As you can see I've changed the format of the column a little bit, referring to my posts as days rather than their actual date. It's more or less just a way for me to display the number of days I've been doing this. When I started this "blog" I didn't really know how well it would go over or how long it would last, yet here I am 36 days later and I'm still going strong. Alright, enough of me let's get to this.
Gimmick matches, who doesn't love them? I mean it's hard not to but at the same time when they start to become over done it takes away from their meaning. A cage match for instance, used to be used to settle scores and end feuds. Nowadays it's not used as much as a feud finale (exception Punk/Hardy, as it is a throwaway bout in the middle of a feud.
Let's look at it this way, a solid gimmick match is like a good guitar solo. When done right, it's a great thing. Not only does it enhance but it actually has the ability to make things better. At the same time, if it's simply being thrown in there for the hell of it the feeling isn't as authentic and it doesn't do much to help out the overall product.
In the world of music, take a band like Slayer. I love Slayer and they've been around for 20 plus years. Look at the majority of Slayer's guitar solos though. Most of them just seem so out of place and just there to have a solo and no other reason. It often holds a good song back from being great.
The same can be said about the direction the WWE seems to be taking with their pay-per-views. The idea of having gimmick themed events, is one thing but this has taken a whole new life. First a submission pay-per-view, then a Hell In a Cell pay-per-view and now a TLC pay-per-view. It's just getting to be a bit much especially when you have more gimmick events than non-gimmick events at this point.
It just confuses me to read things like this because at some points it seems like WWE is trying to soften the workload and maybe even add to the longevity of their superstars' careers. They even outright ban certain moves that they believe are harmful, but what kind of toll do you think HIAC and TLC themed ppv events have on your roster.
I honestly don't know what to think of this news and at the end of the day WWE needs to realize that sometimes less is simply more.
Day 37
There really isn't anything like a happy surprise. Though in retrospect what kind of surprise isn't happy? Maybe a surprise kick to the balls? Point being, it's always good to be surprised at the content of something. Case in point, a while back I picked up some PWG stuff expecting a few solid matches and I have to say that majority of the matches were all good stuff. Plus it started my love for Kevin Steen, even if our romance is still budding.
Tonight though, I'm not sure what type of surprise to expect. On the surface the idea of a Bob Barker hosted Raw just sounds horrid. Much like my main page brethren Cicero said in his column today (go read it btw) can you imagine the corny jokes and cheap imitations of Price is Right games. The whole thing just reeks of a really bad variety show where instead of B-rate t.v. actors we are filling the program with wrestlers.
What can save the show though? Wrestling. It's a funny concept yet somehow the WWE hasn't been able to catch on just yet. Ever since this whole guest host thing started the best shows have always been the more wrestling heavy ones. Kind of makes the whole idea seem silly. I mean it's not like it's spiking the ratings for Raw and on the other side it hasn't helped the projects of the hosts either. Look no further than Shaq or Jeremy Piven, both had their collective projects flop even with added publicity.
So who is this whole guest host thing helping? The fans? While I know not all wrestling fans agree on the same things, I am inclined to think that all wrestling fans prefer wrestling over multiple segments with "insert host". Yet every week we are subjected.
I will say this though, last week seemed to work the balance out nicely but conveniently enough the guest host was a former wrestler. Much like the first show hosted by Batista was a solid program. That's not to say that all the celeb hosts have failed though, but I still keep coming back to the same question. Why make the investment? I mean there is no way these hosts are coming in cost free. Not a chance. So what could the possible return be, and how does it benefit the company?
Maybe going into this, the fans aren't the only ones hoping for a pleasant surprise. Maybe the WWE never really thought this through and just intend to roll with it hoping the positive outweighs the negative. Just maybe they want to be surprised and are hoping that tonight is the night that they finally see that return on their investment. Perhaps tonight is the night that the ratings will spike. Why else would they pay such a price?
Will we realize that we were wrong and our negative assessment was too harsh? Or maybe we'll be proven right again and this will just be the latest in a long line of investments that go nowhere.
This is one time that I really want to be wrong but I don't see how I could be. Then again maybe this has all been one huge elaborate setup for a storyline that will lead to the biggest wrestling based program ever. Or maybe the only surprise I should expect, is no surprise at all.
Day 38
Unfortunately, I missed a few parts of Raw last night for various reasons so today's recap will be somewhat brief. Then again maybe it's best anyway, straight and to the point.
-The opening segment took me to a few different levels. My initial reaction: "fuck, this is going to blow." Then "Santino never fails to crack me up." Followed by "Really? Can we not drop the Jillian singing gimmick yet?" Let's not forget "Holy shit! It's I.R.S." Then lastly "Bob Barker just came off really creepy by calling Jericho naughty."
Honestly, I think that speaks volumes of how the show as a whole felt to me. It seemed that every good segment or solid match was sandwiched between something really stupid that brought it down. While I give props to Barker for doing what he does best, he still seemed ill-equipped for hosting a wrestling program. As I predicted beforehand, there were parts that simply felt more like a variety show than a wrestling show.
-The MVP/Jericho match wasn't bad but something just seemed off. Almost like the two were just a hair off and were having trouble get going at the same speed. Again, not saying the match was bad it just wasn't as good as they've done. Not to mention the whole Price is Right bit made it seem even more rigged than usual. Hypothetically speaking, if I.R.S "won" the bid, would he have wrestled M.V.P.? How about Jillian? Just seems silly to think that we had a pre-determined opponent ready to face a seemingly random wrestler, who just happens to be two guys who are currently feuding. I guess I'm just over analyzing though.
-Speaking of convenient, how about HHH picking Orton? You want to convince me this is random? How about DX vs Chris Masters and Kelly Kelly. Okay, I'm kidding but still. I'll give this a pass though for HHH ragging on Masters' hair.
-Chavo and Evan Bourne put on a solid match, minus the Hornswoggle mess. After seeing Chavo lose week in and week out to Hornswoggle, how does it make Bourne look to only be able to beat Chavo with help. Either way you look at it though, it's still a loss for Chavo. I'll ask this the same as I did before: what has Chavo done to piss the creative team on Raw off?
-I missed Cody Rhodes vs John Cena, so I can't comment.
-Also missed Santino's segment and the Body Slam challenge vs the Big Show. I did however catch the second Body Slam Challenge with Mark Henry. While I am in no way a fan of Henry, I'll at least give credit where credit is due for finding various ways to hide Henry's weak points. I fully expect an arm wrestling match against the Big Show in the near future.
-This may sound harsh, but I honestly had no interest in the main event whatsoever so I decided to call it a night. It's not so much the people involved, it's just that I knew that it was a throwaway bout that would ultimately mean nothing. That coupled with the fact that Raw was close to being over, led me to know we weren't in for a classic. It served it's point as far as furthering the two main Raw matches for Breaking Point though. Also makes me think Cody and Ted could pull off the upset.
Overall the show was pretty mediocre. I felt like the Price is Raw segments dragged too much and the matches weren't really on point. Not to mention that all four of the guys involved in last weeks match of the night, were all M.I.A. Seems a little silly, especially considering from a wrestling standpoint the U.S. belt is the best thing on Raw right now.
Next week should be solid though. We have the fallout from a pay-per-view as well as an ex-wrestler hosting, which more times than not has panned out.
Day 39
I've been doing some thinking and have thus decided that next week at the Blog will be reader appreciation week. All the topics will be topics sent in from you the readers and chosen at random. All you got to do is sent an email or emails with as many topics as you want to monkeyweasel9821@yahoo.com and each day I'll randomly pick one of the topics out of a hat and have at it. Only catch is that it most have something to do with wrestling. Other than that, have fun with it.
No on with the show....
Today I was thinking.....who exactly is even fighting at Breaking Point. I'm not really sure what the card looks like on paper but as I reflect on it in my head, I can't really think of that many matches.
1.) CM Punk vs Undertaker
2.) Randy Orton vs John Cena
3.) DX vs Priceless
4.) Jerishow vs MVP and Mark Henry
5.) John Morrison vs.....nope, it's been scrapped.
That's four matches, with only one show left to have any type of late last minute build. Yet they wonder why people aren't rushing to the ticket booth. Not to knock the quality of the bouts listed, as I expect at least 3/4 of those bouts to be very solid; but fans when going to these events like to know what they are seeing.
UPDATE: Yes, I get updates so quick I actually get them in the midst of typing columns. So apparently Kane is fighting Khali in a singapore cane match. (Credit: Our Fruity Main Page Manager) So in retrospect we cancel what could have been a hell of a match between two up and coming stars to replace it with a rematch featuring a guy nobody cares about and a guy who does nothing but beat guys that nobody cares about. Way to put asses in seats on that one.
Normally I'd commend WWE's decision to hold off on Morrison/Ziggler in favor of building the feud up more, but desperate times call for desperate measures. At least that would have given you six matches which is more reasonable. With the current format they will end up filling way too much time with crappy filler that people (especially the sometimes hostile Canadian crowd) don't want to see.
Not exactly the best way to build up a new PPV, and I fully expect the buyrates to tank on this one. Maybe they should setup plans where you pay per match. I'm intrigued enough to pay 8 bucks for a submission match between Punk/Taker. Then when you see that all of three people purchased a Khali/Kane match you can get a clue and stop putting Khali on pay events.
Pay Per Match....I might be on to something there. You have the option of either paying the flat rate for the entire event or simply paying for the bouts you want to see at a pro-rated price. WWE, I'll be on the lookout for my royalty checks if you take this one. You're welcome.
Day 40
Today I read something that I feel I want to comment on, especially since I believe my feelings towards this particular person may have come off differently than I wanted them to be perceived. First though, I want to present the comments that sparked my thoughts today:
"It's not right to pretend he didn't exist. It's one thing to include him as part of a historical perspective, which I believe is OK, and it's another thing to promote him, which is not OK. The situation is very similar to that of O.J. Simpson - despite his controversy, O.J. was still a part of the NFL scene. You can't deny that he existed." (Vince McMahon on Chris Benoit)
Apparently these comments are included in the latest copy of the WWE magazine. I have to say I agree wholeheartedly with that assessment. I in no way condone the actions of Benoit, and while there may have been an endless list of factors that doesn't help me forgive and forget. At the same time, that doesn't take away from the in ring abilities of Benoit. Case in point, a guy like Edge whom cheated on his wife with his best friend's girl. Now before you send me some nasty email, I don't mean to imply that I think adultery and murder are in the same ballpark. What I am implying is that I don't watching wrestling to see role models. In all honesty, I could care less about their out of the ring persona. So Edge is an asshole. Big deal, that doesn't take away from me liking him for his ability.
I know it's apples and oranges, but I think you get the point I'm making. Should Benoit make the Hall of Fame? No, because I agree with Vince in saying that he shouldn't be promoted. Should he be edited out of all future DVD releases? Not at all. Just think of all the four and five star bouts you are depriving people of.
It may not be the popular decision but it's the right one.
Day 41
Disappointment? Sure, I'd definitely say I feel that way. I think the main reason is because anytime something bad happens with wrestlers the press have a field day with it. They more or less take a "see we tried to tell you all wrestlers are screwed up people" approach to their reporting. Thus I hate for any of their claims to ever be justified.
Shock? Not at all. I'd love to sit here and tell you that I'm surprised that Jeff Hardy has been arrested for various drug charges, but I refuse to sit here and type out lies. The truth is, as bad as everyone wants Jeff to be the exception to the rule it just isn't meant to be. As if it wasn't a bad enough blow to have arguably the most over guy in the business simply walk away, then this happens.
For those of you who may be unaware, let me enlighten you as to the events of today:
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office issued the following press release:
September 11, 2009
Sheriff Lane Carter reports the arrest of an individual on charges of trafficking in controlled prescription pills, and possession of anabolic steroids. Sheriff Carter reported a joint investigation conducted by officers from the Moore County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Moore County Sheriff’s Office Select Enforcement Unit, and Fayetteville Police Department led to the arrest.
Officers executed a search warrant at a residence located near Cameron, North Carolina. During the search officers located and seized approximately 262 Vicodin prescription pills, 180 Soma prescription pills ( Soma’s are non-controlled prescription pills), 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids, a residual amount of powder cocaine, and items of drug paraphernalia. Vicodin and anabolic steroids are included in Schedule III within the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $2,500.00.
Arrested was:
Jeffrey Nero Hardy 32 years of age
Cameron, North Carolina
Jeffrey Nero Hardy was arrested on September 11, 2009 and charged with felony trafficking in opium, two counts of felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule III controlled substance, felony maintaining a dwelling to keep controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jeffrey Nero Hardy received a $125,000.00 secured bond and was placed in the Moore County Detention Center.
Jeff is currently claiming there are some "half truths" to this whole story and he plans on issuing a press release. While I fully believe in the "innocent until proven guilty" mantra, I just don't really see where there is much breathing room in this story. As it stands, Jeff looks to be facing some serious charges. Charges that due to their severity, stand to cost Jeff some of his freedoms.
I do feel bad for Jeff though, as I don't like to see anybody have their life spiral out of control in this manner. Especially in terms of drugs, as I've unfortunately seen what it can do to people. Though Jeff's downplaying of the events is just further proof that he is completely oblivious to the existence of his drug problem at all. Never mind the fact that he supposedly has been all over Twitter posting updates. Are you serious? You just got charged with 5 felonies and a misdemeanor and the first thing you think to do is jump on Twitter? I can understand wanted to reach out to your fans but I would say that jumping on Twitter at a time like this shouldn't even be close to the top of the list of priorities.
That being said, it may just be the fans that I feel the worst for. Everybody who stood up for Jeff through his past drug offenses and defended him to those who claimed a problem. Every man, woman and child who wanted to believe that his days of being on the wrong side of the track were over. They wanted to believe that Jeff was better, and that his dark days were far behind them.
Today is not just a sad day for Jeff Hardy, but a sad day for all of those who believed in him.
Day 42
Quick reminder: Tomorrow will start my reader appreciation week and I'll keep accepting ideas right up until I make my final post of the week, so feel free to send in any last minute ideas and I'll throw them in the hate too. I've really been enjoying reading the suggestions so far and I'm curious to see exactly what is going to pop up for tomorrow's topic. Until then, let's get focused on the here and now.
Where do you go from now? How do you start to convince the general public that wrestlers aren't all drug crazed deviants? Just in the last month alone you have Rey Mysterio going down for a drug suspension. Then you have yesterday's news of Jeff Hardy's arrest in which WWE just narrowly dodged a media shitstorm. There will undeniably be bad press but not as much as they would have if Jeff was still a WWE employee.
Even with fines and suspensions, it's still hard to present an image of a clean drug free company when you can't even go a few months without more suspensions or drug charges in the wrestling world. Vince was able to benefit from everybody's short term memory when it came to the steroids scandal years earlier but the Benoit tragedy changed a lot of people's perspectives. Now with wrestlers being frequently featured in dirt sheets when an arrest or suspension occurs, it is harder for people to forget.
One thing that seems to be a constant in most of these stories seems to be pain medication. This is the thing that has always been part of the tough life of wrestlers and something that Vince needs to take a hard look at. More times than not wrestlers will start taking this medication as a legit way to deal with the aches and pains associated with their profession. However, due to the addictive nature of the drugs it can become very easily to get addicted. Then what started as a legit prescription turns to going to any shay resource available to support your insatiable habit.
What can be done though, that's still the question the forever lingers? Reduction of house shows for some talent is a definite start but by the time you reach veteran status your body usually has irreversible wear and tear anyway. I can respect that wrestling is a business and you run house shows to get to as many markets as you can, markets that are often overlooked by pay-per-view events. I can also respect the fact that it's the main event caliber talent that brings the fans to these shows. At what point though, does money start to outweigh the well being of your employees?
Maybe one of the problems lies in the fact that a lot of promoters are still stuck in the old mindset when it pertains to wrestling. At one point the talent pool was so over saturated, that many viewed a good 90% of the roster as being replaceable. Why would you have a connection to a guy that you feel can be easily switched out with another random guy given the right gimmick and time?
Times are changing though, and the WWE is running out of established stars and more times than not is struggling to keep those who are established on the active roster. Just at this present moment you have Batista, Edge, and Rey Mysterio on the shelf for various reasons. Then you have Jeff Hardy, who some would argue needed a break due to the damage his body has taken over the years. Add in the reduced schedule that guys like Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker have taken on and you have to ask yourself, who is left? It's as if stars are dropping off the roster faster than new ones are being elevated.
In retrospect you are left with a very tough decision to make: reduce the amount of shows and hopefully reduce a little of the injuries and general wear and tear, thus hopefully reducing some of the reliance on pain medication. Option B is to continue running shows like you are now and quite possibly reduce your talent to the point where you are left with almost zero established stars to keep people coming back.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh. Maybe I'm not. One thing is for sure though, the landscape is changing regardless of what decisions the WWE chooses to make. Do they take control of the changes or will they let the changes take control of them?
As always I am the Monkey and you've just seen the world through my eyes.
Feel free to send all feedback to monkeyweasel9821@yahoo.com
