What'Cha Gonna do

[Guest DerangedHermit]

Here's a copy of the letter WWE wrestlers received:

 

To: WWE Talent

From: William F. Watts, Jr.

Co-Vice President of Wrestling Operations

 

Date: January 28, 2003

 

WWE has been reorganized by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and I have been brought in as Co-Vice President in charge of Wrestling Operations.

 

I have had the pleasure of working with many of you in the past, others I have seen over the years. I am very excited about all of our talent.

 

My concepts about the professionalism of wrestling are possibly different from others, nevertheless, you will be expected to adhere to certain principles.

 

1. Effective February 1, use of the steel ring post and the crowd barricades, will become an automatic disqualification. If you run your opponents head, body, arms, or legs into them you will be disqualified. When a person violently contacts solid steel, it generally causes a laceration or bone breakage. We seem to have been very lucky thus far in the lack thereof. Also, the crowd barricades are often not well secured and cause a potentially dangerous situation and/or legal liability . So, do not do it anymore.

 

2. You are paid to wrestle in the ring and fighting on the floor should be discouraged. The fans pay to see you wrestle and only the front few rows can see you on the floor. Therefore, keep it in the ring or on the ring apron. I realize you can be thrown from the ring to the floor, but I discourage your opponent from following you to the floor to fight.

 

3. Hitting in the testicles, whether striking, kicking, kneeing, head butting, etc., is forbidden. The first offense will be a fine of $1000, the second will be a fine of $2500 and the third a fine of $5000 and could also be considered a breach of contract. If you are struck in the testicles, make every effort not to emphasize where you are hit.

 

4. BE ON TIME to the events, which is one hour prior to bell time of the first match. This also includes being on time for promotional events, interviews, or mettings and being ready to perform as schedulled. If you are late, you will be subject to a severe fine. Legitimate excuses will be considered, but do not rely on them. If you are late due to your flight being delayed, you should have left earlier. Do not plan your trip based upon the last flight scheduled. You must take into consideration the weather. Being on time is your responsibility. Fines levied and/or collected can only be mediated by myself. But do not expect the lack of backbone as with previous management.

 

5. Missing an event will result in a most severe fine, and could be considered a breach of contract. Only Jim Ross, John Gaburick, or myself can approve your absence. Such approval must be pre-arranged. The only other excusable absence will be due to an act of God.

 

6. Injuries in a professional contact sport do happen. However, disabling injuries are much rarer. If hurt, but still mobile, you are expected to appear as scheduled, unless exempted by Jim, John or myself. If seriously injured, this does not mean you will be expected to wrestle, but by making the appearance, the fans will know WWE and our athletes have integrity. It is imperative that you make us aware of your injury and its possible effect on your ability to wrestle and/or make scheduled appearances as soon as possible. We all owe it to our fans to rebuild the credibility of the WWE and insure that they will see the wrestlers that were advertised. As in the NFL, you often must perform with pain.

 

7. Talking on the P.A. from the ringside area and/or lewd/profane gestures toward your opponent or the crowd are prohibited. If you have an announcement for the P.A., it must be pre-approved by the wrestling agent WWE has assigned to that event. Loud and intense cursing of the opponent of the crowd is undesirable. We are still a family spectator sport and want to remain uncensored by conscientious parents.

 

8. Fraternization with your opponents or with wrestlers you know you will be contesting in the near future is not acceptable and is considered a fineable offense. This includes traveling to and from an event and/or socially. This also includes the gym.

 

9. Guests are not allowed in the dressing rooms or backstage area unless approved by the wrestling agent for that event. Complimentary tickets are now restricted to two per wrestler, which is for your immediate family only. Any deviation must be approved by the wrestling agent. Your comps must be pre-arranged prior to the event. Our event coordinators have more important responsibilities than getting your comps at the last minute. You can purchase all the tickets you need. You are paid very well as professional wrestlers. The revenue to pay your salary comes in large part from ticket sales. Value our product and do not give it away!

 

10. We are not at this time instituting a dress code. However, you should and will be expected to represent WWE in a professional manner. Your image is very important. If the WWE expends the time, money, and effort to promote that image, then you will be expected to dress accordingly or better. "Cut-off shorts" and "flip-flops" are examples of below the expected standards.

 

 

If you feel this all to be burdensome or an unrealistic expectation, I too feel badly about the deterioration of our sport and the abuse of it by a few wrestlers, and the need to be so specific. However, language is often cumbersome, but I am sure you can all understand the intent.

 

I love and respect this business and want you to feel the same way. I am not writing this to be oppressive, but to help you maintain our profession and to become a leader in "upgrading" its image. You too should be proud to be a pro wrestler and demand respect for your sport. Your actions bespeak your pride or lack there of. Attitude not aptitude determines ones altitude. I fully believe we have the tools and the support from WWE, Inc. to rebuild the WWE and to set the standard for our industry.

 

Certainly the perceived, and at this time most recognizable industry representative in my opinion, has degraded our profession. We intend to lead the WWE into a viable organization of which you and our fans can be proud.

[Guest AndrewTS]

I dunno whether or not this is true, but the business has already been exposed to the point where kayfabe wouldn't work anyway. Although it would make it a little easier to enjoy WWE shows when they're not telling you "it's fake" every 5 minutes.

I was thinking that too. The broken kayfabe genie has been let out of the bottle. You can't stuff it back in.

[Guest DerangedHermit]

Who wouldn't need to change at all do to essentially being themselves on camera?

 

Undertaker: Bitter asshole veteran who gives shit to rookies.

 

Bradshaw: Same as the above, only he never has and never will be successful.

 

Triple H: Egotistical asshole who thinks he's Ric Flair.

 

Jeff Hardy: A very bizaare, disturbed young man.

 

RVD: A stoner dude.

 

Edge: As said above, he is playing himself.

 

Any others?

Also:

 

Vince McMahon: scummy dumbass douchebag asshole

Jerry Lawler: still a pervert

Jim Ross: Oklahoman redneck

[Guest NoSelfWorth]

Does this mean we can beat the crap out of Shawn Michaels, while all he can do is keep chanting, "Jesus loves you" ?

[Guest El Satanico]

My god this is getting insane...Paranoid "guys at the top" sounds awful familiar to us old WCW fans.

[Guest buffybeast]

Here's a copy of the letter WWE wrestlers received:

 

To: WWE Talent

From: William F. Watts, Jr.

Co-Vice President of Wrestling Operations

 

Date: January 28, 2003

 

WWE has been reorganized by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and I have been brought in as Co-Vice President in charge of Wrestling Operations.

 

I have had the pleasure of working with many of you in the past, others I have seen over the years. I am very excited about all of our talent.

 

My concepts about the professionalism of wrestling are possibly different from others, nevertheless, you will be expected to adhere to certain principles.

 

1. Effective February 1, use of the steel ring post and the crowd barricades, will become an automatic disqualification. If you run your opponents head, body, arms, or legs into them you will be disqualified. When a person violently contacts solid steel, it generally causes a laceration or bone breakage. We seem to have been very lucky thus far in the lack thereof. Also, the crowd barricades are often not well secured and cause a potentially dangerous situation and/or legal liability . So, do not do it anymore.

 

2. You are paid to wrestle in the ring and fighting on the floor should be discouraged. The fans pay to see you wrestle and only the front few rows can see you on the floor. Therefore, keep it in the ring or on the ring apron. I realize you can be thrown from the ring to the floor, but I discourage your opponent from following you to the floor to fight.

 

3. Hitting in the testicles, whether striking, kicking, kneeing, head butting, etc., is forbidden. The first offense will be a fine of $1000, the second will be a fine of $2500 and the third a fine of $5000 and could also be considered a breach of contract. If you are struck in the testicles, make every effort not to emphasize where you are hit.

 

4. BE ON TIME to the events, which is one hour prior to bell time of the first match. This also includes being on time for promotional events, interviews, or mettings and being ready to perform as schedulled. If you are late, you will be subject to a severe fine. Legitimate excuses will be considered, but do not rely on them. If you are late due to your flight being delayed, you should have left earlier. Do not plan your trip based upon the last flight scheduled. You must take into consideration the weather. Being on time is your responsibility. Fines levied and/or collected can only be mediated by myself. But do not expect the lack of backbone as with previous management.

 

5. Missing an event will result in a most severe fine, and could be considered a breach of contract. Only Jim Ross, John Gaburick, or myself can approve your absence. Such approval must be pre-arranged. The only other excusable absence will be due to an act of God.

 

6. Injuries in a professional contact sport do happen. However, disabling injuries are much rarer. If hurt, but still mobile, you are expected to appear as scheduled, unless exempted by Jim, John or myself. If seriously injured, this does not mean you will be expected to wrestle, but by making the appearance, the fans will know WWE and our athletes have integrity. It is imperative that you make us aware of your injury and its possible effect on your ability to wrestle and/or make scheduled appearances as soon as possible. We all owe it to our fans to rebuild the credibility of the WWE and insure that they will see the wrestlers that were advertised. As in the NFL, you often must perform with pain.

 

7. Talking on the P.A. from the ringside area and/or lewd/profane gestures toward your opponent or the crowd are prohibited. If you have an announcement for the P.A., it must be pre-approved by the wrestling agent WWE has assigned to that event. Loud and intense cursing of the opponent of the crowd is undesirable. We are still a family spectator sport and want to remain uncensored by conscientious parents.

 

8. Fraternization with your opponents or with wrestlers you know you will be contesting in the near future is not acceptable and is considered a fineable offense. This includes traveling to and from an event and/or socially. This also includes the gym.

 

9. Guests are not allowed in the dressing rooms or backstage area unless approved by the wrestling agent for that event. Complimentary tickets are now restricted to two per wrestler, which is for your immediate family only. Any deviation must be approved by the wrestling agent. Your comps must be pre-arranged prior to the event. Our event coordinators have more important responsibilities than getting your comps at the last minute. You can purchase all the tickets you need. You are paid very well as professional wrestlers. The revenue to pay your salary comes in large part from ticket sales. Value our product and do not give it away!

 

10. We are not at this time instituting a dress code. However, you should and will be expected to represent WWE in a professional manner. Your image is very important. If the WWE expends the time, money, and effort to promote that image, then you will be expected to dress accordingly or better. "Cut-off shorts" and "flip-flops" are examples of below the expected standards.

 

 

If you feel this all to be burdensome or an unrealistic expectation, I too feel badly about the deterioration of our sport and the abuse of it by a few wrestlers, and the need to be so specific. However, language is often cumbersome, but I am sure you can all understand the intent.

 

I love and respect this business and want you to feel the same way. I am not writing this to be oppressive, but to help you maintain our profession and to become a leader in "upgrading" its image. You too should be proud to be a pro wrestler and demand respect for your sport. Your actions bespeak your pride or lack there of. Attitude not aptitude determines ones altitude. I fully believe we have the tools and the support from WWE, Inc. to rebuild the WWE and to set the standard for our industry.

 

Certainly the perceived, and at this time most recognizable industry representative in my opinion, has degraded our profession. We intend to lead the WWE into a viable organization of which you and our fans can be proud.

Is this for real?

[Guest papacita]

Here's a copy of the letter WWE wrestlers received:

 

To: WWE Talent

From: William F. Watts, Jr.

Co-Vice President of Wrestling Operations

 

Date: January 28, 2003

 

WWE has been reorganized by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.  and I have been brought in as Co-Vice President in charge of Wrestling Operations.

 

I have had the pleasure of working with many of you in the past, others I have seen over the years. I am very excited about all of our talent.

 

My concepts about the professionalism of wrestling are possibly different from others, nevertheless, you will be expected to adhere to certain principles.

 

1. Effective February 1, use of the steel ring post and the crowd barricades, will become an automatic disqualification. If you run your opponents head, body, arms, or legs into them you will be disqualified. When a person violently contacts solid steel, it generally causes a laceration or bone breakage. We seem to have been very lucky thus far in the lack thereof. Also, the crowd barricades are often not well secured and cause a potentially dangerous situation and/or legal liability . So, do not do it anymore.

 

2. You are paid to wrestle in the ring and fighting on the floor should be discouraged. The fans pay to see you wrestle and only the front few rows can see you on the floor. Therefore, keep it in the ring or on the ring apron. I realize you can be thrown from the ring to the floor, but I discourage your opponent from following you to the floor to fight.

 

3. Hitting in the testicles, whether striking, kicking, kneeing, head butting, etc., is forbidden. The first offense will be a fine of $1000, the second will be a fine of $2500 and the third a fine of $5000 and could also be considered a breach of contract. If you are struck in the testicles, make every effort not to emphasize where you are hit.

 

4. BE ON TIME to the events, which is one hour prior to bell time of the first match. This also includes being on time for promotional events, interviews, or mettings and being ready to perform as schedulled. If you are late, you will be subject to a severe fine. Legitimate excuses will be considered, but do not rely on them. If you are late due to your flight being delayed, you should have left earlier. Do not plan your trip based upon the last flight scheduled. You must take into consideration the weather. Being on time is your responsibility. Fines levied and/or collected can only be mediated by myself. But do not expect the lack of backbone as with previous management.

 

5. Missing an event will result in a most severe fine, and could be considered a breach of contract. Only Jim Ross, John Gaburick, or myself can approve your absence. Such approval must be pre-arranged. The only other excusable absence will be due to an act of God.

 

6. Injuries in a professional contact sport do happen. However, disabling injuries are much rarer. If hurt, but still mobile, you are expected to appear as scheduled, unless exempted by Jim, John or myself. If seriously injured, this does not mean you will be expected to wrestle, but by making the appearance, the fans will know WWE and our athletes have integrity. It is imperative that you make us aware of your injury and its possible effect on your ability to wrestle and/or make scheduled appearances as soon as possible. We all owe it to our fans to rebuild the credibility of the WWE and insure that they will see the wrestlers that were advertised. As in the NFL, you often must perform with pain.

 

7. Talking on the P.A. from the ringside area and/or lewd/profane gestures toward your opponent or the crowd are prohibited. If you have an announcement for the P.A., it must be pre-approved by the wrestling agent  WWE has assigned to that event. Loud and intense cursing of the opponent of the crowd is undesirable. We are still a family spectator sport and want to remain uncensored by conscientious parents.

 

8. Fraternization with your opponents or with wrestlers you know you will be contesting in the near future is not acceptable and is considered a fineable offense. This includes traveling to and from an event and/or socially. This also includes the gym.

 

9. Guests are not allowed in the dressing rooms or backstage area unless approved by the wrestling agent for that event. Complimentary tickets are now restricted to two per wrestler, which is for your immediate family only. Any deviation must be approved by the wrestling agent. Your comps must be pre-arranged prior to the event. Our event coordinators have more important responsibilities than getting your comps at the last minute. You can purchase all the tickets you need. You are paid very well as professional wrestlers. The revenue to pay your salary comes in large part from ticket sales. Value our product and do not give it away!

 

10. We are not at this time instituting a dress code. However, you should and will be expected to represent WWE in a professional manner. Your image is very important. If the WWE expends the time, money, and effort to promote that image, then you will be expected to dress accordingly or better. "Cut-off shorts" and "flip-flops" are examples of below the expected standards.

 

 

If you feel this all to be burdensome or an unrealistic expectation, I too feel badly about the deterioration of our sport and the abuse of it by a few wrestlers, and the need to be so specific. However, language is often cumbersome, but I am sure you can all understand the intent.

 

I love and respect this business and want you to feel the same way. I am not writing this to be oppressive, but to help you maintain our profession and to become a leader in "upgrading" its image. You too should be proud to be a pro wrestler and demand respect for your sport. Your actions bespeak your pride or lack there of. Attitude not aptitude determines ones altitude. I fully believe we have the tools and the support from WWE, Inc. to rebuild the WWE and to set the standard for our industry.

 

Certainly the perceived, and at this time most recognizable industry representative in my opinion, has degraded our profession. We intend to lead the WWE into a viable organization of which you and our fans can be proud.

Is this for real?

Doubt it, but with WWE you never know.

[Guest D'Lo White]

Doesn't this mean HHH and Stephanie have to break up now?

[Guest Super Pissed Smark]

So does this mean Vince is no longer interested in trying to get the 'casual fan' to start watching again?

 

What exactly would the percentage of viewership that thinks it's all real be? >5-1%?

 

Just when you thought it couldn't get any more surreal...

[Guest DerangedHermit]

It's an old letter on a site that had to do with Tom Zenk, and I edited it to make sense now.

[Guest PhillyDogg]

Would you rather have crash tv or Kayfabe?

[Guest TheArchiteck]

That sucks......no reason reading/listening to their interviews now.

[Guest Raven_Effect01]

*Fan tries to get Jericho's autograph*

 

Fan:"Chris, you're one of my favorite wrestlers! Can I have your autograph?"

 

Jericho:"SHUT....THE HELL....UP, assclown! Because I am the KING.....of the WORLD, and the first ever WWE Undisputed Champion!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

*Fan tries to get Scott Steiner's autograph*

 

Fan:"Mr. Steiner, can I have your autograph?"

 

Steiner:"I'm the Big Bad Booty Daddy! All I care about is my peaks and my freaks! So to all my freaks out there....Big Poppa Pump is your hookup! Holler, if ya hear me!"

 

Oh wait, he probably actually WOULD have acted like that in real life before the kayfabe rule even got implemented. Scratch that.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

*Fan tries to get Kurt Angle's autograph*

 

Fan:"Hey Kurt, can I have your autograph? I think you're one of the best wrestlers on Smackdown!"

 

*Angle attacks fan with the crutch and has Team Angle to beat him down*

 

Angle:"Where are YOUR gold medals? Now screw off, kid."

[Guest TheArchiteck]

It's an old letter on a site that had to do with Tom Zenk, and I edited it to make sense now.

Sounds like the NFL guidelines.

[Guest Kahran Ramsus]

I gather this letter is what Bill Watts sent out in 1992.

[Guest DerangedHermit]

Here's the original:

http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Arena/9...93/indexz27.htm

[Guest Redhawk]

So does this mean...

 

Tommy Dreamer will be carrying a kendo stick 24-7? He could be the star of the new Walking Tall flick.

 

Sean O'Haire will be advising kids who want his autograph to slap their mothers?

 

Bubba ray gets to order D-Von around on the board?

 

Rico has to dress like a fruit every day?

 

Jamal and Rosey have to match?

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

Jericho's ability to slip in and out of character with fans is quite amusing.

 

BTW, does this mean that mean that Dawn Marie has to get Wilson legally added to her name?

 

Also, things will get interesting when Austin's probation mixes with kayfabe and Vince has to go to court to let him drink.

[Guest El Satanico]

Well they could give the illusion that Austin is still drinking without him actually drinking.

 

They would likely have to meet with officials from the court and explain the whole "illusion" thing, but I doubt they'd have to go to court to get premission to give the illusion.

 

However i doubt they will even bother since he doesn't need to drink on screen.

[Guest evilhomer]

but what about Victoria? I mean, she is married, after all. And how can she stay in the psycho mode all day, every day?

You obviously aren't married Shhhh, don't tell my wife I said that

 

 

Or does this mean....

 

Will Kanyon randomly Kanyoncut anyone walking on the street, make a diamond sign and yell BANG!!! (An thought from A change of pace for Kanyon)

 

 

You're all missing the big picture. This is the best thing that could ever happen to the WWE.

 

Why you ask? It's simple, if all characters have to remain in character then AL WILSON HAS TO STAY DEAD Whooo f'n hooo!!!

 

 

oops, I forgot, we're uh not uh allowed to uh say "Whooo" anymore

 

 

Kayfabe mania running wild is such a better idea than actually coming up with compelling storylines that actually make us suspend our disbelief.

[Guest Goodear]

I think a return to kayfabe would be a good idea ... on the wrestling shows. I don't give a damn if Jericho does an interview for TV Guide and talks like a normal person, thats fine. But I don't want to hear the words "shoot, work, booker or psychology (TAZZ!)" on SmackDown or RAW ever again. Yeah, we all know its fake. But I know Friends is fake too, and they don't have to wander around talking about the producers of the freaking show for me to know that.

[Guest evilhomer]

Off the topic

 

Just a suggestion, when you're quoting from a long post such as DerangedHermit's, edit what you are quoting to just include the line(s) you're talking about, or just mention it. It makes for a damn long page with no real info when a post that long is repeatedly quoted.