Hell in a Cell 2018 - My Picks

Roman Vs Braun

    This Hell in a Cell promises to be one of the best Hell in a Cell pay-per-views of all time.  The card is stacked full of potential show stealing moments all night night.  Let's take a look at what I think will go down.

Jeff Hardy Vs RKO

Jeff Hardy and Orton will bring their "A" game and try to delete one another.  Their is some speculation that Woken Matt Hardy may try to assist Brother Nero, but since it is a Hell in a Cell match, this may be proven difficult.  We all know that Jeff is a risk taker and this may prove to be his weakness.  I look for one hell of a match but Orton will be the one standing tall.

AJ Styles Vs Samoa Joe - WWE Championship

AJ Styles Vs Samoa Joe - WWE Championship

    Oh what a slobber knocker this will be.  These two have known each other for decades.  Joe has gotten in AJ's head, which is not good for the champ.  This match will be PHENOMENAL, but I think Samoa may just keep his promise and leave your WWE Champion.

Ronda Rousey vs. Alexa Bliss - RAW Women's Championship

    Alexa made a very bad mistake.  She and her trio injured Rousey.  Which means, Ronda will be fighting like a wounded animal.  Which means, anything goes and Ronda will stay champion.  Don't get me wrong, Alexa will give maximum effort, but Ronda will show why she is the baddest woman on the planet.

Friends now Foes

Charlotte Flair Vs Becky Lynch - Smackdown Live Women's Championship

    It was the best of times and it was the worst of times, and each time Charlotte took Becky to be an ally and not someone who is hungry for gold.  Far too long has Becky been cast aside.  I foresee the Fire burning brightly in her that will allow her to capture the gold yet again.  The match will be legendary, but the Queen shall lose her throne.

Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella vs. The Miz & Maryse

    Why is this even a match on such an epic PPV?  This is a match that should have taken place on Smackdown Live, not Hell in a Cell.  Don't get me wrong, the match will be entertaining, I just think maybe this should have been the kickoff instead of a tag title bout.  I like Miz and Daniel both, but I'm sorry Daniel, I think this match will be just too AWESOME for you or Brie to handle.

the Dogs of War Vs the Hounds of Justice

Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre Vs Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose

RAW Tag Team Championship

    Oh what a match this will be.  I believe the team of Seth and Dean willdo everything they can to burn it down.  Will Roman or Braun interfere?  Who knows?  Regardless, I think the Dogs of War will arrive as well as leave champs.

Universal Championship - Roman Reigns Vs Braun Strowman

    Honestly, this match could go either way.  The Monster among men has had Roman's number on more than one occasion.  However, this is Hell in a Cell and anything goes. So, with that said, it is going to be a fight for survival.  I know Roman got the upper hand on RAW and fans believe that is an omen that Roman will lose, but I don't think so.  I think Roman will come out victorious.  He may get some help from some hounds or maybe even a beast, but he will leave champ just like he arrived.

KICK-OFF SHOW

New Day Vs Rusev Day

    This match should have been on the main card and not the kick-off show.  That alone makes me furious.  I look for this match to be entertaining and full of surprises.  The New Day is great, but I am hoping for a Rusev Day victory.  Somehow, I think the Bar might get involved causing a DQ, but you never know.

Saturday Showcase: Nova (Richard Rider)

Nova (Richard Rider)

    Today's showcase is on a character I loved as a child, a character that I always believed to be Marvel's answer to a Green Lantern.  That man is named Nova.  The original concept of Nova started in the 60's but was later tweaked when Marv Wolfman joined forces with John Romita, Sr. to give us the Nova we all know and love in the 70's. Richard Rider aka Nova, first made his appearance in The Man Called Nova #1 by Marvel Comics (September 76 to be exact).  

    Nova has fought alongside with the Avengers, Guardians, Spider-Man, Silver Surfer, and the New Warriors.  He has fought the Yellow Claw, Skrulls, Spider-Man (long story), Thanos, Kang, and a multitude of other cosmic villains.  So needless to say when the Guardians film was announced I was super excited, only to see a Nova Corps without a Richard Rider Nova.  To say I was disappointed is an understatement.

Galactic Booty Call

    Then, I heard about the MARVEL plans for an Infinity War, and I was like and this is where Richard will make his debut, but Nooooooo!  It never happened.  Now we have Captain Marvel coming to the big screen and there will be Skrulls.  Does this mean we may at least hear a mention of Richard or his alias Nova?  I sure hope so.

    I mean let's look at the facts.  

  Team Affiliations:

United Front

New Warriors

Defenders

Champions of Xandar

Secret Avengers

Nova Corps

Panel from the Thanos Imperative

Abilities:

Flight

Superhuman strength, speed, and durability

Expert hand to hand combatant

Infinite control over the Nova Force granting energy projection and absorption

Ability to exert influence over gravitational forces and open wormholes

Nova Force at Maximum

    How the hell has he not been in a Marvel Studios film or had his own film by now?  This is ridiculous!  He fought Thanos for Pete's Sake!  What is going on in the movie world?  You want an intergalactic champion?  Instead of talking about who will replace Henry in the Superman franchise, we should talk about who is worthy of playing Richard Rider in a Nova film.  Okay, I am finished with my rant and I am officially off the soap box.

    Do yourself a favor and get yourself some issues of The Man Called Nova and Annihilation so that you can truly understand why a film is needed.

Until next time, Unleash your inner NERD...

and as always, get your READ on!

The Man Called Nova #1 (September 1976)

Happy 42nd birthday Richard!

Saturday Showcase: Footloose

Footloose sneaking up on COBRA (Vintage toy photography - Photographer Unknown)

    Today's showcase comes from my childhood and all the adventures I had in my backyard playing with my elite force of soldiers known as G.I. Joe as they stopped the terrorist organization known as COBRA.  One of my favorite Joes was Andrew "Footloose" Meyers.  As a toy, I loved his look but as a cartoon character I absolutely loved his personality.

Now with Swivel-Arm Battle Grip!

    Footloose first made his appearance in 1985 when he was released in the great G.I. Joe action figure line.  He, like so many others, then debuted as a cartoon.  He was voiced by the talented Will Ryan.  Also back in '85, Andrew made his first appearance in the Marvel G.I. Joe series, issue #37, to be exact.

   Issue #37 is one of my favorite comic covers hands down, in the G.I. Joe series.

     I just explain my love for Footloose.  He was just one of my favorite characters from the series and I always felt he could have been used more.  He should have been featured better in the films and if they ever make another one, he better be in it.

    Needless to say, I was happy when I saw his 25th Anniversary figure when the Joes started hitting shelves again.  I was also ecstatic when I first saw his card in the G.I. Joe Battleground app. (BTW I wish that game was still around.)

Footloose as seen in G.I. Joe Battleground

    I could give you more facts about Andrew "Footloose" Meyers, but I figured I would let his File Card say the rest.  Until next time, unleash your inner NERD!

Yo Joe!

Code Name: Footloose

Saturday Showcase: Typhoid Mary

    Today's Showcase revolves around a popular villain who has ties to the Kingpin and who has battled Spider-Man, Daredevil, the Iron Fist, as well as the Punisher and has lived to talk about it.  Her name is Mary Alice Walker but you may know her as Typhoid Mary.

    Mary first hit the shelves in Daredevil issue #254 back in May of '88.  Little was known about Mary besides the fact that she was insane and the Kingpin's deadliest assassin.  I guess that is why the first hero she tangled with was Daredevil, a constant thorn in the Kingpin's side.

First Appearance: Daredevil #254 May '88

    Earlier, I mentioned that Mary was insane.  That is because she has three personalities.  "Mary" is quiet and timid, "Typhoid Mary" is adventurous, lustful, and dangerous, and "Bloody Mary" is a brutal, sadistic killing machine.  In her origin, we see that Mary was once a lover of Matt Murdock and he "hurt" her to the point she would not let anyone hurt her again. This is why she teams with Fisk and becomes his deadliest assassin only to be foiled by her ex, Daredevil.  

    Like I said earlier, she has had some run ins with some of New York's best and has lived to tell about it.  She has also battled Wolverine and walked away (as seen in Typhoid Kiss). She has been in many Marvel games as well as cartoon appearances, but nothing compares to what Mary has in store for 2018.  First, she has a new kick ass figure from the Marvel Legends line, the Venom series.  Second, there is a major story arc that sees her return to Marvel comics in October, but Third and most importantly, she will appear on the 2nd season of Iron Fist.  It is still secretive on exactly home much Mary will play a part in Season 2, but I hope she is the bad ass on screen as she is in the comics.

Typhoid Mary Marvel Legends, Venom series

    If you want to know more about Mary, I would suggest going to the Marvel site and do some reading, especially since she is making a comeback.  Until next time unleash your inner NERD.

Typhoid Mary Marvel Page

Summer Slam 2018 - My Picks

Summer Slam 2018 

Who will win?  Well, let's see what I think.

Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns

    This match promises to be a slobber knocker but I think it will end with a lot more questions than answers.  I feel Brock will lose his title, but I don't think it will be Reigns that leaves champion.  I foresee a Money In The Bank  contract cash in which will see either Braun or Owens leave as champion. 

My pick: Brock loses

Raw Women's Championship:  Alexa Bliss vs. Ronda Rousey

    This should be a fight.  Look for Alexa to try to win quickly but Ronda should be able to get the win, that is, unless Bliss gets a little help from her friends.  

My pick: Ronda becomes new champ.

Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens

    Kevin Owens is a fighter but he has picked the fight of his life against the Monster among Men.  However, if anyone can beat Braun, I believe it will be Owens.  The winner will leave with a Money In The Bank contract.  I also believe the winner will cash it in and leave the new Universal Champion as well.

My Pick: Owens with the win

Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins

    This match will be a classic but it will be Rollins undoing.  Sure Rollins has got back up in the Lunatic Fringe, but I feel the tide will remain in Ziggler's favor.

My Pick: Ziggler remains champion

SmackDown Women’s Championship (Triple Threat Match): 

Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch 

    Carmella's reign as Champion has come to an end.  Look for the Queen or the little lass kicker to be crowned champion once again.

My Pick: It's Becky's time!  Becky Lynch for the win.

Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz

This is the match everyone has been waiting three years to see.  Can Daniel Bryan outshine an A list superstar?  I think this match will be AWESOME!  Daniel will push Miz to the test, but the Miz will leave victorious.

My Pick: The Miz will remain awesome!

United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jeff Hardy

    Strong Style Vs Team Extreme.  Hardy may have what it takes to defeat his demons, but does he have enough in his take to walk away US Champion?  In my opinion, no.  Look for Shinsuke to hold nothing back to remain champion.

My Pick: Shinsuke remains your US Champion

Finn Bálor vs. Constable Baron Corbin

   I am really getting tired of Finn being picked on from the Constable.  I foresee the Demon King digging deep and conquering his gigantic nemesis.  Once he defeats Corbin, he will be placed in the pool for number one contenders for the universal championship.

My Pick:  Finn leaves victorious

Smackdown Tag Team Championship: 

The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The New Day

    The New Day may be dreaming about gold but all they are going to get is a big dose of nightmares.  They may have some momentum in the match but look for the Brothers to continue their reign of terror on Smackdown Live.

My Pick: The Bludgeon Brothers continue their reign as Tag Champs.

My Pick for Match of the Night, AJ Styles Vs Samoa Joe

WWE Championship: AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe

    I am a huge fan of both men, but I feel it is now the time for Samoa Joe to become champion.  Joe has gotten in AJ's head and that will be the downfall to AJ's historic title reign as WWE Champion on Smackdown Live.  Look out AJ, Joe is coming for you and you cannot escape nap time.

My Pick: Samoa Joe puts AJ to sleep and become the new WWE Champion.

nXt Takeover: Brooklyn 2018 (Derf's Picks)

    Well, the time has finally come to see who wants it more at nXt Takeover.  Who will become champ?  Will the belts stay with the current champions?  Well, her is what I think.

 NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler vs. Kairi Sane

   This match promisises to be a good one.  Shayna has been trying to get in Kairi's head since day one. It appears to be working a little too well.  It is a longshot but I think Kairi will get the win and Shayna will then be bumped up to RAW or SmackdownLive to raise hell there.

My Pick - It will take a miracle, but I pick Kairi Sane.

NXT North American Champion Adam Cole vs. Ricochet

    I like both of these contenders but I don't think Cole will lose the belt just quite yet. It will be a battle fought both on the ground and in the air, but Adam Cole will remain your champion.

My Pick: Adam Cole BAY BAY!

NXT Tag Team Champions Undisputed ERA vs. Moustache Mountain

    Another Undisputed Era match that will end with an Undisputed Victory.  Moustache Mountain will bring the fight, but the Undisputed Era plays for keeps and will come out on top.

My Pick: the Undisputed Era

EC3 vs. Velveteen Dream

    This could be the match of the night.  EC3 is the top 1 % and the Velveteen Dream never disappoints.  Look forward to some new moves as well as a well though and fought plan by the Dream.  This promises to be a match that will live on in nXt history.

My Pick: I like both wrestlers, but I think EC3 will just crush Velveteen's Dream.

NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano (Last Man Standing Match)

   Champion Vs Contender, Brother Vs Brother, Friend Vs Foe, none of this matters to Ciampa or Gargano.  This is about vengeance, this is about power, this is about glory, this is about the nXt Championship!  Johnny wrestling would love to become the new nXt champion, but does he have what it takes to be heartless enough to defeat Ciampa?  I think it will be a well fought bout but I feel that Ciampa will be victorious.

My Pick: Ciampa remains Champ

Saturday Showcase: Jim 'the Anvil" Neidhart

February 8, 1955 – August 13, 2018

    Today I pay tribute to a big part of my childhood and how I got into wrestling.  When I was, I was attracted to the WWE because of wrestlers like Junkyard Dog, Andre the Giant, Jake the Snake, but most importantly Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart.  If you asked me who my favorite wrestler of all time was, I would simply say JYD but if you asked me what caught my eye to make me like wrestling I would say the Anvil.

    Jim had that charm that won over a crowd even when you were supposed to hate him because he was as heel.  From how good he looked supporting the Hart Pink colors to that Jokerish laugh, he had you in his pocket from the word go.

Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart

    Jim was one of the first wrestlers that proved big men can be just as athletic as the others but he would rely on his power to get the pin.  He has had many successes in his career.  He has been a champion everywhere he wrestled, but he was mostly known for being one half of one of the most dominant tag teams in WWE history, the Hart Foundation.

the Hart Foundation

   He would later become a member of the New Foundation with is other brother-in-law, Owen Hart.  Though he did not enjoy as much success as a New Foundation member, he cherished his times wrestling with Owen.

Jim"the Anvil" Neidhart and Owen "the Rocket" Hart

    Jim is also known for another great achievement with the WWE and that is his daughter Natalya.  He was proud of her wanting to pursue the family buisness and helped her tone her tools to become the wrestler she is today.  Thanks to Jim's help, the women's evolution of wrestling saw light at the end of the tunnel way before Stephanie made her historical announcements.

   Love him or hate him, Jim was respected by everyone he worked with.  He will be missed by all.  Right now, Owen, Stu, Davey Boy, and Jim are having one hell of a reunion upstairs.  Hell, knowing the Harts, they're probably setting up a squared circle in the sky and preparing to have their own Summer Slam.