ENOUGH WITH THE MAIN EVENT SILLINESS!

[MrBRulzOK]

I've gotta say, the build up for Cena/Michaels/Triple H has been... quite awful. Mainly for one reason... NONE OF THEM SEEM TO CARE AT ALL ABOUT IT! I mean sure, one week you had Cena on commentary during the DX/Jerishow match where he was plugging and trying to build it up like crazy. That would be fine by itself, but couple this with the fact that DX seems more concerned with getting a leprechaun to stop imitating them and Cena meanwhile having been made to look like he cares so little about the match that he doesn't even know whether or not it's a handicap match or not, coupled along with the fact that there's been absolutely no build up to the match it seems, and I predict that Survivor Series is not going to farewell when it comes to the buyrate. I could be wrong of course... but at the moment things don't look too promising. As for the cause of this...

THOSE STUPID SILLY PROMOS! Alright granted, comedy does have it's place in wrestling. After all, there are plenty of great wacky characters that serve almost completely as comic foils and such. However, comedy in wrestling usually doesn't draw money. Especially not when it's "KOMEDY" produced by the brilliant minds of WWE Creative. I mean think about it? How does it come off when a wrestler is more concerned about protecting their gimmick from infringement then winning what is supposed to be the most prestigious title in the company... or at least the brand? Certainly tarnishes the prestige a bit doesn't it? It's fine when guys make fun of their opponents from time to time, as long as it's not a complete verbal burial of course. But when they barely even give them a mention... again, that certainly makes the champion come off as credible doesn't it?

They also had the perfect opportunity to build up a story for the main event as well, basically that Cena is in trouble because of the threat of him facing a tag team and the fact that they could easily work together to take the belt off of him, which they did quite well during the triple threat. Of course, this was ruined by DX on the commentary booth completely hijacking things for wacky inside jokes such as hearing voices in their heads and such. Now granted it was amusing, but it ain't gonna sell the match.

Please WWE... stop it. You've proven that you can still do pretty good build ups for matches, such as everything involving Orton/Kofi over the past few weeks and even the build for the Smackdown title match has been decent. Why is it that you seem to be more concerned to tell a stupid story about a LEPRECHAUN MAN CHILD mimicking DX rather than one of the main events for your next pay per view? Yes, the kids love him, but most of them probably don't have enough allowance to purchase the shows.

This is all just my opinion of course and you're free to disagree.

[Apricots And A Pear Tree]

well,your not wrong.
I guess the only way to attempt to have it make sense is the fact that DX are not supposed to care about important things,only whats edegy and funny.Which is silly since both members on there own value the titles alot.

[Krimzon]

I'm with you. I have no idea why the main WWE Title storyline seems to be DX vs. Hornswoggle. It's obvious that they think the Triple Threat will sell on the concept of Cena vs. Triple the H vs. HBK alone with no real story between the 3.

[Rick Mad]

I haven't thought about it because I didn't care much about the match to begin with but you're absolutely right. Oh, WWE..

[Dr. T is an alien]

Kofi/Orton is the only build that seems truly decent, with the Smackdown main event being passable. Batista/Rey might be hampered by rumored injuries to Rey, but talking a little before going to mess with Matt Hardy some more does not sell this match for me, especially since it also means that Matt has done absolutely no building to his own PPV match (yes, he is in one, though he has no personal stake in it apparently). ECW could have fielded a decent match on its own, or at least had Regal and company vs Christian, Yoshi, and Dreamer been the primary focus of one of the elimination matches, but instead they almost feel as thrown in there as Matt.

[i.Sarita.com]

I actually perfer Silly Cena, Crazy Shawn, and Asshole HHH and there interactions. Super SRS Cena, Michaels, and HHH bore the crap out of me and I'd be even less interested if that was the way they went with it.

[clifford]

Stop that, stop that! This main event scene is getting far too SILLY!

[Ryushinku]

It feels quite a bit like the AJ-Joe-Daniels build-up.

Since a top match was assumed at the end, they just half-assed the shows leading to it. In TNA's case with a whodunnit and AJ jobbing, in WWE's case with leprachauns getting attacked.

[Krimzon]

Nov 19, 2009 18:20:39 GMT -5 Ryushinku said:

It feels quite a bit like the AJ-Joe-Daniels build-up.

Since a top match was assumed at the end, they just half-assed the shows leading to it. In TNA's case with a whodunnit and AJ jobbing, in WWE's case with leprachauns getting attacked.

Yeah, but at least the AJ/Joe/Daniels match has history & personal drama between all 3 involved. The WWE Triple Threat just screams of "You know what? F*** it" booking.

[MichaelMartini]

This is one of the most headscratching builds to a main event in history. If the titles aren't supposed to mean anything in this post kayfabe era and WWE want to de-emphasize the wrestling aspect, than at least do something else other than lame comedy. Give the wrestlers lives outside of the ring and show it, give them plotlines and taped segments and make it more of a drama or a reality show than a variety show. Or just bring back classic bookin where they, you know, make title matches seem important.

[repomark]

Looks like I am the only one who likes the way the build up has been booked lol.

Does it have to always be "we all hate each other and we are going to kill each other". They have built this one differently. I don't think it has come across as if they don't care about the match - just that they are killing time up until the match. Every single promo has talked about the match and how they are looking forward to it/want the belt. They are also not taking the obvious route of tension between DX - which is again less predictiable booking.

The Cena promo in which he was talking about it being a handicap match that some have bemoaned I thought was excellent. The point he was making is that everyone thinks he will be outnumbered, but he knows that on the day Shawn and Triple H will have to battle against each other. Shawn confirmed this in the DX segment before Hornswoggle as well. Confirmed it however without envoking any tension between DX.

As long as they are not planning Hornswoggle interference on the night then I see no harm in having distractions whilst killing time up until the big match. I was taking it as an amusing filler sub plot and not something that needs to be on the actual ppv as that is all about who is the best of the three.

Can't we just have a straight honest to goodness battle between three babyfaces that is all about the belt and nothing else? I am really looking forward to it but it would seem I am in the minority lol.

[MichaelMartini]

Nov 19, 2009 18:40:27 GMT -5 repomark said:

Looks like I am the only one who likes the way the match has been booked lol.

Does it have to always be "we all hate each other and we are going to kill each other". They have built this one differently. I don't think it has come across as if they don't care about the match - just that they are killing time up until the match. Every single promo has talked about the match and how they are looking forward to it. They are also not taking the obvious route of tension between DX - which is again less predictiable booking.

The Cena promo in which he was talking about it being a handicap match that some have bemoaned I thought was excellent. The point he was making is that everyone thinks he will be outnumbered, but he knows that on the day Shawn and Triple H will have to battle against each other. Shawn confirmed this in the DX segment before Hornswoggle as well. Confirmed it however without envoking any tension between DX.

Can't we just have a straight honest to goodness battle between three babyfaces that is all about the belt and nothing else? I am really looking forward to it but it would seem I am in the minority lol.

But it's not just about the belt. This nonsensical Hornswaggle angle has been dominating this build.

Since they're all good buddies, have had the belt at least 5 times each, why don't they just lend it to each other? It wouldn't be any less dramatic than what they're doing now.

[repomark]

I feel like it is all about the belt. The match is exactly that - and as I feel the Hornswoggle part of the story is just a sub plot and DX killing time until the match. Why not? Why does every single week have to be intense promos telling one another that they are going to tear them limb from limb? Why not say "right we have a match - we all live to be WWE champion, and may the best man win. In the meantime - here is some amusing midget related humour."

I do not think at any stage any of the three have shown anything less than an extreme desire to be WWE champion - which is the whole basis of the match. They all want it and will fight even their best friend in order to get it - is that so bad?

[taylorandborland]

Nov 19, 2009 18:40:27 GMT -5 repomark said:

I don't think it has come across as if they don't care about the match - just that they are killing time up until the match.

if you don't find a way to make actual conflict during the setup, why should anybody care about the match itself?

I mean, it's not that hard to think of something new, or at least not recently done.

[MichaelMartini]

Nov 19, 2009 18:53:23 GMT -5 repomark said:

I feel like it is all about the belt. The match is exactly that - and as I feel the Hornswoggle part of the story is just a sub plot and DX killing time until the match. Why not? Why does every single week have to be intense promos telling one another that they are going to tear them limb from limb? Why not say "right we have a match - we all live to be WWE champion, and may the best man win. In the meantime - here is some amusing midget related humour."

I do not think at any stage any of the three have shown anything less than an extreme desire to be WWE champion - which is the whole basis of the match. They all want it and will fight even their best friend in order to get it - is that so bad?

Yes it is that bad. Good sportsmanship does not sell tickets, or else why do they always try to amp up the hostility in real sports. They always get excited when rivals face each other, like Patriots and Colts on sunday, or they have those publicity stunts at boxing weigh ins or emphasize how much MMA opponents don't like each other.

Why do you think they refer to excitement in wrestling as heat? Does this main event have HEAT? Hype, yes, Heat, no.

[repomark]

Nov 19, 2009 18:58:25 GMT -5 @taylorandborland said:

Nov 19, 2009 18:40:27 GMT -5 repomark said:

I don't think it has come across as if they don't care about the match - just that they are killing time up until the match.

if you don't find a way to make actual conflict during the setup, why should anybody care about the match itself?

I mean, it's not that hard to think of something new, or at least not recently done.

The title itself is what the build for the match is. Mutual respect - and three big names in a match against one another for the first time. I think the match itself will be outstanding.

The formulaic booking 101 has been done too much. Week 1 Challenger beats up champion, Week 2 Champion gets some measure of revenge Week 3 Challenger beats up Champion and further stacks the odds against him etc etc. Why not just throw the book out the window and base it purely around three guys who just want the title?

I think the way it has been booked is refreshing in itself - and you could argue is something that has not been done for years.

There is also the more obvious interest in how DX will function during and after the match, how one of them winning the belt would affect their dynamic and indeed if finger pointing would occur if they both fail to win the belt.

I like it - but maybe its just me.

[Robbymac]

Nov 19, 2009 18:58:25 GMT -5 @taylorandborland said:

Nov 19, 2009 18:40:27 GMT -5 repomark said:

I don't think it has come across as if they don't care about the match - just that they are killing time up until the match.

if you don't find a way to make actual conflict during the setup, why should anybody care about the match itself?

I mean, it's not that hard to think of something new, or at least not recently done.

Arguably the best in-ring performer of all time vs. The man who has held the World Title more than any active competitor vs. The biggest name in pro wrestling....

...yeah, I can't see why anyone would care either.

They could book this match and have absolutely no interaction other than a graphic on the screen and a few ads and it would still be just about as big of a match as they could put out.

[MrBRulzOK]

Nov 19, 2009 19:19:22 GMT -5 Robbymac said:

They could book this match and have absolutely no interaction other than a graphic on the screen and a few ads and it would still be just about as big of a match as they could put out.

That would actually be a better build than what they have done for it this past month if you ask me.

[rnrk supports BLM]

Because when you keep using the same handful of guys as THE MAIN EVENT over and over, and don't push anyone else as remotely on their level, you reach the point where you've sapped all the dramatic potential from any of said handful of main eventers fighting each other, but have no one new ready to add to the mix, and there's nothing left to do but play it for laughs.

Really now, we've seen Triple H vs. Cena so many times in so many different combinations that even the markiest of marks isn't going to be biting their fingernails over who'll emerge the better man; they trade wins back and forth all the time. Michaels is slightly fresher, but it's still only been a couple years since his last intense, dramatic feuds with both other men.

So really, if we have to have these guys fighting ad infinitum, the freshest thing that can be done with the setup is to turn it into a comedy built around leprechaun copyright infringement. Mind you, we wouldn't be in this situation if the bookers had actually thought more than a few months ahead and worked on building up another heel challenger (like Swagger or Miz) for once Orton became overexposed, but... they didn't.

[skiller]

Nov 19, 2009 19:19:22 GMT -5 Robbymac said:

Nov 19, 2009 18:58:25 GMT -5 @taylorandborland said:

if you don't find a way to make actual conflict during the setup, why should anybody care about the match itself?

I mean, it's not that hard to think of something new, or at least not recently done.

Arguably the best in-ring performer of all time vs. The man who has held the World Title more than any active competitor vs. The biggest name in pro wrestling....

Bret Hart vs. Ric Flair vs. The Rock?

How the hell did this match come about?!