The Death of Pro Wrestling or the truth in Media?

I haven't had a chance until now to fully digest and discuss the breaking story of two weeks ago concerning the alleged double murder-suicide of WWE wrestler Chris Benoit and his wife and child. There has already been a premium of speculation as to the effects this tragedy will have on the sport of wrestling from this point on from cable news to the dirt sheets and through the Internet. I'm of the belief that the horrific events of two weeks ago will lead to a rise of investigative scrutiny throughout the wrestling business that some believe has been long over due. The broader question is will these investigations result in the eventual demise of pro wrestling as we have known it in North America?

The industry has survived a lot of negative press in the past, including steroid allegations in the early 90s, sexual harassment law suits, the failure of the XFL, and most notably, the in-ring death of wrestler Owen Hart in 1999. This latest incident is perhaps the most shocking of them all.

The national media, who have long been (for the most part) detractors of pro-wrestling have already been swimming in a pool of endless speculation, casting doubts and launching insinuations that steroids were to blame and that WWE was involved in a cover up to hide the truth of the story. While the steroid angle may prove to have some legs, I think to cast the full blame on the company Benoit worked for is a bit unfair and misleading to the public, many of whom are unaware of how the wrestling industry operates and are relying on the media to paint them an accurate picture; which sadly the media fails to do quite often with any accurate degree.

Too often when the media finds the necessity to cover the topic of wrestling, they fail to do any real research on the business and instead rely on what little they already know about the subject. This is why they often seem lost when interviewing people who are in the business and come across as awkward because most of these journalists have never seen a wrestling match in their lives.

This lack of research since the (Benoit) story broke has been apparent even among the more respected news shows like the O'Reilly Factor and Nancy Grace. Geraldo's so-called sources should all be fired for the endless amounts of facts and studies that they got completely wrong and presented to him for his O'Reilly appearance in what may go down as one of the most inaccurate and flawed segments in the history of television news. Geraldo, who is always convicted in his opinions came across as lost and vindictive in his interview making false accusations with no real evidence and getting even the dates of the murders wrong. It was almost shocking how unprepared and irresponsible he was in his research, making off the wall connections to create a bigger story.

It remains to be seen if steroids did in fact play a role in the Benoit murders. I do know that prescriptions for steroids were said to be found at the crime scene in their home; however the assumption that these murders were the result of roid rage doesn't seem to add up. The body of Nancy Benoit was found tied up by her wrists and ankles, and both her and their son were found with a bible lying beside them. These seem like cold and calculated acts -not of a man in rage, but of a man with premeditation. Somehow the media has lost sight of this, which seems as simple as 2+2=4. Here's hoping that once the true facts of the crime are known, the news will get it right this time and with some accuracy. That is all we can hope for.

-JSM.  

Eric the bartender: Hello Dob, what can I pour you?

Dob: Just the usual, bar keep, I'm on my way to the game; got some tickets in the cheap seats.

Bartender: Tell me, why do people call you Dob, any way?

Dob: My nickname, stands for Dirty Old Bastard...the wife's such a kidder.

((Laughs))

Eric the Bartender:

So you're going to the ball park, huh? I see you wearing that Yankees cap, well let me tell you a little story I heard once...

Three baseball fans were on their way to a game when one noticed a foot sticking out of the bushes by the side of the road. They stopped and discovered a nude female dead drunk.

Out of respect, the Cubs fan took off his cap and placed it over her right breast. The Red Sox fan took off his cap and placed it over her left breast. Following their lead, the Yankee fan took off his cap and placed it over her crotch.

The police were called and when the officer arrived, he conducted his inspection. First, he lifted up the Cubs cap, replaced it, and wrote down some notes. Next, he lifted the Sox cap, replaced it, and wrote down some more notes. The officer then lifted the Yankees cap, replaced it, then lifted it again, replaced it, lifted it a third time, and replaced it one last time.

The Yankee fan was getting upset and finally asked, "What are you, a pervert or something? Why do you keep lifting and looking, lifting and looking?"

Well," said the officer. "I am simply surprised. Normally when I look under a Yankees hat, I find an ass-hole."

((laughs))

Dob: You're really something, where do you come up with these stories?

Eric the Bartender: I'm a bartender, it's my duty.  Here's your usual, on the rocks.  Now shut up and drink.

(laughs)

End of Episode.

Tune in next week for another fun adventure @ the bar where everyone knows your lame, Martini's

		Welcome to the second and Red, White, & Blue edition of "The Dog House." The place where all those persons, places or things that p*ss me off, go to think about what they've done. This week I decided to vent about 40 things. The master list of 40 things that are Un-American. How many of the dog's rules do you break on this tongue in cheek list.

1. People who don't like hot dogs

2. People who don't like dogs

3. People who don't like Football

4. People who don't like baseball

5. People who like Hockey more than Football and baseball

6. People who think Soccer is the real football

7. Liking Tea more than Coffee

8. Liking crumpets more than donuts

9. People who don't vote

10. People who don't like Pizza

11. People who have never seen any of the Rocky movies

12. Except for part 5.

13. People who like that Nazi sign that I can't spell so I won't even try, but you know which one I mean.

14. People who boo the U.S. in any sport

15. People who think Borat is funny

16. People who eat snails

17. People who eat cats

18. People who don't pay taxes

19. People who stay on welfare for too long

20. People who insult the military

21. People who hate any of our Presidents more than our real enemies

22. Rosie O'Donnell or those who agree with her.

23. Anyone who is able to, but too lazy to learn English.

24. People who don't appreciate American history

25. People who have never watched the Super bowl

26. People who hate the 4^th of July

27. Anybody with more than one current spouse

28. People who marry a relative or pet

29. Half of Hollywood

30. Especially Jane Fonda

31. People who only watch foreign films

32. People who only buy foreign cars

33. People who don't like at least one Beatles' song, even though they weren't born here.

34. People who hate Rock n' Roll

35. People who OSAMA at sporting events

36. People who can't name at least 10 presidents

37. Not liking ice cream

38. People who hate Christmas

39. Terrorists

40. Anyone who doesn't visit this site during Great Americans week.

NOW WITH SOUND!!!

Great Americans Edition2

Dear Doctor J,

What does a guy have to do to get some respect and recognition in this world? I am a twenty-something college graduate with a million dollar smile, rugged good-looks, a rapidly receding waistline and most of all...a lot of that modesty stuff. But where does it get me? Nowhere, damn it! Pardon my language doctor, but what am I doing wrong? Are people intimidated by my trend-setting attire or vast vocabulary? Is my Italian coat not Italian enough? Does the twinkle in my eyes blind the approaching and eager females? Or is everyone just stupid? Doc, how about I put up a poll and you pick which one it is?

I've done everything people have asked; I've started drinking beer and I've stopped wearing two pairs of underwear in case of an emergency. All to no avail. The cappuccino's on ice and I need your help. Maybe it's just me Doc, but I refuse to be something I'm not. Buongiorno!!!

-J. Martini (Milan, Italy.)

Dear J. Martini,

It sounds like your life is on ice to me, and your italian vocab isn't as thick as your ego.  I suggest you go out and find yourself some new adventures. After all, anyone who can afford to wear expensive Italian coats and hats in the summer surely can afford to take some much needed R&R. Of course you'll have to go at it alone, like always, because people don't appreciate your sophistication and high culture. But hey, at least you don't wear pink shirts, right?

If you want to better connect with your peers try spitting on the floor once and a while, scratch yourself in inappropriate places from time to time, reference movie quotes over and over again, (but only from the cool ones)and as a topper, belch out loud in public places and be proud of it! Do all that and you'll fit right in. But who needs them any way, you've got that nice coat to keep you warm day and night. At least it won't make fun of you.  If so, you might have some real problems there.   Ok, next...

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Dear Docter J,

I've got a secret confession, but I charge 1.99 a minute...just kidding, my bad! Acttually Doc, my problem is I just don't know where I'm going in life. You see, I used to have a totally cool thing going 4 a while but I kinda messed that up big time! I was being courted by this really smooth, cute guy that I worked with for a while. He was soooooo nice, he used to buy me lunch, walked with me to class, listened to be babble on and on and on...in an incoherent manner like i belonged in a damn A.D.D clinic...but I walked a way and ignored hiz sophisticated attempts to turn my life around.  Instead, I chased after other suckers, then quit my job to become a dime-an-hour stripper down town.

Five years later, I'm an aging stripper, putting on some pounds and without an education.  Docter J, tell me if I made the right decision. I know you want to.  And if your not busy later, I'll be happy to slide down a pole just for you, I'll even give you hea... uh, a head start, cuz I'm off at 6...PEACE!!!

-M. Duran (Island of Deja Vu)

 

Dear M. Duran,

Your cheap proposition falls on deaf ears.  And I charge more per hour than you do (but that's not saying much).  As to your problem, I would say you're correct in second-guessing your poor decision making.  Perhaps if you had shown less leg and more common sense you would be better off today.  But there is no sense in rehashing the past, as I'm sure your jilted friend has already forgotten the hussy that you were. 

Look on the bright side though, if that stripping gig works out maybe in a few years you'll be able to save up for that botox and lyposuction that you'll surely need.  As for that that poor sap you left behind, well sorry Striperella, but that ship has sailed.  Next...

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Dear Doctor J,

I'm sorry, but I think it's kind of ridicules that you feel qualified to offer your “so-called” expert advice on matters you know nothing about.  I also think it's funny that you seem to be side-stepping that little sexual harassment lawsuit that you settled out of court a few years back.  Bet you thought I forgot that, didn't you? Any way, what credibility do you have?

You don't even cover the UFC in your column, which is only the single-most-important-most-awesomest-sport -in the-entire-world.  I'm sorry, but I predict it will be a top 3 sport in five years and you'll still be a big zero.  Your just another egg-head from a dirty city with an overrated college degree.  You probably like President Bush too, well, I'm sorry, but that's just a total sha-mockery if I ever saw one! Let me get back to you, the baby's crying and my dad's calling me on the other line.

A. Meister (Suburbs of Champlin, MN)

Dear A. Meister,

Excuse me! Would you like some cheese with your whine? While your at home playing Mr. Mom and watching old re-runs of Desperate Housewives, I'm providing a valuable human service for the mentally unbalanced.  Judging by the way you jump around in your letter, I think you could use my help too; especially as it relates to that rather short attention span. 

Perhaps your passion for the UFC is an unconscious thirst for violence.  Perhaps it's really your desire to exert control in your neutered suburban monotony.  So put down the apron, put the baby to bed, hang up on your dad, and sit down with a glass of your wife's wine and relax.  Those dirty dishes and diapers can wait.  I suggest you sit and reflect, and if that doesn't work just grab the wife and make more babies.  Next.

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Dear Doctor J,

That Sopranos finale really sucked, dude.  What were they thinking? It made me think and stuff, I hate that and I hate onion rings!

-Eric of “Above the Rest Entertainment Inc.”, Blaine or sometimes Eagan, MN.

Dear Eric of “Above the Rest Entertainment Inc”,

Hilary Clinton liked it, so GET OVER IT. Next...

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Dear Doctor J,

Have you seen the new video games on sale at Wal-Mart? 2 for the price of 1...yeah their 2 for the price of 1. Their on sale at Wal-Mart, 2 for the price of 1...If you touch my games I'll kill you...Yeah so it's a really good deal at Wal-mart so you might as well get 2 for the price of 1 and four cases of pop too...should last me a day, yeah...it should last a day.  So are you getting them? Sale ends tomorrow...four cases of pop and 2 for the price of 1 on video games.

-P. Rowe, (Parts Unknown)

Dear P. Rowe,

What color are the clouds in your world? Tell me, do you like to hang upside down in your attic or howl at the moon at night? Don't get alarmed by these questions, they are just a formality. You seem like the kind of person that is prone to exhibit odd behavior or compulsions, with a fetish for inanimate objects such as stuffed animals or sugary sweets.

As for your question...I'm not interested, not interested...I don't care, don't care...soda pop causes cavities, it causes cavities...leave me alone, yeah, not intersted, don't care and leave me alone.

 

-End of Session. (Doctor J.)

Have a question or comment for Doctor J? Send them in to the JSM Cafe.