Ways to improve WWE writing

[Guest AndrewTS]

I simply don't get why Vince feels it's necessary to keep the current writing staff despite all their stupidity and shortcomings. He seems eager to fire most of his employees on a whim, but not them.

 

I understand the poor writing isn't just the writers' fault. After all, the main event programs, from what we've heard, are all the inspiration of Vince, so he basically gives them a template to work with. I'd imagine hearing his ideas would make any sane individual indifferent and make them slack off, however the WWE writing is very poor.

 

Very, very poor. I have higher standards for B-movie writing than I do for WWE angles. "We make movies?" What kind, Vince? Z-grade crap that even the admittedly stupid majority of former WWF marks don't want to see anymore?

 

I've accepted that Vince isn't going to push for a more wrestling-based program, fire the current writing staff (including his daughter) and bring in a staff of actual wrestling fans. However, there is still plenty that can be done to fix things up with the existing team.

 

For example:

 

1. Hire a new continuity guy. Having no person to keep track of this and keep the writers informed on where they're fucking up makes as much sense as Acclaim having no quality control. Nothing stops them from have sub-par crap angles that aren't even consistent with their own internal logic and plot points.

 

2. Utilize advisors. The writers seem to make up crap as they go along, even about fields they have no knowledge of. So we have polls asking if Jim Ross should press charges for an incident that doesn't require that, Kane under house arrest without a trial, the screwed up, a constantly revised chain of command, and goofy and unrealistic sounding injury excuses. WWE has a staff of lawyers and doctors, and could easily throw a quick paycheck to some one else to give advice on anything else they'd need to know about. Sure, 90% of the fans have no clue about this crap, but damnit, we should expect nothing less from so-called professional writers, and maybe Vince would educate a little in the process.

 

3. Writers shouldn't be having sexual relationships with wrestlers.

 

4. Make storyboards--that way you can plan out in detail what you want to see in angles, perhaps come up with a back up plan in case of injuries. Every nuance of an angle can be planned out well in advance. This would also cut down on continuity errors and rampant stupidity.

 

5. Similarly, book more matches a week or more in advance. Hype them up, make the fans want to tune in and watch them.

 

Of course, I'm just a fan, so what the hell do I know?

 

Any other suggestions?

Edited July 27, 2003 by AndrewTS

[Guest BoboBrazil]

"1. Hire a new continuity guy. Having no person to keep track of this and keep the writers informed on where they're fucking up makes as much sense as Acclaim having no quality control. Nothing stops them from have sub-par crap angles that aren't even consistent with their own internal logic and plot points."

 

They had a continuity guy and he quit after he kept pointing out mistakes and they wouldn't listen.

[Guest OnlyMe]

Listen to the fans, and respond to what they are saying. So basic and obvious, yet they just don't do it.

 

I'm not even just talking about internet fans, I'm talking about the people that cheered the hell out of Tajiri when he debuted, or the ones that loved RVD...

[Guest AndrewTS]

Bobo: That's why I said hire a new one. Remember that things went to hell after that happened, the Austin heel turn, and Steph being hired as head writer.

[ChrisMWaters]

6: Always have a good planned out back-up plan. In case of an injury of a wrestler in a major storyline, have a replacement you can build.

 

7: Less comedy. Wrestling should be serious...not a joke. Comedy in spurts is good...comedy throughout the whole show is not good. Think about it...(sorry to harp on this one play of his, but that's the one I remember) Macbeth had only one comedy scene where it was needed. Not all over the place.

[Guest Insane Bump Machine]

8. Concentrate on the stuff that makes the WWE stand out of the whole crop of shows on TV. If I want bad comedy or cheesy drama I can watch hundreds of other shows on TV that do a better job of that.

 

The one thing that is different about the WWE is the in-ring content in front of a live crowd. Tell the stories via in-ring promos and matches, not with backstage skits and pre-taped segments. They can and should be used in moderation, but the main focus has to be in the ring.

[Guest BoboBrazil]

Why hire a new one when they just wouldn't listen to him either? The writing isn't going to change as long as Gerwitz(he does write some funny comedy segments sometimes, but that is it), Stephanie, and Vince are all on the writing team. The writers are going to suck up to Vince and write gross out stuff, because that is what he loves. If they could get rid of Steph and Vince on the writing team and replace them with someone like Ric Flair I think things would change for the better.

[Guest AndrewTS]

Bobo: Vince books the main event angles, mainly. The rest of the show is pretty much left to the rest of the writers unless Vince has another brilliant brainfart in mind to push a new guy.

 

I hate how Steph books herself to be the center of attention and has all the men (and some women) wanting her. It wasn't so bad back in 2001 when people were giving a shit about the Kurt/Steph/HHH love triangle angle, but now it's really getting very annoying. She truly is her father's daughter.

 

Comedy is fine for wrestlers who aren't going to get over any other way, but keep it very limited. As lame and ripped-off as it may be, I'm a bit interested in seeing Rosey the big, fat S.H.I.T.

 

Things won't change much with them in charge, but any positive change would help. Things won't change overnight no matter what.

[Guest razazteca]

All I ask is for no more run ins and speed up the action.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

The WWE Writers _write for Vince_. They write what they think he wants to see because that's the only way their storylines and ideas will be used. Why do you think Steph is director of creative?? She knows Vince better than most and therefore would filter ideas better.

[Guest Lil Naitch]

"1. Hire a new continuity guy. Having no person to keep track of this and keep the writers informed on where they're fucking up makes as much sense as Acclaim having no quality control. Nothing stops them from have sub-par crap angles that aren't even consistent with their own internal logic and plot points."

 

They had a continuity guy and he quit after he kept pointing out mistakes and they wouldn't listen.

Actually, I believe Vince fired him.

[Guest Retro Rob]

All they have to do is watch the last couple of Raws or SDs and see what happened. Then logically progress the storylines. It's not that hard.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

But it is hard if Logic goes against what Vince wants.

 

Which is like, 95% of the time.

[Guest Retro Rob]

Then the only to fix would be for Vince to die.... or retire. For some reason I have a feeling death will occur first.

[Guest deadbeater]

Ask Vince in advance what he wants, and subversively give it to him.

 

Ask him for his ideas for each character, especially the ones he created.

 

Most importantly, don't allow last second editions that should be worked and talked about next week.

 

For example: The Molly/Trish 'fat ass' angle. They should have planned it as a fascinating commentary on being body positive, as Molly and Trish gallantly tried to make it. But the powers that be inserted in the feud at the last second before a raw, and what transpired seemed like an insult to Molly. As a result she got the last thing a heel should ever get: eternal sympathy.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

Rob, are you suggesting that I kill Vince McMahon??

[Guest Retro Rob]

Rob, are you suggesting that I kill Vince McMahon??

I was going to be more obvious about it, but I figured you would figure it out.