WWE Raw Wrapup 3/26/2012

Monday Night Raw – March 26^th, 2012

It’s the final week.  The Wrestlemania train has one last chance to pick up steam heading into the station on Sunday.  This Friday doesn’t quite count, as the focus of the show will be on the Axxess weekend show, with a couple of matches sprinkled in.  Tonight, The Rock and John Cena will stand face to face in the middle of the ring for one final promo – The last attempt to sell people who are on the fence.  But the show starts with Randy Orton’s theme music.

Match 1 – Randy Orton and Sheamus vs Kane and Daniel Bryan (World Heavyweight Champion)

Two matches’ worth of combatants in the opener of the go-home Raw.  All four men have put hands on one another for weeks, so they’re not exactly giving away anything here.  Orton and Bryan start, but not until after Bryan gets his now-customary good luck kiss from AJ.  Orton grabs a headlock and shoulder blocks Bryan down, which Bryan answers with kicks.  Off the ropes, Orton throws him with a back body drop and signature Orton stomps.  Orton whiffs the after-stomp knee drop and Bryan goes into his backflip routine off the turnbuckle, but runs into a clothesline.  This resets us, as both men tag out.  Kane and Sheamus tie up and Kane comes out on top after a throat thrust.  Sheamus lands a chopblock and a knee on Kane in return and lands big right hands.  Kane elbows Sheamus off the ropes and lands a low dropkick for two.  Sheamus boots Kane out of the corner and climbs up top for his diving shoulder.  Kane ends up throwing Sheamus outside and Bryan tags him with a jumping knee off the apron, leading to a commercial.  Back from break, Sheamus is fighting out of a Bryan headlock and Bryan ends up missing an attempted corner dropkick.  Orton tags in and lands signature clotheslines and a powerslam.  He brings Bryan onto the apron and lands the second rope DDT and coils on the mat.  Kane grabs Bryan’s foot and drags him out of harm’s way.  Orton gives chase and attacks Kane, but this affords Bryan the opportunity to land a baseball slide.  They put Orton back in the ring and Kane tags in.  Kane lands strikes and a corner clothesline for two.  Kane settles into a chinlock, but Orton fights out, only to walk into a side slam from Kane for two.  Kane goes up top for his diving clothesline and lands it, then signals for the chokeslam.

Orton snaps off a quick dropkick to put a stop to the attempt and both men tag.  Sheamus lands axe handles on Bryan and clubs him in the corner, followed by the Irish Curse.  Orton and Sheamus double team clothesline Kane to the outside and Orton follows.  Kane throws Orton into the ring post while AJ gets between Sheamus and Bryan.  Sheamus attempts a Brough kick but gets caught in the ropes, which allows Kane to chokeslam him while standing on the apron for Bryan to pin and win.

Winners: Kane and Daniel Bryan via pinfall

The heels are really setting themselves up for a fall at ‘Mania.  AJ surprised me here; after weeks of verbal abuse from Bryan, she seems happy to get in harm’s way to help him.  Here’s hoping for a real heel turn from her.  Perhaps a power couple that kicks and taps their opponents?  Strong open to the go-home Raw with all 4 guys really on point.  Booker T called Bryan the “ultimate opportunist” a few times in this match; Edge hasn’t even been inducted yet and Booker is using his moniker.  You’ve got the entire English language – pick a couple different words.

Rock vs Cena vignette: Rock lands Rock Bottom on Cena at WM27.

Michael Cole is in the ring, in the middle of putting on a Team Johnny t-shirt.  He is the official commentator for Team Johnny; does that mean he won’t speak when Team Teddy guys are on offense in the match?  Vickie is apparently the official flag bearer and comes out with Johnny and David Otunga.  Booker T hops up on the announce table to introduce Teddy Long, to introduce Santino.  Splendid.

Match 2 – David Otunga vs Santino Marella (United States Champion), non-title

So for the second match in a row, we’re giving away Wrestlemania action.  Otunga runs Santino over with shoulder blocks.  Santino answers with a drop toe hold and a chancery.  Santino misses a corner attack and gets clubbed by Otunga.  Otunga wants the Team Johnny flag in the ring, which draws Hornswoggle in with the Team Teddy flag.  Otunga takes the flag from Hornswoggle and goes to hit him, but misses and catches the top rope, popping it back into his own face, which leads to him turning around into The Cobra.

Winner: Santino Marella via pinfall

The GM’s argue and Teddy ends up shoving Ace over Santino on hands and knees.  Santino readies The Cobra for Johnny, but Miz rushes the ring and delivers the Skull Crushing Finale on Santino.  Johnny welcomes him to his team, but manages to say “Team Teddy”.  Worst possible time to flub, but he corrected himself.  So after all the clamoring, Miz just walks onto Team Johnny and Wrestlemania.  If he doesn’t make a real impact in this match, he’s wasted a lot of our time.

Rock vs Cena vignette: The challenge issued the night after WM27

A video plays of Wrestlemania moments and general PPV moments for HHH and Undertaker.

Match 3 – Eve Torres vs Kelly Kelly

That’s three for three on ‘Mania matchups given away for free.  Kelly starts a “Hoeski” chant mid ring.  She takes Eve down with a jackknife cover for two.  Eve delivers kicks after kicking out and lifts Kelly up by her neck in the corner.  She drops her down and covers for a two count.  Eve stretches out Kelly, but Kelly escapes and lands her signature (ridiculous) 1080 headscissors.  Eve strikes back and attempts her top rope moonsault, but Kelly rolls out of the way and rolls through on an Oklahoma roll for three.

Winner: Kelly Kelly via pinfall

That accomplished pretty much nothing.  I’d love to say more, but there’s not much to play off of here.

Rock vs Cena vignette: Rock lands Rock Bottom after their tag match at Survivor Series

Match 4 – Christian vs CM Punk (WWE Champion), non-title

Jericho appears on the Titantron and breaks to the world that Punk’s mother is a very nice lady, but her wedding date was after Punk’s birthdate.  So Punk is a bastard.  That doesn’t seem anywhere near as devastating as the alcoholic father bit.

Christian attacks Punk from behind in the ring and tosses Punk outside.  Punk answers with a big kick and proceeds to bash Christian’s head into the announce table repeatedly.  He continues with another kick to the head and then stretches Christian on the floor, landing repeated Bryan Danielson-style elbows to the chest.  Punk sets up the steps and delivers a GTS, with Christian’s head bouncing off the steel instead of Punk’s knee.  He then locks in the Anaconda Vice and yells “This is you, Jericho!”.  The refs break it up, but Punk jumps over the stairs and locks it in again.  Took them four matches, but this was at least not an actual ‘Mania match up.  It actually wasn’t a match at all, as no bell rang

Winner: No contest

Match 5 – Brodus Clay vs Curt Hawkins

As usual, Clay’s opponent doesn’t get an entrance.  Hawkins opens the match by running into a clothesline from Brodus.  He chopblocks Brodus and lands rights, then a low bulldog for a one count.  Brodus may finally be showing a bit of weakness – no, wait.  Headbutt to chest, knee to gut, t-bone suplex and big splash.  Scratch that ‘weakness’ bit.

Winner: Brodus Clay via pinfall

Clay is still my call for ‘unannounced match’ at Wrestlemania.  A quick 1 minute squash of somebody to pop the crowd.  Again, nothing is particularly accomplished with this, except to show that Brodus isn’t entirely invulnerable.

Rock vs Cena vignette: the war of words and the promos cut back and forth, with verbiage of Rock ‘leaving’ WWE after coming back.

Match 6 – Big Show vs Primo Colon (Half of the Tag Team Champions)

Show opens with strikes and a frying pan chop in the corner.  He biels Primo across the ring then lands more strikes.  Primo jumps off the second rope at him, but gets swatted out of the air.  Show chokeslams him for three

Winner: Big Show via pinfall

Epico comes into the ring and gets a chokeslam for himself.  Cody Rhodes comes out and talks about Big Show’s repeated WM failures.  He’s going to make “Big Show” a verb, using it in examples replacing various words such as “fail” and “shit”.  This was a good, serious promo with jokes sprinkled in.  Very good, and I hope Cody continues down this path.  Of note: During this match, Christian was declared medically unfit for Wrestlemania and Drew McIntyre has replaced him on Team Johnny.

A new Lord Tensai ad runs, but continues to explain nothing.

The Bellas are in the back arguing over which GM to support and Zack Ryder comes in to strike out with them.  Eve invites Zack to stay with her in Miami during ‘Mania weekend.  Could she be a double agent for Johnny?

Punk is interviewed.  “How do I feel?  Ask Christian.”  Punk says he’s no bastard; he’s the best wrestler in the world.

Match 7 – Mark Henry vs Great Khali

Each man enters with his respective GM.  Khali attacks Henry from behind and lands a back elbow and big chop.  Henry hits the ropes and runs into a Brain Chop.  Henry lands the World’s Strongest Slam out of nowhere for three.

Winner: Mark Henry via pinfall

Teddy, you sure can pick a team.  Johnny throws Long into the ring, to be face to face with Henry.  Team Johnny storms the ring to block Team Teddy from saving him.  Santino and Ryder come out anyway and get beaten down.  R-Truth runs down, but gets beaten as well.  Kofi jumps off someone’s back onto the apron, then springboards at Henry, but gets caught for the World’s Strongest Slam.  Long is lifted for one of his own, but Booker T hits the ring and lays out Henry with a Scissors Kick.  Booker is invited to be the sixth man on Team Teddy and agrees.  This speaks for a thin roster with few guys that management has faith in if Booker needs to be in this match.

Rock vs Cena vignette: One upping one another, with Rock following Cena’s Attitude Adjustment on Mark Henry with a Rock Bottom last week.

With about ten minutes left before the top of the hour, The Rock enters.  He waits out a Rocky chant and a Boots To Asses chant and talks about WM20 which many thought would be his last ‘Mania match.  He makes pie jokes and Betty White jokes (actually the same joke, but who’s counting?).  He discusses the Rock Bottom heard ‘round the world last year.  The Millions want to see him against Cena, and right on cue, he makes his entrance.  Cena tells us he knows he’ll be booed at Wrestlemania.  That’s not new to him, nor is Rock being the best trash talker.  Cena says he’s always happy to be in a WWE ring and has been longer than Rock.  In the ten year gap that Rock was gone, Cena has been the guy people use to make points.  Everyone talks trash.  Cena does what his t-shirt says: Rise Above the Hate.  Cena makes a penis joke to complement the previous pie joke.  He’s going to win.  People may hate it, but he’ll win.  Cena says “people may not like my character” which is a poor choice of words and kind of pulls you out of the moment, but the energy here is so strong, that it’s easily ignored.  Cena will be damned if Rock takes this from him – Nobody remembers second place.  Rock says he’s no visitor; he helped build this house.  Rock says he beat Hogan at Wrestlemania, he beat Austin at Wrestlemania and all that’s left is to beat Cena at Wrestlemania.  From a business perspective, he needs to beat Cena to be the best of all time.  From a personal perspective, he just doesn’t like Cena, and is going to give him the ass kicking of a lifetime.

Lot of words here.  Both men ‘need’ to beat the other one.  Rock’s now introduced “being the best of all time” into this match, which invalidates the claims made by Punk and Jericho, so that was a pretty poor choice of words.  The energy shown by these two in this promo actually made me want to see a match I hadn’t really cared about for 51 weeks.

So that’s your final Raw before Wrestlemania.  From a wrestling action perspective, it just kind of chugged along.  As far as the promos go it was full steam ahead: Rhodes, Punk, and Rock/Cena all worked very hard to draw people into their matches.  For the final show, that’s critical, and you’ll rarely see me say that the verbiage is more important than the action on any of these shows.

Our predictions will be up soon for folks to comment on – keep an eye on @thegeekasylum and @sbfantom for when they go live.

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The Nintendo 3DS Turns One

"Not another one!" is what everyone I know said. Everyone.

For what it's worth, Nintendo is the expert on releasing systems. The "Gameboy" was one of the first handhelds back in it's day, and has had the largest evolution of gaming since...well, pretty much ever.

It all started with the Gameboy, a huge clunky system that you brought with you to play your favorite games. Then they produced the Gameboy Pocket, a smaller, slimmer Gameboy that well, can fit in your pocket. They upgraded that to the Gameboy Color, which while previous models had two-tone screens, the Gameboy Color provided a variety of color to the specific Gameboy Color Games. Next we saw the Gameboy Advance, a larger screen and trigger buttons were added, and new cartridge styles were added. A Gameboy Advance could play Gameboy and Gameboy Color games, but had it's own Advance titles as well. Next we got the Gameboy Advance SP, a fold-able gameboy advance, stocked with it's own backlight and rechargable battery. An often overlooked model, the Gameboy Micro, was also revealed with it's tiny screen, but did not do much for the evolution of the gaming system. Building on the foldability, Nintendo produced the Nintendo DS, which incorporated a new card-style game cartridge reader, but still could play Gameboy and Gameboy advance cartridges. The new features included a touch-screen display, as well as a second screen, and a small operating system. Next came the DS Lite, which added a few menu options to the operating system, while slimming down the Nintendo DS. There was the DSi, which improved on the DS Lite, but discarded the Gameboy and Gameboy Advance cartridge slot. Also added was a full operating system, downloadable content, and a small camera to the front of the DS. Next we had the DSiXL, which as it sounds is just a fairly large DSi. Finally, we are where we are today, with our Nintendo 3DS.

When you look back at where Nintendo has gone with these handheld systems, I can only give them two huge big thumbs up. They've really done a great job, and I personally haven't had any disappointments in any system, even in their pricing. When you get down to the math of it all, that money is well spent. At bare minimum, if you spend 10 hours playing a game (Some people play more!), and you spent $200 on a single system with any one game, you come down to $20 an hour. $20 for unlimited continues, saves, restarts, free internet, and anywhere you want. $20 goes quickly in any given arcade, so I'd say you make a good investment! And if you spent $20 on the next game ($240), with 10 MORE hours on that one, you're now paying $12 an hour. Get another? $9! Now ask yourself- would you spend $9 to enjoy yourself for one hour?

First thing first- I will not review any of the games that are previously released on any other handheld system, or are from the NES or SNES consoles. This is because you really don't get the effects of the system from these games, you only really get portability and nostalgia. Don't get me wrong- I LOVE playing Punchout everywhere. But that's not something the 3DS specifically did for me that the DSi, in time, couldn't. So let's answer all of those questions right now- if you enjoyed them on a different console, you will enjoy them just as equally on a 3DS.

But on the same subject, let me talk about the launch- when the 3DS came out, you had REMAKES. Lots, and lots, of remakes. Why would you go and buy this new system? To get The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time? To get ANOTHER Street Fighter game? To get a new system to re-play your Pokemon games one more time? I don't think so. The 3DS had a rough start, with it's only real selling point being a 3D screen. Granted, you can get wireless access, an internet browser, a few videos....But in the age of Smartphones, these are all near expected in anything electronically handheld.

For the record, my gauntlet of games includes The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Starfox 64 3D, Super Mario 3DLand, Mariokart 7, Sonic Generations, and Kid Icarus Uprising. Overall, I am very pleased, and that the money spent on the system and games has been cost-effective to the amount of time I've spent using it.


It's been one year since the 3DS was released (my 3DS promptly reminded me so with spotpass goodies!), so what made me get it? I have an iPhone, so a lot of the bonuses I listed I already had. Well let me list a few of the key things that got me to the store and buying it.

1) Price Drop. You had a system that was $250 originally, and that was before any games. Now while the games aren't essential, you could still play your regular DS games, that's exactly what most people, myself included, thought- Why spend $250 for little to no improvement? So I waited, and in August 2011 the price of the 3DS dropped by $80. It went from a whopping $250 to $170! That's HUGE. If you knew games you wanted, and for me it was Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time and Starfox 64 3D, you essentially had the option now of getting the 3DS with 2 games for the original price. And so I did, and might I say $210 up front for a system plus Zelda, and then a month later to spend that other $40 really was a saver.

2) The Titles. I knew Zelda and Starfox were remakes, but let's be honest- when has a new system been released where only a few games were made only to go back to an old system? Never. So I knew that down the road all new DS games would be 3D. Maybe not something like Pokemon, which was revealed to be a DS game with 3DS features, but most new games would require a 3DS. We're looking at the 3DS gems, such as SuperMario 3DLand, Mariokart 7, and Kid Icarus Uprising. If you want to play those, you're going to have to get the 3DS. With good expectations, the 3DS was a good investment for me.

3) Backwards Compatibility. Let's be honest here- if you want to play a Gameboy or Gameboy Advance game, you know damn well you will pull out your trusty Gameboy Advance SP and enjoy yourself for the ten minutes of nostalgia you will have. So to me, losing that slot again (The DSi didn't have it either) isn't a big loss. But since I, like most DS owners, could still play Pokemon Black and Pokemon White (among other titles) on the 3DS we don't cry too much. If nothing else, and a game was REALLY GOOD on the Gameboy system, they may have it available for download on the Nintendo store. I got Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening this way, $5 well spent of course.

4) The Apps. In addition to the downloadable games, the 3DS came with a few system-specific games that are quite fun. For starters, Streetpass Mii Plaza- the Miis are back and as you pass other systems, your Miis say hello (So good job Nintendo, you've given me more inscentive to travel with my portable system!) They join you in a small little quest titled "Find Mii", and can generate panels to puzzles that when completed give you a neat 3D image of a popular title. You can also purchase random pieces of the puzzle or hire helpers using the play coins you get with the system, earned by simply walking with your 3DS. Every 100 steps, up to 10 coins per day, calculated on a pedometer in the system. Pretty neat, huh? There are other Apps that provide mild entertainment, such as Faceraiders, AR Games, and your standard Mii Maker. There's your 3DS camera, activity log, and Nintendo store for things you may not use as often (in my case anyway), and then you have the downloadable stuff too. From Nintendo you can get, for free, a Pokedex 3D, Swapnotes, Nintendo Zone, and a few others. Overall, these apps are a little fun, may catch your attention for an hour or so each, but that's about it. Nothing you'd turn your system on for, at least. I enjoy having that little "extra" to my games, so for me this is a gift.

5. The 3D Effect. Come on- it's the newest technological advancement, who doesn't want one?? I did, or at least try it out. Most people I heard it gives headaches to, and me personally I could do without the 3D. I rarely turn it on. So take my word for it- this is not the selling point now, but it was...

That just about does it though, as every player will have  their own likes dislikes. If you like Handheld Gaming, and you want to improve your Nintendo collection, get one. There will be many more titles, some iconic ones you won't want to miss (I'm looking forward to the Kingdom Hearts 3D!), and many more features that are just waiting to be added.


The Geek Asylum Says:  BUY IT

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Retrofix: Die Hard

What is there to say about Die Hard that hasn't already been said? It has woven itself into pop culture, and is one of those iconic pieces of American cinema. I mean who doesn't know "Yippie kai yay mother fucker"? My mom knows the term for crying out loud, but she has no clue that hardboiled cop John McClane was the character behind the renowned line.

Die Hard is a prime example of 80's excess, and that's what makes it so damn beautiful. It's the creme de la creme of the action genre, the standard if you will. Everything in this movie embodies what film making was like in the 80's, especially in regards to action films: Hardcore pyrotechnics, tits, in-camera action, tits, 30 minute firefights, gratuitous violence, tits, and one-liners---the god damn American dream. Did I miss anything?

Action movies today are laughable when compared to the golden age of action cinema. Think about an action flick within the last 10 years that comes even remotely close to the greatness of Die Hard. You can't do it, can you? Let's get something straight right now, the world was a different place in 1988. Recession? $4.00 a gallon gas prices? Fuck that noise, the economy was thriving, people had jobs, and more importantly, people were spending money.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the brilliance of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (what is wrong with you?), they sang a little jingle for one of their flicks "It's the 80's, let's do a lot of coke and vote for Ronald Reagan". Well that jingle could be applied to every facet of American culture in the 1980's, we were the shit, and we wanted the world to know about it.


What makes Die Hard so amazing is that it had the perfect formula for an action film. You have an incredibly marketable actor in Bruce Willis (who was fresh off his TV stint on Moonlighting, so at the time he was a relative unknown), you have a phenomenal director in John McTtiernan, one of the best villains in actor Alan Rickman (where are you hiding cowboy!), and a powerful score by the one and only Michael Kamen (RIP dude).

The funny thing is that regardless of what may have been a successful formula, 20th Century Fox had little or no faith in the film. I'm going to provide some interesting facts regarding the films production, since I'm apparently a vat of useless knowledge. The studio expected it to bomb, and their expectations were warranted seeing as Bruce Willis was really not as big as he is today. McTiernan only had two films to his name at the time and they were banking on the success of other action films, namely Lethal Weapon.

Despite the studios lack of faith in the film, it went on to be arguably the greatest action film ever made. Not to mention that the movie made bank in the box office. Of an estimated budget of $28 million, the movie ended up raking in $83 million domestic. This isn't including the international scene at all. Not bad for a movie that was supposed to be a flop.



Lets talk about director John McTiernan for a moment shall we? While his resume isn't filled with academy award winning films, at least half of it is filled with timeless genre-defining action films (Predator, Die Hard 1&3, The Hunt for Red October, and Last Action Hero). McTiernan only has 11 films to his name, and the latter portion of his career is lackluster to say the least, however, his name will always be associated with some of the most memorable films of recent memory.

Die Hard really is such a joy to watch. I can watch it over and over, and never get sick of it. I just fell in love with the character of John McClane. Unlike other action heroes at the time, the guy wasn't invincible. He was just an insane cop who just wouldn't quit. The man picks off an elite squad of European terrorists one by one. In the process, this is what John Mcclane does:

• he breaks his ribs


• gets shot in the shoulder twice


• runs bare foot through shards of glass on an entire floor


• has a flash grenade thrown at him


• takes assault rifle fire for seven minutes in cover


• Fist fights a man twice his size and wins


• takes sniper fire from friendlys


• jumps off of a bulding with a fire hose and nearly falls 80 stories to his death


• yells "HANS!" and puts a bullet in a henchmans head, shoots Hans with the last two bullets in his gun effectively killing him


• Saves his wife from plummeting to her death

What a bad ass. Die Hard epitomizes the Summer blockbuster with its balls to the wall action. Screw Michael Bay, this was the OG blockbuster. I ask that you revisit Die Hard to have your memory refreshed---yippie kai yay mother fucker.

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A Month With the PlayStation Vita

I purchased the PlayStation Vita on a whim a little over a month ago. It’s given me some time to use it and try out some of the features and really get into it. It also gave me time to get over the “wow” factor of such a new device to give more of an honest and realistic opinion of the newest portable system to enter the market.

Design

The PlayStation Vita design is a direct descendant of the PSP, a natural progression because not much needed to be changed. There were some great enhancements to make it a bit friendlier to modern game play. One notable enhancement is the fact that it now has dual analog sticks. This feature really opens the Vitas capability. Now you can play first and third person shooters with the same ease that you can on a PS3. It’s not just limited to shooters; sports games also receive a huge boost having that extra analog stick.

Touchscreen

           

The addition of a front touch screen makes plenty of sense. Now that all portable devices such as cell phones and tablets have added this feature it would be foolish not to. It does add some unique controls to games, but most of the games I have tried don’t actually require you to use the screen yet, they still give you alternate analog control options.

Rear Touchpad

The rear touchpad is one new element to the hardware that I found to be really cool. This is one feature that will only be as good as the game publishers decide to make it. For example in Uncharted: Golden Abyss, the rear touchpad can be used in a few situations. It can feel forced or unnecessary at some points such as rope climbing. You can choose to just use the analog sticks pushing up or down to climb in either direct. Or you can use the rear touchpad in an alternate swiping motion to climb. It’s superfluous, if you’re going to give the option of the analog keys 9 times out of 10 I will use them because it’s just plain easier.

One example where the touch pad is used right is FIFA Soccer. As you plays you can imagine the rear touch pad as the goal. Wherever you lay your finger on the touchpad corresponds to the goal. So if you put your finger on the top left that’s where your shot will go, and power just depends on how long you hold your finger there. It’s really an ingenious use of the touchpad and I hope to see more of it. But once again it is a feature that will only be as good as developers choose to make it.

Cross Play

Cross plays is another cool feature with a lot of potential. It’s a simple enough idea, if you own the same game on your PS3 and Vita you can begin the game on one and if need be continue it on the other. It’s got some substantial promise. I haven’t had the opportunity to try this out myself. There are only two games with cross play availability and most notably it’s MLB: The Show. Being a huge baseball fan I hope to get to try it very soon and provide some more insight. But once again the developer and which games will come out for both systems simultaneously limit it. I have a feeling it will most likely be found in sports games such as the Madden franchise and so on.

Screen

One feature that truly impressed me was the 5 inch OLED display. The games really pop off the screen. Sony claims it can produce 16 million colors and it’s easy to believe that statement. The colors are sharp and vivid from the brightest yellow to the deepest black.

Wi-Fi or 3G

Something to mention is the availability of a Wi-Fi model and a Wi-Fi/3G model. The 3G Vita runs on the AT&T network and requires a minimum of $14.99 data plan. I have the 3G Vita and at this point and time I don’t see much use for it. You cannot download large files and the connection is still relatively slow so multiplayer gaming might not be practical over 3G. I would save the extra $50 and buy an extra game.

Battery

“So how’s the battery life?” That’s the question you’ll hear anytime a new portable device comes out. I’ve heard some gripes about the battery life of the Vita. I simply do not agree with these complaints. I can charge my Vita and play a solid four to five hours of any game and still have some juice left over. The standby time for me has been anywhere from five days to a week. Some people wanted a bigger battery but I think Sony got this right. The bigger the battery the heavier the device and there is reduced portability. If you think about it, holding a device in your hands for several hours does take a bit of a toll and can get a bit tiring on your dainty lady-like wrists. Or is that just me?

Software

The operating system on the Vita is relatively smooth and well put together. It’s flows nicely and anyone can figure out how to use it rather quickly. Everything is laid out in rounded tiles and you can easily swipe between pages as you gain more items on your screen. Pretty much if you can use a smartphone you can navigate a Vita. One nice feature is that when you pause a game you can actually multitask and the game will remain paused in the background as you browse the web or visit the PlayStation store and it doesn’t seem to impact performance. All and all the software was about what I expected. I imagine over time and with updates the dashboard will really come together.

Graphics

The graphics are actually quite stunning and I feel it may just be the tip of the iceberg. It clearly has room to grow and developers will find ways to really squeeze out all the power they can to achieve even more impressive graphics. Best graphics I’ve seen so far on the Vita goes to Uncharted: Golden Abyss. You can really compare it to the full-fledged versions on the PS3 and not be too far off from overall quality. There are some upcoming titles that may rival this as well. 

Launch Titles

There’s not too much to be said about the launch titles with the Vita, some are lacking and many don’t truly use its power. Once again Uncharted: Golden Abyss really shines as a launch title. It’s a full on adventure with Nathan Drake and the story is every bit as compelling as it’s PS3 counterparts. They took no shortcuts with the game and it shows. FIFA soccer is a fun sports game albeit quite challenging. The unique controls with the use of the touchscreen and especially the rear touchpad add another element to the game that makes it a bit more memorable. Mod Nation racing as also just a fun Mario Cart style racer that doesn’t really take advantage of the Vitas abilities but is enjoyable nonetheless. There are plenty more titles that I have not had the pleasure of trying so my scope is a bit limited.

Upcoming titles

There are definitely some titles to look forward to this year on the Vita. Little Big Planet is going to make its debut in just a couple of months. A new Silent Hill game will soon be released as well. I’m particularly looking forward to Resistance: Burning Skies I think it will be graphically stunning and some serious all around gaming from what I have seen so far. I imagine we’ll see some other great PlayStation exclusives such as the God of War series get the Vita treatment as well.

Wrap Up

Typically when I purchase a handheld system I will sell it or trade it just a couple of months later. I don’t think that will be that case this time. The Vita simply has too much going for it. With some exciting new hardware enhancements and the room it has to grow I feel it’s worth hanging on to. It may not be a device you need to run out and get right now, but in the near future as more titles are released and the hardware is pushed to its limits I think it will be a must have for any gamer.

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Marvel's X-Sanction Miniseries and Avengers VS X-men

This past week Marvel released issue 4 of 4 in it's miniseries "X-Sanction". For those of you who don't already know, X-Sanction is the transitional miniseries supposed to tie the current Marvel Universe with the upcoming storyline, "Avengers VS X-men". Issue 4 was just released this past week, and we're all dying to know- what's going to happen next!?

[SPOILERS BELOW]

Let me just get right into it. The cover is misleading. Most covers are, but for a miniseries and such a huge one at that, I was personally disappointed to see the cover-art NOT have the costumes shown. It was so cool to see Wolverine in his X-force suit, and Spider-man in his Black/Symbiote suit, but alas- no such luck for the actual story. The entire issue is in their classic costumes, which isn't so bad considering they arrived on the scene the previous issue in those costumes and there'd be no real reason for them to change. Oh well.

So what's in this issue? Fighting. Lots and lots and lots of fighting. That's practically all they do. The issue opens with Wolverine figuring out that Cap, Falcon, and Iron man are missing, and that Red Hulk has been gone some time too. After leaving the scene he was at to Luke Cage and the New Avengers, he and Spider-man take to the trail of the missing heroes. This of course was just a small flashback, and since we knew they were already there from the previous issue, I'm not sure why they wanted to include this.

There's two parts to this fight. The first part, is that Cable gets beaten. He gets beaten straight through to submission, left on the ground pretty much about to die. The other part of the fight is that Hope thinks to herself all that she has learned from Cable, and begins to deactivate the prisons for the Avengers. Eventually she succeeds, which is the overall reason Cable gets beaten. Additionally, we see the Red Hulk burning out the Techno Organic Virus given to him last issue. As he says, it's like fighting a disease with a fever!

Which leads into the next part of the issue, Hope touches the dying Cable on the arm, and absorbs the Techno-Organic virus! Now how does this tie in to the Red Hulk's situation? Well as any comic-reader knows, the next "Avengers VS X-men" has to do with the arrival of the Phoenix Force, and Hope uses her own inner flames to burn out the virus. We can only assume Hope is the Phoenix, as noone but the writers are 100% certain, but look at the image at the top of the page for reassurance. Mind you, everyone in the room witnessed this transformation, so this is not some little secret. That aside, Cable was left in his human form, no evidence of the virus, and everyone goes their separate ways.

Then we reach the last few pages of the issue. This is where we get the confirmation- Cable contacts Cyclops telepathically, and lets him know that Hope is the Phoenix, that her existence pretty much invalidated the future he foresaw, and that things are going to get tough for everyone.

Overall I give the issue a meager 5/10. The fights were expected, the outcomes were "meh" at best, and let's face it- do you know why Avengers VS X-men is coming? I don't, at least not directly. These events only confirm that the Phoenix is here, but if you've kept up with comics you knew this already. The biggest outcome we can get from this is that Cable no longer has the virus, which depending on the development of the character can turn Cable into one of the most powerful mutants...

If you see it in the store, finish off your 4-book set of X-Sanction, but otherwise don't bother. Aside from Cable being back in our time without the virus, there's nothing you don't already know. Until then, get ready for Avengers Vs X-men!

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The Decline of the Sunday Funnies

As a kid I read the comics every Sunday and looked forward to it but it seems times have changed.

In the not too distant past, comic strips once provided timely and witty commentary on the current news of the world. They were generally just about how the world is strange, crazy, and funny. The days of insight have fallen by the wayside and the funnies have relegated themselves to cheap anecdotes and subjugated themselves to the lowest common denominator.

I’m not romanticizing the political cartoons one might find in the New Yorker magazine where the smug can be smelled right off the stand, just comics with social relevancy. Comics like Calvin and Hobbes, a long standing favorite of all generations, and much to my chagrin is still finding a new audience. 


It showed the world in an earnest perspective of a young child. Then we have Far Side providing non-sequiturs and pointing out some of the most absurd bits of life that we can all relate to.

           

Reading the Sunday paper recently I’ve noticed how insignificant comic strips have become. Where is the social commentary in the strips? It died years ago. Calvin and Hobbes and the Far Side pushed some social conventions and did it in anywhere from 1-5 frames.
The funnies are no longer funny.

If I see another Garfield strip referencing lasagna or him being a fat and lazy fuck, I'll flip. He should just bang Nermal and get it over with. Fat men can’t be too picky. Cathy was a fat lazy whore and Dilbert and his coworkers are incredibly inefficient. I understand there is a place in the funnies for strips like this, I really do. We all need an escape and frivolous and silly is one way to achieve it.

The Sunday funny section gets smaller every year. The decline of the newspaper certainly has something to do with this. With circulation declining it makes it much more difficult for new strips to break through. If a new strip does break through there is a decreased chance it can achieve the type of syndication and success others have had in years past.

It’s in fact something that was inevitable. Something few could have seen 17 years ago when the Internet first entered many homes in America. That this new information source would supplant our primary source of news and entertainment after hundreds of years. But it did and it ushered in a new age of “Funnies’’.

The new age of funnies is certainly a change from the past, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a change for the worse. There are many benefits to having comics no longer tethered to publishers and syndication. No one has to worry about offending anybody and the purest of opinions can be expressed with less dire consequences.

Best of all, anyone can create them. That doesn't mean they’re worth reading, but hey it’s an opportunity nonetheless. With sites like Penny Arcade and many others there are great outlets for the art to continue albeit in a different form.

Though the days where many others and I looked forward to the Sunday paper for the Funnies, and not just the Best Buy weekly sale have passed, it doesn’t mean the tradition has too. It’s taken on a new form and been put into the hands of a new generation.

No web comic will gain the same ubiquitous recognition as their paper counterparts once did, it doesn’t take the value away from the message. Being able to tell a story and make a point in a few short sentences and images is a unique talent and one that cannot be taken for granted. All I hope for is that those continuing the tradition do so in a manner fitting of the Sunday Funnies, Make them relevant, humorous and most of all, enjoyable to everyone.

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[VIDEO] ZOMG! Breaking Dawn Part 2 teaser

I've never seen Twilight, but it's difficult to ignore its popularity. The new teaser for Breaking Dawn part 2 has been released and boy is it the most glorious 48 seconds of pasty vampires mumbling some shit. Some chick has red eyes or something, and then there is this crescendo of powerful orchestrated music. Not going to lie, sort of got a chub watching it. Not in that weird way though, but that totally normal way.

Watch the teaser and then watch the funniest RiffTrax ever made right after. To those of you who are fans of Twilight, have your multiple orgasms in 48 seconds of blissful location shots. To those who loathe Twilight, you want to grab a beer?

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I Hunger for Something More: A Hunger Games movie review

If there is one thing I cannot stand is going to a movie and not being able to be drawn into the story emotionally. I mean what is the point really?  I sat in a theater for over two hours watching a story about children killing each other and literally could care less. After reading the books I was looking forward to the story of The Hunger Games to be retold on the big screen.

To literally see the dehumanization of these children, the seeds of rebellion sowing, and the repercussions of these events. Yes, we've seen the like before in movies like Battle Royal, but I wanted to see a movie that showcased the psychological and emotional effects that placing children in a kill or be killed scenario. This movie was, in that instance a total let down.

If there is one thing I can't stand is a movie that fails to capture my emotions. I want to be on the edge of my seat rooting for the characters or swearing underneath my breath at those that I can't stand.  I honestly couldn't care less about Katniss and Peeta throughout the entire film. It never emphasized the fact that Katniss' mother was rendered useless after the death of her husband.

It never touched upon the utter hatred that Gale had for The Capitol. Did anyone ever wonder why Haymitch was a complete drunk? And it seems like Katniss is impervious to the fact that she killed not one but two of her peers without a single shred of emotion but seems to find her heart when Rue dies. The relationship with Peeta was hardly a relationship at all as you could never truly believe if Katniss was acing out the part or if she truly had feelings for him.

These are the things that get lost in translation when you go from words on a page to acting on screen. If anything the fact the there was little to no violence in a movie that was based on a fight to the death just really ticks me off. Granted this book series and the movie was aimed towards the age group that it was written for, which as it stands is the majority of its fan base.

I was older than 3/4's of the people at that midnight premiere. It seemed like the movie was catered to an audience in which it would make the most money. Which leaves some of us filmgoers, myself included, cheated out of a movie that could have been way better than it was.

I would have loved if this was an R rated film in which it showcased the harsh brutality of the games and showcased more of the real life effect it had on its participants. But I didn't get hat I wanted. Instead I got a version of Twilight that was slightly less pathetic and had way better acting. But anything could out act Kirsten Stewart...even Keanu Reeves.

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WWE Smackdown Lowdown - 3/23/2012

Friday Night Smackdown – March 23^rd, 2012

So I can tell WWE has read the past couple weeks’ worth of articles, since Josh Matthews informed us that it is 9 days until Wrestlemania 28 to open the show.  We’re close; that countdown is important.  Expect plenty of General Manager associated shenanigans tonight, as that seems to be the main storyline aside from Rock/Cena.

First thing’s first though:  Our World Heavyweight Champion has something to say.  Michael Cole now loves Daniel Bryan, since he’s an egotistical heel.  Very nice, Cole – you hated him months ago, pretty much just for existing.  Journalistic integrity at its finest, folks.  Daniel Bryan has one thing to say to the WWE Universe:  “Yes! Yes! Yes!”.  This is such a fun heel gimmick and the crowd absolutely eats it up.  Bryan gets a bit more serious and asks AJ what it’s like to love the World Heavyweight Champion.  The little lady answers “Heaven”.  She then makes the mistake of addressing him as “Danny” which draws his ire – Seems like something a wrestling crowd would just love to chant.  After some more prepared statements about Bryan’s ability as a lover (I love the idea of the heel champion prepping his girlfriend for his own interview), Bryan asks the crowd to cheer for AJ.   And even better, he’d like them to cheer for him!  Bryan thinks he’s all wrapped up, and Sheamus enters the scene.  Sheamus calls Bryan a sniveling little coward plays off of AJ’s flub, calling him “Danny Boy”, which leads to an immediate chant.  Wrestling fans are so easy to please.  He tells Bryan in no uncertain terms that he’ll kick his teeth down his throat at Wrestlemania.

First Raw replay of the night: Otunga and Santino, leading to a GM-related match-up.

Match 1 – R-Truth vs Mark Henry

Henry with the usual strong start with big strikes.  Truth starts to fight back and Henry levels him with a clothesline.  Henry tosses Truth out to the floor and tells the crowd “Taking out the trash”.  There is nothing better than a vocal heel in wrestling.  Henry palms Truth’s head and squishes it into the steel steps.  Rolling him back in the ring, Henry lands a big right hand for a two count.  Henry whiffs an elbow drop and Truth lands a dropkick to the knee.  Truth does a Miz-style DDT but only gets a one count.  Truth ascends the top rope and goes for a crossbody, but gets caught and given the World’s Strongest Slam.

Winner: Mark Henry via pinfall

Our next Hall of Fame inductee this year will be a posthumous induction for Yokozuna.  Rikishi makes an appearance in the video.  Mil Mascaras also appears on the HoF roster graphic, but I don’t believe he was ‘officially’ announced.  I guess this counts.

Raw replay #2 – The Ryder Rally.  This leads to Team Teddy in the back, and Ryder asking again to join the team.  Teddy says that Ryder’s situation with Eve could lead to too much distraction and it may not be a good idea.  To change his mind, Ryder brings in their new mascot, Hornswoggle, with a Team Teddy flag, as well as Khali, dressed as “The Great Broski”.  This is enough to convince Teddy.  If that’s enough to change his mind on a relatively important decision, maybe he’s not the man for the job?

Match 2 – AJ vs Brie Bella

Bryan and Nikki are ringside in their respective corners.  AJ didn’t get a full entrance here, which is odd, considering word is she may get a legit push soon.  I for one would be thrilled to see this, as when she’s allowed to get some momentum going, she’s actually quite good in the ring, and as seen earlier in the night, she’s not afraid to be on the microphone and she’s far less awkward or ‘actress’-like than the rest of the divas.  Bryan gives AJ a kiss for good luck.  Brie opens with a headlock and tosses AJ down by her hair.  Bryan shouts for AJ to use her speed in this match.  That’s actually good advice.  Another headlock, which AJ escapes and lands a back elbow after, but she gets caught and dropped on the top rope for a hotshot.  Brie stomps AJ awkwardly and covers for two.  She bashes AJ into the mat then interlaces hands with AJ and mounts for a two count.  AJ fights out, but eats a clothesline for her efforts.  AJ is stretched on the mat by Brie and Bryan screams at her to not tap.  I said earlier nothing is better than a vocal heel in a match; a vocal heel in someone’s corner might be even better.  “You better not tap” is a hell of a way to motivate the girl.  AJ fights out with kicks and elbows, then lands a headscissors to a fujiwara armbar (La Mistica, if you will).  Brie managed to take this simple bump, where she should end up flat on the mat, horrifically and made AJ struggle just to make her flat.  Nikki hops on the apron, there’s referee-distracting shenanigans, AJ ducks Brie and manages a schoolgirl roll up for the win.

Winner: AJ via pinfall

Booker T once again heels on a legit win by a perceived underdog, solely because she’s associated with the heel champ.  Booker has no independent thought process on the mic – he just supports faces and hates heels, without any regard for logic.  Please put William Regal into this booth!  The Bellas get in the ring and Nikki, who didn’t lose this week roots for Team Teddy and Brie roots for Team Johnny.  Nikki does an awful cheer-leading spot and makes the crowd spell.  Great use of air time.

Raw replay #3 – Ziggler pins Truth, thanks to nefarious circumstances courtesy of Vickie Guerrero.

“Excuse me!” starts our next segment, with Vickie introducing Jack Swagger.  Still not sure why she gets to introduce her clientele whenever she feels like it.

Match 3 – Jack Swagger vs Zack Ryder

Swagger comes out and does his pushups and line-cross bit, while Ryder comes out with Hornswoggle and the Team Teddy flag, which Cole heels on.  The match starts out with Swagger completely out-wrestling Ryder, which is fair enough, given his background.  Ryder fights back with a schoolboy and a dropkick, but ends up eating the turnbuckle as he runs in, followed by a big overhead powerslam from Swagger.  Swagger lays boots to Ryder in the corner and follows with a shoulder throw and a keylock.  Ryder fights out to the apron and dodges a rushing Swagger, putting a boot into his chest.  Back in the ring, Ryder gets knees up to block an incoming Swagger, then lands a forearm, clothesline and a facebuster.  Ryder hits a running elbow in the corner and the Broski Boot for two.  He sets up for the Rough Ryder, but gets caught and takes a bucklebomb and a Swaggerbomb as a counter.  Swagger lays elbows into Ryder’s ribs (becoming a bit of a signature for Swagger) and Hornswoggle chases Vickie up onto the apron.  Swagger protects her from what is apparently a vicious little person and turns around into the Rough Ryder for a three.

Winner: Zack Ryder via pinfall

Not exactly clean, but Ryder makes his return to Smackdown and gets a win over the man who took his United States Championship from him when he was injured.  The commentary booth made a passing reference to this.

Raw replay #4 (this is getting to be a bit much) – Cody Rhodes lights up the Big Show.  This leads to a 

quick “earlier today” segment with Cody saying that on April Fool’s Day the biggest fool of them all will once again choke on the big stage.  This continues to point to Show giving Rhodes his comeuppance at WM, but I still do not want to see Rhodes lose his Intercontinental title to Show.  They keep talking about Rhodes being one of the longer reigning IC champs, as well.

Flo Rida will be playing The Rock out at Wrestlemania.  This is a horrible idea:  The entrance is one of the most important parts of a wrestler’s personality.  When that music hits, you know exactly what is about to happen.  My prediction is the usual “IF YA SMELLLLL” clip will play and then Rida will play a remix of Rock’s theme.

Match 4 – Big Show vs Kane

Punches and throat thrusts to start out.  Show knocks Kane down with a clothesline and the fight goes outside.  Kane dodges a clothesline and Show ends up wrapping his own arm around the ring post.  Maybe this will play in, leading into Wrestlemania against Rhodes?  Kane lands boots and a low dropkick for one.  Kane settles into a chinlock, but Show powers out and they hit a double clothesline on one another.  Think that’s the biggest set of wrestlers I’ve ever seen do that spot. They land big rights on their knees, get to their feet and trade headbutts and clotheslines.  Show lands a corner buttbutt and a shoulder tackle (Booker T was calling for a spear – can’t call things right when they happen, so don’t bother predicting, Book) but Kane answers with a running DDT for a two count.  Kane climbs up top for his signature clothesline, but jumps into a Big Show chokeslam.  Rhodes slides in and Show tosses him out.  Rhodes runs and Show chases.  Back in the ring, Randy Orton slinks in and lands an RKO on Kane.  Faces are looking strong after this one.

Winner: Big Show via disqualification

I don’t believe the outcome of this was actually announced, but that’s not surprising at this point.  Rhodes continues to heel on Big Show, but Show saw it coming this time.  This might be the match I have the least idea of what they’ll do with at ‘Mania, and that’s not a bad thing.  Some surprises are always welcome. 

Match 5 – Brodus Clay vs Heath Slater

They tie up and Brodus drops Heath straight down, face first.  Heath fights up to his feet and dropkicks Brodus in the knee, followed by an enzuigiri.  He may be the first person to actually knock Clay down since the Funkasaurus gimmick debuted.  Brodus stands up and delivers a headbutt to the chest, sending Slater flying.  He lands a knee, a t-bone suplex and a big splash for the win.

Winner: Brodus Clay via pinfall

Starting to allow some offense to befall Brodus is important, as the dancing squash machine is getting a bit tired at this point.  Brodus’s splash looks so much better than Henry’s.

Raw Replay 5 (If they cut two of these out, AJ could have gotten her entrance) – HHH/HBK/Taker

The Lord Tensai spot replays, which is one replay that’s actually okay by me.  At least it’s for a new comer.

Match 6 – The Great Khali vs Dolph Ziggler

Each man enters with his GM.  Christian is on commentary.  A heel on commentary?  With a vested interest in the combatants?  I wonder what will happen!  Ziggler opens with strikes that have no effect.  After a tumble outside, the men end up back in the ring and Ziggler takes frying pan chops from Khali.  Ziggler gives Khali a dropkick and locks in a front chancery.  Khali tosses Ziggler off and gives him a clothesline.  Ziggler dodges the Brain Chop and locks on a Sleeper and the bell immediately rings.  Lauranaitis just montreal-screwjobbed Khali, apparently.  Teddy disagrees and restarts the match, but Ziggler makes no effort to reenter, so Khali wins.

Winner:  The Great Khali via countout

Kofi and Santino run out and toss Ziggler into the ring to take a Brain Chop to end the segment.  On their way, they bump Otunga and he spills his coffee.  That part was far more entertaining to me than it should have been.  Nobody really looked great here leading into the 12-man tag match.  Ziggler looked great in the ring, but he can take a broomstick to a five star match, so that goes unsaid.

Match 7 – Sheamus and CM Punk (WWE Champion) vs The Miz and Daniel Bryan (World Heavyweight Champion)

Sheamus and Bryan to start, but a quick tag out to Miz.  We’ll see a lot of that tonight.  Sheamus with a big headlock takeover.  Sheamus blocks a hip toss attempt and delivers a clothesline.  A tag out to Punk, who comes off the top with an axe handle to Miz’s arm and a scoop slam.  Punk continues the attack with an arm wringer and tags to Sheamus, who delivers an over the top rope shoulder block.  Sheamus lands an early Irish Curse backbreaker, but Bryan breaks it up, drawing Sheamus to chase him.  Miz knocks Sheamus to the floor and Bryan delivers a low dropkick to Sheamus – the same kick that cost Sheamus a match one week ago.  With a face in peril on the floor, it’s the perfect time for a commercial break (it’s really not).  

Back from break, Miz delivers a boot to the face and slaps a chinlock on Sheamus.  Sheamus fights out and lands a back body drop, then tags in Punk.  Punk lands a flying clothesline, a neckbreaker, a knee and bulldog in the corner and climbs to the top for an elbow drop.  Bryan distracts and this leads to Miz landing his swinging DDT and tagging in Bryan, who is met with “Danny Boy” chants (told you!).  Bryan kicks Punk and lands knee drops.  He then wrenches Punk’s arm back and delivers another knee drop for two.  Bryan stretches Punk with a surfboard, but Punk fights up and chops Bryan, only to get cut off with a knee to the gut and a kick to the back.  Miz tags back in and lands a knee lift for two.  Punk fights back with rights, but Miz catches him for the Reality Check.  Punk escapes the neckbreaker portion of the combination and lands a big kick to the head.  Miz makes the tag first, but Punk dives for Sheamus – our Wrestlemania opponents are finally in the ring together.  Bryan turns tail to tag Miz, but nobody is in his corner, since Punk kicked Miz’s head clean off his shoulders.  Sheamus runs wild on Bryan and lands forearms and a powerslam.  Miz finally makes it back to the apron and Bryan makes a desperation tag.  Sheamus again gives chase, but this time he gets the better of his opponents and delivers a Brogue Kick to Miz for being in the way.  That’s good for a three count.

Winners: Sheamus and CM Punk via pinfall

So there’s Smackdown with just over a week left until the big show (which will feature The Big Show).  Teams Teddy and Johnny exchanged actual wins and settled for a silly count out to round out the threesome.  AJ is on a bit of a roll, backed by her champion boyfriend – for her sake, I hope something comes of it.  Brodus Clay continues to be a monster, but actually receives a tiny bit of punishment this week.  Brodus happens to be my pick for ‘unannounced match’ at Wrestlemania.  Big Show and Randy Orton looked strong against their respective ‘Mania opponents this week.  Far too much Raw Replay time this week for my taste – I’d much rather see some matches get more time or a potential-push recipient like AJ actually get to make her entrance.  Seven matches sounds like a lot for a two hour show, but 4-5 of them clocked in under five minutes.  More wrestlers wrestling leading into Wrestlemania isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it’d be a welcome change.

We’ll have some Geek Asylum Wrestlemania predictions coming up this week for you – Please chime in via comments or Twitter (@thegeekasylum and @sbfantom) and let us know what you think will happen and what you think of what we think!

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DC Comics: Justice League and SHAZAM!

Justice League #7 brings on two new arcs this month, the first official storyline for the newly formed Justice League, and each issue from here on until further notice will feature a storyline for SHAZAM! as well.So now that our initial storyline for the Justice League is over, where does Geoff Johns take us? Let's take a look into what issue #7 has to offer.

[SPOILERS BELOW]

Justice League #7 brings us into the next major arc, which everyone must be wondering what it will be. We don't know if the story will introduce more members, less members, a big villain, internal struggle- we just don't know. Well, when you're done with the issue, you have an idea to say the least.

The Justice League, as a concept, begin to stir the public thoughts. There are several accusations that a police force or government is no longer necessary, as the Justice League can clearly handle anything. Enter John Trevor, the boyfriend of Wonder Woman and public liaison to the Justice League. We see him talking with the courts and the public to calm their thoughts on several occasions. What we also see is that the Justice League clearly trusts this guy, as they each communicate with him while Wonder Woman has a Skype conversation with him. Why Skype you say? Well that's the other big reveal in this issue- the floating station in orbit above Earth is back! We get to see the new League talk and interact in a relaxed state, and as you can see from the image to the right that there may be a few bits of tension or playful banter already developing.

That's about all you're going to get out of this issue, as the only other reveal is a small unrevealed villain conversation about using John Trevor to defeat the Justice League. Overall it is a really good story to blend the two arcs together and provide a nice steady transition. Not too slow, not to fast, just the way it needs to be.

But wait- There's more! At the end of this issue, as I already mentioned, SHAZAM! makes an appearance. Previously, Shazam was not going to be in the new universe beginning with the New 52. However, it seems we are getting SHAZAM! back in action, with mini-issues in the back of Justice League. This issue reveals Billy Batson, a boy who has been to many foster homes and somehow has screwed them all up. He has found a new pair of parents, and while he hasn't moved in with them yet, he's made it clear he doesn't want to be where he currently is. The issue ends with a montage of future screen shots, all leading to Billy Batson eventually becoming SHAZAM!

Get the issue. I don't think there's going to be a single issue of this series that you'll be ok in skipping. Just get it, enjoy it, and look forward to next month. Every. Single. Time.

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