Root

At the very worst they "smoke" the finish - ie. double DQ, run-in of a talent requiring a rub, etc.

I simply stopped watching Raw & SD when I signed up with a different cable provider's promotional package which included all 5 TSN channels but none of the Sportsnet. So the major stuff missed is Blue Jays and pro wrestling - not much more unless you like to watch Bob McCown go on and on or Caroline Cameron doing her sing-song on the evening sports. I get enough of that with Jenn Hedger!

Unless Brock can make a commitment to VInce to do at least 3/4 of the PPVs and occasional visits to regular TV I suspect that's why they'll put Randy over the big man. If Randy is right physically (won't comment on his mental state) he'll work as much as required by his owners. That's a ton of PPVs (at top or 2nd from top) plus most regular TV - and tons of house shows. Brock, like his buddy The Undertaker is just a spot performer who is used sparingly. (by his own choice, not the owners)

Dana never got caught snorting drugs or fixing fights. His UFC tenure was a bit rocky because he was legit confrontational when he started and hasn't really polished himself up that much over the years. Most of his cards went over to rabid fans and media hype - the odd cancelled fight due to injury marred his sheet. Gina Carrano hasn't exactly set the acting world on fire but she's been a serviceable worker in the film industry. She gave Cyborg quite a fight before Cyborg was able to turn and demolish her late in their fight. Ronda may fight Cyborg or even Carrano but it will be in a choreographed WWE ring or on film. Rousey almost lost her cranium and jaw structure when Holm kicked it off - there's no way she wants anymore altered impairments in further outings vs. monsters like Cyborg, Nunes, Pena or even Holm. Ronda would still do well against softer competitors like Miesha, Cat Zingano or the like where she knows the opponent can't hurt her or submit her. If Carrano was still game - a Rousey vs. Carrano affair would be a strong draw but I don't know if Carrano would want to go much further than a 3 round dance with Ronda. What would be in it for either girl? Its obvious neither could stand up to monsters like Cyborg, Nunes, etc. Carrano vs. Holm would be a decent draw but the only one who's still active is Holm.

Time is slipping away on Ronda Rousey. She's a natural actress (action movies obviously) and the combination of the occasional action flick and WWE appearance should fund her for life - if she's not set already! I think Steph picked herself to confront Ronda - that's what Steph does and she's got the power. Obviously, its more words than actions cuz Steph & Hunter not only put down UFC/MMA but also 80% of their own roster - by virtue of being heel GMs/owners. I can't imagine Ronda serving as Steph's lieutenant and turning heel. If Ronda don't fight by the the summer of '17 I'd say she's done with the sport (other than perhaps being an analyst or making paid appearances for the product)

I also heard Paige Van Zant was part of the trade. I think its in WWE's interests to keep a bit of interplay between the two leagues - even though one is choreographed fighting and the other isn't. Paige is now known better as a finalist in the Dancing with the Stars show but the inactive (other than movies) Rousey would be the big fish to do another bit on WWE TV or PPV. Holly Holm and Cyborg would also be names to consider but Cyborg's poor English and Holm's boring persona might present obstacles. I think there's now grave doubts about whether Rousey has the desire to do more than yap at potential opponents (Cyborg, Holm, Tate, Coenen, Pena, Nunes, etc.) What a brilliant strategy by Dana White - even with Jon Jones subtracted from the 3 day fightfest in Vegas - he's set up a whole pile of talent as potential house show stars. Joanna J is certainly one, Nunes another and even Pena. In fact the only two diminished by this event were Ronda (by not participating) and Cat Zingano (who showed next to nothing in her dominating loss) Mark Hunt would also be a good chip for WWE - as he has a threatening look and a vicious resume. Not as a full-time worker but some guest-spotting might be in order. Don't know if they could use Anderson Silva - guy looks kinda gassed out.... but anyone who can cut a hard promo should be considered. Obviously the top of the list would be Rousey, Lesnar & Chael Sonnen. I always wondered why Vince didn't make a play for Sonnen after he stopped fighting - as an announcer or in-ring personality that just does a lot of lipping. A natural. Miesha Tate is also a great talker - even though she's become a bit of a journeyman fighter.

Rumours of Dana White and Lorenzo cashing in their chips have hovered over UFC for months, if not the last couple years. White will retain a minor share and continue to lead the thing as President - but will probably get himself canned at the first sign of trouble or controversy. As far as the WWE/UFC connection its my understanding that Vince McMahon agreed to let Brock Lesnar loop out of his WWE contract to fight that 42 yr old soupcan Mark Hunt - Hunt basically fetalled for the entire fight, allowing Lesnar to look good and dominate him for an unexpected Lesnar decision. In return for Lesnar's services White agreed to lease out one of his pieces of cattle - Ronda Rousey. I expect Ronda will be doing her bit in a confrontation with Stephanie McMahon without actually doing much judo or fighting. Vince could also let Ronda run ramphshod over those Bella twins - they'd know how to do the necessary gymnastics and agonizing looks to make Rousey look good. I'd also like to see Vince go further than that. Maybe bring in Alister Overeem, one of Lesnar's tormentors to scare the bejeebers out of Brock - but in the end just let Overeem work as a highly paid jobber - and put Lesnar over with an F5. Overeem would probably job for under $500,000 so its chump change.

I guess Brock read your post cuz he did pretty much everything you said. For once he realized he was doomed if he allowed Hunt to hit him square - so he had a few evasive manoeuvres. Miesha Tate getting herself squashed by Nunes was the biggest bomb on an otherwise fine card. Nunes broke thru Tate's usual "slow start" and busted up the American really severely in the first round - breaking Tate's nose - and then rather than continue to pound away at a virtually helpless Tate - she turned her over and choked her out. Tate got thrashed by Ronda Rousey in the 1st round but put up more resistance than she did in succumbing to the Amanda. Rousey;s head must be spinning at how vicious some of the women are - and how unstable the division is after Holm kicked her head off. Holm gets choked out by Tate - then Tate succumbs badly to Nunes. And I really like how tough that Polish JJ was in her straw weight match - really dogged and ground it out to win a UDC. Rousey is talking tough against Cyborg but talk is her best weapon - she'd be murdered if she entered the octagon vs. Cyborg and she knows it. Holm discovered how to beat Rousey by punching her hard and bloodying her badly - also resisting Rousey's grappling and takedowns, showing Rousey that she's bigger and stronger. If I could handpick the women's matches in the next 18 months I'd go as follows: Cyborg vs. Holly Holm Joanna J vs. Miesha Tate (Joanna would have to come up to at least 125/130 to fight 135 Tate) If Ronda keeps running her yap off and doesn't get into the ring in the next 6 months she'll abdicate her position as being a top challenger and float into the sunset much the same as Gina Carrano did after Cyborg brutalized her (I think GIna went nearly the distance vs. Cyborg, something Ronda couldn't do) Ronda vs. Tate or Ronda vs. Holm in re-matches doesn't have the sex appeal it did before last night. Tate will no doubt re-train and focus on a comeback. Seems to do better as a challenger than a champion as witnessed by last night. She was also on the verge of losing a decision to Holm before Holm got lazy and allowed Tate to mount her and choke her out. Nunes, after vanquishing Tate in such a vicious manner might be so full of hubris she'd actually take on Cyborg now. That fight would be interesting but don't think a fight between two south americans (both alleged to have used roids) would draw that well. What do you think UP?

I wouldn't say FAR BETTER. I quite enjoy 1290's pre-game cuz they're harder markers vs. Irving who's track record indicates about 40 years of enabling bomber coaching and management. Obviously a sports lifer like Irving is superior to an up n comer like Darrin Balming - and CJOB, by virtue of being the rights-holder is given priority access to bomber coaches, players and alumni. TSN is far more entertaining because Bluto is a hoot and Westwood, if you can ignore his hi-pitched rants (only his morning show partner Matt "Screech" Libel is worse) is actually well-versed in the sport and especially bomber history. 1290 is far more critical of the product - obviously they're not the right-holder while Irving tends to protect some of the bomber coaches, GM, scouts, etc. They're both very good shows. I listen more to 1290 cuz the coach's remarks CJOB post-game is kinda trite and loaded with too much double talk clichés. Bob will retire when Bob wants to retire (realistically when CJOB's current contract with the bombers runs its course). At that point the only real sports guys left at CJOB are full-time sports director Kelly Moore & part-time Keith McCulloch . . . Keith being the grandson of legendary Winnipeg sportswriter Jack Matheson. Moore is up there in age so he might retire, too but McCulloch will either stay on at CJOB as a newsman or head to another province. Moore would be good with Jets hockey at 1290. Far better than Brian Munz who's probably the most boring hockey broadcaster I've heard. Jim Toth, formerly the evening sports radio talk host at CJOB has done a couple bits with 1290 but hasn't joined them to date. He'll probably get a part-time gig with any of the wpg. TV stations but they don't address sports on TV (other than Jets games) like they used to. Ask Kevin O and Mitch from CBC.

Didn't Danielle Smith come within an iota of becoming Alberta premier (she was leader of Wild Rose party, no?)

Milt was special .

Brock will no doubt be intoxicated by the smell of the hunt. (no pun intended) and bull rush Hunt off the hop. Brock often over rushes his prey and really doesn't accomplish much other than giving his prey opportunity to land a couple hay-makers. As we all know Brock's kryptonite is his chin. He's extremely weak when a puncher (and Hunt is a puncher) start loading up. Once Brock tastes his own blood and can't recognize the ref - he'll go into the fetal position and stop defending so that the ref will save him a further thrashing and award Mark Hunt the match. Almost impossible to envision this one going past the middle of the 2nd round

Good feature

That's the root of the discontent. Cop code seems to say that 'the guy resisted and was armed, he was ready to kill us so we killed him". Its the best out possible cuz judges and rigged juries tend to buy into it and let dirty filthy cops off the hook - and that's why the rebellion is well underway! In many respects it could be worse than isis

The legendary TV show "Person of Interest" (starring Jim Caviezel & Sarah Shahi) predicted much of this would happen in such a surveillance and government controlled country. CBS never shoulda cancelled that show - one of the few bright lights in a TV world dominated by sloppy reality shows, eating disorders, Dr. Phils and generally bad quality product.

I suspect they're looking for more speed and smarts at that position but given our track record finding quality imports they might be stubborning it out with what they got.

Don't think the officiating will improve much. First off most of the CFL refs are of limited intelligence - the more detail you try to impart to them the less they retain. Just not enough comprehension and intelligence to do the job. Most CFL officials are about suited to be downs marksmen, that's about it. The CFL has all kinds of clinics, NFL guest officials, etc. but the simple fact is our officiating recruits are not very bright people. Well meaning, not bright!

Pretty good comparison. If memory serves Joey had a slightly stronger arm than Masoli but wasn't as mobile. (neither guy is the reincarnation of Damon Allen or Doug Flutie). Both guys minds are infested with mistakes. But Masoli is playing in a better system so he's still in the league while Joey is shining shoes or drawing small stores.

As opposed to the Ticats Lapo's offense played a fairly clean game - although it was very clear he didn't trust Willy to throw the long ball - and his lack of trust was justified by the experience of the first 2 games. (which was extremely poor) The dink 'n dunk stuff worked fairly well although I was impressed by the Ticats tight coverage of our short game. Of course, when their d-coordinator realized Willy was restricted in going deep - it was easy to re-set coverages. Couple blips with ball-handling and Willy fumbling up deep in Hamilton territory but it was hot and humid and perhaps his hand couldn't feel the ball>

The other station will indeed go hard for it. They're a 24 hour sports station and summer is their obvious weakness. Don't have primary access to the bomber coach by virtue of contractual obligations to CJOB. CJOB only pays heed to bombers for 3 hours of game, mild pre-game and post game, otherwise they barely exist. TSN1290 could easily absorb bombers 18 games from July thru November. Right now they're over-analyzing every expression and word Mike O'Shea emits - and that's only if Kevin Chevyldayoff doesn't blow his nose and cause a firestorm of analysis. Only problem is that Bob Irving is heading to 70 - and CJOB doesn't sell enough bomber ads to warrant a full-time road color analyst. The last time 1290 had the bombers they had some really horrid play by play guys (I think Robb Glazier was one). One move I'd like to see is a crew of Doug Brown doing play by play, Walby on color and Westwood & Bauming on the sidelines. But I suspect Darrin Bauming thinks he's the natural replacement when Irving calls it a day - that's why he's sticking around. Another guy they could fetch is Derek Taylor from TSN TV. He used to do Bisons ball in CIS and wasn't bad.

Lawrence was still getting his massage from Gary Lawless!

Biggest mis-matches tonite: 1. Kent Auston > Mike O'Shea 2. Richie Hall's D vs. the field of play 3. Big snarly Hammy DT Laurent vs. Goose 4. Hammy big/strong/fast def. ends vs. our less than stellar OTs If Willy gets some time (how I don't know) and Masoli off his game bombers have a chance!

Thanks for the correction. Don't like going on rider sites for information. Could easily have placed names like Brendan Taman, Ross Hodgkinson, Jim Bell, Lyle Bauer, etc. on this list. Taman tried to be a football man but ended up trading a whole lot of futures and was almost as bad as Mack. Hodgkinson and Bell were essentially back-ups who didn't initiate policy or directive for the squad. Bauer was a chemical/fertilizer executive in northen Saskatchewan when the club brought him aboard.

Just a quick list of guys we passed over for various jobs: 1. Marcel Desjardins 2. Roy Shivers 3. Jim Barker 4. Tom Higgins 5. Randy Reynolds 6. Chris Jones 7. Danny Barrett 8. John Murphy It probably won't be too far into the future (should losing ways continue) that Brendan Taman and Mike Kelly re-surface in the discussions!

Agree with much of what you've put down here. Joe Mack was an out of the blue (sorry for the pun) signing - there was no one on the board with football knowledge and they went with a recommendation from an old guy (Paul Robeson) who had fleeting memories of Mack as a bird dog (scout) in the 80s. Way too many "out of the blue" hirings that have resulted in performance toxicity. Examples: Jeff Reinbold hire. David Asper as chairman of the board. Gary Etcheverry and Marcel Belleifulee hires. Garth Buchko as President (no real football knowledge other than discussing games w/ Bob Irving at CJOB studios) Paul Lapolice firing - replaced with Tim Burke Mike Kelly hire - and the carnage caused and final soiling of Lyle Bauer's reputation and now currently = fresh green hires Wade Miller as CEO/President Kyle Walters as General manager Mike O'Shea (a guy with only a few years of special teams coaching) as head coach Probably better to let the current guys run out their contracts, have season tickets take a minor to moderate dip and scour the earth for people who can do the jobs. Bomber board of directors, for all intents and purposes is just a coffee/wine/liquor klatch with no real football or football administrative skills