Wrestling Thread 4: The Ruethless Aggression Era • Page 70

Yes

 

You could also put forward the fact that NXT, and to some extent 205 Live, is detrimental to the main roster. Not because of what they do, just the fact they exist. Vince probably has it in his head that they're enough for the hardcore fans and can do what he wants with Raw and Smackdown. He caters to the more casual fans and probably assumes that hardcore fans are satisfied with the other shows.

I know this is a theory that has been talked about before, it's just becoming more and more likely that it's true.

 

You have to laugh at "Jeff Jarrett (c)"

 

It wouldn't surprise me if he wins, but it'll probably be Cage. They love him down there.

 

I don't know why but there's something about Cage I don't like. He looks like a jacked up nu metal front man from 2001 that never grew up and still hangs around metal bars trying to chat up 18 year olds.

 

Except Becky sells a good amount of merch (especially with younger fans) and Charlotte has like, 2 T-shirts total.

 

As soon as they showed a recap of the becky snapping moment ...and you could tell they purposely edited as so we cant hear the crowds reaction...you knew the plan. Beckys promo was even delivered in a purposeful way as to not allow the crowd to react (no pauses....and bY the way did a great job of doing what the company wanted).

Smackdown is still king. Just unbelievably frustrating

 

They should just book it straight up, no heels or faces and let the crowd decide. Cause you know they won't swallow their pride and book Charlotte heel. I mean you set this whole story up for Becky to be the underdog and literally everyone is siding with her because she's right and all you do is push Charlotte like Roman. She shouldn't have 6 more title reigns than Becky... it's comical.

 

I've always been a fan. He definitely comes off as a huge meathead, but is one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Super engaging with fans and embraces being the butt end of jokes. He's also incredibly agile for his size.

 

Straight up would be fine. But unfortunately you can tell that's not the case

 

I hope they at least address the crowd. Having Becky still act like a heel in attacking Charlotte, but then let Charlotte cut a promo ripping into the crowd for siding with Becky

 

Oh boy! WWE just gifted me a free digital program from summerslam!

 

what a fucking promo

 

Same

 

I wish undisputed era was up, dammit

 

Big E major title push will be incredible if/when it happens.

 

Doubtful

 

The Usos, like Kalisto, undeniably out-sold their position on the card. Go to any house show and you'll be blown away by the kids in Kalisto stuff, and the Uso's shirts and face paint were in that same realm. Though they probably do better now in their current gimmick.

AJ Styles turned off the back of beating John Cena at Summerslam. Obviously WWE doesnt release rankings on it, but to give you a sense for 2016 (also, note Kalisto). Helps that his merch has almost always been well designed, but I'd bet he's never been below top 5 since the day he debuted. His first shirt sold out in hours in all adult sizes. Since then, WWE has also broken up Enzo/Cass and turned both heel, and they were always selling stuff like crazy. Alexa Bliss is usually a top womens seller, always been a heel. KO's the same way.

In terms of the merch/heel side of things, kayfabe is very dead.

 

Here's where they can really tell a great, nuanced story, though. Charlotte, in kayfabe, isn't necessarily the heel here, either. She didn't really do anything wrong. She was given the opportunity to earn her way into a match, did that, and came away victorious. It's really hard to be friends in real life with someone who is always so constantly successful, especially when they also have a famous last name. But it's also not Charlotte's fault that she has a famous last name. I wish that was the story they were leaning into and exploring, and just let us choose sides on our own, rather than trying to paint one person specifically as the bad guy and the other as the good guy.

 

But... it's not haha

 

Cody and The Bucks on Talk is Jericho is an excellent listen. JS

 

It's not what? Hard to be friends with someone who has a famous last name who is constantly successful?

 

I unsubbed after his last propaganda bullshit podcast, he went past the point of no return for me