Brock Lesnar was once seen as someone who needed time to develop, according to WWE‘s legendary commentator Jim Ross’ “Ross Report” in his recently unearthed notes from 2001, which held information on much of the talent on the cusp of making it onto the main show.
That report in itself makes for fascinating reading. The information held within acts as a precursor for what was to come in wrestling with detailed information on talent that would go on to make their mark in the promotion, including the likes of Randy Orton, Dave Bautista, Shelton Benjamin, and The Prototype, who later became known as John Cena.
While Ross was quick to make comparisons between Cena and WWE Hall of Famer Sting, which surprised a fair few fans when that revelation was made, Lesnar, on the other hand, had no such comparison to draw upon and seemed like a sure thing from the start if given the appropriate time to make good on his promise.
Credit: WWE
An elite athlete who was already an NCAA National Champion and towering at 6’3, 290 lbs, you would think that the “Freak of Nature” would be able to handle whatever WWE could throw at him already. Ross dubbed him an “amazing athlete” and felt he could “make it in time.”
That time finally came soon after, as “The Beast” sent shockwaves throughout the promotion when he was thrust into the limelight the year after the report was made on the 18th of March 2002, on Raw.
The rest, as they say, is the stuff of wrestling history. “The Next Big Thing” had a huge amount of expectation riding on his shoulders to make it, further evident by manager Paul Heyman’s inclusion into his corner, a man who had managed some of the biggest and best to come out of the sport and is seen as WWE’s greatest ever hype man.
In the years that followed, Lesnar would go on to greatness as one of the roster’s most dominant talents, as a six-time WWE Champion and two-time Royal Rumble winner, all while becoming the youngest champion in history at the time and being the man who put an end to The Undertaker‘s WrestleMania streak in 2014.
With the impact that he has made, it is safe to say that Jim Ross’ hunch that Brock Lesnar could make it in WWE was well-placed.
Vibrant in blue, Rangers have one of the most vocal followings in British football.
The Glasgow side’s supporters follow their boys in blue through thick and thin — and for good reason. Rangers are Scotland’s most decorated football team. Whether it’s a European night or an Old Firm derby, expect to find Ibrox in full voice.
Here are the anthems that take pride and place in the songbook of the Rangers supporters.
Follow, Follow
REUTERS/Chris Furlong/POOL
The official anthem of the club, it is adapted from William O. Cushing’s 19th-century gospel hymn “Follow On.” Repurposed by Gers fans during the early 20th century, it plays at every home game when the players emerge from the tunnel.
Though the streets be broad or narrow,
We will follow, we will go,
Follow, follow, we will follow Rangers,
Go where the Glasgow Rangers go…
Simply the Best
Action Images / Lee Smith
Tina Turner’s 1989 classic gets an Ibrox makeover. The iconic track was added to the Rangers’ songbook during the club’s run of nine consecutive league titles in the 1990s. Today, the song still rears its head from time to time, harkening back to a golden era for the Glaswegian side.
Better than all the rest!
Penny Arcade
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
American rock-and-roller Roy Orbison made more than just pennies when he released the track in 1969, but the song has found new life as Rangers’ victory song. Reverberating through the speakers after every win at Ibrox, it kickstarts the party for the thousands of fans in Rangers blue.
Hey, look at that, there’s a penny arcade
With a clockwork music that the music box played
And the painted roll that goes round and round
And the carnival sound of a penny arcade…
Blue Sea of Ibrox
Action Images / Lee Smith
A staple since the 1970s, the lyrics paint a picture of Rangers match days and the unity of the club’s support. A blanket of blue scarves, shirts, and flags brought together in song, it is a sight to be seen by any visitor to Ibrox on a Saturday afternoon.
It’s the blue, blue, blue sea of Ibrox (sea of Ibrox),
It’s the greatest sight that I have ever seen (ever seen),
It’s the blue, blue, blue sea of Ibrox (sea of Ibrox),
And it’s part of every Rangers player’s dream.
I’m Feeling It (In the Air)
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
A relatively new addition to the Rangers songbook, this anthem took hold during the club’s successful 2021-22 campaign. Reimagining the dance remix by Sunset Bros & Mark McCabe, the song sound tracked Rangers’ run to the Europa League Final that season. The euphoric beat of the track was perfect for the dazzling European nights at Ibrox.
I can feel it in the air,
I can feel it everywhere…
We Are the People
REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Sometimes the simplest lyrics carry the strongest message. And that certainly rings true for “We Are the People.” Often viewed as the Rangers supporters’ defining chant, it is an anthem that fits every occasion and emotion. It lifts the players and fans when they’re down, and it is roared during moments of celebration. Overall, it lends voice to the community of fans that follow Rangers no matter the weather.
We are, we are, we are the people!
Heart and Hand
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
A classic, more poetic chant that now only occasionally finds full voice at Ibrox. The phrase “heart and hand”, however, continues to be at the forefront of the club’s identity and fans’ unity. This is a song that remains highly revered by older members of the club’s fanbase and has now found new prominence as the name of Rangers’ most prominent fan-led podcast and independent media network.
With heart and hand, we’ll take our stand
To guard our club and native land.
For Rangers is the name we bear,
The famous jersey we shall wear.
Derry’s Walls
Action Images / Lee Smith
The traditional anthem dates all the way back to 1689 and the historic Siege of Derry. The defiant cries of “No surrender!” from the defending protestants defined this chapter in Irish history. With the club’s historical and cultural ties to Northern Ireland, Rangers fans adopted the song. Imbuing the lyrics with a fervent energy, the song has become a symbol of defiance and perseverance, whilst also recognising the club’s heritage.
Chelsea have been punished following an investigation into 74 alleged breaches of the English Football Association’s regulations.
The Stamford Bridge outfit were initially charged in September after being accused of breaking rules regarding agent regulations, regulations on working with intermediaries, and third-party investment in players.
Those breaches are reported to have taken place between 2009 and 2022, while Roman Abramovich was still in control of the west London club.
FA Announce Chelsea’s Punishment
REUTERS/Hollie Adams via Action Images
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have been handed a £10 million fine and a two-window transfer ban, which has been suspended until 30 June 2027.
They were also given a six-point deduction, but that has since been withdrawn after appeal. A statement from the English FA confirmed:
“Chelsea FC admitted to the 74 breaches of FA Rule E1.2 prior to a hearing and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed a six-point deduction, which was to be suspended until 30 June 2027, and a £10 million fine.
“The club appealed against the suspended points deduction and an independent Appeal Board allowed the appeal and set aside this sanction following a further hearing. In its place, the Appeal Board imposed a registration ban for two complete and consecutive transfer windows which is suspended until 30 June 2027.”
Celtic and Rangers are reportedly embroiled in a transfer battle to sign Fares Ghedjemis and could both make bids for the Algerian winger.
The Scottish Premiership giants often wage war on the pitch, but they are both chasing the attacking gem from Serie B outfit Frosinone. A report from Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph claims the two clubs are considering a move for the 23-year-old.
Celtic and Rangers are both looking to strengthen their squads ahead of a new Scottish Premiership campaign. They have been busy making additions to their squads but could now be rivalling one another for a new winger.
Celtic and Rangers Weigh Up Ghedjemis Bid
via Reuters
Joseph claims that the Scottish sides aren’t the only clubs interested in the Algeria international. There is also interest shown from England, Italy and the USA and that could prove problematic for the Bhoys and the Gers.
