WWE.com Smackdown Preview
http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2013-12-20/five-point-preview-26171105
Goldberg Update
The WWE has reached out to Bill Goldberg to appear at WrestleMania. However, the word is that he "drives a hard bargain" and it doesnt appear that they are close to a deal.
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
WWE Working on a New Logo
The WWE apparently has fifteen or so logos to choose from. No word on when it will be revealed
Credit Dave Meltzer Wrestling Observer Newsletter
How Much Did AJ Styles Earn From TNA This Year
It is believed that AJ earned about $350,000 while working for TNA in 2013. It is rumored that his most recent contract would have him earn around $200,000 in 2014, although it was largely a per appearance deal.
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
NXT Name and Gimmick Change
Leo Kruger will now be known as "Adam Rose." His character is going to be that of a crazy rock star, reportedly based off of Russell Brand's "Aldus Snow" character from the films "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek."
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2013-12-20/five-point-preview-26171105
Goldberg Update
The WWE has reached out to Bill Goldberg to appear at WrestleMania. However, the word is that he "drives a hard bargain" and it doesnt appear that they are close to a deal.
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
WWE Working on a New Logo
The WWE apparently has fifteen or so logos to choose from. No word on when it will be revealed
Credit Dave Meltzer Wrestling Observer Newsletter
How Much Did AJ Styles Earn From TNA This Year
It is believed that AJ earned about $350,000 while working for TNA in 2013. It is rumored that his most recent contract would have him earn around $200,000 in 2014, although it was largely a per appearance deal.
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
NXT Name and Gimmick Change
Leo Kruger will now be known as "Adam Rose." His character is going to be that of a crazy rock star, reportedly based off of Russell Brand's "Aldus Snow" character from the films "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek."
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
I wonder if this means they will make yet another new Championship belt?
ReplyDeleteWell it is the 10th anniversary of one of the shittiest matches in 'Mania history, it is appropriate Goldberg commemorate it... actually Goldberg hates wrestling and he should be kept far away from it forever.
ReplyDeleteSounds like they are grooming "Leo Kruger" to be the next member of 3MB.
ReplyDeleteI'd mark out if it was because Vince actually saw FSM
ReplyDeleteI'd be ok with that. I like the belt, but it always seems to be held upside down. If they're serious about keeping the championship unified they should have a new belt and they've been needing to get rid of that scratch logo for years.
ReplyDeleteI never liked when Jericho was running around with two belts.
Hope not, oh and by the way, thanks a lot Jef, because of that Magnus theme joke you made I liked it so much that I actually tracked the song down and bought a copy from iTunes. Amazingly it is a real song and not one made by TNA.
ReplyDeleteNot exactly a role you want to be groomed for.
ReplyDeleteI dont get the appeal in bringing him back anyway. Do they really need a five minute match with a former star to beat Ryback, who has been cooled off considerably over the past several months.
ReplyDeleteI remember as we were approaching Wrestlemania XX, there were news reports all over that WWE was going to introduce a new logo, and that Vince was going to do it at MSG during the pay-per-view.
ReplyDeleteThen McMahon came out during the PPV and we all expected the new logo and got... nothing. I'll believe we get a new logo when I see it.
Ahahahahaha, I didn't think of that. Yeah, they'd kind of have to.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, at least 3MB is used on TV and house shows on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteWould the current crowd of young'uns actually care about a Goldberg appearance, anyway?
ReplyDeleteTrue, but once you get labeled as a jobber, it is extremely difficult to get the fans to buy into a push later on, especially today.
ReplyDeleteNo, but the adults that will outnumber the kids will.
ReplyDeleteI dont even care to see him, to be honest.
ReplyDeleteIt's way past the time to replace the scratch logo. Hopefully we actually get a new logo this time as it's been rumored so many times.
ReplyDeleteWM Match: Team 'roid monkey: Warrior/Goldberg/Ryback vs. 3MB to get the nostalgia pop out of the way
ReplyDelete"Drives a hard bargain"...just say "is delusional on his market value withing the wrestling world at this point"
ReplyDeleteJust keep Warrior away from a mic.
ReplyDeleteI think the more accurate answer is "Is financially set and doesn't have any particular love for pro wrestling, so has no reason to show up unless it's really worth his while.
ReplyDeleteI've read that there are rumors WWE thinks the same way regarding Ryback and prefers someone like Roman Reigns as Goldbergs opponent.
ReplyDeleteBoth are accurate
ReplyDeleteI'd highly support this. Partially to see how many pulled ligaments team roid monkey would pull in the match.
ReplyDelete*cue stereotypical Jewish joke*
ReplyDeleteWhere did he get his money from, that car show of his or The Longest Yard?
ReplyDeleteJACK OF ALL THREADS:
ReplyDeleteSurvivor Series buyrate is in:
95,000 North America
84,000 International
179,000 total
Kind of weird that they'd start pushing Kruger again right now and then jettison the gimmick. I'd say CJ Parker is the one more desperately in need of a redo and he would probably fit that gimmick better, too.
ReplyDeleteHe's moonlights as Rocks accountant. ..Ira Goldberg
ReplyDeleteHe made enough money in pro wrestling to be financially comfortable for a really long time if he managed it wisely.
ReplyDeleteUh, yeah, welcome to yesterday when I already posted that.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking that.
ReplyDeleteThe more I say that the more sounds like the name of a Japanese cartoon.
ReplyDeleteThis is what happens when I go a full 24 hours without coming to the Blog of Doom. BLARGH!
ReplyDeleteI'm self-downvoting on this one.
Ugh, CJ Parker.
ReplyDeleteOpposite of Self High Five?
ReplyDeleteI'd like a belt where the center plate is just a gif of multifarious asses.
ReplyDeleteShe was hot on Baywatch
ReplyDeleteI just hope he does a good Brand impersonation.
ReplyDeleteAdam Rose? I see Vince finally got around to hearing "Welcome to the Jungle".
ReplyDeleteBecause the articles go away after 24 hours and you can't catch up before commenting?
ReplyDelete#noexcuses
Trying to get Vinson some work?
ReplyDeleteThen I hope Pat Patterson isn't in on the design.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, would Goldberg move the needle AT ALL for WM 30 buyrates?? I can see Hogan being of value to wwe more as like an ambassador/pr guy, but I don't think adding Goldberg would be a 1% increase in buys.
ReplyDeleteIt would have worked in the Attitude era.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention the last thing THIS BUSINNES needs is one more giant dick bag getting over paid for contributing nothing
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted Val Venis and The Godfather to get a tag title run so they could get custom belts.
ReplyDeleteWasn't their initial plan during the Attitude Era that everyone would get their own belt? I vaguely remember a Brahma Bull belt was made for Rock, but just never used.
ReplyDeleteI dont get Kruger in that gimmick either.
ReplyDeleteAnd when it comes to Parker, I dont ever see him making the main roster. He has no skill that stands out at all
Yup. No idea what value wwe sees in Goldberg that would justify his hefty price tag
ReplyDeleteAnd then what? Set up an early feud with RTC before Godfather joined?
ReplyDeleteGroup Low Negative Five?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan.
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad to any wrestler with some leverage against vince
ReplyDeleteCeleb net worth says he's worth 12 million. I dont know his lifestyle, but that's definitely alot of money but not a ton in ccelebrity terms.
ReplyDeleteBring back the classic logo
ReplyDeleteThis is why I like the fact Sting never went there despite all of the bitching and moaning that people do.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming he'll have a valet named Eve?
ReplyDeleteManager named Slash.
ReplyDeleteSeriously. John Cena used to have the old block logo in his "Word Life" shirt and it looked just fine without the "F" part. It's a classic look that will continue to age well, unlike the scratch logo, which just looks silly now, when the product has changed so radically.
ReplyDeleteWhat would his finisher be called?
ReplyDeleteRemove the words "from a mic" from that sentence.
ReplyDeleteFixed.
I really don't see the need in bringing even MORE old-timers back, when we're likely to have several at WM already. Actually go back to making Mania about the guys you HAVE full-time, and not the guys you wish you had full-time.
ReplyDeleteHe's a shoe-in!
ReplyDeleteand...a crazy rock star would be wrestling...because?
ReplyDeleteFuck it. If we can have a dentist, garbage man, repo man, and a plumber, why the hell not?
Appetite for Destruction.
ReplyDelete"My throat hurts so I'm going to walk offstage and cause a riot."
ReplyDeleteA bit wordy, but it should work.
350 k is on part with what guys like Kofi make in a year I'm assuming.
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I heard the name Godlberg was attached to a wrestler. My first thought was "what? Angry accountant?"
ReplyDeleteWWE has reached out to Bill Goldberg to appear at Wrestlemania.
ReplyDeletehttp://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p83/kimmie_holkins/funny.gif
It's a double edged sword but bringing back the old timers definitely makes mania feel special and protects the brand. It hurts that they take up spots wwe could use to showcase their regulars but I still think the use of old timers is a net gain
ReplyDeleteIf they do get a new logo, I imagine it will be that WWE Network one.
ReplyDeleteThat's a limited list too. Stone Cold, Rock, and maybe Batista?
ReplyDeleteBecause those gimmicks all failed?
ReplyDeleteBecause he's crazy, duh.
ReplyDeleteIt's a silly idea, but a crazy rock star who decides to take up pro wrestling for the hell of it and because he's a long time fan (and he's crazy) makes a tad more sense than say - an evil wrestling tax accountant.
That conversation would go something like this:
ReplyDeleteMichael Hayes: Can you act like a drunk skinny English moron?
Kruget: "Sure."
*staggers around hall and mumbles incoherently*
Michael Hayes: "No. That's too Ozzy Ozbourne. Be a little more coherent."
Kruger: "OK, like this."
*staggers around hall and mumbles slightly incoherently*
Michael Hayes: "Not bad. Add a touch of Sid Vicious."
Kruger: "You want me to stab you with scissors?"
Michael Hayes: "No, dumbass..not THAT Sid Vicious, The Guy from the Sex Pistols."
Kruger: "Interesting..Like this?
*pretends to OD*
Michael Hayes: " Now rave like a lunatic like Noel Gallagher."
Kruger: "You want me to hit people with a sledgehammer? Won't HHH get mad?"
Michael Hayes:NO, Not THAT Gallagher..the guy from Oasis."
How's this?
*Pushes the intern walking by and curses her out for not bringing him beer*
Michael Hayes: "Perfect. Now I need you to grow a unibrow and try to get your teeth a crooked as possible before the next PPV.
Kruger: "..."
I can't speak for that obviously, but regardless he's not desperate for cash.
ReplyDeleteIf they really want to push him, put him in 3mb and relive the Rock/Farooq NOD feud.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, he's doing well for himself and trying to make positive contributions to the world. I have tremendous respect for what's he's trying to accomplish with the head injuries.
ReplyDeleteJust pointing out where his career likely ended. Edge basically gave him an unprotected legdrop right on the forehead. Ouch.
It would get a great crowd reaction if Ryback cleared a few guys in the Rumble and was alone when Goldberg's music hit. The place would come unglued. However, since Ryback has been shuffled down the card I don't see this happening.
ReplyDeleteI'd be intrigued by Goldberg coming back and I liked his character, although I was more of a WWF watcher in the 1990s than WCW and I missed his 2003-2004 run. The WWE needs a few bad ass characters right now and if Goldberg came in and destroyed some people before maybe losing to Reigns that would be worth the money.
They are just desperate because their crappy booking has left them with very few draws and they are panicked that without the Rock the next WM is going to draw a far lower buyrate.
ReplyDeleteHuh, I'd totally disagree with this—— I don't think Goldberg is anywhere near worth it. The dude had a superhot year or so fifteen years ago in a company that no longer exists for a fanbase that has pretty much stopped following. Then he was last in WWE, what, 10 years ago? And it's not like he got over tremendously well that year anyway— his last match he was booed out of the building.
ReplyDeleteAnd what mainstream anything has Goldberg done since then? Not to be a dick as I'm asking seriously— have I missed any movies or TV shows that he's been in? As far as I can tell, the dude has pretty much dropped off the face of the earth. Can't imagine anyone in the "mainstream gives half a shit about this guy.
So yeah, I'd say he'd totally be a bust if they brought him in now. His wrestling fandom is cultish at best at this point, the current audience of kids and such have ZERO idea who he is, and he's not a public figure anymore. Why pay him a bunch to squash an everyday guy and get a mediocre reaction from the crowd?
Serious question, why do you think Goldber is a draw at thia point? His wwe run was pretty unmemorable and its been 15 years since he was really relevant. Hes been in a movie or two but doesnt have the main stream pub to pull in non wrestling fans. I cant see him moving the buyrates
ReplyDeleteExactly why I love it so much.
ReplyDeleteIf you're into drugs and trim pro wrestling has traditionally been a pretty good place to go (granted, not as much as being a rock star. Much higher quality drugs and skanks).
ReplyDeleteSame here. The Goldberg chants seemed like they came about as a way to fuck with Ryback, not because there's a huge fanbase that's actually clamoring for Bill Goldberg.
ReplyDeleteKinda wish I would've bit on the Wonder Woman sale comixology had going a few days ago. I read the first three or four issues of Azzarello's Wonder Woman but never kept with it for whatever reason. I've been hearing good things. I'll have to pick up some trades after Christmas.
ReplyDeleteOuch! To quote Shawn Michaels: "Now THAT'S gonna leave a mark!"
ReplyDeleteKinda why im shocked they aernt going cena/UT. I think that does 1.2 easy
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of this. I like goldberg also but I dont think his presence would increase WM by 1% in terms of buyrates.
ReplyDeleteI have no words for this.
ReplyDeleteI will say I chuckled at the Undertaker-Maven segment.
ReplyDeleteIt seems pretty obvious to me that we can expect them to bring back Hogan, Batista, Goldberg and maybe a couple other legends to lose to HHH in a Gauntlet Match.
ReplyDeleteNo problem. What is the name of the song?
ReplyDeleteI like how Lawler had a "Unified" belt with all of the organizations names on it.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair some of the ideas worked. Taker being the best example. I also really liked I.R.S., The Godfather, Val Venis was a fun character I always thought but I understand why he gets no love.
ReplyDelete"Hellllooo, Ladies."
Are we sure? I remember hearing a few years back that most midcarders don't break six figures, and probably only hit in the $50,000-$75,000, which may still seem like a lot until you realize these guys are on the hook for transportation, health care, and their own gear. It's one of the reasons guys like Raven and Colt were okay with working indys, because they could make more doing that.
ReplyDeleteBut with an easier schedule
ReplyDeleteWhat is fucked up about boxing is I can win a belt and never defend it. Not to mention the fact that they keep creating titles.
ReplyDeleteOne of the heavyweight champions gave up his portion of the title so they made him some bullshit called "champion emeritus." meaning that if he decides to fight again, he will automatically get a shot at the title upon his return, if he wants one.
How do you give UP a title but still be GIVEN a title? Who books this shit?
Smackdown: (yawn)
ReplyDeleteGoldberg: Good for him.
WWE: About damn time.
Styles: Guesstimate much?
Kruger: Let's bring back the early-mid 90s, absolutely. Every Superstar needs a day job, after all...
That said Scott writes for, whatculture.com, has Del Rio making 625 k and khali making a million. I'd bet Kofi makes at least 350-400 with merchandise money
ReplyDeleteYou really think he would bring in mainstream attention? Has he really done anything in the past decade that would make his appearance newsworthy to the outside world? Honestly, I think Hogan would bring in the most mainstream attention and Batista would bring in the most "curious viewers" because he's a lot fresher in the minds of the casual fans.
ReplyDeleteIt's a short term gain at best. And it WILL damage WWE long-term, once the "Legends" literally cannot go anymore.
ReplyDeleteLeo Kruger was one of their better names too.
ReplyDeleteI think 3MBs injury count after the match would be just as entertaining.
ReplyDeleteDel Rio is considered a top talent. Khali is a special attraction and probably makes more because he's their gateway into India. Kofi probably breaks six figures when you account for merchandise, but I doubt it's anywhere near that much.
ReplyDeleteFun gimmick, too. Who couldn't get behind a psychotic big game hunter?
ReplyDeleteThey've been doing it for years. When WM needs a draw they bring in tyson, donald, pull rock out of their ass for 3 years, Hogan for 18, the fucking streak, etc. When this current group of legends can't go they'll bring in Jericho or a retired Punk or whatever to sell the show
ReplyDeletespider-man
ReplyDeleteBrutus Beefcake disagrees with you.
ReplyDeleteAnd anyone sane disagrees with Bruti.
That's probably why he rides with Punk..
ReplyDeleteClever.
ReplyDeleteYou got me curious about this. Celeb net worth has kofi at 254 k downside guarantee, pre merchandise money
ReplyDeleteFuture suicide bomber?
ReplyDeleteLast time Goldberg was there he had a problem with the way he was booked. He's probably looking for a Brock Lesnar type deal. They may be desperate enough to give him one. The people pining for a Goldberg return already watch the product.
ReplyDelete..and current blog poster Jesse Baker.
ReplyDeleteAnd if he did I'll bet you HHH gets at least on of those matches.
ReplyDeleteI did not expect to get so invested in the Wonder Woman series in the nu52. I could never stay invested in the previous series, but I tried it out because I like Azzarello. It was the best decision I made in September 2011.
ReplyDeletePicking up the available trades is highly recommended.
YEAH! Shame on you for having a life!
ReplyDelete..waitaminute.
I agree even though it doesn't make any sense, but that's never stopped him before.
ReplyDeleteRoyal Rumbles >>>> Paul Roma
ReplyDeleteOh for fucks sake....now Goldberg? They really and truly have no intention of having new stars at any point do they? Why not book Backlund and Sammartino while we're at it?
ReplyDeleteBravo, sir.
ReplyDeleteShh! The wrong people are listening! Don't give them any ideas!
ReplyDeleteI'm just trying to look at this from WWE's perspective. It doesn't make sense to be paying him that much money to do what he does. You could pay any indy geek a fraction of that and the crowd wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
ReplyDeleteTotally. He didn't set the world on fire in 2003...why would he in 2014? He had a hot year, as you mentioned....and that was 15 yrs ago
ReplyDeleteHey, don't you doubt the BoD's ability to post newsworthy items in the world of professional wrestling
ReplyDeleteI only want Goldberg back if we get a Wrestlemania rematch between him and Brock Lesnar. Imagine the crowd reaction for that.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he would have any impact one way or the other. Honestly, if there was a lockeroom backlash to the ROCK coming back....they seriously have to be ready to mutiny now with rumor that Hogan and Goldberg might be getting big paydays
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. I've only ever taken it as the fans being smart-asses. Not some desire to see Goldberg face Ryback (or anyone for that matter)
ReplyDeleteHas the WWE made an offer for Man Mountain Rock to return at WM30?
ReplyDeleteWrestlemania XXX: A Legend's Reunion cause when we steal ideas from WCW it's always the one's that were crap.
ReplyDeleteAustin podcast with Cornette up!
ReplyDeleteGoldberg didn't move the meter in 2003 and that was 11 years ago. Let's recall that even by 2000, a lot of the shine had worn off the Goldberg phenomenon. He was hot in '98/'99. A nostalgia pop for a Royal Rumble surprise entry would be guaranteed, but I don't see him translating to significant buys or a rub for anyone. I've never taken the chants as anything more than the fans busting Ryback's balls, not some desire to see a Goldberg-Ryback match
ReplyDeleteGawd, I didn't even think of that. CM Punks head would explode
ReplyDeleteI think it's just the going rate for midcarders. Some indy guys would do it for cheaper, but just think it's a salary infrastructure they have in place
ReplyDeleteExactly. The chants were to fuck with Ryback, not to express the desire to see Goldberg. Those chants are the most relevant Goldbergs been in wrestling in 10 years. That's saying something
ReplyDeleteBefore delving too far into WWE's perspective, just remember that they're paying JTG -- at all.
ReplyDeleteAh, in retrospect I'd bet 99% of the "heat" Rock had was just WWE working the crowd on purpose. It played into the storyline that they wanted for Mania 28 (which the crowd rejected) that Cena was the hardworking WWE guy that you SHOULD CHEER FOR GODDAMN IT, and The Rock was an ungrateful outsider.
ReplyDeleteAnd Punk was probably angling for a match against Rock from day 1, and he's one of two guys who actually got the match so good on him.
They use that logo quite a bit for anything Legends and Classics related.
ReplyDeleteWasn't the biggest fan of this one. Loved Jericho's podcast with Edge though.
ReplyDeleteThe song is called VS the World by Under the Influence.
ReplyDeletePunk: "Yep, and when my head explodes Lita is gonna swal-"
ReplyDelete***PLEASE STAND BY***
I don't think he would bring mainstream attention but Goldberg would carry name value to old wrestling fans (specifically of WCW) that left and did not return. He would draw some people in that demographic. However, so would Sting if you could get him and I have a hunch that Sting would be the guy they would much rather work with if they had their druthers.
ReplyDeleteI do think wwe was working g people with it but I think you're severely underestimating the actual backlash against rock by the other guys. It's only human nature to get jealous and petty over payouts, roster spots, etc. Sure you can say he brought more eyeballs and a bigger payout purse to WMs, not everyone is objective or selfless enough to see that initially. I absolutely think that certain individuals were pissed off about his return
ReplyDeleteI read the SD spoilers, that show sounds crazy stacked for some odd reason. Also, bring back Goldberg, he was awesome.
ReplyDeleteHe gets paid now, I'd bet he gets alot quieter about it. Back when "Dwayne" came back he was a JTTS
ReplyDeleteHe was in the Longest Yard remake.
ReplyDeleteI kind of feel bad for Styles. He is a phenomenal (no pun intended) talent in the ring and on workrate ability should be in WWE. His promo cutting is a different story.
ReplyDeleteHowever, now not only can he apparently not get into WWE without starting over and taking a pay cut, he is getting almost a 50% pay cut from the company he currently works for. Stinks when you are talented and have to take less money for your services.
Threadjackalope
ReplyDeleteI'm watching through all the Survivor Series. Why? Something to do. I'm on 1992, if anyone else is bored and wants to make snide comments.
Man, 1991 was maybe the worst PPV ever. But, 1992 starts with Rev. Slick, which is great.
The way you put Dwayne in quotes makes me think of when Punk said his name in a whiny voice.
ReplyDeleteAwww... Happy-go-lucky Owen in High Energy. Good times.
ReplyDeleteHope you got a supply of top shelf booze to help you get through them
ReplyDeleteFavorite Spider-Man story?
ReplyDeleteAgree with Scott. Superior is so much fun. I just worry it won't get the ending it deserves. They will have to do something to make me glad Peter comes back. A major change to the character. My idea: Ock has stolen his body and erased his mind, but his SOUL is out there somewhere. Dr. Strange finds he is in limbo because of his deal with Mephisto and in order to be set free, he has to undo the deal. Thus Aunt May has to die.
Favorite Batman story?
Dark Knight Returns
Favorite video game - all time?
Skyrim is the only game to get three playthroughs out of me.
Favorite ongoing comic?
Either Walking Dead or Superior are my first reads.
Favorite comic book movie?
The Avengers. Dreams put to film.
Cyclops or Wolverine?
Cyclops...the heel turn was a great move for him.
Favorite horror film - all time?
The Strangers
Grant Morrison - Yay or Nay?
Big nay. He works pretty well with Superman (though I think All Star is overrated), but his Batman run is the worst I've ever read.
LOL, that's why I did it. He sorta-shooted on the guy when he was a JTTS, two years later he's a ME'er and gets to work with him and get paid for it. And had two high profile matches on his WM that did huge houses and big buyrates. So I doubt he's complaining about the geezer brigade anymore.
ReplyDeleteIt would be like interpreting every "Whoo" as a desire to see Ric Flair wrestle the guy currently in the ring. Or every "What?" chant to mean they want Stone Co...well, that's a bad example because people really would want to see Steve Austin.
ReplyDeleteIt would be fascinating however, if WWE is bringing Goldberg back because they think the chants mean fans want him around. The same fans that chant for "Daniel Bryan" incessantly throughout entirely unrelated tv segments and matches. . .but they are willing to spend big money to answer a "Goldberg" chant?
Backlund unlike Hogan could probably still go 20.
ReplyDeleteThat was pretty good.
ReplyDeleteGoldberg is an attraction and is best for business.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite spot was Brock throwing out Benjamin and Haas.
ReplyDeleteA Russell Brand character. Still letting that one sink in.
ReplyDeleteI'd be ok if Backlund was WMXXX.
ReplyDeleteArabic translates rather dramatically to English.
ReplyDeleteAt the very least you could see WWE (as a company) bringing Rock back because he is still very relevant as a mainstream icon. He is one of the most recognizable hollywood guys in the world and has his roots in WWE, so I get it. With guys like Goldberg though, it's seriously perplexing. He hasn't been a hot commodity since about 1999 and had very little impact in 2003 for his token WWE run.
ReplyDeleteHe is going to have to tone the act down in this PG era.
ReplyDeleteSad that IRS wasn't his silliest gimmick. How he went from Captain of the Varsity Club to sea captain with his First Mate Norman is... special.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid I loved the extra survivors match in the 90 show. I saw it a few weeks ago and its just a house show main event, but it still felt fun.
ReplyDeleteKhali makes a million a year?? And they keep him employed?
ReplyDeleteOther business decisions are suddenly making even more sense now...
Reading these, people seem to be annoyed by the old timers coming back for mania. Sure it's a double edged sword...the old timers take up spots to showcase regulars but their returns help give WM THE big show feel and protect the brand. I don't think they'll do a ton for business but more people are interested in seeing Hogan and Goldberg then Dolph and Kofi.
ReplyDeleteIt's a net gain overall I believe. Everyone says "what happens when the old timers can't go anymore? " Well WWE will repaint guys like Jericho or RVD as historically great and bring them in. Or a retired Punk. Or pull Rock out of their asses. Or bring in Donald Trump or another high profile celeb to sell the show.
No Question. How many belts are in those belts now?
ReplyDeleteI think the European and the Hardcore title are in their somewhere. Plus the light heavyweight and maybe the cruiserweight? Which would actually make all 8 of Ultimo Dragon's belts also in there I think.
Hrmm.
That was 2002.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Jinder Mahal has returned to put hot up and comer Larry Jawler in his legendary Mahall of Pain! Jawler is out!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhere is flair? Isn't he under a contract. Get his ass on TV asap
ReplyDeleteThis is what I would have said if I'd gotten here first.
ReplyDeleteGoldberg isn't bringing anything of value.
Couldn't believe that either. He's got the best job ever. Him and backup QBs
ReplyDeleteUndertaker is the perfect example. It boggles the mind that he has Legend status 20+ years after debuting that gimmick. Goofy cartoon undertaker character and all the ridiculous "supernatural" insults to our intelligence...yet Mark Callaway has rocked it for 20 years and keeps himself a draw in 2014. Impressive, considering the scrap heap of other failed gimmicks
ReplyDelete92 is a good show. Flair and hall vs perfect and savage and isn't hbk vs hart on that?
ReplyDeleteYeah it is now that I checked. That's one of the best shows ever. I believe you even get yokos debut squash
ReplyDeleteNot even a little bit. You could make the case that Goldberg didn't move any needles after about 1998. Hogan at the very least has a legacy with the company and absolutely should make a token appearance (just NOT in a match, please). Goldberg was a one-year phenomenon that did not translate to significant impact in WWE once the initial hype wore off. If he wasn't all that special in 2003, why would he be in 2014? I don't think the money it would cost is worth the inevitable ill-will from the rest of the talent. The Rock was one thing, but Goldberg is not the least bit relevant in wrestling even, let alone in the "mainstream publicity" sense.
ReplyDeleteIt trains the fanbase to believe that a show is only important if the Undertakers, HBKs, and other retreads are on it. The rest of the year is just filler. Nothing else gets treated as important and we are trained to dismiss it whenever it involves any of the "regulars". I mean, they just did a title unification match between their two biggest regular "stars" and it didn't feel half as important as some Legend challenging Undertaker's streak. We have been trained to know that shit just doesn't matter until Wrestlemania. That's a horrible business model and has an impact on why nobody else is perceived as a draw. There is a significant boost in buyrate and revenue for the show itself, but a drastic drop-off for the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteExcept the problem is, will the current crop of guys even be special when they return? Obviously Cena will, and I'd argue Punk and Orton too (Bryan CAN be, provided his push continues). Soon they won't have legends OR current guys to fall back on.
ReplyDeleteIt's a "different" situation only because the WWE has FAILED at bringing up a true current generation of stars.
ReplyDeleteThat might change in the future, but considering the direction they want to go to find new talent, I really wouldn't hold my breath waiting.
No way does Khali make a mil. He might have used to make that back in the day, but not now. Remember he left the WWE for awhile and they brought him back for the EC match a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteI highly doubt WWE offered him a mil a year while knowing how limited and useless he is.
re: Survivor Series 1992. . .why was a Papa Shango, Kamala, Headshrinkers stable never a thing? Seems like a natural combination of characters, especially for the Kamala feud with Undertaker.
ReplyDeleteBrock's smile had such boy-like glee!
ReplyDeleteIt made my head explode also. They could be going off prior salary stuff but it was written this year. 3rd slide
ReplyDeletehttp://whatculture.com/wwe/wwe-10-wrestlers-salaries-wont-believe.php/5
I think it worked for Jericho because his character was so flamboyant and full of himself at the time....he seemed like the type of person that WOULD parade with two belts just to remind everybody that he holds both titles. It looks awkward with other people, particularly Orton (like when he drapes both belts over his shoulder, with one over the other).
ReplyDeleteI imagine we'll get the same title design, only the logo will be replaced.
I disagree with this idea, but WWE sees Khali as their "bridge" into India. And 1.2 BILLION pairs of eyeballs makes WWE think "We'd better make damn sure that bridge is happy and well paid."
ReplyDeleteThey'll never make much off of that crowd, but the THOUGHT is enough to make him worth a million per year. Same reason corporations are willing to make concessions in China to get storefronts there. The masses are there, even if the money isn't as "good" as elsewhere.
If all these guys are making returns at Wrestlemania, then they should really just go with it and say that's what they are going for for the 30th anniversary. All the Legends coming back for the biggest "showcase of the immortals" ever.
ReplyDeleteIts impossible. They're wrong.
ReplyDeleteVery fair point
ReplyDeleteWhere's Gillberg, speaking of legends?
ReplyDeleteSomewhere, there's a 90s WCW gimmick jonesing for that feud.
ReplyDeleteShhhh... that's WWE's "surprise" opponent for DB at WMXXX.
ReplyDeleteNot every generation will have a Rock or Austin. They can push these guys as stars all they want but Punk and Cena will never reach that level. They were riding such a wave of business due to those guys they didn't need celebs or any other special attraction besides those 2 to sell anythjng
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty much the way I referred to him for awhile, following his comeback speech on Raw where he said he was back, never leaving again, and that it wasn't about the money. I wasn't really following WWE then, but I happened to catch it on TV during a break at work. Really ticked me off, actually.
ReplyDeleteAll that said, if what they are actually going for is "Wrestlemania XXX: The Showcase of the Legends" sort of thing, then I think it works just fine as a one-off. If we are indeed getting Michaels, Goldberg, Batista, Hogan, Taker, Lesnar, HHH, et al. If that's what they are going for, then I think you MUST get an appearance by Rock and Austin while you're at it, even if it's just to present Hogan with a lifetime achievement award or something.
ReplyDeleteAwwww...Lita? Really? You chunked one of my fave Jef gimmicks.
ReplyDeleteYou're in the NBA's "WE NEED THE NEXT JORDAN NOW!" mindset.
ReplyDeleteRun with what you have, and let them build their own legacies. But WWE being a "corporation" has pretty much killed that off permanently IMO.
This. Don't they even edit his matches that are shown in India so that he's never shown to be on the defensive and they never show him being pinned?
ReplyDeleteChrist. If this fucking idiot was living here, he'd end up on Nanny 911. Here's a thought, assclown. CONTROL YOUR FUCKING KIDS.
ReplyDeleteFuck.