|
Post by Crazy Diamond on Feb 28, 2012 13:44:47 GMT -5
Ya know, I don't see how anyone can talk about Cena pandering when he really doesn't do it much at all (outside of charity and PR). He accepts that he can't please all the fans so he respects their right to not like him. He rides with the other half of the audience because they know the score, they like what he is doing and they support him. You cannot possibly complain about Cena "pandering" when compared to the current incarnation of The Rock. The patriotic pandering, the religious pandering, the twitter whoring worse than Michael Cole, the I love everyone in the audience thank you so much you made me I'm getting goose bumps OMG I used to live here and I met famous people from here and know historic parts of this city while flashing his pearly whites. He talks about doing charity like as if no other wrestler has done it before. He spent 4 straight years complaining about how he was always there unlike the evil ungrateful Rock. Randomly went on a tangent about how he suddenly wants to be a pro wrestler despite the only reason he was in wrestling was because he failed at bodybuilding and football. Tries to be a "rapper" whenever he goes up against Rock or is about to get booed in his hometown. Hell, his whole rap gimmick was pandering at its worst. I guess they can't have Rock say he likes Al-Qaeda like they did with Kurt Angle so they need to focus on his "disloyalty" instead. If what Rock said was really pandering, he would have been booed for it. I can't speak for anyone else, but I can tell when I'm being pandered to.
|
|
ronin705
Dennis Stamp
All Might
Posts: 4,277
|
Post by ronin705 on Feb 28, 2012 13:53:58 GMT -5
And that's exactly what they were going for. Emphasizing Cena's crowd reactions in his previous feud should have given this away. They are trying to make the people that boo Cena like him again and it's really starting to work. It was just awkward, honestly. But at the same time, it kind of works on that other level too. Even if someone thinks that Rock held himself back to allow Cena to look better, they're going to find themselves disappointed on some level that Rock would intentionally let himself get showed up like that. Which makes it look like Cena's in the right because Rock "isn't putting 100% effort" into it (ie : taking Cena apart). So yeah, WWE's gone all in on trying to make people boo Rock. this is exactly what it is, Rock's known to do business NO MATTER WHAT. In the most notables feuds (Goldberg,Lesnar) He was the more talented man on the stick, so of course he's carrying that load, but he doesn't have to do that with John so he's just enjoying the ride. I also think they're trying to "humanize" The Rock cuz after Cena's haymaker, it's almost like fans are trying to rally behind him, instead of no-selling the shotgun blast. It really sucks as a Rock fan though, we're in for a long month.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2012 13:59:08 GMT -5
I find it hilarious that some people really think Rock cut a bad promo on purpose.
Rock isn’t holding back from delivering some knockout punch because he’s going easy on Cena. There’s been no knockout punch simply because there is no knockout punch he could possibly deliver. Rock has already used all the material he has (the way Cena dresses, the fact that kids/women love him and adults boo him, how he went from rapper to marine, calling him various unflattering names) and Cena’s still standing tall. There’s nothing he could say that hasn’t already been said 1000 times before.
That being said, I think a lot of people are being too hard on Rock here. He’s one of the greatest talkers of all time but he’s still only human. Even back in the day he had his share of misses as well as hits. For every hilarious promo there was the stuff about popcorn farts or monkey anus or llama nipples. And even his “bad†stuff usually had the audience going crazy anyway. Maybe, just maybe, after being out of the loop for so many years it’s taking a little while to get used to performing in front of a live audience again? Dude has been an actor for the past 8 years. It’s a big difference. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that his best promo in this feud has been the one that was shot at his home where he was reading from a teleprompter and was clearly shot in multiple takes so that he could get it perfect. He’s going to be around for the next month though so I would expect him to start getting back into the groove again.
Even Cena last year had his little “knockout blow†second rap response to Rock that bombed. Then he came back with a great promo on the WM go home show and more recently arguably got the better of Rock the past 2 weeks. Similarly, I fully expect Rock to bounce back from this and really step it up in the next month and by the time WM comes around people will probably barely remember this little mishap.
|
|
HBL
Unicron
This is what yoga does to you.
Posts: 3,196
|
Post by HBL on Feb 28, 2012 14:34:24 GMT -5
It's hilarious that some people think that Rock was ''supposed'' to cut a bad promo to put Cena over.
Just accept it,Rock was AWFUL last night,just like I expected.A child can come off with more imitating insults.
Rock just makes me hate him more every time he appears,while I like Cena more in his every appereance.So congrats WWE,you made me a Cena fan.He owned Rock last night.
|
|
|
Post by Red Impact on Feb 28, 2012 15:17:18 GMT -5
Ya know, I don't see how anyone can talk about Cena pandering when he really doesn't do it much at all (outside of charity and PR). He accepts that he can't please all the fans so he respects their right to not like him. He rides with the other half of the audience because they know the score, they like what he is doing and they support him. You cannot possibly complain about Cena "pandering" when compared to the current incarnation of The Rock. The patriotic pandering, the religious pandering, the twitter whoring worse than Michael Cole, the I love everyone in the audience thank you so much you made me I'm getting goose bumps OMG I used to live here and I met famous people from here and know historic parts of this city while flashing his pearly whites. Weren't Cena's 5 promos of "I'm here and your not because I care about the fans!" all pandering? That's pretty much what the feud was built on whenever Cena talked about it until last night, he was pandering to the fans too. Yeah, the Rock panders as well, you can't say that he doesn't. I think they're both pretty guilty of trying to play the audience to their favor. The more I think about Cena's last two promos, and just the way they built the feud after Survivor Series, I have to wonder if they're consciously taking Punk's material from last year and giving it to Cena to use on the Rock. Punk calls out Cena for being a failed bodybuilder while he's always wanted to be a wrestler, then Cena calls out Rock out for being an actor while making a big note about how he's never going to do it because he wants to be a wrestler. Punk gets a catchphrase of his own being the voice of the voiceless and doing what he's doing for all the people who are stepped on by the company, and now Cena's doing this for the guys in the back who are missing out on Mania because the Rock is in the match. Punk shows up at Comic-Con and calls out Triple H for Zack Ryder not being on tv, and when Ryder gets on TV he's hanging out and being best friends with Cena (ultimately to get used as a prop in the feud with Kane, but still). It just seems like there are a lot of interesting parallel's there, to me at least.
|
|
4real
Wade Wilson
Posts: 28,045
|
Post by 4real on Feb 28, 2012 15:25:28 GMT -5
They both came off looking terrible.
I didn't believe a word Cena said about Rock being a prima donna after Rock basically set things straight at the start of his promo. Cena then walked off as if to say 'I won'. I just didn't feel like he had to me at all. Rock then basically called him a coward making Cena's whole promo null and void.
Rock was stumbling over his words badly and his constant references towards twitter were getting really old. pretty much the only decent thing he said in the promo was about Cena's change in shorts.
I really hope this is not what we are going to be getting in the coming weeks. Both guys came off as really unlikeable last night.
|
|
|
Post by alliedbiscuit on Feb 28, 2012 15:35:55 GMT -5
All I could think when Cena was talking was this: ![](http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b204/sturminator187gi/Wayne_D.jpg) I don't care if he is supposed to be winning me over, hell, I don't even care if he's right: he's won 19 championships in the WWE and has been in 12 movies of his own. Everything he says rings hollow. I'm glad The Rock left. What the hell would he have been doing in the WWE the last 8 years? People are already tired of Randy Orton and the guy is barely 30.
|
|
Krimzon
Crow T. Robot
This guy is the man!
R.I.P. Deadpool
Posts: 43,870
|
Post by Krimzon on Feb 28, 2012 16:43:48 GMT -5
Why do people find it hard to believe that the Rock was supposed to look bad last night? Cena CLEARLY came out looking like a million bucks. Is it really that hard to believe that the whole thing was by design?
|
|
BRV
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Wants him some Taco Flavored Kisses.
Posts: 17,102
|
Post by BRV on Feb 28, 2012 16:50:04 GMT -5
Why do people find it hard to believe that the Rock was supposed to look bad last night? Cena CLEARLY came out looking like a million bucks. Is it really that hard to believe that the whole thing was by design? This is the same company that actively sells "Cena Sucks" t-shirts. They also just built a two-month long feud around the fact that, aside from women and children, everyone hates John Cena, and he should just accept the fact. And if you go on WWE.com, they make no mention of The Rock stumbling over his lines, or Cena getting the best of him last night. In fact, they go out of their way to make it seem as if The Rock got the best of Cena last night, with quotes such as "The Rock delivered scathing words for John Cena, saying that the WWE Universe is sick of him," and "Cena vowed to beat the hell out of him at WrestleMania. But, Rock got in the last word." If they are trying to make it a part of the storyline that The Rock was intentionally supposed to suck last night, they must be doing it very subtly, because they've made no mention of it whatsoever. And I've never known the WWE to handle things subtly.
|
|
Krimzon
Crow T. Robot
This guy is the man!
R.I.P. Deadpool
Posts: 43,870
|
Post by Krimzon on Feb 28, 2012 16:55:42 GMT -5
Why do people find it hard to believe that the Rock was supposed to look bad last night? Cena CLEARLY came out looking like a million bucks. Is it really that hard to believe that the whole thing was by design? This is the same company that actively sells "Cena Sucks" t-shirts. They also just built a two-month long feud around the fact that, aside from women and children, everyone hates John Cena, and he should just accept the fact. And if you go on WWE.com, they make no mention of The Rock stumbling over his lines, or Cena getting the best of him last night. In fact, they go out of their way to make it seem as if The Rock got the best of Cena last night, with quotes such as "The Rock delivered scathing words for John Cena, saying that the WWE Universe is sick of him," and "Cena vowed to beat the hell out of him at WrestleMania. But, Rock got in the last word." If they are trying to make it a part of the storyline that The Rock was intentionally supposed to suck last night, they must be doing it very subtly, because they've made no mention of it whatsoever. And I've never known the WWE to handle things subtly. Doesn't mean that they still didn't do it, though. The way Cena showed up, slammed Rock, and left in such a flippant manner clearly shows that he was supposed to get the better of Rock last night.
|
|
|
Post by AndyUK on Feb 28, 2012 17:03:22 GMT -5
Well, Cena's definitely winning so far. Considering the fact that The Rock hasn't even been allowed to cut a proper Rock promo since the feud started, that isn't surprising though. Hopefully they're just biding their time.
|
|
Massive G
Hank Scorpio
yo hago esto
Posts: 6,224
|
Post by Massive G on Feb 28, 2012 17:11:38 GMT -5
If they are trying to make it a part of the storyline that The Rock was intentionally supposed to suck last night, they must be doing it very subtly, because they've made no mention of it whatsoever. And I've never known the WWE to handle things subtly. this is the thing I can't get past. When, exactly, has WWE been subtle about anything? I mean, if they are, then it's amazing, but I doubt it. it seems a lot more likely to me that Rock just saying dumb things 200 times in a row and literally asking the crowd to chant them along with him was just a stupid, crappy promo.
|
|
|
Post by Snaptastic on Feb 28, 2012 17:13:18 GMT -5
Well, Cena's definitely winning so far. Considering the fact that The Rock hasn't even been allowed to cut a proper Rock promo since the feud started, that isn't surprising though. Hopefully they're just biding their time. The thing is though, if we look at his promos thus far they have all the ingredients of a typical Rock promo. But for some reason, even as a total mark for Rock something has been missing this whole time. It could be they are reigning him in for now, but they have to let him loose at some point. I did at one point think Rock might actually win this one at Mania, only to face Cena in a losing effort at SummerSlam as once reported. However, with all that is going on and they way Rock has been made to look like a chump...I honestly believe Cena is winning this one hands down. Quite frankly, I don't like it but business is business.
|
|
Krimzon
Crow T. Robot
This guy is the man!
R.I.P. Deadpool
Posts: 43,870
|
Post by Krimzon on Feb 28, 2012 17:14:03 GMT -5
If they are trying to make it a part of the storyline that The Rock was intentionally supposed to suck last night, they must be doing it very subtly, because they've made no mention of it whatsoever. And I've never known the WWE to handle things subtly. this is the thing I can't get past. When, exactly, has WWE been subtle about anything? I mean, if they are, then it's amazing, but I doubt it. it seems a lot more likely to me that Rock just saying dumb things 200 times in a row and literally asking the crowd to chant them along with him was just a stupid, crappy promo. This is the biggest match in WWE history and they've had over a year to think EVERYTHING through four times over. Give any creative mind a year to build something up and they'll put their best foot forward more often than most.
|
|
SEAN CARLESS
Hank Scorpio
More of a B+ player, actually
I'm Necessary Evil.
Posts: 5,770
|
Post by SEAN CARLESS on Feb 28, 2012 17:16:20 GMT -5
It's hilarious that some people think that Rock was ''supposed'' to cut a bad promo to put Cena over. Just accept it,Rock was AWFUL last night,just like I expected.A child can come off with more imitating insults. Just accept it, you don't really know what you're talking about and are being worked. Listen to what you're saying here, it proves it: You're exactly where they WANT you to be. And that's awesome. Makes for a better dynamic. But don’t get up on a high horse over it. You’ve just been drawn into the intended story as we all were. Think about Rock; love him or hate him, he has never been --even in this feud -- that lost out there. He’s an actor; he gave a continuous 3 hour speech to induct his grandfather into the HOF without a single stutter; he’s cut hundreds of promos live in the ring with next to no issues – and suddenly he flubs now when it’s seemingly most important? You’ve taken your side, and that’s the point. But don’t fool yourself, behind the kayfabe, he gave the promo he was SUPPOSED to give. He had the notes written on his hand on purpose to make people question if Cena was really right about him. Dude’s NEVER done that before. It was part of the story. Rock was never meant to come in all barrels blazing with the real-life intent to annihilate Cena. What good would that do for the company’s overall mission to rehab Cena’s character? -- since HE will be the one left behind to carry the ball, no matter what. Hell, I got caught up in the moment too when Cena dropped the bomb, and said, “Oh f*** you, Cena.” Then I smiled and thought to myself: “brilliant.” I’m one of the Rock loyalists, firmly entrenched and unwavering. I’m where they expect people my age to be. I’m playing my role. But I see the story they’re telling and I think it’s pretty impressive. They want a 50/50 split – and just might make it happen (although not in Miami), despite what I thought was a cemented futility. And they need to, if the result of this feud is to bear the intended (and desperately needed) fruit. Putting Cena over at WrestleMania is worthless if Rock’s the overwhelming sentimental favorite. “Congrats, a perceived manufactured guy carrying a soulless era beat the best of the era everyone knew and watched, and now everyone is sad.” They have to make the detractors see Cena as equal and credible for it to truly mean anything. That said, this whole thing ends with each man respecting the other, and saying/thinking: “I was wrong about you. You are the real deal.” They hope that we will say it as well.
|
|
|
Post by Snaptastic on Feb 28, 2012 17:20:18 GMT -5
Now here's JBL with his opinion on the backstage heatz on Rocky...
|
|
|
Post by Kevin Hamilton on Feb 28, 2012 17:23:00 GMT -5
It's hilarious that some people think that Rock was ''supposed'' to cut a bad promo to put Cena over. Just accept it,Rock was AWFUL last night,just like I expected.A child can come off with more imitating insults. Just accept it, you don't really know what you're talking about and are being worked. Listen to what you're saying here, it proves it: You're exactly where they WANT you to be. And that's awesome. Makes for a better dynamic. But don’t get up on a high horse over it. You’ve just been drawn into the intended story as we all were. Think about Rock; love him or hate him, he has never been --even in this feud -- that lost out there. He’s an actor; he gave a continuous 3 hour speech to induct his grandfather into the HOF without a single stutter; he’s cut hundreds of promos live in the ring with next to no issues – and suddenly he flubs now when it’s seemingly most important? You’ve taken your side, and that’s the point. But don’t fool yourself, behind the kayfabe, he gave the promo he was SUPPOSED to give. He had the notes written on his hand on purpose to make people question if Cena was really right about him. Dude’s NEVER done that before. It was part of the story. Rock was never meant to come in all barrels blazing with the real-life intent to annihilate Cena. What good would that do for the company’s overall mission to rehab Cena’s character? -- since HE will be the one left behind to carry the ball, no matter what. Hell, I got caught up in the moment too when Cena dropped the bomb, and said, “Oh f*** you, Cena.” Then I smiled and thought to myself: “brilliant.” I’m one of the Rock loyalists, firmly entrenched and unwavering. I’m where they expect people my age to be. I’m playing my role. But I see the story they’re telling and I think it’s pretty impressive. They want a 50/50 split – and just might make it happen (although not in Miami), despite what I thought was a cemented futility. And they need to, if the result of this feud is to bear the intended (and desperately needed) fruit. Putting Cena over at WrestleMania is worthless if Rock’s the overwhelming sentimental favorite. “Congrats, a perceived manufactured guy carrying a soulless era beat the best of the era everyone knew and watched, and now everyone is sad.” They have to make the detractors see Cena as equal and credible for it to truly mean anything. That said, this whole thing ends with each man respecting the other, and saying/thinking: “I was wrong about you. You are the real deal.” They hope that we will say it as well. Agreed, the 'grudgingly earned respect' handshake is coming.
|
|
|
Post by Optimus Prime on Feb 28, 2012 17:33:27 GMT -5
If The Rock was legit flustered, he got over it pretty quick. Just watched his off-air post-RAW promo (not sure if it's allowed to post the link here) and he was just relaxed and having fun again. Getting the entire arena to chant the little kid's name was a nice touch, too.
|
|
|
Post by bogey316 on Feb 28, 2012 17:55:44 GMT -5
I didn't read every page but I'm one to believe that this was set up to make Cena look good. I mean, really, The Rock needs to write notes on his wrist? Never in a million years. It's The Rock! The Rock probably knew Cena was going to come out and say something that was supposed to fluster him. This isn't Eve we are talking about. I'm sure he can act flustered. There's no way the Rock gets legit flustered.
|
|
|
Post by Snaptastic on Feb 28, 2012 17:58:51 GMT -5
I will note, that in my entire time watching WWE programming...I have NEVER seen Rock write notes down on his wrist. That alone says enough to me about where they were trying to go with that promo.
|
|