Pads & Panels

Title: Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century

Format: Three-Disc DVD

Studio: WWE Home Video

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

World Wrestling Entertainment has been using its back catalog of content and superstars (along with its current ones) in recent years to pump out a seemingly never-ending stream of home video releases, many of them in three-disc sets. And surprisingly, to the benefit of wrestling fans, a great many of them have been very good. But one of the latest from the McMahon camp is questionable, and that is Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century.

My immediate thought was, “Didn’t they just do something like this?” But I was, of course, mixing it up with the Top 50 Superstars of All Time set released earlier this year. That feature focused on all eras of wrestling, while this one is strictly from the year 2000 and on. So there is a distinction, but many of the wrestlers on Greatest Superstars have already been featured on Top 50, and arguably in much better fashion. (more…)

Pads & Panels’ Bill Jones and Matt Peters caught up with World Wrestling Entertainment’s Monday Night RAW announcer Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler on the verge of his first match at WrestleMania. As The King prepares to take on fellow announcer Michael Cole, he talks about going into his first WrestleMania, getting a couple title shots, his favorite announcer to work with, and his passion for comic book art. The interview took place Saturday, March 19, at Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) at McCormick Place in Chicago. A special thanks to The King for taking time to do the interview after a long day of signing and illustrating.

Title: WWE Top 50 Superstars of All Time

Format: Three-Disc DVD

Studio: WWE Home Video

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

World Wrestling Entertainment has maintained popularity (albeit at different levels) for several decades, as other promotions have started and disappeared in the same timeframe. And it is mostly credited to the company’s captivating superstars. Sure, we all know that the outcomes of the “sport” are predetermined and South Park has already run them through the ringer for the soap opera-esque storylines. But movies aren’t real, and sometimes they’re cheesy as well, but that doesn’t stop us from finding entertainment in them. (more…)

Title: Breaking the Code: Behind of the Walls of Chris Jericho

Format: DVD

Studio: WWE Home Video

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

WWE Home Video has been on a role creating quality three-disc DVD sets for its top-tier superstars. The first discs usually feature some sort of documentary on their lives and wrestling careers, along with special features. The second and third discs of the collections compile matches and moments chronicling their in-ring careers. Though it strictly follows the formula, there are few candidates more deserving – with such good stories and matches – as Chris Jericho. But it unfortunately shows more than ever how WWE’s (understandable) decision to disavow Chris Benoit can affect the roster’s back catalog. (more…)