Breaking down WWE’s Extreme Rules
WWE’s Extreme Rules features a match with legends Triple H and Brock Lesnar. Photo by: WWECUADOR
BY BRETT MURDOCK (AND MATT VINSKO), Couchsideshow.com blogger
As the first pay-per-view event post-WrestleMania, Extreme Rules has the unfavorable task of putting on a quality show after professional wrestling’s biggest extravaganza. Last year, it was actually able to step up to the plate and it was the best PPV event of the year, in my opinion. That’s not just a “wrestling hipster” opinion to go against the mainstream calling ‘Mania the top show of 2012, I legitimately believed it.
This year, the potential to rise above WrestleMania is once again there, especially after a predictable and lackluster (because of the hype) Show of Shows. While many fans see a card that is lacking, I see a line-up with a lot of capability and the chance to do something memorable. In total, there are nine scheduled match-up and all but two of them will employ an “extreme” stipulation, hence the show’s title. Now, along with my co-conspirator Matt Vinsko (making predictions at the willy-nilly like I did on his NBA first-round playoffs piece), let’s get ready to get extreeeeeeeme…
Pre-Show: The Miz vs. Cody Rhodes
Honestly, I have no idea where this match came from. For the past couple of years, The Miz and Cody Rhodes have been two of WWE’s best midcard guys but unfortunately, they have been brick walled by an inability to develop solid feuds for them in singles action. The Miz has had his chances with both the Intercontinental and United States Championships, but failed to make an impact with the belts. Rhodes was part of a great tag team with Damien Sandow but for some reason, the creative staff broke them up to focus them on singles competition. Meanwhile, getting back to present day, these two are probably just there to get the crowd warmed up for the night’s events and to bring at least a shred of credibility to the pre-show. With that being said, the preshow is usually for the fans and the WWE “knows” that fans like the faces, so congrats Miz.
BRETT: The Miz
MATT: The Miz (more…)
Couch Side Podcast Episode 54: High On The Heat
Will the Miami Heat return to the NBA Finals this year? Photo by: Paolo Rosa / Flickr
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
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Couch Side hosts Wade McMillin and Craig Paul have had a lot on their plate lately, but they’re back for another exciting episode of the podcast. After a two week hiatus, the hosts return to dish out some NFL offseason grades, talk all things Tim Tebow, dive into the NBA playoffs, examine Tiger Woods’ Players championship win and criticize the voting of the NBA All-Defensive Team. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side podcast:
WrestleMania 29: Where It All Happens … Again … and Again … and Again …
Wrestle Mania 29 has a lineup that should have WWE fans on the edge of their seats. Photo by: Ed Schipul / Flickr
BY BRETT MURDOCK, Couchsideshow.com blogger
There’s an inherent feeling about the 29th edition of WrestleMania — that it is predictable. And, after looking at the card, a fan could probably easily deduce many of the outcomes.
You see, despite all of its glory, history, pageantry, etc., this year’s ‘Mania lacks a certain luster, notoriety, and even buzz. Maybe it’s the lack of a solid build (courtesy of the creative team’s indecisiveness), the fact that it’s going to be hard to top last year’s spectacle, or maybe it’s because of this…
Rematches. Rematches galore. Rematches that make the official line-up look a big bag of “we saw that coming.”
Even as a wrestling fan, I’m finding it hard to remember that The Granddaddy of Them All is taking place this Sunday, emanating from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey/New York. For all the reasons listed above, I’m not as excited as I have been in years past, which might be why I scheduled a golf outing with some friends for that afternoon and why I’m also more amped for the Season 6 premiere of Mad Men that night.
Nevertheless, it is still WrestleMania and a lot of the time, the WWE does its best work when they have their backs against the wall to put on a good show, and this feels like one of those times. So, without further ado and rambling, let us dive into the night’s matches…
UNDERCARD
Intercontinental Championship: Wade Barrett (champ) vs. The Miz (Preshow match)
This is actually kind of a rematch as well, as these two have battled quite frequently on episodes of RAW and SmackDown and have had numerous encounters, leading to the feud. Barrett has held the title since December, and has succeeded in every title defense. He is one of the future stars of the company, and deserves the push he has been getting. However, The Miz hasn’t had a good win in a while and has started to take on some of the characteristics of his kind-of-now-mentor, the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, including having Flair bestowing his legendary submission move, The Figure-Four Leg Lock. This could actually be a solid opening match to get the crowd started and start the night off right, even if it is just on the preshow.
• WINNER: The Miz (more…)
Couch Side Podcast Episode 48: The Great Steroid Discussion
Couch Side hosts Craig Paul (left) and Wade McMillin jive about juice in this week’s podcast.
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BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Couch Side gets back to its roots as Craig Paul and Wade McMillin pump up the crowd with their usual sports banter. This week’s topics include the rather boring NBA trade deadline, the biggest surprises and disappointments of the NBA, steroids and where NFL quarterback Alex Smith might wind up. Also, Craig and Wade share a special message about a worthwhile benefit in Powell, Wyoming. If you live in the area, please attend the “Bring Brad Home Benefit” in Powell, Wyoming at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Park County Fair Grounds. For more information please click here. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side podcast!
Royal Rumble Review Part Two: Breakdown of the beat down
Two of Couch Side’s top bloggers attended this year’s WWE Royal Rumble. Photo by: Brett Murdock / couchsideshow.com
Editors note: The following is part one of a two-part series, looking at the first-hand accounts of the WWE’s Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View event from two of Couch Side’s finest writers.
BY MATT VINSKO, Couchsideshow.com blogger
As a fan of wrestling, I find it odd that I’ve only been to three WWE events in my life. The first two (a house show and a taping of SmackDown), while entertaining, lacked the glitz, glamour, and star power that the wrestling organization loves to trot out. But that underwhelming feeling immediately disappeared upon walking into the U.S. Airways Center on Sunday, January 27, for the Royal Rumble.
John Cena, CM Punk, The Rock, hell, even a surprise return by Chris Jericho. What more could I ask for? While the returns of Goldust and The Godfather were fan-pleasing, the matches themselves left quite a bit to be desired. Still, the star power alone was easily worth the $45 price of admission.
The night started hot with The Miz vs. Antonio Cesaro in what turned out to be an excellent opening match. Brett and I both (accurately) predicted Cesaro would win, but the fact The Miz got a hot pop not only surprised me, but foreshadowed everything to come. (more…)
Royal Rumble Part One: The experience is everything
Couch Side bloggers Matt Vinsko and Brett Murdock attended the WWE’s Royal Rumble one week ago.
Editors note: The following is part one of a two-part series, looking at the first-hand accounts of the WWE’s Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View event from two of Couch Side’s finest writers.
BY BRETT MURDOCK, Couchsideshow.com blogger
Ladies and gentlemen, I have been to numerous sporting events in my life. I’ve been around loud crowds, hyped-up environments, and have seen my fair share of gripes, surprises, controversy, and full-on rowdiness. But nothing could have prepared me for what WWE’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view gave me on January 27 at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
Now, I’ve been a wrestling fan for a long time now. I watched religiously from 2003 to about 2006 but then lost some of that consistency until the summer of 2011, more known as “the Summer of [CM] Punk” (more on him later). So when the opportunity came for me to experience WWE’s second biggest pay-per-view of the year mere miles from my house, I jumped on that chance and didn’t look back and let me tell you, it was well worth it.
I won’t go into the main details of every match on the card because that is not what the point of going to an event like this is. The point is to be part of the experience and let me tell you, the Royal Rumble was incredible. Showing up in Downtown Phoenix an hour and a half early to eat was awe-inspiring itself as nearly every restaurant and bar was packed with fans who were only getting prepared for what the nigh would bring. Hell, halfway through our “pre-game” festivities (if you will), Matt and I got to experience the familiar “LET’S GO, CENA!” “CENA SUCKS!” chants at a bar. A BAR! Not the event, but a local bar. I could tell we were going to be in for quite a night.
We were somewhat worried about getting in after getting tickets off Craigslist but thankfully, they were legitimate and soon enough, we were in our seats and ready to rumble (get it?). From then on, it was all about the crowd reactions to the matches, entrances, spots, and moments. And the Rumble is arguably the best PPV for those reactions. (more…)
Let’s get ready to (Royal) Rumble: A look at the WWE’s second biggest event of the year
BY MATTHEW VINSKO & BRETT MURDOCK, Couchsideshow.com bloggers
The Rock makes another return at the WWE pay-per-view event, Royal Rumble. Photo by: DL Wise / Flickr
WrestleMania season is upon us, and all the biggest players are stepping up their game. The Rock has come back, CM Punk has held onto the belt for over 400 days now, and John Cena has declared (for the umpteenth time) that his time is now.
But the first stop on the road to WrestleMania is the Royal Rumble, an event highlighted by its 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal. The prize? A main event slot in the “Grand Daddy of ‘em All.” Sit back, relax, and enjoy two writers’ predictions of the Royal Rumble card, and tune in next week for a retrospective review of our experience at the Rumble. Yes, we’re going, and no Wade, we will not make a Couch Side sign.
United States Championship: Antonio Cesaro (c) vs. The Miz
• Matt: The Miz once again finds himself in pursuit of the U.S. Title, but this time, he faces what is perhaps his toughest test to date in the form of Antonio Cesaro. Ever since becoming a good guy, The Miz has floundered. That all changed on the 20th anniversary of Monday Night RAW, when he teamed up with WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair to lay the verbal (and physical) smackdown on Cesaro. Not only that, but Flair bestowed on Miz the figure-four-leg-lock, a move he has yet to fully master. Still, an endorsement from Flair and a new finisher may have people thinking Miz has turned a corner, but I feel the rut will live on for the “Awesome One.” Cesaro is just too over right now as a bad guy (and an excellent worker to boot) to lose his belt. While I don’t expect his title reign to last much longer, I don’t think that loss will come at the hands of the Miz.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
• Brett: If you remember our previous post on the WWE, you will remember that I predicted that Antonio Cesaro will be the next big star that the company produces. His momentum has slowed down a bit since then, but he still carries that US Championship with dignity, power, and sophistication. Nobody that has challenged him for the belt, which he has held since SummerSlam, has been able to dethrone him and his claim saying that “no American can beat him” seems to have a solid base. That streak will live on this Sunday as I believe The Miz will fall victim to the “Swiss Sensation.” This was a match that was randomly thrown together and is based off a segment involving the two and WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend Ric Flair on Monday Night Raw’s 20th Anniversary show a few weeks ago. I guess that WWE just needed to fill something for part of their free pre-show. I fully expect Cesaro to reign supreme once more in another title defense, and do it with ease.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro (more…)
WWE Year in Review: In Memorial
BY BRETT MURDOCK AND MATT VINSKO, Couchsideshow.com bloggers
Professional wrestling has an inherent entertainment value absent from many other sports due to its predictability and knack for combining soap opera-quality storylines with physical violence. That’s not to say it can’t be enjoyed by your average sports fan, however.
This past year, pro wrestling entered mainstream media in a way it hadn’t in years with the returns of superstars including The Rock, Chris Jericho and Brock Lesnar. Regular mainstays such as CM Punk reigned an entire calendar year as WWE Champion, whereas John Cena has entered what has to be considered a slump due to his numerous losses in big match situations.
Just like every sport, there are winners and losers in the world of professional wrestling, and to commemorate the end of the year, we are going to take a look back at WWE throughout 2012. Whereas the WWE has its Slammy Awards, Couch Side has its own celebration of the year that was, and what fans can expect come 2013.
Rising Star
Brett: Antonio Cesaro — Cesaro, real name Claudio Castagnoli, debuted on WWE television soon after WrestleMania 28 and in the nine or so months since appearing has carved out a nice reputation so far. He’s the current United States Champion, a title he has held since August’s SummerSlam pay-per-view, and has been every bit as dominant as he was in other promotions before the WWE got their hands on him. He has all the tools in the ring to be a success and can work it on the microphone when necessary. I mean come on…the dude speaks five languages. He is a star in the making and rarely, if ever, disappoints when put in a big-time scenario. It is only a matter of time before the name Antonio Cesaro is not only a prominent name in pro wrestling, but also in the mainstream.
Matt: Ryback — When 2012 started, Ryan Reeves was on the active WWE roster, but had next to no ring appearances. 12 months, and a mouthful of jobbers later, the man now known as Ryback has taken the WWE by storm in an attempt to quench his massive appetite. Predicting the rise of a guy who wasn’t anywhere near the main event until Hell in a Cell in October would have been foolish months ago. Even back in October, many were worried Ryback’s push was too much, too soon. But now, the WWE has arguably its next big star in the form of a guy who has transcended any similarities with Goldberg and developed his own character. Sure, Ryback won’t be winning the big one any time soon, but to have cemented himself as a main event talent after facing competition that includes Curt Hawkins earlier in the year, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
(more…)
Couch Side Podcast Episode 33: NBA Season Preview
Couch Side has a plethora of opinions in this episode with Sean Schoonover, left, and Craig Paul, middle, calling host Wade McMillin in the studio this week.
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
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In this week’s episode, Couch Side co-hosts Wade McMillin and Craig Paul bring back special guest Sean Schoonover to preview the upcoming NFL season and dish out some Fantasy Football advice. Craig and Wade also discuss Week Seven of the NFL and handle a question about the Lance Armstrong turmoil. Click below to start steaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side Podcast:
Click here to stream, download or subscribe Couch Side Podcast Episode 33: NBA Season Preview via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Podcast Episode 33: NBA Season Preview, via Talkshoe
Click here to download Couch Side Podcast Episode 33: NBA Season Preview, via Talkshoe
Couch Side Podcast — Episode 28: Monday Night Maestros
The San Francisco 49ers were a team to watch in the opening week of the 2012 NFL season as they took down the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. Photo by: Michael Wifall / Flickr
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Click below to start listening
A minor cold can’t even keep Couch Side host Wade McMillin away as he put down his box of Kleenex and joined co-host Craig Paul for yet another football heavy show. In this week’s episode, the gang introduces a new segment, The Monday Night Maestros, where they discuss the two biggest headlines from Week One of the NFL season (Robert Griffin III and the impressive play by the San Francisco 49ers) before previewing some of the top matchups (Chicago vs. Green Bay, Washington vs. St. Louis and Denver vs. Atlanta) for Week Two. In the Big Picture the duo discuss who offers the best sports website, debating between ESPN and Yahoo! And finally in the Head-to-Head Honchos, Craig and Wade serve up some Fantasy Football advice that includes Week One waiver pickups and bench positions. Click below to start streaming, downloading or subscribing to the Couch Side podcast (recorded Sept. 3, 2012).
Click here to stream, download or subscribe Couch Side Episode 28: Monday Night Maestros via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Episode 28: Monday Night Maestros, via Talkshoe
Click here to download Couch Side Episode 28: Monday Night Maestros, via Talkshoe
Couch Side Podcast — Episode 25: Quantity of Questions
Couch Side hosts Wade McMillin (left) and Craig Paul interviewed a dog on this week’s episode. Just kidding, but just as much nonsense was to be had.
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
In this week’s episode, hosts Wade McMillin and Craig Paul celebrate their quarter-century mark of shows made by answering a heap of question from listeners. The duo covers what the fans want in part four of Couch Side’s official 2012 NFL season preview, which cover the NFC East, and in an Olympic edition of the Big Picture. Also in this week’s show, Craig and Wade dish out some more Fantasy Football advice, examining the flex position. Click below to stream, download or subscribe to the Couch Side Podcast NOW!
Click here to stream, download or subscribe Couch Side Episode 25: Quantity of Questions via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Episode 25: Quantity via out host site, Talkshoe
Click here to download Couch Side Episode 25: Quantity of Questions via our host site, Talkshoe
NBC’s Olympic coverage – or lack thereof
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) has broadcasted the Olympics 13 times since the games started being televised in 1936. Photo by: afagen / Flickr
Couch Side Podcast Episode 23: Head-to-Head Hanchos
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
After an entre week off, Couch Side hosts Wade McMillin and Craig Paul make an epic return, continuing our official 2012 NFL preview that examines the NFC North. Out hosts also discuss the British Open and for the first time they dish out Fantasy Football advice in a new segment entitled “Head-to-Head Hanchos,” which includes players to stay away doe your 2012 draft. Click below to steam, download or subscribe to the Couch Side Podcast — now airing in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming only on KNWT 89.1 FM every Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Click here to stream/download Couch Side Episode 23: Head-to-Head Hanchos via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Episode 23: Head-to-Head Hanchos via out host site, Talkshoe
Click here to download Couch Side Episode 23: Head-to-Head via our host site, Talkshoe
100-meter run-off gives USA another athletic black eye
BY VIN CAPPIELLO, Couchsideshow.com contributor
American sprinter Allyson Felix will compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics after tying for third with Jeneba Tarmoh in a dead heat during a qualifying race. Photo by: Doha Stadium Plus Qatar / Flickr
Americans always have been the top sprinters in the world. Hence, a spot on the Olympic team is as a coveted as the last Twinkie on a camping trip.
So don’t act surprised that Jeneba Tarmoh’s walked away from a tie-breaker run-off. Instead, blame USA Track and Field and the US Olympic Committee for its ineptitude in not handling the 100-meter third-place tie, which ultimately resulted in Tarmoh bowing out to veteran Allyson Felix after the two finished in a dead heat for the final spot in the 100 at the recently competed Olympic trials.
Tarmoh and Felix had been given about a week to determine the solution, finally deciding on Sunday they would get together Monday night for a run-off – a woman vs. woman 100-meter dash to ascertain which talented sprinter would earn that third spot.
This never should have gotten to this point, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Tarmoh thumbed her nose at everyone, refusing to run and conceding the spot to Felix, who absolutely smoked the field in the 200-meter dash final, which included Tarmoh, who placed fifth. (more…)
Why should we care: Chapman literally goes head over heels
Bloggers from Couchsideshow.com are constantly reading some pretty silly headlines from all across the wide world of sports. Whether it’s about an athlete being seen at a mall or an irrelevant trade, the fact is, someone has written about it. Sometimes these “stories” are annoying. Sometime they are entertaining. So we’ve decided to take a look at three of these headlines and make a weekly blog: “Why should we care?” Enjoy part one of the ongoing series …
BY WADE MCMILLIN, Couchsideshow.com editor
• Reds closer Aroldis Chapman does double somersaults after save: Some fans (especially Brewers faithful) are loudly screaming foul after witnessing reds flamethrower Aroldis Chapman show off his tumbling skills Tuesday night. In fact, it pissed off Milwaukee players, Reds manager Dusty Baker and even Chapman’s Cincinnati teammates. I guess there is a law out against having fun. We’ve all seen boring handshakes after a closer puts another one in the books. So why not spice things up a little bit? I mean Chapman is a young player, who needed to brighten his own spirits after having himself a pretty bad month of shutting down games. Chapman hasn’t pitched like himself in the month of June, blowing three saves and taking a loss in his last 10 games. While his post-save actions may have been considered bush league, it’s nice to see a player show a little bit of life, especially in a slow sport like baseball. We would like to show you a full video of what he did, but YouTube was at least able to provide some response videos with some pictures. See below to check it out:
Couch Side Podcast — Episode 20: NBA Special
Couch Side hosts Wade McMillin (left) and Craig Paul talk about the NBA Finals this week and take on Couch Side’s official NBA Mock Draft.
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
The Couch Side Podcast celebrates its 20th episode with a show that’s almost entirely about the NBA. Hosts Wade McMillin and Craig Paul discuss the Miami Heat’s second championship and perform an NBA Mock Draft all in one episode. Then in Quick Snippets, our hosts answer a question from the mailbag about how much wood a woodchuck would chuck, grunting in tennis and Michael Vick and Pacman Jones addressing NFL rookies. Click below to stream, download or subscribe to the Couch Side Podcast …
Click here to stream/download Couch Side Episode 20: NBA Special via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Episode 19: NBA Special via our host site, TalkShoe
Click here to download Couch Side Episode 19: NBA Special via our host site TalkShoe
Couch Side Podcast: Episode 19 — Honoring LT
Couch Side hosts Wade McMillin (left) and Craig Paul get heated, debating the NBA Finals.
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Co-Host Craig Paul is back for this week’s episode, which features discussions about the NBA Finals, LaDainian Tomlinsons’ retirement, the US Open, the Roger Clemens Trial and a debate about the Olympic USA men’s basketball team having an age limit. Click below to stream, download or subscribe to the Couch Side podcast!
Click here to stream/download Couch Side Episode 19: Honoring LT via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Episode 19: Honoring LT via our host site, TalkShoe
Click here to download Couch Side Episode 19: Honoring LT via our host site TalkShoe
Stuck In A Rut: WWE has No Way Out (with results)
The WWE’s pay-per-view event “No Way Out” didn’t have too many surprises or upsets. Photo by: The Badder in the World / Flickr
BY BRETT MURDOCK AND MATTHEW VINSKO, Couchsideshow.com bloggers
No Way Out. Three words that when grouped together create an idea of fear, panic and the unknown. That is what the WWE is aiming for this Sunday when the company puts on the pay-per-view live from the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J. However, only two of the matches on the card create that sense of paranoia and helplessness, and even then, it is a risk even calling them big time main events. WWE’s last PPV, Over the Limit, was pretty good but the transition to this month’s show has been sloppy, unorganized and for lack of a better word, facepalm-esque. Ok, so that’s not a word. Sue us.
So, after failing to ingratiate you with our presence with Over the Limit predictions, we are back to hit you with some in-depth knowledge and full-scale awesomeness. So sit back and enjoy while we tell you what we think will happen this Sunday in a world dominated by a fake reality, guys in tights and Speedos, and terrible announcing.
This blog wasn’t able to be uploaded before the event on Sunday night. In addition to Brett’s and Matt’s predictions, Couch Side has also provided the results in the headline of each match.
Brodus Clay defeated David Otunga
Brett: Thank goodness that this match will be the pre-show display, because I have no interest in witnessing a dancing fat guy facing off against a muscular version of Carlton Banks. Ever since returning as a guy who was infected with disco fever, Brodus Clay has been squashing jobbers left and right and has never really been given any true direction with his character. The closest he came was a couple of weeks ago when he challenged Big Show, but nothing came of that. He was entertaining when he came back after having a reputation as a monster heel, but has become stale since. Otunga has developed a nice role as the coffee-sipping right-hand man to General Manager John Laurinaitis. His gimmick has drawn comparisons to that of former WWE superstar Chris Masters, due to his physique and entrance displays. As far as the match itself, I’m going to go with Clay due to the fact that the crowd will enjoy it and hopefully set the tone for a night that on paper, seems destined to be very underwhelming.
Winner: Brodus Clay (more…)
Floyd Mayweather Jr. seeking release from jail due to inhumane conditions
Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is currently in the middle of an 87-day prison sentence for domestic battery. Photo by: So Max O / Flickr
BY IAN PALMER,Feedcrossing.com syndication
Undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr., arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, has apparently met his match outside of the ring at the Clark County Detention Center, where he says the conditions are inhumane.
The 35-year-old Mayweather has reportedly asked to serve the remainder of his three-month jail sentence on house arrest. Richard Wright, the boxer’s lawyer, filed a 35-page emergency motion on June 11 which said his client’s physical conditioning will deteriorate in jail and it may harm his future boxing career. Mayweather has been segregated from the prison’s general population for his own safety which means he’s allegedly confined in his cell for 23 hours each day. The other hour is spent in the facility’s recreation area.
It was reported that Dr. Robert Voy, and Leonard Ellerbe, the boxer’s personal physician and trainer, has signed affidavits regarding Mayweather’s condition. The motion states that Mayweather consumes fewer than 800 calories each day and is buying energy bars, fruit, and bread that he purchases at the jail commissary. He supposedly consumes approximately up to 4,000 calories a day while training.
Couch Side Podcast: Episode 18 — The Lone Wolf
BY Couchsideshow.com staff
Regular Co-Host Craig Paul is out this week, so Wade McMillin takes over the reigns to host our 18th episode all by himself. Wade previews the NBA playoffs, finally talks some baseball, discusses the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley decision and takes a look at Brock Lesnar’s possible return to the UFC.
Click here to stream/download Couch Side Episode 18: The Lone Wolf via iTunes
Click here to stream Couch Side Episode 18: The Lone Wolf via our host site, TalkShoe
Click here to download Couch Side Episode 18: The Lone Wolf via our host site TalkShoe
Northern Arizona University graduates trio of Couch Side bloggers
BY WADE MCMILLIN, Couchsideshow.com editor
Couchsideshow.com is pleased to announce that bloggers Chuck Constantino, Trevor Gould and Brett Murdock earned their Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Ariz., last weekend.
Constantino, Murdock and Gould spent the past four years working for the Lumberjack, NAU’s weekly student newspaper. Constantino served as the Lumberjack’s sports editor for two of his four years at NAU while Murdock proved as a solid sports reporter. Gould also served on the Lumberjack staff, covering Arts & Entertainment as well as sports. The pair join other Couch Side bloggers, Stayson Isobe, Matthew Vinsko and myself as other NAU graduates on our staff. I would personally like to thank and congratulate Constantino, Murdock, who earned print journalism degrees, and Gould, who earned a public relations degree, for their work on this website and their accomplishments in the classroom. All of you can now be proud to call yourselves GRADUATES! You’ve earned it.
Here’s a closer look at my experiences with these bloggers: (more…)
Pushing the Envelope: WWE gets Extreme
BY BRETT MURDOCK AND MATTHEW VINSKO, Couchsideshow.com writers
After Wrestlemania, it’s hard to imagine the WWE topping itself. After all, this year saw four hours of grappling headlined by John Cena versus “The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment,” The Rock. It was The Rock’s first match in eight years, which garnered much hype. But let’s be honest for a second; the event, though an instant classic, failed to live up to the buildup (and our predictions).
How do you beat a PPV headlining the returning Rock? Well, the WWE is hoping another man returning after an eight-year absence can bring a spark in former WWE and UFC Champion Brock Lesnar. Though he left the company on bad terms, Lesnar has returned and set his sights on Cena, who once again finds himself the underdog at Extreme Rules, set to air this Sunday, April 29. Read on for insight from two still-closeted wrestling fans and their picks for the one night a year where the WWE goes Extreme:
United States Championship Match: Santino Marella (c) vs. The Miz
Santino Marella. Photo by: Krystal / Flickt
Matt: No one thought Santino Marella would be the dominating champ he has been since dethroning Jack Swagger a little over a month ago, myself included. Known more for his comedic relief than his actual in-ring ability, it’s hard to take Marella seriously, especially when he’s a champion. Still, the guy can entertain a crowd like very few can, and it’s been interesting seeing him dominating top-tier talent that he was losing to a few months ago. The Miz, on the other hand, has been buried for the past year since his championship loss to the aforementioned Cena. That is until this past Wrestlemania, where he pinned Zack Ryder and secured the win for Johnny Ace’s team. So what does The Miz get for his hard work? Why a championship match against Teddy Long’s former right-hand-man in Marella. I can see this match going both ways, but I just have a feeling The Miz is going to come out and ride the hot hand he’s been seeing since his Wrestlemania victory.
Winner: The Miz
Brett: Santino Marella is arguably the most “over” wrestler in the WWE today. A goofy gimmick that appeals to a younger audience, he has found a way to generate interest from the older demographic as well. He won the belt in March and has held onto it ever since despite challenges that seemed to put him at a disadvantage. The Miz, on the other hand, has been stale as can be. The once-WWE Champion has been in a downward spiral in terms of being pushed and appearing on television. He has gotten some heat backstage for his antics and personality, thus leading some to believe that his downward trend is because of this. This match will be the “dark” match of the night, meaning it will not be on the pay-per-view broadcast but will be able to viewed online on YouTube. It appears that the WWE is serious about giving Santino some of the spotlight as evidenced by his recent opportunities at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view and his captainship of Team Teddy at WrestleMania 28. The Miz has been buried hardcore, minus a few chances and the future does not look too bright for this once high-profile star.
Winner: Santino Marella
Mike Tyson back in the limelight with one-man Las Vegas show
BY IAN PALMER, Feedcrossing.com syndication
Mike Tyson. Photo by: Brian Wilkins / Flickr
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that former heavyweight world boxing champion Mike Tyson attracts crowds of onlookers wherever he goes. He’s well known around the world by non-boxing fans due to his controversial lifestyle and past. As a boxer, there are those who argue that Tyson was beaten in every big showdown he had, such as losing twice to Evander Holyfield as well as being knocked cold by Lennox Lewis and Buster Douglas.
But regardless of what you think of him as a pugilist, his life story is quite fascinating and this is why Tyson has opened a six-night, one-man show in Las Vegas. Tyson intends to take his act to
Broadway if it proves popular. It got off to a pretty good start on Apr. 13 when he entertained a crowd of 740 people at the MGM Grand Casino. (more…)
