I've been thinking... when Cena does eventually turn heel (and no, I don't think it's going to happen any time soon), he is set up to be perhaps the best, most meta heel since HBK in the DX days.
I can just imagine him using all the things that crowds have said against him back at them.
"Spoiler: Cena Wings" as a catchphrase, or doing the 5-knuckle shuffle about 5 times in a row in the middle of a match, just because he knows people hate it, or 'I can't wrestle... and it doesn't matter, cause I'm still gonna beat your heroes every night and sell more merchandise than them'
Just a full acknowledgement and embrace of why fans hate him, and using it against them.
Being interesting and entertaining will always get performers face pops to some degree. It's what happened with Orton in 2009/2010 as well. Look at The Shield/Wyatts. Both of those groups are set up as heels, yet they're both getting face reactions simple because they're too of the more entertaining entities on TV right now.
Personally, I think the WWE should stop fucking worrying about ensuring the crowd responds to their product exactly as they predict/believe they should, and worry more about ensuring the crowd is reacting to anything at all.
Batista definitely threw tantrums over not getting his way (hence hot-shotted title reigns throughout 2009), Orton's track-record is that he's just an asshole, but he doesn't seem to argue over whether he should get the title, or whether he should put somebody over or anything.
The only thing I dislike about Cena is the no-sell of certain devastating maneuvers (the DDT on the concrete during the Nexus/WWE match, the Orton Punt, Brock in general), but I think the bookers are more of a problem with his character than Cena is. I think he's a tremendous performer who brings the goods on PPV, has some fantastic chemistry with certain guys, good on the mic, tireless as a company man, takes the negative stuff in stride, and makes the kids happy. This shirt goes in the "pro" column for me, I kinda want one.
I'm not sure if it's the company so much as Cena. Performers are pretty involved in the creation of their merchandise, since it's often a major (if not THE major) source of income for themselves.
And I have no problem with Cena taking playful shots at a part of the fanbase that has basically been taking shots at him for the better part of 10 years. And it's barely a 'shot' so much as a true and just observation of behavior.
I don't think any particular wrestling storylines, excluding returning guys like Rock, really are capable of popping sustainable business a significant amount. The brand is now the draw. The only people watching are the die hards and smarts. If Cena turn, well be entertained, but will it really draw in casual fans? I'm not sure.
If the extenuating storyline is huge, sure it'll pop business. I just can't think of any storyline they could do that would fit that description. The last real epic storyline they did with the regular roster guys was the Punk 2011 tthing
Interesting point. Jericho brought it up in his podcast this past week when someone complained that Bryan can't sell as much merch because of the hideous and lame goat stuff. Jericho went on to say that he had to personally approve 100% of the merchandise bearing his name and likeness. In addition to that, there are plenty of documented cases where the wrestler designs the merch themselves. The wrestlers, in this case, have a lot more say.
I love the Greatest Hits on this blog. With the advent of the network, I can cue this up and have some fun. When we get more RAWs and Smackdowns, this can really be a fun feature. Nice job, Ross!
Lol I don't have a girlfriend considering the evening was meant to be 'dress in drag' I take that as a compliment... wow talk about this thing escalating quickly.
Threadjack: gentleman I have learned something.....in bed make it all about her...you would be amazed how much you get away with the rest of the time...
Yes, make it about her, if you're not already, get good at oral. But don't just go stampeding for the clitoris either. Draw it out, kiss, touch, rub every part of her body. Kiss, nibble, stroke her thighs before going for oral. Really extend the foreplay, I don't get guys who say they don't like foreplay. Seriously? What are you going to do with that extra time you saved? Catch up on your DVR? Fuck you! Also during oral don't just lay your hands there, rub all around her body. I have it on good authority dead fish hands suck.
On the flip side of all this, don't feel bad or anything when she wants to make you the center of attention. Go with it. Also, it doesn't sound like you are but don't use sex as a reward or punishment or a way to get away with things. And don't let her get away with doing that either. It can sour a whole sexual relationship. Have fun man.
HHH was promised to win KOTR 96 if he did the job for Warrior, but the MSG Kliq incident put the kibosh on that. Also FWIW it was originally supposed to be Goldust vs Razor Ramon, but Razor got "injured"... dunno if they went with the stupid O.J. chase bit after they put Piper in his place. Seems like Vince didn't think Piper could still go after 92.
Yeah, I remember the build for the Razor-Goldust match and the sudden change. I imagine they used the OJ footage to fill out time, and since they were still in a phase when these stupid meta references were much more common, but I wouldn't be surprised if the plan was always to use the OJ footage somehow.
The HHH-Warrior stuff makes sense. But it still made HHH look really bad, then he gets taken down by Johnny B. Badd later in the show? He didn't have a very good day.
I wouldn't be surprised if HHH and Mero were slated to feud over the spring and summer, but again, MSG... next thing you know he's doing jobs for, of all things, Henry Godwinn.
well it is VITAL information. Act unselfish and considering towards women, and they MIGHT see that as a good thing. Hope you're all taking notes as I am.
Finished Survivor series 87, watched the Rumble 88, and......now starting WM IV. Sigh...Wrestlemania 4. Was my second PPV I got at a kid and was my first Mania...such a boring blah loooooong show.
Couldn't the same be said for every storyline that prompted a wrestling boom? Hulkamania (in general), the nWo, and Austin vs. McMahon weren't ideas everyone was throwing around beforehand.
I will never for the life of me figure out why we didn't get a Savage/steamboat rematch so that we could have one good match, Savage get his win back, and even more face rub for savage from Steamboat by like raising his hand at the end or something.
There hasn't been anything that moved the needle significantly since Austin/Vince. The business model is so different now. Wwe wants the brand to be the draw above all else now. If Cena turns heel, it'll be when they have another "wwe avatar" ready on the face side to take over Cenas responsibly. Cena turning will be newsworthy and spike business for a short period, but wwe then will still ingratiate heel Cena into the same booking they do now. They'll never let something get as big as the nwo or Austin anymore
Some one explain to me after a boring show with a dead crowd...why did they come back to trump for a second year in a row? The crowd is so dead for this show.
I think the Trump people might have been guaranteeing them money for the show... I seem to recall reading in an official history of WrestleMania book that one of the Mania event planners said they made more on IV than they did on III, which is why they went back.
I just got around to watching this show on the Network, and I have a couple comments:
1. How great is Regal on commentary? He can get something as simple as a wristlock over simply by focusing it instead of Twitter or some such bullshit. The NXT commentary team is such a breath of fresh air.
2. Alex Rose being a copy of Aldous Snow (I literally JUST realized Russel Brand's character is named Al Snow!) is spot-on perfect. The best part? When he first see him, he is relaxing against FURRY WALLS!
Well played Mr. Cena.
ReplyDeleteI would buy the hell out of this shirt.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking... when Cena does eventually turn heel (and no, I don't think it's going to happen any time soon), he is set up to be perhaps the best, most meta heel since HBK in the DX days.
I can just imagine him using all the things that crowds have said against him back at them.
"Spoiler: Cena Wings" as a catchphrase, or doing the 5-knuckle shuffle about 5 times in a row in the middle of a match, just because he knows people hate it, or 'I can't wrestle... and it doesn't matter, cause I'm still gonna beat your heroes every night and sell more merchandise than them'
Just a full acknowledgement and embrace of why fans hate him, and using it against them.
I don't complain about Cena winning. I complain about not getting the big heel turn.
ReplyDeleteThat reminds me of Smart Mark from "Are You Serious?" I loved the shirts he'd wear ("Workrate").
ReplyDeleteBeing ironic would probably just get him over as a face.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff. Cena is a pro. Even when his matches get shit on, he keeps it together. Big Dave and Randy just throw tantrums.
ReplyDeleteDEAL WITH IT
ReplyDeleteMust. Have.
ReplyDeleteBeing interesting and entertaining will always get performers face pops to some degree. It's what happened with Orton in 2009/2010 as well. Look at The Shield/Wyatts. Both of those groups are set up as heels, yet they're both getting face reactions simple because they're too of the more entertaining entities on TV right now.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think the WWE should stop fucking worrying about ensuring the crowd responds to their product exactly as they predict/believe they should, and worry more about ensuring the crowd is reacting to anything at all.
Why haven't we had a "best meme or gif" thread yet?
ReplyDeleteGoddamn it. They don't make it in ToddLorenz size.
ReplyDeleteThat should become my new phrase at work.
ReplyDeleteIs that a live show? If so, awesome.
ReplyDeleteJust let Jef handle it
ReplyDeleteBatista definitely threw tantrums over not getting his way (hence hot-shotted title reigns throughout 2009), Orton's track-record is that he's just an asshole, but he doesn't seem to argue over whether he should get the title, or whether he should put somebody over or anything.
ReplyDeleteThat's so fucking awesome. Cenas pretty good natured about this. I wish Batista would do this kind of stuff
ReplyDeleteI don't understand this company. What is it about them and being so standoffish with part of the fan base?
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I dislike about Cena is the no-sell of certain devastating maneuvers (the DDT on the concrete during the Nexus/WWE match, the Orton Punt, Brock in general), but I think the bookers are more of a problem with his character than Cena is. I think he's a tremendous performer who brings the goods on PPV, has some fantastic chemistry with certain guys, good on the mic, tireless as a company man, takes the negative stuff in stride, and makes the kids happy. This shirt goes in the "pro" column for me, I kinda want one.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if it's the company so much as Cena. Performers are pretty involved in the creation of their merchandise, since it's often a major (if not THE major) source of income for themselves.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have no problem with Cena taking playful shots at a part of the fanbase that has basically been taking shots at him for the better part of 10 years. And it's barely a 'shot' so much as a true and just observation of behavior.
I came to the comments to look for criticism and feedback, and what do I find? People giving their opinions on Scotland. Goddammit.
ReplyDelete"independence"
ReplyDelete"There"
ReplyDelete"girlfriend"
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, the no selling of certain big moves is something that The Rock could have been criticized for too, particularly during his run in 2000.
ReplyDeleteIt only comes in 3XL.
ReplyDeleteWhat? Where? I only found it up to XL. TELL ME, FELLOW FAT MAN!
ReplyDeleteThat's the problem, isn't it? Once Cena turns heel if eveyone who wants him to be a heel now starts cheering him, it defeats the purpose.
ReplyDeleteIt's when the crowd is apatheic to him that they need to turn him.
Sigh. That's the joke. That the online fans are fat and thus it only NEEDS to be in 3XL.
ReplyDelete< glare >
ReplyDeleteYou are a cruel motherfucker. :-P
I don't think any particular wrestling storylines, excluding returning guys like Rock, really are capable of popping sustainable business a significant amount. The brand is now the draw. The only people watching are the die hards and smarts. If Cena turn, well be entertained, but will it really draw in casual fans? I'm not sure.
ReplyDeleteIf the extenuating storyline is huge, sure it'll pop business. I just can't think of any storyline they could do that would fit that description. The last real epic storyline they did with the regular roster guys was the Punk 2011 tthing
And I need to go to the fucking gym, too.
ReplyDeletehttp://weknowmemes.com/generator/uploads/generated/g1332271853379338356.jpg
ReplyDeleteThey're actually not making it in 3XL? Then they're missing out on like 98% of the audience that would actually want to buy this.
ReplyDeleteI can grow a man's beard, and I have MUCH MUCH LESS achne.
ReplyDeleteI might need a haircut.
As I said, largest I could find with a quick search as XL. Fuckers.
ReplyDeleteInteresting point. Jericho brought it up in his podcast this past week when someone complained that Bryan can't sell as much merch because of the hideous and lame goat stuff. Jericho went on to say that he had to personally approve 100% of the merchandise bearing his name and likeness. In addition to that, there are plenty of documented cases where the wrestler designs the merch themselves. The wrestlers, in this case, have a lot more say.
ReplyDeletethe better part of 10 years
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to say more than that to understand his detractors frustration.
I love the Greatest Hits on this blog. With the advent of the network, I can cue this up and have some fun. When we get more RAWs and Smackdowns, this can really be a fun feature. Nice job, Ross!
ReplyDeleteWe're gonna have to bootleg the 3XL.
ReplyDeleteThey're selling it at HotTopic. WHO THE FUCK SHOPS THERE?
ReplyDeleteBatista...and 16 yr olds
ReplyDeleteThanks man, really appreciate it. Working on Edge's Greatest Hits right now.
ReplyDeleteI like the article. Fun and easy to read
ReplyDeleteThreadjack: gentleman I have learned something.....in bed make it all about her...you would be amazed how much you get away with the rest of the time.
ReplyDeleteMuch like a wrestling match, you are only as good as your last performance.
ReplyDeleteLol I don't have a girlfriend considering the evening was meant to be 'dress in drag' I take that as a compliment... wow talk about this thing escalating quickly.
ReplyDeleteThreadjack: gentleman I have learned something.....in bed make it all
ReplyDeleteabout her...you would be amazed how much you get away with the rest of
the time...
Probably the 2nd best Cena shirt. The 8-bit NES Pro Wrestling inspired shirt is (for my money) the best wrestling shirt in like 15 years.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to "comflain" online!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.memegene.net/meme/sccjym
ReplyDeleteHBK kept going. Look at what he got away with.
ReplyDelete"Kids who started watching him with they were 7 are now 17."
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but I just can't imagine kids who were watching WWE at 7 are still watching at 17.
And pretty much every other top face in the history of the WWWF/WWF/WWE. Why Cena gets singled out for it is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that was a pretty fantastic shirt, mainly because those old NES artwork on the cartridges were rad.
ReplyDeleteWatching Hogan v. Michaels now.
ReplyDeleteThat complaint pretty much goes to anyone and definitely not Cena-specific. I think he's far underrated by most in terms of what he brings.
ReplyDeleteTremendous matchup! Hogan beat him so bad that Shawn was punch drunk for half the match.
ReplyDeleteSTUPID STUPID STUPID!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-kxxFjiD6s
And this other clip isn't really an Orton tantrum but I just find it hilarious...4:30 in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up9hn9p7niA
Joke's on them. That's my shirt size and I don't have acne or live in my mom's basement.
ReplyDeleteSO HA!
Stuff like that, as much as I'm sick of OnScreenCena, dude's maintained an awesome attitude and I'll always wish him well off screen.
ReplyDeleteI am. Started at 7, still watching at 20.
ReplyDeleteThis can be filed under category: DUH
ReplyDeleteYes, make it about her, if you're not already, get good at oral. But don't just go stampeding for the clitoris either. Draw it out, kiss, touch, rub every part of her body. Kiss, nibble, stroke her thighs before going for oral. Really extend the foreplay, I don't get guys who say they don't like foreplay. Seriously? What are you going to do with that extra time you saved? Catch up on your DVR? Fuck you! Also during oral don't just lay your hands there, rub all around her body. I have it on good authority dead fish hands suck.
On the flip side of all this, don't feel bad or anything when she wants to make you the center of attention. Go with it. Also, it doesn't sound like you are but don't use sex as a reward or punishment or a way to get away with things. And don't let her get away with doing that either. It can sour a whole sexual relationship. Have fun man.
They also proceeded to ruin the Punk 2011 angle after about a month and it turned into an angle about HHH.
ReplyDeleteHe found the IWC once.
ReplyDeleteI would like to buy that shirt.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to buy that shirt. WWE, if you sell this, I'll buy a Daniel Bryan shirt too (to save on shipping).
ReplyDeleteI count three so far.
ReplyDeleteHHH was promised to win KOTR 96 if he did the job for Warrior, but the MSG Kliq incident put the kibosh on that. Also FWIW it was originally supposed to be Goldust vs Razor Ramon, but Razor got "injured"... dunno if they went with the stupid O.J. chase bit after they put Piper in his place. Seems like Vince didn't think Piper could still go after 92.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I remember the build for the Razor-Goldust match and the sudden change. I imagine they used the OJ footage to fill out time, and since they were still in a phase when these stupid meta references were much more common, but I wouldn't be surprised if the plan was always to use the OJ footage somehow.
ReplyDeleteThe HHH-Warrior stuff makes sense. But it still made HHH look really bad, then he gets taken down by Johnny B. Badd later in the show? He didn't have a very good day.
That sucks, man. I had a pretty rough time with depression a few years back, and I still cringe when I think about everything that happened.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure if you ever need to talk, there are probably a couple dozen people here who would offer an ear.
It does scream "Vince McMahon humor", doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if HHH and Mero were slated to feud over the spring and summer, but again, MSG... next thing you know he's doing jobs for, of all things, Henry Godwinn.
well it is VITAL information. Act unselfish and considering towards women, and they MIGHT see that as a good thing. Hope you're all taking notes as I am.
ReplyDeleteOf course if we liked Triple H's buddies, we'd be okay with it.
ReplyDeleteFinished Survivor series 87, watched the Rumble 88, and......now starting WM IV. Sigh...Wrestlemania 4. Was my second PPV I got at a kid and was my first Mania...such a boring blah loooooong show.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't the same be said for every storyline that prompted a wrestling boom? Hulkamania (in general), the nWo, and Austin vs. McMahon weren't ideas everyone was throwing around beforehand.
ReplyDeleteI will never for the life of me figure out why we didn't get a Savage/steamboat rematch so that we could have one good match, Savage get his win back, and even more face rub for savage from Steamboat by like raising his hand at the end or something.
ReplyDeleteRazor quit, then suddenly "failed a drugtest" and was cut out of the biggest payday of the year.
ReplyDeleteHe was being watched by George Ambersen. Where else?
ReplyDeleteBad News screwed Bret.
ReplyDeleteThey're all out of "Yes! Yes! Yes!" shirts, so they decided to go with more honest ones "Yes! Maybe? Probably not."
ReplyDeleteThere hasn't been anything that moved the needle significantly since Austin/Vince. The business model is so different now. Wwe wants the brand to be the draw above all else now. If Cena turns heel, it'll be when they have another "wwe avatar" ready on the face side to take over Cenas responsibly. Cena turning will be newsworthy and spike business for a short period, but wwe then will still ingratiate heel Cena into the same booking they do now. They'll never let something get as big as the nwo or Austin anymore
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what happens when you call the old WCW hotline number? 1-900-909-9900??
ReplyDeleteThey actually want to spark a Steamboat/Valentine feud.
ReplyDeleteHey, I love me some WrestleMania IV, too.
ReplyDeleteNo idea. Try it.
ReplyDeleteSome one explain to me after a boring show with a dead crowd...why did they come back to trump for a second year in a row? The crowd is so dead for this show.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but how much of a market could there be for a shirt with "I know you fucking hate me, but who's in the main event at Wrestlemania, bitch?!?"
ReplyDeleteMeh...missed chance with steamboat savage....hell valentine could have come out and screwed steamboat during the savage match
ReplyDeleteI'm skipping WrestleMania XXVI live to watch Starrcade 93, so Battlebowl made me nostalgic for one of my favoite PPVs of all time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, i know it's a one-match show, but WHAT A MATCH. And also I enjoy Cactus' tag match and some other stuff.
what do you love about it? I mean its a specially place in my heart because it was live and i was a kid but its not a good show.
ReplyDeleteLike posting repetitive posts on boards that don't care?
ReplyDeleteIt'll work its way back to Piper eventually.
ReplyDelete"I'm NOT Daniel Bryan ND am getting the title: DEAL WITH IT!"
ReplyDeleteIt was the first ppv I rented from the video store -- for my BIRTHDAY, no less -- and I enjoy it for the nostalga.
ReplyDeleteI think the Trump people might have been guaranteeing them money for the show... I seem to recall reading in an official history of WrestleMania book that one of the Mania event planners said they made more on IV than they did on III, which is why they went back.
ReplyDeleteThats cool. That VHS was the worst...switching tapes mid hogan Andre match...how do you switch tapes mid match?
ReplyDeleteGood point. If anything *does* take off like that, it will be to WWE's chagrin.
ReplyDeleteThat was the one thing I was clamoring for the longest time; thank God for mid-level saves.
ReplyDeleteI just got around to watching this show on the Network, and I have a couple comments:
ReplyDelete1. How great is Regal on commentary? He can get something as simple as a wristlock over simply by focusing it instead of Twitter or some such bullshit. The NXT commentary team is such a breath of fresh air.
2. Alex Rose being a copy of Aldous Snow (I literally JUST realized Russel Brand's character is named Al Snow!) is spot-on perfect. The best part? When he first see him, he is relaxing against FURRY WALLS!