Tag: pro wrestling

Weekly Report 10/10/2020

Thomas Holbrook II | The *Nixed Report

Weekly Links

As opposed to writing something every day I’ll be doing a weekly wrap up every Saturday night. This week’s report comes courtesy of my Librebooted ThinkPad T500. The keyboard is a dream to type on and this system actually has 8 GB of DDR2 memory.

This fine machine can still hold up to this day and is currently running Linux Mint 20.

Each section will follow the flow of the magazine itself. The Unix section covering Unix-like operating systems and related technology will be followed by the Overlooked Pop Culture section, which covers a variety of popular things that are often overlooked, misunderstood, or both.

Unix

Even though Apple’s OS X is based on BSD, it still has security vulnerabilities. It turns out the T2 Chip is vulnerable to exploits that would let someone take control of a user’s Mac. This would require physical access to a Mac, so it won’t impact most users.

Maybe Louis Rossman can utilize this exploit for data recovery purposes.

Even with newer hardware, Apple will likely face skepticism regarding its branded silicone, Apple Silicone. At least they still have a foothold in the mobile arena. Their next iPhone is expected to be announced this Tuesday.

In Linux news, Sparky Linux 4.13 was recently released. Based on Debian, they updated the “stable” package repositories, the kernel, Firefox ESR, and more. Speaking of cool Linux news, System76 recently interviewed two individuals from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) about the use of a Lemur Pro for archiving satellite imagery for NASA.

In cloud computing news, Nextcloud’s capabilities are increasing as well. Not only can you collaborate with their tools, you can integrate Microsoft Teams, Slack, Github, and more. It’s a good thing that software is updated from time to time, because legacy software has its limits, which can become dangerous depending on the situation.

The legacy version of Excel has a limit of 65,000 rows, which caused the loss of information pertaining to nearly 16,000 positive COVID-19 tests in the UK.

Overlooked Pop Culture

Pro Wrestling fans may be excited about Halloween Havoc making a comeback this year. The classic WCW Pay Per View event is being adopted by NXT. It has been years since the Halloween themed event has aired, so having spookiness galore may ignite fan enthusiasm.

It isn’t all pumpkins and candy corn.

What may also be scary, albeit to Vince McMahon, is this piece from What Culture about Paige learning about Unionism. This comes in the wake of WWE wanting to take more control over performers’ use of social media platforms, even though said performers are “independent contractors.”

Though the WWE has become creative in offering a form of entertainment to the world in the midst of COVID-19, they aren’t the only option.

The Anime News Network has their Fall 2020 Preview Guide, so anime fans who want more than people in spandex in a squared circle wearing night goggles may be happy. Video games, whether it’s on a console or PC, are among a plethora of entertainment options as well.

Those who prefer building their own gaming PC may want to take note of Patrick Lathan’s article reviewing the Lian Li Lancool 215 Airflow Case. As for console gamers, William D’Angelo of VGChartz has an interesting piece regarding the Xbox Series X and PS5.

On a mental health note, it’s important to understand one thing: Even if one is “being edgy,” it’s never a good idea to show up at someone’s house uninvited and unwelcome.

In conspiracy theory news, QAnon, a joke on 4Chan that got way out of hand, has now caused Facebook to change their policies regarding groups mentioning theories peddled by the fake entity.

The removal of said groups will impact the spreading of certain theories.

John McAfee has been arrested in Spain and faces extradition to the US over tax evasion. Topping off the craziness is the story of a group who got caught attempting to place under citizens’ arrest kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes; that’s all for this week.

While you’re here, would you be willing to become one of our Patrons on Patreon? Doing so will get you access to the magazine for much cheaper than purchasing from the website while allowing us to grow. With enough resources, we’ll be able to have more content available throughout the week. Thank you so much in advance for your time.

RIP Road Warrior Animal

Road Warrior Animal
He was a tag team legend.

Thomas Holbrook II | The *Nixed Report

This week, I learned of the passing of Road Warrior Animal, one half of the legendary tag team known as LOD (Legion of Doom). As 2020 continues towards its conclusion, I fear we will continue to see legends from a variety of industries close the book on their lives due to age, illness, and more.

It hasn’t been an easy year, but thr best way to address his passing is to remember the amazing career he had in the squarred circle.

He held numerous titles alongside his partner Hawk and they wreaked havok wherever they went. The simple mentality of tough powerful people who don’t go without a fight was the hallmark of LOD.

So here’s to Animal, one who was tough enough to not take anyone’s shit while being spiritual at the same time.

Volume 3, Issue 1 Now Available

Cover Issue of the 1st Issue.
Conspiracy theories, a first glance at Linux Mint 20, and Pro Wrestling in the COVID-19 era.

Thomas Holbrook II | The *Nixed Report

The first issue of volume 3 of the magazine is now available free of charge. In this issue, the following topics are covered.

  • Why conspiracy theories go viral.
  • A first look at Linux Mint 20, an operating system that’s an alternative to OS X and Windows
  • Pro Wrestling in the age of COVID-19 by Stephen Kelley.

In the future, we’ll sell individual issues for $5 USD. If you become a patron on Patreon, it’s only $1 USD.

You can also get a free copy if you write for us and get published. With this issue and others in the future, please give away copies for free. Whether you share the file through torrenting or cloud storage links or print it, the more people read it, the better.

For those who want to print, bear in mind that the color scheme is RGB as opposed to CMYK, so inkjet and laser printers instead of commercial printers used for newspapers and traditional magazines.

Baron Corbin Wins the Briefcase

Thomas Holbrook II | The *Nixed Report

Baron Corbin
Corbin has been holding his own as of late.

This year’s Money in the Bank was more compelling than Extreme Rules. The first ever Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match ended in controversy.

There was even a meme arguing that James Ellsworth should have been the winner of that match.

Of course Naomi retained her Smackdown Women’s Championship. The Uso’s retained their tag titles by intentionally getting themselves counted out. Jinder Mahal also retained his title due to outside intereference.

However, the most interesting ending was when AJ Styles and Shinske Nakamura had one final confrontation at the end of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Barron Corbin shook the two off the ladder before climbing up and unhooking the briefcase.

The interesting part is the fact that Corbin is a character that is allergic to nonsense.

He is no Hulk Hogan or other wholesome hero. He’s a midwestern, heavy metal, heavy hitter who never apologizes for it. It’s hard to argue with somebody who claims that abs don’t help when you get punched in the face.

A potential match between him and Jinder Mahal could prove to be interesting.

In the meantime, he is being built slowly. As a winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, he came out of obscurity and into the limelight. He could very well be the next star to silence entire audiences as he nonchalantly wins the championship when everyone least expects it.

International Business Picks Up

Thomas Holbrook II | The *Nixed Report

Jinder Mahal
No one can hinder Jinder.

There are times when one possibly sees it coming, but it still comes off as a surprise. After years of seeing the usual suspects hold the WWE Championship, Jinder Mahal now holds the prestigious title.

This proves more than anything that the time has come for new champions to step up to the plate.

It also proves that international business is picking up since WWE has expanded its business reach to India. Kenny Herzog argues in a piece for Rolling Stone that Mahal having the opportunity was good for business. Now he is the champion.

WWE Stock is still holding steady at just under $20 USD per share.

Will this attempt of international expansion increase shareholder value for the company? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, international business has picked up!

The Frustration of Injury

Thomas Holbrook II | The *Nixed Report

Finn balor with inverted grays calendar colors.
Unfortunately, The Demon King is out again.

The WWE is often seen as the hallmark of Pro Wrestling careers, but it can also be frustrating and disappointing. If a star with potential doesn’t get a big break, then one who is about to gets injured instead.

Such is the case with Finn Balor.

After coming back from an injury, he apparently suffered a concussion at the hands of Jinder Mahal. This could mean that he’s out of action for even longer before being able to come back.

The reason fans get frustrated with situations like this is due to the fact that potential feuds are passed over due to such circumstances.

It further illustrates the reason why there needs to be more intermediary organizations that are organic so that more training grounds exist. The unfortunate reality of the NWA diminishing is that such training grounds went away.

Though the likes of Jim Cornette and others have tried to re-create these environments, they don’t always last either due to finances or behind the scenes politics.

Though NXT is a great start, that brand only holds those who have already been in the indy promotions and aren’t far from the twilight of their careers. Look at AJ Styles and Bobby Roode as they are practically in their 40’s.

What companies like the WWE need are more home grown talent and in order to accomplish this, they will have to franchise other brands in order to do so.

Otherwise, they’ll keep running into the issue of a diminishing main roster plagued with injuries and frustrated fans.

Throwback Thursday: Jake the Snake Roberts

Jake the Snake Roberts
Photo taken from a screencap of WWE’s Youtube Channel.

By Thomas Holbrook II

On Old School Raw, several legends made guest appearances.  “Double A” Arn Anderson, Sgt Slaughter, DDP, Booker T, and others would help bring back some wonderful memories of WWE.  The one pleasant surprise that ended the show was none other than Jake the Snake Roberts coming out with his customary bag to the dismay of The Shield, a faction that imposes it’s own “brand of justice.”

 

There was more to him than the giant snake.  His ring psychology was so effective, his mic work so extraordinary, that physique didn’t matter.  Here’s a rare piece of footage of him in WCW.

 

There was more to him than the giant snake.  His ring psychology was so effective, his mic work so extraordinary, that physique didn’t matter.  Here’s a rare piece of footage of him in WCW.

The intellectual villain has been a rarity in professional wrestling, and nobody has matched him to date in my humble opinion.  I remember his brief feud with Sting and to this day, it’s a shame that it wasn’t lengthy.

So who is your favorite wrestling legend?  Feel free to sound off in the comments section below.

Throwback Thursday: Jake Roberts VS Randy Savage


What we have here is an example of how pro wrestling used to work, especially in regards to the WWE. The interview segments are absolutely classic, and show how emotions combined with improv-acting can set up the story along with the match itself.

Wednesday Weekly Links for November 13, 2013

Welcome back to Wednesday Weekly Links, where we scour the Internet and other sources for news items that are often overlooked.  This week, we focus on innovation in computer software and a change at a major software company as well as pro wrestling, a government agency, and a really strange 911 call.

Unix

  • Microsoft Drops Reward and Curve System (MaximumPC): Microsoft is scrapping the curve system, because it caused a bit of tension between employees.  Emphasis is going to be placed on team work and employee growth and development.
  • Fedora 20 Goes Beta (ZDNet): Nicknamed “Heisenbug,” the beta release of version 20 of Red Hat’s community oriented operating system brings enhancements to virtualization and clouds, updated development software, GNOME 3.10, and an added emphasis on the ARM architecture.  Hat tip to Steven J. Vaughn-Nicols
  • More AMD Patches Released (Phoronix): Those who follow hardware-based encryption solutions and use Linux may be jumping for joy at this.  AMD has released drivers for a Cryptographic Coprocessor.  A variety of encryption standards is supported through said driver including SHA and AES among others.  Hat tip to Michael Larabel.

 

Overlooked Pop Culture