The Wrestling Gospel

[Dr. Evil]

Wrestleview.com

Chris Kelly sent us word that Jeff Hardy's name has been added back to the list of wrestlers for WWE's upcoming tour of the UK this November. Hardy's name was previously removed from the list and may suggest that he has either signed a short-term extension or a new deal with WWE. As reported on yesterday, Hardy's current deal with WWE is set to expire in three weeks.

 

[Hunter Rider]

I've gotta say from a selfish standpoint I hope Jeff has signed a new deal, b/c SD would be really hurting if it lost both him and Edge.

You hypocrite!

No, you hit it on the head. A good thing about the Attitude Era was that Vince still trusted his wrestlers to get themselves over. Hell, it's why Austin and The Rock became so big in the first place.

Gelatinous hypocrite please!

Exactly, it's amazing that Vince has forsaken one of the main ingredients behind the business' last boom period.

I really hate all the scripting.It really doesn't help at all and wonder who within WWE thought it was a good idea.

Cool avvy.

 

[NDX]

Nowadays though, most of the crowd is under the age of ten. Wasn't that way during the Attitude Era. Teenagers have always been more vocal.

If I recall a report on ZZ Top, the TV crowd still levels at around age 30 as your average fan's age. But when it comes to the merchandise, the highest sales come from middleschool to early highschool kids (somewhere around the ages of 10 - 15). They are the ones with the most disposible money and the guardians willing to buy their silence rather than parent them. Since merch is such a large factor in the profits for wrestling, they're trying to bring more young fans into the fold in hopes of building long standing fans (like many of us, who will still sit through all their **** after all these years even though we know they won't change to how we want them).

 

[NDX]

I don't think that is the biggest problem, I think the biggest problem is that nearly everyone is scripted now, I mean I don't know if I mentioned this the other day but is anyone else starting to bore of Jericho saying the SAME thing in every promo?

Starting to? Third promo in I stopped giving a ****.

 

[Dr. Evil]

As reported on earlier, Nick "Eugene" Dinsmore has signed a new deal with WWE. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE had him take extensive drug testing including a hair sample to prove he was clean. Dismore was released from WWE back in September of 2007 over pain killer issues. WWE had interest in bringing Dinsmore back with Rob Conway, another former WWE star, to mentor and work with some of the younger talent to add some stronger depth to the roster. Conway turned down the new offer from WWE to return as he reportedly has another job.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

Fans say they want the Attitude Era back? Why? It wouldn't be the same if they brought it back simply because we've seen it all. They have to remember that during the Attitude Era you had the Monday Night Wars, the internet was playing a huge role in the success of wrestling then, e-feds, and etc.

It was different back then because it was a completely change of the guard when compared to the era of Hogan, Warrior, Macho Man, and many others that were part of the 80's Wrestling Boom.

You bring back the attitude era now and it wouldn't be the same.

Now I hate the PG rating system as much as the next guy, however, Smackdown is showing massive improvement and if they can get somewhat edgier they'll be perfect. I want to see Punk become more vicious with his straight edge beliefs and really start talking down the fans, wrestlers, and even some celebrities. I think what hurts the wrestlers more now is that they're reading a script and are not allowed to create themselves.

Now I do believe if Heyman and Michael Hayes were working together you'd see a brilliant product.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

When it comes to the Jeff Hardy situation I'm with a poster who either said it here or on another forum.

You can have Jeff sign a new deal and solidify Punk's heel status by having him plant illegal drugs in Jeff's bag. Jeff can come to the ring and is told he is suspended indefinitely for having drugs in his possession. Punk could be in the corner smirking or giving a sarcastic applause as Jeff is forced from the ring.

It would allow Jeff the necessary time off and it would make Punk's heel heat even more massive I feel. He could feud with Morrison, Edge, Finlay, or maybe add in the unlikely underdog in R-Truth who could give Punk a run for his money and add some credibility to his character.

 

[Dr. Evil]

I don't see a Punk feud with Morrison for Summerslam. Especially when The Deadman looms near and is about ready to return.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

I don't see a Punk feud with Morrison for Summerslam. Especially when The Deadman looms near and is about ready to return.

I hope they don't have Punk feud with Taker. At least not with THIS version of Taker.

 

[Phatman]

Fans say they want the Attitude Era back? Why? It wouldn't be the same if they brought it back simply because we've seen it all. They have to remember that during the Attitude Era you had the Monday Night Wars, the internet was playing a huge role in the success of wrestling then, e-feds, and etc.

It was different back then because it was a completely change of the guard when compared to the era of Hogan, Warrior, Macho Man, and many others that were part of the 80's Wrestling Boom.


You bring back the attitude era now and it wouldn't be the same.

Now I hate the PG rating system as much as the next guy, however, Smackdown is showing massive improvement and if they can get somewhat edgier they'll be perfect. I want to see Punk become more vicious with his straight edge beliefs and really start talking down the fans, wrestlers, and even some celebrities. I think what hurts the wrestlers more now is that they're reading a script and are not allowed to create themselves.

Now I do believe if Heyman and Michael Hayes were working together you'd see a brilliant product.

Agree with you. The Attiude era was a product of the times. I don't think you could get away with some of the more outrageous stuff they did then today. Middle fingers, raunch profanity aren't the stuff that's gonna go over today. WWE appealed to teens back then and young adults, today the primary audience is kids.

You can do a lot of work in PG zone and still be edgy. I feel guys like Punk can really hit some nice zingers on the mic without the profanity and the raunch and still entertain the crowd. His straight edge character would be awesome in a PG environment; I also think guys like Jericho Jeff, and Ziggler would do well in it. R-Truth's Delishus/Pretty Ricky Stuff is fun, Khali is fun to watch and Edge is always entertaining. Good storytelling is good storytelling. A wrestler just has to be creative enough to make a PG environment work for them.

I feel that the wrestlers should be trusted to tell their own stories and do their own mic work. It would make the product more fresh and energetic.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

Agree with you. The Attiude era was a product of the times. I don't think you could get away with some of the more outrageous stuff they did then today. Middle fingers, raunch profanity aren't the stuff that's gonna go over today. WWE appealed to teens back then and young adults, today the primary audience is kids.

You can do a lot of work in PG zone and still be edgy. I feel guys like Punk can really hit some nice zingers on the mic without the profanity and the raunch and still entertain the crowd. His straight edge character would be awesome in a PG environment; I also think guys like Jericho Jeff, and Ziggler would do well in it. R-Truth's Delishus/Pretty Ricky Stuff is fun, Khali is fun to watch and Edge is always entertaining. Good storytelling is good storytelling. A wrestler just has to be creative enough to make a PG environment work for them.

I feel that the wrestlers should be trusted to tell their own stories and do their own mic work. It would make the product more fresh and energetic.

Well to be fair kids are seeing middle fingers, hearing profanity, and sexual innuendos as school, home, television shows, video games, and around their friends. So a wrestling show having it wouldn't be traumatic.

I honestly think it hurts Edge the most since he's "The Rated R Superstar".

 

[Phatman]

I hope they don't have Punk feud with Taker. At least not with THIS version of Taker.

Keep Punk away from Taker. He sucks all the life out of his feuds because they have NOWHERE to go creatively with him. Case in point the last Taker feud with Edge. A steaming bag of Donkey Crap.

Punk needs to feud with the fresh faces like Morrison and Jeff. The WHC picture needs to be kept fresh and exciting letting the young guys work towards making the title something valuable that everyone wants.

Taker and Jericho could be a nice mid-card fall program until Edge comes back from his injury around the Rumble.

 

[NDX]

It's not about being traumatic, LS, it's about attempting to set a standard. Saying other media promotes profanity and graphic violence doesn't justify the WWE doing it for the sake of doing it. They want to present a product a parent would not be opposed to let their children watch. If there are parents out there who let their kids curse and play violent games and watch adult tv, that's on them. WWE doesn't want it on themselves, and that's why they are regulating themselves so.

 

[Phatman]

Well to be fair kids are seeing middle fingers, hearing profanity, and sexual innuendos as school, home, television shows, video games, and around their friends. So a wrestling show having it wouldn't be traumatic.

I honestly think it hurts Edge the most since he's "The Rated R Superstar".

True kids are seeing this stuff, but it gets stale. A lot of creative people in wrestling have used this stuff as a crutch instead of a creative tool over the last couple of years. This "in your face"stuff got over in the Attiude era; from what I've seen what gets over today is a bit more humor and subtle subtext.

PG-PG-13 means you can still have those innuendos, profanities but on a milder level. Writers have to use a bit more subtlety in their storytelling, wrestlers have to use more facial expressions and body language during promos and mic work in the ring. It's more about execution than concept.

Edge can still Be the "Rated R Superstar" and it could be a lot of fun in a PG environment. A feud with "Straight Edge" heel Punk could exploit this where he's fined, suspended and lots of fun stuff in a feud for attempting stuff WWE would deem "obscene" and stopping short.

 

[RetroNaz]

I don't want an attitude era...or anything that tries to regain former glory.

I just want good WWE programming, smart booking and story lines and feuds that will bring in the masses.

PG or not...it's irrelevant.

 

[Kaleb]

When it comes to the Jeff Hardy situation I'm with a poster who either said it here or on another forum.

You can have Jeff sign a new deal and solidify Punk's heel status by having him plant illegal drugs in Jeff's bag. Jeff can come to the ring and is told he is suspended indefinitely for having drugs in his possession. Punk could be in the corner smirking or giving a sarcastic applause as Jeff is forced from the ring.

It would allow Jeff the necessary time off and it would make Punk's heel heat even more massive I feel. He could feud with Morrison, Edge, Finlay, or maybe add in the unlikely underdog in R-Truth who could give Punk a run for his money and add some credibility to his character.

http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=17167854&postcount=37962


Id have Jeff on the verge of winning the match (again) then have the ref come down, nothing gives me great pleasure than watching Jeff hardy and hi fans get screwed over and over again

 

[RetroNaz]

thems fighting words lol

 

[Hunter Rider]

Starting to? Third promo in I stopped giving a ****.

Heh, it doesn't help him that he's had no one to bounce off since his feud with Shawn as his opponents of late are not exactly mic specialists .

It would allow Jeff the necessary time off and it would make Punk's heel heat even more massive I feel. He could feud with Morrison, Edge, Finlay, or maybe add in the unlikely underdog in R-Truth who could give Punk a run for his money and add some credibility to his character.

Edge is injured, we may not see him for a long time.

I don't see a Punk feud with Morrison for Summerslam. Especially when The Deadman looms near and is about ready to return.

I don't think WWE would be stupid enough to put Punk in with Taker, if they do then it's curtains, might as well depush him now.

It's not about being traumatic, LS, it's about attempting to set a standard. Saying other media promotes profanity and graphic violence doesn't justify the WWE doing it for the sake of doing it. They want to present a product a parent would not be opposed to let their children watch. If there are parents out there who let their kids curse and play violent games and watch adult tv, that's on them. WWE doesn't want it on themselves, and that's why they are regulating themselves so.

Exactly, since Benoit hung himself and murdered his wife and son the WWE have been desperately trying to get a better image, now granted they shoot themselves in the foot regularly with stuff like the Orton/Steph/HHH debacle, but on a whole the product is genuinely less offensive by societies standards.

True kids are seeing this stuff, but it gets stale. A lot of creative people in wrestling have used this stuff as a crutch instead of a creative tool over the last couple of years. This "in your face"stuff got over in the Attiude era; from what I've seen what gets over today is a bit more humor and subtle subtext.

Very true, Ric Flair, Rick Rude, Mr Perfect etc...all got over in a time when wrestling promos were much milder as was the product in general, some of the heels who use the cussing and the "shock value" tactics lack the creativity of these legends.

Edge can still Be the "Rated R Superstar" and it could be a lot of fun in a PG environment. A feud with "Straight Edge" heel Punk could exploit this where he's fined, suspended and lots of fun stuff in a feud for attempting stuff WWE would deem "obscene" and stopping short.

Edge's never had a problem being the best mic worker on TV and the most over heel in the company without resorting to any cheap crap, he's a genius on the mic and has the best facial expressions in wrestling.

 

[Specter313]

I don't think that is the biggest problem, I think the biggest problem is that nearly everyone is scripted now, I mean I don't know if I mentioned this the other day but is anyone else starting to bore of Jericho saying the SAME thing in every promo?

Heh, even my roommate pointed out the other night that it's funny that EVERYBODY but Jericho himself is a hypocrite. Hypocrite this, hypocrite that. Only thing I can think of why they keep doing that is to have some other wrestler catch him doing something he's complained about before then nailing him as a hypocrite too.

 

[BlackLantern]

If I recall a report on ZZ Top, the TV crowd still levels at around age 30 as your average fan's age. But when it comes to the merchandise, the highest sales come from middleschool to early highschool kids (somewhere around the ages of 10 - 15). They are the ones with the most disposible money and the guardians willing to buy their silence rather than parent them. Since merch is such a large factor in the profits for wrestling, they're trying to bring more young fans into the fold in hopes of building long standing fans (like many of us, who will still sit through all their **** after all these years even though we know they won't change to how we want them).

and the WWE knows that....radical suggestion, you can always stop watching

 

[Fresh Prince]

Internet ruined pro wrestling. Period!

 

[BlackLantern]

I don't think the internet "ruined", but it definitely made it harder for promotions to keep behind the scenes stuff BEHIND the scenes...people crave information

 

[Dr. Evil]

- Jim Ross has a new blog up, here are the highlights:

On Jerry Lawler Running For Mayor: It looks as if as many as one dozen candidates may run for Mayor of Memphis including several professional politicos. The African American vote in Memphis will be critical for Jerry Lawler and his opponents. From what I read in the Memphis media, some of the black candidates may divide a large segment of Memphis voters which might enhance the King's chances of winning the election. Nonetheless it will be a daunting challenge for any candidate to win the October special election without an established, clear cut favorite and, unfortunately, it may be the candidate who spends the most money on TV and radio ads that "buys" their way into running the city of Memphis. The current Mayor is leaving office but will enjoy, from what I understand, an approximate $90K annual pension of which the Mayor of Memphis earns after one term in office or so it was told to me. The King has tremendous name identity in his home town but his path to City Hall won't be easy and is going to require using a great deal of "shoe leather" and pressing the flesh and spending virtually every waking minute working on his campaign. I haven't talked to Jerry in a couple of weeks but likely will soon, in Philly at the Night of Champions, and will be interested in seeing how his campaign is going.

On Bret Hart: I got a nice email from "Hitman" Bret Hart a day or so ago and he is moving around very well with his new knee that replaced the original equipment several weeks ago. Bret is spending time in Calgary this summer and we were hoping to get together when WWE is in Alberta in a few weeks but that looks iffy due to our respective schedules. Bret and I stay in somewhat regular contact and I know he's been keeping an eye on the Hart Dynasty which are now appearing regularly on Friday Night Smackdown. Speaking of Bret Hart, if you are a regular internet user, I strongly suggest that you check out WWEClassics.com which is the 'net equivalent of TV's WWE 24/7 On Demand. Those that enjoy writing the word's, "J.R.'s shilling" can have at it but I love watching the classic footage made available on these platforms and if you are an old school fan of wrestling then you owe it to yourself to at least sample WWEClassics.com. Shilling or not, it is really good stuff. Check it out and I promise that you won't be sorry.

On Bill Watts And Booking: The way that Cowboy Bill Watts turned a young Magnum T.A. loose in Mid South Wrestling is really the methodology that promoters need to consider utilizing to create a winning and marketable aura for a new wrestler. Magnum had a great look, aptitude, and work ethic not to mention a solid amateur background when Watts got him and decided to put T.A. in the starting backfield and to give Terry Allen plenty of "carries." This is somewhat where guys like John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler are right now on SmackDown. It really isn't so much of keeping track of their win-loss records as it is how much of an impact they are able to make in their matches and how their bell to bell performances impress the viewers/fans while being involved in clearly defined personal issues. Regularly verbalizing and the overall positioning on the broadcasts are as important as winning and losing but I'm not naive enough to imply that a talent who rarely wins will ever elevate to the main event level. Bottom line is that it's much to do with the overall execution of the persona, positioning within the framework of the broadcast and steering the course over an ample amount of time. If there is any thing more important in the wrestling biz than developing new main event stars, I haven't discovered it.

On Brock Lesnar: Brock Lesnar is celebrating his 32nd birthday this weekend and we wish him many more. It has been well publicized where UFC head honcho Dana White had a "heart to heart" talk with Brock immediately after UFC 100 specifically addressing Brock's mention of Coors Light who did not pay big money to sponsor UFC 100 as did Bud Light. First of all, in a crazy way Bud Light got even more media stretch from Lesnar's mistake because of all the post match drama and media coverage of Brock's fiery snafu. Secondly, I can assure you that White's "heart to heart" with the man who loves to hunt and harvest (kill) wild animals isn't the first conversation of that type Brock has experienced on the job. I can remember Lesnar and I having a conversation many years ago after Brock went into business for himself and got the huge tattoo on his back. I had no issue with it personally but some folks in creative and in other departments such as photography, creative services, etc weren't enamored that one of "JR's guys" on the talent roster "changed their look" without giving any one a head's up. I took a figurative trip to the wood shed on that one but I can assure you that in the one on one that I had with Brock Lesnar that I learned Brock is coachable and respectful when treated the same. Meanwhile, MMA purists will continue to love to hate their Heavyweight Champion and will celebrate the day that Lesnar is physically whipped in the Octagon. Two thoughts on these matters....don't hold your breath on Lesnar getting manhandled any time soon although all the brash, young MMA heavyweights have to start talking up a potential fight with Brock so they too can be noticed.....and remember that it is a promoter's dream to have a viable, marketable villain that the consumers will pay hard earned cash to see get annihilated. This formula has worked for years in wrestling and boxing and also works many Sunday's a year in the NFL IE Minnesota vs. Green Bay using just one of many, possible examples. I personally like the OU-Texas example as the 'Horns are always the "bad guys" in my Sooner vision.

- You can read the full blog here.

 

[Dr. Evil]

- Jim Ross has a new blog up, here are the highlights:

On Jerry Lawler Running For Mayor: It looks as if as many as one dozen candidates may run for Mayor of Memphis including several professional politicos. The African American vote in Memphis will be critical for Jerry Lawler and his opponents. From what I read in the Memphis media, some of the black candidates may divide a large segment of Memphis voters which might enhance the King's chances of winning the election. Nonetheless it will be a daunting challenge for any candidate to win the October special election without an established, clear cut favorite and, unfortunately, it may be the candidate who spends the most money on TV and radio ads that "buys" their way into running the city of Memphis. The current Mayor is leaving office but will enjoy, from what I understand, an approximate $90K annual pension of which the Mayor of Memphis earns after one term in office or so it was told to me. The King has tremendous name identity in his home town but his path to City Hall won't be easy and is going to require using a great deal of "shoe leather" and pressing the flesh and spending virtually every waking minute working on his campaign. I haven't talked to Jerry in a couple of weeks but likely will soon, in Philly at the Night of Champions, and will be interested in seeing how his campaign is going.

On Bret Hart: I got a nice email from "Hitman" Bret Hart a day or so ago and he is moving around very well with his new knee that replaced the original equipment several weeks ago. Bret is spending time in Calgary this summer and we were hoping to get together when WWE is in Alberta in a few weeks but that looks iffy due to our respective schedules. Bret and I stay in somewhat regular contact and I know he's been keeping an eye on the Hart Dynasty which are now appearing regularly on Friday Night Smackdown. Speaking of Bret Hart, if you are a regular internet user, I strongly suggest that you check out WWEClassics.com which is the 'net equivalent of TV's WWE 24/7 On Demand. Those that enjoy writing the word's, "J.R.'s shilling" can have at it but I love watching the classic footage made available on these platforms and if you are an old school fan of wrestling then you owe it to yourself to at least sample WWEClassics.com. Shilling or not, it is really good stuff. Check it out and I promise that you won't be sorry.

On Bill Watts And Booking: The way that Cowboy Bill Watts turned a young Magnum T.A. loose in Mid South Wrestling is really the methodology that promoters need to consider utilizing to create a winning and marketable aura for a new wrestler. Magnum had a great look, aptitude, and work ethic not to mention a solid amateur background when Watts got him and decided to put T.A. in the starting backfield and to give Terry Allen plenty of "carries." This is somewhat where guys like John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler are right now on SmackDown. It really isn't so much of keeping track of their win-loss records as it is how much of an impact they are able to make in their matches and how their bell to bell performances impress the viewers/fans while being involved in clearly defined personal issues. Regularly verbalizing and the overall positioning on the broadcasts are as important as winning and losing but I'm not naive enough to imply that a talent who rarely wins will ever elevate to the main event level. Bottom line is that it's much to do with the overall execution of the persona, positioning within the framework of the broadcast and steering the course over an ample amount of time. If there is any thing more important in the wrestling biz than developing new main event stars, I haven't discovered it.

On Brock Lesnar: Brock Lesnar is celebrating his 32nd birthday this weekend and we wish him many more. It has been well publicized where UFC head honcho Dana White had a "heart to heart" talk with Brock immediately after UFC 100 specifically addressing Brock's mention of Coors Light who did not pay big money to sponsor UFC 100 as did Bud Light. First of all, in a crazy way Bud Light got even more media stretch from Lesnar's mistake because of all the post match drama and media coverage of Brock's fiery snafu. Secondly, I can assure you that White's "heart to heart" with the man who loves to hunt and harvest (kill) wild animals isn't the first conversation of that type Brock has experienced on the job. I can remember Lesnar and I having a conversation many years ago after Brock went into business for himself and got the huge tattoo on his back. I had no issue with it personally but some folks in creative and in other departments such as photography, creative services, etc weren't enamored that one of "JR's guys" on the talent roster "changed their look" without giving any one a head's up. I took a figurative trip to the wood shed on that one but I can assure you that in the one on one that I had with Brock Lesnar that I learned Brock is coachable and respectful when treated the same. Meanwhile, MMA purists will continue to love to hate their Heavyweight Champion and will celebrate the day that Lesnar is physically whipped in the Octagon. Two thoughts on these matters....don't hold your breath on Lesnar getting manhandled any time soon although all the brash, young MMA heavyweights have to start talking up a potential fight with Brock so they too can be noticed.....and remember that it is a promoter's dream to have a viable, marketable villain that the consumers will pay hard earned cash to see get annihilated. This formula has worked for years in wrestling and boxing and also works many Sunday's a year in the NFL IE Minnesota vs. Green Bay using just one of many, possible examples. I personally like the OU-Texas example as the 'Horns are always the "bad guys" in my Sooner vision.

- You can read the full blog here.

 

[Kaleb]

Jim Ross's blog is soo good you can read it twice .