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Mr. Nerfect 02-26-2015 09:40 PM

Greatest Intercontinental Champion of all-time entering a Ladder Match at WrestleMania makes sense.

Mr. Nerfect 02-26-2015 09:41 PM

That leaves Cesaro/Kidd and The Usos to have a straight-forward tag match. Either that or The Ascension/New Day and The Prime Time Players will get involved. Or Naomi and Natalya will be in there officially. I kind of just want to see a straight-forward match. They're building up to it nicely.

Mr. Nerfect 02-26-2015 09:42 PM

I've now decided I really want Luke Harper in that IC Title Ladder Match too.

Mr. Nerfect 02-26-2015 09:44 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/GuyInGreenWWE">@GuyInGreenWWE</a> It's between <a href="https://twitter.com/WWECesaro">@WWECesaro</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/LukeHarperWWE">@LukeHarperWWE</a></p>&mdash; John Cena (@JohnCena) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/571043610579177472">February 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mr. Nerfect 02-26-2015 09:47 PM

I'd mark out if Cesaro did what he did last year, and sneaks into the Ladder Match at the last minute and wins the whole thing. :D

Mr. Nerfect 02-26-2015 09:56 PM

Actually, if he and Kidd lose the Tag Titles to The Usos (good bet), then I'd like to see Cesaro repeat win the Battle Royal. Seems more likely that it'll be going to Sheamus or Ryback, depending on who doesn't enter the Ladder Match, but I'd mark out for the Battle Royal coming down between Cesaro and Sami Zayn or something.

Wishbone 02-26-2015 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smelly Meatball (Post 4590803)
Part of a longer article regarding Vince going all out with Reigns, Bryan's depressing star future, and the WWE being hell bent on defeating the fans this year. Link to the article below.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCirc..._on_fast_lane/

After reading this I'm genuinely depressed now... Like I've been losing interest in WWE for a while now and this just kinda pushed me over the edge, and not just the Bryan stuff. Undertaker's streak being over never really hit me until now. We've literally lost the most important prize in all of wrestling and the "payoff" is pretty much bust. We like to throw around "end of an era" as a joke 'round here, but honestly it really is. The pro-wrestling most of us grew up on is dead forever... Fuck... I'm gonna go cry now, guys. :'(

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-26-2015 10:21 PM

If they play up the fact that being the IC Champion is the stepping stool to the WWE Championship it will work out great. Basically they should play up that fact hard that winning it is a essentially being the number one contender. Essentially it needs to come off like being Money in the Bank when they did it yearly at WrestleMania.

Dark One 02-26-2015 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wishbone (Post 4591037)
After reading this I'm genuinely depressed now... Like I've been losing interest in WWE for a while now and this just kinda pushed me over the edge, and not just the Bryan stuff. Undertaker's streak being over never really hit me until now. We've literally lost the most important prize in all of wrestling and the "payoff" is pretty much bust. We like to throw around "end of an era" as a joke 'round here, but honestly it really is. The pro-wrestling most of us grew up on is dead forever... Fuck... I'm gonna go cry now, guys. :'(

If Daniel Bryan becomes the new Hacksaw Jim Duggan, I will be done forever.

Lock Jaw 02-27-2015 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlickyTrickyDamon (Post 4591047)
If they play up the fact that being the IC Champion is the stepping stool to the WWE Championship it will work out great. Basically they should play up that fact hard that winning it is a essentially being the number one contender. Essentially it needs to come off like being Money in the Bank when they did it yearly at WrestleMania.

They constantly play up how prestigious the IC title is.

Problem is is that they have booked it, and the mid-card, like garbage for so long that people just won't buy the title as a "legit".

What they really need to do is give it to one guy and let him hold it for a long time. I'm talking more than a year, here. I was hoping that after Survivor Series that man would have been Dolph Ziggler. Who The Authority would constantly make defend his title, but Ziggler would always come out on top. After a year of holding the belt, and defeating all challenges, both him and the belt would have looked aces.

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-27-2015 12:32 AM

What's wrong with me that the most compelling storyline to me is Seth Rollins Vs. Jon Stewart?

Dark One 02-27-2015 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lock Jaw (Post 4591086)
They constantly play up how prestigious the IC title is.

Problem is is that they have booked it, and the mid-card, like garbage for so long that people just won't buy the title as a "legit".

What they really need to do is give it to one guy and let him hold it for a long time. I'm talking more than a year, here. I was hoping that after Survivor Series that man would have been Dolph Ziggler. Who The Authority would constantly make defend his title, but Ziggler would always come out on top. After a year of holding the belt, and defeating all challenges, both him and the belt would have looked aces.

I'm 100% sure now that the longstanding complaint that WWE doesn't know how to build new stars is incorect, or at least not entirely correct.

The real problem is that they refuse to use the new stars they lucked into. Bryan and Ziggler and Ambrose were/are all incredibly over. They've all been shoved back down the card because fuck you that's why.

They're not hurting for people that are over and that the crowd is invested in. They're hurting the people that are over and that the crowd is invested in.

Lock Jaw 02-27-2015 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlickyTrickyDamon (Post 4591087)
What's wrong with me that the most compelling storyline to me is Seth Rollins Vs. Jon Stewart?

Speaking of which

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2V9mD4FrspQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Dark One 02-27-2015 12:53 AM

I really don't want Seth Rollins to be stuck doing something with Jon Stewart as his Wrestlemania segment, but this is the sort of "mainstream" exposure I can get behind. It's fun, not really detracting from the guy or show--assuming it doesn't become Rollins' Wrestlemania thing--and it's not being treated like a joke in the process.

Tom Guycott 02-27-2015 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark One (Post 4591088)
I'm 100% sure now that the longstanding complaint that WWE doesn't know how to build new stars is incorect, or at least not entirely correct.

The real problem is that they refuse to use the new stars they lucked into. Bryan and Ziggler and Ambrose were/are all incredibly over. They've all been shoved back down the card because fuck you that's why.

They're not hurting for people that are over and that the crowd is invested in. They're hurting the people that are over and that the crowd is invested in.

This.

I still sigh wistfully when I think that about this time, Ziggler vs. Kofi for a number one contender match for the WWE Championship would not only be not farfetched, but thought of as totally legit AND would tear the goddamn house down. They always create magic when they oppose eachother, and that could have been used to elevate the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship, and later on, the main event picture.

Instead, they insisted on repeatedly yanking the rug out from under Dolph, and Kingston keeps getting shoved into tag teams (Sydal, Truth, New Day...) instead of letting him shine as a singles competitor somewhere other than his requisite battle royal anti-elimination spot.

That picture a few years back with "the future" could have been attainable and believable if actually expounded upon. Too much emphasis placed on "Punk whining" and "Bourne smoking weed" and not enough focus on the fact that WWE kinda stopped pushing (or in the case of Ryder, never really got behind IN SPITE of his popularity) the majority of them.

Emperor Smeat 02-27-2015 01:30 AM

Mania's poster that's been going around the internet recently (hasn't been confirmed yet by the WWE):

http://i.imgur.com/yM5dHGd.jpg

Lock Jaw 02-27-2015 01:34 AM

Ranked in order of importance

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-27-2015 02:59 AM

Bray the guy who has to do all the work for the build to the match isn't even in the poster.

#1-norm-fan 02-27-2015 07:41 AM

Jon Stewart should wrestle Seth Rollins at WrestleMania because attention.

Vastardikai 02-27-2015 11:04 AM

Would anyone oppose Seth Rollins vs. Daniel Bryan (with John Stewart in his corner)

Rammsteinmad 02-27-2015 11:36 AM

Absolutely not! Not only would it be a fantastic match, along with having mainstream attention, but it would help keep Bryan in the main event level.

Simple Fan 02-27-2015 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vastardikai (Post 4591225)
Would anyone oppose Seth Rollins vs. Daniel Bryan (with John Stewart in his corner)

I'd be for it if Orton got put in the main event. Would seem fair he lost it in a 3 way and never got a rematch.

Dark One 02-27-2015 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rammsteinmad (Post 4591253)
Absolutely not! Not only would it be a fantastic match, along with having mainstream attention, but it would help keep Bryan in the main event level.

This is now my last, best hope.

Lock Jaw 02-27-2015 12:53 PM

I wouldn't like it because Rollins' obvious story is with Orton.

I would like it because it would mean Daniel Bryan actually had a story for Mania and wasn't just tossed into an IC Title multi-match.

Rammsteinmad 02-27-2015 01:23 PM

Yeah, that's why it's not happening. Orton and Rollins is pretty much set.

Emperor Smeat 02-27-2015 02:47 PM

https://31.media.tumblr.com/b001ba17...ae7xo1_540.gif

Seth82 02-27-2015 03:01 PM

lol

https://scontent-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hp...00&oe=55482AAB

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-27-2015 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smelly Meatball (Post 4591331)

Talk about WWE Crush Hour. Amirite.

Droford 02-27-2015 09:46 PM

Should have Crush's head instead of the word crush

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 10:00 PM

I kind of hope that Rusev is accidentally turned face just by crushing people.

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 10:01 PM

I've come to accept that Daniel Bryan will be part of the Intercontinental Title Ladder Match. On the bright side, he's got a very good chance of winning and becoming a world-beating Intercontinental Champion. They might even play up him being the first person to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship (as if it were a new title), Intercontinental Title, US Title and Tag Titles -- the new era's first Grand Slam Champion.

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 10:03 PM

Can't decide whether I want Sheamus in the IC Title Ladder Match or not. He seems like a good pick to win the Battle Royal right now. I'm leaning towards Ladder Match. I'm also hoping that Finn Balor earns a spot and gets to do a grand WrestleMania entrance. He probably won't win the match, but it'd be an impressive way to make a debut.

Bad News Barrett vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus vs. Finn Balor

I'm fine with that. Bryan, Ambrose, Ziggler and Barrett should all be doing bigger stuff, but I guess it's fine. My interest level for this is already greater than anything else on the card.

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 11:00 PM

I'm now REALLY hoping for Nikki Bella vs. Paige vs. Emma for the Divas Title at WrestleMania.

After the #GiveDivasAChance movement, I think they have to give the girls something a little meatier than a throwaway segment at WrestleMania. I can't see them wanting to give AJ Lee the spotlight, after she has spoken out. I can't see them calling up Charlotte to put the title on her just yet, and I can't see them doing a tag team match with The Bellas facing Paige & Charlotte -- just because it doesn't feel "big" enough right now. I think the best thing they can do is give Emma some redemption, allow Triple H to handle her creative direction heading into WrestleMania, and putting her in a Triple Threat against Nikki and Paige. Brie will be a heel at ringside to run interference, and she costs both Paige and Emma the title at separate intervals. The face girls then beat her up to a large pop. Nikki takes over and gets very close two counts on both her challengers. They do a Tower of Doom spot, and all that jazz. Nikki even Rack Attacks both girls at the same time. She acts like she's the greatest thing that ever happened...but only gets two after some showboating. She then covers Emma...but still only gets two. The final sequence sees Paige in the ring with Nikki, and she manages to counter a Guillotine Choke into a RamPaige. Brie breaks up the pin and then gets the Divas Title, she goes to blast Paige with it, but nails Nikki instead. A superkick from Paige allows her to send Brie out of the ring, then put Nikki in the PTO -- and Nikki taps out. Emma makes it back into the ring and hugs Paige, holding up the arm of the three-time Divas Champion...then attacks her from behind. She puts Paige in the Emma Lock as officials come in and break it up. There's your next main Divas story.

Shisen Kopf 02-27-2015 11:03 PM

In a titty honking match right?

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 11:04 PM

For Rusev vs. Cena, I'm hoping that Cena adds some drama to this match by putting his career on the line. It'd make sense, given that Lana and Rusev don't want to give him another shot. Cena could goad them by giving Rusev a shot to be the one to say he did it -- he was the one who put Cena down for good.

Rusev's own greed would be the device which destroys him. It becomes almost a parable, as Rusev could have walked off with the championship and the Fastlane win -- but his ego and arrogance allowed him to be defeated. Have an Attitude Adjustment from the second rope be what puts him down.

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shisen Kopf (Post 4591485)
In a titty honking match right?

I know it is RassleMania, but you have to save the good gimmicks for Extreme Rules.

Fignuts 02-27-2015 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noid (Post 4591464)
I've come to accept that Daniel Bryan will be part of the Intercontinental Title Ladder Match. On the bright side, he's got a very good chance of winning and becoming a world-beating Intercontinental Champion. They might even play up him being the first person to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship (as if it were a new title), Intercontinental Title, US Title and Tag Titles -- the new era's first Grand Slam Champion.

This is the only way I'd be happy about this. I've been saying for a long time now that to restore the IC title to it's former glory, you need to have a guy win it, and hold it for like a full year.

Right now it means less than nothing. Especially with Barrett fucking losing all the time. The IC champ should be a big fucking deal. Even more so now that there is only one world title. He should rarely, if ever lose, even in non title matches.

Fignuts 02-27-2015 11:09 PM

That won't happen tho. Bryan will win, hold it for a couple months then lose it to adam rose or something.

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 11:09 PM

To turn up the interest in the Wyatt vs. Undertaker match, I hope that they give Taker some connection to Sister Abigail. But the edge must favor Wyatt. I'm not sure what connection -- Heyman (the poster here) could probably come up with something good -- but I'm thinking something that ties their legacies together.

Maybe she has some connection to the urn? She could have been the one who crafted it? Or maybe she has an early connection to The Undertaker? Maybe she wandered Death Valley looking for him and found Bray Wyatt instead? Something in that realm to raise this beyond "I want to fight you!"

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 11:11 PM

Jim Ross said it well when he asked why a company would want one title to mean less than another.

Fignuts 02-27-2015 11:12 PM

How much better would this whole Wyatt vs Taker Feud be, if the streak was still intact? I've always been in the "streak should never end" camp, but I think I would have been OKAY with Wyatt ending the streak if built up properly.

If they were going to end it, he would have been the perfect guy to do it.

Fignuts 02-27-2015 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noid (Post 4591494)
Jim Ross said it well when he asked why a company would want one title to mean less than another.

Yeah, he said that at the NJ PPV about their IC title which even main evented over the the world title at one event. They've done a phenomenal job with that title, and lo and behold, a big part of that is because one guy has carried the title for long stretches and made it mean something by holding on to it.

Seth82 02-27-2015 11:18 PM

Here's the 30 for 30 short doc on The Von Erich's

<script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?playerBrandingId=4ef8000cbaf34c1687a7d9a26fe0e89e&adSetCode=91cDU6NuXTGKz3OdjOxFdAgJVtQcKJ nI&pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:12394108&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script>

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 11:24 PM

Every person in that Ladder Match needs to record a promo where they talk about what the IC Title means to them. If you don't air them all, cool, but every character needs to have a reason for wanting it.

* Bad News Barrett could have been in the audience when Davey Boy Smith and Bret Hart fought over the title in the main event of SummerSlam 1992, when he was just 11 years old. That could have been the moment that made him want to be a fighter.

* Dean Ambrose has made his position pretty clear.

* Dolph Ziggler can show off as champion. His hard work, his effort, his ability -- it is all displayed in the Intercontinental Division, because it attracts the hungriest young men -- young men like him -- who want to prove themselves worthy of the top spot. And being the champion means he's hungrier; he's better than all of them.

* R-Truth has been training since 1997. When he first got into a wrestling ring, Owen Hart was the Intercontinental Champion. When he was scouting the competition, Stone Cold Steve Austin won his first Intercontinental Championship. Truth saw Triple H and The Rock fight in a Ladder Match at SummerSlam 1998, and that was it. "One day, I am going to be the Intercontinental Champion. I am going to be that good. That is what I was working towards every day of my life, so I didn't have to go back to prison. So I didn't have to be nothing."

* Daniel Bryan is addicted to the feeling of being the best. He may not be the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, but he will be a champion. And he will fight harder and better than any other champion in the WWE. Any other champion in the world. People will look at him and say "That's the sort of champion I want to be."

* Luke Harper tasted the money and the attention the Intercontinental Title brought him. He didn't like all the eyes on him, but he never felt like he had a...home before. The IC Title is his home. When he's the champion, he gets punched in the face harder. When he's the champion, he gets to punch people in the face harder. There's no home for people like Harper unless he's got that title.

* Finn Balor has the chance to step onto the grandest stage of them all, and he gets to do what only one other person has ever done -- win the Intercontinental Title in his first match. Few men have debuted at WrestleMania, and no one has debuted at WrestleMania and left with a title. Balor gets to make history. He gets to become immortal night one.

Fignuts 02-27-2015 11:25 PM

Wouldn't they go with Neville before Balor? Haven't been watching NXT, so I don't know.

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fignuts (Post 4591496)
Yeah, he said that at the NJ PPV about their IC title which even main evented over the the world title at one event. They've done a phenomenal job with that title, and lo and behold, a big part of that is because one guy has carried the title for long stretches and made it mean something by holding on to it.

I don't necessarily think that the title can't change hands a lot and mean something -- but the stories need to be right. The guys need to actually want it. I hate it when a guy loses an IC Title match and is just like "Okay. Well it looks like it's the US Title for me." The IC Title should be life and death to some personalities.

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fignuts (Post 4591503)
Wouldn't they go with Neville before Balor? Haven't been watching NXT, so I don't know.

Neville is main roster ready and the next logical call-up: I just want to see Balor's entrance at WrestleMania. If they want spectacle, then Balor would be a good choice. But then again, Neville will no doubt do something in the Ladder Match that will make some people fans for life.

Mr. Nerfect 02-27-2015 11:58 PM

I've got this weird feeling that the Dudley Boyz are going to be working at WrestleMania. This stuff between The Ascension and The Prime Time Players is getting them all on TV, but it doesn't really feel "heavy" enough for the main card. And I can see them trying to keep a lot of tag teams out of the Battle Royal, because it just makes sense that they would all work together.

Got this odd feeling that they might do The Dudleys vs. The PTP vs. The Ascension in a Tables Elimination Match or something. It'll be snappy enough for Mania, provide some "spotz," gives The Ascension at least on WrestleMania appearance and could be used to "crown" the PTP.

Fignuts 02-28-2015 12:00 AM

Totally forgot about bubba. Has there been any updates of him coming back full time? Really would love to see Bully Ray in WWE. Dude worked for so long to improve his craft, and actually succeeded. Deserves to have that character in the spotlight.

Mr. Nerfect 02-28-2015 12:01 AM

I haven't heard anything, but he's obviously got a healthy enough working relationship with the WWE. If there's money to be made with them, you bet your bottom dollar they'll be back.

Mr. Nerfect 02-28-2015 12:04 AM

If you take The Ascension and The Prime Time Players out of the Battle Royal, it frees up four spots for the match. I can imagine the WWE using this year's Battle Royal for some "surprise" nostalgia returns. Somewhere between the Gimmick Battle Royal at X-7 and what NXT have done with Rhyno and Kendrick coming back.

parkmania 02-28-2015 12:31 AM

There's only one reason I would be okay with Seth Rollins working in some form or fashion with John Stewart at WM31: It would mean that the person doing the celeb spot is NOT Big Show.

Mr. Nerfect 02-28-2015 12:33 AM

I'm surprised the WWE haven't given Chris Masters another shot yet.

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-28-2015 12:44 AM

He's a one trick pony. He even does the same gimmick in indy feds. Masterlock challenge etc.

Tom Guycott 02-28-2015 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smelly Meatball (Post 4591106)
Mania's poster that's been going around the internet recently (hasn't been confirmed yet by the WWE):

http://i.imgur.com/yM5dHGd.jpg

Why am I picturing them doing the Can-Can?

Fignuts 02-28-2015 12:55 AM

Hated Chris Masters. Really glad he's gone.

Fignuts 02-28-2015 12:55 AM

Really stupid looking face

Tom Guycott 02-28-2015 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fignuts (Post 4591495)
How much better would this whole Wyatt vs Taker Feud be, if the streak was still intact? I've always been in the "streak should never end" camp, but I think I would have been OKAY with Wyatt ending the streak if built up properly.

If they were going to end it, he would have been the perfect guy to do it.

Hindsight.

Though I sentimentality agree with you about "the streak shouldn't end" feelings, truth was Taker is just too old school a guy to not do the "go out on your back" business. Maybe he wasn't sure he had one more in him, and though not ideal for pushing new talent, the most believable and ready opponent there last year was Brock.

Bray taking the supernatural mantle isn't necessarily a consolation prize. I just wish the build for this started sooner... then again, they had more time to build Sting vs. HHH, and even that's kind of a shit show considering how much hype SHOULD be on that match from Survivor Series onward.

Tom Guycott 02-28-2015 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noid (Post 4591511)
I've got this weird feeling that the Dudley Boyz are going to be working at WrestleMania. This stuff between The Ascension and The Prime Time Players is getting them all on TV, but it doesn't really feel "heavy" enough for the main card. And I can see them trying to keep a lot of tag teams out of the Battle Royal, because it just makes sense that they would all work together.

Got this odd feeling that they might do The Dudleys vs. The PTP vs. The Ascension in a Tables Elimination Match or something. It'll be snappy enough for Mania, provide some "spotz," gives The Ascension at least on WrestleMania appearance and could be used to "crown" the PTP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fignuts (Post 4591512)
Totally forgot about bubba. Has there been any updates of him coming back full time? Really would love to see Bully Ray in WWE. Dude worked for so long to improve his craft, and actually succeeded. Deserves to have that character in the spotlight.

I'm hoping Doze Damn Dudleyz are coming in to face Ascension. They're constantly claiming to be better than everyone, so it would be quite the rub to get (questionable) wins over both NAO and Team 3D... just to have PTP have *their* number and be the pain in the ass team they can't seem to get a victory on. Build two tag teams who are actually tag teams at once.

Fignuts 02-28-2015 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Guycott (Post 4591532)
Hindsight.

Though I sentimentality agree with you about "the streak shouldn't end" feelings, truth was Taker is just too old school a guy to not do the "go out on your back" business. Maybe he wasn't sure he had one more in him, and though not ideal for pushing new talent, the most believable and ready opponent there last year was Brock.

Bray taking the supernatural mantle isn't necessarily a consolation prize. I just wish the build for this started sooner... then again, they had more time to build Sting vs. HHH, and even that's kind of a shit show considering how much hype SHOULD be on that match from Survivor Series onward.

Brock didn't need it though. Like, at all. He could have barely lost to Taker at mania last year and still be just as strong going into this year's event, thanks to his dominant performances afterwards.

One reason I was always against the streak ending, is that there is kind of a catch 22 situation there. A guy like Brock, or Triple H who can believably end the streak, doesn't need it at all. Conversely, the Undertaker at mania had been built up to such a degree, that anyone who isn't a living legend beating the streak would feel unbelievable.

Right now, Wyatt is in that magical sweet spot. He's still young and fresh enough that ending the streak would do a lot for him, while at the same time he's been booked strongly enough since his debut (despite a few hiccups) that I can believe him taking the victory. Especially factoring in all the talk of taker's age and questionable health.

Seth82 02-28-2015 01:56 AM

lol oh WCW

this coloring book page looks nothing like Ric Flair. He never was that ripped ever.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrgVJVRCUAA62py.jpg:large

Lock Jaw 02-28-2015 02:00 AM

No wonder they went out of business!

Fignuts 02-28-2015 02:08 AM

first glance thought he was waving a nazi flag

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-28-2015 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seth82 (Post 4591544)
lol oh WCW

this coloring book page looks nothing like Ric Flair. He never was that ripped ever.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrgVJVRCUAA62py.jpg:large

Hulk Hogan's body and Ric Flairs Head.

Woooooo?

Hey look on the opposite page it's....Chris B- STEVEN RICHARDS!

Jazzy Foot 02-28-2015 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noid (Post 4590279)
I feel the same way. I was so excited for the WWE post-WrestleMania XXX too. I really feel that you should be able to look at what comes out of one WrestleMania, look at the next, and see the story of the year. Here is the WrestleMania card I was looking forward to seeing:

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Daniel Bryan

Triple Threat Match
Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns

The Game vs. The Icon
Triple H vs. Sting

The Rock vs. Bray Wyatt

Intercontinental Championship
Cesaro (c) vs. John Cena

Divas Championship
Special Guest Referee: Stephanie McMahon
AJ Lee (c) vs. Paige

Ladder Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
The Usos (c) vs. The Wyatt Family vs. Dolph Ziggler & Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger & Stardust

United States Championship
The Miz (c) vs. Sami Zayn

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Everybody else fighting in a Battle Royal that actually means something after Cesaro has done something with his career

But I guess I prefer story over stars, as that other thread questioned. Nothing on this WrestleMania card is really shaping up to be that epic. Well, Triple H vs. Sting exists on both, Cena is fighting for a mid-card title against a foreign heel beast and Bray Wyatt is taking on a legendary part-timer; but I'd prefer Cesaro to Rusev, Zayn to Mizdow and The Rock to Taker.


Do you ever have the urge to smell Paige's armpits?

Volare 02-28-2015 12:24 PM

I was thinking that with the ladder match for the IC title coming up, they should've done a former NXT champions match/tournament where the winner would get a spot in the ladder match.

Zayn or Neville would've been the ideal ones, why not debut someone who has "it", has the skills, been on the road with them already, and has done a ladder match on live TV already?


Just a thought.

XL 02-28-2015 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Guycott (Post 4591535)
I'm hoping Doze Damn Dudleyz are coming in to face Ascension. They're constantly claiming to be better than everyone, so it would be quite the rub to get (questionable) wins over both NAO and Team 3D... just to have PTP have *their* number and be the pain in the ass team they can't seem to get a victory on. Build two tag teams who are actually tag teams at once.

You make booking sound so simple.

Emperor Smeat 02-28-2015 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PWI
VINCE RUSSO QUITS HIMSELF

A number of readers sent word this morning that Vince Russo announced overnight that he was, depending on the announcement, shutting down his subscription website, going on hiatus or leaving his own website.
On his Facebook page, Russo wrote, "I will not be posting anything—blogs, videos, podcasts, from this point going forward. I am no way any longer associated with the site."

What this means for his paying subscribers is that after several months of building his "brand", Russo left without warning. Not quite the swerve they were hoping for, I am sure.

Regarding those subscribers, Russo wrote, "Please know, that if you renew your monthly membership, you will not be getting any content from Vince Russo from this day going forward. I also ask you to not buy any Vince Russo merchandise, as I no longer have access to the orders."

Oddly enough, the website itself features no announcement, as what was originally posted there has since been deleted.

If Russo no longer has access to his own website, that likely means he was never actually in charge of the site or even owned it, which is amazing to me on so many levels.

So, in a way, Vince Russo quit himself. That's a swerve I doubt anyone saw coming.

Most likely he signed a deal with Lucha Underground considering they were interested in him for a while and had a meeting recently.

erickman 02-28-2015 03:21 PM

I was about to say russo even screws up doing a podcast

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-28-2015 04:16 PM

Maybe TNARick can take it over.

Maluco 02-28-2015 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noid (Post 4591522)
I'm surprised the WWE haven't given Chris Masters another shot yet.

He posted a photo a while back of his spine being crooked. Probably ended any chance of his getting back to WWE. Am sure he didn't consider it, but WWE certainly would have taken notice

Evil Vito 02-28-2015 05:37 PM

<font color=goldenrod>I do wonder how many matches will be on the WrestleMania card. Last year had just 7 matches on the main card, and one of the matches was about 2 minutes long. But in fairness there was a really long opening segment involving the 3 biggest stars in the history of the company and it made total sense given that it was a milestone Mania.

Before last year 8 matches seems to have become the norm for Mania even though it's a 4 hour show. And WWE still can't budget enough time for it, leading to some matches getting completely rushed.

With that being said I'm not sure there will be more than 8 matches again, so the card would appear to be shaping up as such:

<b>World Heavyweight Title Match</b>
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (C)

Triple H vs. Sting

Bray Wyatt vs. The Undertaker

<b>United States Title Match</b>
John Cena vs. Rusev (C)

Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton

<b>Intercontinental Title Ladder Match</b>
Bad News Barrett (C) vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Dean Ambrose vs. R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper

I don't see there being more than 6 participants. The first 5 seem like safe bets. Guessing at the last spot, I'm giving Luke Harper the nod to add another heel, he's a recent champion, and because he was great in the last ladder match he was in. But really the last spot could be Sheamus, Adrian Neville, or someone else.

<b>Divas Title Match</b>
Paige vs. Nikki Bella (C)

The clusterfuck divas match last year was a trainwreck, so going to a more conventional match makes sense. I can see it being a "Lumberjill" Match though just to get all of the girls onto the show.

<b>31 Man Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal</b>
Adam Rose, Big E, Big Show, Bo Dallas, Cesaro, Curtis Axel, Damien Mizdow, Darren Young, Diego, Erick Rowan, Fandango, Fernando, Goldust, Heath Slater, Jack Swagger, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Kalisto, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Konnor, The Miz, Ryback, Sheamus, Sin Cara, Stardust, Titus O'Neil, Tyson Kidd, Xavier Woods, Viktor, and Zack Ryder

Again, this is merely a way to get everybody onto the show. I kinda loved last year's battle royal though, it was a lot of fun.

<b>Pre Show match: Tag Team Titles</b>
The Usos vs. The Brass Ring Club (C)

---

I think the reason there are so few matches on Mania anymore is because all of the "attraction" matches seem to get 20+ minutes. As a fan, I'm actually happy Sting and Taker will be there. But frankly I don't think guys in their 50s should be going for over 20 minutes at this point. Even Reigns/Lesnar for 20 minutes is questionable but the main event of the biggest show on the year pretty much has to be that long.

If I had my doldrums I'd some shave time off of the Sting and Taker matches to avoid either man getting blown up and to maximize the novelty of their matches. I'd like to get the Tag Title match onto the main card to get every title defended on the biggest show of the year. Their battle royal spots can go to some NXT guys like Neville, Zayn, etc. who can do some cool things. It's not like losing a battle royal is going to be a black mark on them when they get called up permanently.

Would not be averse to finding a way to give Goldust and Stardust a match either. Fast Lane wasn't that good but they've been asking to wrestle at Mania for years now and if this is the end for Goldust I think he should get a reward for busting his ass for years.</font>

XL 02-28-2015 06:03 PM

Mania has become too "Top Heavy", the element of spectacle has taken over the concept of putting on a wrestling show. Should there be a 10 minute "mini-concert" on the show when it means guys who've worked all year round get shunted off the show, or thrown into a multi-man match?

Is the spectacle of a returning Undertaker, a semi-retired HHH, a debut for a past-his-prime Sting, and a part-time World Champion undermining the marketability of the current, full-time wrestlers? Are WWE branding these guys with a "Not good enough for Mania" stamp? Should a Daniel Bryan, or even a Dolph Ziggler, be thrown into a clusterfuck match for a midcard title with little to no value? Those are the guys you'll have to book the company around when Sting, Taker, HHH, and maybe Brock go AWOL after Mania.

Ultra Mantis 02-28-2015 06:30 PM

I am genuinely not interested in Wrestlemania this year, there is absolutely nothing on the card that makes me want to watch it. Reigns beating Lesnar is a lame duck. Wyatt / Taker strikes me as something that sounds better on paper than it does in reality. I've seen enough of Sting in TNA to not be excited for him wrestling HHH. Shoving most of the guys the audience actually cares about into a ladder match for the IC title is also a shitty move. Fandango doesn't even have a chance of winning the battle royale. Pass.

#1-norm-fan 02-28-2015 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XL (Post 4591755)
Mania has become too "Top Heavy", the element of spectacle has taken over the concept of putting on a wrestling show. Should there be a 10 minute "mini-concert" on the show when it means guys who've worked all year round get shunted off the show, or thrown into a multi-man match?

Is the spectacle of a returning Undertaker, a semi-retired HHH, a debut for a past-his-prime Sting, and a part-time World Champion undermining the marketability of the current, full-time wrestlers? Are WWE branding these guys with a "Not good enough for Mania" stamp? Should a Daniel Bryan, or even a Dolph Ziggler, be thrown into a clusterfuck match for a midcard title with little to no value? Those are the guys you'll have to book the company around when Sting, Taker, HHH, and maybe Brock go AWOL after Mania.

I've said it before but the issue is that the full-time wrestlers haven't been built up well at all through the other 11 months of the year. WrestleMania SHOULD be a spectacle. The most uninteresting match on the card should be a big deal on any other PPV. The problem isn't that the full-time guys aren't being featured over the part-timers. The problem is that the full-time guys have been built so awfully since last years WrestleMania (and for years before) that featuring them at WrestleMania over guys who are true stars would be ridiculous.

Basically, WrestleMania isn't the time to try to convince the world that guys like Dolph Ziggler are a hot commodity by suddenly treating them like something special. It's the time to reap the benefits of building them up to the point where a major spot on the WrestleMania card makes sense and draws people's attention.

#1-norm-fan 02-28-2015 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultra Mantis (Post 4591761)
Fandango doesn't even have a chance of winning the battle royale. Pass.

Cesaro won it last year. I'm gonna hold out hope that WWE's scattershot booking will lead to a "Let's try Fandango" so he can at least get a WrestleMania moment before ultimately being forgotten about a month later.

loopydate 02-28-2015 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultra Mantis (Post 4591761)
I am genuinely not interested in Wrestlemania this year, there is absolutely nothing on the card that makes me want to watch it. Reigns beating Lesnar is a lame duck. Wyatt / Taker strikes me as something that sounds better on paper than it does in reality. I've seen enough of Sting in TNA to not be excited for him wrestling HHH. Shoving most of the guys the audience actually cares about into a ladder match for the IC title is also a shitty move. Fandango doesn't even have a chance of winning the battle royale. Pass.

I'll probably find a way to watch the ladder match after the fact somehow, but that's the only thing that sounds remotely interesting to me.

Evil Vito 02-28-2015 07:18 PM

<font color=goldenrod>I'm going to watch it just because I have the Network for NXT anyway, but my expectations are quite low. The ladder match should be great, I've always been a sucker for battle royals, and I'd think Orton/Rollins should be a good match even if the build winds up being shit.

Also as a huge WCW fan I can't not watch Sting's first (and possibly only) WWE match. I feel like two legends like he and Triple H can find a way to put together something special, but my concern is that it'll be too long of a match.</font>

Simple Fan 02-28-2015 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #1-wwf-fan (Post 4591769)
Cesaro won it last year. I'm gonna hold out hope that WWE's scattershot booking will lead to a "Let's try Fandango" so he can at least get a WrestleMania moment before ultimately being forgotten about a month later.

Pretty sure his WM moment was beating Jericho, as long as he stays Fandango.

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-28-2015 09:09 PM

http://www.axelmania.com/home.html

Simple Fan 02-28-2015 09:09 PM

Its sounds to me that the only WM match that a lot of you are interested in is the IC ladder match. I have come to the conclusion that if you feel that way you are too invested in one character ( Daniel Bryan) to enjoy anything else. I am pretty excited for Sting / HHH, I mean its Sting in a WWE match. Also looking forward to Bray and Taker as I would like to see Bray win but don't know if he will. The title match isn't a dream match but should be good. Rollins and Orton will probably steal the show. If you are not interested in WM then you are simply not a fan.

loopydate 02-28-2015 09:19 PM

That's what I've been saying for about a year now. I'm just not a fan anymore.

Lock Jaw 02-28-2015 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by im just a fan (Post 4591796)
Its sounds to me that the only WM match that a lot of you are interested in is the IC ladder match.

Not really. Completely dumb match.

Simple Fan 02-28-2015 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XL (Post 4591755)
Should a Daniel Bryan, or even a Dolph Ziggler, be thrown into a clusterfuck match for a midcard title with little to no value.

Those 2 are perfect for the IC title scene. Bryan being in the IC title scene almost makes creative have to do something with the IC title. I wouldn't mind if Bryan won and held the title for a long time to build the tiles value up.

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-28-2015 10:21 PM

This is why WrestleMania should be in April and not March. The weather improves and peoples moods improve from all of the snow being gone. This has been a pretty harsh two months of snow.

Evil Vito 02-28-2015 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loopydate (Post 4591799)
That's what I've been saying for about a year now. I'm just not a fan anymore.

<font color=goldenrod>I'm rapidly getting there. Raw is on my TV most weeks out of sheer habit as there's nothing else to watch on a Monday usually. But I barely pay attention to it, usually am on the computer doing something else.</font>

Mr. Nerfect 02-28-2015 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vito Cruz (Post 4591750)
<font color=goldenrod>I do wonder how many matches will be on the WrestleMania card. Last year had just 7 matches on the main card, and one of the matches was about 2 minutes long. But in fairness there was a really long opening segment involving the 3 biggest stars in the history of the company and it made total sense given that it was a milestone Mania.

Before last year 8 matches seems to have become the norm for Mania even though it's a 4 hour show. And WWE still can't budget enough time for it, leading to some matches getting completely rushed.

With that being said I'm not sure there will be more than 8 matches again, so the card would appear to be shaping up as such:

<b>World Heavyweight Title Match</b>
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (C)

Triple H vs. Sting

Bray Wyatt vs. The Undertaker

<b>United States Title Match</b>
John Cena vs. Rusev (C)

Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton

<b>Intercontinental Title Ladder Match</b>
Bad News Barrett (C) vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Dean Ambrose vs. R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper

I don't see there being more than 6 participants. The first 5 seem like safe bets. Guessing at the last spot, I'm giving Luke Harper the nod to add another heel, he's a recent champion, and because he was great in the last ladder match he was in. But really the last spot could be Sheamus, Adrian Neville, or someone else.

<b>Divas Title Match</b>
Paige vs. Nikki Bella (C)

The clusterfuck divas match last year was a trainwreck, so going to a more conventional match makes sense. I can see it being a "Lumberjill" Match though just to get all of the girls onto the show.

<b>31 Man Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal</b>
Adam Rose, Big E, Big Show, Bo Dallas, Cesaro, Curtis Axel, Damien Mizdow, Darren Young, Diego, Erick Rowan, Fandango, Fernando, Goldust, Heath Slater, Jack Swagger, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Kalisto, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Konnor, The Miz, Ryback, Sheamus, Sin Cara, Stardust, Titus O'Neil, Tyson Kidd, Xavier Woods, Viktor, and Zack Ryder

Again, this is merely a way to get everybody onto the show. I kinda loved last year's battle royal though, it was a lot of fun.

<b>Pre Show match: Tag Team Titles</b>
The Usos vs. The Brass Ring Club (C)

---

I think the reason there are so few matches on Mania anymore is because all of the "attraction" matches seem to get 20+ minutes. As a fan, I'm actually happy Sting and Taker will be there. But frankly I don't think guys in their 50s should be going for over 20 minutes at this point. Even Reigns/Lesnar for 20 minutes is questionable but the main event of the biggest show on the year pretty much has to be that long.

If I had my doldrums I'd some shave time off of the Sting and Taker matches to avoid either man getting blown up and to maximize the novelty of their matches. I'd like to get the Tag Title match onto the main card to get every title defended on the biggest show of the year. Their battle royal spots can go to some NXT guys like Neville, Zayn, etc. who can do some cool things. It's not like losing a battle royal is going to be a black mark on them when they get called up permanently.

Would not be averse to finding a way to give Goldust and Stardust a match either. Fast Lane wasn't that good but they've been asking to wrestle at Mania for years now and if this is the end for Goldust I think he should get a reward for busting his ass for years.</font>

This is how I see the card actually going too. I can see a seventh guy being added to the Ladder Match though. They book the Money in the Bank Ladder Matches to be seven these days, although they sometime have an eighth in there still. I'd go with seven and give the match a "Seven Samurai" marketing vibe.

Evil Vito 02-28-2015 10:29 PM

<font color=goldenrod>And I should clarify this - I'll always be a fan of wrestling. As an entertainment medium, there's nothing like it out there and I don't see myself ever "outgrowing" it to the point where I never watch anything again.

But the current WWE product does pretty much nothing for me. And that's a damn shame, because the quality of wrestling itself is very high. Normally there are 1 or 2 really good matches on Raw a week, and there are loads of talented guys on the roster. But the matches more often than not mean absolutely nothing in the context of the story. Wins and losses don't matter, most of the titles don't matter, etc.

I love NXT because not only is the wrestling good, but the stories actually make sense. I have very high hopes that the WWE product will be great once Triple H has free reign over creative. But that won't happen for a long time. So for now I'm basically just loving NXT and using the Network to watch old stuff I haven't seen for a really long time.</font>

Mr. Nerfect 02-28-2015 10:29 PM

I'd try and keep the backstage antics and shit to a minimum at this year's Mania. I know it is a pipe-dream, but ditch all those frills. You might be able to give time to Goldust vs. Stardust and the Tag Team Titles then.

Evil Vito 02-28-2015 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noid (Post 4591825)
I'd try and keep the backstage antics and shit to a minimum at this year's Mania. I know it is a pipe-dream, but ditch all those frills. You might be able to give time to Goldust vs. Stardust and the Tag Team Titles then.

<font color=goldenrod>I'm hoping for the same thing. Last year was forgivable because there was always going to be a fair amount of nostalgia for a landmark Mania. But there's no reason we need to see a billion backstage skits for WrestleMania 31. Maybe a pre-match interview or two but that's about it. It's not like they need to throw a ton of guys into a comedy skit when the entire roster is going to be on the show anyway.</font>

Emperor Smeat 02-28-2015 10:35 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BROCK has arrived at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC184?src=hash">#UFC184</a> <a href="http://t.co/ykbpJPSlll">pic.twitter.com/ykbpJPSlll</a></p>&mdash; Dave Sholler (@Sholler_UFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sholler_UFC/status/571871387020754944">March 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mr. Nerfect 02-28-2015 10:42 PM

And I know it's not going to happen, but I do hope they put Emma into the Divas Title match. Why not? It won't sink Mania, and it gets another girl on the show. One who could be over if the company fixes it's main roster/NXT disconnect. Even if her push only lasts a month, it'd be a nice moment for her and a spirit booster to the other girls.

SlickyTrickyDamon 02-28-2015 10:59 PM

I think Bayley would have made a better choice to be Santino's girl.

Simple Fan 03-01-2015 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smelly Meatball (Post 4591830)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BROCK has arrived at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC184?src=hash">#UFC184</a> <a href="http://t.co/ykbpJPSlll">pic.twitter.com/ykbpJPSlll</a></p>&mdash; Dave Sholler (@Sholler_UFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sholler_UFC/status/571871387020754944">March 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Looks ready to do business.

James Steele 03-01-2015 01:43 AM

Brock looks so weird in a suit.

Lock Jaw 03-01-2015 01:46 AM

Giant Jimmy Johns logo on the back of that suit, you just can't see it.

Tom Guycott 03-01-2015 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XL (Post 4591640)
You make booking sound so simple.

Not sure if sarcasm or compliment.

But I meant as opposed to Ascension getting that win over New Age Outlaws and then kind of being forgotten about and simply being fodder for a Prime Time Players reunion, only to have them disappear from TV as well. Much like the Divas, the main roster WWE seems to have a problem focusing on more than one or two tag teams at a time for a length of time.

Its getting a bit better, with the number of actual teams now, and an addition of the Dudleyz would only help in terms of drawing interest in the division as a whole and drawing money because of name value. An Ascension win over them (and subsequent reinforcement of that win by the announcers- just as important here) would be a boon to what they seem to want to accomplish with this duo.

Also, being in the ring with vets like Bubba Ray and D'Von might serve to help Konnor and Viktor tighten up their ringwork as well.

Tom Guycott 03-01-2015 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #1-wwf-fan (Post 4591768)

Basically, WrestleMania isn't the time to try to convince the world that guys like Dolph Ziggler are a hot commodity by suddenly treating them like something special. It's the time to reap the benefits of building them up to the point where a major spot on the WrestleMania card makes sense and draws people's attention.

That might work to elevate one person on the cusp of breaking out, provided WWE doesn't lose interest in the backswing. Like with Fandango. His win over Jericho should have been the start of a roster dominating tear through midcard titles (not a hotshot to the main event picture. Big difference.) Instead, it was a huge moment that wasn't expounded upon, so now the moment doesn't seem as big and actually quite a waste as the company pissed all over their own potential parade.

Mr. Nerfect 03-01-2015 02:51 AM

Fandango looked all set to become the Intercontinental Champion before he suffered a concussion. What could have been...

Tom Guycott 03-01-2015 03:02 AM

But it was a concussion. It wasn't like he broke something like Barrett has or out for multiple surgical procedures like Danielson. Fandangoo could have done promos or been featured in some sort of way without having to do ringwork until he got the all clear. Seems kind of like a big fuck you to completely write him off.


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