Sports

The Spotlight On Shane McMahon on The Michael Kay Show

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Shane McMahon just wrapped up an appearance on ESPN’s “The Michael Kay Show” with Michael Kay and Don La Greca.  Here are some highlights from the interview..

– Michael Kay said it best when he noted in the beginning of the piece how big of a deal it was for them to discuss wrestling but that this was such a big deal that he felt like they had to have Shane on.  I now that Peter Rosenberg is a big wrestling fan and that Don La Greca’s brother, Dave is a host of the Busted Open Wrestling radio show on sirius but this was reallly cool to hear Michael Kay talk about wrestling.

– The interview started off with Shane mentioning how humbling it was to get the ovation that he got when he appeared on Monday.  He mentioned how Monday was a night he will never forget and that when he thanked the crowd in Detroit during the commercial break, he didn’t know it was going to air (Referring to the footage WWE put up on youtube with him stating that “he had goosebumps on top of goosebumps and his nipples were hard).  He said that he was hoping the reaction would be good but wasn’t 100% sure and said the reaction blew him away.  He compared the feeling to that of a close sports game when the crowd goes nuts and it was surreal that the reaction was all directed towards him.

– From there Shane was asked about whether he feels added pressure because he is the boss’ son and if that played a part in why he took so many risks.  Shane mentioned that he had to pay a lot of dues growing up by helping to set up the ring and being a referee.  Shane  explained that he continued to take risks because he always assumed each match would be his last so he figured why not leave it all out there.  He told a funny story from when he was 8 years old, Mr. Fuji told him to try a dropkick off the top rope.  He went up to the top with a ton of enthusiasm and when he hit the mat, he grew an appreciation for how hard the mat was and an appreciation for the punishment the superstars take. Shane mentioned that he loved growing up in the business mentioning how impressive Wrestlemania 3 was and that during that show he walked to the top of the arena just to take it all in and hoped that this year they can top the crowd that Wrestlemania 3 did.

–  He explained how the primary driving force for  him to return was so that his sons would be able to see him perform.  He explained how he did not tell his kids that he would be returning and his wife recorded a private video of his sons reaction, which was also off the charts.

– Don La Greca than asked if there was any real tension between he and Vince McMahon to which mentioned that at times there has been animosity between the two but said that it’s to be expected when you’re in any family business.

– Shane explained that kayfabe is still important to him and so he wanted to keep his return a surprise so he kept it very close to the vest.  He did explain how hard it is this day in age where security cameras can pick up your appearance and the next thing you know the story breaks everyone.  Rosenberg made a good point about how he loves the Rock but that every time he returns he puts a picture of himself on instagram arriving in the city so it gives it away.

– In regards to Wrestlemania, Shane mentioned that he’s currently doing 3 a days and really improving his cardio.  He explained that he’s currently working with two different personal trainers which he started originally training for surfing with his kids.  Shane then confirmed that he is working out with MMA trainer Phil Nurse (Trainer of GSP, Rashaad Evans and Frankie Edgar), and learning more mui tai kickboxing to improve his overall conditioning.

– In regards to his future in WWE and whether this is a one time deal, Shane said that, as of right now, he’s just focusing on Wrestlemania and will see where the future takes him after.  He said that he’s excited to have a match with The Undertaker because they’ve been good friends for 25 years and used to travel together.  He said that he’s ready to give it his all and be in the best shape of his life so that the fans will get the match they expect and knows that the Undertaker will do the same

Overall, I felt that Shane came across really well on the show.  He also spoke a bit about his love of the Yankees and how he expects them to do pretty well with the best bulpen in the game.  It was surreal to see Shane on an ESPN radio show and seeing this getting the attention that it does deserve.  It was cool to see the footage replayed of Shane’s comeback on the yes network and the footage of Shane training hard.  Overall a good piece for a Friday evening.

As for Shane, he is now on twitter @ShaneMcMahon.  I’ll have a lot more about my thoughts on Shane and how I felt about his big return this past week over the weekend.

The Spotlight On Sting Going Into The WWE Hall Of Fame

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This past week on WWE Raw it was officially announced that the headliner of this year’s WWE Hall Of Fame Class will in fact be Sting! It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise as Sting is more than worthy of the honor and he lives in and around the Dallas, Texas area. Sting is a former 6 time WCW champion, a former 2 time NWA world champion, former 4 time TNA heavyweight champion, the list goes on and on. Sting was pretty much the face of WCW throughout the late 80’s, early 90’s until the company’s close in March of 2001.

From a personal standpoint, I’m glad I got to see two of his appearances for WWE live this past year including his first match against Triple H and his surprise return the night after Summerslam at the Barclays Center. In many ways it’s great that Sting got to have one last run with WWE as it didn’t seem right that he never had a Wrestlemania moment. Also by performing for a WWE audience it’s allowed Sting to gain exposure to an entirely different audience.  My girlfriend grew up a very casual WWE fan and for about 3 years has been following pretty closely, thanks to me.  She had no idea really who Sting was prior to his appearances for WWE, to the point that when she saw Surfer Sting in the Hall of Fame package, she asked me who that was! To her, and her younger brother (who has a bunch of Sting action figures now) Sting is still someone new and very much current.  If you think about it, Sting will be entering the Hall of Fame just a bit after six months following his last world title opportunity so you can’t really blame them.

As for who should induct Sting, it has to be Ric Flair and that’s the only name I’ve heard rumored to be doing so.  Flair has been apart of WWE programming over the past two years as Charlotte has continued to rise the ranks of both NXT and WWE and with him, arguably, being one of Stings greatest adversaries and the man that in many ways made Sting the star he became, Flair should be the man to do it.  The only other name I can really see inducting Sting would be his lifelong friend Lex Luger and I’m unsure that he’d be able to, due to his health.  Aside from Sting, some other names that I can see going into the Hall of Fame this year would have to first and foremost be the Fabulous Freebirds ( which I’ve seen reported around the web, I believe pwinsider had it first).  The Freebirds are from Texas and Michael Hayes is obviously still a very big part of the WWE family.  If they wanted to keep things in Texas, I’d throw out former WWE diva Jaqueline (who had a good run in WWE including being a really good FOIL to Sable during the Attitude Era) into the mix.  From there how about former WWE champion, proud Texas native and current WWE commentator, JBL?  WWE usually likes to include somebody a bit more current that the current crop of fans are more familiar with, so I think that JBL would be a great choice and obviously very deserving.  For a posthumous induction, since it appears that Wrestlemania will no longer be going to Minnesota, how about this being the year that Rick Rude goes into the hall of fame?  Or again if we want to stick with that Texas theme, what about the late great Dick Murdoch? Rounding out the class with a celebrity inductee, I feel like this year has to be Lemmy who recently passed away and meant a lot to so much of the WWE roster, most notably Triple H.

Of course, the big rumor about this year’s hall of fame was that the Undertaker would be the headliner following his 25th anniversary, this being in his hometown of Texas on the night before the biggest Wrestlemania in the company’s history.  Well what i think happened there was a few things.  For one, John Cena got hurt and by all intents and purposes John Cena vs. The Undertaker in one of their first ever big high profile matches was heavily rumored as being a part of this year’s Wrestlemania.  With that match now not being something that can get done, in my opinion, perhaps they have that match penciled in for next year’s Mania and wanted to hold off on the Hall of Fame induction with the Undertaker still having matches a year from now.  Next, let’s be honest no matter how old the Undertaker is, it doesn’t matter, he had some of the best matches over the last year against Brock Lesnar and the Wyatt Family.  If he can still have great matches like that and come away healthy then why not utilize the Undertaker in some of the bigger shows of the year.  Of course this is all speculation, for all we know Undertaker can still be announced for the hall but that wouldn’t make much sense for WWE to use two headliners that can sell out the Hall Of Fame on their own like The Undertaker and Sting.

Well, that’s going to do it for now but congratulations go out to Sting on a well deserved Hall of Fame induction.  We’ll have much more breaking news as it’s released.

 

The Spotlight NFL Week 12 NFL Picks Against The Spread

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Almost had to take a bye week here, but have no fear we are in before the kickoffs here.  If you were unable to check out my thanksgiving picks, you can do so right here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp_U76Nifok , that would be our official youtube channel which I’ll be updating again either later today or tomorrow with a video chronicling my trip to the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  So far this week with the Thanksgiving games I’m 2-1, which brings my year long total to 62-24 against the spread.  Vegas can be a cold hearted  bitch but we are getting through this so let’s get into the rest of the picks.

1) Oakland Raiders (-1) at Tennessee Titans

I’ve been against the Raiders much of the way because I feel like they’ve gotten a ton of hype, despite not beating any one .500 or better (other than the Jets but that was the Geno Smith game).  Well, this week they get to play the 2-8 Titans and so I’m back on the Raiders here.  Look the Titans defense is pretty good (ranked number 6 overall) but they haven’t been able to carry the offense to anything save for that game in New Orleans where they won a stunner in overtime.  Honestly though, I could call my boy Adam Tobey and have him rally up the Benai Brith youth troop and we’d drop 30 on the Saints defense too.  The Raiders have been pretty unlucky the past three weeks but that luck will turn around in Tennessee.  I like the Raiders in a pickem.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3) at Indianapolis Colts

If you can make this 3.5 for a little less juice, I’d like it a little more because it reads like a field goal winner either way.  It’s the battle of the oldest quarterback in the league vs. the youngest quarterback in the league.  Despite Matt Hasslebeck being undefeated this season, I’m going to take my chances with youth on the road.  Famous Jameis has arrived folks!  Way sooner than anyone could have predicted, Winston has the Bucs right in the midst of a playoff race.  While Winston has made the play when he’s had to, I can’t give him all the credit.  The Bucs have done it this season lead by a stout defense, lead by Lavonte David and by the number 2 rusher in the NFL, Doug Martin, who has bounced back in a big way this year.  The Bucs really showed me a lot last week when they went into Philly and beat them by four touchdowns, I think their road prowess continues this week.  I like to the Bucs +3

3) Houston Texans (-3) over New Orleans Saints 

Oh boy do I love this pick!  I like it so much it was so close to being my lock of the week.  The Texans are rolling after taking down the undefeated Bengals and my New york Jets and now they get Brian Hoyer back.  While Hoyer likely won’t be battling for a pro bowl slot, he’s the best the Texans have and opposing defenses don’t need Deandre Hopkins to get a better quarterback.  Speaking of defenses, you’ve probably heard all week that the Saints defense will be a lot better because they’ve finally fired Rob Ryan.  Well, they still have the same personnel and the last time I checked, Drew Brees still can’t win on the road.  Don’t expect Brees to get his act together against JJ Watt and that stiff Defense of the Texans.  I lie the Texans by a field goal.

4) Kansas City Chiefs (-4) over the Buffalo Bills 

After going on the road and outscoring their opponents 62-16, the Kansas City Chiefs return home winners of four straight to play host to the Buffalo Bills.  The Bills have a good defense but seem to really be struggling to score on the offensive side of the ball.  You mean to tell me a Rex Ryan led team has trouble with the quarterback position.  As a Jets fan, I’m tired of that narrative.  The defense should keep it close, but I like Kansas City, -4.

5) Pittsburgh Steelers +3.5 at Seattle Seahawks

Big Ben makes his first ever appearance at Seattle today and I’m going to go with the road team in this one.  Go ahead a take a peak at the Seahawks schedule.  They really haven’t beaten anyone all season and have been beatable at home.  On the other side of things, the Steelers are coming off a bye so Ben has had an extra week to rest up and get healthy.  You know I don’t choose underdogs that I don’t think can win.  I like the Steelers +3.5

6) IF YOU”RE DESPERATE: Atlanta Falcons (-1) over Minnesota Viking 

I know I know, the Falcons have been awful as of late and continue to find a way to lose.  Actually I haven’t lost too much this season but when I have it’s mostly been with the Jets and the Falcons.  That said, this is my tenth game that I’m picking before the primetime games even start and so it’s a bit of slim pickings.  The Falcons have been a bit too dependent on Devonta Freeman after his fluky hot start and so now that he’s out I expect a lot of Matt Ryan airing it out.  That’s when the Falcons are at their best.  The Vikings were a bit exposed last week against the Packers and I expect a bit of a hangover here.  Falcons will find a way to get it done.

LOCK OF THE WEEK (10-1): New York Giants (pk) at Washington Redskins

Prior to this season, I have never picked the Giants and when I have it’s blown up in my face.  That said, the Giants have been my Lock of the week 3 times this season and I like em again today.  The Redskins are sneaky good at home (4-1) and have their big weapon back in Desean Jackson which makes Kirk Cousins look like a professional quarterback.  That said, the Giants are coming off of a bye and get Prince Amukamura back.  Couple Prince with the resurgence of JPP and the Giants have something on the defensive side of the ball to go along with Eli, who’s looked great.  The Giants will find a way to get it done and put the NFC East to bed before Decemeber.

 

The Spotlight NFL Week 12 Thanksgiving Picks Against The Spread 

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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! As promised on Thanksgiving Day we were going to launch the next phase of our website…the video portion! The spotlight videos are going to debut on our official YouTube channel and  then within the next couple of hours you’ll be able to watch those videos right here on thedailyspotlight.com! The videos are going to consist of a good portion of travel videos that I’ve built up over the past 2 years or so. However, I’m also going to be filming videos dedicated to my weekly NFL picks. The plan is to film my picks at a different location every time, so without any further ado lets get into them.

This week I’m going to start with a video breaking down the three games that will be played today, on Thanksgiving! Now yes we’re 60-24 this season and have simply been tearing it up but use a little caution here. This is a tough slate of games here, so tough that I likely would have passed on the three games if they were a part of Sunday. I feel much better about my Sunday games by the way and I’m excited to get into those games later this weekend. If you’re unaware of the schedule today the (3-7) Detroit Lions will host the (4-6) Philadelphia Eagles at 12:30 PM EST on Fox. From there the (3-7) Dallas Cowboys will welcome the (10-0) Carolina Panthers at 4:00 PM EST on CBS and then tonight the (7-3) Green Bay Packers play host to their bitter rival, the (4-6) Chicago Bears on Brett Favre day at 8:30 PM EST on NBC. I break down all three of the games in the 2 and a half minute video below. Check it out and I wish all of you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

The Spotlight On The Return Of Mark Sanchez To Thanksgiving Football

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Hello everyone and happy thanksgiving eve!  If you’re like me Thanksgiving is synonymous with a variety of things including the start of the holiday season, good food and, of course football! Well, in 2012 for me, as a Jets fan, Thanksgiving went on to live forever in infamy…

Video Courtesy Of The NFL

Sitting at 4-6 the New York Jets welcomed their division rival, the New England Patriots to a sold out Metlife Stadium, hoping to get their season back on track.  The result was one of the worst quarters of football in history.  Despite having possession of the football for 12 of the 15 minutes in the second quarter, the Jets were outscored by the Patriots, 35-3.  This included a 52 second stretch in which the Patriots scored on offense, special teams and defense, which culminated with one of the worst plays in football history, the butt fumble!

It’s never easy being a Jets fan but that Thanksgiving may have been one of the most disappointing losses in team history.  Part of that reason is because of just how excited my dad and I were for the game.  We rushed back from Thanksgiving dinner and went through all of the possible scenarios of what the Jets had to do to make the playoffs all Thanksgiving long.  This was at a time in which the Jets were coming off three straight .500 or better seasons and were just two seasons removed from the two trips to the AFC Championship game, which included a playoff win in New England.  Jets fans, like myself, finally had a reason to get excited about their team and it was thanks in large part to Rex Ryan and Quaterback Mark Sanchez.  Unfortunately, this sad 49-14 loss against the Patriots spelled the beginning of the end of that era of Jets football as they haven’t been the same since and now both Sanchez and Rex are long gone.  It’s a shame for Mark Sanchez that he is remembered mostly for such an unfortunate play because for a few years that kid ran New York.  That’s right, truth be told Sanchez had quite a bit of success for the Jets and has the record for most playoff wins by a Jets Quarterback (4), all of which were on the road no less.

The good news for Mark is that he does have a bit of a chance to redeem himself because he returns to Thanksgiving tomorrow afternoon as the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, filling in for the injured Sam Bradford.  The Eagles sit just a game out of first place(again at 4-6)  in the NFC East and a good performance from Sanchez tomorrow may lead them to a virtual tie with the Redskins and Giants by the end of the weekend.  That would definitely a bit of Thanksgiving redemption for the former Sanchize.  One thing is for sure, it can’t be much worse than it was on that fateful night in 2012!