Mike E

I think you misunderstand the purpose of a lap of honour. It's not a celebration, it's to say 'thanks'. Last season they didn't have one, which was absolutely insulting imo and solely to protect Kean.

His achievements at Mainz, too, were remarkable before their downfall. Their first Bundesliga appearance and their first UEFA Cup qualification

To add to the Dortmund thing: They've had one of the best managerial prospects in Europe for years. Surprised Klopp hasn't had more widespread praise before now tbh.

Nicely put, SIAH. Such moaners may as well be saying 'well it was only 18 years ago we won the league, so we can't be happy until we win it again!'

I'd like them to appoint Gary Bowyer only because I wouldn't trust them to get another appointment right. At least we know Bowyer has 'something', doesn't bullshit us and has the respect of the players. Also, we shouldn't underestimate the effect of bringing on good, trusted youth players (our academy, not portugese randomers) in this division, which Bowyer has plenty of experience of. I'd rather that than any of Peter Taylor, Judan Ali or random ex-player anyway.

Sounds like you have a lucky charm (and a proper rover) on your hands there, Windy! Get her a ST dammit!

This talk of waxing one's tackle is making me feel uncomfortable.......

MOTM for Huddersfield, you mean

Take out the muscles and have him box Mike Tyson for a bit, you have me

My gf adores Jake Kean. I think it's a goalie thing, as she also loves Joe Hart, De Gea and (I think) me - I was a goalie whenever I played.

The crowd was literally awesome Spent the last couple of days humming Faaaaaandaaaaaangoooooooo's theme Good to see the Brits there with 'Wade Barrett's Barmy Army' haha

What a crying shame one of the better posters on here by far and we'll be a poorer place without his contributions. Hopefully his family will take some comfort from his posts brightening up the lives of us on here (many from far and wide). RIP Kelbo. You'll be missed on here. Enjoy your ride in the stars.

Enjoyed WM in terms of the atmosphere in the pub haha. Managed to get into all the matches to an extent (so it wasn't the car crash expected, more scraping a bollard). Bullshit ending though. I wouldn't have minded if they just hadn't shook hands. It's been a personal feud so the loser should've been @#/? off!

It's little things like allowing swears occasionally. And having watched 2 episodes I'm already a fan of aj styles.

I actually think Hulk has proven a very good authority figure. The aura he has is similar to that of HHH as kayfabe COO in WWE. Hulk is more entertaining in that role than in his final hulkamania run 10yrs ago imo.

Hogan still looks decent for his age, mind. He's no Vinny Mac though!!

At least I'm giving money to my fave student pub and having fun with pals. After last night, I'm hoping WM has some swerves that can save the event, as I agree that last night was weak. Ziggler cash-in (successful) and Cena heel-turn MIGHT save this PPV. Maybe some matches over-performing too, but not holding out too much hope tbh. I don't really follow other companies, though I will try my hand at TNA tonight onwards. Are ROH available on Sky TV anywhere? (Internet issues made downloading a few shows unbearable). On a plus (though still wondering if it's an April Fool's joke), WWE have apparently signed Amazing Red. Nice to see a lightweight added to the roster. Could also beef up the tag division if paired with Evan Bourne. Post-mania, WWE better handle the following with better class than they have so far: Ziggler, Cesaro, Rhodes. Those 3 should be in WHC contention at the very least. It would at least beef-up the upper-midcard without relying on part-timers too much in the Main Event scene. A roster with Cena, Punk, Sheamus, Orton, Kane, Bryan, BigShow, Henry, Ryback, Ziggler, Cesaro, Rhodes, Sandow, DelRio, Swagger, Christian, Barrett, Miz and Kofi on it's books should be delivering far more and better storylines. An under card of Mysterio, Sin Cara, Bourne, Amazing Red (pending), Ryder, Riley, Tatsu, Kidd, Gabriel should supplement that adequately. The tag division is promising too with the Shield, Usos, Epico and Primo and the PTP's! Given ALL that is supplemented by the part-timers of Rock, HHH, Lesnar and Jericho, there is NO reason we should be getting the shoddy product we currently do.

Relying on this to give me an escape from Rovers atmo. All 6 MainEvent competitors on Raw tonight. All those plus Heyman = must-watch imo. As well as being a big fan of Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler.

Such a shame. It can't be helping Flair's deteriorating health. I believe he's recovering from a clot?

Tix for WM at the adelphi pub in Preston bought can't wait haha

Only part time but nonetheless a big part of the last 3 WrestleManias. After wm30, I believe he's competed 3 times (twice at mania once at SS). Anymore others remember?

I reckon that's one of the funniest things I've ever read Agreed on Mania, it looks weak by usual standards. But I still think the matches can save the event despite little build. Cena has NEVER had a better chance to turn heel; certainly talked like a heel for 8 full minutes in his promo with Rock on Monday Night.

Agreed on Henry, Tom. The ME is undoubtedly Rock vs Cena for me. It's essentially WMX8's Rock vs Hogan with the WWE Title added. The match I'm most keen to see the fallout from (as I say I suspect a heel turn with Johnny Ace ending up leader of the Shield, teaming with Cena. Ace comes out (or 'Mr. John Laurinitis, the exectutive vice president for talent relations and the former interim general manager of Monday Night Raw') and hangs around ringside during the match, with Rock and Cena both confused, but they carry on. Cena is down and out and Ace is gesticulating for someone to come to the ring. The Shield enter and beat the rock to a pulp with chairs and the title. Cena crawls in bemused and pins Rock 1-2-3. Afterwards, Shield re-enter and stare him down.......before handshakes all round. And the biggest heel-turn since Austin at WMX7 is complete.

The individual matches look very good imo. But the only matches with any real storyline are Rock vs Cena (WWE Title), CM Punk vs Taker and Brock vs HHH. The rest seem a bit mashed together, which WWE are being (rightly) criticised for. It stops it being a 'WHOA, IT'S WRESTLEMANIA' kind of card to me and more like a Summerslam or Survivor Series kind of card; a good card but not as good as it should be. Here's my take on it and what I expect (although the 'go-home' Raw and Smackdown shows may change my mind: Rock vs Cena - WWE Title. Rock knows he can beat Cena, but Cena needs redemption. After the promo between both, I THINK a Cena heel turn may be on the cards if he loses. I suspect a Rock win again. Punk v Taker - BestInTheWorld vs BestAtWM. Was looking crap but Paul Bearer's unfortunate death has turned the feud on it's head with Punk stealing the urn. I expect a Taker win and a tribute to PB by Taker and Kane. Brock vs HHH (No Holds Barred) - if HHH loses, his career ends. Hard to call tbh. They need to make Brock look strong with a win (rumour has it he'll face Rock at WM30), but is HHH really ready to retire? Can't call. Alberto DelRio (w/ Ricardo Rodriguez) vs Jack Swagger (w/ Zeb Colter) - World Heavyweight Title. I expect a good technical match with a victory for Swagger in a new attempt to get the guy over. I hope the 'Anti-foreigner' gimmick will move on to Wade Barrett or Sheamus. The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose) vs Randy Orton, Sheamus and BigShow. The Shield have been wreaking havoc in WWE beating up any face in their path. They have beaten various trios at Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, but finally seem intimidated by the presence of BigShow. I expect a Shield win. TeamHellNo (Kane and Daniel Bryan) vs Dolph Ziggler and Big E. Langston - TagTeamTitles. A good match in the making imo. 3 VERY good wrestlers in one ring (unsure on Langston). I expect this to become an 'AllTitles' match, with Kaitlyn joining HellNo and AJ joining RhodesScholars. Zig/Lang to win (with Kaitlyn and CodyRhodes becoming an item sometime after Mania). Wade Barrett vs The Miz - Intercontinental Title. Meh. Hoping for a local boy, Barrett win. But expect a Miz victory. Chris Jericho vs Fandango. No idea why. Only connection is DancingWithTheStars. I expect it's just a case of pairing the two so Jericho can let the world see what Fandango can do in the ring. Possible Fandango win? Dunno. Mark Henry vs Ryback. No idea where it's come from or why it's on, but it is. Won't call.