What is your predicted GAB card?

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

You mean the Hardcore title that Taker dropped to Maven? It only showed that Taker just didn't want RVD to be over with the belt.

[CanadianChick 0]

Usually, I can see the arguement of elevating the belt, but not in the US Title case. When the cruiserweight belt, a belt that is only regarded as somewhat important when Rey holds it, sees more Smackdown time than the US belt, a quick title switch to Benoit won't suddenly make it seem important. It will just make Benoit look like a loser for wanting the US belt instead of the World Title.

 

It's like whenever Jericho goes after the IC belt, especially since it's always mentioned he was the first Undisputed Champion. He looks like a loser. It does nothing for the belt.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Holding a title for a long time makes it seem like a big deal (or, at least like it SHOULD BE a big deal) when it finally changes hands. It actually bothered me when Benjamin lost the belt after such a lengthy reign.

 

But what is the point of holding it for a long time when you DO NOTHING with it during that time. Especially when you COMPETE FOR OTHER TITLES during that time. Benjamin cared more about winning the world title than he did his own title, it seemed. As he competed both in the ladder match at mania and in the world title tournament on RAW. Infact, both his match at mania and with Michaels have been the two most memorable things he has done all year - and neither had anything to do with the IC title. An 8 month reign of doing nothing is just wasted time.

 

A long title reign needs to be filled with memorable matches and moments so that people can SEE the passage of time and REMEMBER that he's had the title for a while so that the impact of the loss can mean something. The only thing the IC title loss meant was that CCC won another midcard title in his debut. The IC title didn't really benefit CCC, and it didn't really hurt Benjamin... and no one really is looking to win it. When the title means little to the champion, when it means little to the other wrestlers, then it means little to the fans.

[SuperJerk 0]

I can't be the only person here who thinks that either:

 

(a) belts can be elevated

 

(b) making the US Title a strong midcard belt is a good idea.

 

 

 

Yeah, you guy's are right. That's just crazy talk.

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

I can't be the only person here who thinks that either:

 

(a) belts can be elevated

 

(b) making the US Title a strong midcard belt is a good idea.

 

 

 

Yeah, you guy's are right.  That's just crazy talk. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can't be the only person here who thinks that either:

 

(a) belts can be elevated

 

You aren't. Other people have said this on more than one occasion, which you would know if you actually paid attention.

 

(b) making the US Title a strong midcard belt is a good idea.

 

It is a good idea, in theory. But it will be unlikely to happen because secondary belts get treated as such, and end up meaning almost nothing.

 

Yeah, you guy's are right.  That's just crazy talk.

 

Do you have any clue what you're talking about?

[SuperJerk 0]

Believe it or not, it is possible for someone to disagree with your opinion and still have some knowledge on the topic.

 

I'll admit that maybe Benoit's not the guy to elevate the belt, but it seems like the gist of Rudo's argument is that belts can never be elevated, and the gist of your argument is that the US Belt is 100% worthless.

 

Everyone else who is posting on this thread since I made my initial statement (except for CanadianChick) is just falling in line to back up one of you two.

 

But, despite the fact that I'm outnumbered, I still think my 2 points (that belts can be elevated and making the US Title a strong midcard belt is a good idea) have merit.

 

I disagree with Rudo because I think that RVD did elevate the Hardcore belt, so it is possible to elevate a belt. The fact that the belt went back to the undercard after Undertaker lost it doesn't mean that for a time the Hardcore belt was considered a desirable title by the fans. And I also know that there have been other times a belt was held in higher esteem because of the person holding it.

 

I disagree with you because I don't think one bad champ can completely ruin a belt. Sure, belts have low points, but I think it would take a succession of poor champions (such as in the case of the European Title) before all hope was lost. The WWE has gotten a lot of fans to buy into the idea that this is the old WCW US belt. Given the lineage of the US belt (a belt that was held by several former World champions from both companies after they lost their world titles...such as Ricky Steamboat, Sting, Booker T, Ric Flair, Bret Hart), I don't see that this belt is worthless.

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

Believe it or not, it is possible for someone to disagree with your opinion and still have some knowledge on the topic.

 

Now that's just crazy talk.

 

I'll admit that maybe Benoit's not the guy to elevate the belt.

 

You think?

 

...and the gist of your argument is that the US Belt is 100% worthless.

 

The US belt is 100% worthless since OJ got it. What reasons have we had to care about the belt? Or Jordan? Nothing has happened that has made people care if OJ has the belt or not.

 

Everyone else who is posting on this thread since I made my initial statement (except for CanadianChick) is just falling in line to back up one of you two.

 

Maybe because we're right, and know what we're talking about?

 

But, despite the fact that I'm outnumbered, I still think my 2 points (that belts can be elevated and making the US Title a strong midcard belt is a good idea) have merit

 

Belts can be elevated. The US Title, however, is unlikely to be one of them, simply because WWE seems to have long since given up on elevating both it and the IC Title. They've not been given any real meaning and we've been given no reason to care for them.

 

And I also know that there have been other times a belt was held in higher esteem because of the person holding it

 

Again with the crazy talk. Someone get this man his Lithium.

 

I disagree with you because I don't think one bad champ can completely ruin a belt

 

Maybe, but it can do considerable damage.

 

The WWE has gotten a lot of fans to buy into the idea that this is the old WCW US belt.

 

How? Beyond a quick mention from time to time by Michael Cole, they've done nothing since bringing the belt back to remotely tie it into the WCW or NWA version of the belt. They've done nothing to get over how big the US belt used to be. No video packages or anything. Nothing.

 

I don't see that this belt is worthless.

 

You'd be in the minority, considering they've done absolutely nothing to make it mean anything in months.

[KingPK 0]

Hey, when the hell was the last time the US title had been defended on SD anyway? I'm drawing a blank.

 

The only way a title can be "elevated" is by making it the focal point of one of the top angles on the show. Problem is, the only titles that are really showcased nowadays are the WWE Title and the WHT. Shelton Benjamin had a pretty good match against Shawn Michaels a month or so ago, but that didn't "elevate" squat because it was for a tournament to find a #1 contender for the WHT.

[SuperJerk 0]

The only way a title can be "elevated" is by making it the focal point of one of the top angles on the show.

 

Which is why I thought a Benoit/JBL feud for the US Title was a good idea.

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

The only way a title can be "elevated" is by making it the focal point of one of the top angles on the show.

 

Which is why I thought a Benoit/JBL feud for the US Title was a good idea.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not until the belt has been elevated. Two top SD names fighting over a cold belt that has no value just brings down the names.

[KingPK 0]

But JBL is the #1 contender for the WHT, and held a top title for a damn YEAR so why the hell should he take such a step downward?

 

And this:

 

JBL gets offended because Benoit isn't actual from the US and shouldn't be US Champ.

 

Is right up there with Jericho spilling coffee on Kane in the "really stupid justifications for feuds" category.

 

Honestly, the best choice for the US title right now is Mohammed Hassan because at least, AT LEAST, he can cut some good promos regarding the irony of someone that has been so screwed by the US is now representing them as US champ (or something to that effect).

[Guest *KNK*]

You put the title on Hassan which wouldn't be a bad move because @ least the title would be on someone who would give it heat and if he held the title for 4-6 months continuing to rile the fans about how someone they depise representing their country, it makes for whenever a face chases him down and gets the title off him, makes that title look valuable if you have everyone trying to get the belt.

 

How do you transition the title onto Hassan though? I mean you could do heel/heel just to transition the title over on a smackdown or do you drop the title to a face like booker who lays down for Hassan?

[SuperJerk 0]

But JBL is the #1 contender for the WHT, and held a top title for a damn YEAR so why the hell should he take such a step downward?

 

And this:

 

JBL gets offended because Benoit isn't actual from the US and shouldn't be US Champ.

 

Is right up there with Jericho spilling coffee on Kane in the "really stupid justifications for feuds" category.

 

Honestly, the best choice for the US title right now is Mohammed Hassan because at least, AT LEAST, he can cut some good promos regarding the irony of someone that has been so screwed by the US is now representing them as US champ (or something to that effect).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

First of all, maybe its just me, but I don't consider Hassan a top name. His ringwork is terrible, and he only gets heat because he has a stereotypical "I hate America" gimmick.

 

Second, that rationale for the feud is just an example (although it does fit JBL's character). Pick another reason for them to feud. I don't care. The reason for the feud isn't the point. The point is to get 2 top guys feuding for the title. But, according to you, it would take two guys feuding for the title to elevate it. JBL can't feud with Batista forever. This would give him something to do.

 

The only way a title can be "elevated" is by making it the focal point of one of the top angles on the show.

 

Which is why I thought a Benoit/JBL feud for the US Title was a good idea.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not until the belt has been elevated. Two top SD names fighting over a cold belt that has no value just brings down the names.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

They could get the belt more over before the feud starts if the creative team chose to put some effort into it. That way it wouldn't be a "cold" belt.

[KingPK 0]

You put the title on Hassan which wouldn't be a bad move because @ least the title would be on someone who would give it heat and if he held the title for 4-6 months continuing to rile the fans about how someone they depise representing their country, it makes for whenever a face chases him down and gets the title off him, makes that title look valuable if you have everyone trying to get the belt.

 

How do you transition the title onto Hassan though? I mean you could do heel/heel just to transition the title over on a smackdown or do you drop the title to a face like booker who lays down for Hassan?

 

Yeah, that's been done to death but hey, there's a reason it has.

 

Just put Hassan in a triple threat (throwing say.....hell I don't know, some random midcard SD face in there) and have him win that way. That's really what they should be doing instead of putting him in main events because he's no where CLOSE to being ready for that.

 

EDIT: I was going to say put Heidenreich in there, but I might actually have to WATCH that match and I'm too young for a mental institution. Perhaps Rey Mysterio.

[zyn081 0]

EDIT: Part 1 of 2

 

Doug is a Tweener. He and Danny turned on JBL and OJ and the people cheered for them when they did. Only thing Doug needs to do is cut a promo on OJ and attack him and he's a Face.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Didnt I say that? Hes only a Tweener though if you go with it, not if you drop it.

 

I agree regarding Booker and Benoit. It would be nice to see Benoit-Christain. Give who a feud with Rey though? :S

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Christian.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Over what though? I still dont get this angle im afraid.

 

Prediction: It'll suck.

 

Since the Batista/JBL is fairly well guaranteed to happen - Batista needs to win this one swiftly and easily. No need to stretch it out unnecessarily to Summerslam. Now that Batista's out of Triple H's shadow, we can hopefully see some decent feuds with Eddie, Benoit, and the Undertaker.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Agreed. Now the squash a la JBL-Cena WMXXI is needed.

 

US Title: Chris Benoit vs. Orlando Jordan ©-I'd like them to bring some credibilty to the US Title by putting it on Chris Benoit finally ending Jordans 17 year title reign and leading to Benoit feuding with JBL over the belt for next few months.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

My thoughts exactly. That'd totally elevate the US belt, and the show would certainly benefit from actually having talented performers feuding for it.

 

A perfect set up would be after beating Jordan for the US Title (their feud was already set up with Benoit's attack on him during the JBL/Taker match a few weeks ago), JBL gets offended because Benoit isn't actual from the US and shouldn't be US Champ.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Id actually prefer to see Benoit feud with UT and JBL. A title isnt needed between these 3. UT should never hold a title again IMHO. I hate to say this but JBL wont win at the GAB and since I like him, Id prefer him to win the US Title off Hassan AS A FACE. Benoit has been floundering for a while now, some gold is better than no gold. Savage and Steamboat made the IC worth something, and yet I remember Steamboat was like the number 2/3 face in the company, and the same for Savage as a heel.

 

When was the last time anyone "elevated" a title?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Samoa Joe with the ROH World Title and currently the ROH Pure Championship?

 

RVD with the ECW TV Title?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I think he was referring to the WWE.

Edited July 4, 2005 by zyn081

[zyn081 0]

PART 2 OF 2

 

Benjamin and Orton did dick for the IC title.  I'd like to see you (RJ) argue that.  Holding the title for a long time without having any memorable feuds or anyone _wanting_ it, doesn't do anything for the title - it is just a placeholder for the wrestler.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Holding a title for a long time makes it seem like a big deal (or, at least like it SHOULD BE a big deal) when it finally changes hands. It actually bothered me when Benjamin lost the belt after such a lengthy reign.

 

Orton had quite a memorable feud with Foley, although I'll admit the IC belt didn't play that big of a part in it.

 

Everyone's completely ignoring my RVD/Hardcore Title example.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Holding a title for a long time makes it seem like a big deal (or, at least like it SHOULD BE a big deal) when it finally changes hands.

 

That is the theory, yes. It doesn't always work out that way, and so is by no means a sure thing.

 

Orton had quite a memorable feud with Foley, although I'll admit the IC belt didn't play that big of a part in it.

 

Almost nothing Orton did involved the IC belt. He had no big feuds or programs over it. Both of his PPV title defences were one-month deals, and were pretty much ignored once the match in question was done with, so that didn't do a thing for the belt.

 

Everyone's completely ignoring my RVD/Hardcore Title example.

 

Yes, a wrestler getting a belt can elevate the belt in question, but comparing the Hardcore belt then, when it had merit and meaning, to the US Title now, which has neither, was not the best way to go.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Thats what sucked. IMHO, Orton-Rock for the IC title should have been booked at Backlash in a 3rd-gen vs 3rd-gen superstar. Then book Orton-Foley in a match at Bad Blood on or RAW around JD. The streetfight would have been the blowoff. The problem with that was that everybody knew that Orton wouldnt have lost the belt since it was short-term deals for his opponent. What would have made it interesting would have been if Foley actually won it on RAW and then Orton got it back at BB, on Foleys own terms.

 

I think RVD did make the HCC look cool. It was the only time I can remember the title mean something apart from Foley at the beginning. I use to change hands 10 times a night for the love of god. The title was worthless. RVD did elevate it, so much so that UT, of all people, who thinks that the below ME doesnt exist, came after it. You can say that the focus of the feud was UT-RVD and not the HCC but UT had just turned heel and was after respect and wanted to enhance his tough look. Gimmick titles tend to be easier to get over, such as the CWC. Secondary titles have been shat on since the early 90s with the IC title.

 

Orton had only 2 PPV title defences? Against Foley and Benjamin I take it. I think it was cool the way Orton won the title. Had a good match with RVD on RAW. Then a feud with Foley which could have meant so much more. Then Benjamin and the drop to Edge. He should never have lost it IMHO. Hardly memorable Ill say. Better than Benjamin though.

 

Usually, I can see the arguement of elevating the belt, but not in the US Title case. When the cruiserweight belt, a belt that is only regarded as somewhat important when Rey holds it, sees more Smackdown time than the US belt, a quick title switch to Benoit won't suddenly make it seem important. It will just make Benoit look like a loser for wanting the US belt instead of the World Title.

 

It's like whenever Jericho goes after the IC belt, especially since it's always mentioned he was the first Undisputed Champion. He looks like a loser. It does nothing for the belt.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I dont know. It would appear as a depush, but as I have said before you cant have 10 people in the ME without it being a cluster f. However, if they build up on the heritage and Benoit cuts promos stating that he is to restore honour to the title, I think it could work. Plus he has the WCW connection, since IIRC he held it there too. It wouldnt make Benoit a loser, but just going through the motions. Batistas a face, Benoits a face . . . fill in the blanks. Jericho is a loser cause hes held it for like a million times but has only held the big one 2.

 

(1) Believe it or not, it is possible for someone to disagree with your opinion and still have some knowledge on the topic.

 

(2) I'll admit that maybe Benoit's not the guy to elevate the belt, but it seems like the gist of Rudo's argument is that belts can never be elevated, and the gist of your argument is that the US Belt is 100% worthless. 

 

(3) Everyone else who is posting on this thread since I made my initial statement (except for CanadianChick) is just falling in line to back up one of you two.

 

(4) But, despite the fact that I'm outnumbered, I still think my 2 points (that belts can be elevated and making the US Title a strong midcard belt is a good idea) have merit. 

 

(5) I disagree with Rudo because I think that RVD did elevate the Hardcore belt, so it is possible to elevate a belt.  The fact that the belt went back to the undercard after Undertaker lost it doesn't mean that for a time the Hardcore belt was considered a desirable title by the fans.  And I also know that there have been other times a belt was held in higher esteem because of the person holding it. 

 

(6) I disagree with you because I don't think one bad champ can completely ruin a belt.  Sure, belts have low points, but I think it would take a succession of poor champions (such as in the case of the European Title) before all hope was lost.  The WWE has gotten a lot of fans to buy into the idea that this is the old WCW US belt.  Given the lineage of the US belt (a belt that was held by several former World champions from both companies after they lost their world titles...such as Ricky Steamboat, Sting, Booker T, Ric Flair, Bret Hart), I don't see that this belt is worthless.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Hillarious (AND BEFORE ANBYBODY FLAMES, THIS IS THE TONGUE IN CHEEK PART OF THE POST). Ive numbered the points for ease of reading:

 

(1) LOL. How dare you say that to the mighty RRR and HTQ. Bow before their greatness.

 

(2) To be fair, RRR is not saying that. Hes just jumping to the aid of Benoit.

 

They can be elevated but this is just beyong 'creative'. What do you think this people do? Creativity is not 1 of their tasks.

 

(3) Ah, yes the lemmings approach. RRR is HHH and HTQ is the Naitch and the rest of the thread is Evo. KNK is the muscle, so he could be Batista. Or RRR is Vince and HTQ is Shawn.

 

(4) They do, see (2) above though.

 

(5) RVD did elevate it, as I have said quite a bit above. It was the best period of the belt. Saying that they gave it to RVD cause it justified his style is a pretty lame arguement IMHO. It could any 1 of 10 wrestlers style. It could justify UT style too.

 

They shat on it cause they needed to get UT to WM and uphold the holy streak. Hence, Rock screwing UT and then Flair coming to aid Rock after Vince chose the UT. O yeah, and someone thought that it would make TE look good.

 

Excuse my possible ignorance, but titles should always hold higher places than wrestlers. Its what they aspire to attain, so it must always be at the top and they below. Would make a good angle for a heel to say that a particular title is below him though.

 

(6) Your right. IMHO the problem with the Euro Title was that there were too many titles and they ran out of wrestlers from Euro. It had its moments though, such as D'Lo.

 

The belt is not worthless, but WWE havent really hyped up its heritage as you think Robot Jerk.

 

You put the title on Hassan which wouldn't be a bad move because @ least the title would be on someone who would give it heat and if he held the title for 4-6 months continuing to rile the fans about how someone they depise representing their country, it makes for whenever a face chases him down and gets the title off him, makes that title look valuable if you have everyone trying to get the belt.

 

How do you transition the title onto Hassan though? I mean you could do heel/heel just to transition the title over on a smackdown or do you drop the title to a face like booker who lays down for Hassan?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Yeah, that's been done to death but hey, there's a reason it has.

 

Just put Hassan in a triple threat (throwing say.....hell I don't know, some random midcard SD face in there) and have him win that way. That's really what they should be doing instead of putting him in main events because he's no where CLOSE to being ready for that.

 

EDIT: I was going to say put Heidenreich in there, but I might actually have to WATCH that match and I'm too young for a mental institution. Perhaps Rey Mysterio.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I agree with KNK. Good booking IMHO.

 

And the Triple Threat too. Hardcore Holly would make more sense I think. Have Hassan pin Hardcore and see how Hassan gets out of the eventual beatdown. Then OJ has reason to chase Hassan since he was never pinned. I would like to see JBL as a face, plus hes all pro-US. IT wouldnt be a depush, just the seeds of his turn. People would cheer JBL vs Hassan.

 

Rey would be good for the belt too. Beats the CWC. And I PERSONALLY cannot see Rey credibly holding the WHC. But how would transition it to him. Hes kind of busy right now, although I must say, his feud with Eddie does need something.

[Guest Ransome]

Rey would be good for the belt too. Beats the CWC. And I PERSONALLY cannot see Rey credibly holding the WHC. But how would transition it to him. Hes kind of busy right now, although I must say, his feud with Eddie does need something.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

If you're implying that Rey/Eddie needs a title for their feud, I couldn't disagree more. Too often bookers think that the only way to make a feud meaningful is to throw a title (boiled down, nothing more than a prop) in the mix. Rey/Eddie has given us a lengthy feud with pride on the line, which is probably why it has stood out so noticeably, and I'm digging the direction it's going in. Granted, this past week with Rey's son was a tad soap-opera-esque, but I think it will work in the hands of Rey and Eddie. Think about it: Eddie engages in a friendly rivarly with his old (but supposedly inferior) friend, and becomes so increasing agitated that he cannot beat him that he desperately resorts to pulling a dark secret from Rey's past just to watch Rey grovel, and in doing so, giving Eddie that momentary satisfaction of the 'victory' that he otherwise cannot attain. If you rewatch the SD footage for Eddie's facial expressions (in particular), they really pulled it off well.

 

Anyway, the point is adding a title would do nothing but detract focus from the real storyline, which is the most interesting storyline they've done all year as far as I'm concerned.

[zyn081 0]

Rey would be good for the belt too. Beats the CWC. And I PERSONALLY cannot see Rey credibly holding the WHC. But how would transition it to him. Hes kind of busy right now, although I must say, his feud with Eddie does need something.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

If you're implying that Rey/Eddie needs a title for their feud, I couldn't disagree more. Too often bookers think that the only way to make a feud meaningful is to throw a title (boiled down, nothing more than a prop) in the mix. Rey/Eddie has given us a lengthy feud with pride on the line, which is probably why it has stood out so noticeably, and I'm digging the direction it's going in. Granted, this past week with Rey's son was a tad soap-opera-esque, but I think it will work in the hands of Rey and Eddie. Think about it: Eddie engages in a friendly rivarly with his old (but supposedly inferior) friend, and becomes so increasing agitated that he cannot beat him that he desperately resorts to pulling a dark secret from Rey's past just to watch Rey grovel, and in doing so, giving Eddie that momentary satisfaction of the 'victory' that he otherwise cannot attain. If you rewatch the SD footage for Eddie's facial expressions (in particular), they really pulled it off well.

 

Anyway, the point is adding a title would do nothing but detract focus from the real storyline, which is the most interesting storyline they've done all year as far as I'm concerned.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Yes, agreed, this is the best story of SDs half-year but I think it has greater potential since its still kicking, but I still think that there were better ways to go with those feud, namely:

 

(1) Involing the CWs. By doing so, you can revive the Lucha Libre 6 mans in the WWE, having people running interference for the 2, a multi man match at SurSeries and a Streetfight between Eddie and Rey.

 

(2) Not send RVD and Chavo to RAW. These were the 2 main back-up people for Rey and Eddie and were the prime ingredients for elevating this feud to make it even better and prolong it.

 

(3) Make better use of talent. Give people things to do, such as Billy, Tajiri and Akio. IMHO, Tajiri should have gone to SD.

 

(4) Give other people a chance. Namely, London. From what transpired prior to the Mexicools debut, London had claim to a PPV crack against Eddie, with some build.

 

(5) Involve debutants in hot angles to get them over. The Mexicools could have been of better use IMHO if they were involved in this angle.

 

This started with Eddie and Rey and should end with Eddie and Rey. But that doesnt mean that other people can be involved along the way to add value to and drag out properly your number 1 feud. It makes it feel more special IMHO. The point is that it cultimates to youve had people having your back, Ive had people having mine, lets cut the crap, and just do this mano e mano and beat the shit out of each other once and for all.

 

The fued needs something. It can still be Eddie and the Mexicools vs Rey, London, Kidman and Akio at 1 point. This youve got a secret and I know about it has been done to death already and I dont like it at all.

 

Maybe using the USC is a cop out, but I was just replying to how the belt could be transitioned to Rey given the current circumstances.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Where did I _ever_ say that a belt can't be elevated by its holder? My point was that the WWE's track record with elevating titles is piss poor. They simply don't know how to build a title, therefore the notion that _they_ can take someone like Benoit and give him a secondary title and it gets elevated is absurd. The secondary titles are WORTHLESS. Infact, they often HURT the wrestler more than they help.

 

There are ways to make a title be important, and just giving them to a popular wrestler and expecting the crowd to respond isn't one of them. That's lazy booking, which is why we've seen it happen so often in the past few years.

[SuperJerk 0]

Thanks for clarifying.

 

The suggestion I was agreeing with, though, was to not just put the US belt on Benoit, but have him feud with JBL over it.

 

Everybody wanted to attack the individual portions of the plan I was endorsing without seeing how the different components COMBINED might accomplish the desired goals.

 

Those goals are to (a) get 2 top guys in a high profile feud, (b) while at the same time giving the show an additional device to use (an elevated title) to build future storylines around.

 

I acknowledge that the WWE's track record with elevating titles is piss poor, but that doesn't mean that it HAS TO BE piss poor in the future. Whenever I suggest something I'd like to see the company do, I'm implying that I'd also like for them to do it it correctly.

Edited July 4, 2005 by RobotJerk

[SuperJerk 0]

Well, looks like the WWE saw it my way in regards to

Benoit and the US Title

.

 

I guess that means I lost the argument as to whether or not it was a good idea.

[snuffbox 0]

I think that if Hassan held the US title and was involved in a uppercard program it would really elevate that title. In particular, a feud with the Undertaker over the US title.

 

I dont think Benoit could do as much...hes Canadian and a face so the reaction would be different, and his character is really better suited for 'world title or bust'.

 

I dont think JBL can elevate the US title either.

 

Hassan can with his gimmick...and a good blood feud.

[Boon 0]

The way I see the whole US Title picture is this- some of these upper-midcarders are going to have to get lost in the Tag-Title picture for a while. Remember that- the tag title division?

 

Anyway- Benoit, OJ, Christian, Booker, Hassan, JBL.

Let's assume Hassan goes over 'Taker and starts a program with Batista (interference from Randy keeps Taker busy). That leaves Benoit, OJ, Christian, Booker and JBL. To me, Booker just screams Tag Division. If not, put him in a program w/ Christian. Benoit/OJ and JBL- kind of depends on who wins at the GAB. If Benoit wins, JBL can try to avenge OJ, maybe even separating the two. If OJ wins, Benoit and JBL can have a feud over something and OJ can go back to being useless. That's a lot of singles, uppercard feuds though. This is why some of these guys should spend some time in the ailing Tag Division.

[zyn081 0]

I think that if Hassan held the US title and was involved in a uppercard program it would really elevate that title. In particular, a feud with the Undertaker over the US title.

 

I dont think Benoit could do as much...hes Canadian and a face so the reaction would be different, and his character is really better suited for 'world title or bust'.

 

I dont think JBL can elevate the US title either.

 

Hassan can with his gimmick...and a good blood feud.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Yes, especially since UT was the American Badass. But having Benoit win it and then dropping it so soon would back up the fears of a depush for Benoit.

 

The way I see the whole US Title picture is this- some of these upper-midcarders are going to have to get lost in the Tag-Title picture for a while.  Remember that- the tag title division?

 

Anyway- Benoit, OJ, Christian, Booker, Hassan, JBL.

Let's assume Hassan goes over 'Taker and starts a program with Batista (interference from Randy keeps Taker busy).  That leaves Benoit, OJ, Christian, Booker and JBL.  To me, Booker just screams Tag Division.  If not, put him in a program w/ Christian.  Benoit/OJ and JBL- kind of depends on who wins at the GAB.  If Benoit wins, JBL can try to avenge OJ, maybe even separating the two.  If OJ wins, Benoit and JBL can have a feud over something and OJ can go back to being useless.  That's a lot of singles, uppercard feuds though.  This is why some of these guys should spend some time in the ailing Tag Division.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Please not another boring Booker-Christian feud. At least Benoit-Christain. Hell team up JBL and OJ in the tag div. I still think JBL should eventually have a US title run.

 

But yes, your right, there are too many upper-carders. You realise that from trying to squash in as much as possible in a SummerSlam card.