The Official Wrestling Thread has received an E-mail from the General Manager! [Archive] - Page 16

Masculine Todd

01-01-2011, 08:48 PM

PPVs define programs, not wrestlers.

The problem is that they run say, Orton vs Cena into the ground because they've got no ability to mix and match and program different guys in and the midarders are ignored because only the top 2 programs on either brand get attention.

That narrows the problems. With 13 PPVs and three television programs, programs and, invariably, stars become stale. Hogan's starpower was much easier to maintain when there was only four annual PPVs and bi-weekly television appearances. Cena on Raw, Smackdown and the PPVs will help improve the SD ratings to an extent, but could and most likely will have an adverse effect on the programs and his specialness.

Of course they continue a feud because there's hardly any alternatives. That's the point; this will only expedite the staleness of these respective programs.

Benel Germosen

01-01-2011, 08:48 PM

Ive heard the term Anti face used for a wrestler who wasnt a quite a tweener but wasnt a straigh face either.

Who has ever used that term ever?

Briomega

01-01-2011, 08:50 PM

Ive heard the term Anti face used for a wrestler who wasnt a quite a tweener but wasnt a straigh face either.

Where? :lol: Anti-face is against a face which means a heel.

Gryphon

01-01-2011, 08:50 PM

Who has ever used that term ever?

Various forums I have been on over the years.

Gryphon

01-01-2011, 08:50 PM

Where? :lol: Anti-face is against a face which means a heel.

Ive seen it used in a si ilar context as the term anti hero.

Briomega

01-01-2011, 08:53 PM

Ive seen it used in a si ilar context as the term anti hero.

Yeah that's just someone making shit up. I have never, ever seen that used by anyone anywhere.

Regardless, going back to where this all started Barrett does not fit this mold at all.

Gryphon

01-01-2011, 08:56 PM

Over on CBR's forums, in their wrestling thread, soemone posted a link that said there are plans or there are rumours for plans for Barrett to turn face.

It wont work but he could be a tweener maybe.

Kirblar

01-01-2011, 09:01 PM

That narrows the problems. With 13 PPVs and three television programs, programs and, invariably, stars become stale. Hogan's starpower was much easier to maintain when there was only four annual PPVs and bi-weekly television appearances. Cena on Raw, Smackdown and the PPVs will help improve the SD ratings to an extent, but could and most likely will have an adverse effect on the programs and his specialness.

Of course they continue a feud because there's hardly any alternatives. That's the point; this will only expedite the staleness of these respective programs.
No, it won't, because you can move on before a program becomes stale.

I kinda need to diagram out the problem the brand split creates, because it's actually a math issue.

Greenville 90210

01-01-2011, 09:25 PM

That narrows the problems. With 13 PPVs and three television programs, programs and, invariably, stars become stale. Hogan's starpower was much easier to maintain when there was only four annual PPVs and bi-weekly television appearances. Cena on Raw, Smackdown and the PPVs will help improve the SD ratings to an extent, but could and most likely will have an adverse effect on the programs and his specialness.

Of course they continue a feud because there's hardly any alternatives. That's the point; this will only expedite the staleness of these respective programs.

The WWE needs to be making even more main event level stars due to the number of TV/ppvs/etc happening every year. They also need to let top guys simmer for a few months, so they don't become stale. Instead, the WWE uses the same 6 main eventers and, if they bring someone new up, they don't last there very long- see Sheamus, Rey, Swagger, and a couple others.

Prime

01-02-2011, 02:06 AM

Hey, remember when John Cena was entertaining?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hhnVPTrruU

that just makes me miss Angle.

Cena still sucked back then.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 06:24 AM

No, it won't, because you can move on before a program becomes stale.

I kinda need to diagram out the problem the brand split creates, because it's actually a math issue.

Then you burn through your roster faster. In 1998, Austin worked with Foley three months. Austin worked with Kane/Taker from July to December. This worked because 1.) the industry was on a high and 2.) there was only one show a week (and better booking/writing).

So, even if the roster is becomes a singular entity and there exists more main-event possibilities (and looking at the top guys on SD, we've seen Cena/Orton against Edge, Show and Kane a million times), this will still be negated by how many shows they'll work through. I imagine that, if they are successful in transitioning their midcarders to the main-event while replacing them with the newer crop of stars from FCW/NXT, you'd be correct. However, as the roster stands now, having Show and Edge as stand-ins for "fresh feuds" would change the title match at the PPV, but the program would still be subjected to double the television time. This issue is only made worse by how both brands have rote, worn main-event scenes.

Kirblar

01-02-2011, 06:26 AM

What you miss is that it having two shows a week doesn't matter if they're running the same programs because the PPV is the blowoff.

By having two parallel shows they increase the amount of programs they burn through and they burn through and increase the need for useless filler.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 06:50 AM

The WWE needs to be making even more main event level stars due to the number of TV/ppvs/etc happening every year.

Agreed. They're so damn capricious in that, they'll push a guy that half of creative and some cats in power are enchanted with, while the other half are just looking for reasons why he'll fail. So as soon as a botched spot occurs or an awkward promo transpires (which happens to everyone), they'll point at it and convince the supporters that he doesn't have it, subsequently demoting him back to the undercard. It's to the point where no one can truly get behind a guy because we're all weary. It's only a matter of time before they're relegated to the midcard again, right? Moreover, we're taught wins and loses don't matter, especially when a guy gets a push, only for it to be quickly abandoned.

Evan Bourne, over the summer, picked up clean wins against Jericho and Sheamus (the Sheamus pin occurred in a tag), only to be sent packing to the opening match jobber role once again. Clearly, a big win over a former World Heavyweight Champion is meaningless, and what's worse is the fact that the guy who beat Jericho jobbed to Zack Ryder (who's awesome, but not pushed as anything but a comedy jobber) a mere two weeks later. He's good enough to beat Jericho, but not capable enough to defeat Ryder? The logic is retarded.

They also need to let top guys simmer for a few months, so they don't become stale. Instead, the WWE uses the same 6 main eventers and, if they bring someone new up, they don't last there very long- see Sheamus, Rey, Swagger, and a couple others.

Agreed. Ideally, they'd have enough guys to afford them the luxury of a rotating roster. Hunter will benefit from his year-long sabbatical. 'Taker and Shawn always felt bigger than normal when they returned from their months-long vacations. Doing this would also prolong the careers of some of these guys.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 06:54 AM

What you miss is that it having two shows a week doesn't matter if they're running the same programs because the PPV is the blowoff.

I'm not missing that. You're ignoring the fact that the roster, as it stands, provides hardly anything new to transition to. So, instead of Cena/Orton for three months, we have it for one month, then we're treated to Cena/Edge the next month and Cena/Show. None of these options is inherently better than the other, as the entire main-event roster is stale.

Moreover, having Cena/Orton on eight shows condensed into a month rather than eight shows spread over two months (but at two PPVs) may give it the appearance of staleness even quicker, in that you feel as though you've seen it much more in a small timeframe than normal. That could hurt the buyrate in the end. This is merely speculation, though.

Merging the rosters is a wise move, but it'll be difficult with the main-event scene they have now.

By having two parallel shows they increase the amount of programs they burn through and they burn through and increase the need for useless filler.

You claim it's simple math, but I don't envision them creating an abundance of new feuds on the undercard.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 07:08 AM

that just makes me miss Angle.

Cena still sucked back then.

I found Cena entertaining at that time, but yeah, Angle was so fucking good on the stick. He's a guy who could balance levity and seriousness without looking like a goof. God, I wish he'd return.

J Money

01-02-2011, 08:25 AM

I found Cena entertaining at that time, but yeah, Angle was so fucking good on the stick. He's a guy who could balance levity and seriousness without looking like a goof. God, I wish he'd return.

He's just a sexy Kurt.

(agreed, I also loved his goofy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI-w4XUbCQc) side)

Roger

01-02-2011, 08:26 AM

i miss DX :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfBU2wVBcmQ&feature=related

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 08:58 AM

D Generation X, the stable was awesome. The best stable in any wrestling company in the last 15 or 20 years or so. They could work as heels or faces.

Foolish Mortal

01-02-2011, 09:02 AM

Old DX was great. The resurrected version from the last few years was embarrassingly awful.

joeAR

01-02-2011, 09:05 AM

Old DX was great. The resurrected version from the last few years was embarrassingly awful.

I loved the original DX(Shawn, Hunter, Chyna, and Rude). The resurrected version was just awful.

Foolish Mortal

01-02-2011, 09:12 AM

I loved the original DX(Shawn, Hunter, Chyna, and Rude). The resurrected version was just awful.
If they're going to bring it back, then bring it back with young stars.

Don't have 40-year old guys pretending they're anti-establishment, anti-authority troublemakers. It just doesn't work.

usagi20

01-02-2011, 09:19 AM

40 year-old guys can be anti-establishment. It's just not believable when one is the son-in-law of the owner of the company and the other is a born-again Christian.

Benel Germosen

01-02-2011, 09:30 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEPoyfLUGgI&feature=sub

All hail the Kings of Wrestling

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 09:32 AM

In spring of '99, there was a stable called "The Union," who revolted from the Corporation and attempted an "uprising" of sorts. Ken Shamrock, Big Show, Mick Foley and a few others comprised the group and all members, save for Mick, had yet to be WWE Champion.

In the fall of '99, a kayfabe-breaking group of midcard talent gathered together and operated under the moniker "The Revolution." Benoit, Malenko, Saturn and Shane Douglas decried backstage politics and banded together to combat the tyrannical system that created an artificial glass-ceiling. Unfortunately, the pay-off was nothing more than a midcard feud with the Filthy Animals and backing Bret Hart in his campaign to win the WCW World Title.

With all this DX nostalgia and "anti-authority" stuff, it was fun, but they were hedonists without a subjugated/oppressed stance. I liked the defiance of The Union and The Revolution. I think a stable like that would be awesome if done correctly. If the GM were to reveal themselves, and Cena were to turn heel by aligning himself with this corrupt mystery figure, they could add a few other long-term main-eventers in the group and create a hegemonic stable that this oppressed group of neglected/mistreated midcarders could rally together to fight.

I don't know, it's certainly romanticized, but it's a premise I like, and with so many midcarders with the potential to get over, yet are in this perpetual state of arrested development, now would be an appropriate time for it (or after 'Mania, I suppose).

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 09:34 AM

40 year-old guys can be anti-establishment. It's just not believable when one is the son-in-law of the owner of the company and the other is a born-again Christian.

Yeah. Even most casual fans are aware of Stephanie and Hunter's marriage. What's worse is the fact that they made it canon in early '09 with the Hunter/Randy feud, only to reunite DX later that same year. Admittedly, they moved away from the "snarky rebels" and "juvenile humor" shtick to a "we're just two good pals and longtime main-eventers cracking wise" gimmick near the end.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 09:36 AM

Okay, now I'm watching the Smackdown from Friday, and about five minutes in, I gotta say that I'm loving this push for Dolph. He's really stepped it up in-ring, and it appears as if he's proved something to creative/booking. I'm glad he's getting an opening talking segment.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:15 AM

Jack Swagger should be in the main-event (but, you know, pushed and allowed to show some personality).

joeAR

01-02-2011, 10:17 AM

Okay, now I'm watching the Smackdown from Friday, and about five minutes in, I gotta say that I'm loving this push for Dolph. He's really stepped it up in-ring, and it seems as he's proved something to creative/booking. I'm glad he's getting an opening talking segment.

Jack Swagger should be in the main-event (but, you know, pushed and allowed to show some personality).

Big yes to both.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 10:20 AM

Sheamus should be a huge, main event level face on Smackdown.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:20 AM

Okay, had to pause it for a while, but I'm watching again. Swagger has charisma, but shouldn't be saddled with these retarded scripted promos. He can still show a bit of charm though. Kofi is utterly devoid of personality when doing those promos. Let the guy talk and give him a little edge and he does well.

Dolph, on the other hand, actually sells these scripts. I'd love to see him with his own material, given how smooth his delivery is with their hackneyed writing. It's cool that they're building a program with these three guys.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:22 AM

Sheamus should be a huge, main event level face on Smackdown.

He'll make a fantastic face. He's so damn likable and manages the humor/seriousness dichotomy well.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 10:24 AM

Jack Swagger should be in the main-event (but, you know, pushed and allowed to show some personality).

Yes. He could even be a face. Maybe. I just wish they'd let him do the push-ups during his entrance again. Why take that away? Why'd they take away the eagle? I don't understand the WWE sometimes.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:30 AM

I know they need filler, but most angles/matches/segments should serve a purpose and advance something. Cody against Show doesn't really do anything for anyone. I know they had a segment the week before in which Cody interrupted the Santa-suit bit, but why should that culminate in a match?

Cody could really be a strong upper midcarder. "Funny Show" is the shits. He could really make a good "one last main-event run" if he were transformed into a remorseless, monolithic monster.

Walk-out finishes are hideous.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 10:30 AM

I'd actually like to see Kofi as a heel. It might be really interesting. It can't happen anytime soon because Smackdown is currently overflowing with mid-card heels on the come-up.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 10:32 AM

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:32 AM

Yes. He could even be a face. Maybe. I just wish they'd let him do the push-ups during his entrance again. Why take that away? Why'd they take away the eagle? I don't understand the WWE sometimes.

Yeah, they wanted to make him "serious" as champ, but in doing so robbed him of everything that made him unique. The push-ups were great. The eagle was funny without sacrificing the air of menace he has. Swagger should be ostentatious and bragadocious. He could eventually transition that into being a face.

They have such talent on the undercard. Why not let them show their talent?

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 10:34 AM

Yeah, they wanted to make him "serious" as champ, but in doing so robbed him of everything that made him unique. The push-ups were great. The eagle was funny without sacrificing the air of menace he has. Swagger should be ostentatious and bragadocious. He could eventually transition that into being a face.

They have such talent on the undercard. Why not let them show their talent?

It's almost as if they want everyone to be bland. They want to MAKE new stars, they won't let anyone stand-out unless they want them to stand-out. It's so disappointing.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:35 AM

Big Show was used great with Jeri-show and Show-Miz was going on. They should do more of that. Just team him with someone. It's all he's good at.

Yeah. I think he could be great if used as a singles transitional champ. Have him tear through guys and look, well, his size. Then place the belt on him for a month or two, only to drop it to a new challenger and play up the size aspect. It's simple. But yeah, if used as muscle for a charismatic, smaller heel, he's perfect. Push Zack Ryder and Show, y'all!

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:36 AM

It's almost as if they want everyone to be bland. They want to MAKE new stars, they won't let anyone stand-out unless they want them to stand-out. It's so disappointing.

But as Trips says, guys have to get themselves over...even when they aren't given the opportunity to...or the television time...or the mic...or wins! Trips knows, because he got over all on his own!

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:39 AM

More Smackdown thoughts (as I slowly wade through the show on Youtube):

When Gregory said "Drew's more entertaining than Del Rio in his infinite feud with Rey," I scoffed, but you're right. Drew's kinda watchable right now. The whole "my resolution is to actually win the belt this year" was funny, and his "be a better man" thing and pining after Kelly Kelly is kinda intriguing. Like, he's an asshole, but he's trying to play it straight and win her affections, but isn't quite sure how. It's kinda contrived, but the arc is certainly more engaging than "Drew complains about Teddy before beating Kofi Kingston every week."

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:40 AM

(Non) Drunk Chavo! Push Drunk Chavo! Put Drunk Chavo with Big Show as a team now!

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:41 AM

Oh cool, JTG's just hanging in the background of the party. I mean, yeah, his entrance is cool and over with people and he can wrestle, but fuck it, amirite!

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:43 AM

Holy shit. The remaining Dudebuster is on my computer screen!

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:46 AM

Fed Lines and Coleisms:

Striker: McIntyre has a new-found aggression which we saw last week when he decimated Kaval.

Cole: Yeah, and look where that got Kaval. Bye bye, see ya!

Matthews: Trent Barretta could be the future World Heavyweight Champion.

Cole: Did you just say Trent Barretta is a future World Champion? No way. Never.

Gregory

01-02-2011, 10:51 AM

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:54 AM

Okay, a few things on the Barretta/McIntyre match:

I liked the Dudebusters, but never got a chance to see much of their work due to my complete apathy for Superstars. Barretta can go. The guy's really refined in the ring. They booked him to get a lot of offense in. This was a good back-and-forth match until, you know, another non-finish. What the fuck? Is this supposed to be more of Drew being a prick (pulling down the rope to intentionally cause Barretta to crash-and-burn), which will invariably bite him in the ass while wooing Kelly Kelly? I don't know, but seeing him as a mischievous dude with the smile is sorta cool. Again, it's a step-up from forced promos in which he whines about Teddy.

Push Barretta!

Gregory

01-02-2011, 10:56 AM

Push Barretta!

He's why they cut Matt Hardy. Same look, same ring attitude, younger and thinner.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:56 AM

He could get over as a tweener, which is the best prospect for a solid midcard face the show has.

Yeah, it'd be a good alternative to Kofi's over-but-bland routine.

Until Ezekiel squashes Dolph for the IC belt.

It looks like they're taking to Dolph. If you're Cody, you'd better be prepared for a-squashin'.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 10:56 AM

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 10:58 AM

He's why they cut Matt Hardy. Same look, same ring attitude, younger and thinner.

He emotes better too. The cocky smile and facials were great. He just needs better ring-attire. Neon-green pants are a detriment to any push.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:00 AM

That was probably going to Kaval's match.

Gotta squash 'em for having the audacity to leave!

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:01 AM

Drew shit-talking Barretta after the match was cool. Dude's gaining a personality.

Gregory

01-02-2011, 11:04 AM

Drew shit-talking Barretta after the match was cool. Dude's gaining a personality.

I'm not kidding about Drew v.2

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:04 AM

Chavo and the Eagle. Chavo's entertaining. Put him on T.V. more, please.

LayCool inhabit a place between being deliberately obnoxious in a funny/entertaining way and being unintentionally obnoxious in a "go-away heat" way.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:05 AM

I'm not kidding about Drew v.2

You were the first to see it. I'd never have thought it possible.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:08 AM

Wait, the Rey/Edge vs. Del Rio/Kane match is on half-way through? So what's the main-event? Are they going to make the Intercontinental Title triple-threat the show-closer? Holy shit, that's cool.

Also, Edge coming out is the low point for the show. I never thought I'd say that about Edge. He should get rid of the Matrix-leather jacket. He shed the thing around '08. Why is it back?

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:10 AM

Del Rio is an actual character. WWE doesn't have enough distinct characters anymore. With that in mind, he'd have been a perfect foil to Hogan during his '80s run.

For whatever reason, I picture Hunter and Alberto having a good series of matches/chemistry.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:11 AM

If JBL hadn't retired, seeing him as a corrupt GM who favored Del Rio would have been great.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 11:16 AM

Hunter could have great matches with Alberto and Miz. If he wants to...

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:18 AM

Rey's arms have become considerably smaller now that he's unable to lift due to the injury.

Watching Edge is depressing. They fucked him up in 2010. His comeback arc never achieved a satisfying conclusion - he won the Rumble, yet lost to Jericho at 'Mania, lost to Swagger in a triple threat for the title, and his only win in this series came in the form of a non-title match against Jericho in a fourth-from-the-top cage match on PPV while already in the transitioning phase to become a heel again. He ultimately wins the title, but at the end of the year in a haphazardly-booked feud with Kane that meant nothing. The win meant nothing. His holding the title for the first time in nearly two years means nothing. Edge as champ means nothing. It should have been the pay-off to his early return and Rumble win, and yet, it's just a desperation move because they have no-one else.

In between all of this, he was sandwiched between Nexus, Sheamus, Miz and Jericho on Raw (all of whom were pushed above him) and meandered in the upper mid-card after a hasty heel turn that came from nowhere.

I mean, here's a guy who achieved his tenth title win and it means absolutely nothing. He's supposed to be a longtime main-eventer, and yet he can't help carry Smackdown. He's pegged in this top babyface role despite the fact that it's not the position in which he thrives. Ouch.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:19 AM

Edge Powerbombing Rey to the outside was a cool spot, but christ, both Rey and Edge are mere shells of what they were when they had the tag titles nine years ago.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 11:20 AM

Face Edge is lame and his work seems half-hearted.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 11:21 AM

If JBL hadn't retired, seeing him as a corrupt GM who favored Del Rio would have been great.

I wish JBL would replace Lawler.

EDIT: Or be a manager.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:24 AM

More awkward commentary/fed lines to Cole/Coleisms

Matthews: I'm a bit disgusted by Del Rio in the way he flaunts his wealth. You know his offspring's offspring will be set for life!

Cole: And you have a problem with that? Do you forget who runs this company?

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:25 AM

Alberto is the only healthy guy in this match. The rest of them are broken. Kane hardly took any bumps due to the bad back.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:27 AM

I wish JBL would replace Lawler.

EDIT: Or be a manager.

I stopped watching for a few years, starting around the time Bradshaw became JBL, and when I returned, he was SD's color commentator and he was amazing. I couldn't believe how many years he was wasted in the APA (a good gimmick that extended far beyond its shelf-life). He's great. He'd be so awesome in a non-wrestling role.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:29 AM

Matthews: Del Rio had been embroiled in a feud with Rey for a few months.

He's been fighting him for four months. Four. Blow it off now, please.

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 11:31 AM

I heard rumours that Low Ki has signed again with TNA. Anyone know if that is true?

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:34 AM

Fun "holiday face win" match, but damn was it dishearening to see how banged up the other three were while Del Rio did all the heavy-lifting in the match.

This current crop of headliners, beyond Sheamus, Cena and Orton (all in their early '30s) are nearing the end ('Taker, Hunter, Rey, Edge, Kane, Show).

Chris Masters is also still employed. Huh.

Briomega

01-02-2011, 11:34 AM

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:35 AM

I heard rumours that Low Ki has signed again with TNA. Anyone know if that is true?

It's not ideal, but it's a bit of job security, unlike the indies and Japan (if true).

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:35 AM

It's the holidays so I will let it slide...

But, don't test me Todd! :-x

Sometimes I love them, Brio. I swear!

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 11:36 AM

It's not ideal, but it's a bit of job security, unlike the indies and Japan (if true).

The E really missed a good opprotunity with him.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:38 AM

So we have Rey/Del Rio in a 2 out of 3 falls match next week. God, I hope it's the blow-off (which it likely will be, as they're about to enter the 'Mania cycle). The stip allows for the loser to get a bit of a shine themselves (by getting a fall). Rey's losing.

Kane/Edge in a Last Man Standing match for the title, huh? Blowing off all the duds before 'Mania season.

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 11:40 AM

Some of these guys need to be retired. They cant put on a good show as much as they used to and having them around holds the younger guys back.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:41 AM

They gave the diva tag match over ten minutes.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:43 AM

Some of these guys need to be retired. They cant put ona good show as much as they used to and having them around holds the younger guys back.

Nah, they should be utilized to help get the new guys over. Rey may be hurting, but he's over, and appeals to a specific demographic that hardly anyone else does. 'Taker's decrepit, but he's, well, 'Taker. These guys still have a purpose, and at this point, they're the only one's who are over.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:44 AM

"Congrats. This is the first WWE-hosted party that hasn't ended in a fight."

A surprisingly funny bit.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:45 AM

They're showing the video-package of the Cena/Nexus/Punk segment in which Cena says "there will be no moving forward" to David Otunga. That should be the new slogan: "Get the 'F' Out," "Ruthless Aggression," "There will be no moving forward."

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:48 AM

Wow, so the Intercontinental Championship match actually is the main-event. That's pretty cool. It reminds me of the Smackdown from June (?) '03 in which Rey and Matt Hardy closed the show in a Cruiserweight Championship match that blew off their (awesome) feud.

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 11:48 AM

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:49 AM

Why did they ever try to give Dolph a leopard-print vest as entrance-garb? Was that supposed to be part of the Dirk Diggler/pseudo-porn thing? Regardless, good call getting rid of that.

Masculine Todd

01-02-2011, 11:55 AM

"Controlled frenzy" may be the dumbest catchphrase.

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 12:07 PM

Of course there is the problem of soem wrestlers feeling that younger wrestlers shouldnt be given a push to prominence over older wrestlers to the point of Ageism ( see Kevin Nash)

joeAR

01-02-2011, 12:11 PM

joeAR

01-02-2011, 12:13 PM

Todd, your commentary has made me decide to watch Smackdown tonight. Bravo sir.

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 12:14 PM

I should watch last weeks superstars episode.

Did Yoshi appear again? and is he still teaming with Mark Henry?

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 12:27 PM

Has David Hart Smith appeared recently?

Damian696

01-02-2011, 12:33 PM

I should watch last weeks superstars episode.

Did Yoshi appear again? and is he still teaming with Mark Henry?

Yoshi/Darren Young this week.

Damian696

01-02-2011, 12:55 PM

Has David Hart Smith appeared recently?

vs. Regal on Superstars.

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 01:36 PM

Yoshi/Darren Young this week.
Ah, that could be interesting,

vs. Regal on Superstars.

Cool.

Alex

01-02-2011, 04:08 PM

It's almost as if they want everyone to be bland. They want to MAKE new stars, they won't let anyone stand-out unless they want them to stand-out. It's so disappointing.

McMahon learned his lesson (such as it is) from Luger jumping ship to WCW, Hogan, Lesnar leaving for the UFC, etc. etc. etc.

The machine will make damned sure no one superstar is bigger than the company itself. To do otherwise is to basically give up bargaining/negotiating power.

Face Edge is lame and his work seems half-hearted.

Edge wrestles basically the same way he always did. This would be fine if he had not suffered a string of injuries, but since he is not in the greatest of shape this means his ringwork looks just like it did 10-15 years ago, just slower and less crisp. Misterio Jr. moved to less acrobatics and more ground-based offense as a result of his injuries, Edge similarly needs to shift the way he works.

The E really missed a good opprotunity with [Kaval/Low Ki].

I read on another board (I think? Coulda been this one) that he is ridiculously protective of his rep (does not like to job. AT ALL. and will complain about it) and that maaaaybe the way he was being used was simply a test by the 'E to see how he would react. And since he reportedly did go on his Twitter and wonder aloud why he wasn't making appearances at PPV's...

Foolish Mortal

01-02-2011, 04:42 PM

I don't think there's anything wrong with face Edge, it's just that they haven't pitted him against anyone compelling.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 04:52 PM

I don't think there's anything wrong with face Edge, it's just that they haven't pitted him against anyone compelling.

Edge/Ziggler could be fun.

The preview of Edge/Del Rio didn't look that good. I blame Edge.

Kirblar

01-02-2011, 05:20 PM

Face Edge has no big moves, no comeback story. His finisher isn't really great for a face.

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 07:45 PM

Will Daniel Bryan ever be a Main Eventer?

Kirblar

01-02-2011, 07:48 PM

Maybe.

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 07:54 PM

Face Edge has no big moves, no comeback story. His finisher isn't really great for a face.

The spear is a terrible finisher. The only reason he does it is because young Jeff Hardy used to sell the shit out of it.

He should do it in the middle of the match and have a better finisher. Does Edge have a submission?

Greenville 90210

01-02-2011, 07:55 PM

Will Daniel Bryan ever be a Main Eventer?

I hope so. There's so much they can do with that guy.

Gryphon

01-02-2011, 08:09 PM

After again watching his stuff from FCW, Ive come to the conclussion that once Barrett's in ring career is done he will definitely be doing commentary.

Benel Germosen

01-03-2011, 06:43 AM

2010 Future Endeavored list. Lot of good ones this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Cq8KeLv2I&feature=player_embedded#!

Gregory

01-03-2011, 06:47 AM

Face Edge has no big moves, no comeback story. His finisher isn't really great for a face.

I cannot stand the way he pulls his hair. The Pigtails of Irreverent Anger do nothing for me.

Foolish Mortal

01-03-2011, 06:54 AM

2010 Future Endeavored list. Lot of good ones this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Cq8KeLv2I&feature=player_embedded#!
Man, they released a lot of guys that they could really use right now.

Benel Germosen

01-03-2011, 06:56 AM

Man, they released a lot of guys that they could really use right now.

Yup.

But ROH got Shelton and Haas back so that's all that matters.

moonspider

01-03-2011, 06:59 AM

I hope so. There's so much they can do with that guy.

that "rookie"?...he's just a rookie

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 07:37 AM

2010 Future Endeavored list. Lot of good ones this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Cq8KeLv2I&feature=player_embedded#!

I completely forgot about Eric Escobar. That guy was such a dud. I know Hurricane sealed his fate with the traveling incident, but he was over. They could've used him as a body to throw at guys in need of a job, at the very least.

Paul Burchill was really good. It's a shame they never used him. I wasn't aware Charlie Haas made it to 2010. It feels like he was cut in 2009. Cutting Shelton was dumb. It's amazing to think that Funaki had been with the company since 1998. Jimmy Yang was an exceptional worker. It's a pity they never did anything with him.

I wonder why they gave up on Mike Knox. They were so high on him around the end of '08 and early '09 (including him in an Elimination Chamber PPV match). Carlito's axing may be the biggest waste of potential ever (which, admittedly, was his fault in this instance due to refusing detox).

I don't recall ever seeing any of the three female interviewers, yet they were on shows I watched. Luke Gallows had something. It's astonishing that they couldn't find a gimmick for a guy that big and intimidating (and, you know, they like that kind of look).

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 07:38 AM

Todd, your commentary has made me decide to watch Smackdown tonight. Bravo sir.

Happy (belated) watching.

Foolish Mortal

01-03-2011, 07:41 AM

They could really use Shane Helms, Shelton Benjamin, Paul Burchill, MVP, Jimmy Yang, and Luke Gallows on SmackDown right now.

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 07:48 AM

Edge wrestles basically the same way he always did. This would be fine if he had not suffered a string of injuries, but since he is not in the greatest of shape this means his ringwork looks just like it did 10-15 years ago, just slower and less crisp. Misterio Jr. moved to less acrobatics and more ground-based offense as a result of his injuries, Edge similarly needs to shift the way he works.

He has, actually, made a change to his arsenal. He's eliminated dives to the outside, the flying crossbody of the top, never leaves his feat for the running forearms, only uses the spinning heel kick in "big" matches, shies away from the missile dropkick, etc. He's also (slightly) modified certain strikes and maneuvers. We see him execute a simple baseball slide to an opponent on the outside rather than flying over the top to the outside.

I'd agree, he should implement more striking moves (that don't require acrobatics/leaving his feet). The issue here is that, while he's shed various aerial moves due to his limitations, he hasn't replaced them. The only move I can recall that he's introduced to his arsenal in the last few years is the Yakuza Kick/big boot.

As Kiblar mentioned, he also needs "comeback" moves. The Flapjack, Electric Chair and that go-behind chin-drop aren't exciting moves you can signal to the crowd for. However, one place I disagree with him is how effective the Spear is as a babyface finisher. He does the maniacal hair-pull spot, which allows the audience to build anticipation (much like Shawn's footstomping) and then runs forward. It's a fast strike. It can come from nowhere or be scouted. It's a good finish for both heel and face.

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 07:53 AM

They could really use Shane Helms, Shelton Benjamin, Paul Burchill, MVP, Jimmy Yang, and Luke Gallows on SmackDown right now.

Agreed. What's even more perplexing is why they don't use some of the guys who are just listlessly wandering backstage in party segments. I mean, Chavo's been relegated to a comedy figure, but you can still utilize him (even in that role). Chris Masters has become relatively decent since his return. JTG's a solid worker and has that fantastic entrance that excites the live crowd. They were giving Tyler Reks (gross) a push two months ago, and as quickly as he was (unceremoniously) reintroduced, he's exiled off T.V. again, only to be seen in Christmas party vignettes.

It's like, yeah, we get it. They want to go on a youth movement and start bringing up and pushing their FCW guys. Cool, but it takes time to do that, and you need over veterans to help nurture and season these rookies and get them over. I don't understand how their road agents, their bookers, even their writers are baffled by these decisions.

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 07:58 AM

Will Daniel Bryan ever be a Main Eventer?

If he's able to inhabit that Chris Benoit space, where he's a very reliable hand in the ring, guys like to work with him, and he maintains a loyal fan following while transitioning between the midcard and upper midcard for a few years, then they may give him a title run years from now when they've exhausted most other possibilities.

I imagine his position/career would probably follow Benoit's path in WWE. There will be many a stigma he'll have to overcome, especially with Hunter transitioning more into the creative/business side of the company.

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 08:04 AM

He should do it in the middle of the match and have a better finisher. Does Edge have a submission?

At one point, he was doing this modified Indian Death Lock-looking thing. It was, yeesh, around the time he returned from his neck fusion (2004). I believe they called it the "Edgecator," if memory serves me (I know it was some silly portmanteau using his name).

Gryphon

01-03-2011, 08:06 AM

April 4. The return of Tough Enough. Right after monday night raw.

SteveFlack

01-03-2011, 08:07 AM

At one point, he was doing this modified Indian Death Lock-looking thing. It was, yeesh, around the time he returned from his neck fusion (2004). I believe they called it the "Edgecator," if memory serves me (I know it was some silly portmanteau using his name).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoiCSnxUUP0

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 08:08 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoiCSnxUUP0

Whoa. That's just a Sharpshooter, only Edge kneels to the side of the body. I thought it was more inventive.

SteveFlack

01-03-2011, 08:09 AM

Whoa. That's just a Sharpshooter, only Edge kneels to the side of the body. I thought it was more inventive.

Still not terrible, and the position Edge put his body in makes it look different enough from the sharpshooter.

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 08:10 AM

Triple H defends the WWE Championship against TAKA (April 2000):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I-iUL2IBn4

I marked so hard for this as a 12 year old.

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 08:12 AM

Still not terrible, and the position Edge put his body in makes it look different enough from the sharpshooter.

It'd be cool if he integrated that into his moveset again. I just remembered it differently than what it was. I'm a proponent of having a secondary submission finish (providing they get it over as opposed to just using it once or twice in a big match without properly building it up).

Greenville 90210

01-03-2011, 08:18 AM

Triple H defends the WWE Championship against TAKA (April 2000):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I-iUL2IBn4

I marked so hard for this as an 12 year old.

Me too. It proves 2 things:

1) Little japanese cruiserweights can get over.
2) HHH can make anyone he wants look good.

Greenville 90210

01-03-2011, 08:20 AM

Imagine if they did a similar angle/match with Yoshi and Miz on RAW. It would be great.

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 08:22 AM

Me too. It proves 2 things:

1) Little japanese cruiserweights can get over.
2) HHH can make anyone he wants look good.

2000 Hunter was great. He wasn't ridiculously buff nor weighted down by a litany of injuries, his in-ring work was so crisp, and he sold for guys and got them over. He wasn't protecting his spot. The guy was fantastic (which isn't to say he sucks now. He's still good, but, you know...).

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 08:25 AM

Imagine if they did a similar angle/match with Yoshi and Miz on RAW. It would be great.

There wouldn't be the "underdog-due-to-size" dynamic, in that Yoshi is the same height/weight, but there would be the "plucky upstart going against established main-eventer" element. That'd be fun.

Greenville 90210

01-03-2011, 08:26 AM

I really wish they'd use Yoshi as RAW's Rey Mysterio.

SteveFlack

01-03-2011, 08:31 AM

I really wish they'd use Yoshi as RAW's Rey Mysterio.

By that, I hope you mean "Put him in a mask and say he is Mysterio as well", because that would be super huge.

Greenville 90210

01-03-2011, 08:33 AM

Regional Reys!

Greenville 90210

01-03-2011, 08:35 AM

Todd Grisham with a mustache. (http://yfrog.com/h4o21dj)

Gryphon

01-03-2011, 08:35 AM

So, anyone else excited that we now have a date for when tough enough is returning?

SteveFlack

01-03-2011, 08:36 AM

Greenville 90210

01-03-2011, 08:38 AM

Y'know what I want to see from the WWE: More Luchadors. In Masks.

Look, kids love Rey Mysterio. Why? Because of his awesome mask. I'd load Smackdown up with 2 or 3 other luchas, also in masks, but not exactly Mysterio clones. I bet they'd be over within weeks.

That would be wonderful. I doubt Rey would want that though. Del Rio's ring announcer works in FCW under a mask- maybe they'd bring that character up. I doubt it but it would make for some fun matches.

SteveFlack

01-03-2011, 08:38 AM

So, anyone else excited that we now have a date for when tough enough is returning?

No. Because Tough Enough is bad for the industry.

It walks this weird "real/fake line". It's like a behind the scenes for a movie. If whatever tension there was on set between an actor and a director was then a piece of a movie story.

I mean, I'll probably watch it anyway. But I don't think it's a good idea.

SteveFlack

01-03-2011, 08:40 AM

That would be wonderful. I doubt Rey would want that though. Del Rio's ring announcer works in FCW under a mask- maybe they'd bring that character up. I doubt it but it would make for some fun matches.

I bet Mysterio would be all for whatever would allow him to take more time off to heal whatever is wrong with his knees. Everytime he's about to take some sort of break, there's another Smackdown injury, and he's forced to run back. I bet his knees are really terrible right now.

Also, he's a student of the Mexican tradition. He knows he's not the only masked lucha out there.

Greenville 90210

01-03-2011, 08:41 AM

No. Because Tough Enough is bad for the industry.

It walks this weird "real/fake line". It's like a behind the scenes for a movie. If whatever tension there was on set between an actor and a director was then a piece of a movie story.

I mean, I'll probably watch it anyway. But I don't think it's a good idea.

It seems strange that they're doing it in the current PG, kids-friendly era. And (After a debut after RAW the night after WM) it will be on BEFORE RAW.

Xorn

01-03-2011, 08:51 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2qAipPGbkg&feature=player_embedded

Kurt Russell Crowe

01-03-2011, 09:04 AM

They have a Luchadore tag team in FCW, maybe they'll use them someday

usagi20

01-03-2011, 09:10 AM

I really wish they'd use Yoshi as RAW's Rey Mysterio.

Is Evan Bourne still on the RAW roster? He could be RAW's Rey Mysterio.

Foolish Mortal

01-03-2011, 09:17 AM

By that, I hope you mean "Put him in a mask and say he is Mysterio as well", because that would be super huge.

Mysterio Inc.

:p

Gregory

01-03-2011, 09:19 AM

Greenville 90210

01-03-2011, 09:26 AM

I'd like to see Cody Rhodes go the Dr. Doom route and wear a mask to hide a "deformity" caused by the tiniest of bruises.

Absolutely. Cody needs a big bodyguard character too. It'd help some lummox get over.

Prime

01-03-2011, 09:34 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2qAipPGbkg&feature=player_embedded

wow

The Human Target

01-03-2011, 10:03 AM

I'd like to see Cody Rhodes go the Dr. Doom route and wear a mask to hide a "deformity" caused by the tiniest of bruises.

Thats a fantastic idea.

SteveFlack

01-03-2011, 10:05 AM

I'd like to see Cody Rhodes go the Dr. Doom route and wear a mask to hide a "deformity" caused by the tiniest of bruises.

I hope he gets bruises on his knees and has to wear knee pads.

Ha, bruises on his knees. I know how he got those!

Meditating.

Xorn

01-03-2011, 10:29 AM

on the edge moveset discussion a few posts back, wasn't this edge finisher for a looooong time? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8uy-S5a57Q

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 10:33 AM

Dear Gregory,

While I enjoy the premise, Cody should never hide his face because it is handsome. I would be greatly displeased. Do not take away one of the few bits of attractiveness in this company.

Sincerely,
Todd

(PS - That's an awesome idea)

Masculine Todd

01-03-2011, 10:33 AM

on the edge moveset discussion a few posts back, wasn't this edge finisher for a looooong time? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8uy-S5a57Q

Yeah, now it's his secondary move.

Briomega

01-03-2011, 11:15 AM

I'd like to see Cody Rhodes go the Dr. Doom route and wear a mask to hide a "deformity" caused by the tiniest of bruises.

I would like to point out that I made this suggestion as soon as he debuted this new gimmick. :razz:

Daniel K.

01-03-2011, 08:11 PM

Triple H defends the WWE Championship against TAKA (April 2000):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I-iUL2IBn4

I marked so hard for this as a 12 year old.

Same here. And then again when I found the match on youtube years later. Triple H used to put guys over so well. Whatever happened to that guy?

Benel Germosen

01-03-2011, 10:11 PM

Let us pray.

Our lord Punk, who art' in Second City, hallowed by that name. Give us today our daily diet Pepsi, and avenge us for all the alcohol that we have drunk as we avenge those who has smoked around us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us into sobriety. For thine is straight edge, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. ah-men.

Punk be with you.

My brothers and sisters, let us taken in the lessons of tonight. What have learn from the proceedings? What did our lord Punk teach us about the way of straight edge? He thought us that in a moment of great conflict, that we must remain resolute. We should not take the petty slights of others lightly, no, but we must not openly engage in every confrontation that is trust upon us. We must wait for our proper moment to strike and then take vengeance upon those who have wronged us.

When our lord Punk held out the hand to the Barrett, did he not asks " What choice do you do have? ". And the same is true for you, my brothers and sister. The same is true for you. When our lord Punk offers you his hand and asks you " What choice do you have? ", think hard about what it is that awaits you. Think long about your sin and traspasses and think long about what you did, for it might just be an affront to our lord Punk.

As The Barrett learned, it is hubris that leads to damnation. It is our own arrogance that leave us shoved into the cage with the pale king and the vile serpents. It is our own ego that seals our fate within the cage of our hearts. Take heed, brothers and sister, for the path is not an easy one. But with hustle, loyalty and respect...with straight edge you can find your path to salvation.

Let us kneel before the alter and give thanks.

Lord Punk, thank you for your blessings and your diet soda. And blessed be you and your disciples; Husky, McGuillicutty, St. Otunga, St. Gabriel and St. Slater, for they follow your path. Blessed be your fallen disciples; Luke, Serena and Joseph, for they have path the way so that we may follow in your light.

I would love to leave you, brothers and sister, with a song. Bishop MacKaye (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0puJVi2xJpQ), if you'd please.

Punk be with you.

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 05:20 AM

So, the possibility of John Morrison as a main eventer was nice while it lasted.

...sigh...

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 06:52 AM

I think Morrison vs Miz was more to sell Miz as a credible champion given his past matches as champion.

Masculine Todd

01-04-2011, 06:55 AM

I mean, yeah, that was part of it, but Morrison was selected to give Miz an opponent during the "dead period" before the 'Mania cycle began (Rumble to Mania - January to March/April). Morrison was someone who could be seen as a semi-credible challenger and the match felt like something new, in addition to feeding someone to Miz.

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 06:57 AM

If Barrett does indeed become a tweener, I think it would be cool for him to form an uneasy alliance with Cena and Daniel Bryan.

Gregory

01-04-2011, 06:58 AM

So, the possibility of John Morrison as a main eventer was nice while it lasted.

...sigh...

I'm of the mind (read: hope hope hope) they're gonna send him back to SmackDown to feud with heel Edge.

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 06:58 AM

I'm of the mind (read: hope hope hope) they're gonna send him back to SmackDown to feud with heel Edge.

That would be good for smackdown.

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 07:04 AM

I mean, yeah, that was part of it, but Morrison was selected to give Miz an opponent during the "dead period" before the 'Mania cycle began (Rumble to Mania - January to March/April). Morrison was someone who could inhabit the challenger role, felt like a new match, and could be pinned by Miz.

Yeah, but it would have been nice for it to last actually until the Rumble. Give Morrison a few Raws to move up the ladder. Sure, the match was spectacular, but we're once again back to Miz vs Orton.

Gregory

01-04-2011, 07:07 AM

I would like to point out that I made this suggestion as soon as he debuted this new gimmick. :razz:

It's such a good idea, I knew it should have been mentioned before I did.

Masculine Todd

01-04-2011, 07:16 AM

Yeah, but it would have been nice for it to last actually until the Rumble. Give Morrison a few Raws to move up the ladder. Sure, the match was spectacular, but we're once again back to Miz vs Orton.

I agree, but clearly, they didn't feel confident in putting Morrison in a one-on-one PPV title match (which is retarded, especially considering that the event is carried by the actual Rumble match itself. I mean, they put Bob Holly against Brock Lesnar for the title at the '04 Rumble).

As an aside, I love Orton, but I never want to see him wrestle Sheamus, Barrett or Miz ever again. He's a guy who desperately needs a change of scenery (which won't happen) or new guys to add a different dynamic to his matches/programs.

Masculine Todd

01-04-2011, 07:19 AM

This odd, kinda interesting tweener/self-aware asshole route McIntyre's going down makes me think that an Orton/Drew program would be entertaining...yeah.

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 07:21 AM

Who should be drafted to which brand this year?

Gregory

01-04-2011, 07:21 AM

This odd, kinda interesting tweener/self-aware asshole route McIntyre's going down makes me think that an Orton/Drew program would be entertaining...yeah.

I don't think Drew's ready for that yet. But it makes sense for Drew's resolution if Orton would get the belt back.

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 07:22 AM

Oh, and top moments of 2010?

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 07:22 AM

I agree, but clearly, they didn't feel confident in putting Morrison in a one-on-one PPV title match (which is retarded, especially considering that the event is carried by the actual Rumble match itself. I mean, they put Bob Holly against Brock Lesnar for the title at the '04 Rumble).

As an aside, I love Orton, but I never want to see him wrestle Sheamus, Barrett or Miz ever again. He's a guy who desperately needs a change of scenery (which won't happen) or new guys to add a different dynamic to his matches/programs.

Exactly. Plus robbing the Rumble of Orton just means there's one less possible winner. Since the winner of the Rumble has to also be able to headline Wrestlemania, there's very few possible options. So now, the winner is just more obvious.

Really, of the wrestlers available to be in the Rumble, who actually who has a shot at winning it?

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 07:23 AM

JOMO wins the rumble?

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 07:24 AM

or punk

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 07:29 AM

I don't think Drew's ready for that yet. But it makes sense for Drew's resolution if Orton would get the belt back.

They still need to build up drew 2.0 for a bit.

Foolish Mortal

01-04-2011, 07:34 AM

This odd, kinda interesting tweener/self-aware asshole route McIntyre's going down makes me think that an Orton/Drew program would be entertaining...yeah.
Yeah instead of spinning McIntyre as a spoiled, tantrum-throwing thug, they're now trying to spin him as a "bad boy". Like you know he's 'bad', but you like him anyway.

Don't know if that spin is going to work or not. You need to have a lot of charisma to pull that off.

Brad N.

01-04-2011, 08:21 AM

Y'know what I want to see from the WWE: More Luchadors. In Masks.

Look, kids love Rey Mysterio. Why? Because of his awesome mask. I'd load Smackdown up with 2 or 3 other luchas, also in masks, but not exactly Mysterio clones. I bet they'd be over within weeks.

Vince, Steph, Triple H, and their apologists have been doing their best to squash anything not huge, muscular, and slow forever. They HATE HATE HATE luchadors and cruiserweights in general even though it's something they desperately need. I know this is a discussion we've had here many times before (WWE needs a sound cruiser division, etc) but it popped up in my head at work last night and this post gives me the opportunity to spread what I thought about.

A solid cruiserweight division (or something similar regardless of the name) is one of the biggest missing pieces to the WWE success puzzle right now. It may be too late, but I would argue if done correctly it could be huge for WWE business and really add the spark they need. The problem is the reason it would work would prove that Vince, Steph, and Trips don't know a thing about the business anymore and their egos won't allow them to be wrong.

Think about it. The cruiserweights were one of the MAIN reasons for the massive success WCW thrived on for a while there. Now look at the WWE today and even trying to hold certain guys back look at the reactions you hear for Kofi, Rey, Bourne, Kaval, and Bryan. Fans LOVE seeing the smaller guys who put on an entertaining match. If they're fast and have charisma (especially a mask or colorful costume) they can get over and stay over forever. This is something Vince can never seem to figure out how to do with his beloved steroid induced freaks. So because he doesn't know why something works he hates it and because her Daddy hates it Stephanie hates it and so on.

I think there are a number of things the WWE is doing horribly wrong lately (too much TV and WAY too much PPV and the PG thing to name a couple) that are easily correctable and this is one of them. Another piece to the puzzle that if fixed and fixed properly could help the company put on a quality wrestling product that people want to watch again.

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 08:33 AM

Vince, Steph, Triple H, and their apologists have been doing their best to squash anything not huge, muscular, and slow forever. They HATE HATE HATE luchadors and cruiserweights in general even though it's something they desperately need. I know this is a discussion we've had here many times before (WWE needs a sound cruiser division, etc) but it popped up in my head at work last night and this post gives me the opportunity to spread what I thought about.

A solid cruiserweight division (or something similar regardless of the name) is one of the biggest missing pieces to the WWE success puzzle right now. It may be too late, but I would argue if done correctly it could be huge for WWE business and really add the spark they need. The problem is the reason it would work would prove that Vince, Steph, and Trips don't know a thing about the business anymore and their egos won't allow them to be wrong.

Think about it. The cruiserweights were one of the MAIN reasons for the massive success WCW thrived on for a while there. Now look at the WWE today and even trying to hold certain guys back look at the reactions you hear for Kofi, Rey, Bourne, Kaval, and Bryan. Fans LOVE seeing the smaller guys who put on an entertaining match. If they're fast and have charisma (especially a mask or colorful costume) they can get over and stay over forever. This is something Vince can never seem to figure out how to do with his beloved steroid induced freaks. So because he doesn't know why something works he hates it and because her Daddy hates it Stephanie hates it and so on.

I think there are a number of things the WWE is doing horribly wrong lately (too much TV and WAY too much PPV and the PG thing to name a couple) that are easily correctable and this is one of them. Another piece to the puzzle that if fixed and fixed properly could help the company put on a quality wrestling product that people want to watch again.

The belief that the cruiserweights ruled is WCW is one of the biggest fucking myths in history of the business. Y'know what ruled WCW? the nWo.

I mean, you didn't see a "Cruiserweights Souled Out" PPV did you?

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 08:36 AM

Oh, and I hate the new Raw Interview guy.

Kurt Russell Crowe

01-04-2011, 08:39 AM

lWo 2.0. Problem solved.

Kurt Russell Crowe

01-04-2011, 08:40 AM

Oh, and I hate the new Raw Interview guy.

You shouldn't, he's better than everyone else they have on commentary despite his obvious lack of product knowledge. If he can get the shot at it and surpass all these dweeb clones, it would improve the product so damn much.

Gregory

01-04-2011, 08:41 AM

Oh, and I hate the new Raw Interview guy.

He's better as a host. Check out Superstars.

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 08:45 AM

Cole wasnt as annoying last night. Did he break character before the intro?

Bervda

01-04-2011, 08:47 AM

The belief that the cruiserweights ruled is WCW is one of the biggest fucking myths in history of the business. Y'know what ruled WCW? the nWo.

I mean, you didn't see a "Cruiserweights Souled Out" PPV did you?

They carried the wrestling portion of the show, in the same way that Perfect/Hart carried the wrestling portion of the show for WWE during the later Hulkamania years.

Steve Marshall

01-04-2011, 08:52 AM

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/48835/wut.jpg

Benel Germosen

01-04-2011, 08:54 AM

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/48835/wut.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bby_g2nBeGQ

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 08:55 AM

They carried the wrestling portion of the show, in the same way that Perfect/Hart carried the wrestling portion of the show for WWE during the later Hulkamania years.

By "carried the wrestling portion" did you mean "fill time" "satisfy the 'hardcore wrestling fans' who'd probably watch the show anyway"?

Brad N.

01-04-2011, 09:00 AM

The belief that the cruiserweights ruled is WCW is one of the biggest fucking myths in history of the business. Y'know what ruled WCW? the nWo.

I mean, you didn't see a "Cruiserweights Souled Out" PPV did you?

Wrong. They predated the nWo. They outlasted the nWo. I didn't say they were THE main reason, but they were one of them. I'm not dismissing the New World Order's importance, for a good period of time they (as well as Goldberg's streak) were HUGE for WCW. But look at how many times you would see a Cruiserweight match open Nitro to get the crowd hot. That was one of the early selling points for WCW for a long time. You would see action from guys you couldn't see anywhere else. Jericho, Malenko, Rey, Juvi, Benoit, Eddie, guys who were incredibly talented and put on an entertaining match to liven things up. They were so popular that the WWE even tried to copy them by doing something that Vince NEVER would have done before - started the Light Heavyweight division/tourney and brought in TAKA Michinoku.

As for the Souled Out PPV...really? That was a natural progression for the nWo angle...cruisers weren't a storyline, it was a division.

Bervda

01-04-2011, 09:00 AM

By "carried the wrestling portion" did you mean "fill time" "satisfy the 'hardcore wrestling fans' who'd probably watch the show anyway"?

I guess if good wrestling fills time on a wrestling show, then you're right. I didn't watch WCW for anything but the cruisers. I'd channel surf over and only stick around if they were on.

Roger

01-04-2011, 09:03 AM

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/48835/wut.jpg

lol

Brad N.

01-04-2011, 09:05 AM

By "carried the wrestling portion" did you mean "fill time" "satisfy the 'hardcore wrestling fans' who'd probably watch the show anyway"?

:lol:

Yeah, that's why WCW and WWE had a combined 10 rating for like two straight years and today WWE is lucky to hit the 3 mark. Millions of wrestling fans stopped paying attenton almost overnight and they couldn't have all been casuals. I love this argument, it's one I see in comics too. The claim that the business goes in cycles (sure, it does) and that there is really only about a million hardcore comic geeks or a couple million wrestling fans. You know who makes those excuses? Wrestling and comic companies who have to answer shareholders questions about why their business is in the shitter. No, much like comics there are millions of potential fans out there just waiting to be roped back in, but some folks are too stubborn to attempt the things that would work to get them back.

Gregory

01-04-2011, 09:07 AM

All I remember during the dying days of WCW was Jung Dragons and Three Count and Filthy Animals killing each other for adoring audiences and stealing the show each week.

Roger

01-04-2011, 09:08 AM

New Japan Tokyo Dome results 1-4
i can't wait to get this show in the next few days

Wataru Inoue & Tiger Mask & Tama Tonga & Tomoaki Honma b Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii & Jad & Gedo

Koji Kanemoto & Ryusuke Taguchi b Kenny Omega & Taichi

Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson won three-way over Beer Money and Manabu Nakanishi & Strongman to keep IWGO jr. tag itle

Mascara Dorada & La sombra b Jushin Liger & Hector Garza

Hiroyoshi Tenzan b Takashi Iizuka

Rob Van Dam b Toru Yano in hardcore match

Yuji Nagata b Minoru Suzuki

Prince Devitt b Kota Ibushi to keep IWGP jr. title

Yoshihiro Takayama & Takashi Sugiura b Hirooki Goto & Kazuchika Okada

Jeff Hardy b Tetsuya Naito to keep TNA title

Togi Malabe b Masato Tanaka

Hiroshi Tanahashi b Satoshi Kojima with high fly flow to win IWGP heavyweight title

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 09:10 AM

All I remember during the dying days of WCW was Jung Dragons and Three Count and Filthy Animals killing each other for adoring audiences and stealing the show each week.

Yeah, that really kept them in business.

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 09:14 AM

I am very interested in the new plans for the straight edge nexus.

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 09:15 AM

I am very interested in the new plans for the straight edge nexus.

Plans? You think they got plans?

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 09:19 AM

Plans? You think they got plans?

Sorry. Coudlnt think of a better word.

I am excited for more generic storytelling and drawing out of the lpot till everyone once again loses interest.

moonspider

01-04-2011, 09:47 AM

Kirblar

01-04-2011, 10:26 AM

Roger

01-04-2011, 10:29 AM

yeah, I hope i can somehow get this dvd somewhere...or watch it online

yeah yeah....quit begging...lol
i'll keep ya posted

moonspider

01-04-2011, 11:07 AM

yeah yeah....quit begging...lol
i'll keep ya posted

*holds on to you like a child to his daddy's leg*

Damian696

01-04-2011, 11:35 AM

Wrong. They predated the nWo. They outlasted the nWo. I didn't say they were THE main reason, but they were one of them. I'm not dismissing the New World Order's importance, for a good period of time they (as well as Goldberg's streak) were HUGE for WCW. But look at how many times you would see a Cruiserweight match open Nitro to get the crowd hot. That was one of the early selling points for WCW for a long time. You would see action from guys you couldn't see anywhere else. Jericho, Malenko, Rey, Juvi, Benoit, Eddie, guys who were incredibly talented and put on an entertaining match to liven things up. They were so popular that the WWE even tried to copy them by doing something that Vince NEVER would have done before - started the Light Heavyweight division/tourney and brought in TAKA Michinoku.

As for the Souled Out PPV...really? That was a natural progression for the nWo angle...cruisers weren't a storyline, it was a division.

but Nitro was three hours back then. so they had enough time to start with the cruiserweights and then go on to the 'regular' stuff.

Damian696

01-04-2011, 11:40 AM

The cruiserweight label stigmatizes the division. It doesn't work with how WWE functions.

The problem is simply a lack of push, faith, or attention to the entire fucking undercard as they let talent atrophy and rot there.

yeah, the problem is not that there's no cruiserweight division, the problem is that they're unable to build storylines, be it for tag teams, women or cruisers.

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 11:47 AM

yeah, the problem is not that there's no cruiserweight division, the problem is that they're unable to build storylines, be it for tag teams, women or cruisers.

They're not unable, they just don't want to.

Kurt Russell Crowe

01-04-2011, 12:22 PM

They don't want to be a wrestling show/company.

Gregory

01-04-2011, 12:28 PM

They're not unable, they just don't want to.

I mean, really: Mexicools?

Kurt Russell Crowe

01-04-2011, 12:32 PM

on lawn mowers!

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 03:12 PM

They don't want to be a wrestling show/company.

That's not true at all. They want to be a wrestling show/company. They just don't want to be the same type of wrestling company you'd want them to be.

Alex

01-04-2011, 05:23 PM

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/48835/wut.jpg

I am SO stealing that pic.

Alex

01-04-2011, 05:28 PM

Oh, and I almost forgot:

When I was skipping through Tivo'ed RAW this morning, did I hear R-Truth tell del Rio to 'go back where he came from?'

Really?

And this man's supposed to be a face?

Foolish Mortal

01-04-2011, 05:54 PM

Oh, and I almost forgot:

When I was skipping through Tivo'ed RAW this morning, did I hear R-Truth tell del Rio to 'go back where he came from?'

Really?

And this man's supposed to be a face?
Del Rio is a SmackDown star. He was telling him to go back to SmackDown. But obviously a lot of people took it the wrong way. :lol:

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 06:39 PM

Del Rio is a SmackDown star. He was telling him to go back to SmackDown. But obviously a lot of people took it the wrong way. :lol:

I was laughing my ass off because of that. So easily taken to be an insult.

SteveFlack

01-04-2011, 06:41 PM

Oh, and I almost forgot:

When I was skipping through Tivo'ed RAW this morning, did I hear R-Truth tell del Rio to 'go back where he came from?'

Really?

And this man's supposed to be a face?

Even so, isn't that a proper retort from a face to a boastful foreigner?

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 06:53 PM

Who got booted from NXT?

Steve Marshall

01-04-2011, 07:04 PM

Who got booted from NXT?

Novak.

Benel Germosen

01-04-2011, 07:06 PM

I was laughing my ass off because of that. So easily taken to be an insult.

Except it was said to a Mexican superstar...in Arizona...and received a huge pop.

Racism with a wink-wink, nudge nudge.

Steve Marshall

01-04-2011, 07:09 PM

Didn't see it mentioned (sorry if I missed it): today is the anniversary of the Hogan era of TNA.

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 07:20 PM

Except it was said to a Mexican superstar...in Arizona...and received a huge pop.

Racism with a wink-wink, nudge nudge.

Oh yeah. But it was unitentional racism. Writers not knowing anything anymore.

J Money

01-04-2011, 07:53 PM

A few thoughts on the Bobby The Brain Heenan dvd. It's pretty good but it was more of a rent. Given his condition, I understand that they couldn't add new stuff.

The good
-1992 Royal Rumble commentary with Monsoon. My favorite part.
-around 50 minute biography. Not much was spent on WCW.
-Hall of Fame speech
-Bonus stuff, not a ton, but some highlights from his talk show/segments with Monsoon.

I'm probably forgetting some stuff. It did feel a little short and I skipped a few of his old matches. Just saying, they could have crammed this thing with classic commentary/management/promo on a third disc.

Overall, worth checking out and damn funny. The Brain is one of the greats.

Gryphon

01-04-2011, 08:05 PM

I thought that because he is working with TNA, they couldnt get him for new stuff.

Kurt Russell Crowe

01-04-2011, 08:16 PM

I know they always do it, but it was pathetic that they just shit all over his time in WCW. He was still hilarious and awesome there, and that's where a lot if not most people buying the DVDs are going to know him from.

joeAR

01-04-2011, 08:46 PM

I mean, you didn't see a "Cruiserweights Souled Out" PPV did you?

The Souled out PPV did one of the lowest PPV buyrates in the company history up until 2000

joeAR

01-04-2011, 08:50 PM

The belief that the cruiserweights ruled is WCW is one of the biggest fucking myths in history of the business. Y'know what ruled WCW? the nWo.

Ruled? No but they were a big part of the reason for WCW's success during that time. The NWO got people to tune in then the fans came to love the cruiserweight division. Watch any cruiserweight match from 96-98. The crowds would go nuts.

evophile

01-04-2011, 09:07 PM

Next week Daniel Bryan and Derrick Bateman go on a double date with the Bellas.

Prime

01-04-2011, 10:28 PM

Health Slater gets a Mattel action figure before me? WWWTFYKI
Twitter for iPhone • 05/01/2011 00:10

Give this man a push!

Brad N.

01-04-2011, 10:34 PM

Brad N.

01-04-2011, 10:51 PM

Ruled? No but they were a big part of the reason for WCW's success during that time. The NWO got people to tune in then the fans came to love the cruiserweight division. Watch any cruiserweight match from 96-98. The crowds would go nuts.

Yup, not to mention it's not a "myth" considering Eric Bischoff himself has gone on record saying exactly that. His original winning strategy that made Nitro so popular had numerous pieces to the puzzle, but the big three initially were - a) Cruiserweights. Something you would NEVER see in the WWE, b) LIVE broadcast made every show unpredictible, and c) big former WWE stars like Hogan and Savage and other guys casual fans remembered from the days when WWE was good.

The nWo and Goldberg came in a ways down the road to add to it, but the whole time Raw was getting handed its ass in the ratings you had a lot of great things working for Nitro, one of the big ones being the Cruisers. As you mentioned, the crowds (just like today) would eat that shit up. A hot crowd helps set up the rest of your card, which was why they so often opened the show or were set before a main event.

Also, for Damian - no, the three hour Nitro didn't come into play until much later. Initially and for a long time Nitro was just two hours. For a good while WCW actually put effort into those matches and nurtured the division. I was a bigger WWE fan at that time (though ECW was my true love) but looking back now as much as I enjoyed the Attitude era and all the greatness it brought us there is a lot of really almost perfect wrestling programming out of Nitro and WCW that even today's WWE could learn from.

DAVE

01-04-2011, 11:03 PM

It's funny to see this debate about the Cruiserweight division from WCW. I was just on vacation, and I read "The Death of WCW" and made me think of those days. I remember the smaller guys at WCW having so much potential (to this day one of my favorite feuds ever is Jericho vs Malanko) and kept waiting for Jericho, Rey, Kidman, Benoit, etc to get some sort of push to meet this potential, but it never happened. Kidman toward the end (after Benoit and Jericho had blossomed in the WWF), but it was too late at that point. Those guys were the backbone's of the WCW, but they were not the draw back then. I came for the nWo, but grew to appreciate the "vanilla midgets".

Greenville 90210

01-04-2011, 11:13 PM

Who should be drafted to which brand this year?

I'm reading this at 2 am so I'm not going to do it now but I'd love to figure out who I'd draft where later.

Greenville 90210

01-04-2011, 11:17 PM

yeah, the problem is not that there's no cruiserweight division, the problem is that they're unable to build storylines, be it for tag teams, women or cruisers.

Yes. That and the fact that everything is so homogenized in the WWE. They don't need a cruiser division but they need cruiserweight wrestling. They need a variety of styles to make the shows interesting. They squash that.

Prime

01-04-2011, 11:45 PM

So I take it they really wanted to keep Ziggler in the competition, and let him trade away the guy who was getting eliminated that night.

Chris Masters just got screwed mind you.

At least Derek Bateman was there to make it all about submissions, chicks and America.

Kirblar

01-04-2011, 11:46 PM

Dolph is riding very high right now b/c of his last few matches.

UltimateFactor

01-05-2011, 12:53 AM

Dolph is riding very high right now b/c of his last few matches.

Speaking of which, Smackdown Tapings for this week drive home that fact HARD.

http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/headlines/BSPOILERS_WWE_SD_Results_For_Fridayb.php

WWE Smackdown:

*World champion Edge defeated Kane in a Last Man Standing match.

*Kofi Kingston pinned Dolph Ziggler to win the WWE Intercontinental championship. Post match, Dolph attacked Kingston. Vickie Guerrero cuts a promo demanding a restart and there was so much crowd heat, you couldn't make out what she said. Kingston then wins again.

*Backstage promo with Drew McIntyre and Kelly Kelly.

*Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Big Show to determine a new top contender for the World championship. Vickie Guerrero comes out and adds Dolph Ziggler to the match. Dolph Ziggler pinned Cody to become the number one contender. Late in the match, Wade Barrett came out and attacked Big Show.

*They aired another new Ezekiel Jackson promo pushing that he's coming soon to Smackdown.

*Michelle McCool pinned Kelly Kelly. LayCool continued to attack Kelly but Drew McIntyre hit the ring and cleared it to make the save.

* Best of Three Falls: Alberto del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio. Del Rio avoids the 619 and nails the rolling armbreaker for Fall One. Rey comes back to win the second fall. Del Rio scores the pin in Fall Three after Ricardo holds Rey's leg down. Rey destroys Ricardo after.

Credit: Ben Nisbet & Pwinsider

I've also read that the Barret move to Smackdown is probably permanent. Though they still should have turned him Face. Smackdown needs Faces.

Very, very interesting.

Prime

01-05-2011, 01:25 AM

@DerrickWWE (http://twitter.com/#%21/DerrickWWE) Derrick Bateman
Submission wrestling, chicks, America and future WWE Tag team gold. That is what the DBs are all about. Thanks for the support lovers

The DBs? I like it.

Benel Germosen

01-05-2011, 04:16 AM

The DBs? I like it.

Since they talked about tag team gold, they're obviously going to be splitting up without a push.

joeAR

01-05-2011, 04:58 AM

Give this man a push!

I support this

Prime

01-05-2011, 05:02 AM

I support this

Woo Woo Woo, You know it!

SteveFlack

01-05-2011, 07:06 AM

Speaking of which, Smackdown Tapings for this week drive home that fact HARD.

http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/headlines/BSPOILERS_WWE_SD_Results_For_Fridayb.php

WWE Smackdown:

*World champion Edge defeated Kane in a Last Man Standing match.

*Kofi Kingston pinned Dolph Ziggler to win the WWE Intercontinental championship. Post match, Dolph attacked Kingston. Vickie Guerrero cuts a promo demanding a restart and there was so much crowd heat, you couldn't make out what she said. Kingston then wins again.

*Backstage promo with Drew McIntyre and Kelly Kelly.

*Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Big Show to determine a new top contender for the World championship. Vickie Guerrero comes out and adds Dolph Ziggler to the match. Dolph Ziggler pinned Cody to become the number one contender. Late in the match, Wade Barrett came out and attacked Big Show.

*They aired another new Ezekiel Jackson promo pushing that he's coming soon to Smackdown.

*Michelle McCool pinned Kelly Kelly. LayCool continued to attack Kelly but Drew McIntyre hit the ring and cleared it to make the save.

* Best of Three Falls: Alberto del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio. Del Rio avoids the 619 and nails the rolling armbreaker for Fall One. Rey comes back to win the second fall. Del Rio scores the pin in Fall Three after Ricardo holds Rey's leg down. Rey destroys Ricardo after.

Credit: Ben Nisbet & Pwinsider

I've also read that the Barret move to Smackdown is probably permanent. Though they still should have turned him Face. Smackdown needs Faces.

Very, very interesting.

Keeping him heel allows them to feed him to Taker at Wrestlemania. (Remember, Barrett is responsible for Taker's current 'injury'.) I'd expect some sort of post-Mania face turn, especially if he's able to get a good, well-fought loss to the Taker.

Gregory

01-05-2011, 07:10 AM

Speaking of which, Smackdown Tapings for this week drive home that fact HARD.

Very, very interesting.

I expect promos based on 90% jokes about his name.

Masculine Todd

01-05-2011, 07:35 AM

Wow, for the first time in months, Smackdown (from a cursory scan of the spoilers) seems like it's progressing.

Ziggler as title contender is pretty cool. I hope they actually go all-the-way with him at some point.

Barrett on SD is good. We all knew 'Taker had designs on him for the 'Mania match.

Cody in a #1 contender match? I know the feud is Cody/Show, but, uh, wow.

Kofi with the IC Title again is depressing. If anything, winning the strap is vote of no-confidence for him. "We just don't see you as a potential top guy, so have this belt again, because it means nothing."

Kofi was the guy who Ziggler beat for the belt six months ago.

Glad to see Del Rio win the blow-off (though it wasn't unexpected).

Gregory

01-05-2011, 07:43 AM

I disagree about Kofi. They need a solid midcard face to fend off the many heels in new feuds. Kofi has earned a prominent place on the show, and he's healthy and not quitting.

SteveFlack

01-05-2011, 07:52 AM

I disagree about Kofi. They need a solid midcard face to fend off the many heels in new feuds. Kofi has earned a prominent place on the show, and he's healthy and not quitting.

True, but Kofi's been in that position for years now, and they keep feeding him new midcard heels who move eventually past him in main even pecking order, like Ziggler and Del Rio. Common sense would mean that eventually, he'd be main eventing. But that doesn't seem to be happening. And it's obvious they're kind of confused about what do with him. They've teased a couple of heel turns, but nothing has stuck.

Gryphon

01-05-2011, 09:07 AM

I wonder what Barrett's solo theme is.

It should be Kaval's theme.

Gryphon

01-05-2011, 09:08 AM

I may have said that already but forgot I did.

Kirblar

01-05-2011, 09:09 AM

They have so many heels as is. :lol:

Kurt Russell Crowe

01-05-2011, 09:24 AM

Booooooo Kofi. Booo, mon. Jamaican me pissed.

Kurt Russell Crowe

01-05-2011, 10:31 AM

http://hoverhands.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/67789_168056503211651_128137870536848_589230_63601 9_n.jpg

Gregory

01-05-2011, 10:35 AM

http://hoverhands.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/67789_168056503211651_128137870536848_589230_63601 9_n.jpg

That's Jericho's height without the lifts.

SteveFlack

01-05-2011, 10:36 AM

http://hoverhands.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/67789_168056503211651_128137870536848_589230_63601 9_n.jpg

I'm pretty sure, upon seeing this photo, Vince just signed this kid.

Gregory

01-05-2011, 10:39 AM

I'm pretty sure, upon seeing this photo, Vince just signed this kid.

You're either be-sweatered or against us.

Dr. Blasphemy

01-05-2011, 10:40 AM

Jericho is the best at what he does...Unless it's music, then not so much.

iGotKittyPryde

01-05-2011, 01:06 PM

Give this man a push!

Is the acronym there supposed to be 'Woo Woo What the Fuck You Know It'?

I could sorta see him getting in trouble for that. If just because they don't like people tweeting about their lack of push.

Then again... what exactly could they do to PUNISH Zach Ryder? Have him job to... really there is no one beneath the people he's already jobbing to.

Xorn

01-05-2011, 02:46 PM

Foolish Mortal

01-05-2011, 03:53 PM

F4Wonline.com:
- Here's an interesting stat. John Cena and/or Randy Orton have been in a WWE Title or World Heavyweight Title match at every WWE pay-per-view for over two years now. The last show that didn't have either of them in a top title match was WWE's Cyber Sunday 2008 where the main events were Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy for the WWE Title and Chris Jericho vs. Batista for the World Title.
And it's going to stay that way as long as they keep guys like Rhodes, Ziggler, Morrison, Kofi, and Swagger in this constant 'holding pattern'. It's time to pull the trigger and let these guys ascend.

Greenville 90210

01-05-2011, 10:58 PM

And it's going to stay that way as long as they keep guys like Rhodes, Ziggler, Morrison, Kofi, and Swagger in this constant 'holding pattern'. It's time to pull the trigger and let these guys ascend.

I think the WWE is afraid to have their established guys go to higher midcard so new people can get a push. I don't think Randy and Cena are assholes guarding their spots, I just think the WWE are cowards who have no confidence in their midcard.