Writer assistant from Smackdown writes to Meltzer

[Kurt Angle Mark 0]

EDIT: My apologies the letter wasn't addressed to Meltzer - it was to Dan Wahlers, who wrote an editorial about the Eddie/Orton/Rey situation on the WO website

 

By Dave Wahlers

 

I got this e-mail from someone who is a writer’s assistant in WWE, in this case on Smackdown. He sent this in last week, and I’m posting it without giving the person’s name out of respect for his wishes. The reason why will become apparent when you read what is said. This speaks volumes about what’s really going on in WWE these days. This is only an excerpt of the entire letter:

 

Dan,

I am a writer’s assistant on Smackdown, and let me tell you that you are not wrong with what you said concerning the Orton line about Eddie Guerrero being in hell from last week’s show. That one line caused so much controversy, you can’t even begin to imagine. A bunch of us didn’t want the line to be used. At one point it was out of the script, then it got put back in. Ultimately, the final decision was made by Stephanie McMahon with Vince’s approval. Their feeling is this would put a lot of heat on Randy Orton’s character, and would explain the motivation for Rey Mysterio accepting the No Way Out challenge. I along with several of the other writers felt that we accomplished that without using that line, and the line at the end of the show about Eddie not coming back from the dead. But Vince makes the final decisions on show content, and he made the call. A lot of us were very uncomfortable about it, and knew what the reaction would be among the other wrestlers, as well as the fans. Vince always preaches, “Look at the big picture”, and that’s exactly what he would have said if any of us challenged him on this. I can tell you that more than a few of the boys were upset about this, and it’s only going to get worse. A lot of guys are simply fed up with the McMahon way, and Vince is going to get that message when it comes time for contract renewal time. Please continue doing what you’re doing, and speaking your mind. It’s much appreciated by a lot of people, I assure you of that.

 

DW: There was a lot more in the e-mail, but I can’t publish it due to the controversial nature of the content. The writer requested that his name be kept out of this for obvious reasons. But this paints an ugly picture all the same. Vince’s own employees are starting to question his motives and his decision-making. I understand why nobody speaks up. They value their jobs, and know that clashing with Vince would be a sure ticket out the door. But maybe if one person had the balls to stand up to him, and call him on some of the bullshit he’s been doing, it would open the door for others. Sometimes it only takes one. Thanks to the writer for having the courage to send this e-mail in the first place.

[Black Lushus 0]

isn't his name Dave?

[Fökai 0]

It wasn't addressed to Meltzer - it was to Dan Wahlers, who wrote an editorial about the Eddie/Orton/Rey situation. It is posted on Meltzer's site, though.

 

The spotlight goes on you guys, my loyal readers today. You send me some really well written, thought provoking e-mails on a weekly basis, and I appreciate that. So today I’m going to share some of the better ones I’ve received over the past few weeks. I will throw in my own comments when necessary. Last week I wrote about my frustration with the current direction of WWE, and how I was on the verge of quitting my WWE viewing habits. Well to say I was alone in having those feelings would be the understatement of the year. You guys flooded me with your own thoughts, and your own frustrations, and what I found out is that there are so many people out there fed up with the garbage that WWE puts out on a weekly basis. I’m sure they have no idea what the general feeling is towards their product these days. I mean why would they? They haven’t been on the same page as their fans in a long, long time.

 

Well after today they will have an idea, because what follows is just a small sample of the type of e-mails I got last week. Including an excerpt of a very revealing letter from a Smackdown writer’s assistant. So not only do we have letters from fans, but also from someone that works in the belly of the beast. And this person’s letter speaks volumes about what’s really going on behind the scenes in WWE today, it’s not a very pretty picture either. I had my say last week; today my readers have their say. Wake up, and pay attention WWE. These are your paying customers talking. They are fed up and pissed off. What are you going to do about it?

 

Take the above letter with a grain of salt.

[Guest Quik]

Wow, so now we have undeniable proof that a lot of people are upset about the abuse of their deceased friend' name. No shit.

 

He's a psychotic carnie, people. Vince McMahon is not a business genius, no matter what he says.

[nl5xsk1 0]

Wow, so now we have undeniable proof that a lot of people are upset about the abuse of their deceased friend' name. No shit.

 

He's a psychotic carnie, people. Vince McMahon is not a business genius, no matter what he says.

Umm, no. Very deniable still. Who's to say that this guy really works for Smackdown?

[Dangerous A 0]

Wake up, and pay attention WWE. These are your paying customers talking. They are fed up and pissed off. What are you going to do about it?

 

 

Until business starts to tank and these paying customers stop paying for ppv's, merchandise, and the like, WWE will continue doing whatever the fuck they want. As long as fans continue to accept and pay for complete and utter shit, WWE will continue to provide it.

[RedJed 0]

Wow, so now we have undeniable proof that a lot of people are upset about the abuse of their deceased friend' name. No shit.

 

He's a psychotic carnie, people. Vince McMahon is not a business genius, no matter what he says.

Umm, no. Very deniable still. Who's to say that this guy really works for Smackdown?

 

I would imagine Meltzer or this other writer from the Observer site would check their contacts and such before they would post their thoughts to the public liek this. The fact that he edited his email as well shows that its probably legitimate in that he's really trying to protect his identity.

[Twisted Intestine 0]

Did Benoit resign yet?

[Dangerous A 0]

Nothing official from any sites, but all indications are he's at least extended his time somewhat, if not outright re-signed and is not a pending free agent.

[Naked Snake 0]

Newsflash: The McMahons have always exploited death (and anything else) in order to draw money.

 

I don't think it's right, but it's not news either.

[slimm44 0]

If you go back, Orton was hesitant to say the line too. At least from what I saw.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Wow, that's amazing. Stunning, even.

 

WWE Writers have assistants?? What the fuck for?

[Twisted Intestine 0]

Probably just to correct the spelling and grammar Cuzzzzzz WWE wtires write lek diz!

[hyperchord24 0]

Wake up, and pay attention WWE. These are your paying customers talking. They are fed up and pissed off. What are you going to do about it?

 

 

Until business starts to tank and these paying customers stop paying for ppv's, merchandise, and the like, WWE will continue doing whatever the fuck they want. As long as fans continue to accept and pay for complete and utter shit, WWE will continue to provide it.

Ah, but Vince really isn't in it for the money any more. There is something he values more than that

[Guest Dam(o)nYankees]

What the hell is "the big picture" here? A Randy Orton push?

[CanadianChick 0]

Wow, that's amazing. Stunning, even.

 

WWE Writers have assistants?? What the fuck for?

 

To nod and smile.

 

If true, interesting letter. Not that it makes an ounce of difference since no one is going to really do anything about it.

[2GOLD 0]

What the hell is "the big picture" here? A Randy Orton push?

 

It amuses Vince. That's the big picture.

 

Also

 

A lot of guys are simply fed up with the McMahon way, and Vince is going to get that message when it comes time for contract renewal time.

 

Yeah yeah, it's all talk. Every single one of them will sign new deals and bend over the table for it.

[nl5xsk1 0]

Wow, so now we have undeniable proof that a lot of people are upset about the abuse of their deceased friend' name. No shit.

 

He's a psychotic carnie, people. Vince McMahon is not a business genius, no matter what he says.

Umm, no. Very deniable still. Who's to say that this guy really works for Smackdown?

 

I would imagine Meltzer or this other writer from the Observer site would check their contacts and such before they would post their thoughts to the public liek this. The fact that he edited his email as well shows that its probably legitimate in that he's really trying to protect his identity.

I'll admit that even I think it's a real insider. I'm just not ready to etch this into stone until we get a real name. I wouldn't put it past someone to bend the truth (e.g. say it's an insider even if there's doubt that it's not) in order to support their case or opinion.

[reign 0]

Even if the whole roster tried to resign Vince would say something to get them to stay. I mean look at Foley, he had strong words for Vince and WWE on his blog and yet there he was on Raw Monday...and I can't see anybody leaving ...maybe one or two but I doubt it...people continue to talk about how people are frustrated about the direction so it makes me wonder if TNA is making any preparations for any stars who do try and leave? Don't get me wrong..I'd love to see it somehow but it's difficult to imagine...

[CheesalaIsGood 0]

Just a thought? The Texas Stadium event where Flair dropped the NWA belt to Kerry Von Erich was on the heels of one of the Von Erich brothers passing away. Do you think THAT was exploitive? I mean they did put 40,000 something people in seats that day. It might not have happened otherwise and you gotta KNOW somebody made some coin off it... just saying.

[Guest Dr Stupid]

Just a thought? The Texas Stadium event where Flair dropped the NWA belt to Kerry Von Erich was on the heels of one of the Von Erich brothers passing away. Do you think THAT was exploitive? I mean they did put 40,000 something people in seats that day. It might not have happened otherwise and you gotta KNOW somebody made some coin off it... just saying.

 

Yeah, though what's at issue here is "baging Eddie out to get cheap heat"

Wrestlers have dedicated wins and used that real emotion before, but this, I believe is something a bit more sinister.

[jester 0]

What the hell is "the big picture" here? A Randy Orton push?

 

Yeah, and isn't amazing that Orton shitting on Eddie's grave is acceptable...but jobbing the Undertaker isn't?

[Lord of The Curry 0]

Just a thought? The Texas Stadium event where Flair dropped the NWA belt to Kerry Von Erich was on the heels of one of the Von Erich brothers passing away. Do you think THAT was exploitive? I mean they did put 40,000 something people in seats that day. It might not have happened otherwise and you gotta KNOW somebody made some coin off it... just saying.

 

I think the question should be don't YOU think that it WAS exploitive?

[2GOLD 0]

What the hell is "the big picture" here? A Randy Orton push?

 

Yeah, and isn't amazing that Orton shitting on Eddie's grave is acceptable...but jobbing the Undertaker isn't?

 

Taker is above dead people. Cause he's undead. Maybe if Eddie would get off his ass and be undead, maybe he'd win more matches.

[CheesalaIsGood 0]

It just seems like it was ok THEN, but not ok now. I really am not sure what to think of it all. My feelings are mixed leaning towards acceptance. But if Rey or Benoit want to dedicate the rest of the careers to Eddy I won't mind. But they are going to make a living (even Vince) doing so. So I won't be bothered by it.

 

 

Lets say Eddy was a fan of crazy bumps. So all his buddies go out there and have matches week after week where they dedicate some crazy bump in the match to Eddy. The announcers make a point to mention that that is what they are doing when they hit the crazy bump. Is that exploitive? Really? The man was a wrestler on a wrestling show that he suddenly wasn't a part of. I for one don't really want Eddy to get swept under the rug and forgotten.

 

I would have been much more upset if Eddys death had been like old school WWF where everything unpleasent gets swept under the rug. No mention of any of the scandals over the years (sex or steroids). Like this groping thing is going to be. So they keep him alive in peoples minds and make him a part of the show. Like he was when he was alive. I dunno. It's a slippery slope.

[CheesalaIsGood 0]

Just a thought? The Texas Stadium event where Flair dropped the NWA belt to Kerry Von Erich was on the heels of one of the Von Erich brothers passing away. Do you think THAT was exploitive? I mean they did put 40,000 something people in seats that day. It might not have happened otherwise and you gotta KNOW somebody made some coin off it... just saying.

 

I think the question should be don't YOU think that it WAS exploitive?

 

I know having been alive watching it at the time that the reaction to the show was very acceptable. That it was indeed a dedication AND they made money off it. So both.

[MillenniumMan831 0]

QUOTE(Dam(o)nYankees @ Feb 9 2006, 07:56 PM)

 

What the hell is "the big picture" here? A Randy Orton push?

 

 

 

It amuses Vince. That's the big picture.

 

*Cue the triumphant Price is Right theme*

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Just a thought? The Texas Stadium event where Flair dropped the NWA belt to Kerry Von Erich was on the heels of one of the Von Erich brothers passing away. Do you think THAT was exploitive? I mean they did put 40,000 something people in seats that day. It might not have happened otherwise and you gotta KNOW somebody made some coin off it... just saying.

 

I don't understand the point of this.

 

If they explicitly use the death of a brother, then of course it is exploitation. The question about the Orton thing isn't really about exploitation, though. The WWE is most certainly exploiting Eddies death and has been for months, that's not the debate. The debate is whether or not they are doing it in good taste, and the level of acceptibility and consciousness and consideration that is surrounding the use of Eddies name after death. A lot of what the WWE is doing is in bad taste (pretty much everything the WWE does is in bad taste). And then there is the other question of whether or not Eddie would have "wanted it". You can't really answer that last question, but there are significant points that say Eddie wouldn't have liked someone saying he was in hell.

 

On WOL someone made the point (I believe it was Konnan) that to say Eddie Guerrero is in hell is particularly heinous because Eddie was a proud Christian and believer in God. Here is a guy who, by many accounts, would go around and talk issues of faith with others and tried to put a positive light on things, esp. in regards to the lord. Do you think a guy that was such a proud Christian would like someone else saying he was in hell? Also, Konnan talked about how after Art Barrs death someone wanted to include it in part of a storyline or match or something, and Eddie was part in saying "No". These two things especially would suggest that there is a certain amount of disrepect being done to the name of Eddie Guerrero. Now, I don't really mind. I'm not personally offended cause the dude is dead and has more things to worry about than that. But there is no doubt what the WWE is doing is exploitative and more importantly is done in bad taste. Is your "just a thought" in anyway related to that?

[AndrewTS 0]

The whole "pissing on his grave" idea sounds too mundane for WWE creative.

 

My prediction: Orton uses stock footage of Eddie to interview him in hell. The fx guys can matte in some nice flame effects on old footage, and Eddie can end up wearing a different shirt in each piece of footage.

 

High-larious, no?

[2GOLD 0]

The whole "pissing on his grave" idea sounds too mundane for WWE creative.

 

My prediction: Orton uses stock footage of Eddie to interview him in hell. The fx guys can matte in some nice flame effects on old footage, and Eddie can end up wearing a different shirt in each piece of footage.

 

High-larious, no?

 

I still like my Orton hits the RKO on a cardboard cutout. Or even better, a midget dressed like Eddie. Then he can have two midgets dressed as devils come out and beat him up.

Maybe burn an Eddie shirt in the parking lot. Or find the caddy and set it on fire. Toss in the cardboard cutout!

 

If they are going to do this, might as well go all the way and be stupid with it.