Sir Alex Ferguson - What He Means To Me

"I can't believe it. I can't believe it. Football. Bloody hell." - Sir Alex Ferguson on the 1999 Champions League Final.

Coming from Leeds I see a bunch of people who, every week, find it inconceivable that you can support a team that isn't from the area you were born in. I find that notion ridiculous

I don't really need to explain myself, but I will...

I come from a family who aren't interested in sport and have absolutely no affiliation with Leeds United or any other team from the Yorkshire area. I didn't really experience football until I reached primary school. The first team I saw? Manchester United. A 4 year old with no previous footballing experience had the opportunity to watch and admire players such as Eric Cantona, Paul Ince, Peter Schmeichel, Denis Irwin, Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Ryan Giggs, the Neville Brothers, Mark Hughes and Andy Cole. All these future United legends drew me into the club. I loved the way they played football, it was exciting and Old Trafford was an arena that dreams were made of. Plus, United wore red, my favourite colour. My fandom became superfandom, and I researched and learned the rich history and culture of the club for a huge Year Six project. It was pretty damn good. And now, almost 20 years later, I'm celebrating United's 20th title as closely associated with the club as I've ever been. So, the point in me telling you this? You CAN support a club that isn't from your area for a variety of reasons. For me, it was because I admired the players, the manager, the aura and the club were larger than life. So, suck it. On with the real subject.

"It's getting tickly now - squeaky-bum time, I call it."

Sir Alex Ferguson. Just the mention of the name is a polarising issue with football fans. United supporters LOVE him, many footballing fans and figureheads respect him, others just plain hate the man. Whether it's jealousy of his success, his forthright opinions or belief in the mythical 'Fergie Time,' everyone has an opinion on Ferguson. I'm a United supporter, so naturally I love the man. Why? He is a phenomenal manager. His ability to, time and time again, build successful Manchester United teams is nothing short of incredible. 38 trophies and countless runner up spots with Manchester United is historic , will never be replicated and shows the utter domination of United since Sir Alex's arrival. Hell, he even had a very successful stint at Aberdeen, you know. 

Fergie knows how to treat and deal with his players. He knows when he needs new blood and he isn't afraid to shuffle players out of the team who have begun to play for themselves. No manager could have had the same effect on Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, for example, who continue to have a positive effect on the club as they almost reach their 40's. His devotion to attacking football and placing his trust in young players is something that was put in place by Sir Matt Busby, and Alex Ferguson made sure that history and tradition ran red in his veins. His tactical awareness, squad maneuverability and footballing brain aren't the only qualities that make him a great manager. While old in age, Fergie was never a footballing dinosaur. One of Sir Alex's greatest skills was to move with football's times. Whereas it would be hard to imagine managers of old coping with some of today's more money-driven quirks, Ferguson adapted in his management techniques and tactically.

"My greatest challenge is not what's happening at the moment, my greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch. And you can print that." 

What endeared me to Sir Alex (and what made other people hate him) was the fact that he takes no shit. Sir Alex is a straight shooter. He ruled and anyone that challenged that rule was promptly moved on. It applied to the greatest as strictly as anyone else, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy being the prime examples of great players who suffered the wrath of Ferguson. However, it isn't accurate to suggest that Sir Alex ruled with an iron first. No one lived in fear of their manager, he just wasn't one to accept anything less from his players than he expected and made sure he told them. 

Sir Alex was a fantastic character. He had the ability to be calm, friendly and funny one moment before unleashing an angry tirade and verbally abusing media, players and officials the next. The infamous "hairdryer" treatment and fiery temper was all a part of his genuine undying passion for the game of football. This was never more clear than with his animation on the touchline. From shouting tactics to players to shouting at officials, Sir Alex was entertaining to watch. Of course, 'Fergie Time' became a thing because of his love for telling officials to add the correct amount of injury time and United's knack for scoring late winning goals. While it has been stastically proven that United get no more added time than any other club, and in fact less than a few others, I can't wait to see if we get 'Moyes Time' or 'Mourinho Time' in the future. In reality, United's undying strife to win (instilled by Ferguson) is what sets them apart.

"Do you think I would enter into a contract with that mob? Absolutely no chance. I would not sell them a virus. That is a 'NO' by the way. There is no agreement whatsoever between the clubs." - Ferguson on selling Cristiano Ronaldo

Are there any regrets for Sir Alex? Maybe so. He has had the opportunity to win a few more Champions League crowns that went begging, particularly when you consider the Old Trafford and Wembley finals and inability to beat Barcelona twice in recent years. I still think losing Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the biggest wounds in Ferguson's career. Who knows what more we could have accomplished with him still at the club. Manchester City winning the league under the circumstances they did must still be painful, despite regaining the title this year.

"Sometimes you have a noisy neighbour. You cannot do anything about that. They will always be noisy. You just have to get on with your life, put your televison on and turn it up a bit louder." - Sir Alex on Manchester City.

Being a mere 23 years old I may not have the right to say this, but I think Sir Alex Ferguson is the greatest manager of all time. Not only because of his talent and success but also for his loyalty. 27 years at the helm is staggering when you consider how many managers other clubs have had in that time, here's looking at you Real Madrid, Chelsea etc. It really is hard to imagine football without him. He means so much to so many people and it will be a devastating blow to United fans and global football in general. He be forever enshrined at Old Trafford through his statue and no one is more deserving of such an honour. Since this is usually a pro wrestling blog, it's hard to imagine WWE without Vince McMahon, the same applies for Sir Alex and Manchester United. That's the only comparison I'll do. I promise.

As for who takes over? Moyes? Mourinho? Who's to say. Moyes would be more suitable for the stability that Manchester United need to be successful, however his lack of trophies and experience in huge European situations go against him. Mourinho is as big a character as Sir Alex and has had a successful career in short spells at a variety of clubs. If only we could morph Mourinho and Moyes together, we'd have the perfect manager.

"It's City, isn't it? They are a small club, with a small mentality. All they can talk about is Manchester United, that's all they've done and they can't get way from it." - Sir Alex Ferguson on Carlos Tevez's poster.

Sir Alex Ferguson, thank you. You have brought me a ton of joy, drama and intensity in my time as a Manchester United fan. You will never be replaced, always be admired and will become a historic and legendary figure long after you're gone.

"Look at me - it's taken 10 years off me today. It's these tablets, they're great!" - On winning title 20.

"This is what it is all about - a packed Old Trafford, the floodlights on, the pitch glistening and two of the greatest and most romantic clubs in the game about to do battle.

People ask me why I don't retire after so many years in the game, but how could anyone with an ounce of passion for football in their soul voluntarily walk way from the opportunity to be involved in this kind of occasion?"

Thanks for reading. If you're a fan of United, respect Sir Alex or just plain hate the man... you have an opinion. This is mine. I hope you can respect that and hopefully it has given you some insight into why I love the club.

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Top 10 Favourite Entrance Theme Songs

After the fans in attendance at Monday Night Raw made Fandango's theme song into a sensation overnight, even causing the song reach (at the time of writing) #37 in the Official UK Charts, I had an idea. Why not continue this one post roll I'm on and discuss theme songs? More specifically, my top 10 favourite theme songs. Everyone loves a list, right?

Wrestling theme songs are incredibly important. They have to indicate the arrival of a wrestler and have the ability to catch on with an audience so that two things happen the moment the first note hits. One, the audience identify which wrestler is about to enter the arena and two, the desired face/heel reaction occurs. For that desired reaction to be instant, the theme song has to fit perfectly with the character it accompanies. Taking Fandango as an example, you couldn't have a heavy metal song to accompany a dancing gimmick. For a bad ass like Stone Cold Steve Austin, a pop song wouldn't have been the greatest of ideas. As well as fitting the character, theme songs need to be composed to feature character traits. I'll discuss that more as we go on. Finally, an entrance needs uniqueness. TNA has some great theme songs for their main stars, however, some of the lower card have generic music that is by no means unique and thus hard to identify which wrestler is entering the arena.

I will say this before I start, this is just my opinion and by no means am I saying this is an exact order of the greatest theme songs. That's up for your interpretation. Here's my list:

10. Edge:


When Edge retired he said he thought he had one of the best theme songs in the business, he was right. While the song may just be a reworked version of Alter Bridge's 'Metaligus,' it simply works. When he debuted the song, Edge was just becoming a real main event player in the WWE. The lyrics "I've been defeated and brought down" before moving onto "the time has come to change my ways" are indicative of a superstar on the war path after finally realising his goal of being the best. The opening thrash style riff and drum beat are impossible to mistake and the 'You Think You Know Me' monicker that Edge has carried around with him his entire career, make this a great overall theme song.

9: Ric Flair


No one represents the pomp and pageantry of Pro Wrestling like Ric Flair and his theme song is no difference. While it may have been used in Space Odyssey, this piece of music by Richard Strauss has come to embody the limousine ridin', jet flyin' son of a gun. The crescendo met by a chorus of 'Woooo's' from a live event crowd always gives me goose bumps when I think of his Wrestlemania 24 'send off.' The man himself dressed in his over the top robes, strutting his way to the ring with this piece of music playing is the perfect cocktail of character marketing.

8: The Rock


The Rock has had a handful of remixed themes throughout the years. My favourite happens to be the one in the video, which he used as he turned on the Corporation and became a face from 1999-2001.  All of his theme songs have the same premise; a rhythmic beat to match the swagger of his entrance and some kick ass guitar solo's over the top to symbolise the 'electricity' as he smells the air from the top rope. The theme song is unique through the way it highlights The Rock's skills on the microphone, as well as his penchant for catchphrases and talking about himself in the third person. Nice.

7: D-Generation X


D-Generation X were one of the starting points of the Attitude Era. Their theme song, video and entrance represent the gang of rebels perfectly. Everything from the lyrical content, the strippers, the flashing images, the violence was exactly what the WWE needed to produce an edgier product in the Monday Night Wars. 1..2..3... crotch chop!

6. Vince McMahon

Vince McMahon. The Boss. The owner of WWE. He needed a fitting theme song, right? Well he got one. This theme accompanies McMahon's ridiculously hammy power walk so perfectly it's scary. Vince McMahon has often stated that he was the biggest 'grapefruits' in the world, and damned if this piece doesn't amplify that. 'No Chance In Hell' represents the tyrannical 'Mr McMahon' character's domination of his employee's ('puppets' 'boy'), in addition to the his domination of the wrestling world. Kudos, Jim Johnston.

5. The Undertaker

No one has the presence when performing an entrance like The Undertaker. The 'Graveyard Symphony' death march theme song that accompanies him just makes everything that much more eerie. The Undertaker is supposed to strike fear into the hearts of his opponents as he makes his way to the ring, this creepy piece of music just accentuates that to the audience. It fits his supernatural 'deadman' gimmick and the gong tolling at the beginning is the daddy of all identifiers.

4. Triple H

Nice one, Motorhead. This theme song is so bad ass. I mean, Motorhead...man. HHH exudes confidence, and in particular when he debuted this song as a heel... he was probably the most hated man in the business. Many fans accuse him of using his relationship with Stephanie McMahon to his advantage and this was definitely evident in his long drawn out promos he cut in the earlier 2000's. Just listen to the lyrics, though. An overanalyst (like myself) would say 'The Game' in this case is actually the game of backstage politics...orrr... it could just be a self reference. Either way, those single rung out chords at the beginning of the song are unmistakable.

3. Hulk Hogan

It was silly, it was corny, it was Hulk Hogan and it was great. 'Real American' really set the benchmark for theme songs to follow, and it still hasn't really been beaten. The song screams '80's' along with the message that Hogan was peddling at the time to 'say your prayers, take your vitamins.' Hogan represented America in his hay day and what better theme song to accompany him on his travels? Sure, he may have tarnished his legacy in recent times but this theme song will always represent one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling history when he was 'the man.'

2. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Glass shatters, raise hell, leave. Stone Cold Steve Austin was an absolute ass kicking machine. His character as a beer fuelled, bird flipping, foul mouthed anti- hero turned him into the arguable the biggest star the WWE has seen and his theme music just aided that meteoric rise. The glass shattering accompanied some of the biggest pops the industry will ever experience during the Attitude Era, the likes of which we may never experience again. The theme features a driving bass line and a gradual build up that just signifies the danger and violence that Austin brought to the table to an absolute 'T.' Another triumph from Jim Johnston!

1. Shawn Michaels

While Shawn may have not been breaking many hearts as his career drew to a close, his theme song was still tremendous. Back when The Rockers first broke up, Shawn's character as a flamboyant,  heart breaking, pompous ass hole needed a theme song to capture that. What better way than to sing your own theme song, about being a 'sexy boy' all while Sherri Mantell exclaims 'oh ohhh, Shawn' at the beginning? I really can't think of a better way. The theme really encapsulated Michales as 'the ultimate showman.' Whether he was a face or a heel, the song was incredibly catchy and has endeared itself by becoming an iconic part of Shawn's magnificent Hall of Fame career.

Thanks for reading!

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Wrestlemania 29 thoughts and predictions

Man, I haven't written a blog for so long that I didn't even have this site on the bookmarks of my new laptop. I've had a surreal  5 months and haven't written anywhere near enough, but, with Wrestlemania rolling around this Sunday I thought that should change.

Across the World Wide Interwebs, I've seen a mass of people underwhelmed by the card we've been presented with for WWE's biggest show of the year. It's fair to say on paper it doesn't look like a Wrestlemania strength card. Too many rematches, a lacklustre 'Road to Wrestlemania' and a lower card that has seemingly been thrown together has left people with a sour taste going into Sunday. However, we all know that when it comes to the WWE 'anything can happen' and we may just get a surprisingly memorable PPV worthy of the inflated price tag come the weekend. Without further ado,  let's check out the card.

Pre Show - The Miz vs Wade Barrett for the Intercontinental Title

I have no idea why this couldn't be on the main card rather than the following match, but hey ho, I guess that's what the Intercontinental Title means to the WWE bookers at this point. It seems every new Intercontinental champion says the same thing recently. Something along the lines of "I'm going to bring prestige back to this title" before fading away into obscurity in the weeks ahead. Wade Barrett was no different. As for The Miz, his face turn has been a bit of a failure as his annoying facial expressions and terrible attempts at being funny have done nothing to endear him to the WWE universe. Ric Flair giving him his blessing to use the figure four should be a sign that WWE aren't willing to give up on him yet and a run as a face champion may make or break his current character.

Winner: The Miz

Tons of Funk and The Funkadactyls vs Rhodes Scholars and The Bella Twins

Where to start? This is a throwaway match that Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow are too good for. I honestly think that the WWE only brought in The Bella Twins to put The Funkadactyls, and in particularly Naomi, over. Someone clearly sees something in her athletic ability and if they build a divas division out of it, fine, I can deal with that. If one of the male members of Tons of Funk gets the win over Rhodes Scholars, then fuck. Anyway, I ain't wasting time with this one.

Winner: Rhodes Scholars and The Bella Twins

Fandango vs Chris Jericho

I'm not even sure how I feel about the Fandango character. Some of his promos have taken up way too much time, however, I liked what I saw on the 'go-home' Raw when he scored Jericho's performance and showed some aggression to go with his flamboyant and braggadocios character. I do have a pit in my stomach that says Jericho is going to have to put over Fandango come Wrestlemania. It won't affect Jericho in any way and the casual fan isn't going to say 'oh he sucks now because he lost' but, if Jericho is going to just return again and again only to lose and put people over... that doesn't sit well with me.  Again, another match that was thrown together in the most ridiculous of fashions. 'U NO SAY MY NAYM RITE, I FITE U.' Nevertheless, this is Fandango's debut and Vince McMahons pet project is getting the 'W.'

Winner: Fandango

Ryback vs Mark Henry

It's been so long since I last wrote an entry that I haven't even discussed Ryback in any capacity. He's a monster, looks physically imposing and it's good for WWE to have someone like that on their roster, even with their new found love for Indy wrestlers. This is just a classic monster vs monster match up that has been done to death in pro wrestling, yet still draws due to the sheer spectacle. I've loved everything Mark Henry has done since his heel turn and World Title run but I don't see him getting the win here. Ryback has been pushed to the moon and since he's almost always taken the loss on PPV, this will be his big redeeming win.

Winner: Ryback

Sheamus, The Big Show & Randy Orton vs The Shield

Now, this is the first match of the night where I see shenanigans coming into play. I'd love for there to be more to this feud as it seems a little too simple and dull. I imagine the creative meeting went along the lines of "oh, let's make 3 good guys face these 3 bad guys with no real storyline." Not to mention the fact that Big Show was turned for the 1932030942039 time. Something has got to give in this match. Either one of the face team turns heel during or after the match or another member of The Shield is revealed. Either way, there hasn't been much of a spotlight put on this match, especially considering The Shield was mixing it up in the main event not too long ago. There just has to be something more, right? I'm going with a Shield win.

Winner: The Shield

Team Hell No vs Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston for the World Tag Team Titles

Remember when WWE was trying to rebuild a tag division? That seems a long distant memory now. The Usos are nowhere to be found, The Prime Time Players aren't doing much of anything, Rhodes Scholars are in no man's land and Primo & Epico? Wow. The tag team division IS Team Hell No and they've had a good run together. They were incredibly entertaining when they became a team as a result of the hilarious anger management segments with Dr Shelby. Nonetheless, I feel they're time is numbered and the WWE needs to take advantage of how over Daniel Bryan is and push him as a singles competitor once again. Their opponents have been booked strangely over the past few months. While Big E has been pushed as a monster, he's also had to clean up a lot of Ziggler's mess recently. I still think the WWE have no idea what they want to do with Ziggler. While he's in possession of the Money In The Bank briefcase, he's had some wobbly match results and his union with AJ was news for all of 10 minutes. Nevertheless, I think Dolphy and Big E will get the win here resulting in Hell No turning on each other and feuding for a short while.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston

Alberto Del Rio vs Jack Swagger for the World Heavyweight Title

While the audience's attention has been on other matches, this feud has flown nicely under the radar. While a lot of TV time has been devoted to the feud, it still doesn't feel like a 'main event,' despite being advertised as such. I'm a fan of Jack Swagger, and I like the direction his new gimmick has taken him. While the xenophobic character is nothing new in pro wrestling, it hasn't been done for a while so feels fresh. The addition of Dutch Mantell as the mouthpiece 'Zeb Coulter' is a touch of brilliance. Del Rio still brings in a mostly stone silent reaction, which is a shame because he and Ricardo Rodriguez are doing a good job as latino babyfaces. The pressure is off for these two at Wrestlemania and we could end up seeing one of the matches, if not the match of the night. I don't think it would be wise to rush Swagger to the title a second time, although I could imagine a feud with Sheamus being right around the corner if they do. Hard to predict this one...

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

CM Punk vs The Undertaker

Talk about a match that has stirred controversy. The implementation of Paul Bearer's real life death (R.I.P) as a means of CM Punk to generate heat has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. To them people I say, why? It's been reported that the Moody family were asked permission and they gave their blessing. Do you think for one second that if they, The Undertaker or Kane had a problem with the storyline that any of it would have happened? No. What seems to have pushed peoples buttons the most was the end of Raw where CM Punk symbolically scattered ashes across a fallen Undertaker.  C'mon. The duelling 'C-M-Punk' and 'Un-der-ta-ker' chants were both loud and clear cut riiiiight up until the moment Punk scattered the ashes then boom... total heel heat. That's his JOB. If he isn't getting people to hate him then he isn't serving his purpose. People are always clambering for a return to an edgier, 'attitude era' style product, yet, when we do get it all people do is bitch and moan. PEOPLE, the WWE did many things and run multiple storylines that were much worse during that period in the company's history. As for the match, I still don't see The Undertaker's streak coming to an end this Sunday. I genuinely think that it will either last until his career comes to an end OR Cena breaks it at Wrestlemania 30. I'm expecting CM Punk to dominate for long periods of the match as The Undertaker's body continues to break down. Definitely the match I'm invested in and looking forward to the most.

Winner: The Undertaker

Triple H vs Brock Lesnar in a No Holds Barred Match

So basically the exact same match, under the exact same stipulation (cos No DQ is so different to No Holds Barred) as we got at Summerslam. However this time, Triple H's career is on the line...OOOOOO. On the one hand, a career ending match at Wrestlemania is how HHH's buddies, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels, ended their WWE in ring career and I imagine he'd want to do the same. Do I think Brock Lesnar would be the one to do it? No. I do think Lesnar will control the match before H makes the comeback and gets his revenge for Summerslam. I don't care for this match, so whatever. Yawn.

Winner: Triple H

John Cena vs The Rock for the WWE title.

I am infinitely more intrigued for this second match between the two than the 'Once in a Lifetime' match last year. Why? Everything to do with John Cena. I hate it when the WWE does this to me. Every year we pray for a Cena heel turn or character change and the subtle hints he's been throwing about the past few weeks have heightened that desire. His promo this past Monday on Raw did inspire a bit of fantasy booking in me. He mentioned that if he wins the title the 'Peoples Era will continue.' Which former authority figure randomly returned on Smackdown last week and wanted to be in the corner of The Rock at Wrestlemania? Which former authority figure used the phrase 'People Power?' Johnny Ace himself... John Laurinaitis. Surely Laurinaitis would want revenge for the spine buster and peoples elbow he ate on Smackdown? To do this he goes to Cena to somehow convince him that he can finally help him overcome The Rock and his obsession with beating him if Cena can help him regain some sort of power.  It's a  perfect heel turn that echoes Stone Cold Steve Austin 'selling his soul' to Vince McMahon at Wrestlemania 17. Can you imagine the reaction? It would generate so much buzz for the WWE. Social media, message boards, the entire Internet would blow up. Of course there's always the issue of the 'fruity pebbles' merchandise and the ticket sales as well as the charity work that he does outside of the ring taking effect, but that's a chance the WWE needs to take. Do I think they'll take it? Hell no!  It's nice to dream though, yeah? I do think Cena will win, however, and I expect we'll have a better match than last year.

Winner: John Cena

And that's that folks. I expect Wrestlemania will surpass my low expectations and investment and be a pretty decent event when all is said and done. There will be twists and turns throughout the show that should pique the interest of viewers that aren't completely sold on the event. I hope you enjoy the show and enjoyed reading through my thoughts and predictions!

Cheers!

Maybe this will happen more often.

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Leeds Punk Scene (actual)

While we may be a long way removed from the punksplosion of 1977, the genre is still a subject of vast adoration by fans. Many aspects of the ethos in the original punk community may have been lost in the last 35 years but some, such as the DIY ethic, still remain. If punk, while no longer storming the charts, is still a valid genre then what does the bustling city of Leeds have to offer its fans?

Well, the truth is if you’re a militant punk rocker who would rather be caught dead then listen to punk with ‘pop’ before it, there isn’t a whole lot on offer. Santiagos Bar in The Grand Arcade, for instance, offers the most punk friendly clubnight in Leeds. A monthly night with a DIY approach, free entry and donation-based live shows, ‘Hello Bastards’ offers a request-friendly punk playlist featuring music you won’t hear anywhere else on a night out. It’s refreshing, unique and takes place in a bar with any spirit imaginable, guaranteeing a good time.

Elsewhere, the Pie Race festival has become a great punk all dayer that helps to showcase some of the best talent from across the UK. The first Pie Race Festival took place in October 2010 and was organised by Leeds punk band Acid Drop. Thought to be too good for just a one off, Pie Race 2 was organised in April 2011 with the third in November of the same year. A fourth event under the Pie Race banner was organised for St Patricks day of this year. While not as big as the huge Rebellion Festival that takes place in Blackpool, Pie Race is a fantastic festival for the local punk scene and is an aid in bringing unheard of talent to the forefront.

Now that is something that Leeds has going for it. A lot of the venues around the city are host to some fantastic gigs. Venues like The Cockpit, The Well, Brudenell Social and Empire share the same DIY and underground ethos as punk and offer unsigned and unheard talent a stage that allows them to get up and do it. In addition to unsigned talent, venues across Leeds host punk gigs with bands from across the globe, spanning all the subgenres of punk. If you are a local Leeds band playing any type of punk, there is a wide selection of promoters willing to get you a slot on one of their gigs and often times they’ll come to you to ask.

As I said, pop punk has a huge presence in Leeds. The legendary club night ‘Slam Dunk’ has been a successful Tuesday night staple at The Cockpit for 11 years. Slam Dunk plays a popular playlist of Pop Punk, Emo, Ska, Metal, Hardcore, Dubstep and Pop that has arguably been the catalyst for similar nights across the country. Such is the success of the club night that in 2006, Slam Dunk set up their own music festival. While initially set in Millenium Square, subsequent festivals have taken place around Leeds University Student Union at the various live event venues available in the establishment. In 2010, the festival expanded and established a secondary site at London’s Hatfield University. Slam Dunk Festival plays host to the best punk, pop punk, ska and hardcore bands both internationally and from the UK and is a real bright spot for the Leeds music scene.

In addition to Slam Dunk, The Cockpit hosts two monthly speciality nights that will be of interest to a general punk fan. ‘Pinky Swear’, held on the first Saturday of every month, plays a variety of pop punk tunes that fans of the genre would be delighted to hear. Meanwhile, on the third Saturday ‘Ska Rage’ delivers top quality ska punk, 2 tone and reggae.

The Well plays host to a new, laid back, free entry pop punk and metal night with pool and darts available on the night as well as an early start time of 8pm: Power Up! The Well has a good reputation for hosting stellar punk gigs and is an ideal venue for a night such as Power Up! Finally, Fuel takes place every Friday across the university calendar and delivers pop punk and party anthems. Hosted by Leeds Met Student Union, Fuel features an eclectic mix of music, alcohol, fire and a dancing troupe known as the Steelcats. The organisers make sure the night is unique by organising various theme nights across the year, including movie night, kids party, wild west etc. It amounts to an incredibly fun night full of pop punk anthems and good times.

If you’re a fan of the sub genres of punk, you’re in for a treat in Leeds. However, if you’re a punk purist you might be let down by the lack of offerings for nights out. Nevertheless, in terms of gigs there’s no room for disappointment as venues across Leeds play host to top quality punk acts from across the globe in addition to local talent. Punk’s dead? Well, it’s just surviving in Leeds.

What Lies In Store For CM Punk Tonight?

I began tweeting about how I was interested in what CM Punk's direction would be tonight, so I thought I'd write a blog 'bout it...

I’m incredibly interested in the direction WWE are going to take with CM Punk tonight.

Last year, Punk was molten hot and WWE doused the flames quicker than you could say “don’t screw this up.” Following his unnecessary loss to Triple H at Night of Champions, embarrassing feud with Kevin Nash and WWE’s continued fetish with putting Alberto Del Rio over to an audience that just doesn’t care, CM Punk’s momentum cooled. In addition, WWE decided that John Cena, The Rock, Brock Lesnar, Triple H and The Undertaker were all more important and worthy of screen time and main events over Punk and the WWE Title. That’s not to say his recent title run hasn’t been a great one. He’s had memorable feuds and match of the night/year candidates with Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho and Daniel Bryan.

Yet, its arguable that CM Punk has become everything he said he loathed last year. His edge has disappeared and his jokes have become almost as corny as John Cena’s. Hell, he hasn’t dropped a real ‘pipebomb’ since last year. However, it’s interesting to note that his upcoming DVD collection is hyped with the use of his ‘pipebombs’ and includes a synpnosis of him being “the most unabashed, outspoken and revolutionary champion in WWE history.” Really? That’s where tonight gets interesting

I thought that CM Punk had clearly turned heel on Raw 1000 by attacking The Rock. This was embellished by Jerry Lawler claiming that Punk had turned his back on the WWE Universe. However, Jim Ross doesn’t think he’s a villain and the more I step back and think about it, why should he be? When John Cena attacked The Rock from behind, did that make him a heel? No. Furthermore, with a DVD set coming out AND him being on the cover of the attitude era centric WWE ’13, it would probably be bad for business if he was a clear cut heel. So what will he be then?

I reckon, it’ll be a bit like last summer before he become a fully-fledged face. Tonight (hopefully) he’ll get some of his edge back by dropping a proper pipebomb, possibly on The Rock, John Cena, Vince McMahon and how he’s been overlooked and overshadowed. Not only that, but remember when he called for ‘revolution’ and a change to the WWE landscape? Well that happened for all of two minutes when himself, Daniel Bryan and Zack Ryder were all champions. Perhaps Kevin Nash’s calls on Twitter for Punk to lead a new version of the N.W.O actually have something behind them? I mean, it would certainly be a shock and he could bring in people in desperate need of some direction. Or, as rumoured last year he could bring in a group of Indy talents to run riot on the WWE. Although, with WWE’s recent attempts at creating stables (The Nexus, Corre) maybe that would be a bad idea.

Whatever happens, I can’t see CM Punk being a fully-fledged heel. Fuck, even when he attacked The Rock there were plenty of people cheering and applauding. I just hope to god that they make CM Punk as interesting as he can be. And for the love of fuck WWE, don’t screw it up again.

Pro Wrestling: Five reasons why you should attend a live event

Pro wrestling. That unique hybrid genre that bends the conventions of melodrama, sporting competition, live entertainment, comedy, theatre and even sadomasochism. Despite its many complexities, pro wrestling has often been met with the ire of non-fans due to the fakery involved with the production of storylines and the attempt to dupe fans through pre-determined match ups. Nevertheless, chances are you’ve seen at least some wrestling action in your lifetime.

Indeed, as a lifelong pro wrestling fan with a knowledge of the ins and outs of the business I may be a little biased but, in my opinion, pro wrestling is one of the worlds greatest art forms. You haven’t really experienced the charm of the craft until you see it live and there’s ample opportunity to see pro wrestling events all year round. While the larger WWE and TNA promotions visit the UK maybe once or twice a year, there are numerous independent UK wrestling organisations nationwide that put on entertaining shows at a fraction of the cost of the two major companies. Honestly, I’m here to tell you that a wrestling show is a great idea for a social event. A day or night out at a show will be more than satisfying for a fan and will be a great experience for a non fan. So, whether you’re a fan who’s never been to a live event or a non-fan that is more than sceptical, here’s five reasons for you to consider attending a pro wrestling show.

Theatre

As I have mentioned, pro wrestling is a hybrid genre, yet, at the heart of a live show is melodramatic theatre. Wrestling is the ultimate battle of good vs evil and lets face it, who doesn’t like seeing the bad guy get his comeuppance? The theatre of live professional wrestling can act as an escapist activity whereby one can imagine ‘becoming’ the often oppressed ‘babyface’ and overcome the evil ‘heel.’ Or, you may indeed favour the bad guy, and that’s fine too. Unlike other sports, wrestling offers a vast array of characters to win your affection and in a live setting emotional investment in the characters is key. Whether you identify with CM Punk or John Cena or detest The Miz, the live experience fully immerses you in the theatre of pro wrestling and it is hard not to emotionally invest.

Sport

The ‘sports entertainment’ universe of pro wrestling creates a bridge between sport and melodrama. All too often, non-fans criticisms are aimed at the pre-determined nature of the match ups. To them I say… don’t be foolish. The superstars of the WWE perform night in and night out with no off-season, often working through incredible pain while being on the road, making various media and charity appearances in addition to training. Wrestlers do suffer injuries and the toll of taking bumps is often debilitating. Therefore, the athletic moves the wrestlers perform are truly spectacular to see in person. The technicality of pro wrestling is a joy to see live while at the other end of the spectrum, how often do you get to see people dive onto each other from great heights or clatter one another with steel chairs? As a live experience, I’d wager that nothing is more engrossing than a wrestling match and that is reason enough to attend a show.

Chanting

Where else but a pro wrestling event can you be shouting ‘What?’ one minute, ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ the next and round it all off with a chorus of ‘you suck.’ Live events have that unique atmosphere unlike any other product out there where fans are encouraged to voice their opinions and generally become part of the show themselves. At a large arena packed full of wrestling fans, the sheer volume coming from the crowd as they cheer, boo and chant is an experience in itself. That’s not to say audiences at small independent shows aren’t just as endearing as they can sometimes be more ‘anything goes,’ with amusing yet explicit chants breaking out. If you’re in a large group of friends, the freedom to chant and yell is somehow incredibly entertaining and definitely a merit for attending a pro wrestling event.

Community

Wrestling fans are genuinely some of the nicest people you will meet. Not only that, wrestling allows for a diverse range of opinions on the product. Yet, at a live event there is a great sense of community. The crowd are united together to bare witness to the event in what one might argue as a collective dismissal to what the naysayers say about their beloved product. That’s not to discourage a non-fan from attending, quite the opposite. It is hard to not to be enticed and charmed by the sense of togetherness.

Fun

Indeed, wrestling is all about FUN. Live wrestling allows you to immerse yourself in a world that is completely unique. The pomp, the pageantry, the intensity and the drama all create an atmosphere that should be experienced by wrestling fans or anyone just wanting a great night out. I hope I’ve persuaded you to give it a try. You know you want to…

Forget wrestling, lets talk films: A look into my top 20 films. Part two.

Writer's note: Here we are with part two. If you haven't checked out part one here it is.

Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi

The last of the original trilogy on my list is the probably the weakest of the three, but that’s not to say it isn’t a well-rounded and satisfying conclusive episode. My Dad was a big Star Wars fan and after he introduced me to the series, I’ve been a big fan ever since. With the introduction of the Ewok’s and of course Princess Leia in her slave outfit, the film includes many unforgettable moments. Furthermore, the triple stranded climax is masterful. It’s a shame the prequel trilogy couldn’t live up to the originals, hence why none of them are on the list. The prequels are still some of my favourite films but they just didn’t contain enough quality to warrant inclusion on this list.

Hot Fuzz

Following Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s big screen arrival in the genius first entry into the ‘Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy’ Shaun of the Dead, the follow up Hot Fuzz captured my imagination just that little bit further. Pegg and Frost’s chemistry is amazing to watch, and the ridiculousness of the narrative is consistently funny. Edgar Wright also has the ability to take the gloss of Hollywood and apply it to quintessentially English situations. So good.

Superbad

If American Pie was the blue print for the later 90s/early 00s then Superbad is the blue print for the late 00’s and beyond. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera put in fantastic performances in what is a pant wettingly funny comedy backed up by Christopher Mintz-Plasse (awesome name) as Fogell and Seth Rogan and Bill Hader as a hapless couple of cops. In spite of the continuous belly laughs, there is a distinct sense of pain running through Superbad as our loveable trio of geek best friends face the fear of leaving for college. A critically acclaimed modern great, Judd Apatow’s brand of gross out comedy has dominated ever since its release.

Borat

I’ll never forget the experience of seeing this at the cinema. The atmosphere was incredible. I’ve never known a film to get so many huge and consistent laughs. Sacha Baron – Cohen has melon-sized cajones for participating in the various activities, interviews and conversations that are featured in the film. The reactions of his unwitting victims are priceless and are what makes the film what it is. Simultaneously hilarious and cringe-inducing, full of ingenious bits that you just wanted to describe to your friends and then laugh all over again when you did.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

A film based on a theme park ride? Who’d have known that the series would go on to feature some of the highest grossing films of all time. Pirates would be absolutely nothing without Johnny Depp, he simply steals the show. Captain Jack Sparrow is a magnificent creation. Eccentric and ecstatic, Johnny Depp’s character is a loveable self-publicising rogue that is refreshing and original in his fluidity and behaviour. The swash buckling action is rousing while the rest of the film is funny and spectacular and makes for a well rounded favourite of mine.

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Undoubtedly epic, Peter Jackson’s vision of Tolkiens universe is a masterpiece. The Fellowship of the Ring sets up the story perfectly, The Two Towers brought us the rousing battle of Helm’s Deep and the fascinating advancement of motion captured CG characters in Andy Serkis’ Gollum. Yet, it is the final chapter which shines as my favourite. Honestly, any of the films could have made this list but I wanted a little variation. Return of The King is majestic, moving and an astonishing piece of storytelling. The seamless transitions between each strand of the story are a masterstroke in a film that has A LOT to get through. The battle for Minas Tirith is spectacular and the entire cast put in monumental efforts. Though the film stays true to the book with 689 endings, you can’t say you don’t get emotional as that epic music plays Frodo off to the Undying Lands. One of the greatest tales of love, passion, kinship, hope, loss, betrayal, heartbreak, forgiveness, belief and faith in one another. ‘Not all tears are evil.’

Pulp Fiction

Pulp Fiction is ultra cool and ultra smart. It’s so supremely confident in it’s writing and direction and the cast exudes the confidence of the script’s witty dialogue amazingly well. So much has been written of the influence of its attack on the formulaic nature of Hollywood films. Tarantino blends the serious violence of American gangster movies, crime movies, and films noirs and mixes up with the wacky violence of cartoons, video games, Japanese animation and the fragmented story-telling structures of experimental films. The result was a pop culture phenomenon and one hell of a film.

American Pie 2

The continuation of the sex odyssey, American Pie 2 followed in the same vein of the first with the embarrassing situations placed upon the characters turning into comedy magic. The cinematic American Pie trilogy always has something that other comedies in the same vein lack: heart.  Coupled with another amazing soundtrack full of pop punk gems, the second slice of Pie is a fantastic teenage fantasy.

Falling Down

Again, another film that has made its way onto this list through study at university. D-Fens (Michael Douglas) and Prendergast (Robert Duvall) take us on a cross-town journey through the decline of the white male in society. The story told is both brash and subtle at the same time as the protagonists deal with the causes of the fall of the white male. It is a worrying and unnerving reflection of society, but one that is highly entertaining, engaging and recommended if this film has passed you by.

Toy Story 3

A landmark in animation that was beautiful and significant for its art-by- computer and a story of wit and humanity that translated to seemingly everyone alive, the original Toy Story made Pixar a profit machine. Toy Story is about much more than a group of plastic playthings, its about heart, a melancholy meditation on loss, mortality and love. While maintaining the fun, humour and action packed sequences of your typical Pixar movie, the underlying tone is a dark and crushing one of lost youth. An extremely satisfying conclusion to the best-animated movie series of all time.

And there we have it, thank you so much for reading. I hope you’ve enjoyed a little insight to my favourite films and I’ll be thrilled if I’ve introduced you to something new to check out. Leave me some feedback in the comments or

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Cheers!