The Raven - Performed by Vincent Price

Happy Halloween!

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

BLOGGER NOTE: A true tale of terror written by the master himself; perfect for Halloween!

The Raven

by

Edgar Allan Poe

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore -
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
`'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door -
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; -
This it is, and nothing more,'

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
`Sir,' said I, `or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you' - here I opened wide the door; -
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before
But the silence was unbroken, and the darkness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, `Lenore!'
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, `Lenore!'
Merely this and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
`Surely,' said I, `surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore -
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; -
'Tis the wind and nothing more!'

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door -
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door -
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
`Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,' I said, `art sure no craven.
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the nightly shore -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning - little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door -
Bird or beast above the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as `Nevermore.'

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered - not a feather then he fluttered -
Till I scarcely more than muttered `Other friends have flown before -
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.'
Then the bird said, `Nevermore.'

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
`Doubtless,' said I, `what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore -
Till the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore
Of "Never-nevermore."'

But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door;
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore -
What this grim, ungainly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking `Nevermore.'

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.
`Wretch,' I cried, `thy God hath lent thee - by these angels he has sent thee
Respite - respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted -
On this home by horror haunted - tell me truly, I implore -
Is there - is there balm in Gilead? - tell me - tell me, I implore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us - by that God we both adore -
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden, whom the angels named Lenore?'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!' I shrieked upstarting -
`Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken! - quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!

The Who Rock The Izod Center

The Who rocked New Jersey’s Izod Center (née Meadowlands) last night in a show that saw the band play a wide array of songs from their incomparably expansive music catalogue.

The loquacious Pete Townshend was at his most arrogant and played guitar the best I have ever seen him. Roger Daltrey was masterful; swinging his microphone and singing Pete's songs with an unbridled passion. He hit the high notes on "Love Reign O’er Me" and "Won’t Get Fooled Again" like he was 30 years younger. Drummer Zak Starkey was at his most manic on the drums; while Pino Palladino delivered strong bass playing.

Palladino and Simon Townshend (extra guitar) combine to try and replicate the rich sound of the dearly departed, John Entwistle, and do a fine job. Meanwhile, long-time Who-mate John”Rabbit” Bundrick was brilliant on keyboard.

The opening act, Canadian trio Inward Eye, were also very impressive, although the arena was probably a third full when they performed. I look forward to their album coming out in January on iTunes.

But, the very enthusiastic and surprisingly young crowd, filled up the building for the legendary twosome from Shepards Bush, England. The Ooo once again did not fail to take me away on a spiritual voyage, quite thankfully bereft of “Joe the Plumber” and “promises of change.” No, this was something better and more fulfilling then almost anything I have ever experienced. This is something that I have seen over and over again and have never grown tired, nor bored of.

This was a Who concert: brilliant, arrogant and spiritually uplifting!

Setlist:
I Can’t Explain
The Seeker
Anyway Anyhow Anywhere
Fragments
Who Are You
Behind Blue Eyes
Real Good Looking Boy
Sister Disco
Baba O’Riley
Gettin’ In Tune
Eminence Front
5.15
Love Reign O’er Me
My Generation
Won’t Get Fooled Again
Pinball Wizard
Amazing Journey/Sparks/See Me, Feel Me
Tea and Theatre

Monday Night Raw Quick Three Counts

Two nights in a row, I have seen good wrestling!

Last night was probably the best Monday Night Raw I have seen in quite some time. I thoroughly enjoyed Rey Mysterio vs. Evan Bourne (which the former won) and Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase vs. CM Punk and Kofi Kingston (won by the latter). So we saw new World Tag Team Champs crowned – and hopefully Punk/Kingston will put the titles back in the spotlight a little more; Batista looking very much like he will have a long title reign (until John Cena comes back); and Randy Orton laying down an ultimatum that he'll quit unless Raw GM Mike Adamle gets fired by Shane and Stephanie McMahon. Next week’s three hour show should be very interesting.

Perhaps, W.W.E. is stepping up its game in preparation for three of its biggest pay-per-view coming up: Survivor Series (November), Royal Rumble (January) and Wrestlemania (April).

Sad note yesterday about S.D. Jones passing away. I actually have a friend that worked with S.D. when they were both at the Daily News delivering papers and he had nothing but good things to say about "Special Delivery."

W.W.E. Cyber Sunday Was No Dog

World Wrestling Entertainment (W.W.E.) presented their supposed interactive Cyber Sunday pay-per-view last night and although I’m skeptical about the votes actually counting, I thought the show was one of the best W.W.E. pay-per-views I have seen in recent memory. Let’s take a look at what happened:

W.W.E. Champ Triple H beat Jeff Hardy.
I was surprised Kozlov did not get involved in this exciting match, but was even more so when Jim Ross said at the match's conclusion that Jeff Hardy will have his day with the title.

Batista beat Chris Jericho for the World Title.
Steve Austin was the overwhelming choice to be the referee, garnering 73% of the vote, but that didn’t stop the other guys on the ballot, Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton from getting involved. Oh yeah, JBL also got some shots in on Shawn Michaels, too. Batista as World Champ allows Jericho to blame the officiating - notably Austin. My greater hope is that it laid the foundation for an Austin return against either Jericho or Orton (whom he “stunned”) at Wrestlemania 25.

E.C.W. Champ Matt Hardy defeated Evan Bourne.
Let’s allow this one to breathe a minute or two before we call it an “instant classic,” but it was a must-see. No question a pay-per-view quality match!

Santino Marella lost via disqualification to the Honky Tonk Man.
Beth Phoenix interfered a minute into the match which led to Santino getting disqualified and the two arguing. I’m sure this will lead to their eventual demise as we have seen Phoenix get mad at Marella for costing her matches in the past. Marella leaves the pay-per-view with the Intercontinental title still intact, but he got a predictable beatdown from Roddy Piper, Goldust and HTM after the match. Great moment before the bout when Santino was saying that Phoenix (where the show was being held) is a place for washed up has-beens. He even referenced Shaq O'Neal before realizing that the big man was in the crowd. Dam if I don't now have that Honky Tonk Man theme song stuck in my head.

The fans chose Cryme Tyme vs. The Miz and John Morrison.
Miz and Morrison won in what was a better than expected match.

Kane beat Rey Mysterio in a No Holds Barred match.
Good match, lame feud.

The Undertaker defeated Big Show in a Last Man Standing match.
Slow moving match but had a great finish.

Diva's Halloween Costume Contest in which the fans pick the winner.
Mickie James won the popularity contest. They did a good job of putting this on the program without making the show all about the contest. But they did a bad job on the costumes; Victoria as a banana? Get real!

Very Cool Video Montage of The Who

"Real Good Lookin' Boy" off of The Who's 2004 greatest hits album, Now and Then. Greg Lake (of Emerson, Lake and Palmer fame) plays bass on this song.

Courtesy of YouTube.

Cyber Sunday 2008

Tomorrow night the W.W.E. presents Cyber Sunday on pay-per-view. The fans’ votes supposedly have a hand in each match, either by picking the matchup, a special ref or the stipulation. Let’s have a look:

W.W.E. Champ Triple H defends against Jeff Hardy, Vladimir Kozlov or both.
The W.W.E. clearly wants Kozlov, whereas the fans want the very popular Hardy. So, I see a “triple threat “ match coming, which Triple H will win.

Chris Jericho-Batista in a World Title match that the fans pick the referee.
Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels or Steve Austin are the choices for the fans and undoubtedly Austin will be the choice. The hope for me is that this match will feature some kind of run-in which would lay the groundwork for an Austin in-ring return at next year's Wrestlemania? Regardless, I see Jericho walking out with the World Championship.

E.C.W. Champ Matt Hardy defends against Mark Henry, Evan Bourne or Finlay.
The very popular Bourne will be the choice and I’m hoping he goes over and takes home the E.C.W. Title. If there is any kind of swerve in this one, I could see one of the two – probably Bourne – turning heel.

Santino Marella vs. Goldust, Roddy Piper or The Honky Tonk Man.
I relish the day that Marella loses the Intercontinental Title, unfortunately, I don’t think it will happen tomorrow no matter who the fans pick. For some reason, I think this could be a three-way tie and all three wrestlers come down and lay the smackdown on Marella, who will get out of dodge with his IC Title in hand.

The fans get to choose among three tag team matches.
This is a pretty interesting vote for the fans as they have to choose from a World Tag Team Title Match, with Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase putting the titles on the line vs. CM Punk and Kofi Kingston; Cryme Tyme vs. The Miz and John Morrison or Jamie Noble and Mickie James vs. William Regal and Layla. I’d love to see Cody/Ted drop the tag titles to Punk and Kingston and so that's the match that I think will be the fans’ choice. In all probability, however, Cody/Ted will retain their titles.

Kane vs. Rey Mysterio in which the fans choose the type of match.
Falls Count Anywhere, No Holds Barred or two out of three Falls Match are the choices for the fans and I think it makes most sense for this to be a falls count anywhere match for Rey’s ability to be on display. I like Mysterio to get the win.

The Undertaker-Big Show in a Last Man Standing, I Quit, or Knockout Match. Undertaker is a big fan of mixed martial arts and with Big Show’s extensive boxing training I see this being a knockout match. I foresee Triple H interfering which would set up a “triple threat” match between the three at the Survivor Series pay-per-view in November.

Diva's Halloween Costume Contest in which the fans pick the winner:
Bore-snore but Candice Michelle will get the votes for the win.

This card doesn’t do a whole lot to get me excited and I am very suspect about the fans’ votes (via text message) counting anyway, so I most likely will skip this pay-per-view.

Odds & Sods

It's been a while, so I decided to bring out old "Odds & Sods" before she got too dusty...

NEWS
This long race for the White House is nearly complete, I hope. I have to admit I am a bit worried about what will take place on Election Day and in the aftermath in terms of voter fraud and any sort of poor behavior from the perpetually malcontent. Let's pray for the good of the country, that things go smoothly and perhaps the politicians can start to unite and work toward better days for the U.S. of A. But, since I am not the Pollyanna-type, I'm expecting more partisanship and the usual naval gazing exercise of blaming everyone else, which permeates throughout every facet of our society.

I've been most intently keeping an eye on Afghanistan and that region of the world for the last few months because I read that President Bush really wanted to step up the hunt for Usama bin Laden (forgotten?) in the hopes of either capturing (will never happen) or killing the al-Qaeda leader. We heard from UBL four days before the 2004 Election, I'll be interested if the Saudi billionaire puts out another promo of his non-sensible blathering.

SPORTS
I'm really curious to see how the ratings are for this World Series because I've got a funny feeling not many are paying attention. I partly blame Bud Selig for not doing a few simple things which would generate more interest in the M.L.B. post-season. If you aren't going to do afternoon games during either league championship series or the World Series, then how about starting the games themselves a bit earlier, say a half hour or 45 minutes? But it's an old argument and the start times won't change at any point soon.

The Rangers are really off to a great start and seem to have a very cohesive unit that isn't overly reliant on one particular player.

I'm eagerly awaiting the moment when Martin Brodeur establishes himself as the winningest goalie in the history of the N.H.L. Perhaps, before Christmas.

BOOKS
I'm flying through Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend by Mark Wilkerson and am eagerly awaiting the postmen's delivery of Bret Hart's autobiography and Anne Rice's memoir from Amazon.com. It won't be long before I finish the book on PT and in all likelihood will probably dive into Bret's book because I have heard such rave reviews about it.

The bombastic Chris Matthews hosts a Sunday morning show and the only segment I really like is when he asks the panelists on the show to "tell him something he doesn't know." Well, the book about Townshend tells me a great deal that I did not know, such as he was asked to do the music for the movie Blade Runner, but turned it down because he felt that one movie, Tommy, was enough for his lifetime because of the exhausting amount of work that goes into such a project.

Incidentally, I am going to see The Who this coming week and can't wait. So far, reviews of their performance on their mini-tour of North America have been very favorable. They opened with a show in Detroit in which all the money went to a local charity. Good job by The Ooo!

Ric Flair Will Never Retire...It's Not A Put-On Unfortunately!

Reportedly, Ric Flair is set to take big money to wrestle in the Tokyo Dome on January 4 against Japanese legend Masa Chono. Flair is saying that his retirement only counted in the U.S. and Europe. Sad.

Flair was given the best farewell match he could every hope for at Wrestlemania 24 against Shawn Michaels and - although I have only seen Chono wrestle once- it is quite doubtful that Ric will get that same kind of match again; looking at it from an in-ring perspective. Michaels is a unique guy because he makes everyone look their best, just ask Chris Jericho. Now Flair will look to cash in once more against someone that won't be able to "put over" Ric as Michaels did. The fans just aren't going to buy it and I fear it may backfire on Ric Flair.

Of course, Flair can do what he wants and it seems that nobody in the entertainment world truly stays retired, but Ric Flair at this point seems to be damaging his legacy. Flair left his role as a W.W.E. ambassador because he felt that he could make more money as an indy. The underlying reason behind all of this is what is truly sad to me, which is that Ric Flair just never learned to save his money and now he will wrestle and make autograph signing appearances until he literally drops.

The "Ric Flair Story" should have a better ending than this. If only the whole Flair-Chono thing was a put-on!

No, it's an "Eminence Front" indeed!

Me and My Brother Lundqvist

Well, last night Joel Lundqvist and the Dallas Stars defeated his brother, Henrik and the New York Rangers 2-1 at Madison Square Garden. Funny that MSG asked the sister of the two brothers how she would like the night to play out and she said that she would like to see Joel score the winner against Hank in a shootout! Wow! Usually when there is ever a sibling matchup in any sport, you get a panned answer from the other family members. Glad to see someone has an opinion.

Meanwhile, former Blueshirt Sean Avery is not short of opinions as he not only said some degrading things about backup goalie, Stephen Valiquette, but also got into it verbally with MSG reporter, John Giannone.

I never liked Avery’s game and always felt that he would hurt his team in a big spot. I'm glad he took Dallas' money as a free agent.

Good riddance!

Inside The Squared Circle: Why Lance Cade Is Gone, Bobby Lashley Update, M.M.A. Influence on W.W.E, Cena/Orton Return

The W.W.E is gearing up for another pay-per-view a week from this Sunday, Cyber Sunday. The concept is pretty cool in that they allow fans to vote via text message for the match stipulations and in some cases the matchups themsleves. My problem with it is that it costs fans 99 cents per vote, which isn’t going to make or break anyone hopefully, but does the vote really matter?

I’ve read Honky Tonk Man has said he probably won’t be able to wrestle due to a finger that got badly injured while fooling around with his guitar, so why is he one of the possibilities to face Santino Marella?

I can’t see many people voting to see another Matt Hardy-Mark Henry match or even Hardy-Finlay, so the obvious pick is for Evan Bourne to face Matt Hardy, which would be a pay-per-view quality match in my opinion. But we’ll the W.W.E. go that route or are they going to go with the overdone Hardy-Henry match. My point? I don’t like the fans getting fleeced and that would certainly be the case if the votes have no real impact. Along the same lines, I’m wondering if the economy is going to have a significant impact on the buy rate of the W.W.E. pay-per-views and will they have to cut back on the 14 they have per year.

Elsewhere, Jim Ross has revealed in his recent blog that Lance Cade was released by the W.W.E. due to some sort of incident on an airplane. I never saw Cade’s potential, but that’s me. On the other hand, I think he would be a good pickup for T.N.A.

Bobby Lashley begins his mixed martial arts career in December down in Florida.

Karen Angle is done with T.N.A which coincides with her marriage to Kurt.

I read that Vince McMahon wants the W.W.E. to appear more "real." This shows me that the popularity of mixed martial arts is having an impact on pro wrestling, despite McMahon saying that UFC and the like are not competitors of the W.W.E.

Randy Orton and John Cena are expected to return at some point next month; as the expression goes, “business is about to pick up!”

Made My Life So Wonderful

Since I am apparently catching up on blogging, I might as well give a tip of the old cap to the fabulous game played by Oklahoma and Texas last Saturday. Yeah, the Sooners lost and fell out of their number one ranking position, but that was probably the best football game I have seen this fall. The 45-35 final score is not exactly my type of game normally – I like the smash mouth, low scoring, NFC East type of affair - but watching the Red River Shootout (I’m not going to be politically correct and call it the Red River Rivalry) made me really want to go to that annual and festive affair some day.

As a great man once said, dare to dream!

When The Day Is Short And The Night Is Long

I must admit I stayed up way past my bedtime to watch analysis of the John McCain-Barack Obama debate. Finally, I see they brought up the issue of abortion. No sign of illegal immigration, though, which I think is one of the most important issues that needs to be discussed. That's an issue that impacts our hospitals (I can name two in Westchester County that went bankrupt due to giving care to illegal immigrants), national security (could someone easily sneak a bomb across our border?), disease (when my grandparents came here they were tested for everything) and education (aren't public schools already overcrowded?).

Senator McCain has an uphill battle, but he’s done it before. Obama at this point just has to play it cool and not engage. I checked out the different opinions on the debate last night, both liberal and conservative and it got me wondering if there is room for someone in the media that truly calls it down the middle?

I Don't Suppose You Would Remember Me

A few quick impertinent, yet pertinent, thoughts floating around in the old noggin that I want to put on paper…

SPORTS
I’m kinda tired of seeing athletes hold up their helmets, or sometimes their caps, at the conclusion of the Star Spangled Banner. There’s just something about it that I find to be tiresome. Maybe I should just be glad that they are standing during the anthem.

WFAN’s Mike Francesa continues with his revolving door of co-hosts and yesterday he had Evan Roberts as his co-pilot. Ugh!

ETC. ETC.
Why was the issue of Mitt Romney being a Mormon made into such, while it is considered almost blasphemous for anyone to ask about how deep was Barack Obama’s indoctrination, if at all, in Islam.

It might be mean-spirited but I looked up in the dictionary the word 'androgynous' and saw a picture of MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.

Overture

A quick few thoughts on a cacophony of items...

NEWS
Another debate tonight in which we most likely will not get anything answered as to where the candidates stand on abortion, illegal immigration, the ineptitude of the United Nations, what our role in Afghanistan is and how long we will be there and which candidate will put more cops on the street. No we will hear the same talking points that have made the first two debates more like stump speeches.

SPORTS
Sad news about Rangers' prospect Alex Cherepanov passing away at the age of 19. There are so many conflicting stories about how this young man passed away that we will probably never know the truth.

ETC.ETC.
Within the last couple of weeks there have been a bunch of books hitting the shelves that I would love to read. Bret Hart's book, Anne Rice's memoir and Chris Jericho's book in paperback. Currently I am flying through a biography on Pete Townshend, but I also am very much looking forward to another book coming out around Thanksgiving about the great Danny Hodge.

Who is he, exactly? Quite possibly one of the best all-around athletes in the history of sport in America. In four years as a standout wrestler at the University of Oklahoma the guy was never knocked off his feet once!

Can you say 'legit badass'?

Funny Snickers Commercial

I find this commercial to be hysterical, especially the driver's expression before they start singing!

No Mercy Results

I didn't get to see No Mercy last night, but here are the results in case you missed it. I'm hoping for some feedback from those that may have watched.

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho over Shawn Michaels in a ladder match.

W.W.E. Champion Triple H defeated Jeff Hardy.

E.C.W. Champion Matt Hardy beat Mark Henry.

Batista over JBL.

Big Show knocked out The Undertaker.

Women's Champion Beth Phoenix defeated Candice Michelle.

Rey Mysterio wins against Kane via disqualification.

No Mercy Preview and Predictions

Another Sunday, another W.W.E. pay-per-view. They come fast and furious - although in truth about once a month. On paper, No Mercy has potential to be good, but I have mixed feelings about it. Again, the tag team championship and Intercontinental title are not being defended and instead we get a women's match. Ugh!

World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match
Shawn Michaels goes up against Chris Jericho for the World Heavyweight Title in a match that Michaels put on the map: a ladder match. Michaels-Jericho has been an outstanding feud; the best of the year in my opinion and so now we will see if these two can put on that grand finale to their program. I would be very disappointed if the pay-per-view doesn't close with Michaels as the new World Champ, but would be shocked if this isn't one of the best bouts that W.W.E. has put on all year. Although the Michaels-Jericho program has run for six months or thereabouts, I have no problem with it continuing and even lasting all the way to Wrestlemania. My pick is Michaels beats Jericho for the belt in a "holy cow" classic match!

WWE Champion Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy
Ah Jeff Hardy, such an enigma. Every time Hardy gets close to the top, he gets himself in trouble. Does the W.W.E. trust Hardy to become W.W.E. Champ? Will we see Edge come down and cost someone the title? I'd love to see a Hardy-Edge feud begin and so that's what I am going with: Triple H winning due to Edge costing Hardy the match. No title for Jeff this time, they just can't trust him.

ECW Champion Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry
E.C.W. is not the old E.C.W. that's for sure, but I like it nonetheless. I hope W.W.E. allows these two to go for 10 minutes or so and put on a decent match. Henry has exceeded expectations in E.C.W. and that title is the perfect spot for Matt Hardy. I like Hardy to retain.

Batista vs. JBL
The winner of this match will face either Jericho or Michaels for the World Title at the next pay-per-view. We've already seen Jericho-JBL and Michaels-Batista. Correct me if I am wrong but we have not seen Michaels against JBL. That's why I like JBL in this one, to start something fresh. An appearance by Randy Orton is something else I see occurring. They teased us with an "Evolution" reunion with Batista and Orton a few months ago, which Batista did not respond to. Regardless of what role if any Orton plays, JBL wins.

Big Show vs. Undertaker
Reportedly, Undertaker is really banged up with one of his knees and a pinkie finger really bothering him. He has largely done tag team matches, but you can still expect him to put on a great show (no pun intended). They'll run with this feud for a while, so don't expect a clean finish.

Women's Championship Match
Candice Michelle has gotten ripped over her sloppy matches since she has returned from injury. She'll get the title from Beth Phoenix eventually, but not this Sunday.

Rey Mysterio vs. Kane
Raw GM Mike Adamle added a stipulation that Mysterio must remove his mask if Kane beats him, which would be really foolish from a merchandising standpoint for the W.W.E. So I would be really surprised if Mysterio does not wins. I like both wrestlers, but is this a pay-per-view quality match? I guess in the eyes of the W.W.E. it is.

Ring Of Honor "New Horizons" Pay-Per-View

As far as wrestling goes, you won't find better bell-to-bell than what the Ring Of Honor (R.O.H.) promotion puts forth. I recently got their New Horizons pay-per-view - which unfortunately I could not tape - and for $15 felt like I more than got my money's worth. Here are the results with some thoughts on each match:

Jay and Mark Briscoe beat Silas Young and Mitch Franklin
- The best tag team in wrestling: The Briscoes.

Four Corner Survival Match: Delirious vs. Shane Hagadorn vs. Ruckus vs. Erick Stevens
-Stevens pinned Hagadorn in a solid match.

No DQ Match: Necro Butcher gets pinned by "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen
- Solid match.

Go Shiozaki and Chris Hero (w/ Sweet and Sour Inc.) fall to Roderick Strong and Naomichi Marufuji
- So many different moves in this match; worth the price of admission.

ROH World Championship Match Nigel McGuinness vs. Claudio Castagnoli
- McGuinness' win was anti-climactic in an otherwise strong bout.

"American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black (w/ Jimmy Jacobs)
- Danielson repeatedly elbowed Black in the head until the ref stopped the match and gave Danielson the win. Both of these wrestlers would be stars in the W.W.E. Danielson, by the way, is one of my top five favorites in the biz.

Martha Wainwright Sings Leonard Cohen On Letterman