WWE's Top 10 Stories in 2007
For WWE, 2007 was quite the roller coaster ride, with plenty of controversy hitting hard on the pro wrestling industry in general. It's unfortunate and notable that we had several wrestling legends pass way. The Fabolous Moolah, a longtime diva and WWE performer passed away at age 84. There was also Sensational Sherri's death at age 49, and Crush of Demolition fame found dead at age 44. These continued the media discussions of pro wrestling deaths and WWE doing something about it. Despite some of the great suprise moments and matches, it's hard to call this a "good" year for World Wrestling Entertainment, as the top 10 stories almost seem to be dominated by downfall and tragedy. But just as we heard in story #10, "Things are looking up", or so we all hope for 2008...
10) The Son of Vince Saga - Hornswoggle - A story that came about a bit after the whole Vince limo explosion plot. For weeks there was a mystery in which Vince McMahon had been told one of the wrestlers was his illegitimate son. Vince and his staff (Coach) investigated the possibilities and various "flings" Vince had over the years. Vince chuckled about his romps but the last laugh was on him as it was revealed that his son was the under the ring dwelling leprechaun, Hornswoggle. And it makes sense, both are Irish by descent. In recent weeks Vince has tried to pre-occupy his son with "tough love" matches, and Horney's long time pal, Finlay has come to his rescue. However, many fans believe this may be a temporary story as the true son of Vince will later be revealed as Mr. Kennedy or even HHH, leading up to a major push for title contention.
Also see:
Thoughts on Raw & Vince's Son
Hornswoggle is Vince's Son
Hornswoggle, Cruiserweight Champ
9) Wrestlers Return - Plagued by injuries in 2007, the WWE was on its heels, forced to move titles and try to showcase what it had left. Luckily, 2007 was not totally lost as some of the top superstars on Raw and Smackdown returned back to the ring. Triple H and Rey Mysterio both made for a huge Summerslam return and had comeback victories. The Undertaker returned at Unforgiven, from his injury after a short title reign (following WM23). Shawn Michaels came back on Raw during the past several months. Chris Jericho made a huge return to Raw after being fired. They definitely lent star power to a product in need and that could have possibly lost a lot of ground due to controversy. In 2008 we should see more wrestler returns which will strengthen the brand.
Also see:
HBK Returns on Raw 10.08.07
Undertaker's Unforgiven Return
Summerslam Results 2007
Greatness of the Game
8) Wrestlemania 23 Rocks Detroit - The "Hair vs. Hair" match was part of the headlining matches at Wrestlemania 23 in Detroit, Michigan. It was a battle of billionaires with Vince McMahon's wrestler Umaga facing Donald Trump's wrestler Bobby Lashley. And special "impartial" guest referee, none other than Vince's long time nemesis, Stone Cold Steve Austin. We all know who won, and we all witnessed a bald Mr. McMahon on Raw trying to hide from his new hairless look. We also saw John Cena successfully defeat HBK in a title contest and the Undertaker extend his win streak to 15-0 at Wrestlemania, as he captured the World Heavyweight title from Batista.
Also see:
Wrestlemania 23 Results
Battle of the Billionaires
7) Flair Will Keep Wrestling - Wooooo! Flair showed up on Raw's November 26th show and many anticipated he was going to retire. However Flair has no quit in his wrestling body, even at his current age. An all-time wrestling legend, Flair informed the fans he will die in that wrestling ring. Vince McMahon came to the ring to add the stipulation that Flair can keep wrestling as long as he wins. Once Flair loses, he's done. The year is about over and Flair's still at it with a big match against HHH coming on New Year's Eve. How far will the legacy of Flair extend until?
Also see:
When Will Ric Flair's Legacy End?
Flair Reports He's With WWE
3 Stories for 2008
6) Chris Jericho Returns - It took weeks for the signing to be a done deal, and we saw many cryptic commercial ads during Raw, Smackdown and ECW. Finally, Jericho returned in late November. Y2J made his grand entrance by knocking down a marathon torch runner and interupting the "Torch Passing Ceremony" Randy Orton had planned for himself as WWE champ. Y2J vowed to save the WWE from Orton as well and take back the title. And as we all know a talent and personality like Jericho was greatly needed back in the WWE. Most recently, Jericho has entered a feud with JBL, after the commentator interfered in Y2J's title match with Orton.
Also see:
Can Jericho Save Us?
Y2J = 11.19 Raw
5) The Vince McMahon Limo Explosion - This story happened this past summer, where Raw's show ended with a "bang" literally. Vince walked through lines of superstars and headed out of the arena to his white limo which was waiting. Vince paused briefly to look back at the arena. As he got into the limo there was a brief pause and then the door shut. An immediate explosion ensued. WWE.com went with the story, publishing video footage of just about everything. A press conference with a "federal investigator" named Daniel Beck. Stories about fans mourning the loss by leaving flowers and gifts at WWE headquarters. And newspaper journalists as well as fans criticized the WWE for such a controversial story. But controversy is nothing new for the WWE. The story was definitely different, and sidelined in lieu of a bigger event which happened not long after.
Also see:
Mr. McMahon's Death Stunt
Is Vince Dead?
4)Wrestler Injuries The injury bug hit hard in 2007 - Candice Michelle, Mr. Kennedy, Matt Hardy, Lashley, Edge, Undertaker, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio all were out. This coupled with the #2 story of the year hurt the WWE product quite a bit. It's hard enough if your writers aren't doing well with the great talent roster, but even more difficult when major star after major star is sidelined. It's difficult to find a name on the WWE roster who didn't have some sort of injury in 07'. This led to more media discussion of the safety and wellness of WWE talent. In 2008, several of the current sidelined stars should be back and that will definitely give WWE a boost.
Also see:
WWE's Real Injury Problem
Matt Hardy Injury Update
Candice Michelle Injury Update
Lashley Injury Update
3) John Cena's Injury - It could be included with #4 but this one stands out for the simple fact he had to vacate the WWE title, which he had held for over a year. Cena is a fan-favorite (love or hate him). He was one of the longest reigning WWE champs in the history of the belt. The champ was forced to undergo surgery and Vince McMahon appeared on ECW to inform fans the champ would not be back for up to a year. Randy Orton promptly received the title at the next Pay Per View, lost it, then regained it in the same night. WWE isn't the same without Cena, as many tickets were purchased by fans who wanted to see the superstar in action. Cena aims to be back after Wrestlemania next year and is already rehabbing, but without him the WWE is at a loss.
Also see:
John Cena Injured, Title Vacant
Cena Injured During Raw
Cena Speaks About CNN
2) WWE Suspensions - A sweeping round of supsensions occurred as WWE knew it was facing a Congressional info request into its Wellness Policy. WWE had to show the world and the media that it was doing all it can to protect its wrestlers and that drug use is not going to be tolerated. So 12 men were suspended within 2 days and the media had a field day with it. The names were never "officially" released, but speculation was made easier by a report of wrestlers linked to the Signature drug company. Also, disappearances and title changes made for further evidence of who was not to be a part of the WWE for a month or so. And the worst happened as Chris Masters and Eugene were among those who were canned from the WWE. King Booker left over his suspension. And speculation continues as the WWE works to clean up its act. Congress is also involved as it made a formal request for WWE records, so that they can examine wrestling policies. Along with story #1, this made times rocky and extremely controversial for WWE in 2007.
Also see:
The 11th WWE Suspension
WWE Suspends 10 Performers
WWE Suspension Info Links
Chris Masters & DH Smith Suspended
1) Chris Benoit Tragedy - There's no arguing this one. No story in the professional wrestling world was bigger than this in the past year. It in fact spawned story #2 as controversy over WWE steroid use followed. Media reported on it like crazy, looking for the obvious "attack the WWE" angle. Wrestlers were profiled in interviews. Fingers pointed and names named. The Congress even decided to get involved. But this didn't come about until after the heinous crimes perpetrated by former WWE star, Chris Benoit. The double murder suicide occurred in June 2007 this year and things were far from the same after it. Not only that but it happened around the time of the Vince McMahon death in a Limo explosion story, causing the WWE to briefly sideline the story.
The craziest part of this shocking real story is up until that point everyone knew Benoit as the constant hardworking professional and family man. Described as a nice guy and not very talkative, but always wanting to please the fans. A friend of mine met him several weeks before at a gym and shook Benoit's hand, and said he seemed like a nice guy in person. The incident caused such a range of emotions in all of the WWE fans. First was the surprise of Benoit not showing up for a title match at a Pay Per View. Then the somber Raw memorial show of 3 hours dedicated to Benoit after his death was announced. And then the worst, the announcement that Benoit had committed the horrible acts. Vince McMahon and the WWE erased his wrestling status from their books while fans continued to struggle with it all. And the media took off with the stories and accusations.
So did Benoit have the mentality of an Alzheimer's patient? Did he fly into a crazy rage induced by steroids? The real reasons behind why Benoit snapped may never be known, but this definitely turned the wrestling world upside down and inside out in 2007 as it created more controversy.
Also see:
The Chris Benoit Tragedy - Squidoo page
Benoit Diary Revelations
Benoit is No Hero
WWE Press Release on Benoit
Benoit Autopsy Results
WWE Releases Benoit Update
Those are our top 10 stories for the year of 2007 in World Wrestling Entertainment. While not all are pretty and some are very controversial, it is what has shaped the brand from here out. Smackdown and ECW continue their unity, and Raw will be heading towards its 16th year in January! We have former, present and new superstars on their way back as well. Here's looking forward to a 2008 full of amazing things for the WWE and all of its great fans!
Also see recap of Smackdown - WWE's Top 5 Matches of 2007
Top 10 stories from WWE in 2007:
10) The Son of Vince Saga - Hornswoggle - A story that came about a bit after the whole Vince limo explosion plot. For weeks there was a mystery in which Vince McMahon had been told one of the wrestlers was his illegitimate son. Vince and his staff (Coach) investigated the possibilities and various "flings" Vince had over the years. Vince chuckled about his romps but the last laugh was on him as it was revealed that his son was the under the ring dwelling leprechaun, Hornswoggle. And it makes sense, both are Irish by descent. In recent weeks Vince has tried to pre-occupy his son with "tough love" matches, and Horney's long time pal, Finlay has come to his rescue. However, many fans believe this may be a temporary story as the true son of Vince will later be revealed as Mr. Kennedy or even HHH, leading up to a major push for title contention.
Also see:
Thoughts on Raw & Vince's Son
Hornswoggle is Vince's Son
Hornswoggle, Cruiserweight Champ
9) Wrestlers Return - Plagued by injuries in 2007, the WWE was on its heels, forced to move titles and try to showcase what it had left. Luckily, 2007 was not totally lost as some of the top superstars on Raw and Smackdown returned back to the ring. Triple H and Rey Mysterio both made for a huge Summerslam return and had comeback victories. The Undertaker returned at Unforgiven, from his injury after a short title reign (following WM23). Shawn Michaels came back on Raw during the past several months. Chris Jericho made a huge return to Raw after being fired. They definitely lent star power to a product in need and that could have possibly lost a lot of ground due to controversy. In 2008 we should see more wrestler returns which will strengthen the brand.
Also see:
HBK Returns on Raw 10.08.07
Undertaker's Unforgiven Return
Summerslam Results 2007
Greatness of the Game
8) Wrestlemania 23 Rocks Detroit - The "Hair vs. Hair" match was part of the headlining matches at Wrestlemania 23 in Detroit, Michigan. It was a battle of billionaires with Vince McMahon's wrestler Umaga facing Donald Trump's wrestler Bobby Lashley. And special "impartial" guest referee, none other than Vince's long time nemesis, Stone Cold Steve Austin. We all know who won, and we all witnessed a bald Mr. McMahon on Raw trying to hide from his new hairless look. We also saw John Cena successfully defeat HBK in a title contest and the Undertaker extend his win streak to 15-0 at Wrestlemania, as he captured the World Heavyweight title from Batista.
Also see:
Wrestlemania 23 Results
Battle of the Billionaires
7) Flair Will Keep Wrestling - Wooooo! Flair showed up on Raw's November 26th show and many anticipated he was going to retire. However Flair has no quit in his wrestling body, even at his current age. An all-time wrestling legend, Flair informed the fans he will die in that wrestling ring. Vince McMahon came to the ring to add the stipulation that Flair can keep wrestling as long as he wins. Once Flair loses, he's done. The year is about over and Flair's still at it with a big match against HHH coming on New Year's Eve. How far will the legacy of Flair extend until?
Also see:
When Will Ric Flair's Legacy End?
Flair Reports He's With WWE
3 Stories for 2008
6) Chris Jericho Returns - It took weeks for the signing to be a done deal, and we saw many cryptic commercial ads during Raw, Smackdown and ECW. Finally, Jericho returned in late November. Y2J made his grand entrance by knocking down a marathon torch runner and interupting the "Torch Passing Ceremony" Randy Orton had planned for himself as WWE champ. Y2J vowed to save the WWE from Orton as well and take back the title. And as we all know a talent and personality like Jericho was greatly needed back in the WWE. Most recently, Jericho has entered a feud with JBL, after the commentator interfered in Y2J's title match with Orton.
Also see:
Can Jericho Save Us?
Y2J = 11.19 Raw
5) The Vince McMahon Limo Explosion - This story happened this past summer, where Raw's show ended with a "bang" literally. Vince walked through lines of superstars and headed out of the arena to his white limo which was waiting. Vince paused briefly to look back at the arena. As he got into the limo there was a brief pause and then the door shut. An immediate explosion ensued. WWE.com went with the story, publishing video footage of just about everything. A press conference with a "federal investigator" named Daniel Beck. Stories about fans mourning the loss by leaving flowers and gifts at WWE headquarters. And newspaper journalists as well as fans criticized the WWE for such a controversial story. But controversy is nothing new for the WWE. The story was definitely different, and sidelined in lieu of a bigger event which happened not long after.
Also see:
Mr. McMahon's Death Stunt
Is Vince Dead?
4)Wrestler Injuries The injury bug hit hard in 2007 - Candice Michelle, Mr. Kennedy, Matt Hardy, Lashley, Edge, Undertaker, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio all were out. This coupled with the #2 story of the year hurt the WWE product quite a bit. It's hard enough if your writers aren't doing well with the great talent roster, but even more difficult when major star after major star is sidelined. It's difficult to find a name on the WWE roster who didn't have some sort of injury in 07'. This led to more media discussion of the safety and wellness of WWE talent. In 2008, several of the current sidelined stars should be back and that will definitely give WWE a boost.
Also see:
WWE's Real Injury Problem
Matt Hardy Injury Update
Candice Michelle Injury Update
Lashley Injury Update
3) John Cena's Injury - It could be included with #4 but this one stands out for the simple fact he had to vacate the WWE title, which he had held for over a year. Cena is a fan-favorite (love or hate him). He was one of the longest reigning WWE champs in the history of the belt. The champ was forced to undergo surgery and Vince McMahon appeared on ECW to inform fans the champ would not be back for up to a year. Randy Orton promptly received the title at the next Pay Per View, lost it, then regained it in the same night. WWE isn't the same without Cena, as many tickets were purchased by fans who wanted to see the superstar in action. Cena aims to be back after Wrestlemania next year and is already rehabbing, but without him the WWE is at a loss.
Also see:
John Cena Injured, Title Vacant
Cena Injured During Raw
Cena Speaks About CNN
2) WWE Suspensions - A sweeping round of supsensions occurred as WWE knew it was facing a Congressional info request into its Wellness Policy. WWE had to show the world and the media that it was doing all it can to protect its wrestlers and that drug use is not going to be tolerated. So 12 men were suspended within 2 days and the media had a field day with it. The names were never "officially" released, but speculation was made easier by a report of wrestlers linked to the Signature drug company. Also, disappearances and title changes made for further evidence of who was not to be a part of the WWE for a month or so. And the worst happened as Chris Masters and Eugene were among those who were canned from the WWE. King Booker left over his suspension. And speculation continues as the WWE works to clean up its act. Congress is also involved as it made a formal request for WWE records, so that they can examine wrestling policies. Along with story #1, this made times rocky and extremely controversial for WWE in 2007.
Also see:
The 11th WWE Suspension
WWE Suspends 10 Performers
WWE Suspension Info Links
Chris Masters & DH Smith Suspended
1) Chris Benoit Tragedy - There's no arguing this one. No story in the professional wrestling world was bigger than this in the past year. It in fact spawned story #2 as controversy over WWE steroid use followed. Media reported on it like crazy, looking for the obvious "attack the WWE" angle. Wrestlers were profiled in interviews. Fingers pointed and names named. The Congress even decided to get involved. But this didn't come about until after the heinous crimes perpetrated by former WWE star, Chris Benoit. The double murder suicide occurred in June 2007 this year and things were far from the same after it. Not only that but it happened around the time of the Vince McMahon death in a Limo explosion story, causing the WWE to briefly sideline the story.
The craziest part of this shocking real story is up until that point everyone knew Benoit as the constant hardworking professional and family man. Described as a nice guy and not very talkative, but always wanting to please the fans. A friend of mine met him several weeks before at a gym and shook Benoit's hand, and said he seemed like a nice guy in person. The incident caused such a range of emotions in all of the WWE fans. First was the surprise of Benoit not showing up for a title match at a Pay Per View. Then the somber Raw memorial show of 3 hours dedicated to Benoit after his death was announced. And then the worst, the announcement that Benoit had committed the horrible acts. Vince McMahon and the WWE erased his wrestling status from their books while fans continued to struggle with it all. And the media took off with the stories and accusations.
So did Benoit have the mentality of an Alzheimer's patient? Did he fly into a crazy rage induced by steroids? The real reasons behind why Benoit snapped may never be known, but this definitely turned the wrestling world upside down and inside out in 2007 as it created more controversy.
Also see:
The Chris Benoit Tragedy - Squidoo page
Benoit Diary Revelations
Benoit is No Hero
WWE Press Release on Benoit
Benoit Autopsy Results
WWE Releases Benoit Update
Those are our top 10 stories for the year of 2007 in World Wrestling Entertainment. While not all are pretty and some are very controversial, it is what has shaped the brand from here out. Smackdown and ECW continue their unity, and Raw will be heading towards its 16th year in January! We have former, present and new superstars on their way back as well. Here's looking forward to a 2008 full of amazing things for the WWE and all of its great fans!
Also see recap of Smackdown - WWE's Top 5 Matches of 2007
Labels: Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Commentary, Hornswaggle, Hornswoggle, Injury Update, John Cena, Randy Orton, Steroids, Vince McMahon, Wellness Program, WWE Suspensions
2 Comments:
yes, the benoit tragedy belonga at the top of the list because it triggered several of the others. perhaps you should include in the story or give a story of its own to the WWE trying to pretend he never even existed and deleting his webpage
Good point neil. When you look at the WWE Smackdown Superstars page it shows MVP on the top with the other title holders. It explains he won the title from a Best 2 of 3 falls match, but doesn't name his opponent.
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