Is it the dark ages again?

[Guest Judas14]

OK Jericho's career is now dead and most likely irreversibly ruined, Hogan's a babyface again, Austin refused to job after throwing a temper tantrum, and Ric Flair jobs to the Undertaker for no good reason.

 

And given the upcoming split and the fact that the last time the WWF tried to have to different brands it was killed off by way of the guys backstage ruining the WCW/WWF double federation angle with their politics and backstage ego-tripes, anyone else think that Wrestling has officially begun the next "Dark Ages"?

[Guest teke184]

It hasn't OFFICIALLY entered the Dark Ages yet, but it's close.  I'd say that having Taker involved in the main event of Backlash would probably be a sign that the Dark Ages are upon us.

[Guest EI Cubano]

Considering the fact that Wrestlemania X-8 will in all likelihood garner one of the highest volumes of buys in WWF history, ratings are still strong as #### when compared to any other show on cable and profits are through the roof, I don't think a "dark period" is upon us anytime in the immediate future. However if the WWF completely falls apart and loses all direction like it did directly after WM last year than we may be in for a substancial decline in business.

[Guest goodhelmet]

I agree with cubano to an extent. I'd like to see the buyrates for Backlash after it occurs before passing a judgement based on economics. Plus, since business is in decline compared to last year or 2000, how does the WWF justify raising ppv prices? It seems counterproductive to gaining more fans. Actually, the cable ratings don't mean jack. WCW was consistently ranked in the top ten up until they went off the air, but we don't see them around anymore.

 

In terms of workrate and match quality, it certainly seems like the dark ages or WCW circa 1998.

[Guest Denny Burkholder]

>>OK Jericho's career is now dead and most likely irreversibly ruined<<

 

Here we go again with this crap. Didn't even wait for RAW... That's gotta be some kind of record.

 

You wanna see a "dead" and "irreversibly ruined" career? Talk to Tammy Sytch.

 

Chris Jericho will be just fine. I'm sure he'll find way to carry on ... somehow. ::sniff::

 

Denny

[Guest J*ingus]

"Jericho's career is now dead and most likely irreversibly ruined,"

 

Could be, but let's wait and see first.  Rock did a whole lot of jobbing, including to HHH, including at Wrestlemania(s), and he's still going strong.  

 

"Hogan's a babyface again,"

 

Certainly not the WWF's fault, they were pushing him hard as a heel.  #### crazy Canuck crowd.  

 

"Austin refused to job after throwing a temper tantrum,"

 

It wouldn't shock me if that's what happened, but where'd you hear this?  

 

"and Ric Flair jobs to the Undertaker for no good reason."

 

How 'bout Taker is fifteen years younger and still an active wrestler, while Flair is not?  Plus that whole Wrestlemania winning streak, which needs to be broken by a hot young up & comer, not an over-the-hill commissioner.    

 

Things don't look promising for the WWF right now, but I don't think we're returning to '93 or anything that serious.

[Guest dreamer420]

How is Jericho's career now dead?  HHH, Rock, Austin, Hogan, Taker are all guys who have been pinned for the WWF title and their careers didn't die.  Losing one match will hardly kill Jericho's career.  He lost a title that has been hardly prominent on WWF TV in the past few months.  Jericho's title reign has been a little disappointing IMO.  That is why I wanted him to retain last night.  He should have kept the title and then could have gotten into some decent feuds (not over dogs), and hopefully produce some decent matches.

[Guest teke184]

People are overexaggerating Jericho's loss because he was booked as a joke of a champion and was Steph's bitch for the past month of his reign.  Considering that someone's first title reign helps determine the rest of their career, it's not a good sign for Jericho, although it can be overcome.  

 

If you want to see a guy who got screwed in his first title reign and it had a bad effect on his career, try Sting.  The Black Scorpion storyline bombed and he got stuck with the blame.  Being fucked by Hogan and Nick Patrick at Starrcade 97 didn't help either.

[Guest dreamer420]

People are overexaggerating Jericho's loss because he was booked as a joke of a champion and was Steph's bitch for the past month of his reign.  Considering that someone's first title reign helps determine the rest of their career, it's not a good sign for Jericho, although it can be overcome.  

Wrong dude.  Jericho was the first Undisputed Champion between WCW and the WWF.  He held the title for over 4 months, and defended it numerious times.  How is that not a good first title reign?

[Guest Tomato Can]

For over four months?  Dude, he won the belt in December.

[Guest converge241]

You wanna see a "dead" and "irreversibly ruined" career? Talk to Tammy Sytch.

 

**guffaw**

 

I thought we were going into a "down period" again but the ratings have leveled off attendance and merchandising is increasing and the buyrates have been (looking) good.

I think the split will help. Less overexposure , more revenue, maybe more new ideas with the extra writing staff. I think the pitfall of things going back to the 91-95 era was avoided.

[Guest Judas14]

<I think the split will help. Less overexposure , more revenue, maybe more new ideas with the extra writing staff. I think the pitfall of things going back to the 91-95 era was avoided>

 

It won't be. We saw how the egos of the top WWF guys ruined any chances of the WWF spinning WCW off as an independant company, so I see no reason to believe that said wrestlers won't try and ruin the split in order to protect their own spot in the hierarchy. Especially with Mr. Grand Shit-Disturber Triple H back on the roster and in full, all-out politician mode. If the split happens, it won't last past Summerslam before the plug is pulled....