The Shield: Presence, Unpredictability & Intimidation

Taking a deeper look into one of the best stables in recent memory.

Nearly a year ago, I posted this Great Debate article detailing my three step program to create the next great heel stable in the WWE.  I had noted that for me, it was the missing element in the WWE product at the time.  It's amazing how quickly things can change.  Come November of 2012, The Shield would make their impactful debut, costing Ryback his WWE Championship match at the Survivor Series PPV.  Since then, the group has taken apart every major WWE superstar or legend that has crossed their paths.  And taking a look at their rise to prominence and current status in the WWE, it's hard to picture anyone being able to take them down.

The 2013 PWI Poll: Breaking Down A Few Of My Selections

Pro Wrestling Illustrated releases one of their most anticipated issues of the year.

In the newly released July issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated the well respected mag has revealed the results of their annual "PWI Poll".  Generally, I make my picks, but they never really coincide with those of the majority of their beloved readers.  I never really mind because everyone is entitled to their opinion.  Still, if you're reading this, then I'm safely assuming you respect mine to some extent.  So what I've done here is reveal my choices for the top 7 questions that really piqued my interest.  Some of my answers may surprise you, but I'll explain just why I made my decision and then kindly ask you to leave a comment or hit me up on twitter with your thoughts/picks as to just who is the most deserving of the following awards.  Sound good?  Well then join me for more after the jump!

Amazing New Interview With The Miz

Sam Roberts recently sat down with The Miz to discuss Wrestlemania, CM Punk, Vince McMahon, messing up on live TV & more!  It's a very enjoyable look into where he's at with the company at this point in his career.  Check it out below.

G9Z Favorites: Toshiaki Kawada

Welcome to the second article in my brand new series called G9Z Favorites!  Occasionally, I will select one wrestler and list some of my favorite matches, moments, memories & more! This will be the first series on the blog primarily run by reader (yes, that means YOU) request!  So if you have a favorite wrestler and want them featured here, you can contact me either via email (g9zwwe@yahoo.com) or on twitter (@g9zwrestling).  This week, we are going to take a look at reader Simon Islam's favorite wrestler Toshiaki Kawada!

The G9Z Wrestling Honor Roll: Class Of 2005

Welcome to another edition of the HONOR ROLL. Every year during my "Year End Awards" I give out roughly 15 awards. Of those awards, "the big four" are the Wrestler, Woman, Tag Team & Match of the year. The winners of these awards were generally the most awesome performers of the year and with hundreds of prominent wrestlers worldwide, it's a true honor to be able to snag one of the four. This section of the blog will be dedicated to the winners for every year dating all the way back to 1990 (roughly the time I first began watching wrestling)! Every week I will add another year's winners until the database is up to date. This is just a fun series that will give you an idea of what the best of the best was in any year you may have missed. Any current and/or future winners will also be added to the honor roll and join the most prestigious group in all of blogging!

This week, we're announcing the class of 2005!

Awesome! Photo of the week! April 15-21, 2013

Check out this nice photo of CM Punk & Lita at a recent UFC event.  They look like a punk rock hallmark card.

A Strong Candidate For The Match Of The Year

In my review of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Invasion Attack iPPV, I gave the main event match between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada the utmost praise.  If you want to see just how good the match is for yourself, you can check it out below.  It's one of the greatest matches I have ever witnessed.

The G9Z Wrestling Honor Roll: Class Of 2004

Welcome to another edition of the HONOR ROLL. Every year during my "Year End Awards" I give out roughly 15 awards. Of those awards, "the big four" are the Wrestler, Woman, Tag Team & Match of the year. The winners of these awards were generally the most awesome performers of the year and with hundreds of prominent wrestlers worldwide, it's a true honor to be able to snag one of the four. This section of the blog will be dedicated to the winners for every year dating all the way back to 1990 (roughly the time I first began watching wrestling)! Every week I will add another year's winners until the database is up to date. This is just a fun series that will give you an idea of what the best of the best was in any year you may have missed. Any current and/or future winners will also be added to the honor roll and join the most prestigious group in all of blogging!

This week, we're announcing the class of 2004!

The G9Z Wrestling Wrestlemania Weekend Awards

Nigel McGuinness wasn't the only one who had a great time last weekend!

Welcome to the first ever G9Z Wrestling Wrestlemania Weekend Awards (man, that's a shitload of Ws)!  This past weekend was easily, the most fun I've ever had as a wrestling fan in a long time.  With major events from WWE, ROH, DGUSA, NJPW & Shimmer all on the table, I made it my absolute goal to soak in all the best each promotion had to offer in order to give you just an idea of how amazing this past week has been.  After a multitude of classic matches and a ton of title changes, I've made an account of the best of the best from April 5-8 (Friday through Monday) and an overall examination as to why this weekend will be one to remember in the years to come!  Find out just what made this the best weekend in wrestling history after the jump!

NJPW PPV Review: Invasion Attack 2013

Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi main event another all time show.

 

 

Kazuchika Okada has been the fastest rising star New Japan Pro Wrestling has seen in ages.  At just 25 years of age he ranks high among the absolute best main event performers in any promotion.  After a long road to Wrestle Kingdom, he would fail in recapturing the IWGP Heavyweight title from champion Hiroshi Tanahashi in a very strong MOTYC.  After this crippling defeat, he would be defeated by veteran Minoru Suzuki in both singles & tag team competition.  Many were questioning if he would ever make it back to the title.  Okada would silence all critics when he won the 2013 New Japan Cup after a superb performance at the event.  This win would set up Okada/Tanahashi IV and it's safe to say that this main event is one of the biggest matches of the year.  Would Okada be able to finally get redemption against the current Ace of the promotion?  Find out in my review of NJPW Invasion Attack with special guest Billy Carpenter of Four Corners Radio (@4CR_ Billy) after the jump!