In The End, Was The Wrestling Thread Worth It?

[TheNextNolan22]

The Austin podcast with John Cena was great.

 

[Lobo]

Yeah the dirt sheets had reported Orton vs Punk, and Cena vs Bray was pretty much a constant along with Tkaer/Brock, though I'm surprised Taker vs Cena was never even discussed.

 

[Warhammer]

I still can't believe Cena/Wyatt is still potentially happening. It blows my mind for so many (confusing) reasons.

And after watching that Guardians of the Galaxy teaser, I sure do feel bad for Big Dave. He decided to come back at the wrong time.

 

[The Sage]

- In regards to Darren Young vs. Titus O’Neil being added to the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, there people rolling their eyes at RAW with some suggesting that it’s going to be five minutes of fans doing nothing but chanting for CM Punk and showing they have no interest.

- Vince McMahon is said to be unhappy with Batista not being over with fans. There’s a continued frustration within WWE that Batista isn’t being perceived as a bigger star when he’s scheduled for the WrestleMania XXX main event after a lengthy absence from the company.

- It’s been expected that we will see the demise of The Shield at WrestleMania XXX but that’s not confirmed yet. While one idea pitched internally had Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose in a singles match, another idea pitched that was discussed a bit more is Reigns vs. Sheamus.

- It was noted backstage at RAW this week that the directives on commentary regarding Daniel Bryan have changed. Certain negative words to describe Bryan such as short, goat, ugly and small have been dropped. Word is that the push for Bryan is on.

http://dailywrestlingnews.com/vince-happy-top-wwe-star-titus-vs-darren-talk/
http://dailywrestlingnews.com/sheamus-vs-reigns-wrestlemania-wwe-lightening-daniel-bryan/

 

[TheNextNolan22]

In regards to Darren Young vs. Titus O’Neil being added to the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, there people rolling their eyes at RAW with some suggesting that it’s going to be five minutes of fans doing nothing but chanting for CM Punk and showing they have no interest.

That match screams #NOBUYS. That **** belongs on Smackdown or Superstars, not on a PPV.

 

[The Sage]

Ive yet to hear the rest of Austins podcast but I heard the one with John Cena yesterday and they both come off as down to earth guys who have tremendous respect for one another and who really care about the future of the company.

The Austin podcast with John Cena was great.

Agreed. It was interesting hearing Cena's comments, particulary about the company failing to make new stars. He's the last person I'd expect to admit to that in an interview.

Yeah the dirt sheets had reported Orton vs Punk, and Cena vs Bray was pretty much a constant along with Tkaer/Brock, though I'm surprised Taker vs Cena was never even discussed.

Yeah I think Cena vs Punk vs Bryan was fan speculation mostly.

I still can't believe Cena/Wyatt is still potentially happening. It blows my mind for so many (confusing) reasons.

And after watching that Guardians of the Galaxy teaser, I sure do feel bad for Big Dave. He decided to come back at the wrong time.

It wouldn't have been a problem if he hadn't won the Rumble and wasn't in the main-event at Wrestlemania. Had it been a special attraction match or another semi-main-event, his welcome would've been better. Then again, the response to his return on his first RAW back wasn't as superb as expected. Both Cena and Bryan outpopped him later on.

 

[The Apocalypse]

- In regards to Darren Young vs. Titus O’Neil being added to the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, there people rolling their eyes at RAW with some suggesting that it’s going to be five minutes of fans doing nothing but chanting for CM Punk and showing they have no interest.

- Vince McMahon is said to be unhappy with Batista not being over with fans. There’s a continued frustration within WWE that Batista isn’t being perceived as a bigger star when he’s scheduled for the WrestleMania XXX main event after a lengthy absence from the company.

- It’s been expected that we will see the demise of The Shield at WrestleMania XXX but that’s not confirmed yet. While one idea pitched internally had Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose in a singles match, another idea pitched that was discussed a bit more is Reigns vs. Sheamus.

- It was noted backstage at RAW this week that the directives on commentary regarding Daniel Bryan have changed. Certain negative words to describe Bryan such as short, goat, ugly and small have been dropped. Word is that the push for Bryan is on.

http://dailywrestlingnews.com/vince-happy-top-wwe-star-titus-vs-darren-talk/
http://dailywrestlingnews.com/sheamus-vs-reigns-wrestlemania-wwe-lightening-daniel-bryan/

And they only have themselves to blame.

 

[H.U.S.T.L.E.]

And they only have themselves to blame.

That's a huge part of it.

The other part, and it's just my theory, is that Batista was never as big of a star as the machine would have us think. Even when he was one of the top guys, that's what he was essentially - ONE of the top guys. He performed in an era where you still had huge names like Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, John Cena & other top-tier guys like Edge, Chris Jericho, HHH & Randy Orton there on a week-to-week basis. And of that list, who still appears regularly on WWE TV? Only Cena & Orton, and the crowd is growing weary of those guys (especially when they're paired together).

Plus, it doesn't help that in today's WWE, which is much more reliant on an in-ring product, Batista has never been a guy that's given standout matches on a regular basis like Cena & Orton. That, and I still believe the pinnacle of Batista's career was his turn on HHH and subsequent break from Evolution. He's had some highlights, but he was never bigger than he was in 2005. So in essence, it's been a long time since Batista did anything truly memorable in a WWE ring. AND... his best stuff has always been as a heel, so why would they suddenly think that's going to change?

So many facepalms to go around, not nearly enough time...

 

[sweetre15]

- In regards to Darren Young vs. Titus O’Neil being added to the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, there people rolling their eyes at RAW with some suggesting that it’s going to be five minutes of fans doing nothing but chanting for CM Punk and showing they have no interest.

- Vince McMahon is said to be unhappy with Batista not being over with fans. There’s a continued frustration within WWE that Batista isn’t being perceived as a bigger star when he’s scheduled for the WrestleMania XXX main event after a lengthy absence from the company.

- It’s been expected that we will see the demise of The Shield at WrestleMania XXX but that’s not confirmed yet. While one idea pitched internally had Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose in a singles match, another idea pitched that was discussed a bit more is Reigns vs. Sheamus.

- It was noted backstage at RAW this week that the directives on commentary regarding Daniel Bryan have changed. Certain negative words to describe Bryan such as short, goat, ugly and small have been dropped. Word is that the push for Bryan is on.

http://dailywrestlingnews.com/vince-happy-top-wwe-star-titus-vs-darren-talk/
http://dailywrestlingnews.com/sheamus-vs-reigns-wrestlemania-wwe-lightening-daniel-bryan/

WWE really put themselves in a pickle havent they?

Either way, if true, the commentators laying off the burying of Bryan by attacking his looks is definitely a nice touch and I'll believe that the full push is "on" when I see it. Though it's worth noting how much mainstream attention Bryan (whom supposedly has no "marketable" traits according to the Mcmahon marks) is getting compared to the rest of the roster. I wonder if it bothers guys like Orton and Batista, whom have the looks Vince considers marketable, that a guy like Bryan is more over than them with the crowd and getting all the positive mainstream press/exposure instead of them?

Which would again point out the difference between what the people want and what Vince feels the people "should" want?

 

[The Sage]

That's a huge part of it.

The other part, and it's just my theory, is that Batista was never as big of a star as the machine would have us think. Even when he was one of the top guys, that's what he was essentially - ONE of the top guys. He performed in an era where you still had huge names like Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, John Cena & other top-tier guys like Edge, Chris Jericho, HHH & Randy Orton there on a week-to-week basis. And of that list, who still appears regularly on WWE TV? Only Cena & Orton, and the crowd is growing weary of those guys (especially when they're paired together).

Plus, it doesn't help that in today's WWE, which is much more reliant on an in-ring product, Batista has never been a guy that's given standout matches on a regular basis like Cena & Orton. That, and I still believe the pinnacle of Batista's career was his turn on HHH and subsequent break from Evolution. He's had some highlights, but he was never bigger than he was in 2005. So in essence, it's been a long time since Batista did anything truly memorable in a WWE ring. AND... his best stuff has always been as a heel, so why would they suddenly think that's going to change?

So many facepalms to go around, not nearly enough time...

All good points. I would argue that his best in-ring work was against the Undertaker in 2007. But his highest point of popularity was 2005 as you said. And guys like Bryan and Punk had already surpassed him in that area.

WWE really put themselves in a pickle havent they?

Either way, if true, the commentators laying off the burying of Bryan by attacking his looks is definitely a nice touch and I'll believe that the full push is "on" when I see it. Though it's worth noting how much mainstream attention Bryan (whom supposedly has no "marketable" traits according to the Mcmahon marks) is getting compared to the rest of the roster. I wonder if it bothers guys like Orton and Batista, whom have the looks Vince considers marketable, that a guy like Bryan is more over than them with the crowd and getting all the positive mainstream press/exposure instead of them?

Which would again point out the difference between what the people want and what Vince feels the people "should" want?

It may bother Batista but I doubt Orton is bothered since he saw CM Punk's rise. And he probably welcomes it as much as Cena does.

 

[E-Man]

And they only have themselves to blame.

No they don't. It's your fault, and the rest of the fans' fault for not liking what they tell you. Why can't y'all cooperate?

 

[Hunter Rider]

Now it's worth noting that Bryan in now #4 on the Merch sales totem pole and that when people thought Bryan was FINALLY going to win at HIAC 2013 the buys increased for HIAC. Or is that still being written off because they think Cena returning to wrestle Alberto Del Rio increased PPV buys? lol

People try to deflect that HIAC buyrate but it's bogus, that one went up as fans thought that was the night Bryan was gonna win, the fact Survivor Series bombed the next month when he was replaced by Big Show amplifies that feeling.

Ultimate Warrior
Jake Roberts
Lita
Razor Ramon
Vader
Paul Bearer
Demolition

Man, that would be one Hell of a class!

It certainly would, I'd love to see Vince bury the hatchet with Demolition and let his greatest tag team of the 80's take their rightful place in the HOF.

First, glad you're listening to Austin's podcasts. You're right, he comes across as surprisingly friendly and down to earth. I think his podcast with Nash on nWo is my favorite because of their banter and Nash's funny stories.

Pretty much everything Austin said made total sense, though Bray's promos sell it for me. But Austin's one of the top two draws of all times, so he likely seeing things through some different lenses.

Sounds like you did listen to Jericho's podcast with Edge as well? I agree that those three on a booking committee would be awesome. Austin's thoughts that if # 30 at the Rumble wasn't going to be Bryan, it should've been a heel...common sense. And I honestly want to know what other decisions did Creative make that Edge and Jericho tried to argue.

Nash is another guy I love to listen talk about the business even when I don't agree with him. Austin and him just shooting the s**t about the road and the cheap cars they rented was hilarious.

Bray has sold me as well but honestly I felt with both Bray and Reigns that Austin worries about too much too fast with them, like how they've barely been there a year and look at the guys they have beaten and who Bray is supposed to wrestle at Mania, when you get fed too much to soon there's nowhere to go.

Yeah I listened to Edge and Jericho and I think Austin and Jericho were actually talking on Jericho's podcast not Austin's. I agree about #30 needing to be a heel if it wasn't going to be Bryan, as Austin said pure common sense to get heat on a guy that is needing it as opposed to throwing a babyface under the bus. I felt like Edge and Jericho got really close to going in on Triple H when discussing their respective title runs.

 

[The Sage]

Nash is another guy I love to listen talk about the business even when I don't agree with him. Austin and him just shooting the s**t about the road and the cheap cars they rented was hilarious.

The stuff with Bischoff putting them on probation because of their drinking had tears in my eyes.

Bray has sold me as well but honestly I felt with both Bray and Reigns that Austin worries about too much too fast with them, like how they've barely been there a year and look at the guys they have beaten and who Bray is supposed to wrestle at Mania, when you get fed too much to soon there's nowhere to go.

True, at least with Reigns he's still feuding with midcard guys. Where could Bray go after feuding with Cena? And him beating Cena wouldn't make sense at this point either since Bray isn't seasoned enough for the push a win like that would give him. Of course, if Creative has him going from beating Cena to jobbing out to Ryback or someone else afterwards, then it'll be on of the biggest wastes of times in history.

Yeah I listened to Edge and Jericho and I think Austin and Jericho were actually talking on Jericho's podcast not Austin's. I agree about #30 needing to be a heel if it wasn't going to be Bryan, as Austin said pure common sense to get heat on a guy that is needing it as opposed to throwing a babyface under the bus. I felt like Edge and Jericho got really close to going in on Triple H when discussing their respective title runs.

Particularly when Edge mentioned officials and guys not believing he could be champion, and their unwillingness to change Wrestlemania when it was clear Edge was drawing ratings after winning the title. Even Cena said on Austin's latest podcast he had fought to get Edge to win the belt around that time as well. Lo and behold, who main-evented Wrestlemania 22 with Cena that year?

 

[Hunter Rider]

- In regards to Darren Young vs. Titus O’Neil being added to the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, there people rolling their eyes at RAW with some suggesting that it’s going to be five minutes of fans doing nothing but chanting for CM Punk and showing they have no interest.

I actually disagree on the general view in here on this, I agree the crowd will crap up on it but it's not meant to sell the PPV, if you are buying that PPV you are doing it for the Chamber and The Shield vs The Wyatt's.

What you have is two black athletes in black history month having a program together and trying to get over. I think Titus has done really well with his promos and the sharp suits and pearly smile are really working for him. The problem is the PTP never got a tag title run so this split is a case of fans just seeing it as two jobbers squabbling over who sucks more.

- Vince McMahon is said to be unhappy with Batista not being over with fans. There’s a continued frustration within WWE that Batista isn’t being perceived as a bigger star when he’s scheduled for the WrestleMania XXX main event after a lengthy absence from the company.

H.U.S.T.L.E. covered most of my views on this, the key point that needs to be hammered home is WWE are treating a #2 guy like he is The Rock, Hogan or Austin by rolling out the red carpet, huge error. Batista was never THE GUY and he was never a worker attraction like Taker or HBK, so the overblown return has blown up in their faces.

- It’s been expected that we will see the demise of The Shield at WrestleMania XXX but that’s not confirmed yet. While one idea pitched internally had Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose in a singles match, another idea pitched that was discussed a bit more is Reigns vs. Sheamus.

Riegns vs Sheamus could be good but what the hell would that leave for Rollins and Ambrose to do.

- It was noted backstage at RAW this week that the directives on commentary regarding Daniel Bryan have changed. Certain negative words to describe Bryan such as short, goat, ugly and small have been dropped. Word is that the push for Bryan is on.

I'm pretty sure I still heard a "Flying Goat" call in there during the match with Christian.

 

[Darkness Falls]

That match screams #NOBUYS. That **** belongs on Smackdown or Superstars, not on a PPV.

waste of airtime even on free tv

 

[TheNextNolan22]

waste of airtime even on free tv

Yup!

 

[Lantern Venom]

I still can't believe Cena/Wyatt is still potentially happening. It blows my mind for so many (confusing) reasons.

And after watching that Guardians of the Galaxy teaser, I sure do feel bad for Big Dave. He decided to come back at the wrong time.

It only makes sense if Bray wins. He doesn't have a signature win yet, and beating Cena at WM would certainly fit that bill. If WWE is positioning him for a WWE title run later in the year, as some outlets are reporting, this would be a huge step in that direction.

If Cena wins, it does nothing for him except add to the enormous list of mid-card talent that has been fed to him. And with the glut of TV and PPVs these days, simply being in a match with Cena isn't going to elevate Wyatt.

 

[Hunter Rider]

The stuff with Bischoff putting them on probation because of their drinking had tears in my eyes.

It reminds me as well, Austin is pretty forgiving of how Bischoff fired him, he seems to be a guy that has made peace with the past regarding all things and is living in the present.

True, at least with Reigns he's still feuding with midcard guys. Where could Bray go after feuding with Cena? And him beating Cena wouldn't make sense at this point either since Bray isn't seasoned enough for the push a win like that would give him. Of course, if Creative has him going from beating Cena to jobbing out to Ryback or someone else afterwards, then it'll be on of the biggest wastes of times in history.

This is where you have to hope that Triple H's appreciation for the oldschool and understanding of the business will pay dividends, and that he'll guide creative on how to keep Roman and Bray progressing without getting ahead of their learning curve.

Particularly when Edge mentioned officials and guys not believing he could be champion, and their unwillingness to change Wrestlemania when it was clear Edge was drawing ratings after winning the title. Even Cena said on Austin's latest podcast he had fought to get Edge to win the belt around that time as well. Lo and behold, who main-evented Wrestlemania 22 with Cena that year?

Some like to defend him but it's undeniable how often in the last decade his name pops up as the root cause of a number of missed opportunities.

 

[TheNextNolan22]

 

[Trainwreck2100]

I still can't believe Cena/Wyatt is still potentially happening. It blows my mind for so many (confusing) reasons.

And after watching that Guardians of the Galaxy teaser, I sure do feel bad for Big Dave. He decided to come back at the wrong time.

exactly, shield/wyatts made so much sense for mania, instead we're getting it at the EC

 

[Slushy]

though I'm surprised Taker vs Cena was never even discussed.

I'm sure it was talked about at some point, but having Lesnar on the card and Batista's sudden return probably made them hold off. While its annoying to wait longer, its the right call. Cena Vs. Undertaker is the only way to sell out Cowboy Stadium in a couple of years.

- The Rock is said to be the leading candidate for the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame in California. It's more up to Rock, if he wants it, and how his schedule goes.

Which raises an interesting question: If Rock Vs. Brock II (biggest rematch since Undertaker Vs. Michaels) takes place at Wrestlemania 31? What main events: Rock's last match or Sting Vs. Undertaker?

The Austin podcast with John Cena was great.

The best part was when Cena pitched a WM match with him and Austin no sold his request, lol.

It only makes sense if Bray wins. He doesn't have a signature win yet, and beating Cena at WM would certainly fit that bill. If WWE is positioning him for a WWE title run later in the year, as some outlets are reporting, this would be a huge step in that direction.

If Cena wins, it does nothing for him except add to the enormous list of mid-card talent that has been fed to him. And with the glut of TV and PPVs these days, simply being in a match with Cena isn't going to elevate Wyatt.

Agreed. If Bray wins, he'll be a top player for sure. If Cena wins, he goes over another promising up and comer.

Has Bray lost a match since he debuted as the cult leader?

- Vince McMahon is said to be unhappy with Batista not being over with fans. There’s a continued frustration within WWE that Batista isn’t being perceived as a bigger star when he’s scheduled for the WrestleMania XXX main event after a lengthy absence from the company.

Vince should just grow some balls and book Bryan vs. Batista for the title at Wrestlemania. It would be so fu**ing interesting. The New People's Champion Vs. The Corporate Muscle. What the fans want against Vince's will. The match itself would be very good. Can American Dragon take down The Animal? If Bryan wins, Batista gives back to the business by putting Bryan over as The Man. If Batista wins, he'll be the biggest heel in the company's recent history, lol.

 

[Calavera]

been on a break from wrestling. hows it going? i was going to post something in another sub forum, got scared and now im here!

 

[TheNextNolan22]

been on a break from wrestling. hows it going? i was going to post something in another sub forum, got scared and now im here!

Orton is World Champ and Batista is in the WM30 main event. That should give you a good indication of how things have been...

 

[Calavera]

Orton is World Champ and Batista is in the WM30 main event. That should give you a good indication of how things have been...

if ever i was glad to not be watching it despite people *****ing at me to...

and man, mania is gonna suck harder than a super hero in a garth ennis comic.

 

[TheNextNolan22]

if ever i was glad to not be watching it despite people *****ing at me to...

and man, mania is gonna suck harder than a super hero in a garth ennis comic.

Oh and CM Punk is gone from the company. And yeah, I am not excited for Mania this year. And I'm going.

STILL NOT GIVING AWAY MY TICKETS MMMMM.....Pancakes!