WWE too. What is freaky is that all three went to the Hart Dungeon. If you are not familiar with the place, it is the same place that taught Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Dynamite Kidd, and British Bulldog. So all three learned from the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.
They will be tag champs before to long, and I see Natalya winning the Women's Title before to long. All three were recently drafted to SmackDown, so it could happen.
The new superstars will keep coming in. We need to realize that out future stars are coming from ECW. So if your not watching, you need to start soon.
Next week ECW has a special day and start time. Thursday at 7/6c instead of the usual Tuesday at 10/9c. So make sure to watch. The show is only coming on at that day and time next week, but afterward it will go back to Tuesday at 10/9c. It is only seen on Sci Fi.
I want to hear from you, the Toywiz readers and customers. Who is the best to come from ECW, and who do you think will be the next big star in the WWE from there?
Product Review-Transformers 2G Flash Drives & Peripherals
By Bebs
There's just something about a Transformer...you're compelled to pick it up, see what it does, flip it around, turn it into something else.
This new line from Takara offers the most amazing Transformer products yet and they're perfect for just about anyone, new fans and old.
The USB drive is the obvious choice for storing schoolwork and showing off to your friends, yet subtle enough that the grown-up Transformer fan/business executive can use it in the office without anyone knowing there's a Decepticon in his pocket!
But seriously...if your dad takes this thing to work, he'll be showing it off to the rest of the guys all day. After all, he may look stern, but deep down, even the Executive VP still misses his Optimus Prime PJs from 1982.
USB Drives are available in Tigatron and Ravage models. Back in your dad's day, this Ravage guy turned into a cassette tape. I'd be willing to bet that half the people reading this haven't even seen a cassette tape! Luckily, Ravage has aged better than the rest of us, and can hold 2G of whatever data you need, even if its nothing but your best 1980's mix tape songs.
If you really want to trick out your desktop, however, take it all the way. Pick up the Blaster USB Hub to add 4 ports on your desktop, robot style or disguised as a laptop computer.
And pick up my personal favorite - the Grimlock or Trypticon mouse, which has one of the most amazing transformations ever! Use it as a relatively normal-looking and fully functional 3-button laser mouse, then turn it into a sweet T-Rex robot.
There's just something about a Transformer...you're compelled to pick it up, see what it does, flip it around, turn it into something else.
This new line from Takara offers the most amazing Transformer products yet and they're perfect for just about anyone, new fans and old.
The USB drive is the obvious choice for storing schoolwork and showing off to your friends, yet subtle enough that the grown-up Transformer fan/business executive can use it in the office without anyone knowing there's a Decepticon in his pocket!
But seriously...if your dad takes this thing to work, he'll be showing it off to the rest of the guys all day. After all, he may look stern, but deep down, even the Executive VP still misses his Optimus Prime PJs from 1982.
USB Drives are available in Tigatron and Ravage models. Back in your dad's day, this Ravage guy turned into a cassette tape. I'd be willing to bet that half the people reading this haven't even seen a cassette tape! Luckily, Ravage has aged better than the rest of us, and can hold 2G of whatever data you need, even if its nothing but your best 1980's mix tape songs.
If you really want to trick out your desktop, however, take it all the way. Pick up the Blaster USB Hub to add 4 ports on your desktop, robot style or disguised as a laptop computer.
And pick up my personal favorite - the Grimlock or Trypticon mouse, which has one of the most amazing transformations ever! Use it as a relatively normal-looking and fully functional 3-button laser mouse, then turn it into a sweet T-Rex robot.
NHL Free Agency
The best day of the hockey off-season arrives today, in the form of the opening of the 2009 free agency period.
All season long, the talk was of the big names who would be hitting the open market, which big names would be traded, and so on and so forth. Today is the day in which all the excitement unfolds.
Although free agency doesn't officially begin until 12:00 noon today (thanks again, Gary Bettman!) a few big names have already found new homes, some willingly, some not so willingly.
Scott Gomez and his 7-year, $51.5 Million contract was traded from the New York Rangers to the Montreal Canadiens, as part of a 6-player deal which brought back Christopher Higgins to the Tri-State area.
Gomez loved playing in New York and I can't imagine him being thrilled when he found out he was heading North of the Border.
The deal frees up the Rangers to make a big splash today, something that Glen Sather craves.
The other big name in the news yesterday was Jay Bouwmeester.
He had been a member of the Florida Panthers, before being dealt to the Calgary Flames for Jordan Leopold.
That gave Calgary the exclusive rights to talk to Bouwmeester before he officially hit the open market.
The Flames got the deal done yesterday and are now the proud owner of one of the best Defenseman in the NHL.
Another one of the big story makers yesterday was what did not get done, either.
Dany Heatley of the Ottawa Senators had "requested" a trade because he was not happy with the playing time he would be receiving under a new head coach.
As is the norm for star players in sports, he has a no-trade clause which allowed him to veto any deal he was not in favor of. He submitted a list of 6 teams that would be open to being a part of. Unfortunately for the Senators, the Edmonton Oilers were not one of those teams.
Even worse for the Oilers, they completed a deal for Heatley that would have instantly made their team better.
Heatley very quickly shot down the proposed deal, which would have brought rising stars Dustin Penner and Andrew Cogliano to Ottawa.
What complicated matters even further is that he is due a $4 Million bonus if he is still a member of the team by Midnight, July 1st.
Initially there was some confusion as to whether that deadline was on June 30th, or July 1st. It seems now that the deadline is in fact tonight and therefore could still be on the move.
For my money, I would look for one of three players to don the Blue, Red & White by the end of the day.
The typical rumor has Marian Gaborik, he of the Minnesota Wild bringing his exciting European style of play to Broadway. This rumor has been brewing so long, it almost feels like Gaborik has been coming to the Rangers since before he came to America to ply his trade in the NHL.
The next on the list in Martin Havlat, latest of the Chicago Blackhawks. You may remember him last getting his face knocked in by Niklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals.
He recovered quickly and was able to return, but that injury was far from his first. Before appearing in nearly all of the Blackhawks games this season, he average just about 40 games a season.
Hardly reliable, he's just another athlete who is insanely talented, but because of his reckless nature will always be injured.
The third player, who would be a natural fit in the Big Apple is Marian Hossa.
Hossa has played in the Stanley Cup Finals in each of the last two seasons. He made big news by delaying his big free agent deal to make a move to the Detroit Red Wings for one year, knowing that with even a halfway decent season, he would be able to parlay that into an even bigger deal, which he certainly will receive at some point today.
That is, of course, if he decides to pull another move like he did last year and sign a one-year deal with a contender and hope that he could win his first Stanley Cup and then finally receive his big payday. He's an offensive playmaker who would be perfect on Chris Drury, or Brandon Dubinksy's wing.
Today should be interesting, for the deals that get done and the always surprising places that the big names
All season long, the talk was of the big names who would be hitting the open market, which big names would be traded, and so on and so forth. Today is the day in which all the excitement unfolds.
Although free agency doesn't officially begin until 12:00 noon today (thanks again, Gary Bettman!) a few big names have already found new homes, some willingly, some not so willingly.
Scott Gomez and his 7-year, $51.5 Million contract was traded from the New York Rangers to the Montreal Canadiens, as part of a 6-player deal which brought back Christopher Higgins to the Tri-State area.
Gomez loved playing in New York and I can't imagine him being thrilled when he found out he was heading North of the Border.
The deal frees up the Rangers to make a big splash today, something that Glen Sather craves.
The other big name in the news yesterday was Jay Bouwmeester.
He had been a member of the Florida Panthers, before being dealt to the Calgary Flames for Jordan Leopold.
That gave Calgary the exclusive rights to talk to Bouwmeester before he officially hit the open market.
The Flames got the deal done yesterday and are now the proud owner of one of the best Defenseman in the NHL.
Another one of the big story makers yesterday was what did not get done, either.
Dany Heatley of the Ottawa Senators had "requested" a trade because he was not happy with the playing time he would be receiving under a new head coach.
As is the norm for star players in sports, he has a no-trade clause which allowed him to veto any deal he was not in favor of. He submitted a list of 6 teams that would be open to being a part of. Unfortunately for the Senators, the Edmonton Oilers were not one of those teams.
Even worse for the Oilers, they completed a deal for Heatley that would have instantly made their team better.
Heatley very quickly shot down the proposed deal, which would have brought rising stars Dustin Penner and Andrew Cogliano to Ottawa.
What complicated matters even further is that he is due a $4 Million bonus if he is still a member of the team by Midnight, July 1st.
Initially there was some confusion as to whether that deadline was on June 30th, or July 1st. It seems now that the deadline is in fact tonight and therefore could still be on the move.
For my money, I would look for one of three players to don the Blue, Red & White by the end of the day.
The typical rumor has Marian Gaborik, he of the Minnesota Wild bringing his exciting European style of play to Broadway. This rumor has been brewing so long, it almost feels like Gaborik has been coming to the Rangers since before he came to America to ply his trade in the NHL.
The next on the list in Martin Havlat, latest of the Chicago Blackhawks. You may remember him last getting his face knocked in by Niklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals.
He recovered quickly and was able to return, but that injury was far from his first. Before appearing in nearly all of the Blackhawks games this season, he average just about 40 games a season.
Hardly reliable, he's just another athlete who is insanely talented, but because of his reckless nature will always be injured.
The third player, who would be a natural fit in the Big Apple is Marian Hossa.
Hossa has played in the Stanley Cup Finals in each of the last two seasons. He made big news by delaying his big free agent deal to make a move to the Detroit Red Wings for one year, knowing that with even a halfway decent season, he would be able to parlay that into an even bigger deal, which he certainly will receive at some point today.
That is, of course, if he decides to pull another move like he did last year and sign a one-year deal with a contender and hope that he could win his first Stanley Cup and then finally receive his big payday. He's an offensive playmaker who would be perfect on Chris Drury, or Brandon Dubinksy's wing.
Today should be interesting, for the deals that get done and the always surprising places that the big names
NHL Free Agency
The best day of the hockey off-season arrives today, in the form of the opening of the 2009 free agency period.
All season long, the talk was of the big names who would be hitting the open market, which big names would be traded, and so on and so forth. Today is the day in which all the excitement unfolds.
Although free agency doesn't officially begin until 12:00 noon today (thanks again, Gary Bettman!) a few big names have already found new homes, some willingly, some not so willingly.
Scott Gomez and his 7-year, $51.5 Million contract was traded from the New York Rangers to the Montreal Canadiens, as part of a 6-player deal which brought back Christopher Higgins to the Tri-State area.
Gomez loved playing in New York and I can't imagine him being thrilled when he found out he was heading North of the Border.
The deal frees up the Rangers to make a big splash today, something that Glen Sather craves.
The other big name in the news yesterday was Jay Bouwmeester.
He had been a member of the Florida Panthers, before being dealt to the Calgary Flames for Jordan Leopold.
That gave Calgary the exclusive rights to talk to Bouwmeester before he officially hit the open market.
The Flames got the deal done yesterday and are now the proud owner of one of the best Defenseman in the NHL.
Another one of the big story makers yesterday was what did not get done, either.
Dany Heatley of the Ottawa Senators had "requested" a trade because he was not happy with the playing time he would be receiving under a new head coach.
As is the norm for star players in sports, he has a no-trade clause which allowed him to veto any deal he was not in favor of. He submitted a list of 6 teams that would be open to being a part of. Unfortunately for the Senators, the Edmonton Oilers were not one of those teams.
Even worse for the Oilers, they completed a deal for Heatley that would have instantly made their team better.
Heatley very quickly shot down the proposed deal, which would have brought rising stars Dustin Penner and Andrew Cogliano to Ottawa.
What complicated matters even further is that he is due a $4 Million bonus if he is still a member of the team by Midnight, July 1st.
Initially there was some confusion as to whether that deadline was on June 30th, or July 1st. It seems now that the deadline is in fact tonight and therefore could still be on the move.
For my money, I would look for one of three players to don the Blue, Red & White by the end of the day.
The typical rumor has Marian Gaborik, he of the Minnesota Wild bringing his exciting European style of play to Broadway. This rumor has been brewing so long, it almost feels like Gaborik has been coming to the Rangers since before he came to America to ply his trade in the NHL.
The next on the list in Martin Havlat, latest of the Chicago Blackhawks. You may remember him last getting his face knocked in by Niklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals.
He recovered quickly and was able to return, but that injury was far from his first. Before appearing in nearly all of the Blackhawks games this season, he average just about 40 games a season.
Hardly reliable, he's just another athlete who is insanely talented, but because of his reckless nature will always be injured.
The third player, who would be a natural fit in the Big Apple is Marian Hossa.
Hossa has played in the Stanley Cup Finals in each of the last two seasons. He made big news by delaying his big free agent deal to make a move to the Detroit Red Wings for one year, knowing that with even a halfway decent season, he would be able to parlay that into an even bigger deal, which he certainly will receive at some point today.
That is, of course, if he decides to pull another move like he did last year and sign a one-year deal with a contender and hope that he could win his first Stanley Cup and then finally receive his big payday. He's an offensive playmaker who would be perfect on Chris Drury, or Brandon Dubinksy's wing.
Today should be interesting, for the deals that get done and the always surprising places that the big names
All season long, the talk was of the big names who would be hitting the open market, which big names would be traded, and so on and so forth. Today is the day in which all the excitement unfolds.
Although free agency doesn't officially begin until 12:00 noon today (thanks again, Gary Bettman!) a few big names have already found new homes, some willingly, some not so willingly.
Scott Gomez and his 7-year, $51.5 Million contract was traded from the New York Rangers to the Montreal Canadiens, as part of a 6-player deal which brought back Christopher Higgins to the Tri-State area.
Gomez loved playing in New York and I can't imagine him being thrilled when he found out he was heading North of the Border.
The deal frees up the Rangers to make a big splash today, something that Glen Sather craves.
The other big name in the news yesterday was Jay Bouwmeester.
He had been a member of the Florida Panthers, before being dealt to the Calgary Flames for Jordan Leopold.
That gave Calgary the exclusive rights to talk to Bouwmeester before he officially hit the open market.
The Flames got the deal done yesterday and are now the proud owner of one of the best Defenseman in the NHL.
Another one of the big story makers yesterday was what did not get done, either.
Dany Heatley of the Ottawa Senators had "requested" a trade because he was not happy with the playing time he would be receiving under a new head coach.
As is the norm for star players in sports, he has a no-trade clause which allowed him to veto any deal he was not in favor of. He submitted a list of 6 teams that would be open to being a part of. Unfortunately for the Senators, the Edmonton Oilers were not one of those teams.
Even worse for the Oilers, they completed a deal for Heatley that would have instantly made their team better.
Heatley very quickly shot down the proposed deal, which would have brought rising stars Dustin Penner and Andrew Cogliano to Ottawa.
What complicated matters even further is that he is due a $4 Million bonus if he is still a member of the team by Midnight, July 1st.
Initially there was some confusion as to whether that deadline was on June 30th, or July 1st. It seems now that the deadline is in fact tonight and therefore could still be on the move.
For my money, I would look for one of three players to don the Blue, Red & White by the end of the day.
The typical rumor has Marian Gaborik, he of the Minnesota Wild bringing his exciting European style of play to Broadway. This rumor has been brewing so long, it almost feels like Gaborik has been coming to the Rangers since before he came to America to ply his trade in the NHL.
The next on the list in Martin Havlat, latest of the Chicago Blackhawks. You may remember him last getting his face knocked in by Niklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals.
He recovered quickly and was able to return, but that injury was far from his first. Before appearing in nearly all of the Blackhawks games this season, he average just about 40 games a season.
Hardly reliable, he's just another athlete who is insanely talented, but because of his reckless nature will always be injured.
The third player, who would be a natural fit in the Big Apple is Marian Hossa.
Hossa has played in the Stanley Cup Finals in each of the last two seasons. He made big news by delaying his big free agent deal to make a move to the Detroit Red Wings for one year, knowing that with even a halfway decent season, he would be able to parlay that into an even bigger deal, which he certainly will receive at some point today.
That is, of course, if he decides to pull another move like he did last year and sign a one-year deal with a contender and hope that he could win his first Stanley Cup and then finally receive his big payday. He's an offensive playmaker who would be perfect on Chris Drury, or Brandon Dubinksy's wing.
Today should be interesting, for the deals that get done and the always surprising places that the big names
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