Television Tho Prop Grops Throps

[Annihilate Now!]

I thought it was a great promo from Rhodes, crowd is really into and popped for all the big lines - which is all you want really.

Built things up really well... I personally can't wait for his one on one match vs. The Rock at Wrestlemania.....

 

[langster]

I thought it was a great promo from Rhodes, crowd is really into and popped for all the big lines - which is all you want really.

Built things up really well... I personally can't wait for his one on one match vs. The Rock at Wrestlemania.....

I see what you did there

I also didn't mind his promo, and the crowd are making everything at the moment. Some really good venues. The Aussies were pretty funny at The Chamber and the Smackdown crowds have been top notch. I know you're always going to get people moan and bitch and you can't please everyone all the time but for lifelong fans I honestly think this is the most excited I've been for a Mania in years, and also think the whole company seems to be moving in a more positive direction with a massive Netflix deal and some absolutely amazing wrestlers. The roster is stacked full at the moment and there are very few I don't like. So much exciting talent in the relatively newer guys like Gunther and LA Knight.

Older pros like Owens, Orton, Seth, Bailey, Becky and Cody are still looking amazing and hopefully have a lot more in the tank and a lot more stories to be offered. I'd love to see Owens get another chance to become top of the pile, or at least grab one of the top belts. Maybe taking the Heavyweight title from Drew if he wins it? As I think Owens is one of the most talented wrestlers I've ever seen. He's fearless, can pull off almost any move and has a great presence as heel or face. He's also not as predictable as some and changes his moves set quite often.

As for the Cody hate or the Rock angle stuff. I don't get why people are upset or bored at all. Before the Vince retirement, this match was always going to be Rhodes/Reigns PTII the Rock stepped in and changed it and quickly saw fans were rightly upset so they have carved out this whole last couple of months and the lead up to Mania and it's been fecking amazing. If we all find out in the future that it was a work all along then I will take my hat off and say it's the best move they have ever pulled. If it's as bad been reported then I don't think they could have handled it any better and my hat comes off again to all involved.

It's the most excited I've been for the future of the WWE in years, and whereas the last decade or so has had some truly amazing moments, matches and rivalries, a lot of the time was just filler and predictable or silly stories and rivalries that often didn't make a lot of sense. Now, as I said in my last post, this Mania is stacked with great matches with great rivalries, many that have been burning for a long time. It sets it all up nicely for how it continues after with lots of talent and huge potential for more great shows.

 

[Scottynaldinho]

Punk is a better promo than Rock for sure

Punk needs a situation or has more of a genre (cnut but victim)to his promo. He's no way near as versatile as the Rock.

There's a reason the Rock has us old farts back watching. It's just his promos.

 

[noodlehair]

I thought it was a great promo from Rhodes, crowd is really into and popped for all the big lines - which is all you want really.

Built things up really well... I personally can't wait for his one on one match vs. The Rock at Wrestlemania.....

Just personal opinion but I'd be more up for that than the tag match. Rock vs Rhodes to see who faces Roman. Rhodes wins, then they could have facilitated the Rock turning on Reigns or vice versa from that.

I don't really get where Seth comes into it other than that they I assume wanted to team up Rock and Reigns, and maybe felt bad at Seth being sideshowed after Punk's injury. I think its taking away from the Seth vs Drew match though. Although Drew making that into an angle in itself has helped somewhat.

The card as a whole is starting to look decent. Don't think the build has been great for a lot of the matches but as match ups themselves they all have potential to be fun. Plus they still have a bit of time to work on the angles etc.

Also I wouldn't say Rock is streets ahead of Rhodes etc. He IS better at the pantomime promos than any of them though, and is the one who is making it entertaining. I don't think its anything to do with the others not being that good - I like all three...I just think without The Rock its the same match as last year and the same dynamic they've gone through 100x over already with Roman. With The Rock thrown in its something different/fresh and a bit less predictable. I think its also helped Cody as it puts him firmly as the underdog which is a good place to be as the face, and something they never really did last year when he was basically invincible until losing to Reigns.

 

[Sylar]

It doesnt though does it?

Yeah it's a weird statement

 

[Berbasbullet]

Yeah it's a weird statement

Neh it ain’t, no Rock and build up for the main event would have been the same as last year. I don’t agree with those saying Rock is miles ahead of all. They’re all working great together.

 

[Sylar]

Neh it ain’t, no Rock and build up for the main event would have been the same as last year. I don’t agree with those saying Rock is miles ahead of all. They’re all working great together.

You said rock being there demonstrates how bad it would have been. I still don't see how Rocks promos do that?

 

[Berbasbullet]

You said rock being there demonstrates how bad it would have been. I still don't see how Rocks promos do that?

Not just about the promos, but the extra element and excitement to the story. Not to mention the many different ways they can go from here and after WM.

All subjective though!

 

[Sylar]

Not just about the promos, but the extra element and excitement to the story. Not to mention the many different ways they can go from here and after WM.

All subjective though!

Rock defo adds an extra level of excitement.
But WWE have been doing great before he returned / turned heel. I can't see the signs of it being bad without him

 

[Berbasbullet]

Rock defo adds an extra level of excitement.
But WWE have been doing great before he returned / turned heel. I can't see the signs of it being bad without him

Yeah defo some truth in that! WWE has been doing really well and I’m loving people like Drew at the mo as well.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

Rock defo adds an extra level of excitement.
But WWE have been doing great before he returned / turned heel. I can't see the signs of it being bad without him

Did I read somewhere that he agreed a multi fight deal in WWE as part of his TKO deal?

I can see him definitely penning in a match for Mania 41 a year in advance

 

[Shane88]

I liked Cody being able to be more adult on the mic but I hate "insider" shit in promos.

 

[noodlehair]

Rock defo adds an extra level of excitement.
But WWE have been doing great before he returned / turned heel. I can't see the signs of it being bad without him

Nearly 2 months of build to Reigns vs Rhodes (again) where Reigns only shows up on one show once a fortnight, would definitely have been a major drag without Rock or something new thrown in.

There's still other good stuff going on like Drew, Bailly, Ripley, etc. But this is the main event so should be the hottest part. Without Rock I don't think it is because you're giving Rhodes and Reigns next to nothing to work with.

 

[Scottynaldinho]

To those saying the Rock ain't way ahead of the others. He is a million miles ahead of everyone on the roster not only in terms of promo but also the charisma.

 

[SalfordRed18]

To those saying the Rock ain't way ahead of the others. He is a million miles ahead of everyone on the roster not only in terms of promo but also the charisma.

I'm sure people said the same about Hogan back in 2002.

 

[Berbasbullet]

Anyone catch that amazing camera work from Zayn to R Truth on Raw?

Camera work has dramatically improved since you know what.

 

[Scottynaldinho]

I'm sure people said the same about Hogan back in 2002.

Are you employing that one of the other three is on the same level as the Rock in 2002? There's a reason that match was dubbed as the "icon vs icon".

 

[Sylar]

Nearly 2 months of build to Reigns vs Rhodes (again) where Reigns only shows up on one show once a fortnight, would definitely have been a major drag without Rock or something new thrown in.

There's still other good stuff going on like Drew, Bailly, Ripley, etc. But this is the main event so should be the hottest part. Without Rock I don't think it is because you're giving Rhodes and Reigns next to nothing to work with.

Without Rock, they wouldnt be having his promos to put focus on the tag match. Everything would be completely different. To say it would be bad without him is a weird statement, because its not like WWE shows are on fire with attendance only thanks to the Rock. No doubt hes helped bring a different level of interest, but the focus would be much much different regarding the on the main event.

Did I read somewhere that he agreed a multi fight deal in WWE as part of his TKO deal?

I can see him definitely penning in a match for Mania 41 a year in advance

It makes sense. I think Rock looks to try get a one on one match next year (This year might have been too soon anyway if hes planning to get into ring shape - tag match makes sense in that case).
I do give WWE benefit no with regards to planning things out, even when they get setbacks like the Punk injury (or Rollins getting hurt around the same time).
There are a number of directions they can go as it stands. I am defo intrigued.

Anyone catch that amazing camera work from Zayn to R Truth on Raw?

Camera work has dramatically improved since you know what.

Much much better. Seems like they are 'trying' new things with some of the action shots, less of the scene / camera cuts. It makes for better viewing.

 

[Berbasbullet]

Without Rock, they wouldnt be having his promos to put focus on the tag match. Everything would be completely different. To say it would be bad without him is a weird statement, because its not like WWE shows are on fire with attendance only thanks to the Rock. No doubt hes helped bring a different level of interest, but the focus would be much much different regarding the on the main event.


It makes sense. I think Rock looks to try get a one on one match next year (This year might have been too soon anyway if hes planning to get into ring shape - tag match makes sense in that case).
I do give WWE benefit no with regards to planning things out, even when they get setbacks like the Punk injury (or Rollins getting hurt around the same time).
There are a number of directions they can go as it stands. I am defo intrigued.


Much much better. Seems like they are 'trying' new things with some of the action shots, less of the scene / camera cuts. It makes for better viewing.

It makes it feel more real, like the camera following one person leads to a chat with 2 others planning their match. Things like that are great.

 

[Shane88]

Eddie Kingston continues to be the drizzling shits. Wrestles in slow motion and looks like he found his gear in a bin. I don't get his popularity, I never will.

You have Okada, who looks like a star, wrestles like a star and he has to be dragged down to Kingston's level for 15 minutes of sloppy shit.

 

[noodlehair]

Without Rock, they wouldnt be having his promos to put focus on the tag match. Everything would be completely different. To say it would be bad without him is a weird statement, because its not like WWE shows are on fire with attendance only thanks to the Rock. No doubt hes helped bring a different level of interest, but the focus would be much much different regarding the on the main event.

Yea it would be much different, in that it would be the same as last year,which would be boring. Especially with so much time between The Rumble and Mania, and Reigns not being there half the time. Rock adds a different angle to it which gives everyone involved something new to work with. Cody has been great but his focus has been on Rock. Reigns is now interesting because of the power dynamic with him and The Rock.

Without this they have what, 2 months of Cody having to talk to himself giving promos and then Reigns shows up every 2-3 weeks so they can stare each other down? The same rubbish they've been doing with Reigns for god knows how long.

Last year they had Sami to make it interesting, this year they have The Rock. I don't think it's a coincidence that all this stuff tends to happen on Smackdown, and I generally find it an entertaining show, while Raw I rarely manage to make it all the way through.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

Eddie Kingston continues to be the drizzling shits. Wrestles in slow motion and looks like he found his gear in a bin. I don't get his popularity, I never will.

You have Okada, who looks like a star, wrestles like a star and he has to be dragged down to Kingston's level for 15 minutes of sloppy shit.

I think both are overrated

 

[Andy_Cole]

Would still like to see a triple threat.

 

[lsd]

Other than Kevin Owens, is there a current WWE guy who is great at promos. I have seen only a bit of LA knight and he seems good.

LA Knight is like when you want the rock in a store and your mother says no it's too dear we have the rock at home

 

[Sylar]

Yea it would be much different, in that it would be the same as last year,which would be boring. Especially with so much time between The Rumble and Mania, and Reigns not being there half the time. Rock adds a different angle to it which gives everyone involved something new to work with. Cody has been great but his focus has been on Rock. Reigns is now interesting because of the power dynamic with him and The Rock.

Without this they have what, 2 months of Cody having to talk to himself giving promos and then Reigns shows up every 2-3 weeks so they can stare each other down? The same rubbish they've been doing with Reigns for god knows how long.

Last year they had Sami to make it interesting, this year they have The Rock. I don't think it's a coincidence that all this stuff tends to happen on Smackdown, and I generally find it an entertaining show, while Raw I rarely manage to make it all the way through.

Or, without Rock, Reigns might turn up more? Or do more promos backstage. Or have another dynamic.
or with Punks injury, Seth still gets involved or somebody else does.
We dont know but it most likely would have been an extension rather than the exact same thing, given what weve seen from WWE since HHH took over from Vince.


I do agree SD is better than Raw, but i think having 2 hours as opposed to 3 helps.

 

[noodlehair]

Or, without Rock, Reigns might turn up more? Or do more promos backstage. Or have another dynamic.
or with Punks injury, Seth still gets involved or somebody else does.
We dont know but it most likely would have been an extension rather than the exact same thing, given what weve seen from WWE since HHH took over from Vince.


I do agree SD is better than Raw, but i think having 2 hours as opposed to 3 helps.

Well. There was no Rock this past week, and we had one show of Cody talking to himself, and one show of him and Reigns staring each other down...

I don't think there is another dynamic you can give Reigns because they've had him go through the entire roster (including Cody) before. Rock was the one card left up their sleeve, and actually its worked out a lot more fun than having them square off against each other probably would have been. I wouldn't just credit Rock for that. Cody in particular has also been very good (apart from that weird interview with Michael Cole which I hated). Now it is also slightly unpredictable which is also a bonus. You'd assume Cody wins but there's various ways to get to that point that would affect what happens afterwards.

I don't think SD being better is much to do with the length of the show. Its a factor for sure, but if they condensed everything that happens on Raw down to a Smackdown length show it would still be a whole lot less entertaining. Raw always just seems to stick far too rigorously to the same dull formatting for me. Opening promo > long meaningless match > middle of show promo > another long, sometimes meaningless match > about half hour of literally nothing before main event > main event. Must have something to do with how they control the ratings/advertisements.

 

[Shane88]

DM Hunk in Chicago tonight.

 

[Berbasbullet]

What a Raw! Rock at the end was frightening.

 

[Sylar]

Well. There was no Rock this past week, and we had one show of Cody talking to himself, and one show of him and Reigns staring each other down...

I don't think there is another dynamic you can give Reigns because they've had him go through the entire roster (including Cody) before. Rock was the one card left up their sleeve, and actually its worked out a lot more fun than having them square off against each other probably would have been. I wouldn't just credit Rock for that. Cody in particular has also been very good (apart from that weird interview with Michael Cole which I hated). Now it is also slightly unpredictable which is also a bonus. You'd assume Cody wins but there's various ways to get to that point that would affect what happens afterwards.

I don't think SD being better is much to do with the length of the show. Its a factor for sure, but if they condensed everything that happens on Raw down to a Smackdown length show it would still be a whole lot less entertaining. Raw always just seems to stick far too rigorously to the same dull formatting for me. Opening promo > long meaningless match > middle of show promo > another long, sometimes meaningless match > about half hour of literally nothing before main event > main event. Must have something to do with how they control the ratings/advertisements.

Fair points and I won't argue with them especially the raw bit.

Funnily enough I'm more excited for rock v Cody. Unless they are doing that on purpose and to set up Cody v rock for future as well as reigns turning on rock to set that up

 

[GlasgowCeltic]

Punk is the best promo in WWE I’m sorry

 

[LawCharltonBest]

What did Rock whisper to Cody?

Punk is the best promo in WWE I’m sorry

Brilliant having him back, such a shame he won't be in a match at mania

 

[Annihilate Now!]

That Punk / Drew / Rollins segement had an off-the-cuff / genuine feel that WWE promo segments almost never have.

It was great.

 

[Sylar]

What did Rock whisper to Cody?

Do you bleed?
...

You will

 

[horsechoker]

What did Rock whisper to Cody?

Tell Brandi I'll be over later

 

[Shane88]

I don't think anyone imagined how good this Rock run was going to be. I wasn't expecting much but this is some of his best stuff ever and it's making some of the best WWE stuff in years.

 

[lilcurt]

I'm enjoying the ride, The Rock is the best thing to happen to wrestling he is just money. This gimmick may be his best yet and is perfect for his age and profile.

Roman is completely overshadowed but I'm hoping they play into that as they will eventually build to Roman vs Rock.

I worry how vanilla it will all become after mania when the Rock isn't a weekly attraction and there isn't a single point all storylines are building towards. Also Cody with the belt.... Always prefer the chase the face goes on over the eventual title run.

 

[noodlehair]

Fair points and I won't argue with them especially the raw bit.

Funnily enough I'm more excited for rock v Cody. Unless they are doing that on purpose and to set up Cody v rock for future as well as reigns turning on rock to set that up

With you on that. Rock vs Cody has more going for it in terms of my interest than Cody vs Reigns or Rock vs Reigns.

Rock has played the villain act so well that he is what's making Cody the underdog. That ending to Raw was great. it made Rock look formiddable but also like an absolute piece of sh*t, in a good way.

Raw was actually pretty good on the whole which is typical after my post.

 

[AshRK]

That was one of the best raws I have seen in ages. From Rock to Cody to Punk to Drew to Rollins all deserve great plaudits for the work they all have put on.

Well done. Looking forward to Mania.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

I thought it was a great promo from Rhodes, crowd is really into and popped for all the big lines - which is all you want really.

Built things up really well... I personally can't wait for his one on one match vs. The Rock at Wrestlemania.....

I mean I know I made this joke last week, but genuinely... they're doing an incredible build for Cody vs Rock.

 

[langster]

Rumours of The Undertaker, Stone Cold and Cena making an appearance at Mania too. It seems they are going all out to draw attention before moving to Netflix.