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WCW Saturday Night: November 30, 1996

What is it that attracts us to professional wrestling?

I was left to wonder that, when I was questioned by a work colleague. Here I am, a fully grown 32 year old man, a married home owner, living the middle class dream as a quality assurance manager by day, and WCW quality performance analyst by night.

They couldn’t understand how on earth I still allow myself to watch something as low brow as wrestling; something that catered to the lowest common denominator. So often in the past, I’ve found this position so difficult to defend, especially with the modern day product that is so carefully structured and homogenized to deliver the exact same meal, week after week. That same, unfulfilling, gut rotting meal.

Still, I didn’t hesitate this time. It’s an escape. I don’t watch a lot of movies, but I watch my fair share of old school NWA and WCW. It’s something to make for easy background noise when I just need to take a load off. It’s nostalgic; like the current run of Ninja Turtles or Jurassic Park remakes. It’s a creative escape. I love to write, but I don’t like writing about things that don’t interest me. Even the worst WCW shows are far more entertaining than anything else I could come up with on my own. It allows me to be observant, to catch those little moments of sheer ridiculousness that nobody else does, and share it with you. I have a library of over 4000 shows sitting on a hard drive that I can access on my PS3 at any time. I have a WWE Network subscription. It’s not for everyone, but it’s for me. I imagine, it always will be.

Well, until the Faces of Fear are no more. Then I turn it off FOREVER.

LIVE (but TAPED!) from the Cyborg Factory on the Mothaship of TBS, home of the Pay Windah, masters of Filibusterin’, starring the Debulush Woman, and that Jethebel Elizabeth, where Clubberin’ and Plundah are all the rage, it’s WCW Saturday Night! TONY SCHIAVONE and some forgettable well-spoken guy host.


LA PARKA vs. CHRIS JERICHO

Excellent start, WCW. Unless of course, they’re only given 2:21. Then I might be forced to deliver the Canadian rage all over again. Jericho might be an unbearable wiener, but the boy can wrestle. La Parka flies at Jericho off the bell, and misses a dive, hitting the buckle. He picks himself up, and flattens Chris. Jericho comes back with a dropkick, ducks a spin kick, and hits one of his own. Parka bounces back with a springboard headscissors, followed by a springboard karate kick, and scores a 2. He seems confused by his lack of victory (for all the facial displays he is able to provide), and powerbombs Jericho for 2. He goes for a second one, but Jericho rolls through and delivers a German suplex, holding on to the bridge for 2. A back elbow levels La Parka, but he shakes them bones and powerslams Chris for 2. Jericho bounces up, applies a crucifix, and scores the win at 3:23. That’s disappointing, I was sure La Parka was getting the rocket push right up to Hogan. **

In the locker room, “MEAN” GENE OKERLUND feels confident standing next to LEX LUGER. Really? I feel like Lex Luger would make me feel quite unconfident in comparison, but good on you for being true to yourself, Gene. Luger vows to have his way with every member of the nWo. Errrr, ok, that’s cool, just not on camera if you don’t mind.

After a break, Gene is joined by JIMMY HART and THE FACES OF FEAR while Lex heads off, presumably to shower up and start making bedroom eyes at Vincent or something. Which he might even appreciate, at least someone would be paying him some attention. Meanwhile, Hart lobbies for a title shot, and Meng is asked how he feels about that. Thankfully, I speak a little Jungle Gibberish. “Aren’t you the guy who Makes the Donuts?” Which is actually a great observation from Meng, and we’ll need to investigate. Barbarian just sticks out his tongue, and is far too cool for this stuff.

“LORD” STEVEN REGAL vs. BOBBY EATON (for the WCW world television title)

I don’t mean to disparage the good name of the former Earl, but Regal’s coming off a hard fought victory against the legendary Tony Pena, so he might want to just give up now. Eaton powers Regal back to the corner, and gets a thumb to the eye for his effort. Regal starts chain wrestling, which rarely goes well this early for his Lordship. A shot to the jaw has Regal showing a range of disgust, anger, and pain all in one facial expression. I would pay $1000 to watch him perform in a Murder Mystery. A backdrop sends the Lord flying, and Eaton’s on him with a vertical suplex, but Regal packages him on the way down and scores the win at 2:18. I don’t know how I’ll be able to express to the Faces of Fear that I’ve developed some strong feelings for Regal this year, but hopefully, they’ll understand. *

SONOKO KATO vs. KAORU

Tony tells us that Kato is 17-years of age, which is of course a big fat lie. Why do that? She’s 20, that’s plenty impressive. Kaoru is booed, not because she does anything particularly heelish, or is unattractive, but because that’s what the Applause sign is telling them to do. If you thought the WWE manipulated their audience, you ain’t seen the Disney tapings. Kato hits a bulldog, and prances around congratulating herself. A second bulldog lands a 2 count, which causes her to celebrate again. I’m not sure I get it. Kaoru fires back with a sunset flip out of the corner, and nearly scores the pin. Kaoru leaps and hits Kato with a box to the face, causing the largely male audience to boo. Riiiight. Kato kicks Kaoru in the back, and drops a leg for 2. Dusty notes that neither girl has much body fat and are obviously top contenders, but if titles were won on low body fat, Dusty would have spent his career losing to lower tier workers than Scott and Steve Armstrong. Kato misses a top rope guillotine, and Kaoru nails a brainbuster. Top rope springboard moonsault finishes matters easily at 2:37. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Gene doesn’t interview either of these ladies. **

KONAN (with Jimmy Hart) vs. EDDIE GUERRERO (for the Mexican heavyweight vanity title)

Good to see the return of the useless Mexican title – you keep living the dream Konan. This is a return match from Monday that I certainly wasn’t clamouring for, but perhaps Mexico was dying to see their Hulk Hogan get revenge on that evil Guerrero. The pair trade chinlocks. Snore. Konan pokes Eddie in the eye, which leads to more exciting moves, like the arm wringer. Eddie connects with a headscissors, but Konan fires back with the tumbleweed clothesline. A top rope dropkick misses, so Eddie heads up to finish. Jimmy jumps on the apron to block the Frog Splash, but Eddie fights him off and steals the megaphone. Konan rushes over, and takes a megaphone shot to the head to cause a DQ at 3:33. Froggie Splash hits anyway, and that’s too much for THE FACES OF FEAR to watch, who run in and start the CLUBBERIN’! The viciousness! The violence! The power! Eddie might never walk again! 1/2*

Next up, a treat for anyone watching this prior to June of 2007; video footage of last weekend’s house show in Baltimore between Benoit and Sullivan. From the little we’re given, it appears to have taken the template of their Great American Bash brawl (as all subsequent matches would), but with a greater level of violence. In the bathroom, Benoit is given a Kick of Fear from Meng AGAINST THE WALL! Holy crap! The beatdown draws Woman in to defend her man, including jumping on Sullivan’s back and trying to claw his eyes out.

“MEAN” GENE OKERLUND stands with KEVIN SULLIVAN and JIMMY HART to gets their comments on what we just saw. Sullivan says he’s made a lot of mistakes in his life, and while he has no regrets trying to end Benoit’s life, he made the same mistake Chris is making now. He tells Benoit that he is just a stepping stone, and he isn’t “the last one”. He vows to put Chris through hell for ruining his life and causing him mental anguish these last two months. Gene looks Sullivan square in the eye and tells him, with no disrespect intended, “you’ve never been wound very tightly”. Gene speaks for ALL of us at home in asking “guys, am I missing something here?” Sullivan glares at him and says if anyone knows what he’s talking about, Gene is the guy. If I hadn’t sat through Vince Russo, I’d call this one of the most confusing and stupidly incestuous angles of all time. Sadly though, it only ranks about a 1.2 on a WCW2000 scale.

BUNKHOUSE BUCK and MIKE ENOS vs. HARLEM HEAT (with Sista Sherri)

I abhor short term memory loss, and it was only just a month ago when we tried out the combination of Buck and Enos. It went REALLY poorly, largely due to Buck’s continued loyalty to the Colonel. Nothing has changed, as far as I know, other than the Colonel turning into a Clue Suspect. On the other hand, I appreciate that they’re trying to freshen up the never-ending Rough & Ready/Harlem Heat rivalry. In fact, R&R won the last match by DQ, bringing their record to a brag-worthy 1-7 this year. In watching Buck on the apron, I realize that we’re sorely due to see him come back in the WWE. No, not as Jack Swagger’s father again, but as Luke Harper’s. They’re both equally disgusting, and you wouldn’t even need to come up with any more back story for Harper, all of his behavior would just suddenly make sense. Booker jams a thumb in the eye of old Buck, while Tony suggests this team name themselves Rough & Rugged. I like it, let’s go with that. Stevie winds up getting double teamed for awhile, but the heels can’t put him away. A sidewalk slam brings in Booker T, who quickly hits the flying jalapeno for 2. Everyone starts to brawl, and Buck hits Stevie with his finisher – the cowboy boot to the face. Sherri manages to trip him up before going for the pin, allowing Booker time to hit the Harlem sidekick and score the win at 4:17. * Don’t give up, Rough & Rugged. 1 match is a small sample size, you’ll need at least 7 more to ensure you’re truly outclassed.

Over on nWo Saturday night, we appear to have found new contenders in the fourth round of the tag-team tournament.

TOMMY GRECO
Height: not tall enough
Weight: 140 lbs.
Reach: 32”
Fist: 14”
Hometown: Athens, GA
Pro record: 0-1
Played a 3 Musketeer
Lillipution Champion

THE BACK STABBER
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 280 lbs.
Reach: 37”
Fist: 15”
Hometown: Back Alley, NY
Pro record: 20-20
Uses the Knife Edge
He’s Razor Sharp

Tonight’s ring announcer is SYXX, who has been lazy about continuing his cruiserweight tournament. DOCTOR X is your referee, as always.

TOMMY GRECO and THE BACKSTABBER vs. THE OUTSIDERS (for the WCW United States heavyweight title)

No, that’s not a typo. Nash is in fact defending the US title, which is on loan from the Giant, as well as providing play by play. Hall chops away, AKA a “gunshot!” Backstabber gets a tag in, and Hall hits him right away with the Japanese clothesline. Hall takes over commentary as Nash comes in. Nash hits the “squisher”, and Backstabber rolls out. Greco comes in without a tag, but nobody seems to care as he takes a double arm chokeslam from “9 feet in the air!” Hall tags in, and Nash just stays put to do commentary. “Sometimes, I get so close to the action it feels like I’m in the ring.” The fallaway slam connects, which affects the colon if Nash is to be believed. Hall rolls in the Backstabber, as Nash comfortably just sits on the top turnbuckle. THE GIANT interferes with a chokeslam, allowing Nash and Hall to score a dual pinfall, with Nash calling it.

These were cute the first couple of times they ran them, but they’re running out of ideas, and as a result, running this whole shtick into the ground. I could do without any more nWo Saturday Night.

JUVENTUD GUERRERA vs. CHRIS BENOIT

It’s been nice knowing you, Juvi. Against all odds, Guerrera takes the early advantage, and chops down Benoit. Chris misses a chop, but Juvi blows a sunset flip and lands on Benoit’s head for 2. An Oklahoma roll gets 2. Juvi calls for a rana, but off the springboard Benoit catches and powerbombs him. Holding the legs, he catapults Juvi into the buckle, and follows with a backdrop suplex. To the corner, and we chop. Scoop slam sets up the Liontamer, which Benoit applies the real way, and Juvi’s twisted in a seriously unnatural position. Still, he won’t tap, so Benoit releases and beats him down. A vicious clothesline sends Benoit up top – thumb to the throat – and the swandive connects. Crossface finishes at 3:16. ** Tony thinks WCW needs to start considering Chris Benoit to lead the charge against the nWo.

“MEAN” GENE OKERLUND grabs Benoit for a quick word. Gene’s disappointed Woman isn’t joining them. Benoit says that Woman’s become a lot more than just his manager, and is currently making travel plans. Gene doesn’t much care for his lack of candor, and asks why everyone’s trying to swerve him all the time? Benoit fails to answer, and turns his attention to Sullivan. He says that the whole Dungeon of Doom gave him their best, and it STILL wasn’t enough to get rid of him. Gene asks why the Horsemen didn’t save Chris on Saturday. Benoit says it wasn’t Horsemen business, it’s all about himself and Sullivan.

DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE vs. SCOTT NORTON

Tony finally figures out what the deal with Page is; that he’d probably love to join the nWo, but his ego won’t allow him to because he insists on being the coolest kid in school, and they didn’t pick him first. Of course, Page has said this himself at least a half dozen times, but Dusty is genuinely amazed at Tony’s ability to piece the puzzle together and believes he’s right. Norton uses his power to overtake Page in the early going. DDP winds up staggering around after taking an avalanche, and a clothesline gets 2. Page takes a powder, and on his way back in he gives Norton a quick snapmare over the top rope. Norton is choked in the ropes, and Page liberally uses his 5 counts. Swinging neckbreaker gets 2, but Norton kicks out with some authority, launching Page several feet. A shoulderblock knocks Page off his ass, but on the follow up charge, Page uses the momentum to fall backwards into a hot shot. A pancake connects, and Page calls for the Diamond Cutter. Page tries, but Norton just throws him off mid-move, and sends Page to the floor. DDP reaches into his tights, and on his way back in, Norton picks him up. Page punches him in the face with the object repeatedly, falls on top, and gets the win at 4:10. Still completely scummy, that’s my Page. *1/2

Page stops in for a quick word with “MEAN” GENE OKERLUND on his way to the pay windah. I am loving the fact we are to believe this is happening seconds after the match, despite the fact Page is now wearing a completely different colored set of tights. Page says he’s tired of answering the exact same questions on every bloody show, he just wants to go back to where he was before all this political crap started. His focus is on the US title tournament, and he plans on walking off with the belt. Gene pressed, but Page tells him to stop asking him about Hall and Nash because he doesn’t care what they’re doing. The end.


Despite there being about 15 minutes left in the show, that was our main event, because we once again replay the entire Piper contract signing from World War 3 as the credits roll. If this is anything like last month, we can be sure we’re going to see this at least another half dozen times between now and Starrcade.

Comments

  1. This WCW run just killed Piper for me. I was hoping for like 8 Diamond Cutters to see him out the door.

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  2. People ask me the same thing about wrestling. I'm a guy with a few degrees and somehow that's supposed to make me above wrestling? I tell them it's fun and unlike the NFL, the goal isn't to hurt the other guy but protect them. And once you get that, you can start seeing the Art behind putting together a good match. Plus, it's just fun to get caught up in a good wrestling story. For me, there's nothing more fun than going to an indie show and getting caught up in booing and cheering.

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  3. Politics aside, he just sucks in the ring. I liked his 2000 run and that's basically been it. He's had a few good ones here and there, but nothing to make me stand up and say 'this guy is one of the legends now'.

    I didn't like any of those matches with UT, especially not the HITC WrestleMania match, which was atrocious. All angle and zero match. Do a move, lay around for 5 minutes. Repeat for eternity.

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  4. I thought that Austin himself made the decision. Vince had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the anti-Austin era.

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  5. Listen to the crowd during those matches. They very clearly believed the Streak was in jeopardy.

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  6. I think he's had a lot of classic matches since 2000, but a lot of smarks tend to hold him to a ridiculously high standard. Maybe because they just don't want to like him or give any credit where it's due.


    It's just kind of absurd to me that a guy who is 45 and will still take any/every bump in the ring while putting over Bryan (among many others) is condemned for being a bad worker.

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  7. I think his missed time due to injury will work against him as well.

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  8. I think they should also give him some sort of hook at the beginning of his music. It might be because there used to be the whole Sierra Hotel thing when it was the Shield theme, but it sounds generic to me.

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  9. I agree. I like how there was no way he was going to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

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  10. Ok, I'll bite. What did HHH do in 1995 that helped the business survive?

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  11. He also has an unprecedented burden of leadership for an active wrestler

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  12. I think he's a better worker than The Rock was, but I never cared for Rocky's in-ring style- too loose and over-exaggerated. Better than Austin turned into, once every Austin match turned into an arena-spanning brawl.

    But 2002-3 Trips was AWFUL. Just slow, sloppy and boring.

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  13. He was pretty bad in 02-03, but he was also wrestling guys like Kane and out of shape Scott Steiner. When he was wrestling HBK it was still good (and yeah I know HBK could carry a broom to 3 stars, but still).

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  14. I'm pretty sure Winston will get picked lower than his talent warrants because of the off-field stuff. NFL will typically avoid a risk rather than embrace one -- I'm just saying that in my view his ability to win despite all the side crap should be seen as a positive. Yeah, he's been doing dumb stuff, but at the same time, I don't think there has ever been two college athletes who have experienced what Jameis and Johnny Manziel have experienced. Just the way our society and media and social media has become, the money and the pressure, them being freshmen Heisman winners and QBs at their respective schools in football-crazed states ... Others have been famous and others have had their lives put on blast, but Winston and Manziel have been through a college experience that was unprecedented.
    Anyway, I don't think running is as important for Jameis as escaping, and he's still great at that. Everyone will compare him to Jamarcus and VY and Cam cause he's Black, but I think Jameis is closer to Roethlisberger.
    The biggest on-field knock is the slow starts, and I'd love to get in his head and see what that's about, but otherwise I'd be confident with him as my franchise QB.

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  15. His 2008-2009 is SEVERELY underrated. Old warrior Triple H had some great matches.

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  16. ehhhhhhh it could be iffy. Kane at the time was at the peak of his physical conditioning, it seemed. This was during the Half-Mask Era Ripped Kane. By the end of the feud he was unmasked, and then started just getting fatter as he aged.

    The HHH/HBK series could be amazing at times, but they also had a few stinkers- that endless Rumble match (I think) where it was Last Man Standing was a snooze-fest.

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  17. Yeah, more or less my sentiment below. He did TONS of jobs to high-profile guys in big situations. It's just... he also beat down a ton of guys that Smarks liked.

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  18. The only thing HHH inspired me to do was bang the boss' daughter.

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  19. As a young fan, I was a BIG fan of snob-era Hunter, oddly. I think I dug his lustrous hair. I wasn't even the type to automatically cheer for Heels- I just liked certain guys a lot. His Knee-based offense was also impressive.

    When he was in DX and then got a huge push, I was happier than a pig in shit. I would... come to change my opinion.

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  20. This year, HHH put over Bryan and the Shield very strongly.


    The CM Punk stuff is rubbish, but that just seems to be him and Punk not getting on, rather than a calculated move to leech of his heat

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  21. Up too late watching Backlash 02. I really liked when the crowd would chant "What!" when Austin would punch people.

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  22. Oh, you work in Tenderloin lol

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  23. When does the second round of the 90s tourney begin. The first round seems never ending.

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  24. I love wrestling for the same reason people enjoy live theatre - the audience and performers interact. That give and take just isn't there in sports. I love sports, but for a different reason. If I had any talent I'd have done some local plays or something.

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  25. He was over, but had little credibility as he never beat anyone of note. I think Rock would have been happy putting Booker over, but Rock knew that HHH would turn that to put himself over even more.

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  26. People always credit Bret Hart winning the title when business picked up, but they were wrong. The reason business picked up was because everyone wanted to see those HHH/HOG hogpen matches.

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  27. Our nation's finest comedic export.

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  28. X-Pac: Sean Waltman's place in history is very underrated and During his X-Pac run he had some really good matched before he wore out his welcome in 2000
    Triple H: A clear lover of the business who has had many amazing matches
    Vince Russo: Gave every wrestler an identifiable gimmick and thus the fans a reason to react.
    TNA: Have had periods where they have had decent wrestling and they have provided employment for many good wrestlers.
    Steve Austin's 2001 heel turn: WWE were willing to try something different instead of keeping with the same formula.

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  29. HHH is not perfect, he has his flaws such as his slightly stilted speaking pattern, his tendency to give in to his own enjoyment during promo's, his 2002-2003 run with anyone not called Shawn.
    But the idea he is this awful, terrible person who hates wrestling, is holding down everyone you have ever liked and is single handily writing the WWE is ridiculous. For every Curtis Axel he beat decisively, there's a Daniel Bryan who he put over.

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  30. Yeah. AFAIK, only the YLC match was moved to the pre-show, which they said starts at 6:20 EST. Hopefully I get to see it when it starts to avoid spoilers (3:20 is a really awkward time to start a PPV).


    Chikara is one of the few feds where you can't really guess what they might do next -- I hope it's better than where they've gone this season (which, honestly, I felt should have been broken into 2. They shouldn't even have introduced Deucalion until the season finale).

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  31. If they never showed that last replay it would've been one of the cooler spots. Looked like he got chokeslammed straight to hell.

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  32. Even as a ten year old mark I thought Raw was fucking awful during that time while SmackDown was where it was at. Hell, didn't the Austin return angle start with Vince going on Raw and straight up telling Bischoff, "This show SUCKS!" ?

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  33. "What is it that attracts us to professional wrestling?"


    I'm guessing all of our parents did copious amounts of drugs before they had us.


    Nothing else makes sense as to why I'd put up with the 85% of TNA that sucked balls for the 15% that was amazing.

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  34. The crowd seemed really into them though.

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  35. I get what you're trying to say, but I don't think he ever beat Axel. In fact, I'm pretty sure Axel has a 3-0 record against Trips.

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  36. Why is Kane still running with Rollins and Co.? When HHH and Steph were in charge, it was clear Kane didn't like having to clean up Rollins' spills and fight Rollins' battles -- clearly annoyed and maybe a little jealous that Rollins was the Authority's new golden child -- but he'd do it anyway because the bosses told him to. So now that HHH and Steph aren't in charge, why isn't Kane doing his own thing? He joined the Authority because he was doubting himself and wanted to side with those in power so he'd be protected, but now that there's no power group, what is he doing?
    I know, I'm overthinking it.
    Kane needs a repackaging. Or a return to what he used to be. I'd have him lose to Rowan at TLC, go away and make a surprise return at Royal Rumble in his old Kane gear (like the '97 version), playing the babyface role.

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  37. Prediction based on nothing: Steve Austin will be the host of WrestleMania 31.

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  38. HHH is the smartest wrestler in the history of wrestling and deserves every bit of success simply from how he played the game (pun intended). This is a guy who rolled with the Clique and managed to stay drug/trouble free and convinced Vince McMahon to put his faith in him not only as a wrestler but as an ideas man/husband to his daughter/eventually owner of the whole damn company. Bow down to the King indeed!

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  39. I think that's the kind of dick move that endeared him to Vince, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was encouraged to make life difficult for the new guy from WCW. Seems like they're pretty tight now... you're right though- total dick move

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  40. Those matches with Taker sucked. I hate old guys.

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  41. You're not overthinking it at all. That's just basic shit they should be addressing since they're storytellers and all

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  42. On a DVD about him they spent an alloted amount of time singing his praises!

    That statement about his DVD isn't just hilariously stupid--it's historically stupid.

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  43. One of the matches I love but can understand why people don't enjoy it.

    I like the two wrestlers and more specifically characters involved in the match and that created a lot of drama.

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  44. That's where I have that match. In the ***1/2-**** range. It was beautiful. A heavyweight slugfest.

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  45. Agree. Although id give Jericho directions....

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  46. Jesus wouldnt have done that.

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  47. Now if they spent the last ten minutes of everyone elses DVDs talking about how great HHH is, he'd have a point.

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  48. "Alright, that was a look into the career and life of Macho Man now please stick around for a special peek at how great Triple H is. Enjoy.

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  49. Barring a double murder suicide

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  50. I'm a Bret Fan and was in '97, which I admit colors my perception, like, a lot. Objectively speaking Shawn's a good worker. Subjectively he's one of my least favorite "legendary" performers in the history of wrestling.

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  51. But the King of Kings did that, so what does Jesus know?

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  52. Steiner also said in a shoot that when he came in he was asked to take a piss test. He said he would only take one if Hunter took it too. The matter was then dropped

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  53. Bubba Ray wasn't ready, but RVD was the most over guy on the roster. It wasted his potential

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  54. I went to see him at Humboldt State on his comedy tour, magnificently titled "Full Bush." He was quite funny and brought the house down by closing the show with "5000 Candles in the Wind."

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  55. I can see why people don't like it but we drove 14+ hours to get to Mania and by the time the show rolled around we were exhausted.


    The tombstone spot made the entire trip worth it

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  56. I'm probably the minority, but I'm really digging Show's promo work in this heel turn. He's become a decent actor.

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  57. I'll ride with you on that one. Sadly, he still stinks in the ring.

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  58. Phsycho Sid was the ruler of the world. I think he has both of them trumped.

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  59. Let's be honest. Sid has everybody trumped.

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  60. a master politician who may end up senator of Connecticut

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  61. ya it was so sloooww

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  62. ya man its should have been the great CM Punk standing aside Vince telling H to go pee in a cup!

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  63. That's fantastic.

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  64. Kane needs to be the last feud for Undertaker.

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  65. You're not wholly wrong there, but there was a way to do the Reign of Terror without giving Trips 40 minutes of every Raw, or having him squash hot acts. Let him beat established guys (Jericho, Shawn, Nash, Angle, Taker, etc.) in high-profile matches, let him do his shitty Flair knock-off stuff on Raw every now and then, and then book his feuds around guys having to get through Evolution to get to him (thereby keeping him out of the ring more often on Raw and making us less sick of him while simultaneously giving Randy and Titsta more time in the spotlight).


    Like, even just cut his promo time or frequency in half and that whole era becomes way more tolerable. Re-book it so he's not crapping on Booker/RVD/etc. and it's even better.


    Also, it's not like he stopped screwing people once the reign ended; he went over Edge pretty much just to go over Edge, for example, and it's not like he didn't get his win back from Cena, IIRC. I think Batista's the only guy (until Bryan) who's beaten Trips without Trips ever beating him. Can you name another Main Eventer like that? Besides Hogan, I mean? And I think even Hogan never got his win back against Brock or Angle, did he? Shit, I didn't watch much WCW, did Hogan ever beat Goldberg, or Sting?

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  66. I mentioned this below in a reply, but I think one of the underrated kinda damning things about Hunter is this:


    It's true for all his squashing, he's also put a lot of guys over. But in his entire run, has anyone but Batista (and for now, Bryan) beaten him without also being beaten by him? Yeah, he put over Cena/Benoit/Sheamus, but he's also beaten all of them. Even Hogan had a few guys he never beat, IIRC (Brock, Angle (I think?), Goldberg (I think?) Sting (I think?)) and even if he didn't, you don't wanna be in a group where Hogan's the only other member in a conversation like this.


    Heck, has anybody besides Hunter gone over Rock, Austin, AND Taker? And Shawn? And literally every other champ between 2000-2010 except I think Eddie (who was safely hidden away on Smackdown for most of that run)?


    It's not that he never puts guys over… it's that he's either already beaten them, or he gets his win back. Only Batista got to really, truly BEAT Trips (and maybe Bryan), and it turned him into one of the two biggest stars of the decade. THAT"S the frustrating part.


    Austin and Bret are the two main eveners I can think of who didn't put many people over that they hadn't already beaten (or would beat later), but they also basically never squashed people, and tended to put people over HUGE when they put 'em over.


    The irony is that if you put Trips in the category he wants to be in- an All-Timer Legend on the order of Austin/Rock/Hogan/Flair/HBK/Taker/Savage/Bret- he comes out looking like the biggest dick of the bunch.

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  67. The first Taker/HHH match was awful. The second was fine as a Mania spectacle, but it's nothing I'd want to go back and revisit. I watched WM28 at a bar, and the people there were laughing at Shawn's attempts to act dramatic.

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  68. Dude the emailer must be fucking high. Not on the level of Rock or Austin? Well, arguably not Rock (one of the highest grossing movie stars...but H runs a company.) But Austin? Again, dude runs the wwe. You don't get bigger than that in the industry.

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  69. Adam "Colorado" CurryDecember 8, 2014 at 12:43 AM

    The second HHH/Taker match was fucking garbage.

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  70. Big Show said it tonight, they're stuck together because of circumstance and convenience, not because of legitimate friendship. Also, the three other wrestlers in Seth's stable are people with a long history of being in groups or being peoples minions. You notice that Rusev, even though he could use the strength of a stable is independent because he has his own mission and his own boss (and Lana won't take orders from Rollins).



    Kane is a crazy guy who's deeply lonely. Being Seth's majordomo is a purpose, and nobody else in the company is willing to give Kane a chance because Kane is A) crazy and B) the Authority's lapdog. Cena isn't likely to let Kane go so unless Kane wants to quit or spend the next four months as Cena's punching bag, he needs a group, and Seth, despite his flaws, is the ONLY option available. Plus, maybe Seth's success has made Kane respect him. Rollins can trade with Cena and has Triple H-esque deviousness.


    Big Show's heel characters have always been based around taking the path of least resistance. He just cut a promo asking for the fan's forgiveness instead of actually doing something to earn it, and Seth, slimy as he might be, is willing to take Show the way he is. He also is being hunted by Cena (cause John's a vindictive asshole) and wants the help for protection


    Luke Harper...well, this is much more a stretch cause we don't much about him. Harper has 'graduated' from Wyatt's school and decided that the Authority could use some muscle and he got a title out of it. He's more interesting in killing Dolph and Dolph is Cena's lil' buddy now. Unless I see Rollins and Harper hanging backstage or conspiring together? It's just heels making match long alliances, nothing more.


    And Jamie and Joey have undying loyalty to Seth, so there's already a base group to leech off of.

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  71. Aww, not "quieter!"?

    Not bad though!

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