Pads & Panels

Title: The True Story of WrestleMania

Format: Three-Disc DVD Set

Studio: WWE Home Video

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

The True Story of WrestleMania hit shelves just before WrestleMania 27, offering fans a deeper look into more than quarter century of history the of the sports entertainment extravaganza. From the major gamble Vince McMahon took putting on the first event, to the week-long spectacle it has become in recent years, WrestleMania has become a major force in bringing the realm of the athletes and celebrities together, and this DVD set seeks to document its history. (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: Smackdown: The Best of 2009-2010

Format: DVD

Studio: WWE Home Video

Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

Smackdown: The Best of 2009-2010 provides just that, 20 of the best matches (as well as moments) from the 2009-2010 television season of Smackdown, which coincidentally celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2009. It starts with the “return” of the Rock (via satellite/pre-recorded message), who offers a disappointing tease that never came to fruition of a Raw hosting gig. And there’s no doubt the season was full of other big moments, such as Jack Swagger’s championship reign, Kane’s assault on the Undertaker and some solid matches, as well as the fantastic debut of Alberto del Rio. But what is left out is even more disappointing, such as Swagger’s diatribes after winning the title and Alberto del Rio’s promotional videos. Both of these would have made for fantastic special features, especially considering the space that could use filling in the supposed 9-hour running time of the three discs. (more…)