'The Dragon' vows not to disappoint WWE fans

MANILA, Philippines – World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) veteran Ricky “The Dragon" Steamboat assured fans that will watch Friday’s Smack Down and ECW Live at the Araneta Coliseum won’t be disappointed. Steamboat, now on his comeback tour of duty, said that WWE stars John Hardy, Rey Mysterio, Edge, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Kane, Umaga and Michelle McCool would once again showcase their talents that thrilled fans world wide. “You won’t be disappointed," said Steamboat, now on his 50s but decided for a return stint in the ring to test his mettle against younger WWE stars, during the press launch at the Shangri La Hotel in Mandaluyong Thursday afternoon. “Everywhere we go, we got huge positive response not only from the media but also from the fans," said Steamboat. “Everybody who came to our matches was overwhelmed by our performances." Steamboat, the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, who likewise earned the WWE and WCW title in the heavyweight divisions were also part of the squad that won the WCW World Tag Team crown. Steamboat, according to a WWE-released portfolio, is “arguably one of the greatest talents ever to step inside the (wrestling ring). Few, if any, have been as consistent across the board from a standpoint of in-ring workmanship, fan acceptance and overall positive credibility as a ring performer. And it is those attributes which have garnered (Steamboat) a slot in WWE’s Hall of Fame, Class of 2009." Fans are also going to enjoy, said Steamboat who also now works as WWE producer and sometime wrestling referee, Hardy’s signature moves inside the ring. Some of the 225-pound giant’s popular moves are the Swanton Bomb, Whisper in the Wind and Twist of Fate Mysterio, who trained in the Mexican Lucha Libre style prior to gaining WWE stardom, is also a fan favorite. Although standing just 5-foot-6 compared to the WWE giants, Mysterio has earned a reputation as a force inside the ring. He is the proud holder of a World Heavyweight Championship and other titles which include a 2006 Royal Rumble crown. The Edge will put fans on their feet as he demonstrates the Spear, his signature move that earned him a WWE world heavyweight title. CM Punk, whose signature moves G.T.S. (Go To Sleep) and Anaconda Vise, maybe a bully inside the ring but he is one of the leading advocates of “Straightedge" lifestyle, a drug-free life that focuses on personal development. But a drug free lifestyle doesn’t mean CM Punk is soft, in fact he is one of the most consistent WWE wrestlers, having been an ECW, a World Heavyweight, a World Tag Team and Intercontinental champions. Jericho, who is the first Undisputed WWE Champion, is also expected to liven up the matches while Kane is a seven-foot maniac who’s built alone will scare anyone who dares try to cross his path. Looking to install himself among wrestling’s greats is Umaga, a 350-pound Samoan, whose Anoa’i family is known for their wrestling prowess. The lone female combatant in the event is McCool, who is more known for her moniker as “The All-American Diva". Ever since she was discovered in 2004’s WWE Diva Search, she has endeared herself among wrestling fans. – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV