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Post by Raw is Doodie101 on May 23, 2022 10:28:20 GMT -5
This is a reason people don't take SRS well... serious. Because he enjoyed it? I thought that was a great main event with a hot crowd. And helps set up the next two challengers to Roman (if reports are true). Yeah, I was definitely surprised by the reaction on here to that ending segment. The online reaction was mostly positive as even R/SquaredCircle(which is pretty anti-WWE) was mostly positive towards the ending.
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Post by polarbearpete on May 23, 2022 10:29:20 GMT -5
Honestly, if his title reign had ended at Backlash last year, I'd say it was one of the best booked heel title runs of all time. He beats the top babyface in the company and sends him packing. Then you have a perpetually underrated fan favorite coming to avenge his fallen friend. That would have made a brand new star and gained a lot of fan interest. Instead the potential star is beaten clean, beaten down post match and never comes anywhere near the main event scene again. He's somehow managed to have a title reign which as peaked twice over, and is still very clearly going for at leas another 4 months until there's even a chance he drops it. All these talents have gotten buried in a title reign which has shown that WWE is completely incapable of long term booking. Honestly nothing that has happened in the first half of his title reign even feels like it matters. It's just become noise at this point. It doesn't matter that he beat two all time greats in the main event of Wrestlemania last year, it doesn't matter that he was the one hill that Daniel Bryan, the greatest underdog ever couldn't overcome, it doesn't matter that he beat John Cena in one of the biggest matches in recent memory, it doesn't matter that he was the first person to ever truly defeat the Demon on the main roster. Do you know why? None of it is ever going to be mentioned again, except vaguely as him being dominant. Because the history of his reign doesn't matter no payoff is going to be satisfying. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this in this thread before, but yeah, it’s kind of remarkable from the outside looking in: long title reigns typically are meant to either contain a series of great matches, serve to build a champion as the top star, get a bunch of challengers over, tell a long form story about what finally reveals the champ’s weaknesses, then gets whomever dethrones the champ over, etc. It’s usually some combination thereof. Reading how people talk about this reign, it’s weird to not hear about a lot of notable matches (though I’m sure there’s been some), to hear that nobody’s really come off looking better for having challenges Roman even in defeat, and that there doesn’t seem to be a story taking shape about what will eventually take Roman down. Without any of that, nothing that happened in the title reign really matters. Samoa Joe’s near two year ROH title reign served to get him over as a top draw for the company, provided a lot of good matches but also importantly made a lot of his challengers look good in defeat, and eventually built to a couple false leads, first that Joe was likely to lose to a flash pin and then that Punk had Joe’s number by forcing him into drawn out matches and focusing on headlocks to grind him down. In the end, neither strategy worked, as instead it was Aries’ rapid fire combination offense that finally took Joe down. Great all-around reign. Okada’s record breaking IWGP title reign was to cement him as company ace, and to showcase him against a really varied array of different opponents with different styles. Just about everyone who challenged him came out looking strong, and it took height of his powers Kenny Omega to dethrone him in a two out of three falls match. His next reign was him as “the obstacle”, serving as the final boss to Naito finally achieving his destiny and winning the big one at Wrestle Kingdom. Purposes were served, and a bunch of those title defenses are all-time favorites for many. Again, I don’t watch WWE so maybe I’m off base in some regards, but by this stage they need to be getting to a story beat of some kind. Roman’s matches should tell the audience something about him and/or his opponents; his matches should start revealing what might be his weaknesses; his promos should show how each defense impacts him as a character; and whatever/whomever it is that finally stops him should be getting steadily built, even if the eventually loss comes as at least a minor surprise, as Aries beating Joe in ROH did. If that’s not really happening, then your key point here will be spot on: that none of this will matter. A reign like this needs to have an impact on entire story and character arcs across the company, but without showing that in any matches you’re just playing the same song on repeat over and over again, instead. That worked for Hulk Hogan in the 80s since his title matches by and large weren’t televised, but that won’t work today. Match-wise, he’s had some great PPV and TV title matches. Quick look at Meltzer’s ratings has him with 14 four-star or higher matches since the reign began (and he doesn’t wrestle all that frequently).
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Post by Finish Uncle Muffin’s Story on May 23, 2022 10:49:19 GMT -5
I’m sure I’ve mentioned this in this thread before, but yeah, it’s kind of remarkable from the outside looking in: long title reigns typically are meant to either contain a series of great matches, serve to build a champion as the top star, get a bunch of challengers over, tell a long form story about what finally reveals the champ’s weaknesses, then gets whomever dethrones the champ over, etc. It’s usually some combination thereof. Reading how people talk about this reign, it’s weird to not hear about a lot of notable matches (though I’m sure there’s been some), to hear that nobody’s really come off looking better for having challenges Roman even in defeat, and that there doesn’t seem to be a story taking shape about what will eventually take Roman down. Without any of that, nothing that happened in the title reign really matters. Samoa Joe’s near two year ROH title reign served to get him over as a top draw for the company, provided a lot of good matches but also importantly made a lot of his challengers look good in defeat, and eventually built to a couple false leads, first that Joe was likely to lose to a flash pin and then that Punk had Joe’s number by forcing him into drawn out matches and focusing on headlocks to grind him down. In the end, neither strategy worked, as instead it was Aries’ rapid fire combination offense that finally took Joe down. Great all-around reign. Okada’s record breaking IWGP title reign was to cement him as company ace, and to showcase him against a really varied array of different opponents with different styles. Just about everyone who challenged him came out looking strong, and it took height of his powers Kenny Omega to dethrone him in a two out of three falls match. His next reign was him as “the obstacle”, serving as the final boss to Naito finally achieving his destiny and winning the big one at Wrestle Kingdom. Purposes were served, and a bunch of those title defenses are all-time favorites for many. Again, I don’t watch WWE so maybe I’m off base in some regards, but by this stage they need to be getting to a story beat of some kind. Roman’s matches should tell the audience something about him and/or his opponents; his matches should start revealing what might be his weaknesses; his promos should show how each defense impacts him as a character; and whatever/whomever it is that finally stops him should be getting steadily built, even if the eventually loss comes as at least a minor surprise, as Aries beating Joe in ROH did. If that’s not really happening, then your key point here will be spot on: that none of this will matter. A reign like this needs to have an impact on entire story and character arcs across the company, but without showing that in any matches you’re just playing the same song on repeat over and over again, instead. That worked for Hulk Hogan in the 80s since his title matches by and large weren’t televised, but that won’t work today. Match-wise, he’s had some great PPV and TV title matches. Quick look at Meltzer’s ratings has him with 14 four-star or higher matches since the reign began (and he doesn’t wrestle all that frequently). I can't really name a feud where the challenger is better off for having feuded with Roman beyond the Usos. Pardon the ramble, but here's a quick look: 1. Roman beats Braun and the Fiend to win the belt - both Fiend and Braun are gone from the company 2. Roman beats Jey Uso - Jey had potential as a singles guy, lots of inexplicable stuff with Jey/Jimmy and now they're with Roman. 3. Roman beats Kevin Owens at TLC and the Rumble - Not particularly great. Owens had a moment at Mania with Sami but it took awhile for him to get back into the swing of things. 4. Roman beats D. Bry at EC, Fastlane: Bryan's gone. 5. Roman beats Edge and D. Bry at Mania: Made Edge, Bryan look foolish. Edge got his footing back, but it took months. 6. Roman beat Cesaro. Cesaro's gone. 7. Roman beats Rey. Rey's in a dead-end tag team. 8. Roman beats Edge again. 9. Roman beats Cena. Right call, I'll give them that. 10. Roman beats Finn a bunch - Finn's in a midcard tag team right now. 11. Seth/Roman had a good match at Rumble, I'll give that too. Roman's been fed everyone that matters and nobody's looking better as a result. He also beat Drew and Big E at Survivor Series events and they haven't really gotten their comeuppance. Good matches don't matter when good doesn't come of it.
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Post by "Evil Brood" Jackson Vanik on May 23, 2022 11:08:41 GMT -5
I felt like they recaptured some of the magic with Roman's story when Seth came into the picture. It had a history that rewarded you as a viewer and for the first time in a while, Roman showed some vulnerability - both as a competitor and as a person. Seth got into his head. He was Roman's white whale that he couldn't figure out. And then they had a fantastic match which got me even more hyped but with a shit finish that went nowhere. It's just hard to get invested again. Either scrap the Brock plan and go with Seth at Mania or just hold off on that match until you can do a proper end to end story. It ended up just being a half measure that did very little in the end.
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Post by BayleyTiffyCodyCenaJudyHopps on May 23, 2022 13:06:34 GMT -5
A dominant heel champ only really works long term if there’s a dominant face alongside them who has the feeling of an “uncrowned champion”.
That’s why Ric Flair was able to draw as a heel for so long in the 80s, because he had a Dusty Rhodes to play off that he could rob of his rightful victory. And eventually the heel has to lose at some points. Hollywood Hogan was scared shirtless as champion cause he had Sting and then early Goldberg on his ass, and WCW made a butt load of dinero. Austin’s reigns as champ lasted a few months, but that was okay because you felt it was a matter of time before he got his hands on Mr. McMahon, and when he did he always humiliated Vince.
It’s the main factor that hurt HHH’s 2002-2005 run, he didn’t have a dominant, *long term* rival that struck fear in him until Batista. Goldberg wasn’t allowed to reach that level, and Benoit was a short term older vet to be champion while the younger crop in Cena, Batista and Orton were being groomed.
The problem is that Roman as a heel isn’t or is rarely ever afraid of anyone, save Brock for a show or two, and he beat Brock’s ass in the end. Babyfaces can get away with not showing fear way easier than heels can. He needs a Cody or Drew to just start wrecking him, week in and week out. Reigns should be getting his MJF on. Have him get embarrassed and humiliated, throw him into a pool or a cake to balance this out.
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Ben Wyatt
Crow T. Robot
Are You Gonna Go My Way?
I don't get it. At all. It's kind of a small horse, I mean what am I missing? Am I crazy?
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Post by Ben Wyatt on May 23, 2022 13:12:39 GMT -5
A dominant heel champ only really works long term if there’s a dominant face alongside them who has the feeling of an “uncrowned champion”. That’s why Ric Flair was able to draw as a heel for so long in the 80s, because he had a Dusty Rhodes to play off that he could rob of his rightful victory. And eventually the heel has to lose at some points. Hollywood Hogan was scared shirtless as champion cause he had Sting and then early Goldberg on his ass, and WCW made a butt load of dinero. Austin’s reigns as champ lasted a few months, but that was okay because you felt it was a matter of time before he got his hands on Mr. McMahon, and when he did he always humiliated Vince. It’s the main factor that hurt HHH’s 2002-2005 run, he didn’t have a dominant, *long term* rival that struck fear in him until Batista. Goldberg wasn’t allowed to reach that level, and Benoit was a short term older vet to be champion while the younger crop in Cena, Batista and Orton were being groomed. The problem is that Roman as a heel isn’t or is rarely ever afraid of anyone, save Brock for a show or two, and he beat Brock’s ass in the end. Babyfaces can get away with not showing fear way easier than heels can. He needs a Cody or Drew to just start wrecking him, week in and week out. Reigns should be getting his MJF on. Have him get embarrassed and humiliated, throw him into a pool or a cake to balance this out. You'd think with the Summerslam/UK ppv 1-2 punch coming, he's going to have at least Drew all over him. There's also a chance to do this with the shadow of the MITB winner (and this may be Cody, who knows) over his head. The last challenger in his head was Seth, and that was done to perfection. Naturally, they followed that up with absolutely nothing...
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Post by A Platypus Rave is Correct on May 23, 2022 13:29:46 GMT -5
Match-wise, he’s had some great PPV and TV title matches. Quick look at Meltzer’s ratings has him with 14 four-star or higher matches since the reign began (and he doesn’t wrestle all that frequently). I can't really name a feud where the challenger is better off for having feuded with Roman beyond the Usos. Pardon the ramble, but here's a quick look: 1. Roman beats Braun and the Fiend to win the belt - both Fiend and Braun are gone from the company 2. Roman beats Jey Uso - Jey had potential as a singles guy, lots of inexplicable stuff with Jey/Jimmy and now they're with Roman. 3. Roman beats Kevin Owens at TLC and the Rumble - Not particularly great. Owens had a moment at Mania with Sami but it took awhile for him to get back into the swing of things. 4. Roman beats D. Bry at EC, Fastlane: Bryan's gone. 5. Roman beats Edge and D. Bry at Mania: Made Edge, Bryan look foolish. Edge got his footing back, but it took months. 6. Roman beat Cesaro. Cesaro's gone. 7. Roman beats Rey. Rey's in a dead-end tag team. 8. Roman beats Edge again. 9. Roman beats Cena. Right call, I'll give them that. 10. Roman beats Finn a bunch - Finn's in a midcard tag team right now. 11. Seth/Roman had a good match at Rumble, I'll give that too. Roman's been fed everyone that matters and nobody's looking better as a result. He also beat Drew and Big E at Survivor Series events and they haven't really gotten their comeuppance. Good matches don't matter when good doesn't come of it. Don't forget with Finn they also fully killed off a gimmick for him that they literally debuted that night for no reason... and then wasn't seen for months until he showed up ON THE OTHER SHOW...
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2022 13:45:48 GMT -5
A dominant heel champ only really works long term if there’s a dominant face alongside them who has the feeling of an “uncrowned champion”. That’s why Ric Flair was able to draw as a heel for so long in the 80s, because he had a Dusty Rhodes to play off that he could rob of his rightful victory. And eventually the heel has to lose at some points. Hollywood Hogan was scared shirtless as champion cause he had Sting and then early Goldberg on his ass, and WCW made a butt load of dinero. Austin’s reigns as champ lasted a few months, but that was okay because you felt it was a matter of time before he got his hands on Mr. McMahon, and when he did he always humiliated Vince. It’s the main factor that hurt HHH’s 2002-2005 run, he didn’t have a dominant, *long term* rival that struck fear in him until Batista. Goldberg wasn’t allowed to reach that level, and Benoit was a short term older vet to be champion while the younger crop in Cena, Batista and Orton were being groomed. The problem is that Roman as a heel isn’t or is rarely ever afraid of anyone, save Brock for a show or two, and he beat Brock’s ass in the end. Babyfaces can get away with not showing fear way easier than heels can. He needs a Cody or Drew to just start wrecking him, week in and week out. Reigns should be getting his MJF on. Have him get embarrassed and humiliated, throw him into a pool or a cake to balance this out. I will keep saying this until I'm blue in the face: A heel is only a heel if they eat shit and show fear (monster heels not withstanding), if they don't, then they're not heels. Every good heel since the beginning of pro wrestling has known this. Ric Flair was (kayfabe) dangerous as an opponent and he knew his stuff, but he was still just a coward, deep down. Hogan, too. Triple H, MJF, Kenny Omega, heel Punk, heel Angle, heel Austin, heel Rock.. on and on and on, they knew their role to play. Roman just comes off like every story I ever heard about The Sheikh killing Detroit.
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Post by Feargus McReddit on May 23, 2022 13:52:57 GMT -5
A dominant heel champ only really works long term if there’s a dominant face alongside them who has the feeling of an “uncrowned champion”. That’s why Ric Flair was able to draw as a heel for so long in the 80s, because he had a Dusty Rhodes to play off that he could rob of his rightful victory. And eventually the heel has to lose at some points. Hollywood Hogan was scared shirtless as champion cause he had Sting and then early Goldberg on his ass, and WCW made a butt load of dinero. Austin’s reigns as champ lasted a few months, but that was okay because you felt it was a matter of time before he got his hands on Mr. McMahon, and when he did he always humiliated Vince. It’s the main factor that hurt HHH’s 2002-2005 run, he didn’t have a dominant, *long term* rival that struck fear in him until Batista. Goldberg wasn’t allowed to reach that level, and Benoit was a short term older vet to be champion while the younger crop in Cena, Batista and Orton were being groomed. The problem is that Roman as a heel isn’t or is rarely ever afraid of anyone, save Brock for a show or two, and he beat Brock’s ass in the end. Babyfaces can get away with not showing fear way easier than heels can. He needs a Cody or Drew to just start wrecking him, week in and week out. Reigns should be getting his MJF on. Have him get embarrassed and humiliated, throw him into a pool or a cake to balance this out. I will keep saying this until I'm blue in the face: A heel is only a heel if they eat shit and show fear (monster heels not withstanding), if they don't, then they're not heels. Every good heel since the beginning of pro wrestling has known this. Ric Flair was (kayfabe) dangerous as an opponent and he knew his stuff, but he was still just a coward, deep down. Hogan, too. Triple H, MJF, Kenny Omega, heel Punk, heel Angle, heel Austin, heel Rock.. on and on and on, they knew their role to play. Roman just comes off like every story I ever heard about The Sheikh killing Detroit. Only thing I’ll say about heel Austin was that it took them way too long to build proper challengers who weren’t Attitude Era handovers like Kane and Undertaker with the Hardys (and Edge and Christian) being killed and Benoit and Jericho were rushed to the main event scene and by the time there was potential for the build to reach something, Benoit got injured and the InVasion was kicking off so Jericho ended up in limbo for a bit. If anything, the issue at the start was basically “don’t do well at WrestleMania because your heat will go right to the old dudes”.
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thehottag
Don Corleone
We're here for one reason only: fame, fortune, & the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions!
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Post by thehottag on May 23, 2022 13:55:39 GMT -5
A dominant heel champ only really works long term if there’s a dominant face alongside them who has the feeling of an “uncrowned champion”. It's the same in any form of storytelling. Having a strong villain is great, but only if the audience have an equally strong hero to root for. I watched The Empire Strikes Back last week, & I noticed the entire film is basically the heels kicking ass - from the Battle of Hoth onwards, our heroes are either running, hiding, or getting their hands chopped off by the villains. But they just manage to escape, & because they're so likeable you desperately want them to succeed against the odds. WWE is like if Professor Moriarty kept committing heinous crimes & convoluted schemes & just got away with it, with no Sherlock around to foil him.
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Post by "Evil Brood" Jackson Vanik on May 23, 2022 14:23:55 GMT -5
It is interesting that Meltzer mentioned on Observer Radio that Roman was getting cheered over Drew in London. I think the split in September could still favor Drew but I do think Roman has reached the point of being over as a cool heel since all he does is win and fans love winners. Drew is cool and has his fans but I don't think it's going to be anything close to a Goldberg/Hogan in Atlanta situation.
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Ben Wyatt
Crow T. Robot
Are You Gonna Go My Way?
I don't get it. At all. It's kind of a small horse, I mean what am I missing? Am I crazy?
Posts: 41,832
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Post by Ben Wyatt on May 23, 2022 14:33:45 GMT -5
A dominant heel champ only really works long term if there’s a dominant face alongside them who has the feeling of an “uncrowned champion”. That’s why Ric Flair was able to draw as a heel for so long in the 80s, because he had a Dusty Rhodes to play off that he could rob of his rightful victory. And eventually the heel has to lose at some points. Hollywood Hogan was scared shirtless as champion cause he had Sting and then early Goldberg on his ass, and WCW made a butt load of dinero. Austin’s reigns as champ lasted a few months, but that was okay because you felt it was a matter of time before he got his hands on Mr. McMahon, and when he did he always humiliated Vince. It’s the main factor that hurt HHH’s 2002-2005 run, he didn’t have a dominant, *long term* rival that struck fear in him until Batista. Goldberg wasn’t allowed to reach that level, and Benoit was a short term older vet to be champion while the younger crop in Cena, Batista and Orton were being groomed. The problem is that Roman as a heel isn’t or is rarely ever afraid of anyone, save Brock for a show or two, and he beat Brock’s ass in the end. Babyfaces can get away with not showing fear way easier than heels can. He needs a Cody or Drew to just start wrecking him, week in and week out. Reigns should be getting his MJF on. Have him get embarrassed and humiliated, throw him into a pool or a cake to balance this out. I will keep saying this until I'm blue in the face: A heel is only a heel if they eat shit and show fear (monster heels not withstanding), if they don't, then they're not heels. Every good heel since the beginning of pro wrestling has known this. Ric Flair was (kayfabe) dangerous as an opponent and he knew his stuff, but he was still just a coward, deep down. Hogan, too. Triple H, MJF, Kenny Omega, heel Punk, heel Angle, heel Austin, heel Rock.. on and on and on, they knew their role to play. Roman just comes off like every story I ever heard about The Sheikh killing Detroit. I used this example before but heel Flair worked as long term champion because under all the bravado and blazing promos, he gave the impression the title was in danger whether it be Sting, Steamboat or a one off challenge from Bobby Eaton or Hawk. He was afraid of whoever was after him and gave the viewer at home, or person in the crowd the impression that his title was in legit danger
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ssdrivin
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Post by ssdrivin on May 23, 2022 14:34:04 GMT -5
It is interesting that Meltzer mentioned on Observer Radio that Roman was getting cheered over Drew in London. I think the split in September could still favor Drew but I do think Roman has reached the point of being over as a cool heel since all he does is win and fans love winners. Drew is cool and has his fans but I don't think it's going to be anything close to a Goldberg/Hogan in Atlanta situation. But if not that prime opportunity for one of the very few potential challengers who might just barely be able to beat Roman, on that challenger's home turf, then who, and when? Like... ok, maybe you could book Roman to win and Drew gets another shot somehow, and wins that instead. But why would you do that, just to send people home from Cardiff kinda bummed? If Drew's not the guy, then who is, at this point? When would be the time for them to step up and actually beat him? Someone has to beat him, eventually, and I don't see why you wouldn't use a special occasion to make that happen, you know?
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Post by Feargus McReddit on May 23, 2022 14:40:01 GMT -5
It is interesting that Meltzer mentioned on Observer Radio that Roman was getting cheered over Drew in London. I think the split in September could still favor Drew but I do think Roman has reached the point of being over as a cool heel since all he does is win and fans love winners. Drew is cool and has his fans but I don't think it's going to be anything close to a Goldberg/Hogan in Atlanta situation. But if not that prime opportunity for one of the very few potential challengers who might just barely be able to beat Roman, on that challenger's home turf, then who, and when? Like... ok, maybe you could book Roman to win and Drew gets another shot somehow, and wins that instead. But why would you do that, just to send people home from Cardiff kinda bummed? If Drew's not the guy, then who is, at this point? When would be the time for them to step up and actually beat him? Someone has to beat him, eventually, and I don't see why you wouldn't use a special occasion to make that happen, you know? You wouldn’t go out of your way to try and book a stadium show in the UK if you weren’t going to have a talent from there win. An arena show, absolutely, I get that completely. A 60k seater stadium? You’re basically saying you want to never go back again or at least make it really hard for yourself.
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ssdrivin
ALF
Claims to be squishy, has yet to be proven.
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Post by ssdrivin on May 23, 2022 14:47:33 GMT -5
But if not that prime opportunity for one of the very few potential challengers who might just barely be able to beat Roman, on that challenger's home turf, then who, and when? Like... ok, maybe you could book Roman to win and Drew gets another shot somehow, and wins that instead. But why would you do that, just to send people home from Cardiff kinda bummed? If Drew's not the guy, then who is, at this point? When would be the time for them to step up and actually beat him? Someone has to beat him, eventually, and I don't see why you wouldn't use a special occasion to make that happen, you know? You wouldn’t go out of your way to try and book a stadium show in the UK if you weren’t going to have a talent from there win. An arena show, absolutely, I get that completely. A 60k seater stadium? You’re basically saying you want to never go back again or at least make it really hard for yourself. You or I clearly wouldn't, and I think that goes for many others who view WWE's booking with quite a lot of side-eye too, but we all know they're not above doing that sort of thing because it suits their stupid single-minded plans, and to hell with the consequences (because there won't really be any). I really am trying not to just bash WWE, I'm going to this show, I've paid my money, I'm not going there to hate on this thing, but I'm too familiar with WWE to actively expect booking that complies with logic or crowd happiness, I can't let myself become convinced that they'll do (what I, at least, believe is) the right thing, because it's all too likely they'll throw a big ol' trollface on the day. I'd rather be cynical and pleasantly surprised than hopeful and miserably disappointed. Or at least cynical and vindicated.
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Post by polarbearpete on May 23, 2022 14:48:06 GMT -5
It is interesting that Meltzer mentioned on Observer Radio that Roman was getting cheered over Drew in London. I think the split in September could still favor Drew but I do think Roman has reached the point of being over as a cool heel since all he does is win and fans love winners. Drew is cool and has his fans but I don't think it's going to be anything close to a Goldberg/Hogan in Atlanta situation. The fact that Roman is over is another reason that I don’t really buy into it being complete misery booking. He gets cheered a lot, especially in certain cities. The crowds aren’t usually majorly upset that he’s winning big matches. I think they were more upset when he was a face and winning.
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Post by polarbearpete on May 23, 2022 14:49:11 GMT -5
But if not that prime opportunity for one of the very few potential challengers who might just barely be able to beat Roman, on that challenger's home turf, then who, and when? Like... ok, maybe you could book Roman to win and Drew gets another shot somehow, and wins that instead. But why would you do that, just to send people home from Cardiff kinda bummed? If Drew's not the guy, then who is, at this point? When would be the time for them to step up and actually beat him? Someone has to beat him, eventually, and I don't see why you wouldn't use a special occasion to make that happen, you know? You wouldn’t go out of your way to try and book a stadium show in the UK if you weren’t going to have a talent from there win. An arena show, absolutely, I get that completely. A 60k seater stadium? You’re basically saying you want to never go back again or at least make it really hard for yourself. I don’t know, I’d guess that Roman would be the betting favorite to win over Drew at the Clash. Maybe they’ll have some others from there win on the undercard to make up for it if they do go with a Roman win.
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thehottag
Don Corleone
We're here for one reason only: fame, fortune, & the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions!
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Post by thehottag on May 23, 2022 15:07:52 GMT -5
You wouldn’t go out of your way to try and book a stadium show in the UK if you weren’t going to have a talent from there win. How many times down the years have we said "there's no way WWE would do (x)", only for them to do exactly that
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Post by "American Nightmare" B.B. Bart on May 23, 2022 15:16:25 GMT -5
A dominant heel champ only really works long term if there’s a dominant face alongside them who has the feeling of an “uncrowned champion”. That’s why Ric Flair was able to draw as a heel for so long in the 80s, because he had a Dusty Rhodes to play off that he could rob of his rightful victory. And eventually the heel has to lose at some points. Hollywood Hogan was scared shirtless as champion cause he had Sting and then early Goldberg on his ass, and WCW made a butt load of dinero. Austin’s reigns as champ lasted a few months, but that was okay because you felt it was a matter of time before he got his hands on Mr. McMahon, and when he did he always humiliated Vince. It’s the main factor that hurt HHH’s 2002-2005 run, he didn’t have a dominant, *long term* rival that struck fear in him until Batista. Goldberg wasn’t allowed to reach that level, and Benoit was a short term older vet to be champion while the younger crop in Cena, Batista and Orton were being groomed. The problem is that Roman as a heel isn’t or is rarely ever afraid of anyone, save Brock for a show or two, and he beat Brock’s ass in the end. Babyfaces can get away with not showing fear way easier than heels can. He needs a Cody or Drew to just start wrecking him, week in and week out. Reigns should be getting his MJF on. Have him get embarrassed and humiliated, throw him into a pool or a cake to balance this out. Roman should end more shows looking at the lights rather than taking offense then retreating.
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Post by koreycaskets on May 23, 2022 15:19:48 GMT -5
Well I'm thinking once Orange Cassidy jumps ship to WWE, he may be the one who defeats Reigns.
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