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Wrestling Critics and Other Cranium Thoughts |
Wrestling columnists like
myself are always looking for a great topic to write about. As of late, the only
good topic to write about has been the decline of the WWE product. A question I
ask myself from time to time is; do some critics take it too far? As columnists,
we are taught to analyze every detail of a subject and try our best to dissect
it. Sometimes, columnists become too passionate and maybe even too critical
about a topic.
WWE storylines have been the source of many columns of late. I have written past
columns giving my opinion about the subject. I have made it clear I disapprove
of current storylines and I feel the WWE product has become too predictable and
boring. Wrestling fans as well as employees of WWE have to realize the Internet
and radio shows are the only source of news for the “sports entertainment”
business. ESPN does not talk about the previous RAW on Tuesday’s Sportcenter
broadcast nor do they discuss what happened on Smackdown on Friday’s
broadcast. Fans go to the Internet or local radio shows for all the latest
rumors, news, and opinions.
If you are familiar with “The Sports Reporters” show on ESPN every Sunday,
you know it consists of a group of columnist/analysts for the world of sports.
They talk about various news and give their opinions about sporting events,
sports stars, and many other sports related topics. They are fair at times and
also very critical at times. That is their job and people respect that. As
wrestling columnists/analyst, we are often criticized for being too opinionated
and too harsh. Well, to put it lightly, that is our job.
We don’t expect everyone to agree with our views. They are just our views and
we write it as we see it. It is for the enjoyment of all the wrestling fans in
the world and we look forward to hearing the fan’s feedback, whether it is
positive or negative.
Maybe it is time for WWE or some other group of individuals to create a show
similar to “The Sports Reporters”. Have a group of internet writers like
myself assembled on a stage with their coffee cups, stools, and paper to discuss
the likes and dislikes of the wrestling world. Create a call in section to hear
feedback and opinions from fans watching the broadcast and allow the show to be
a soapbox for the wrestling world. Would this gain more respect from readers and
WWE employees than the current structure for columnists? Do we have to be
dressed in business suits and be on National television to make it appear we
know what we are talking about? I personally believe if WWE created a
“shoot” style show like this, it would bring in high ratings.
Just as the nWo storyline was beginning to gain steam, Kevin Nash suffers a
serious injury and will be out of action for several months. It was Nash’s
first match back and he has already suffered another injury. This poses two
important questions: Does the nWo storyline deserve to be put on the shelf like
Vince says he has done and is it time for Nash to call it quits?
Now that Uncle Eric has returned in what was a tremendous shock to the wrestling
world, maybe this could be the move that could pump life back into the nWo. The
only way I can see the nWo storyline continuing is if HBK steps back into the
ring full time, have Triple HHH join the group, or align Bischoff with the nWo
again and bring in someone like Scott Steiner to take the spot of Kevin Nash in
the ring. Other than those ideas, I do not see any hope for the nWo. As far as
Kevin Nash retiring from the business, I think his time has arrived. Nash is not
physically able to compete any longer. I would love to see Nash in action the
way he used to be as “Big Daddy Cool”, but it does not appear to be
possible. He should either become a manager or play a backstage role of some
sorts. His wrestling days are just about over.
I’m impressed with the performance of the young stars in the WWE so far. I am
referring to John Cena, Bautista, Randy Orton, and of course Brock Lesnar. All
of these men have stepped into the ring and stepped up their level of play. They
all seem to be well on their way to Superstar status and should make a
tremendous impact on the wrestling world. I can’t wait to see how they
develop.
The Rock is back and I’m not so sure he deserves a WWE title shot so quickly.
He has been out of action for months and gets the push due to his name alone.
I’m not taking anything away from The Rock. I think he is a very talented
performer. I just think there are other wrestlers who deserve a title shot more
than him. Guys like Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Booker T, and Edge have been
very impressive as of late. Should one of these guys get a title shot instead of
The Rock?
More thoughts from the Cranium will be in the coming weeks. Please send any
feedback or comments to Chairshots2head@yahoo.com