Guest RollingSambos Report post Posted September 26, 2003 Since everybody is going bezerk over getting tickets to XX, I figured that this would be a good topic. Now, this show has a LOT of hype to live up to, and I'm not so sure that they can pull it off with the company in the state it's in. The talent is there, but a lethal combination of backstage politics and incompetent creative have pretty much killed off what COULD be a golden era for wrestling. This is supposed to be the biggest WrestleMania of all time, but I'm having doubts that this show can even live up to X, much less X-7 (IMO, the best). And let's face it: if WWE doesn't rock the house, The Garden is going to shit all over it. The Garden fans don't take crap. I'm thinking that if XX doesn't mark the beginning of a "new generation" like X did...well, it'll be bad. WrestleMania is one of the few shows that can reel in new fans every year, no matter how bad the business is. If XX flops, it could spell major trouble for 2004. I think that Vince needs to be very, very smart here and give the ball to some new talent at XX. I seriously fear for WrestleMania and the future of the business if HHH still has Vince's ear at this point, because there has been a lot of talk about title unification matches... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Murmuring Beast 0 Report post Posted September 26, 2003 If Wrestlemania 20 flops, Vince should/will consider putting just 5 PPV shows on a year again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RollingSambos Report post Posted September 26, 2003 That would be a beautiful thing. The only time that I ever liked the idea of 12 pay-per-views a year was when they had In Your House every other month...because those were only 2 hours and small-scale shows. But there's about as much a chance of that as Vince bringing back the legal WWF logo, putting up the old red, white and blue ring ropes, taking all McMahons off of TV, and bringing back that good old "Federation" feel again... ZERO. Those days of five pay-per-views gone, now it's about sucking as much money out of the fans as humanly possible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest webmasterofwrestlegame Report post Posted September 26, 2003 I think WMXX will deliver. The plans at the moment are to tinker with the format a little, making it a celebration of WM but they will keep the current roster stars on top in the money programmes (whoever they may be at that time). Interestingly, JR said on Byte This he expects Goldberg and HHH on top RAW side, and Angle, Lesnar, Cena, and Taker on top for SmackDown! side. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Loss Report post Posted September 26, 2003 The whole point of doing brand-exclusive PPV's was supposed to be to go back to that "special" feel of only having six PPV's per year per brand, but what requires that to work is that they start hyping matches now instead of waiting. As it stands, I guarantee you we won't know any of the RAW matches booked for Survivor Series until No Mercy is over, when they should already be announcing them. Loss4Words, who thinks the entire PPV lineup should be established the night after the last PPV every time without exception. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
USC Wuz Robbed! 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 Honestly the only way I think WMXX would be a hit is brand vs brand, with the exception of the major titles matches and the "special feel" match WWE is sure to have. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the pinjockey 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 Interestingly, JR said on Byte This he expects Goldberg and HHH on top RAW side, and Angle, Lesnar, Cena, and Taker on top for SmackDown! side. By the looks of that, then no it won't live up to the hype. I would be shocked if it does live up to all of the hype, because it would have to be the best PPV ever, to meet expectations. I can't imagine there being such as drastic change in the next few months to result in a better product. Throw in a desperate plea for buyrate by throwing an Austin match and a Rock match on the card, but the best I can still hope for is a decent PPV. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted September 27, 2003 Honestly the only way I think WMXX would be a hit is brand vs brand, That's the main way I see it bombing. How do you build it up? Look at RVD/Benoit from last year's SS. Do you want EVERY match at Mania to be like that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
USC Wuz Robbed! 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 No I mean... ok... yeah I see your point. WWE logic: Opposite the common sense, so they wouldn't rank the wrestlers evenly anyways. Forget it then. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndrewTS 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 No I mean... ok... yeah I see your point. WWE logic: Opposite the common sense, so they wouldn't rank the wrestlers evenly anyways. Forget it then. Yup. Well, it could work...but it would require constant run-ins on both shows. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SamoaRowe 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 The whole point of doing brand-exclusive PPV's was supposed to be to go back to that "special" feel of only having six PPV's per year per brand, but what requires that to work is that they start hyping matches now instead of waiting. As it stands, I guarantee you we won't know any of the RAW matches booked for Survivor Series until No Mercy is over, when they should already be announcing them. Loss4Words, who thinks the entire PPV lineup should be established the night after the last PPV every time without exception. Only problem with that is that some stupid fans will get confused and think the Raw Survivor Series matches will happen at No Mercy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hayabusa Moleman Report post Posted September 27, 2003 I didn't find last year's Wrestlemania all that spectacular, but I had a lot of fun with friends on the way there and back. Even if XX disappoints, I'm betting the experience I have on the trip will make up for it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tino Standard 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 Honestly, I think WMXX will be a really good show (I enjoyed WMXIX this year and did not feel cheated out of my money at all by ordering it), but as far as living up to expectations? ... No way. They just don't have the talent, the storylines or the mainstream cache to put on a show THAT good. Face it, every time people get psyched up THAT much for a show, it doesn't deliver. You need the greatest wrestling show in the history of the world to even have a CHANCE of delivering on expectations like that and right now (and come March 2004), WWE is (will be) in no position to put on a show that solid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jobber of the Week 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 Honestly, I think WMXX will be a really good show (I enjoyed WMXIX this year and did not feel cheated out of my money at all by ordering it), but as far as living up to expectations? ... No way. XIX wasn't so bad really seeing that I only expected Angle/Lesnar when tix went out in January. Austin's last match (for now), Hogan's last match (for now, and we're counting "Mr. America" as another character for this because Hogan pseudo-characters never have the appeal and draw of his main one), and what may very well be Rock's last match of any importance (and no, a Goldberg insta-feud does not count) elevated that show above it's crappy booking. As for XX, they started by marketing it too early. Now it's incessant, to the point that the troops in the crowd are wearing XX gear. Cmon! You'll never be able to keep people from getting disappointment when you drill it into their heads that hard. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest JMA Report post Posted September 27, 2003 If Goldberg main events WM it will GREATLY devalue the entire show. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheFranchise 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 If Goldberg/Austin DOES happen, will it be anything other than the main event? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Human Fly 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 I think an important aspect will be how/if they handle the legend segment/s. They need to be willing to get the good legends there and not be cheap like at Raw X. I'm worried that it will turn into one big Vince lovefest. Vince started Wrestlemania and there had never been anything like it before, he took a great risk, if it didn't work etc. etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RollingSambos Report post Posted September 27, 2003 I think that what Vince needs to do and what will make this WrestleMania memorable is to introduce a new era. Put all of the young superstars that have been held down - Hardy, Cena, Jericho, etc. - over his established stars. Or put the young stars against each other in very high-profile matches. This WrestleMania should be the equivalent of WCW's old "New Blood Rising". By the way, I would not be surprised to see Cena in one of the main events. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Youth N Asia 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 I think it'll be as good as any other recient Mania. I don't think it will be the best every or anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted September 27, 2003 Me Either, I personally think the awesomeness of MANIA alone makes all of them special except for 11, that just was a IYH for me (even though they hadn't existed at that point yet).. The MSG crowd will be special... Will Vince make this a EXTENDED WM? With like 6 Hours? I could see that so he could have the legends Ceremony, 14 Matches all going 15-30 minutes...If This is the SUPERBOWL, it needs a Halftime and The last three Musical Guest haven't been gangbusters (Saliva, Drowning Pool and Bizkit) I won't count Motorhead....Being In NYC, I wouldn't be shocked to see Vince drop the whole NU metal stuff and go to Rap and Hip Hop, esp considering he is high on Cena...So who Knows? Maybe Jay-Z. Expect Highlight Montages, perhaps even a "We Remember" thing for those that performed at Mania that we've lost (Andre, Owen, Davey etc)... The matches are a whole other story...It could go two ways...We could get a WRESTLING show or a Entertainment Show... It would be nice to see Benoit/Angle for the WWE title wouldn't it? Doubt It. The Undertaker's streak will likely continue and it should, as long as it's not over someone who is a part of the future I.E Matt Hardy but merely your average Big Man (Rhyno, SOH)... Ultimo Dragon specified he would perform at Mania, so does that mean Vince forgets him and slaps him into the Makeshift Battle royale? Or do they save him for the epic Mysterio/Dragon Match... It would something special if they TRULY wanted to make this a legends ceremony to have EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE that mean something, the big names to the nostalgic names... Hogan-Likely will have A Match, Austin is the only name left for him. Austin-Likely will be involved either against Hogan in what should be the biggest match in history or against Goldberg in the Mark WET DREAM of all time Performing Legends will be The Rock (Likely Putting over Orton or another young stud) HBK (Likely still a "everyday" performer so his match won't really be a legends match, expect it to against another HBK influenced star with the same angle as Jericho had, perhaps it might even be Jericho again, but Wouldn't Spanky be great?) The Undertaker (To finish out 12-0, making it a perfect decade) and all others that made ANY impact should be there. Or Orton can just RKO Backlund, Pedro, Savage and Snuka to get cheap heat. The question remains will vince go Unification on us here? I hope Not, It's a cheap thing to do to Mania, you can do the Unification on another ppv and not tarnish Mania. If Triple H is the champion and by all means he will, Who exactly will be Hunter's Designated Job Boy? I'd like to think Rock has taught Hunter a lesson and see him lay down for RVD or Jericho or anyone not Named Bill or Shawn. Will Brock walk from the Iron Man to the Main Event without dropping the titles? I hope so, Long Runs (good ones) are rare, Unlike HHH, Brock can convey a monster overness and vulerbility which makes the "Chase" better...The question will be Which man will be chasing? Early Indicators point that Angle is the odds on favorite to have the first ever REPEAT main event match. If they DO go with Austin/Hogan...Just who lays down? Hogan just might balk if he has to lay down clean to Austin and Austin might not appreciate laying down for Hogan. Where do you put on the show? Should the match Headline or should Vince use this match as a "Torch-Passing" to the WWE Title Match of Brock/Angle? What about Ric Flair? The "Greatest" wrestler of all time should have at least ONE mania victory and personally, I would love to See Flair make up for that Eddy Match last year as would Flair...It wouldn't be right to have the greatest NIGHT in wrestling without the MAN. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tino Standard 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 Early Indicators point that Angle is the odds on favorite to have the first ever REPEAT main event match. Not exactly sure what you mean by this, but if I am correct in understanding it, how about Bret-Yoko (IX, X) or Austin-Rock (XV, XVII, then another grudge match at XIX)? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
syxx2001 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 Hmmm, rap over instruments. That would be nice for a change. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Kid 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 What if they had a huge retirement match? A four way match with Austin, Rock, Michaels and Undertaker. I really think it could work, just have them all go out for one last time. Rock has stated that there is nothing left for him to do, Michaels should be retired anyways, Austin is pretty much retired now and Taker could finish off his Wrestlemania streak. I would love to see this match, toss in an "enforcer" at the entrace so there will be no run-ins and just let these guys go at it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jobber of the Week 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 If Goldberg/Austin DOES happen, will it be anything other than the main event? That's hardly THE money feud for the company. Even Hogan/Austin would draw more, I bet. It's still THE reason to bring Goldberg in, but it hardly justifies his price tag. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lil' Bitch 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 You got all these stars and along with X amouth of stipulations. And also depending what Vince wants to do. (extend WM? Give us more lame WM segments?) Now for example in my mind would help make WM XX great would be (especially to please those marks around the world), keep in mind for this to work out WM would have to be extended an hour or two : Angle / Benoit for the WWE Championship Austin / Hogan (Biggest match ever) The Rock / Shawn Michaels (Yes, I know they should be putting over younger talent, but you need an "A" match at an "A" event and I don't think these two have ever fought before and they're great performers) Goldberg / Lesnar Foley / Vince McMahon HHH not being there because of movie, injury etc. and letting two held done RAW talents fighting it out for the World Heavyweight Title preferably Jericho / RVD (hey, I can dream can't I?) Undertaker going over Wrestler X for the 12th win WWE Legends Being There with A Legends Tribute of some sort Bret Hart returning in some way Dragon / Mysterio for the CW title (Too many names come to mind) Wrestler X / Wrestler Y for the Intercontinental Title Wrestler X / Wrestler Y for the US title Team X / Team Y for the WWE Tag Team Championship Team X / Team Y for the World Tag Titles A Women's Match of some sort and of course a really good match on Heat (Being realisitc though, HHH would be there as the World Heavweight Champion going over Wrestler X) and there's a good chance that The Rock won't even be there even though I refuse to believe that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest webmasterofwrestlegame Report post Posted September 27, 2003 Legends battle royal, please Vince. 10mins devoted to mania legends who no longer compete. A chance to give a tribute, a chance for the limelight, and nothing too damaging to any current talent. I don't particularly care for the battle royal, but the 10mins worth of entrances would make me mark like a 10 year old. Just to be there in person when Warrior's music starts... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
godthedog 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 since we're apparently getting bret/angle, it should deliver. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lil' Bitch 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 ^ Being realistic though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jobber of the Week 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2003 I'd love something like an extended Gimmick Battle Royal, as that turned out not as bad as I thought, although it'd be scary to see the conditions of some guys today. You know there's going to be a cage of some sort, although it may not hang from the ceiling because for aesthetic reasons. They could always construct it during a music performance. So how about a WarGames, just because McMahon can use that one now? Also, I want one last cliche'd Hogan/Oakerlund promo where Gene asks Hogan a question and he shouts "WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING MEAN GENE" and rambles on about crazy shit like Hulkamania and "going to the top of the mountain" and whatever else. And with all respect to Hendrix, he needs the right theme song for once. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted September 28, 2003 Early Indicators point that Angle is the odds on favorite to have the first ever REPEAT main event match. Not exactly sure what you mean by this, but if I am correct in understanding it, how about Bret-Yoko (IX, X) or Austin-Rock (XV, XVII, then another grudge match at XIX)? I meant BACK TO BACK ANNOUNCED MAIN EVENT. Austin/Rock happened every other year. And Bret/yOKO Wasn't announced so to speak... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
