“He’s going to cash it in…”
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
Man, we’re less than 24 hours removed from C.M. Punk becoming The Man at Monday’s Raw at the Ford Center. Wow, me and my buddy, Sam, had gone over what could possibly happen at our Raw.
A world champion being crowned was the top thing we could see. But we never ever thought it would ACTUALLY happen.
Anyway, it was quite the rush (even if it didn’t come across so great on TV). I was about three rows behind the timekeeper, pretty cool. So, let‘s close out the wrestling discussion with The Boneman’s Top 10 Moments from Monday.
1a. The after party at JR’s new restaurant in Moore. Wow, that restaurant is going to be something special. The memorabilia is incredible. I love the way the place is divided, too. It’s going to be a common stop for yours truly. And any wrestler or crew member who was cool enough to show up earns a couple of points in my book (not that that even matters.)
1b. Punk winning the title. As a fan, you just don’t forget those things.
3. Lillian Garcia’s rendition of the National Anthem. I had no idea this would be this high, but with her voice and the accompanying music, that was a special moment. It also was a little more special so close to the 4th of July.
4. Edge interrupting JR. I don’t know, every time I hear Edge’s song is a rush for me. And the fact that it came after another special moment with JR’s Farewell Address made it bigger than normal.
5. John Cena and Cryme Tyme appearing to distract JBL. Where did Cryme Tyme come from? Anyway, anything that was going to make sure Punk left the building champ was cool enough for me.
6. Batista coming in to destroy Edge, leading to Punk cashing in the Money in the Bank. I’m a sucker for Batista and was going nuts for that BatistaBomb.
7. “Priceless.” That was the first time I heard Ted DiBiase’s new song. I’m digging it. And the promo by Cody Rhodes and Ted…well, it wasn’t priceless, but it was pretty good.
8. All the pyrotechnics. I’ve heard from fans that there is nothing like Kane’s fireworks so close to you. They were right.
9. Meeting Jan Ross. I had to introduce myself. I’ve been bugging JR for a while. I had to let her know who the young reporter is always trying to get the word out. Hey, did you hear the new restaurant is opening July 14? You can never have too many plugs.
Oh wait, here’s one more: JR’s official blog.
10. JR opening the show. Didn’t see it coming, especially since JR didn’t want a big deal being made about everything. But in OKC, kinda demanded something from our favorite son.
What a night! Hope everyone had as good, if not a better time as the Boneman. If anyone has SmackDown stories from tonight in Tulsa, please share. Here at the blog, we’re going to be switching gears here as we have plenty to talk about.
Manny Pacquiao had a virtuoso performance in dominating the game but out-matched David Diaz. And now we’re on the cusp of UFC 86 with Rampage Jackson vs. Forrest Griffin. Whoo boy, should be a good one.
Wait, you came from where?…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
Well well, Monday Night Raw has come and gone. As a wrestling fan, the Boneman will never forget the night C.M. Punk won his first world title.
But before then, I had some time to kill. Anyone who knows me knows I love to be early to everything. So if a show starts at 7 p.m., well, I’m there by 6.
The same couldn’t be said for the bearer of my ticket, Sam, and his wife, Ashley. They weren’t late by any means, but I HATE traffic and got there a good 30-40 minutes before them. So before I could enter the Ford Center for some rasslin’, I put on my reporter hat again and talked to some of the common folk.
Tony, 23, Newcastle: “I was here for Unforgiven in 2005. I like to think we had a hand in starting the anti-Cena stuff because we really wanted Kurt Angle to kick his (butt). I’m here tonight once again to torment Cena. It’ll never be over.”
Andrea, 11, Norman: “I want to see C.M. Punk. He’s so different from everyone else. It‘s only a matter of time before he‘s champ.” (wait, did Andrea know something we didn’t?)
The Sanders Family, Dallas: “We came straight here from last night’s PPV (Night of Champions). We drove up this morning, had lunch at JR’s Bar-B-Q. After tonight, we’re going up to Tulsa for SmackDown,” David, the father, said. “This is a pretty cool road trip for the boys. I hope we see something we won’t forget.” (is a new world champ enough for you? Pretty memorable.)
Scott, 33, Denver: “I figured I’d get rid of two things at once. I love BBQ, so go to JR’s during the day and Raw at night? Hey, can’t top that. I’m going to try to go to SmackDown, too. We’ll see.”
Linda, 7, Oklahoma City: “This is my birthday present. I could have a party or go to Raw. I want to see John Cena. He’s so cute.” (Boneman note: Linda brought a couple of her friends, too. She’s not that selfish.)
A.J., 14, Tulsa: “I have a hunch Edge is going to be on the show tonight. If I can see Edge tonight, and then again tomorrow, I’m there. He is the Rated-R Superstar.” (and then A.J. did some weird pose I’ve never seen Edge do before.)
Paul, 62, Guthrie: “It can get ridiculous at times, but I grew up a big wrestling fan. I love the man Shawn Michaels has become. I remember when he was just a young punk. He’s matured into someone we can all be proud of. I don’t know if he’ll be here tonight. If not, I think Edge is the best in the business at doing what he does.” (Have to echo these words. Disappointed about no HBK, but Edge is the closest to the most complete performer today.)
Dennis, 15, Oklahoma City: “I’m going to make Michael Cole’s night a living hell. This is Oklahoma City, and you’re in JR country.” (which was then followed by a monstrous “JR” chant with other people in line.)
Brad and Jen, 25 and 23, Seattle: “We’re going to be moving here in a couple months for a job re-location. We wanted to see what it’s like. Oklahoma City is better than people think.” (they both admitted they’re Sonics fans and since Brad and Jen are on the move, they want the team to be, too.)
Overall, I don’t think we had the best creative signs ever. But give yourselves a hand for the intricate details some of you put into them. They were definitely flashy, if nothing else.
I’ll be back later today with my personal memories from Raw.
