FROM THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN WRITTEN: April 15, 2002

On April 1st, I lost my computer to some hardware problems. No big deal - I can survive without the 'puter for awhile. I live with my brother so every couple of days I was able to log on to check my e-mail and take care of any other business I needed taking care of. That time did not include visiting pro-wrestling sites - aside from Slash when I had time to read the RAW and Smackdown! recaps.

This afternoon, I got my baby back. It was nice - and as soon as I get a copy of Microsoft Office from my dad, I'll finish up that In Your House IV recap I was working on when it went down.

So I immediately made my rounds of checking out the news sites, and Wienerville...and I didn't like it. After sitting through the past 3 or 4 shows without hearing about backstage problems, smarks nitpicking about segments, etc. I was ENJOYING the shows from a wrestling standpoint. Now - we may have had some pretty awesome shows the past couple of weeks from a smarks perspective - I don't know. What I do know was without getting "influenced" from the dirty side of the business, the TV shows are all that more enjoyable.

I wasn't aware of why Kevin Nash was sent off television until today. Didn't care, it was an angle. I don't know when Rey Mysterio Jr. is set to debut, and I don't think I want to know. Last I heard, he and Eddie Guerrero had been sent contracts, Eddie appeared, and that was it.

Stupid segments on RAW or Smackdown!? Forgot 'em already. If I didn't like something, I put it out of my mind. The only thing that stands out as something I've disliked the past few weeks is the Austin Drinks Beer To Close RAW - but I've disliked that for years now so that's nothing new.

I know it's a matter of time before I get back into the groove of checking out the news and notes, as well as venturing into Wienerville. But I'm going to try to avoid the temptation. That's not to say I don't enjoy hearing what others think - but I've also enjoyed a few weeks away from it.

I suggest every wrestling fan do this every once in awhile. Step back from the 'net for a few weeks and just watch the shows. DON'T try to dissect every angle. I'm not sure why the Undertaker isn't getting a title shot anymore - but I don't really care because it's part of the story and that's good enough for me. If I'd never heard he was scheduled for Backlash in the first place, it wouldn't have even crossed my mind.

Remember, the reason we spent so much time talking about this stuff is because we ARE fans. But sometimes I think the best of us can get so darn negative we start to question that. Take a break - and I guarantee you'll enjoy it just that much more.