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Thank You, Axl Rotten (And R.I.P.)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Product Review - Premium CSI Board Shorts, Courtesy Of MMA Gospel's Dan Griffin

When Canvas Chronicle and MMA HQ approached MMA Gospel with a request to test Combat Sports International’s line of board shorts, there was no option but to accept. When a fighter buys gear, he/she needs to know that it will hold up through the stress of wear, washing, training, and of course, fighting. For fight gear, there is absolutely no better test than a trial by fire and that’s exactly what we gave these. MMA Gospel views it as a responsibility to ensure that the fighters who risk it all to step in the cage have all the information they can get to help make the decisions about who they train with, where they fight, and what gear they use so they can focus on training and putting on their best performances. For CSI, MMA Gospel put the board shorts through multiple hard training sessions, daily wear, and multiple washings and compared them directly against their competition’s offerings including a pair of Bad Boy World Class Pro shorts and Sprawl’s V-Flex XT line.

The Basics:

The CSI board shorts are 100% polyester with a 6” leg slit and 6” wide flexible lycra panel along the inseam. The shorts are Velcro fly and an internal drawstring. The entire pair is made of four double stitched and triple threaded panels. This is the same basic material and construction of the Sprawl shorts. The CSI shorts offer about an inch and a half more length for the same waist size and the lycra band on the inseam is a good two inches wider. The Bad Boy shorts are made of a sturdier Ballistic Nylon material with polyester War Flex bands down both the exterior seams and the inseam. While the Nylon is a more durable material than polyester, it has a stiffer more plastic feel to it and requires more detailed maintenance. The polyester flex strips provide less mobility than the lycra material, but the addition of the exterior panels help make up for it.

In a direct comparison of the materials and construction the CSI shorts offer a better overall design that the Sprawl shorts. They offer the same strengths and weaknesses, but the Sprawl shorts give the fighter less of the flex material and a shorter length that can ride up the leg and hamper the mobility of the most flexible fighters. The Bad Boy shorts offer a more durable material at the cost of ease of maintenance and they use a less flexible immaterial for their flex panels, but offer them in a different layout. The choice between the two is really a matter of personal preference on paper, though the CSI shorts average nearly $35 less per pair than the Bad Boy shorts and $25 less than the Sprawls.

Care/Maintenance:

Both the Sprawl and CSI board shorts are 100% polyester with lycra flex panels. The advantage of the polyester is that the shorts are machine washable without fear of damaging or the material. They do have to be line dried due to the flex material, but in a world where most fight shorts, including the Bad Boy shorts tested here, are handwash only, that’s a nice commodity. After multiple washes, the CSI shorts also showed a bit less wear than their Sprawl counterparts but neither pair had anything more serious than a few stray strings hanging out of the waist band. The Bad Boy shorts are considerably more difficult to clean not only because they are hand wash only, but because the ultra sturdy ballistic nylon is also ultra difficult to remove any kind of stain from. A blood or sweat stain on the Bad Boy shorts may permanently discolor them even if an hour of scrubbing can remove the stain itself.

Durability/Performance:

All three pairs of shorts were worn for multiple daily training sessions including basic calisthenics, wrestling, kickboxing, and submission grappling sessions. The CSI shorts immediately set themselves apart from the other two in the kickboxing workouts. The tester from MMA Gospel is a long time professional kickboxer known by his training partners for his flexibility and striking speed. While there was no noticeable difference in mobility or kicking the body or legs, the CSI shorts were considerably easier to throw kicks the head with especially back, side, and spinning kicks. The Bad Boy shorts anterior polyester panels held them even with the Sprawl shorts in terms of flexibility, but the added width of the CSI flex panel made a world of difference. It is also worth noting that the Sprawl shorts shorter length and smaller leg slit caused them to ride up the leg uncomfortably during kicks above waist high.

As kickboxing trunks, the CSI shorts clearly beat the competition.

In grappling sessions, the CSI shorts suffered a little. The Bad Boy’s external panels provided a wider range of motions even if the provided less flexibility in those directions. The Sprawl shorts length actually became a bit of an advantage of the ground as they stayed neatly out of the way during transitions where the Bad Boy and CSI shorts caught a foot hand occasionally. The Sprawl shorts also made it a bit more difficult for the opponent to grab them as they rode high on the thighs and fit a bit more snuggly and the Bad Boy’s slick nylon was difficult to grip as well. The CSI brand shorts provided excellent comfort and mobility, but a fighter looking for every possible edge may be more comfortable with a shorter or less easily gripped pair of shorts.

After several washes and training sessions, the CSI board shorts showed a few signs of wear, most notably fraying stitches and a little separation on the outside of the bottom seam. The Sprawl shorts showed quite a bit more wear, with frayed stitching along both the bottom seam and the waist band where it seemed that the stitching that held the drawstring in place may have been coming apart. The Bad Boy shorts looked nearly brand new save that there was some more or less permanent creasing in the nylon material.

Miscellaneous:

The CSI shorts were very unrestricting and stayed in place without any need to adjust the waist band, worry about the Velcro hanging over the band and scratching, or retie the drawstring. They also shed a considerably amount of water, so a fighter who includes swimming as part of his/her cardio training can feel free to move from the gym to the pool in the same shorts. This also helped keep the drying time down as the must be air dried to avoid shrinking the flex panel. The shorts also breathe really well and stay cool even during strenuous training. This is a big advantage over the Bad Boy shorts where the nylon traps the fighter’s body heat and the shorts become an oven after about twenty minutes of hard training. The Velcro on the fly and buckle of the CSI shorts is also double stitched to ensure that the Velcro stays securely in place.

Overall, the Combat Sports International board shorts compare favorably against their direct competition and are far superior to brands of similar cost. With an average cost of $25, they are a very good buy. They out perform their Sprawl counterparts which cost an average of $50 and go stride for stride with Bad Boy shorts that cost an average of $60. For a stand-up fighter, they are a better design than most kickboxing trunks. For a submission grappler they may not be the choice for competition, but at the very least a fighter should consider them as a pair of daily training shorts as they are inexpensive, durable, and comfortable.

Monday, January 17, 2011

I'm Still On This Slow-Ass Computer, But Wanted To Mention ...

The March issue of 'Muscle & Fitness' will feature a story on Triple H and his training regimen. Because of this slow-ass computer ... well, that, and my poor work ethic ... I have no way of being absolutely certain, but believe, as Jim Ross might say, this to not be Trips' first dance with that particular magazine (which goes on sale, should you be Triple H or a fan, on Tuesday, February 22).

I'm Really Pressed For Time, And On A Slow-Ass Computer, But ...

I wanted to mention that Buddy Wayne returnz (see what I did, there?) to Rumerz Radio (I've been on this show!), tonight, at 11 PM ET. Be there ... or don't ... see if I care.

Friday, January 14, 2011

UPDATED LINEUP - STRIKEFORCE'S 'SAN JOSE: DIAZ VS. CYBORG'

HP Pavilion
San Jose, California
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Live on Showtime @ 10:00 PM ET
Card subject to change


TELEVISED
* Nick Diaz vs. Evangelista Santos - Welterweight title
* Robbie Lawler vs. Ronaldo Souza - Middleweight title
* Scott Carson vs. Herschel Walker - heavyweights
* Roger Gracie vs. Trevor Prangley - light heavyweights

PRELIMS
* James Terry vs. ??? - welterweights
* Nate Coy vs. Nate Moore - welterweights
* Germaine de Randamie vs. Stephanie Webber - female welterweights
* Ron Keslar vs. Eric Lawson - middleweights

Thursday, January 6, 2011

WWE® Names Michael Luisi Head Of Business Affairs & General Counsel

STAMFORD, Conn., January 6, 2011 -- World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. announced that Michael Luisi has been named Executive Vice President of Business Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, effective January 10, 2011. Luisi will report to WWE Chairman and CEO, Vince McMahon. In his new role, Luisi will be a key member of WWE's senior management team and responsible for business and legal affairs for the company.

“Michael has had a very accomplished career in the entertainment industry. He brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts within the entertainment industry which will benefit WWE and serve him well in his new position,” said McMahon.

Prior to joining WWE, Luisi was with Miramax Films for 12 years, most recently as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Operations. In this position, he was the principal business and legal advisor to the President of Miramax Films and the company’s senior management team.

Luisi was an entertainment lawyer at Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz prior to Miramax. During his tenure there, he specialized in individual talent and production company representation across the motion picture and television industries. He has also held positions at Weil Gotshal & Manges and New Line Cinema.

Since 2004, he has served as an adjunct professor in the Entertainment, Media and Technology (EMT) program at New York University Stern School of Business.

Luisi holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and a Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law.

About World Wrestling Entertainment

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Tokyo, Toronto and Sydney.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.(NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

WWE Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Source: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

LO-FUCKING-L! ...

Read this, then see if there's anything else that can be said.

Monday, January 3, 2011

USA Network Orders “WWE TOUGH ENOUGH®”

Non-scripted Series to Discover Next WWE® Superstar Debuts April 4th

LOS ANGELES, Jan 03, 2011 -- USA Network has given a ten episode order to “WWE TOUGH ENOUGH,” a non-scripted series in collaboration with World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Shed Media US. “WWE TOUGH ENOUGH,” slated to debut April 4, 2011, will feature a group of twelve individuals looking for an once-in-a-lifetime shot to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. The grand prize winner will be awarded a contract with WWE, joining its roster of talent.

“WWE TOUGH ENOUGH” will premiere at 11/10c the day after WrestleMania® XXVII and immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut “WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®.” It will then move to its regularly scheduled slot, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11th.

"We're thrilled to tag team with the WWE in bringing TOUGH ENOUGH back to television," said Chris McCumber, evp marketing, digital and brand strategy, USA Network and Jeff Wachtel, president original programming USA Network & co-head, original content, Universal Cable Productions. "By focusing on both the physical and the performance challenges of becoming a Superstar, the show will shine a new light on what it takes to truly make your mark in the WWE universe."

“For years, the return of `TOUGH ENOUGH has been one of the most talked about and speculated topics amongst reality show fans and television industry insiders,” said Kevin Dunn, Executive Vice President, Television Production, WWE. “With the combined promotional muscle of USA Network and WWE, the right time slot and the reality show experience of Shed Media, WWE is looking forward to the successful return of one of television’s first reality show hits.”

The diverse group of men and women will live and train together in a house in Los Angeles. To see who has what it takes to be the next WWE Superstar or Diva, the contestants will battle it out each week in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Each episode will feature a current WWE Superstar, who will introduce the contenders to a quality that they must possess to make it to the top of the sports entertainment world. Along the way, viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization.

Each episode will conclude with the elimination of one of the hopefuls who is left outside of the ring, while those that remain will move one step closer to their dream. In the final episode, the remaining contestants will battle it out for the grand prize.

Shed Media US, noted for its strong characters and memorable casting in the non-scripted arena, will produce WWE TOUGH ENOUGH. The company’s previous reality credits include “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “World's Strictest Parents.” Producing for Shed Media US are Alex Demyanenko and Eric Van Wagenen.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 98.5 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo and Mexico City. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

WWE Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, feature films, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.

Source: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.