I think that would be awful. I mean, you'd really want to see another Taker/Lesnar match? Other than the ending being surprising, the rest of the match last year was sleep inducing, and that certainly wasn't because of Lesnar.I'd love for an Undertaker/Lesnar match next year allowing Undertaker to retire in Texas and avenge his only WM loss. Lesnar jobbing for Undertaker certainly wouldn't be any hit on him at that point.Someone on Sirius fantasy this morning said that if Lesnar is leaving anyway that they were hoping for a Taker/Lesnar match at WM where Taker wins, Lesnar leaves and then Monday Taker retires leaving the belt vacant. I really like that idea... too bad its not happeningThe Grantland/Cheap Heat podcast threw out the dream scenario last night: Lesnar having a temper tantrum, vacating the title and skipping Wrestlemania thereby setting up a WM IV-style tournament for the belt which would be far more compelling than the Lesnar/Reigns matchup we are currently destined for. The WWE would also avoid having to give Lesnar his last big payday too.Reigns Wellness failure rumor is completely false.So Brock was at RAW this week, but did not appear. Tons of speculation on what happened, because no one just flies a private jet somewhere and not make an appearance. Talk of it being anything from dispute over Merch sales to a possible Roman Reigns PED drug test failure.
Meltzer says he left angry over business dealings with Vince. His contract is up soon and the word is he's getting the UFC itch again.
Of course, there is 0% chance of this happening.
I give Undertaker a mulligan on that one... he supposedly suffered a bad concussion early in the match and didn't know what he was doing for the rest of it. If he can pull off a better performance this year, then I'd be happy to see him go one more time next year.I think that would be awful. I mean, you'd really want to see another Taker/Lesnar match? Other than the ending being surprising, the rest of the match last year was sleep inducing, and that certainly wasn't because of Lesnar.I'd love for an Undertaker/Lesnar match next year allowing Undertaker to retire in Texas and avenge his only WM loss. Lesnar jobbing for Undertaker certainly wouldn't be any hit on him at that point.Someone on Sirius fantasy this morning said that if Lesnar is leaving anyway that they were hoping for a Taker/Lesnar match at WM where Taker wins, Lesnar leaves and then Monday Taker retires leaving the belt vacant. I really like that idea... too bad its not happeningThe Grantland/Cheap Heat podcast threw out the dream scenario last night: Lesnar having a temper tantrum, vacating the title and skipping Wrestlemania thereby setting up a WM IV-style tournament for the belt which would be far more compelling than the Lesnar/Reigns matchup we are currently destined for. The WWE would also avoid having to give Lesnar his last big payday too.Reigns Wellness failure rumor is completely false.So Brock was at RAW this week, but did not appear. Tons of speculation on what happened, because no one just flies a private jet somewhere and not make an appearance. Talk of it being anything from dispute over Merch sales to a possible Roman Reigns PED drug test failure.
Meltzer says he left angry over business dealings with Vince. His contract is up soon and the word is he's getting the UFC itch again.
Of course, there is 0% chance of this happening.
This was really entertaining. Listened to the rest of it going into work. Liked their idea that the main event should have been Hogan-Piper II with Mr.T in Hogan's corner. Problem is Piper refused to job to Hogan, so you needed Mr. Wonderful in there to take the pinfall.
That is possible, though he'll be 50 by that point. I've never been a huge Taker fan, but I don't think he himself has had a good match since Michaels in 2010. Didn't think much of either of the HHH matches, and the Punk match was just Punk throwing himself around recklessly. If Lesnar has to lose, I'd much prefer if was to help solidify a newer star. As of now, I think Rollins cashing in, is probably the best idea.I give Undertaker a mulligan on that one... he supposedly suffered a bad concussion early in the match and didn't know what he was doing for the rest of it. If he can pull off a better performance this year, then I'd be happy to see him go one more time next year.I think that would be awful. I mean, you'd really want to see another Taker/Lesnar match? Other than the ending being surprising, the rest of the match last year was sleep inducing, and that certainly wasn't because of Lesnar.I'd love for an Undertaker/Lesnar match next year allowing Undertaker to retire in Texas and avenge his only WM loss. Lesnar jobbing for Undertaker certainly wouldn't be any hit on him at that point.Someone on Sirius fantasy this morning said that if Lesnar is leaving anyway that they were hoping for a Taker/Lesnar match at WM where Taker wins, Lesnar leaves and then Monday Taker retires leaving the belt vacant. I really like that idea... too bad its not happeningThe Grantland/Cheap Heat podcast threw out the dream scenario last night: Lesnar having a temper tantrum, vacating the title and skipping Wrestlemania thereby setting up a WM IV-style tournament for the belt which would be far more compelling than the Lesnar/Reigns matchup we are currently destined for. The WWE would also avoid having to give Lesnar his last big payday too.Reigns Wellness failure rumor is completely false.So Brock was at RAW this week, but did not appear. Tons of speculation on what happened, because no one just flies a private jet somewhere and not make an appearance. Talk of it being anything from dispute over Merch sales to a possible Roman Reigns PED drug test failure.
Meltzer says he left angry over business dealings with Vince. His contract is up soon and the word is he's getting the UFC itch again.
Of course, there is 0% chance of this happening.
The Retro series is great. They go through every PPV in order through Summerslam 1990. Sam Roberts filled in on the last few, but then they had to pull the plug on the show until crowd funding picks up.This was really entertaining. Listened to the rest of it going into work. Liked their idea that the main event should have been Hogan-Piper II with Mr.T in Hogan's corner. Problem is Piper refused to job to Hogan, so you needed Mr. Wonderful in there to take the pinfall.
We're getting into Wrestlemania 2 territory.Looks like Jon Stewart is making an appearance tonight on RAW to "Settle the score" with Seth Rollins.
http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/53296-official-wwe-press-release-on-jon-stewart-on-raw-tonight
Maybe Vince Russo can write him in a victory over Lesnar for the titleLooks like Jon Stewart is making an appearance tonight on RAW to "Settle the score" with Seth Rollins.
http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/53296-official-wwe-press-release-on-jon-stewart-on-raw-tonight
Axel has his best segment (and reaction) of his career. Then squashed by Cena in 2 minutes.
That segment didnt go at all like WWE booking wanted lol. Thank you crowd.
WrestleMania II Useless and Random Comments:Watching WrestleMania I. Wondering if I can plow through all 30 previous WrestleManias before number 31.
Jesus if not for the blaring music, you could have heard a pin drop during that Reigns entrance.A buddy of mine went to the MSG house show on Friday. Here is what he texted me:Jesus if not for the blaring music, you could have heard a pin drop during that Reigns entrance.
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/second-banana-wwe-wcw-shawn-michaels-marty-jannetty-paul-orndorff-hulk-hogan-arn-anderson-ric-flair/“Of course, there were second bananas all over the wrestling world — Kevin Von Erich, Buddy Roberts, and Greg Gagne are but a few of them. I spent my formative years watching “Superstar” Bill Dundee, Dutch Mantell, and Jeff Jarrett alternate between being enemies and second bananas to Southern wrestling legend Jerry “The King” Lawler. But the best second banana to come out of Memphis was Soul Train Jones, who made only a handful of appearances before WWF hired him to become Virgil, the manservant of “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. The “Million Dollar Man” character was an onscreen proxy for Vince McMahon (who was still a decade away from actually getting in the ring himself), and the name “Virgil” was swiped from the birth certificate of Dusty Rhodes, the wrestler who was then calling the shots at rival WCW. WWF wanted to be sure WCW knew which banana it was on the promotional landscape. Virgil spent several years suffering the humiliation of indentured servitude to DiBiase before finally turning on him in 1991 (WWF’s year of the untethered second banana, it would seem). Virgil and DiBiase had a memorable feud, after which Virgil faded into obscurity before being resurrected as “Vincent” (touché!), again alongside DiBiase, in WCW.”
They really need to incorporate Lesnar (likely) leaving into the finish of the Reigns/Lesnar match.A buddy of mine went to the MSG house show on Friday. Here is what he texted me:Jesus if not for the blaring music, you could have heard a pin drop during that Reigns entrance.
"So many boos for roman. Almost incredible how over d Bryan is."
Growing up my parents did not let me watch wrestling, but as Bears fans we were able to watch this since Fridge and Jimbo Covert were in it. I still remember Covert running over to clear everyone off Fridge at the beginning, and Fridge "shaking hands" with Big John Studd and pulling him over the top rope after he was thrown out.
- **** Butkus as guest ref. TOO TALL JONES as guest ref. Battle Royal time. 6 NFL guys vs. 14 WWF guys. Seems fair. Intros are lasting longer than the whole battle royal did. Fridge gets the biggest pop. Neidhart with the most awkward exit from a battle royal ever. Andre kicks him in the center of the ring and The Anvil run and jumps over the top rope.
There simply isn't any way to defy physics - he crushed him. How they pull that off without Rollins getting hurt is beyond me. I guess they practice somehow but holy crap that had to be stiff. In fact, I thought the whole match looked stiff, which is exactly what they need to do. I think Reigns has looked really good the last two times out.Ridiculous spear on Rollins to end the show.
Be careful. You aren't supposed to like Reigns around here.There simply isn't any way to defy physics - he crushed him. How they pull that off without Rollins getting hurt is beyond me. I guess they practice somehow but holy crap that had to be stiff. In fact, I thought the whole match looked stiff, which is exactly what they need to do. I think Reigns has looked really good the last two times out.Ridiculous spear on Rollins to end the show.
Different strokes I guess, but I thought this was by far the best Raw in at least a month. Good crowd(other than Punk chants) helped a lot.I was planning on canceling the network after Wrestlemania but if Raw keeps up like it is tonight I won't make it that far
There simply isn't any way to defy physics - he crushed him. How they pull that off without Rollins getting hurt is beyond me. I guess they practice somehow but holy crap that had to be stiff. In fact, I thought the whole match looked stiff, which is exactly what they need to do. I think Reigns has looked really good the last two times out.Ridiculous spear on Rollins to end the show.
Also loved the leap over the top rope on to The Authority. Something we've never seen from him.Point number 1 is really interesting. I'd think anyone could tune into RAW once and be drawn right to Rollins. His mic work is really great, and the stooges over the top selling of everything is says is great. Then he wrestles a match, and he's really incredible.I'm a casual watcher here and there and don't know all the wrestlers but my observations....
1. They need a new superstar (like a John Cena, The Rock, etc.). Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, who I'm assuming they are grooming for this role, both suck. Besides, they look too much alike. Speaking of Rollins, how did he get the briefcase back last night? He left the ring and Roman was standing on it.
2. I enjoy looking at the Divas and watching them wrestle. They should have them on the show earlier and make they more involved. For example, instead of Dean Ambrose and Bad News last night at 820 or so, they should had a Divas match there.
3. I think the fan sign that says "the guy behind me can't see" is funny.
I agree, I'm kind of amazed that anybody would think Rollins wasn't good. There is a pretty good argument to be made that he is the best worker in the company right now.Point number 1 is really interesting. I'd think anyone could tune into RAW once and be drawn right to Rollins. His mic work is really great, and the stooges over the top selling of everything is says is great. Then he wrestles a match, and he's really incredible.I'm a casual watcher here and there and don't know all the wrestlers but my observations....
1. They need a new superstar (like a John Cena, The Rock, etc.). Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, who I'm assuming they are grooming for this role, both suck. Besides, they look too much alike. Speaking of Rollins, how did he get the briefcase back last night? He left the ring and Roman was standing on it.
2. I enjoy looking at the Divas and watching them wrestle. They should have them on the show earlier and make they more involved. For example, instead of Dean Ambrose and Bad News last night at 820 or so, they should had a Divas match there.
3. I think the fan sign that says "the guy behind me can't see" is funny.
I was really taken back by Viagra jokes and Cena dropping the B word so early in the show last night. It was completely unnecessary, and I really don't need that in the first half of the show. Go TV-14 in the final hour if you want, but you've established the product as family friendly for the first hour plus.
That would be great shtick. Do a take off on his Dad's Perfect Skits and just have Axel going around doing things on Axel Time.I agree, I'm kind of amazed that anybody would think Rollins wasn't good. There is a pretty good argument to be made that he is the best worker in the company right now.Point number 1 is really interesting. I'd think anyone could tune into RAW once and be drawn right to Rollins. His mic work is really great, and the stooges over the top selling of everything is says is great. Then he wrestles a match, and he's really incredible.I'm a casual watcher here and there and don't know all the wrestlers but my observations....
1. They need a new superstar (like a John Cena, The Rock, etc.). Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, who I'm assuming they are grooming for this role, both suck. Besides, they look too much alike. Speaking of Rollins, how did he get the briefcase back last night? He left the ring and Roman was standing on it.
2. I enjoy looking at the Divas and watching them wrestle. They should have them on the show earlier and make they more involved. For example, instead of Dean Ambrose and Bad News last night at 820 or so, they should had a Divas match there.
3. I think the fan sign that says "the guy behind me can't see" is funny.
I was really taken back by Viagra jokes and Cena dropping the B word so early in the show last night. It was completely unnecessary, and I really don't need that in the first half of the show. Go TV-14 in the final hour if you want, but you've established the product as family friendly for the first hour plus.
That whole Cena/Steph/Axel promo was interesting. Maybe the crowd reaction pushed it that way, but it sure seemed like Cena was cutting a heel promo, especially after the crowd was cheering Steph, and especially Axel. Also, how does Axel tell time? He said he'd been in the Rumble for 35 days and 26 hours, and I'd like to know how many hours are in an Axel day.
Really great mic work compared to who?Point number 1 is really interesting. I'd think anyone could tune into RAW once and be drawn right to Rollins. His mic work is really great, and the stooges over the top selling of everything is says is great. Then he wrestles a match, and he's really incredible.I'm a casual watcher here and there and don't know all the wrestlers but my observations....
1. They need a new superstar (like a John Cena, The Rock, etc.). Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, who I'm assuming they are grooming for this role, both suck. Besides, they look too much alike. Speaking of Rollins, how did he get the briefcase back last night? He left the ring and Roman was standing on it.
2. I enjoy looking at the Divas and watching them wrestle. They should have them on the show earlier and make they more involved. For example, instead of Dean Ambrose and Bad News last night at 820 or so, they should had a Divas match there.
3. I think the fan sign that says "the guy behind me can't see" is funny.
I was really taken back by Viagra jokes and Cena dropping the B word so early in the show last night. It was completely unnecessary, and I really don't need that in the first half of the show. Go TV-14 in the final hour if you want, but you've established the product as family friendly for the first hour plus.
I don't mean it as an attack I was just curious as to his perception. He's among the better guys today , I guess, but I wouldn't even label him top 10 for the past decade.Rollins is more compelling on the mic than most of the stars, in my opinion. I'd prefer to hear him tell a story over guys like Orton, Ziggler, Barrett and others.
I couldn't have said it any better myself. Outside of Brey Wyatt, Lesner/Heyman,and Rusev/LanaReally great mic work compared to who?Point number 1 is really interesting. I'd think anyone could tune into RAW once and be drawn right to Rollins. His mic work is really great, and the stooges over the top selling of everything is says is great. Then he wrestles a match, and he's really incredible.I'm a casual watcher here and there and don't know all the wrestlers but my observations....
1. They need a new superstar (like a John Cena, The Rock, etc.). Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, who I'm assuming they are grooming for this role, both suck. Besides, they look too much alike. Speaking of Rollins, how did he get the briefcase back last night? He left the ring and Roman was standing on it.
2. I enjoy looking at the Divas and watching them wrestle. They should have them on the show earlier and make they more involved. For example, instead of Dean Ambrose and Bad News last night at 820 or so, they should had a Divas match there.
3. I think the fan sign that says "the guy behind me can't see" is funny.
I was really taken back by Viagra jokes and Cena dropping the B word so early in the show last night. It was completely unnecessary, and I really don't need that in the first half of the show. Go TV-14 in the final hour if you want, but you've established the product as family friendly for the first hour plus.
I think Rollins is awful in his delivery but I respect that he has some inflection unlike these other bozos.
I guess he's the best of the sorry lot of his generation (apart from Wyatt).
But I have no believability in Rollins. He presents too much like a first year acting student to me
I have a feeling Ambrose could sniff greatness if he wasn't shackled to this stupid lunatic fringe gimmick.I don't mean it as an attack I was just curious as to his perception. He's among the better guys today , I guess, but I wouldn't even label him top 10 for the past decade.Rollins is more compelling on the mic than most of the stars, in my opinion. I'd prefer to hear him tell a story over guys like Orton, Ziggler, Barrett and others.
To me, when I think Great I think flair/Rhodes/austin/rock/jake Roberts. And to me he's not even in that realm. The only guy today who sniffs greatness is wyatt
Guy gives his girlfriend WWE finishers (into a pool)
ETA: Girl is wearing yoga pants; fire up the batsignal for Jon_mx and Tom234e2304.
Ambrose can talk with the best of them, his pre-WWE stuff is golden.RBM said:I have a feeling Ambrose could sniff greatness if he wasn't shackled to this stupid lunatic fringe gimmick.Smack Tripper said:I don't mean it as an attack I was just curious as to his perception. He's among the better guys today , I guess, but I wouldn't even label him top 10 for the past decade.JB Breakfast Club said:Rollins is more compelling on the mic than most of the stars, in my opinion. I'd prefer to hear him tell a story over guys like Orton, Ziggler, Barrett and others.
To me, when I think Great I think flair/Rhodes/austin/rock/jake Roberts. And to me he's not even in that realm. The only guy today who sniffs greatness is wyatt
Completely agree.Ambrose can talk with the best of them, his pre-WWE stuff is golden.RBM said:I have a feeling Ambrose could sniff greatness if he wasn't shackled to this stupid lunatic fringe gimmick.Smack Tripper said:I don't mean it as an attack I was just curious as to his perception. He's among the better guys today , I guess, but I wouldn't even label him top 10 for the past decade.JB Breakfast Club said:Rollins is more compelling on the mic than most of the stars, in my opinion. I'd prefer to hear him tell a story over guys like Orton, Ziggler, Barrett and others.
To me, when I think Great I think flair/Rhodes/austin/rock/jake Roberts. And to me he's not even in that realm. The only guy today who sniffs greatness is wyatt
I think the problem isn't with the people themselves, it is with Vince. I was listening to Chris Jericho's podcast a few months back, and he was talking about leaving in 2010, and coming back in 2012 and being handed a 2 page promo script. He marched into Vince's office and asked what the hell he was just given, as it used to be a few bullet points and wing it, and Vince said that was how they did things now, Jericho responded by going out and having a 10-minute promo without saying a single word.
Point being, I really believe if the wrestlers were just given bullet points instead of scripts, they'd be much better. There are a lot of great talkers in the company, who just don't get many chances. Conversely, I bet Rock, Austin etc. would have been pretty mediocre having to follow a lot of asinine scripts.
I haven't heard this at all and can't see Joe at his age being interested.Hearing he is New Japan bound so be can do the Bullet Club stuff with AJ Styles.I heard Samoa Joe is heading to NXT in April after his brief stint in ROH is over.![]()
Probably not a coincidence that the best talker in the business is the guy who clearly ad-libs the most.Completely agree.Ambrose can talk with the best of them, his pre-WWE stuff is golden.
I think the problem isn't with the people themselves, it is with Vince. I was listening to Chris Jericho's podcast a few months back, and he was talking about leaving in 2010, and coming back in 2012 and being handed a 2 page promo script. He marched into Vince's office and asked what the hell he was just given, as it used to be a few bullet points and wing it, and Vince said that was how they did things now, Jericho responded by going out and having a 10-minute promo without saying a single word.
Point being, I really believe if the wrestlers were just given bullet points instead of scripts, they'd be much better. There are a lot of great talkers in the company, who just don't get many chances. Conversely, I bet Rock, Austin etc. would have been pretty mediocre having to follow a lot of asinine scripts.
Complete with referee to make the three count!!!RBM said:Tom Servo said:Guy gives his girlfriend WWE finishers (into a pool)
ETA: Girl is wearing yoga pants; fire up the batsignal for Jon_mx and Tom234e2304.![]()
Might be funnier
http://youtu.be/yke_BRK18pI
There but for the grace of God, goes me and a couple of my buddies about 30 years ago.RBM said:Tom Servo said:Guy gives his girlfriend WWE finishers (into a pool)
ETA: Girl is wearing yoga pants; fire up the batsignal for Jon_mx and Tom234e2304.![]()
Might be funnier
http://youtu.be/yke_BRK18pI
Love the multiple angles and slo-mo replays. Stellar stuff right there.Tom Servo said:Guy gives his girlfriend WWE finishers (into a pool)
ETA: Girl is wearing yoga pants; fire up the batsignal for Jon_mx and Tom234e2304.
I agree with both of you... but i can't put Ambrose there until we see a little more but I think he has a main event face type Mic ability.Ambrose can talk with the best of them, his pre-WWE stuff is golden.RBM said:I have a feeling Ambrose could sniff greatness if he wasn't shackled to this stupid lunatic fringe gimmick.Smack Tripper said:I don't mean it as an attack I was just curious as to his perception. He's among the better guys today , I guess, but I wouldn't even label him top 10 for the past decade.JB Breakfast Club said:Rollins is more compelling on the mic than most of the stars, in my opinion. I'd prefer to hear him tell a story over guys like Orton, Ziggler, Barrett and others.
To me, when I think Great I think flair/Rhodes/austin/rock/jake Roberts. And to me he's not even in that realm. The only guy today who sniffs greatness is wyatt
I think the problem isn't with the people themselves, it is with Vince. I was listening to Chris Jericho's podcast a few months back, and he was talking about leaving in 2010, and coming back in 2012 and being handed a 2 page promo script. He marched into Vince's office and asked what the hell he was just given, as it used to be a few bullet points and wing it, and Vince said that was how they did things now, Jericho responded by going out and having a 10-minute promo without saying a single word.
Point being, I really believe if the wrestlers were just given bullet points instead of scripts, they'd be much better. There are a lot of great talkers in the company, who just don't get many chances. Conversely, I bet Rock, Austin etc. would have been pretty mediocre having to follow a lot of asinine scripts.
You are right about them sort of micromanaging to a point where nobody is happy.I agree with both of you... but i can't put Ambrose there until we see a little more but I think he has a main event face type Mic ability.Ambrose can talk with the best of them, his pre-WWE stuff is golden.RBM said:I have a feeling Ambrose could sniff greatness if he wasn't shackled to this stupid lunatic fringe gimmick.Smack Tripper said:I don't mean it as an attack I was just curious as to his perception. He's among the better guys today , I guess, but I wouldn't even label him top 10 for the past decade.JB Breakfast Club said:Rollins is more compelling on the mic than most of the stars, in my opinion. I'd prefer to hear him tell a story over guys like Orton, Ziggler, Barrett and others.
To me, when I think Great I think flair/Rhodes/austin/rock/jake Roberts. And to me he's not even in that realm. The only guy today who sniffs greatness is wyatt
I think the problem isn't with the people themselves, it is with Vince. I was listening to Chris Jericho's podcast a few months back, and he was talking about leaving in 2010, and coming back in 2012 and being handed a 2 page promo script. He marched into Vince's office and asked what the hell he was just given, as it used to be a few bullet points and wing it, and Vince said that was how they did things now, Jericho responded by going out and having a 10-minute promo without saying a single word.
Point being, I really believe if the wrestlers were just given bullet points instead of scripts, they'd be much better. There are a lot of great talkers in the company, who just don't get many chances. Conversely, I bet Rock, Austin etc. would have been pretty mediocre having to follow a lot of asinine scripts.
these guys love to mainstream and crossover appeal... and one of their biggest places this happens is with Flair. Flair didn't become Flair with scripts. Sometimes you see him and Hogan and even Piper come back and look flat and you think, are they losing it? But its not,you can see them trying to remember lines.
Hulk Hogan putting forth his natural charisma, became the biggest, hottest draw in wrestling history.
Hulk Hogan, the actor, did No Holds Barred and Santa with Muscles.
Will any of these guys be quoted in the mainstream like Flair or Rock or even Savage and Austin?
Athletes became fond of having those title belts to pass around the the locker room. Because those belts were built up and held by guys that in their realm projected excellence.
So the WWE thought they were missing out on promotion, so they went to that over the top title belt that is just their logo.
But they aren't realizing that that belt is associated with the tarnished turd that is their product.
Their priorities are so ####ed.
The feud of the year when those polls are done for 2015 should be WWE management vs. their fanbase
Sorry this is all over place
The micromanaging is brutal. It used to be a tried and true formula. You let the talented guys work the mic (Flair, Hogan, Rock, Austin, Jericho, Macho Man, etc), you script the other guys/and or pair them with some talent and dish them out in small doses (think Freebirds with PS Hayes doing most of the talking or Arn Anderson speaking for Tully or the other Horsemen not named Ric Flair), and the guys with ring skills that are abysmal on the mic you give the UBER talented managers to (the Brain, Heyman, Cornette).Watching guys trip over lines trying to cut even a two minute promo is horrible.You are right about them sort of micromanaging to a point where nobody is happy.I've always thought that watching wrestling the entertainment value is 50% crap, 40% ok, and 10% the best thing on tv that makes other other 90% worth it. But it feels like it wouldn't be that hard to make that 10% number higher. I certainly don't feel that way when I watch NXT.I agree with both of you... but i can't put Ambrose there until we see a little more but I think he has a main event face type Mic ability.these guys love to mainstream and crossover appeal... and one of their biggest places this happens is with Flair. Flair didn't become Flair with scripts. Sometimes you see him and Hogan and even Piper come back and look flat and you think, are they losing it? But its not,you can see them trying to remember lines.Ambrose can talk with the best of them, his pre-WWE stuff is golden. I think the problem isn't with the people themselves, it is with Vince. I was listening to Chris Jericho's podcast a few months back, and he was talking about leaving in 2010, and coming back in 2012 and being handed a 2 page promo script. He marched into Vince's office and asked what the hell he was just given, as it used to be a few bullet points and wing it, and Vince said that was how they did things now, Jericho responded by going out and having a 10-minute promo without saying a single word.RBM said:I have a feeling Ambrose could sniff greatness if he wasn't shackled to this stupid lunatic fringe gimmick.Smack Tripper said:I don't mean it as an attack I was just curious as to his perception. He's among the better guys today , I guess, but I wouldn't even label him top 10 for the past decade.JB Breakfast Club said:Rollins is more compelling on the mic than most of the stars, in my opinion. I'd prefer to hear him tell a story over guys like Orton, Ziggler, Barrett and others.
To me, when I think Great I think flair/Rhodes/austin/rock/jake Roberts. And to me he's not even in that realm. The only guy today who sniffs greatness is wyatt
Point being, I really believe if the wrestlers were just given bullet points instead of scripts, they'd be much better. There are a lot of great talkers in the company, who just don't get many chances. Conversely, I bet Rock, Austin etc. would have been pretty mediocre having to follow a lot of asinine scripts.
Hulk Hogan putting forth his natural charisma, became the biggest, hottest draw in wrestling history.
Hulk Hogan, the actor, did No Holds Barred and Santa with Muscles.
Will any of these guys be quoted in the mainstream like Flair or Rock or even Savage and Austin?
Athletes became fond of having those title belts to pass around the the locker room. Because those belts were built up and held by guys that in their realm projected excellence.
So the WWE thought they were missing out on promotion, so they went to that over the top title belt that is just their logo.
But they aren't realizing that that belt is associated with the tarnished turd that is their product.
Their priorities are so ####ed.
The feud of the year when those polls are done for 2015 should be WWE management vs. their fanbase
Sorry this is all over place