Tss:no Holds Barred

This is it...the final scheduled edition of "No Holds Barred." Thanks to all who have listened these past 6 years, the show would not have been possible without all of you. Thanks also go out to all for understanding my decision to discontinue "No Holds Barred." It was a very difficult choice to make. In this episode, I touch upon the past week of WWE TV, including the difference in how CM Punk was portrayed on RAW and Smackdown. Alberto Del Rio being stuck in Mexico, where Christian goes from, Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry, and much more is discussed too. The bulk of the episode, however, is spent discussing some "big picture" points. Has Vince McMahon's approach to the on-air product become conservative, even though his business approach remains anything but? Also, stemming from Matt Hardy's "fake" suicide video on youtube this week, it's very clear that something drastic has to change in the wrestling business. It's difficult to be bigger than the addiction when the lifestyle is bigger than you. Tha

Next Friday (9/2) will be the final scheduled edition of "No Holds Barred." Alex will move into Boston University next weekend and while he'll continue to host "Without a Curse," "The Alex Reimer Show" (returns to the airwaves on Saturday 9/10 from 2-4 PM EST on WGAM 900 AM Nashua, 1250 AM Manchester, and www.wgamradio.com. The station is out of New Hampshire but Alex will do the program remotely), and begin immediately at WTBU (BU's student run radio station), it was a matter of having a hand in "too many things" to continue to give the loyal listeners of "No Holds Barred" the product they deserve. Life happens... This week, Alex did discuss the futures of the John Cena/Alberto Del Rio and CM Punk/Kevin Nash/Triple H storylines. Where is all of this leading and are they universally appealing enough to catch on? Plus, how will the Smackdown main event picture look this fall? In the "Finisher" segment Alex talks about the recent erratic behavior of Jeff Hardy and how it all speaks to the lack of a struc

As Alex predicted on last week's show, Alberto Del Rio is now the WWE Champion and CM Punk has transitioned into a feud with Triple H. Except it looks like Kevin Nash is the man who will do Triple H's on-screen "dirty work." Is everything ruined, or is there still a lot of heat attached to Punk? What are the main differences in the Punk/Triple H feud and the Punk/Cena feud? Is one feud more "universal" than the other? Randy Orton's latest World Heavyweight Championship reign, the puzzling recent treatment of Daniel Bryan, and more is touched upon too. In the "Finisher" segment Alex examines the recent behavior of WWE announcers and questions why JR is on board if all he's there for is to have Michael Cole (aka Vince McMahon backstage) make fun of him. The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out. Alex is now on twitter...@AlexReimer1. Took him long enough #18going80.

Alex discusses the big Summerslam PPV this Sunday, and how the finish to the CM Punk vs. John Cena match could very well be the defining moment of the WWE this year. They have so much momentum going with Punk, it would be a shame to see them screw it up... Possible finishes, both satisfactory and unsatisfactory in regards to the Punk/Cena match are talked about, as well as Edge's potential role in the Christian/Randy Orton World Heavyweight Championship match. Other potential aspects of the Summerslam card are mentioned, as well as the news that Kevin Eck has joined the WWE creative team. The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out, and in the "Finisher" segment Alex mentions the news that the WWE is interested in bringing back former big names to try to attract viewers back to the product. "The Alex Reimer Show" is on an indefinite hiatus due to programming changes at "The Money Matters Radio Network." But stay tuned...news on the future of the show will be coming s

Alex begins the show by looking at some troubling numbers in regards to recent WWE PPV buys...but they were "before Punk." However, now "post-Punk," ticket sales are still down and Summerslam isn't sold out yet. Why? The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out, as Alex looks at ways that the WWE will "screw up" the CM Punk storyline. They're bound to, with reports surfacing that the ultimate goal is to use this as a launching point to "get Triple more over." You can't make this kind of thing up... Michael Cole's role, Zack Ryder's usage, heels actually winning cleanly, and more is discussed as well. In the "Finisher" segment, Alex looks at the concerns some possess about a The Rock vs. John Cena match at Wrestlemania 28.

Alex talks about yet another eventful week in the WWE, including the decision to bring back Jim Ross. Is this a permanent move? Isn't it the direct antithesis of what this company has been about the past couple of years? (Not that it's a bad thing.) The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out, as Alex asks whether CM Punk returned too soon this week. Has the wind been taken out of the sails of the Punk/Cena program, or is Punk's early return not a factor? Plus, what was the plan for RAW this Monday night supposed to be? (Hint...you're not going to like.) The progression of the Christian/Randy Orton feud, as well as Sheamus' perceived face turn are topics too. In the "Finisher" segment, Alex mentions that Chris Benoit's father may look to sue the WWE. What if anything would come out of that? "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, www.moneymattersradio.net, and www.livestream.com/wbnw1120. "Without a Curse" is now on Stitch

Alex is back from his 2 week Italian vacation, and is ready to talk some wrasslin'. Boy, are things heating up or what? Alex recaps the "Money in the Bank" PPV and states that it was maybe one of the best PPV's that the WWE has EVER DONE...culminating in one of the most electric matches the WWE has put on in the past decade. Every finish in the show was perfectly drawn up, and the crowd gave the event a big time feel. This "CM Punk vs. WWE" storyline is putting the WWE back on the map, as it appeals to all sects of the WWE's current fan base and past fan base. Which way will it go next? What kind of symbols can we take from Triple H "firing" Vince McMahon on RAW this past week? Daniel Bryan winning Smackdown's "Money in the Bank," the continuation of Christian/Randy Orton, the WWE Championship tournament, and more is discussed as well. The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out too. In the "Finisher" segment, Alex opines about a lesbian MMA fighter. "The Ale

Alex welcomes back Todd Martin of "The Wrestling Observer" to the show. Alex and Todd dish on the fantastic CM Punk worked shoot promo from RAW and detail what the future holds for Punk. Is he really leaving after "Money in the Bank?" Alex and Todd also talk about what wrestlers will receive the next pushes over the summer, the lack of conclusive finishes to any matches, and more. The CM Punk promo is replayed in full, and the "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out too. The "Money in the Bank" participants for both RAW and Smackdown as well as other notes from the WWE this week are brought up as well. "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, www.moneymattersradio.net, and www.livestream.com/wbnw1120. Alex will in Italy from 7/4-7/15! I know...he's leaving America on the 4th...how un-American. Because of the way the schedule falls, "No Holds Barred" is taking a 2 week hiatus and will be back on Friday, 7/22! Alex will be po

Alex breaks down the latest news in the WWE, including the results from "Capitol Punishment." Alex talks about an ambiguous finish that he actually didn't mind... Alex also talks about this week's edition of RAW and how CM Punk absolutely stole the show. Why is the WWE showcasing Punk when he only has 1 month left on his contract The progression of Christian/Randy Orton, Vickie Guerrero's role, and much more is discussed as well. The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is discussed, and in the "Finisher" segment Alex dishes on what TNA would look like if Paul Heyman actually signed on with them. "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, www.moneymattersradio.net, and www.livestream.com/wbnw1120.

Alex talks about this week's 3 hour extravaganza edition of RAW, where there wasn't one quality finish! This isn't the movies or a hit television drama...there have to be decisive finishes and decisive characters worth investing in. The lack of clean finishes hinders everybody's ability to get over. The "Capitol Punishment" PPV is previewed, with Alex mentioning the up and coming wrestlers (more specifically, up and coming heels) who need clean victories. Alex also talks about the heavyweight championship matches. The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out, as Alex asks the question, "should Randy Orton's and Christian's roles be reversed?" In the "Finisher" segment, Alex looks at the relatively unspectacular ratings for this week's RAW, even though the whole roster was there and Stone Cold Steve Austin was the guest host. Have the "one week ratings boosts" run their coarse? "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, www.money

Alex talks about the biggest stories of the week, including an episode of RAW which featured countless examples of "counter-productive" booking. From having "Tough Enough" winner Andy Leavine's RAW debut include getting slapped by Vince McMahon, to having R-Truth wear a Confederate army uniform, to Jack Swagger running away from Booker-T, this week's RAW accomplished nothing but push countless wrestlers down a peg. On the positive side though, Alex feels that Christian's heel turn will actually go over really well on Smackdown and that the WWE's quick storyline arc hasn't seemed to hinder his character's development at all. In the "Finisher" segment, Alex gets into a couple of topics including the overwhelming quantity of WWE programming on the air right now. Post on the message boards (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards)! "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, www.moneymattersradio.net, and www.livestream.com/wbnw1120.

Alex spends a lot of time discussing the maddening way in which the WWE books their heels. They talk big games on the microphone, but yet never back it up in the ring. The latest example? R-Truth... In addition, Alex talks about the continued Miz/Alex Riley program, Kharma's leave of absence, Alberto Del Rio's "ruthless" persona, and much more. Plus, did they turn Christian heel too early? Could this storyline arc have been milked for a little longer than it was? In the "Finisher" segment, Alex hands out the "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) and further explains his assertion that the overall wrestling lifestyle is what tragically kills wrestling so young, and that nothing will change until the culture of the business changes. "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, www.moneymattersradio.net, and www.livestream.com/wbnw1120.

ex begins the show by quickly paying respects to the great "Macho Man" Randy Savage, who passed away at the age of 58 last week due to a heart attack and subsequent car accident. Alex then comments on the "drug culture" that still largely permeates professional wrestling, and how the incessant drug use won't end until the climate of the business changes. "Over the Limit" is recapped, as is the past week in WWE TV. Was the right move made in propelling Sheamus to the number one contenders spot for the World Heavyweight Championship? What affect does it have on Christian's status? Alex also talks about Kharma breaking down and crying on RAW, the Miz/Alex Riley feud, what the next step is for Michael Cole, and R-Truth's budding heel character. In the "Finisher" segment, the "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out, and Alex asks the question, "when will the next wrestling boom period come?" "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, w

Alex plays his interview with Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun. Alex and Kevin discuss the two week build to "Over the Limit," and how much interest (or lack thereof) this PPV has generated. They also talk about what the "endgame" is going to be with Michael Cole's heel character, the WWE Championship, and Christian's eventual heel turn. In addition, they touch upon the WWE's re-branding efforts as Kevin sheds some insight as to what Triple H and others envision the current WWE product to look like and be perceived to look like. In the "Finisher" segment, Alex hands out the "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) and gives his opinion on TNA changing their name to "iMPACT Wrestling." Is this exactly what TNA needed to do to be considered a true alternative to the WWE, or is this a case where actions speak louder than words? "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston and www.moneymattersradio.net. "The Alex Reimer Show" will be pre-recorded this

Alex discusses the fallout of the decision to have Christian lose the World Heavyweight Championship just 5 days after he won it. The WWE apparently doesn't understand why so many fans expressed such outrage at the decision... Alex also talks about the future of the Christian/Randy Orton feud, as well as the possibility that Smackdown may become the more "wrestling-centric" show. In terms of RAW, Alex mentions the Miz/John Cena match scheduled for "Over the Limit," and why this angle would just be so much easier if The Miz was champion and Cena was the challenger. Alex also talks about the continued booking of the R-Truth heel character, and why this Michael Cole/Jerry Lawler storyline must end! In the "Finisher" segment, the "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out, as Alex plays sound from Triple H talking about the brand change from "World Wrestling Entertainment" to "WWE." "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, www.money

he Osama Bin Laden capture and subsequent death is too big a story to ignore, and Alex briefly discusses it in the "Finisher" segment. But the bulk of the show is spent on wrestling, and there is a whole lot to get into. Alex spends a lot of time recapping some recent poor WWE booking decisions, from having every heel except Michael Cole lose at "Extreme Rules," to the asinine way they've handled The Miz, to having Christian drop the World Heavyweight Championship to Randy Orton just 5 days after capturing the belt! Wrestlers don't get over in this company because they're never given an opportunity to build long-term momentum. Christian is a perfect example of that unfortunate phenomenon. The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out, as Alex talks about what the next direction for Michael Cole should be. The Rock's "birthday bash," the possible re-hiring of Shawn Daivari, and more is talked about too. "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM

Alex gives his take on all of the movement that took place at this year's WWE Draft. How did RAW fare with the selections of Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, Jack Swagger, and others? How much stronger is Smackdown with the additions of Randy Orton, Sin Cara, Daniel Bryan, and many other wrestlers? Is there now no longer a clear "A" show? Also, the debate about whether the brand split is still a good idea or not continues on... Alex also talks about the first week of R-Truth's heel turn, the continued booking of the Michael Cole heel character, and the decision to have John Cena drafted to Smackdown and then back to RAW. He also discusses the evolution of Cody Rhodes' character as well as whether it is Christian's time to finally become a main event level face in the WWE. "Extreme Rules" is previewed, with Alex giving his predictions on both heavyweight championship matches. Alex also talks about the Michael Cole match, and how the WWE needs to make a hard decision on how to progress forward with his ch

Alex discusses the upcoming WWE Draft, the viability of the brand extension, and the current state of the WWE roster with Jared Gebhardt, a contributor to prowrestling.com. Alex also opines about R-Truth's heel turn this Monday on RAW, and some surprising (or maybe not so surprising) reaction from outside organizations. The continuation of Michael Cole's character, what Smackdown wrestlers seem poised to take Edge's babyface spot, the Corre's break-up, and more is talked about too. The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out in the "Finisher" segment, where Alex gives his take on the over-the-top Ken Anderson character in TNA. Alex will attend Boston University and major in broadcast journalism in September of 2011! Busy time for sports...listen to "The Alex Reimer Show" this Saturday from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, www.moneymattersradio.net, and www.livestream.com/wbnw1120.

Alex discusses the biggest story of the week, which was Edge officially announcing his retirement this week on RAW and again this week on Smackdown. Did it come as a surprise to the WWE? There are compelling reasons for why and maybe why not (Christian's push, etc). Edge successfully broke through the proverbial "glass ceiling." Why did he do that, and why haven't many other guys done it since Edge in 2003/2004? In the "Finisher" segment, Alex analyzes the current state of the WWE roster without Edge and the Wrestlemania "special attractions" and just how thin it looks. The "piledrivin' post of the week" (www.thesportsstuff.com/boards) is handed out, and Alex also talks about the continuation of the Michael Cole heel character (and his match with Lawler at the upcoming PPV), how John Cena will be booked in the near future, and more. It's a very busy time in sports. "The Alex Reimer Show" airs Saturday's from 3-5 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston, www.moneymattersradio.net, and www.livestream.com/wbnw1120.

Alex delivers a comprehensive recap of not only Wrestlemania 27, but also this past week in WWE TV. How was Wrestlemania, and how was it followed up on? Alex looks at the somewhat curious booking decisions seen at the show, such as having Randy Orton defeat CM Punk cleanly and having Edge and Alberto Del Rio open the show in their World Heavyweight Championship bout. Plus, was the right move made in having Del Rio getting pinned by Edge and then having his car destroyed? The Michael Cole "uber-heel character" is continuing. How much longer should this continue? Is this building towards a major confrontation at "Extreme Rules" (possibly involving JR)? Triple H and Undertaker wrestled a fantastic match at Wrestlemania and told a terrific story. Triple H also cut a great promo on RAW this week, promising that when Undertaker returns, "he'll be waiting..." The Rock and John Cena's match at Wrestlemania 28 is discussed too, with Alex asking three urgent questions that must be answered throughout the 1 yea