TNA Attempted to Sign Former WWE Champion
Both Dixie Carter and John Gaburik met with Rey Mysterio last week, selling him on an idea that they could get his merchandise into stores and open doors to film and TV roles for him while they build around him as their Mexican superstar. They also reportedly told Mysterio he could work anywhere he wanted on his off days. At this time, it is expected that Mysterio will likely head to Lucha Underground.
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Notes From Recent WWE Tryout Camp
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the tag team of Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste got "strong" reports and one person told him that Drew Gulak was the star of the camp as he was great both in the ring and on promos.
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Highspots Releasing Another Installment of Developmentally Speaking
Hosted by Brian Myers (Curt Hawkins), this installment features Luke Gallows, Mica (Camacho), and Brad Attitude. Click on the link below to view an excerpt of the shoot, which ships on July 1st.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HAJoa5QFaU
Also, click on the link below to view the eulogy that Cody Rhodes gave to his dad at his funeral. Cody posted the link himself on Twitter:
http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/589115-cody-rhodes-posts-eulogy-he-read-at-dusty-rhodes-funeral
Both Dixie Carter and John Gaburik met with Rey Mysterio last week, selling him on an idea that they could get his merchandise into stores and open doors to film and TV roles for him while they build around him as their Mexican superstar. They also reportedly told Mysterio he could work anywhere he wanted on his off days. At this time, it is expected that Mysterio will likely head to Lucha Underground.
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Notes From Recent WWE Tryout Camp
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the tag team of Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste got "strong" reports and one person told him that Drew Gulak was the star of the camp as he was great both in the ring and on promos.
Credit Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Highspots Releasing Another Installment of Developmentally Speaking
Hosted by Brian Myers (Curt Hawkins), this installment features Luke Gallows, Mica (Camacho), and Brad Attitude. Click on the link below to view an excerpt of the shoot, which ships on July 1st.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HAJoa5QFaU
Also, click on the link below to view the eulogy that Cody Rhodes gave to his dad at his funeral. Cody posted the link himself on Twitter:
http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/589115-cody-rhodes-posts-eulogy-he-read-at-dusty-rhodes-funeral
Conference calls and breakfast burritos.
ReplyDeleteAnd hot tea.
#HowStrangerRolls
Why would ANY top star sign with TNA given the current state of uncertainty? You can try and sign all the talent you want, but if your house is in disarray and the public knows it, no one is going anywhere near you.
ReplyDeleteSay what you will about TNA but at least they learned not to keep trying to latch onto broken down used up former WWE star....nevermind
ReplyDeleteI'm amused that Rey even gave them the time to make a pitch.
ReplyDeleteWhy not Rey will get some pay checks get injured and then the company will be out of business..he will probably only have to work one match.
ReplyDeleteJust watching Clash 24 (Shockmaster), and I must say, the whole segment leading up to the Shockmaster was a little embarrassing. The DBS promo where he just says "this guy is cookin" over and over, then, of course, the Shockmaster falling through the wall and them apparently having problems with his mic. He starts gesturing like he's speaking before you hear his voice. Just awesome work all around.
ReplyDeleteCouple of other things about the show: Johnny B Badd was wearing what appeared to be the same mask as the Colossal Kongs, which seemed odd.
They were going to give away a camaro (the one Animal drove in during the "who is Dustin's mystery partner" segment) and I always wonder if those things are actually given away.
Probably pulled the old "speakerphone while on the toilet" meeting.
ReplyDeleteLOLTNA.
ReplyDeleteIt's Thursday meaning it's shoot review day!!!!! What's the shoot?
ReplyDeleteI would have probably paid $100 just to sit in on that meeting.
ReplyDeleteI've been watching GAB 92. I'm amazed at Watts dumb ideas. Not even the real wrestling angles but oh hey lets bring NWA back in the fold because...anyone cares about that in 92.
ReplyDeleteLets bring back the Big Gold Belt and give it to Japan...and in doing so say "We are taking the last champion to hold this Ric Flair's name off of it" Why would you remind anyone of how much of a disaster your company was the previous year?
Is real estate THAT lucrative?
ReplyDeleteHave they not paid attention to Mysterio in recent years? The man can't stay healthy. They're gonna pay him good money, invest all this time and effort into him, and then he's gonna be on the shelf for 6-9 months at a time. Dixie Carter is unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated to know exactly what TV and movie roles Dixie Carter thought she could get Rey Mysterio.
ReplyDeleteI will never find DBS laughing hysterically and saying "Look at 'em! He fell straight on his arse!" to not be funny. Poor Uncle Fred, but that segment is better for the fuckup.
ReplyDeleteOne of those Little People shows or something.
ReplyDelete92 was such a weird year for WCW. There were a ton of great matches and some great shows but then the booking with Watts was so odd. He thought the Miracle Violence Connection was a much bigger draw than they actually were.
ReplyDeleteRey's glowing contacts will look cool in night vision chasing monsters in the woods
ReplyDeleteShe meant to say "movie passes."
ReplyDeleteKAYFABE
ReplyDeleteThat segment really is terrible even before Shockmaster comes out. Everyone's yelling over each other. Davey's particularly bad. STING! TELL THEM! WHO THE PARTNER! IS GONNA BE!
ReplyDeleteDixie: come to TNA and we'll make you a star!
ReplyDeleteRey: . . .
What's shoot review for today if there is one?
ReplyDelete"
ReplyDeleteDespite once again having issues in paying talent, TNA made a play for Rey Mysterio, promising him that they could get his merchandise "in all the stores", "open doors" to TV and movie roles, and that they'd "build around him" as their "long sought-after Mexican superstar", plus that he could "work anywhere he wanted" on his off-days. Presumably, he will be moving as fast as he can in the other direction."
Holy shit,that LOLTNA page got updated fast.
Breaking the fourth wall.
ReplyDeleteToo soon?
If that company doesn't shape up, they'll be out of business within 10 years! Oh wait..LOL
ReplyDeleteI would sign Rey in heartbeat...................if this was 1996. Age and bulking up have not been kind to Mysterio.
ReplyDeleteYea its all terrible with Davey's back to the camera blocking you from seeing almost anybody. Everyone talking over each other....then..well you know
ReplyDelete"Why not Rey will get some pay checks"
ReplyDeleteWhen? Do remember who we are speaking about in this case.
I saw the photos of Nattie wearing a bright pink dress to Dusty's funeral. Sackable offence, no?
ReplyDeleteYou have seen those Oscar quality movies Kurt Angle's been in?
ReplyDeleteWe're not all Facebook Friends here, Pal!
ReplyDeleteDusty probably requested it.
ReplyDeleteSharknado 4
ReplyDeleteI'd sign Rey to show up and sell masks to the crowd and split the mask profits with him
ReplyDeleteShe's staying character. She's a member of the Hart family. They wear pink.
ReplyDeleteAs in I'd get her in the sack aye
ReplyDeleteI saw some of the zombie one :'(
ReplyDeleteHey, Frightened Inmate #2 is definitely a role.
ReplyDeleteDon't you think we should be?
ReplyDeleteGAB 92 is one boring ppv outside of Sting/Vader. Yeah I like tag matches but not ones that are so damn slow it made fall asleep.........twice.
ReplyDeleteRoH Secrets of the Ring with Dusty Rhodes. Probably wont be up until 1pm.
ReplyDeleteStaying in character for a funeral, that's some commitment to kayfabe.
ReplyDeleteYou and your wife doing OK?
ReplyDeleteFlair's "Ohhhhh God" is priceless too. Who said "Who is this motherfucker?" Booker?
ReplyDeleteI saw the same photo and thought that Tyson was wearing his Beats around his neck.....but it was a neck brace courtesy of Samoa Joe.
ReplyDeletewhere were these photos?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Observer, Bailey is currently "working through" a broken arm. How do you even do that? Ice pack?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be opposed to it!
ReplyDeleteZ-pak
ReplyDeleteI feel like even the Apter mags were making a big deal out of the MVC at the time.
ReplyDeleteI was disappointed by but still enjoyed the steamboat/ruskie Pillman/Liger
ReplyDeleteWhy work through it? Not like she's about to be called up any day and doesn't want to chance missing her shot at the main roster.
ReplyDeleteThey used Paul Bearer's funeral parlor for the embalming.
ReplyDeleteThat old mentality of making all your dates.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to it. Hope you are doing better after your car wreck. I was in one 7 years ago and they aren't fun. I still think it pinched a nerve in my neck from whiplash but I am not too sure.
ReplyDeleteCowboy Bob Orton courageously worked through a broken arm for YEARS. It can be done.
ReplyDeleteLink?
ReplyDeleteMan, isn't like every single match 20 minutes long? That really was so dull.
ReplyDeleteAnd now the mental image of Paige wearing only a cowboy hat is pleasantly stuck in my head.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I'm surprised we aren't getting reports of people riding mules into the funeral and firing pistols into the air.
ReplyDeleteBrian: please do a recap of the Nick Mondo shoot! Saw the preview yesterday and it looks super interesting! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGozer the Traveler. He will come in one of the pre-chosen forms. During
ReplyDeletethe rectification of the Vuldrini, the traveler came as a large and
moving Torg! Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the
McKetrick supplicants, they chose a new form for him: that of a giant
Slor! Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths
of the Slor that day, I can tell you!
On Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI had to go to the hospital last night for a CT Scan to rule out internal bleeding. I am sore as shit but okay. She is doing better and back at work.
ReplyDelete"Iron" Mike Sharpe as well.
ReplyDeleteDecent image... but why Paige?
ReplyDelete"THE SHIRT DON'T MEAN SHIT!!"
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkIFRTqfMkg
Hey, that's Canada's Greatest Athlete, "Iron" Mike Sharpe.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the mystery partner thing really doesn't pay off if it's still a mystery who the guy is after he's been announced. Especially if he's wearing a sparkly storm trooper helmet and feathery coat.
ReplyDeleteIDK why but I thought he was super cool when I was a kid and was always convinced he would win some day.
ReplyDelete"I'M NOT GONNA TELL YOU WHO IT'S GONNA BE...........STING IS GONNA TELL YOU WHO IT'S GONNA BE!!!"
ReplyDeleteWorkin' hurt. That's old school. Dusty would be proud.
ReplyDeleteHow bad is it when SID is the best actor in a scene?
ReplyDeleteFrom Meltzer:"Originally Sheamus was to turn heel and face Bryan at WrestleMania last year, but when Punk left, and the fact the crowds were killing Batista, Bryan's creative changed and Sheamus was left out. Then Sheamus was going to win the briefcase at Money in the Bank, but when Bryan got hurt and Money in the Bank became for the vacant title, it changed again. The champion was chosen based on who would be the best person to drop the title to Lesnar. The feeling at that point was they should go with the biggest marquee star, Cena, as champion. Where Rollins got the nod, and look at how that turned out, is that at first they were only going to do one Money in the Bank match, only for the title. When the decision was made to do a second one, with the title shot at stake, Sheamus had already been slotted in the first one and announced and they didn't want to change it.
ReplyDeleteBut the win means Sheamus is likely to take the title some time over the next year from whatever babyface beats Rollins for the title. Headlining with a new name in the mix is a good idea. But Sheamus, even with the change in look, is far from being a new name. I'm not sure that Sheamus is thought of by fans at the level of a guy who at this point should win the title or even headline a PPV in a singles match."
As far as the 2 last sentences go: No shit, Sherlock.
https://twitter.com/jmbv_lovely/status/611516737448574977
ReplyDeleteI love how having a cast on her hand = broken arm.
ReplyDeleteOH DEM LEGS!
ReplyDelete"Would you ask Iron Mike Sharpe why he felt the need to shower for more than 90 minutes after wrestling for less than 10?"
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite quotes from Psych ever.
Not so much a sackable offence as a bangable one!
ReplyDeleteThere is no way in hell the WWE is stupid enough to give Sheamus the title. He is the perfect guy, however, to FAIL in his cash-in attempt and add some intrigue to future cash-ins.
ReplyDeleteThe pink hair might be a bit much, but still...
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d6f9j7gAdY
The Finn Balor video from last night's NXT is well worth seeking out. Fantastic bit of work, and more to come next week.
ReplyDelete"The title doesn't make the guy. The guy makes the title." - HHH
ReplyDeleteChrist, dude. Well, at least you're both ok.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course this five dollar gift certificate to Hot Topic.
ReplyDelete"FIVE DOLLARS?! Never mind, I could use that!" - Dixie.
ReplyDeleteThinking about it now... young parallax had an odd perception of "cool" because I thought Ronnie Garvin was bad ass also.
ReplyDeleteBecky is just so damn adorable.
ReplyDeleteTonight, we are going to be doing a Live Watch of King of the Ring 2000 at 8:00 PM EST tonight.
ReplyDeleteBE THERE!
I bet you also hoped that Barry Horowitz and Steve Lombardi would come together and reach their full potential to become tag team champions.
ReplyDeleteYeah with what feels like no heat and severe boredom by the end.
ReplyDeleteWell that sounds like fun
ReplyDeleteThis IS Dusty Rhodes funeral we're talking about.
ReplyDeleteYou know what spot I miss in wrestling? A guy in an abdominal stretch with the heel using the ropes for more pressure or his friend who is his tag partner or manager on the outside. Scott Hall was the master at this. Now we get music distractions.
ReplyDeletehttp://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad145/howimetyourmothergifs/bangbang.gif
ReplyDeleteShould be. This show is kinda bad but that's generally when we have to most fun.
ReplyDeleteJust hit the 4000 comment mark. Kinda crazy considering I had to change gmail accounts last year after my old one was compromised. I think I spend too much time talking to you guys.
ReplyDeleteThursday nights are usually easy at work. Might hang out for a bit.
ReplyDeleteI'm up passed 8,500 not counting another account I used for a couple months
ReplyDeleteConsidering I just passed 20K, and most of the "Top 5" are well above 30K, maybe you need to spend MORE time here. Ever consider that, huh, "mike"?
ReplyDeleteI know I am distracted by Seth Rollins music every time.
ReplyDeleteIt's 2000 bad so still fun.
ReplyDeleteGeez, I've got like 15 and I'm not even prolific.
ReplyDeleteI had someone upvote a post I made two years ago earlier today. I forgot I'd even briefly posted her two years ago before posting regularly last summer.
ReplyDeleteIn all fairness, I make it a point to not have one-word responses just to pad my numbers. and I have 3359 upvotes to go with those 4000 comments.
ReplyDeleteQUALITY!
I used to be a top ten poster but then I stopped joining live threads on account of not watching Raw
ReplyDeleteLive threads are where those guys rack up 30K comments
Whatever I have is too much. I should be at other places.
ReplyDeleteI'm mildly afraid to even look at how many comments I've made with this Disqus account. Granted not all of them on the BOD but still too damned high.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I hit 10,000 in a year. It's insane.
ReplyDeleteIt's...... a lot.
ReplyDelete38,252. I believe most were memes!
ReplyDeleteYeah it's weird every once in a while I get a response to something from ages ago.
ReplyDeleteFucking Marv. One week and suddenly I'm the "memes" guy.
ReplyDeleteEvery now and then I'll get an upvote on something I said months or years ago and it is trippy
ReplyDeleteWorst waste of a ridiculously talented roster I can ever remember.
ReplyDeleteNo idea. I didn't even realize the disconnect until a few seconds ago.
ReplyDeleteAye. We're gonna let Marv off, but you're in big trouble.
ReplyDeleteI never notice those, so if any of mine get "necroed" it's not going to matter.
ReplyDeleteOr in Abeyance's case, weeks and months of "Yep."
ReplyDeleteI bring this up every so often, but if you go to Scott's Royal Rumble 2014 thread, someone called Time Traveler went in a year later, found a Vince Jordan post, and replied "Warning! In the future you will get mad and quit the blog because no one likes you."
ReplyDeleteMy hair when I first wake up:
ReplyDeletehttps://38.media.tumblr.com/acff436037d4ee4100cd53501684c8e1/tumblr_n3zbyw1fcV1qzn0kbo1_400.gif
Months and months and MONTHS of "yep".
ReplyDeleteThe only doors TNA is opening is to bankruptcy proceedings.
ReplyDeleteAm I gonna have to stand trial at BoD court?
ReplyDeleteSo amazingly pumped for the hot dog pizza from Pizza Hut today.
ReplyDelete*barf*
ReplyDeleteGuest appearance on "Mountain Monsters."
ReplyDeleteSo are the makers of anti diarrheal medicines
ReplyDeleteOne of the many things I don't understand about the authority is their management structure.Now I'm no Wharton grad,but aren't the COO and Director of Operations essentially the same title(taking care of...well,operations).Why need one when you have the other?
ReplyDeleteLive threads are impossible (and not fun) to keep up with. It's a nice distraction during the workday to chat with other wrestling fans but I don't usually even check during Raw and PPVs - it's too much.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember this!
ReplyDeletehttp://33.media.tumblr.com/91f4cd3951ade9a7184dd59d2d962c8f/tumblr_mqcsblay981qhjbxeo6_250.gif
I've personally never had that problem from fast food. That's gotta be a rough life.
ReplyDeleteNice to see you here, Danimal
ReplyDeleteAt least he didn't sic it on Sting
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteNeither do I.
ReplyDeleteThe ratings of a tiger eating Big Poppa Pump on live TV would have been tremendous.
That's because if you were like 99.99% of people, you weren't watching.
ReplyDeleteI can hang in for about an hour, and then I usually give up.
ReplyDeleteCM Punk sitting with the announcers on Comcast Sports Chicago at Soldier Field for the Blackhawks rally.
ReplyDeleteI don't know who that is.
ReplyDelete-smug MMA fans
Here is what I don't get about a place like Pizza Hut. They are desperate to right the ship so they do Wing Street and promoted the hell out of their pasta...which how anyone thought pizza hut was going to become king of pasta is beyond me BUT the answer is look at Dominos. Dominos sucked...they changed their pizza now they are doing great and everyone likes their pizza.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what it is about the passage of time but Pizza Hut pizza used to work for people...now it doesn't change your pizza...you are a pizza place.
I don't know who he is and I never liked him!
ReplyDeleteNo. Though I do remember liking a jobber tag team called the Italian Stallions.
ReplyDeleteGod damn it, put on NXT from last night. The Dusty package. It still gets me. EVERY. DAMN. Time.
ReplyDeleteActually, having bloated management is one of the more realistic things they do with that storyline. But yeah, in this storyline, they really are the same thing. However, redundant C-level guys isn't unique.
ReplyDeleteGod I hope he destroys i UFC just to piss off those types of fans.
ReplyDeleteI have that original DVD. I've been trying to track down those out-of-print DVDs and some of them are crazy expensive..
ReplyDeleteEveryone likes Dominos now? As far as chain pizza goes they're all at the same, average level I think. Except Little Ceasars - that stuff is awful
ReplyDeleteI'm torn here, because I dislike guys like that, but Punk winning in UFC just lets Punk fans be more smug. Which is the lesser of two evils?
ReplyDeleteYou should not cut up onions while watching wrestling. Just some manly advice.
ReplyDeleteBut I almot always have the Network going when I cook...
ReplyDeleteSo cheap and quick though.
ReplyDeletePunk fans have a right to be smug because straight edge means they're better than you.
ReplyDeletePunk just provided hockey analysis that could pass on any sports broadcast. The guy can talk.
ReplyDeleteI don't have the numbers in front of me but Domino's came out with their "hey our pizza sucks but we've changed it "and I know plenty of people who now like it, including myself and I've seen more domino's pop up around me. If I'm having chain pizza it's where I go.
ReplyDelete...you really leave me no choice here...
ReplyDeleteMARK!
It blows away other KoTRs like the sinister 2002 show.
ReplyDeleteMost of them aren't straight edge.
ReplyDeleteLittle Ceasars deep dish is the shit. Not a proper deep dish, of course, but f'ing addictive.
ReplyDeleteThen I'm better than them.
ReplyDeleteThis is true, you are.
ReplyDeleteAnd Owen Hart too!
ReplyDeleteDominos and Pizza Hut are about the same level of quality in my opinion. I totally agree with you on the pasta though. They have an image problem. The pizza is not good. I'm not expecting the hot dog pizza to be good, but damnit what a ride! What insanity!
ReplyDeleteIt's my go-to chain right now. Their Buffalo Chicken pizza and Philly cheesesteak pizza are awesome.
ReplyDeleteYea that is a good bad cheap pizza that brings childhood racing through your arteries
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many of the NXT chicks Balor has slayed so far
ReplyDeleteI have noticed a lot of people saying they're better nowadays. Last time I had some it was ok. As far as chains go it's fine. The amount of support they get seems to be threw the roof right now.
ReplyDeleteThey're all ok in a pinch. Papa Johns, Dominos, Pizza hut. In the south, they're basically on par with the local places too, which tend to suck
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing a few years ago, and KOTR 2000 was one of the cheaper, easier to find ones. I think I got it for like $5 on Highspots. I wonder if the Network has brought down the price on some of those?
ReplyDeletethat sucks because we have some awesome locals around here
ReplyDeleteI still have yet to try Poppa John's. I'm waiting for just the right promotion. Being in Chicago there is no shortage of pizza places, but I still like to slum it and check out the national chains. See how people in pizza islands have to eat.
ReplyDeleteI find nothing wrong with chanting along with heels as long as we boo their heelish actions. The problem is other than wrestling faces they don't really act like heels. Having the heels cheat and act extra vicious would go a long way toward getting them over as heels.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's Jarrett's brains that's stopping that happening, more the fact he can't afford to pay them anywhere near what WWE can?
ReplyDeleteContracts are a pesky thing too.
ReplyDeleteStone Cold Steve Austin was suppose to be a heel as well. They should have cut off his push.
ReplyDeleteThat took like two years to develop.
ReplyDeleteDemolition. Savage. Undertaker. Jake the Snake. All heels that turned face once the crowd started getting behind them.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly shouldn't have pushed Punk. He was a terrible heel.
ReplyDeleteNot originally. He became a babyface by Bret Hart becoming a heel.
ReplyDeleteThe circus would be fine if used correctly. They can't be responsible for his wins.
ReplyDeleteAfter the booking pointed in that direction.
ReplyDeleteSo you're suggesting 'SHADES OF GREY!' That never works.
ReplyDeleteNo, I'm bored because you just repeat the same incorrect statement over and over again.
ReplyDeleteScott: "There's honestly no method to the madness that we're missing here; it's Vince going further off the deep end as he gets older."
ReplyDeleteWe had much the same situation here in Chicago with the Blackhawks. Owner "Dollar" Bill Wirtz mismanaged the team for nearly 25 years (spending as little as possible on talent, refusing to air home games on TV, etc.). As a result, the team steadily declined in both skill and especially popularity, but Bill never budged on his policies. Finally he died, son Rocky took over and focused on reversing the damage, and we had a Cup three years later in 2010, and two more since.
Austin and the nWo beg to differ.
ReplyDeleteYou know, or 6 months. He was getting serious face responses by the time he cheated to win the Royal Rumble, if not earlier. He wasn't #1 face material until mid-97 (one year after Austin 3:16; actually, less, since we was a face when he faced HBK at KotR '97), but the fans were clearly the ones determining that the cheating, swearing, chicken-shit dude was actually much more fun than the straight-laced former champion. Bret got it, and went with the flow.
ReplyDeleteNo they don't. They were clearly defined heels or babyfaces, depending on the timeframe. In fact, the nWo is a great example as switching the wolfpac babyface as a reaction to the heels made everybody else weaker in the process.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, the classic tag team of Lesnar and Foley.
ReplyDeleteVince's point about Cesaro is baffling. Why would anyone in America like a Swiss wrestler?
ReplyDeleteLook at that Austrian guy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, that's doing movies. He never broke any box office records.
Austin debuted in the wwf in January 1996. Is it six months from January 1996 to April 1997?
ReplyDeleteDo you think Austria and Switzerland are the same country?
ReplyDeleteOr because he's a relatable character: a blue collar guy that's working for his family who just happens to hate John Cena.
ReplyDeleteI bet Vince thinks the Kobra kai are the good guys in Karate Kid
ReplyDeleteNot the point.
ReplyDelete??? It isn't two years either. But Austin's modern character first took form at KotR '96. The Steve Austin that cheated to beat Savio Vega at WM 12 was not the same character as the one that called out Bret Hart. You could argue his ascent began when he ditched Dibiase, but I still think the 3:16 promo is the accepted beginning point for Austin's rise. By November, he was getting face responses despite being the clear antagonist in the feud with Hart. By January, he was extremely over while cheating to win the Rumble. It was after that that Hart's character began the heel turn, and WM 13 really cemented where the popular consciousness was. Notice, the classical heel booking for Hart (when he established an evil foreigner stable) wasn't until after Mania. Only then was it becoming clear that Austin's character was the future of the business.
ReplyDeleteThe booking did not direct people to like Austin. Austin was just awesome, no matter which side of the face/heel divide he landed on.
If Kevin Owens character is your idea of a hero, I weep for your psyche. And if he is perceived as the babyface, again, he is not doing his job.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, Schwarzenegger was also originally deemed unmarketable due to his name and accent, hence Arnold Strong and dubbing. Now, his English clearly got better with time, but he should be a pretty good cautionary tale about underestimating the power of charisma.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I said like two years. I wasn't sure exactly when he debuted. I checked. It was 16 months. Which is 10 more than the 6 that you claimed. And the point is, which I'm sure you'll miss, that the booking built the crowd reaction, not the other way around. They didn't turn Bret heel because the crowd wanted Austin, Austin turned face because the crowd hated Bret.
ReplyDeleteI never said he was a hero. I said he was reliable.
ReplyDeleteThere's a reason a show like Breaking Bad was such a huge success. People can relate to the "Walter White" character of "I'm doing this for my family".