Promoter

You know maybe he is doing this because the wwe seems to push him HARDER after doing stunts like this. Maybe he's trying to extend his reign for all we know. Try to walk in his hat He isn't really talented to be a world champion and is doing anything to stay afloat. Excuse as I trying to find excuses for this guy.

Damn! You know that is so strange as it could be true. Didn't Stephanie have a storyline about something like that? I guess Trips really wanted to emulate his idol in every aspect

Maybe that was the deal between him and Trips in turn for all the ass-kissing to make him the "greatest of all-time". I know I've posted this line today multiple times, but it makes me sick and I'm sort of a Trips mark. It didn't bother me that much with Brock saying it for some reason last year and this year(greatest wwe champion of all-time). Let the Brock rumours fly!

I suppose that is going to be the selling point of UT/Angle and it is a good one(still think it shouldn't be a title match), but really Taker is going to lose the milestone for no reason? If this indeed are the two main title matches for Mania I guess people will be asking for Rock/HBK. That wouldn't be too shabby a card with those three matches on top. I still want HBK/Angle though. I wonder how the creative team has this mapped out. If I was told to do UT/Angle at Mania 21 I suppose it can go like this from what is currently happening. Big Show defeats JBL at Survivor Series. You have Big Show make claims that he never loses wwe title matches at Survivor Series. Angle gets his victory back by winning the title from Big Show which would explain the clean job on sunday. More likely at Royal Rumble. Randy Orton goes over Ric Flair at Taboo Tuesday. We get a Survivor Series match with Evolution vs. Orton/Benoit/Benjamin. I bet Edge joins Evolution after fans don't pick him to face Trips at Taboo Tuesday. Orton goes over Batista at either the December ppv or the January ppv. He then goes on to win the Rumble. Angle talks smack about not wanting to lose another main event match at Mania and Undertaker shows up with his undefeated streak promo. The two matches are set. The Rock comes back and challenges Shawn Michaels in an icon vs. icon match like Hogan/Rock. In the perfect world we get heel persona Shawn against "hollywood" Rock, but we'll get both pansy face characters. Benoit may face Jericho for the IC title. They may keep the I-C title on Jericho to prevent any backlash of not doing Jericho/HHH for Mania. Jericho would have to face a challenger being champion.

Or, Triple H was smart to insult the not so popular Rock in NYC.

It effects the wwe when the husband of the lead of creative is more concerned with a part time movie star than any of the opponents lined up for this "interactive ppv" where I'm sure more than half the audience is not even buying is legit. I mean even in kayfabe Vince and the wwe find ways to get out of loopholes. Why would they trust this? Carmella who was eliminated from the last "fan interactive" activity is still here. The fact that he has to make a jab at Rock for heat when he has a whole damn roster of wrestlers shows where their priorities are.

I second this especially with Vince wanting to get edgy at times. Then again, if we go with Bret Hart's article about their incident in the early 90's Vince has a mindsight of "maybe he doesn't know what he's doing" and is pissed. It could also be Vince's way of finding an excuse to punish Flair. I mean a NWA guy is walking around proclaiming to be the greatest of all-time next to his son in law. Old school Vince would not allow this would he? That would mean his champions weren't the greatest back in the day:P Time for Bischoff and Flair in the doghouse again.

Well, he has married Vince Mcmahon's daughter and may run the company in the future(imagine the revisionist history he can do with The Rock with all the 2000 footage to prove he's "the greatest of all-time"). Actually, I'm sure he will can use the footage with Austin and Hogan to his advantage too. He has his childhood hero Ric Flair kissing his tail and even have him proclaiming that he's the greatest of all-time. He has won matches over the man his childhood hero called the greatest performer of all-time(actually his father in-law has claimed he to be as well). He has won the feud with the legendary Steve Austin where traditionally the face would go over in 2001. He has destroyed the credibility of guys like Jericho who The Rock put in a lot of effort to get over. Why would he be jealous of The Rock who isn't even an active wrestler anymore for all intents and purposes? Why would he attack the Rock on television only when he knows he won't make a "surprise" appearance? I mean this guy also doesn't have to share the spotlight with the true men who made Vince Mcmahon rich. Why would he have anything to be jealous of? He can control the booking of the show to make himself look like the greatest thing since slice bread. Why would he think deep down that he really is not all of the things he is trying to force down the throats of fans around the world when guys like Rock show up and bring a real star power presence to the show? What could he possibly be jealous about?

I didn't find raw to be that bad, but I did find it to be that funny. The crowd was nice and I think that's why I thought the show was decent. I mean look at all the "funny" stuff from this show. Ric Flair proclaiming Triple H to be the greatest of all-time one week after Randy Orton told him about being a kiss-ass who is throwing his own legacy down the toilet. So much for that peop talk he returns this week and sucks Trips' ass out(sorry for the vulgar, but it is disgusting). Flair talking about killing virgins even though he is almost 60 friggin years old. Then again, I saw Divorce court yesterday where a man older than Flair had a 20 year old wife and was sleeping around. Maybe that was his inspiration. Triple H attacking fans and calling them all pimply faced teenagers who can't make decisions. I mean how much more is he going to say to tell us he knows better than what we know and want? I bet he's dead serious too. All this happening, while the channel is being flipped or skipped by the millions of former fans. Edge popping out of nowhere like a bully to steal the spotlight from the other contenders saying he deserved the title shot. It's true what he was saying, but honestly I think he is missing the point that he has never got a title match because fans just don't care to see him winning a world title. HBK somehow feeling he could steal Hogan and Warrior's shctick now that they are no longer around. I mean HBK was called the greatest performer of all-time last week and I guess he felt Flair really meant Hulk Hogan. It was a good match I'll give them that. Stacy and the other two worthless women from the Diva Search actually being put into matches and storylines taking up useless time. Eugene is still acting like he is retarded and that the same teenage market Trips is making fun of would like to see him get kissed and hugged by a slut. Two comic book heroes facing off against two Quebecors. Big Bad Kane gets beatdown from a lead pipe, but can survive a fiery death last year. Stone Cold Orton being carried out by authorities like Austin did in 1997. I mean what's not to like? I mean what do wrestling fans expect. Not a variety show that is all about action adventure?

I thought that accolade belonged to Triple H. I mean Ric Flair said so.

Speaking of funny turns I think I'll put Austin's turn on the list. I mean seeing Austin trying to turn heel in Texas was funny as hell to me. The more he tried to get the fans to hate him the more they were cheering him. Of course, Austin's explanation the following night was nonsensical and I think they knew it beforehand which is why they threw Triple H into the mix. No one would like Austin for teaming up with the man who tried to KILL him now would they? Another funny thing in trying to get Austin over as a heel was the beatdown on JR. How funny was Vince Mcmahon saying "OPEN HIM UP, OPEN HIM UP"? It looked like Vince was getting an orgasm or something. How about Austin's other turn on the wwf and Vince Mcmahon because Vince showed more affection for Kurt Angle? Hollywood Hogan turn this was not

It has been going on since the beginning of time. The feud between the "greatest performer of all-time" and the "greatest world heavyweight champion of all-time". I mean who are we to dispute Ric Flair. He is qualified after all isn't he?

In terms of Orton/Foley affecting buy-rates and such I still think the wwe missed the boat to have Orton go over Foley at Mania. I understand saving it for the buy-rate for a lesser ppv, but I think sometimes it's the setting and timing of events that can make and break a star. I still believe the wwe could have made Orton be seen as the superstar they want fans to see him as if they did just a little bit of tinkering earlier this year. Saving Benoit's win for Edmonton could have affected buy-rates as well, but they did the title switch at Mania because that is where the true stars make their name. The big names such as Austin, Hogan, Trips, Michaels, etc got the job done at Mania and not at lesser ppv shows. Maybe I think too long term and the wwe does not, but Randy Orton going over Foley at WrestleMania XX instead has much bigger proportions for uplifting Orton than it did at Backlash. Look at it like this. Foley is famous for being the fan ringside the night Superfly Snuka jumped of the steel cage at MSG. Foley was returning to WrestleMania for the first time since Triple H put him into retirement at WM 16. HHH's first claim to fame that solidified him as a legit champion came at MSG against Mick Foley at the 2000 Royal Rumble. Orton being a 3rd generation superstar against the hardcore legend in the place where it all began is a great backdrop. Now, the wwe could have also used The Rock as a cornerman for Foley(I would have used him elsewhere, but that's another story). Orton going over Foley at this event has shades to set up Orton as being superior to Triple H especially if Rock was in the corner. Rock and Foley should have put over Orton at the event in this scenario because if they wanted to do what they did by having Orton main event SummerSlam this would have planted the seeds as Orton being the new blood who was on Triple H's heels to become the "evolution" of the business. It helps give a backdrop for what they eventually have done in the last couple of months. HHH's top rivals of the past have been both Rock and Foley(who helped made his legend) and if Orton disposed of both men(Rock's match would still be saved, but the impression would be there for from a little interaction from Mania)he would look like he is on Trips' level. Add the title victory over the man Triple H lost his title to and Orton has the image of being a real threat to Triple H. Instead things seem rushed to some fans. You see I think this helps the company much more than a slight increase in a lesser ppv buy-rate that was less than the year prior I think. Remember the plan is to have Orton main event WrestleMania 21. Earlier this year I read rumours that Trips wanted the match with Orton to headline this year, but they felt it was too early, so they planned it for next year. The tag match was basically piontless at Mania XX. They could have displayed Foley and Orton and have Batista/Flair/Rock as a backdrop and then do the tag match at Backlash where Rock could be used as a selling point. Anyways, I always like to view how the wwe could have taken alternate roots especially with where they are now and what they want to accomplish.

I don't see how RVD and Kane were both suppose to go over HHH and then Edge winning the title as well. This seems a bit far fetched. Wasn't Edge on smackdown anyways? I think HBK winning the title at that time wasn't a good move because that could have been saved for later in the feud that is never ending. If Edge had won the title then it might have propelled him to be a real star although wasn't he getting booed at MSG in the tag match? It does seem like HHH is trying to make HIAC his match now. He has gone over Foley and HBK who basically made the match famous with their bumps. I wonder what would happen if Trips wanted to do the match with Taker? Vince would be torn on who would go over, but family is family I suppose. I read about the Sick Boy thing before. I guess the fans do have power because the backlash and apathy toward the Katie Vick crap probably made them stop with furthering the storyline. The same with the Al Wilson nonsense. I can't believe they actually came up with such fantasy related stuff in this era. They wouldn't even be able to pull that stuff out in 1989-1992.

I think the report downplays JBL's comments with its "smart" terminology. Of course, JBL will say and do anything and be excused for it because he's a "bad guy". I find it funny how no other "bad guy" says what JBL says and gets away with it. It's not surprising really as I think the new school philosophy of "characters being an extension of the person or the person being jacked up in volume" is thrown out the window for Bradshaw for some reason.

The wwe doesn't know its fanbase anymore. Go back to 1998 and see the wwe actually knew how to make catchphrases and shirts people would want to say and wear in public. I mean it doesn't say "hip" more than Teddy Long's "Holla, Holla" that went out the window with Ja Rule's career or Undertaker's t-shirt that looks like a picture of Father Time.

I got a solution to this problem. Clone Triple H.

That would be funny if Ric Flair responded to Orton with this. To me at least.

Jim Ross will soon re-open the wwf hotline and state Kane is leaving and Diesel is returning. I've also heard Kane was upset that his "brother" is going to get to do the sequel to Katie Vick with Heidenwhatever on smackdown. He is going to leave raw and join up with his brother on smackdown. Thsource for this was The Informer in wwe smackdown magazine. On a serious note who could blame Jacobs for leaving. I mean there is a thing such as pride. How many dumb things can they force upon this poor man

I guess we might get another retread of the angle then with UT and Heidneroaoriaech(sp? ). I mean he ass raped Michael Cole supposedly and now he gets to mess with a "Deadman". You might think Vince is doing some of his genius brainstorming again. Maybe Kane got jealous and that is why he's leaving

How about Chao Sr.? I guess he's another "so bad he's awesome". That is the way of entertaining your fans wwe. Forget about putting on edge of your seat matches and storylines. Actually, I wonder how many bad angles/matches have happened since 1999 compared to the 5 years prior and the effect it had on the company's perception and interest. I think the 1999-present timeframe wins. Katie Vick, Al Wilson, Vince killing his own creation, the nwo, wcw invasion, Triple H's 2002-present title run, the brand split, etc. etc. etc.

SteveyP93 and Loss hit the nail on the head imo and I can't believe the wwe itself doesn't know this deep down(they blame the talent usually instead). However, they do try to change things up a bit like Eddie winning the tag match the smackdown before No Way Out and still winning the gold belt. Again, the build up to Mania XX was pretty solid. It's the event and aftermath's failure to capitalize like WM 14 did for the attitude era.

I have to say that if I wasn't a smark I would probably stopped watching cloesly since RR '03. Seriously, that is the last time I can honestly say all my friends gathered and did not whine about the quality of the show(we laughed at how bad the Trips title match was) because the Rumble was solid with surprises like HBK getting thrown out so quickly and the Angle/Benoit match. I still watch, but I watched in 1995 as well, so that should say something. For the most part I will say that I have a combination of the posts here with what I dislike and like. Someone stated that in '97 and '98 the wwe had an overwhelming storyline, while the last couple of years the wwe hasn't really had one. I think they COULD have some big storylines, but they blew it. 2004 I think the hook, line, and sinker that they royally SCREWED up was the anticipation for WM XX. The wwe had it. They had people expecting them to deliver and return to glory in Madison Square Garden, but they did not. I'm not saying stuff like Benoit winning the title wasn't priceless, but messing up the chance of following through with the marketing that disappeared that had "the past, present, and future collide in the place that started it all". I don't know if anyone here saw those commercials in December/January, but they pulled it off the air. I know of all the problems or supposed problems, but I think the wwe really had people's expectations so high with the year long hype and rumours that the event was the wwe's last chance at pulling in the monster audiences they once had. The shows were solid up until Benoit/HBK title match on television. Eddie was on fire being the champion. Fans were heated against Brock Lesnar and Goldberg for leaving the company. Fans were into the hall of fame aspects. Fans were expecting the legends to face off against the current breed. I honestly believe that WM XX they blew it. That was the main story of the year and for all intents and purposes they blew it. They should have done Foley/Orton at MSG for backstory reasons. The tag match was useless. Orton could have been made at the big event. I think it makes a big difference. I also think they should have done Benoit/Trips one on one too. Anyways, Mania XX was the big storyline to launch the new era and they blew it imo. I won't get into how they could have elevated certain guys and then have Evolution break up by SummerSlam as it happened with Orton being much more over. 2003 the big story should have been the retirement of Hulk Hogan. They mis-used Hogan. Of course, there is politics here, but the fact still remains Hogan should have retired at WM XX in the hall of fame. Too bad Brock's heart wasn't in it. Brock ending Hulkamania in the main event could have been something people would remember years down the line. Angle/Brock won't be remembered. Hell, they could have done Brock/Austin at the event. 2002's big story should have been the rise of the Next Big Thing Brock Lesnar, but they rushed it. They had the nWo for crying out loud. They had the splitting of the company. As someone said in a post the problem is things being rushed and the realism being taken away from things. It's just been a long list of bad booking and stories. Bringing in guys like Steiner as a face? Just asking for a flop. I know this is all hindsight, but the wwe is suppose to be the professionals who are suppose to know how to promote and create stars. The undeniable winners of the wrestling wars who always find ways to mock the dead organizations for mis-using stars such as Austin and HHH. Well......

I expect something in the ranks of Hussein(Muslim) vs. Shawn Michaels(Christian) at WM 21 in Los Angeles. I mean we do remember the last time the wwe had a WrestleMania there when a war in Iraq was going on right? We also remember that business was in a downturn at the time as well don't we? I expect anything, but trouble with this character. People booing him because he's praying to Allah in dark matches isn't a good sign. I've never seen the guy wrestle or pull off this character and to think he can be that talented to be a face in a wrestling audience in the United States with its prejudices is asking a lot. I mean in another thread there were justified complaints about Eddie Guerrero losing in a racist feud. To bottom line everything the creative team is going to take the easy way out by doing the easy thing.

Some think that was evil Flair on monday? The same Flair that got his ass handed to him for being HHH's bitch by Randall? Flair rambling that guys like Hulk Hogan aren't legends because he tried to do movies? The Flair who was kissing HBK's buttocks although he is a face now(who also swerved him a few months ago for this same storyline)? I thought evil Flair was the Flair who would have taken out HHH as leader and kicked Randy's tail for questioning his greatness. THAT IS EVIL FLAIR Sadly, we got that Flair who has been a loser ever since he "lost half the company" puckering up on HHH's behind to stay in the spotlight. This is what Vince wants Hulk Hogan to do? No wonder he never stuck around Hopefully, this is a long term story going on here where Flair comes to his senses. Of course, it probably has HHH defeating Flair for the title for a 17th time to humiliate him even more