NorCal answers Wrestling (and all other) questions!

[Ty Burna]

It boils down to this


Is LU presented as AAA and a 1/2?

Is AAA as much of a utterly filthy product in America as TNA?


The answer to both would be no. That was my point.


No one is watching LU saying to themselves "This feels like basically a rehash of TNA. TNA is shit. I don't like this"

This. Lucha Underground brought in a lot of guys that don't compete in AAA. It's not presented in a way that's even remotely close to what AAA does for their shows, which is a standard wrestling production. Lucha Underground is a completely different animal from AAA, and arguably could be seen as that change in wrestling production that's needed. While the action in ring is fantastic, you also have all he storylines going on in the background that are presented in a far more personal matter.

Not only that but they've made references to WWE as well, not in name but the allusions are pretty straight forward. Stryker's made a shout out to ECW. Does that mean LU is related to WWE then? They've talked about Hernandez's title reigns that he's had in TNA. You can go on. They're not going to pull punches on who is in the ring and pretend they've never been anywhere else. If for whatever God known reason they got a working deal with another company and had a champion come in, they would say it straight out. ROH does this same thing.

GFW is TNA. There is no other way around it. It's a matter of time until they are one company, because at this point they've just become interwoven with one another very very quickly.

 

[Bernkastel]

What wrestling books have you read, Norcal? I'm currently reading through a book called Fall Guys, which chronicles the major parts of the industry before WW2.

 

[MrHashasheen]

If MMA had been outright banned in the 90s on a national level, what would the knock-on effects be on PRIDE and professional wrestling?

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Are you watching it tonight?

I didnt, watched it first thing in the morning. When I work a daytime schedule, I wake up at 5am M-F and sleep in til 830 at the latest on the weekends.

TLDR; IM not about that staying up late life these days.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

If MMA had been outright banned in the 90s on a national level, what would the knock-on effects be on PRIDE and professional wrestling?

I really dont think it effects wrestling. What I WOULD love to know, is how things would be different if the UFC was what it is back in the mid - late 90s....


If we got Kurt Angle fresh out of the olympics, a more well-rounded Ken Shamrock, and most of all......


a fresh out of college Shelton Benjamin, Jack Swagger and....

Fresh out of college Brock Lesnar. I genuinely feel that if Lesnar had gone into the UFC we know straight out of college, and started training geared towards MMA straight away, he would have an unprecedented multi-year title reign.

I truly think he is a once in a generation athlete.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

What wrestling books have you read, Norcal? I'm currently reading through a book called Fall Guys, which chronicles the major parts of the industry before WW2.

Bret Hart's book, JJ Dillon's book (Very, very highly reccomended sidenote, it was actually IC25's copy, and when I returned it to him, it had drops of sweat on some pages because I use to read it in the sauna) Ted Dibiase's and Eric Birchoff's book. Im currently working on (by working on, I mean reading while in waiting rooms that get no cell service) Chris Jericho's second book.


I know there are others, but I cant recall them right at the moment. I tend to shy away from WWE produced books, as I dont dig the editing.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

NEW episode of the podcast up!!

Initial (and brief) thoughts on friday's tragic news, wrestling headlines and a preview of the AFC East on this weeks show!

 

[Stormtrooper]

NEW episode of the podcast up!!

Initial (and brief) thoughts on friday's tragic news, wrestling headlines and a preview of the AFC East on this weeks show!

You have my attention good sir. I will need to listen to this ASAP.

 

[justinsayne]

Really like the idea of doing football & wresting as two separate shows.

 

[Ty Burna]

Really like the idea of doing football & wresting as two separate shows.

I'm excited for it. It'll be fun to get some new people in for football discussions and get some fresh perspectives.

Gonna be a weekly podcast. I'm aiming to record Tuesday and post that same night or a Wednesday release. I'd record Monday night but by the time MNF is over it's a bit late to record.

 

[MrHashasheen]

One "tough guy" actor you'd like to see instead as a pro wrestler.

One MMA perfomer you'd like to see instead as a pro wrestler. Ronda Rousey doesn't count.

 

[Stone Cold Tea]

I pretty much always work out with an empty stomach, so I cant offer advice on that one.



Go for the ones in the green can. That's the 99% fat free.

How the hell do you have the energy to train on an empty stomach?

 

[Mighty NorCal]

One "tough guy" actor you'd like to see instead as a pro wrestler.

One MMA perfomer you'd like to see instead as a pro wrestler. Ronda Rousey doesn't count.

EASILY Arnold S. If you have ever seen "pumping iron" you know he would have been a magnificent heel.

Rousey would be even MORE on an island if she did than she already is, so I wouldn't want that.

Travis Browne would be interesting. Very interesting look, great mobility, and could be booked as a monster. A guy who has Diesel's size but an MMA skill set? Shiiiiiit. You could sell that back elbow as something utterly devastating. Fatty Roy Nelson as well. Not sure about now-a-days, but he would have been an awesome tough man gimmick in the old NWA. A fat dude with a jammin' mullet who made his way legit knocking people the fuck out? Yes. HELL yes.

Andrei Arlovski and Frank Mir also have a good look as well.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

How the hell do you have the energy to train on an empty stomach?

Bear in mind "empty stomach" isn't the same as "fasted"


When I say empty stomach I mean my last meal is usually 3 1/2 to 4 hours before my workout. Right now, I usually workout at about 530 in the evening, my last meal prior to training coming at 130 - 145.

 

[MrHashasheen]

EASILY Arnold S. If you have ever seen "pumping iron" you know he would have been a magnificent heel.

Arnold vs. Hulk or Dusty would have been crazy. However, I can't help but stick solid on my own choice of Scott Adkins. He's actually worked alongside Andrei in films, along with a lot of action stars in general. This guy could have been Brock Lesnar, I feel.

Travis Browne would be interesting. Very interesting look, great mobility, and could be booked as a monster. A guy who has Diesel's size but an MMA skill set? Shiiiiiit. You could sell that back elbow as something utterly devastating. Fatty Roy Nelson as well. Not sure about now-a-days, but he would have been an awesome tough man gimmick in the old NWA.

I can buy Travis after looking him up, but Roy Nelson is my boy. Definitely could have been the second coming of Dick Murdoch.

 

[Stone Cold Tea]

Bear in mind "empty stomach" isn't the same as "fasted"


When I say empty stomach I mean my last meal is usually 3 1/2 to 4 hours before my workout. Right now, I usually workout at about 530 in the evening, my last meal prior to training coming at 130 - 145.

Ahhh fair enough. Although to me waiting 3 1/2 to 4 hours after my last meal before working out would leave me feeling like i was fasting!

I eat around a hour before and have an energy drink aswell. I'd like to invest in some pre-workout. Do you use any supplements?

 

[Mighty NorCal]

I eat around a hour before and have an energy drink aswell. I'd like to invest in some pre-workout. Do you use any supplements?

See, there is zero chance that I wouldn't end up puking if I ate an hour before my workout. I have a really sensitive stomach when it comes to exertion.


I do take sups, but far less than your average broski.

I take a building and hydration pack drink that has BCAAs and creatine mixed with a lite pre workout mostly formulated from green tea. Im a naturally energetic and intense person so some BCAAs and creatine to fight muscle fatigue and about 60Mg of green coffee bean extract are more than enough for me.

Post workout, I usually do 22g - 32g of protein drink, and a full dose of the creatine/bcaa mix.

First thing in the morning, as part of a large breakfast, I do another 20 - 22g protein drink.


I like core power lite or myoplex complete for my protein. Core Power lite strawberry-banana tastes like strawberry nesquik. its amazing.

 

[Stone Cold Tea]

See, there is zero chance that I wouldn't end up puking if I ate an hour before my workout. I have a really sensitive stomach when it comes to exertion.


I do take sups, but far less than your average broski.

I take a building and hydration pack drink that has BCAAs and creatine mixed with a lite pre workout mostly formulated from green tea. Im a naturally energetic and intense person so some BCAAs and creatine to fight muscle fatigue and about 60Mg of green coffee bean extract are more than enough for me.

Post workout, I usually do 22g - 32g of protein drink, and a full dose of the creatine/bcaa mix.

First thing in the morning, as part of a large breakfast, I do another 20 - 22g protein drink.


I like core power lite or myoplex complete for my protein. Core Power lite strawberry-banana tastes like strawberry nesquik. its amazing.

I have to have a full stomach when I workout or i'll feel faint but i guess everyone is different.

I ensure I drink plenty of water when working out and eventually when my wallet permits it i'll be investing in some pre workout as the difference when i'm using that is unbelievable.

At the moment i've got some protein called Tru protein (nice and cheap). It says it contains all my bcaas and the guy in the shop recommended it for what i'm aiming for.

My biggest issue is my diet though I just love eating bad foods although at 11st and 5ft9 I have an awesome digestive system so it isn't as much of an issue now as it will be in a few years.

Commint and routine are generally my downfall as I will go for 2 or 3 months solid but then go tpo a party and get extremely fucked up then have to spend days recovering and then my routine is gone and I won't go for a few weeks.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Yea. Being a non drinker and a creature of habit has certainly helped a ton over the years

 

[Stone Cold Tea]

Yea. Being a non drinker and a creature of habit has certainly helped a ton over the years

I go with excuse that i'm only 21 so i'm allowed to fuck it up sometimes

 

[Aeon Mathix]

Thoughts on Dean Ambrose's booking compared to Rollins and Reigns? Always thought he was the best of the 3.

What matches would you make for Mania 32?

Any plans for when your job at petsmart ends? I've realized just how fast it will approach for me and though I love it, I can help but get prepared so I don't end up like other "supervisors" who were higher on the totem pole than me that retired or got out and ended up pushing carts at Walmart or something. Idk just a crazy though that this isn't going to last forever no matter what.

 

[NSL]

Fatty Roy Nelson as well. Not sure about now-a-days, but he would have been an awesome tough man gimmick in the old NWA. A fat dude with a jammin' mullet who made his way legit knocking people the fuck out? Yes. HELL yes.

Andrei Arlovski and Frank Mir also have a good look as well.

Roy Nelson is the old NWA would have been "bust ass" as you say. Arlovski could have worked, right during the time of Shamrock and Severn in the WWF/E.

McGregor and Dillashaw would be fun to see as well.

 

[NSL]

I'll ask you the same thing I asked KB in his thread...

What are they thinking with the booking of Cena v Rollins in a "Winner Take All"? The US belt will lose its steam, and how does either guy eventually drop one, but not both?

This feels like them forcing the belt on Cena one last time before WrestleMania season picks up.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Thoughts on Dean Ambrose's booking compared to Rollins and Reigns? Always thought he was the best of the 3.

What matches would you make for Mania 32?

Any plans for when your job at petsmart ends? I've realized just how fast it will approach for me and though I love it, I can help but get prepared so I don't end up like other "supervisors" who were higher on the totem pole than me that retired or got out and ended up pushing carts at Walmart or something. Idk just a crazy though that this isn't going to last forever no matter what.

Its a damn shame they have been kind of weak and aimless with him....not to mention the limitations on the creative envelope they have these days, I feel like Ambrose could have been a mega star in either of the eras between 97 and 07. Guy is SUPER over, and talented in facets of the game that you cant really "work on" you either have it, or you don't (some of promo work, natural charisma)

I think Owens Vs The Undertaker could be damn phenomenal.

Shield triple threat

Cena and Sting Vs The Wyatts

Rousey and Rock Vs Trips and Stephanie

Neville Vs Zayne for the IC title

Tag team title turmoil (so many teams are so talented they deserve to be on there....At least PTP, New Day, Lucha Dragons and possibly Enzo and Cass if they debut and succeed)



Between my degree, some disability (income I mean) im sure to be able to get, retirement pay, my youth when that time comes (37) and the fact my significant other out-earns me, im not super concerned about it.

Whatever it ends up being, it will damn sure be very low stress and low responsibility.

Dream scenario? Park ranger. At a park not very many people go to. Eight more years, baby. Eyes on the prize.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

I'll ask you the same thing I asked KB in his thread...

What are they thinking with the booking of Cena v Rollins in a "Winner Take All"? The US belt will lose its steam, and how does either guy eventually drop one, but not both?

This feels like them forcing the belt on Cena one last time before WrestleMania season picks up.

Getting our yearly summer time John Cena title reign, surely it kind of feels like its all a matter of right time, right place, right person.

Rollins is basically out of options by this point, and Cena could do an awesome job with the young heel talent the WWE has while being a dependable lynchpin champion while people continue to progress and develop.

It also makes it easier to vacate the US title in a "place of prestige" and hold a tournament to see a new champion. OR perhaps they simply absorb it into the WHC and go with just two singles belts.

If he vacates it and they have an extremely competitive tournament for it, it doesn't lose much steam at all.