DVD Review : John Morrison – Rockstar

Reviewed by Steven Wilson of MainEventRadio.com

John Morrison is the self proclaimed Shaman of Sexy, Guru of Greatness and Your Friday Night Delight, but more importantly he is one of the quickest rising stars in the WWE today. The proof of that can be demonstrated on many levels, but one of them is the fact that he allready has his very own DVD release entitled Rockstar which is out now from WWE Home Video.

Running just over two and a half hours in length, Rockstar offers a mix of documentary like clips with in ring action. In total Eight matches from WWE television are offered up, starting with Morrison vs CM Punk on a September 2007 edition of ECW. One of the immediate let downs is that instead of using the full arena footage of the matchups, they use the TV feed which means it fades in and out of black during the matchups offered on this DVD. The other matchups include Miz & Morrison vs DX from Raw’s 800^th show, Morrison vs Evan Bourne from April 2009 on ECW, Morrison vs Jericho from Superstars in June 2009, Morrison vs Edge from Smackdown in June 2009, and finally Morrison vs Hardy IC Title match in September 2009.

Documentary wise this release also leaves much to be desires. Don’t expect Morrison’s days in Tough Enough to be covered, nor his days as Johnny Nitro. Instead expect a lot of 5 minute markish segments.

Morrison intro’s the DVD saying he is going to give you a glimpse into his life, which is probably the best way to put it, a glimpse into his life. The first segment can be entitled the best of the dirt sheet, which was a weekly webisodic entry on WWE.com where he and The Miz made fun of fellow wrestlers. Not one full episode is featured, and it jumps around playing 10 second clips of random episodes.

Next up is “Straight from the palace of wisdom” where Morrison takes time to answer 10 markish questions submitted to WWE.com for him. From there, Morrison shows you where he trains as a Parkour expert, and later puts it into action where he runs around empty arenas doing the moves. Morrison then takes time to explain how he came up with his unique aerial attack, taking time along the way to tell you when he first used the moves in question. Next up is a segment where Morrison takes time to learn how a surfboard is made. I kid you not, then he puts the board into action and goes surfing. The documentary closes out with a Thank you for coming segment.

This DVD release will remind you more of the old school character home video releases as opposed to some of the great indepth DVD releases we have become accustomed to from the WWE. I honestly feel that the WWE didn’t really try with this release, and have barely tried with many of their DVD releases this past year. Only a couple have offered up more than fluff while many including this one were half assed, which could partly explain why sales were down 32% in 2009.

Perhaps I had too high of an expectation for this DVD, I realize that Morrison hasn’t been around that long, but so much more could have been done with this DVD. No interviews with other stars, no discussion of any part of his career, not even discussion of the matches being shown for that matter.

I was hoping that they would start off 2010 on the right foot and head back to putting out solid DVD sets like they were in 2005-2008. Sets being worked on for release later this year show more promise such as the Hart Family DVD and a Ricky Steamboat DVD, however John Morrison Rockstar does not live up to WWE’s normal DVD package standard. Matches included this DVD check in at about 2 hours and 40 minutes, perfect for the WWE’s PPV airings of DVD’s they release and unless you’re a hardcore JoMo fan that is prob the best place to watch it, on PPV.

John Morrison – Rockstar is now available from WWE Home Video, For more information or to order your own copy check out www.wweshopzone.com

DVD Review : UFC Best Of 2009

Reviewed by Steven Wilson of MainEventRadio.com

It appears video yearbooks are becoming popular DVD releases nowadays as the WWE and TNA both recently released 2009 retrospectives, and now the UFC checks in with a look back on what was probably the biggest year in the company’s history. With 20 events and over 200 fights there was a lot to choose from, so the UFC and Anchor Bay Entertainment have released a 2 disc set with nearly 6 hours of UFC action from 2009.

Based on the December Spike TV special, the UFC Best Of 2009 dvd mixes both documentary and full fight action. In total 12 matches are featured in the main program, while 8 others are offered as DVD Bonus Fights.

These fights are  : Matt Huges vs Matt Serra, Condit vs Ellenberger, Marquardt vs Maia, Franklin vs Belfort, Quarry vs Credeur, Anderson Silva vs Forrest Griffin, Evans vs Mashida, Liddell vs Rua, Jardine vs Thiago Silva, the great Guida vs Sanchez blowout, and heavyweight bouts Couture vs Nogueira and the second installment of what has become a bitter feud between Former WWE star and UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar vs Frank Mir. This was also the fight where Lesnar made his famous post match comments about beer sponsors and mounting his wife Sable when the night is done.

DVD Bonus matches include full bouts that are only referenced in the documentary portions such as Canada’s George St Pierre vs BJ Penn, Swick vs Hardy , Bonnar vs Jones, Griffin vs Franca, Diaz vs Guillard, Sherk vs Edgar, Stevenson vs Diaz and BJ Penn vs Kenny Florian.

Documentary type portions look at the year that was for Georges St Pierre and the welterweight division. The induction of Chuck Liddell to the UFC Hall of Fame, the return of Tito Ortiz, The Ultimate Fighter US vs UK season, the year that was in the Lightweight division and heavyweight division as well as various other mentions of big matches along the way of 2009.

Also included as a DVD bonus is a 20 minute behind the scenes of the UFC feature which takes a look at the training and development of Welterweight champ Georges St Pierre, the fighter preparation and build to Franklin vs Silva and Davis vs Hardy at UFC 99, as well as various other fights.

If like me you started to get into UFC in 2009 because of the rise of Brock Lesnar, then the Best of 2009 DVD is a great way for you to get caught up on what is going on in the company. Meanwhile if you’ve been a big fan of the UFC for years, it serves a great year in review to add to your dvd collection without having to dish out for all of the single event DVD’s.

The UFC Best of 2009 DVD will be available in stores everywhere from Anchor Bay Entertainment on March 9^th. For more information or to order your own copy of this or any other UFC dvd’s check out www.ufc.tv

DVD Review : TNA – Best of 2009

Reviewed by : Steven Wilson of MainEventRadio.com

2009 will go down in many TNA fan’s eyes as the final year in the pre Hogan/Bischoff era. To many that’s a good thing, and to many that’s a bad thing. In this case it doesn’t matter what side of the fence you fall on, as TNA’s latest DVD release features the best wrestling matches of the 2009 calendar year.  Beyond any critcisms of creative that people have had for the TNA product, one thing just about everyone can agree on is the fact that the stars of TNA know how to more often than not deliver a solid wrestling matchup. The Best of 2009 DVD is a prime example of that.

2009 was yet another monster year for Kurt Angle as he is featured in 4 out of the 7 matches on this DVD. As the year began he was leading The Main Event Mafia against TNA’s frontline, and one of the matches this feud led to was a 2 out of 3 falls Tables match between Angle and AJ Styles on Impact in January. This may of been a television match but could of easily been on PPV,  action packed from begining to end, and was even stronger at the time due to the heat between the factions. Easily one of the best matches for 2009 and well deserving of being featured on this DVD.

Another classic bout Angle had in January was his No Disqualification grudge match against Jeff Jarrett at the Genesis PPV. This match took place well before the controversy erupted in mid summer where it was revealed that Angle had split with wife Karen Angle in real life, who in turn had begun dating Jeff Jarrett. Looking back on this match and knowing that makes it even more enjoyable, as it’s a match people want to see right now. These two tore the house down in this matchup and easily deserves to be featured on this DVD. Although this isn’t given the nod as Grudge Match of the year it should have been.

Instead the Grudge Match of the year was In February when Angle was feuding with Sting for the TNA world heavyweight championship. One of the matches in this feud was an empty arena match between the two on a edition of Impact. Compared to the previous 2 matches mentioned this match isnt exactly in their league, but is a decent match. Angle ends up taking a pretty big dive in the matchup continuing to show why he is an obsessed wrestling machine who will risk his body despite the fact that he is so often in bad shape.

The final matchup involving Angle is what many considered to be up there for match of the year in 2009, especially in TNA. Im talking about the November Turning Point PPV matchup between Angle and newcomer Desmond Wolfe. This match was a technical masterpiece and is more than deserving to be on this DVD, in fact I was somewhat surprised it wasn’t given the Match of the year nod in the DVD (that was given to the afformentioned AJ/Kurt bout)

TNA’s signature X division is represented on this DVD with their trademark Ultimate X match. The bout took place at Bound for Glory in October and pit Amazing Red vs Homicide vs Suicide vs Daniels vs Alex Shelley vs Chris Sabin. Anytime the X division is turned loose it usually ends up being a good match, this is just one of what could have been many examples.

Also from Bound For Glory is the match that was hyped as Sting’s possible retirement match. It likely wont end up being so but this match was a major one in 2009 for TNA. The emotional promo following the match will forever be remembered by TNA fans.

The Knockouts Match of the year award is given to Alissa Flash vs Sarita. I must admit when i first looked at the DVD lineup, I found it odd that they would include this matchup. The matchup is a very good outing for both girls from an episode of Impact in mid July, but while It is a good match, it’s perhaps perhaps not Knockouts matchup of the year.

The Main Event of this DVD is the 3 way battle between AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels. This was a rematch of an 2005 PPV main event, a match which is my all time favorite TNA matchup hands down. I was somewhat worried going into this matchup as I didnt think they could live up to the hype and expectations people had for the match, myself included. In the end they may not of surpassed it, but they came very close to doing so, and is worthy of the nod as Top TNA PPV match of 2009.

DVD Extras included are the Madison Square Garden Press Conference that shocked the wrestling world when Hulk Hogan announced he was joining TNA. Also the interview from Impact with Dixie Carter adressing the changes and a TNA music video are included.

TNA put out a Best of the year DVD back in 2007 but didnt follow up in 2008, Im glad they decided to revive the release for 2009. The DVD is highly recommended as you can acquire a good collection of matches with a single purchase, it includes matches from television that would not of been included on other DVD releases, and is also a good way to introduce the action of TNA to some of the new fans who are getting into the product thanks to Hogan & Bischoff.

TNA : Best of 2009 is now available on DVD across North America, For more information or to order your own copy head on over to www.shoptna.com ,

DVD Review : Missy Hyatt’s Pajama Party

Reviewed by Steven Wilson of MainEventRadio.com

Imagine if you had the chance to go into a hotel room with 3 wrestling divas who are having a slumber party. They are drinking, dishing the dirt on everyone, and playing some sexually themed games. You know you’d want into that hotel room, I certainly would want in, but unfortunately not many of us will ever get that chance. Kayfabe Commentaries realizes that and wants to help make every red blooded male wrestling fan’s dream come true as they debut their new DVD series “Missy Hyatt’s Pajama Party”. Missy’s guests in this edition is TNA Knockout Lacey Von Erich, as well as Indy Diva Amy Lee.

The best way to explain this DVD is to warn you to brace yourselves for a wild ride as these girls hold nothing back. With one line I’m certain you can get a feel of just how crazy this DVD can get… Fake Orgasm contest, New Jack cameo, a lot of breast touching, and truth or dare. This isn’t a porn, but its often just as crazy.

If you weren’t already aware, Kayfabe Commentaries have become known for finding new and unique ways to present a shoot interview to the wrestling public. This new DVD series is no exception as Missy Hyatt does her job as host by not only encouraging entertaining mayhem but also asking some useful questions. Im sure when you see the ads for this, or read my opening paragraph the DVD can come off as pure insanity but it still does a great job at getting its guests to shoot off at the mouth. If you’ve never seen Amy Lee wrestle, I can tell you she holds nothing back, while Lacey Von Erich is somewhat new to the mainstream audience, but she is the daughter of a legendary wrestling family and isn’t shy.

The DVD jumps back and forth between serious discussions and playful girlie craziness. Some of the serious topics include growing up Von Erich, training for the wrestling business when your last name is Von Erich, attempting to live up to the family’s legacy, why Lacey left the WWE, the indy scene, playboy, and getting to know the divas Amy & Lacey more intimately with 20 Questions.

In another example of the playful girlie craziness category, there is a chapter full of crank calls. It begins with Missy prank calling Dawn Marie asking her to work a match while she is pregnant for 10,000$, Followed by Lacey calling Honky Tonk Man and making him an pathetic offer from TNA (I wonder if that’s where he got the idea to say he got a call from TNA?) The crank calls climax with a call to the infamous agent Eric Simms.

If you are a frequent viewer of shoot interviews you have likely seen a couple of crazy ones, probably featuring the likes of the iron sheik, new jack, or the honky tonk man.. Sometimes those are the most memorable interviews. However not many female wrestlers have a shoot interview that has gone to the wacky gossip girl level,, this is what Missy Hyatt’s Pajama Party offers you, Whether you be a fan of women’s wrestling, one of the divas involved, or unique shoot interviews, this is a highly recommended  addition to your collection.

Missy Hyatt’s Pajama Party is now available on DVD from Kayfabe Commentaries. For more information or to order your own copy head on over to www.kayfabecommentaries.com, and to read my previous DVD reviews check out www.wrestlingdvdreview.com or stalk me on twitter via @wrestlingreview.

Book Review : Rope Opera – How WCW Killed Vince Russo

If you speak to someone who has worked with Vince Russo over the last few years, particularly someone who had worked with him before his time in TNA, your likely to hear about how he is changed man. I’ve been told this by some of his peers who I have spoken to, but I had nothing to take their word by, nor to disbelieve their word by. I’ve never met Vince Russo but like many of you I have heard or read some nasty things about him. Much of this negativity stems from his days in WCW, while some of it is a result of his time in TNA (which is often jokingly referred to as WCW as well)

I like many of you have certainly criticized some of his writing over the years, and while its easy to have an opinion on what you like or dislike on a wrestling program, I’ve found it funny that some take it to a personal level.  Chances are no one reading this knows Vince Russo on a truly personal level. The opening pages of his new book “Rope Opera – How WCW Killed Vince Russo” puts the personal side of Vince Russo into perspective as two of his children talk about Vince Russo the man, not the wrestling writer. From there on, over the next 260 pages Russo takes you on a explanation of his personal life, while at the same time dishing the inside story on the roller coaster ride that has been his professional life in the world of wrestling.

Written over a three year period, Rope Opera is presented in a uniquely “Russo” way. As you read the first few chapters, its easy to notice that unlike most books, it is not presented in chronological order. In one chapter you will be reading about Russo’s childhood or his home life, while in the next you’ll be hearing about how he felt walking into the building the first Nitro he worked for WCW. Which can be quickly followed up by a chapter pondering how and why wrestling fans let the product consume their life. To say the least this is not your typical wrestling autobiography, and as Russo openly admits, he wanted it that way in hopes that he could not only give you the details that a wrestling fan wants to know about his career but at the same time trying to get a message across about his views on life, god, and other topics he finds important.

With that being said I’m sure some will take negatively to the book much like some take negatively to his wrestling television writing. I for one am not looking to be preached to and as I began reading this book I was worried that this would turn out to be more preach than wrestling. Nothing against that type of book, it’s just not my cup of tea, However I think that Russo finds a good balance as the chapters or paragraphs he peppers in to discuss a topic apart from wrestling are kept somewhat short and to the point avoiding the loss of my attention. If your one who really cant stand any discussion apart from the wrestling topics then your likely to be annoyed enough to skip a chapter here and there. However I feel obliged to point out that it’s the personal chapters which will help you understand How WCW Killed Vince Russo

When it comes to the wrestling topics, the story begins in late 1999 as Russo slips into Titan Towers for the last time to empty out his office before flying down to meet with WCW officials and take the reigns of what was a sinking ship. Similar to his first book, Russo is not afraid to speak openly about the topics at hand. At times he names names, but other times holds back but even when he holds back he still provides the meat and potatoes of the story without burying anyone six feet deep.

The chapter that I’m sure everyone wants to hear about is amongst the ones I enjoyed the most and that is the infamous Bash at the beach 2000 incident. Russo states that it’s the question he is asked most and for 10 years now he has refused to truthfully answer it. I debated about how much I would reveal in this review, since it is one of the bigger selling points of the book, but Russo lays out the entire incident as he saw it go down, explains what was real, what was fake, and how the defamantion of character lawsuit ended up coming about.

Almost equally as intriguing is the chapter on David Arquette. Talk about Vince Russo’s career to any one of his critics and chances are Arquette “reign “ as world champion will be amongst the first things to come up. Russo has been bashed for it for a decade now, but surprisingly he doesn’t regret it, his argument? If people are still talking about it all these years later it must have been a hell of a storyline irregardless of how dumb it may have been to have Arquette as champ. That isn’t suprising to hear, instead the more interesting thing is the admission that eventhough he gave it the stamp of approval, he has been taking heat for something he didn’t even come up with, so who’s to blame? Tony Shiavone!

Russo’s entire TNA run is also covered, from the intial call, to his obsession with the S.E.X. angle, and his initial departure from the company it’s all discussed. His return and working with Dixie Carter vs Jeff Jarrett, and wrapping it all up with the chapter about the announcement of Hulk Hogan coming to TNA, it’s all there.

The book closes with a short diary entry dated November 5^th 2009, Russo is getting along with Eric Bischoff, and is about to meet with Hulk Hogan for the first time. Russo hopes he can make this work, because if he does, it will be the greatest accomplishment of his personal life, note that its not his professional life, but rather his personal life.

In the book Vince Russo says he felt like he owed something to ECW Press. They let him write what he wanted how we wanted when he released his first book, Forgiven. In return he felt like he owed them this “wrestling” book so they could make the money they didn’t necessarily make off Forgiven, That being said I don’t consider this to be a throwaway, put a bunch of stories on paper and get people to mark out book.

Every story has two sides to it. We’ve pretty much all heard one side of the story when it comes to Vince Russo, and If you’ve been on that one sided bandwagon, then I think you should at least hear the other side out. It might change your mind, It might not, but from what I can tell Russo has pleaded his case and tried to teach you a thing or two along the way, and he did so as openly and honestly as he could, thus id recommend checking this out.

Rope Opera – How WCW Killed Vince Russo is now available from ECW Press. For more information or to order your own copy check outhttp://www.ecwpress.com/books/rope_opera

To read my previous reviews check out the reviews section of MainEventRadio.com, and you can always follow me on twitter via @WrestlingReview