wrestling / Columns
The Wrestling Sandwich 08.04.2012
Greetings pilgrims and welcome once again to The Wrestling Sandwich.
I’m just going to quote this from last week’s column…
I was listening to the Karl Stern Show podcast he made a couple of months ago and he stated that while Jerry Lawler was AWA Champion it was tabled he was going to beat Lex Luger for the NWA World Title. Now I know Luger didn’t hold that title but it doesn’t mean the Crocketts weren’t think about it. According to Stern this was almost a done deal but something caused it to fall over in the final stages and it never happened.
I’m curious to know if anyone can verify this as this was a potentially huge shift in the wrestling landscape and have NEVER heard it before. I know it’s impossible to hear every rumor this sport has to offer but a game changer like this one should be often talked about to this day.
Interestingly I didn’t hear a word about this and even a guy like Ryan Byers who knows everything admitted that hearing this same story on the Stern podcast was the first he’d ever heard of it either.
So if ANYONE has heard ANYTHING about this or even to verify it was a rumor that was doing the rounds back in the late 80’s speak up now or forever earn my scorn.
So on that note…let’s get going.
One of the big news stories this week was Bruno Sammartino and his burials of Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Steve Austin. Typically most people labeled Bruno a bitter has-been who’s lost touch with what wrestling is now.
Firstly the history lesson…Bruno was a world champion for 4,042 days over two separate title reigns. While it’s hard to nail down the exact numbers most research puts Bruno as headlining MSG around 211 times with 187 sellouts. This doesn’t include his track record in other areas like Canada and other WWWF territories.
For all of his drawing power Bruno was an unspectacular wrestler and was very much an old-school grappler. His appealed lay in his Italian heritage, an undeniable charisma and a reputation as a legitimate tough guy. He was a main event draw from 1959 right up until 1981 with the last jewel in his crown being a 39,295 crowd at Shea Stadium against Larry Zbyszko.
The man is a legitimate superstar in wrestling and made promoters millions of dollars. His name alone drew fans by the thousands to arenas especially after he performed feats of strength like being the only man to body slam Haystacks Calhoun.
It is no secret Bruno fell out of love with wrestling in the 80’s as much for the “vulgar” aspects as he was about the proliferation of drugs and drug use in the dressing room in that time. The hard-drinking wrestlers of the previous decades had given way to a drug culture that was the genesis for the string of wrestler deaths that started soon after.
He’s had personal grudges against both Vince McMahons Senior and Junior and held animosity over his being denied pay-off by the elder McMahon for which he had to sue to retrieve and just the general man that is Vince Jr.
It comes as little surprise that he would have strong opinions about Hulk, Flair and Austin as all three exhibit traits that the straight talking, clean living and allegedly faithful Sammartino has coded his life by. Does this make Bruno out of touch…hardly. The man has always had strong opinions about life and wrestling and when people call him bitter I say too fucking right.
This is a man that survived rheumatic fever and the Germans during the tail end of WWII thanks to a mother that was tough beyond all reason that would sneak food from German-occupied towns and was even shot in the shoulder and just kept going. He’s been married to the same woman since 1959 and lived in the same house since before he won his first WWWF championship. His life both personally and professional have been as close to model as you can get.
He does not have to keep a civil tongue for anyone. Guys like Hogan, Flair and Austin have all made their share of preposterous statements and have done their level best to keep in the spotlight well beyond when they should have retired gracefully. Austin less so than the other two, but then again Hogan and Flair haven’t led police on a drunken chase after beating the crap out of their wives.
Do I agree with Bruno? Not really. But the guy has earned the right to judge wrestling and those in it because he has history on his side and the backbone to be his own man and not grovel to the feet of Vince McMahon or any promoter willing to pay for their bar bill because they couldn’t keep their dick in their pants, take care of their money or refuse to let go of the spotlight.
The really big news out of the week was John Laurinaitis quietly resigning as head of Talent Relations in what has to be one of the biggest “you could’ve seen that one coming with your eyes closed” moments in the last 5 years. HHH had been circling the wolves around Johnny Ace and with John’s extremely poor track record in charge of talent hanging over his head and the sudden yanking of WWE support of FCW, it was only matter of time.
John to his credit jumped rather than be pushed and managed to land in the position of agent, which may be the best use of Laurinaitis as he’s an excellent wrestling mind. HHH would be wise to use him in the Pat Patterson role of man to help map out the big key matches and his seasoning in Japan could help lend a different flavor to the stale WWE style we see right now.
So what about Talent Relations? The easy part is putting someone in charge. Most any corporate necktie wearer should be able to handle the day to day running. The big decision would be who do you make responsible for the locating and recruitment of talent? When you have a guy like Jim Ross in charge you get Steve Austin, Mankind, The Rock, HHH, Jon Cena, Bastista and Randy Orton to name a few. You have a guy like Johnny Ace and you get…well you don’t get much in the way of guys he brought in but you get a few that were great wrestlers before they got in the WWE like C.M. Punk and Daniel Bryan.
What hasn’t helped is the almost schizophrenic changing of what type of person they are looking for. First it was “real” athletes but after Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley jumped ship they moved away from that. Then it was second/third generation stars but that was abandoned when the WWE machine refused to push anyone other than Randy Orton who had the pedigree. For the last year or so it has been muscled guys under the age of 30. Anyone else need not apply. Heaven forbid if you are a lifelong fan and want employment in the WWE on any level of the wrestling game save you being labeled a mark and looked over.
As much as Jim Ross doesn’t like the role I would throw money at him to start scouting talent again and be your point man for recruitment. He brought in all types and had success with many style of athlete. He also wasn’t afraid to spend a little on a guy like Vader since he knew he could get a couple of good years out of him, or the most decidedly non-star looking Mick Foley as he knew Foley would do anything for the business and put people over in the right way.
Secondly I would get developmental sorted out ASAP. FCW was a failure because it was a stupid, shitty set-up that managed to negate the wrestling minds of some of the greatest the business had to offer in Dusty Rhodes, Tom Pritchard and Ricky Steamboat. Get a solid territory in a good city, that has a good touring circuit that allows guys to wrestler more than once a week, a decent TV deal and a guy in charge that knows how to work a small territory and bring along your young guys.
The big idea seems to make NXT a breeding ground and for those of us currently able to view this show we’ve been getting a solid hour of no-frills old-school style television show that is a great first step. The plan seems to be to keep this show based out of Full Sale University but make it a national show rather than available in the local Florida market. That would be a mistake.
National TV is a harsh place to learn the basics of wrestling and it leaves little room for gimmick development. Having a regional territory with local TV away from the national spotlight will give guys a chance to develop in the right environment without the pressure of getting it right in front of a national audience.
The following figire came out of the WWE financial statement concerning their top revenue streams…
Second Quarter Revenue Drivers
(1) PPV Revenue: $40.8 million
(2) Live Events: $35.4 million
(3) TV Rights: $32.4 million
(4) Home Video: $7.8 million
(5) Licensing: $6.6 million
Now I’m happy to be corrected here and if I’m wrong I deserve the bile but these figures would include WrestleMania? No?
The reason I make mention of that is this is the figures for the first half of the year…
First-Half of 2012 Revenue Drivers
(1) TV Rights: $64.9 million
(2) Live Events: $57.6 million
(3) PPV Revenue: $54.3 million
(4) Licensing: $30.8 million
(5) Home Video: $17.0 million
The big deal here is you can clearly see the money bonanza that is WM and its importance to the WWE bottom line. It’s astonishing to think that nearly 4/5 of all PPV revenue in 2012 came from WM. This would lead most to agree with what the WWE internally thinks about PPV in general…that it’s a dying revenue stream.
That theory gets thrown out the window when you look at year-by-year comparison of PPV buyrates is general…
Individual PPV buys
WrestleMania
2009 – 960,000 buys
2010 – 885,000 buys
2011 – 1,059,000 buys
2012 – 1,217,000 buysExtreme Rules (Post-WM)
2010 – 182,000 buys
2011 – 209,000 buys
2012 – 263,000 buysOver the Limit (May)
2010 – 197,000 buys
2011 – 140,000 buys
2012 – 167,000 buysJune PPV
2010 – 143,000 buys (Fatal Four-Way)
2011 – 170,000 buys (Cap. Punishment)
2012 – 194,000 buys
It’s plain to see in black and white…PPV buys are up and that also means PPV revenue is up. It’s ludicrous to think the WWE is trying to sell a network which people will have to pay extra just to watch and is going to generate anywhere near the income these PPV’s currently are. Especially when you plan to give them away on the network for free.
But this isn’t about the network…this is about PPV. This isn’t a dying format and MMA is doing just fine with it as a primary income source. The reason people are buying WWE PPV’s is that Vince gave the audience something they were willing to pay for to watch be it The Rock, Brock Lesnar or John Cena. It’s something I have banged on about for a while now.
I’m a fan of John Cena but even to those of us that enjoy him as a performer it’s pretty obvious that him as your sole PPV and main event draw is boring the fans. His presence is tired and the lack of character development has made him stale. He either needs a year off to recharge the batteries and make the people want to see him again or the much cried for heel turn.
This is not anything new.
With PPV up and interest in guys like C.M Punk, Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler and the returned Randy Orton, Miz and Rey Mysterio to prop up the top of the card it would be an ideal time for Cena to step away and see if any one of the above can make the step up to that Cena level.
The other interesting thing about these financials…TV Rights was the only category that maintained its number for both 2012 quarters but it also had the highest figure for the half-year. You can surmise that the money for going three hours on Mondays and international rights fees as they continue global expansion is a major reason for this. I also wonder if this includes advertising revenue for commercial spots during RAW and the pre-sale of these in anticipation for the extra hour of RAW?
If so, no matter at the quality of three-hour RAWS going forward if this is an indication of the money they will make then get used to the use of a fast forward button.
THE SMACKDOWN GOOD & BAD
Opening Segment Interview
The Good: As with most interview segments on Smackdown, this was quick and to the point. Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus both got their verbal licks in and word officially came down that they will fight at Summer Slam.
The Bad: Not entirely sold on Booker T as your new SD GM. He obviously has charisma but he may be a little one note for this type of role. As it is, it’s an outside the box idea which is something the WWE should do more often
Non-Title: Sheamus vs. Tensai
The Good: I noticed Tensai and his treatment of Sakamodo was still in place. Making me think the WWE is playing up the controversy from earlier in the week. The match itself while not at the level of recent Sheamus matches, was still quite the affair. These two guys pounded the crap out of each other and with Matt Bloom working a faster style these days it worked quite well. I also dig how whenever he throws an offensive more he yells out SMASH! Well if he doesn’t it certainly sounds like it and he should start doing it. It’s a character trait like this that gives as much colour to a wrestlers as anything else. Sheamus is started to border on being as good a worker as he is over with the crowd. In case you haven’t noticed, he way fucking over.
The Bad: I had to laugh at Michael Cole talking about Sheamus getting picked on for his pale skin…growing up in Ireland! Dude, most of the Irish I know are so pale they’re almost translucent. Silly comment.
Eve, Booker & Teddy Long Backstage
The Good: I loved the Booker T diss of Eve Torres. Again the segment never outstayed its welcome and doesn’t waste time making the point and moving on. I may also work the “it’s on like a pot of neck bones” line Teddy dropped into to my everyday vernacular.
The Bad: Nothing.
Non-Title Match: Santino Marella vs. Antonio Cesaro
The Good: The #1 contender to the world title Alberto Del Rio takes four times as long to bet Marella….certainly makes Cesaro look better. I also LOVE how Cesaro wiped his feet on Santino after the match ended. Like Tensai yelling SMASH, these moments add personality.
The Bad: I’m a huge fan of Santino but this run as US Champ is a joke and hopefully this match means the next match between the two is for the title, Cesaro wins and maybe gets a decent push.
Daniel Bryan Interview
The Good: Daniel Bryan is God. He managed to almost turn babyface after WM and then turn back to an awesome heel. He may play unhinged better than anyone in WWE history.
The Bad: Nothing
Six Man Tag: Chris Jericho, Christian, Kane vs. The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan
The Good: It occurs to me the Ziggler may be the character that Vince also wanted Billy Gunn to always be. Daniel Bryan getting the whole crowd to chant Yes! while still being a heel is a thing of beauty. The match itself is exactly what you think it was going to be, quick, fast-paced, fun and full of great spots and ring work. Each pair that has an issue got to have some time in the ring and further things along, especially Ziggler/Jericho. I’m getting amped for this match-up when it happens.
The Bad: The only complaint it that they should have gotten another 5-7minutes in there. The match was thoroughly enjoyable and I would have loved it to go longer.
Daniel Bryan Post match
The Good: Normally I wouldn’t give a post match celebration much play but my lord, Bryan…he had a stand out night. His interaction with that guy from the crowd was a million buys as Bryan was almost apoplectic over him shouting Yes! and the crowd dude just laughing and enjoying the fuck out of the moment and serving to piss Bryan off more…tremendous. Double points for Bryan scarring the small children at ring side by walking up and shouting no at them.
The Bad: You joking if you thing there was anything remotely bad about this.
Randy Orton Interview
The Good: Nothing great that stood out.
The Bad: Nothing wrong as such but after Daniel Bryan having me in fits of laughter this was just bland.
Jinder Mahal vs. Ryback
The Good: I’m looking….
The Bad: I get that you can’t have Rybak run through the roster since your roster aint that big but he can’t squash Mahal? Really? I will file this under here since I know it’s a bad idea but I would bring Rhyno back for a match with Ryback. The intensity meter will be off the chart. Plus you can feed Ryback a name and not use up your roster.
-R-Truth vs. Darren Young
The Good:Michael Cole of all people calling out the stupidity of the Little Jimmy stuff. I know Heel Cole is marginal at best but sometimes that persona works.
The Bad: Another in an endless series of Prime Time Players matches that are meaning less and less with each passing week.
Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio
The Good: After a few months of Sheamus lead main events the difference of Rand Orton as your main event player is startling. I think a heel turn for Randy may be in order.
The Bad: Don’t know what this means for Orton but the difference in pop for Orton and Sheamus was more than a little noticeable. As in Orton had to have a fair bit of positive reaction sweetened in. I mean, take the moment where Orton had dropkicked Del Rio over the ropes and the crowd is shouting RANDY! RANDY! You see a shot of the crowd and they’re almost all sitting on their hands.
Overall
The Good: I like watching Smackdown. It doesn’t have the over blown feel of RAW, you get a couple of good matches and promo silliness is kept to a minimum. This show is no different.
The Bad: The big obvious thing about Smackdown…no matter what happens it literally doesn’t register on the radar that much. Daniel Bryan and Sheamus are over but that’s more to do with their work on RAW as much as SD. If the WWE could somehow make it more relevant to the WWE product as a whole it would certainly give it more erm…impact.
PLEASE BRISCOE BROTHER COME TO THE WWE REALLY SOON. YOU’RE JUST WHAT WE NEED TO MAKE THINGS FUN.
WWE, IF YOU ACTUALLY GET THE BRISCOES PLEASE KEEP DEM BOYS EXACTLY AS THEY ARE. THEY ARE MONEY!!
News grabs from this past Wednesday…
The company is currently planning to downplay Rock’s title shot until after the Survivor Series is done with in mid-November. That will allow the company to promote shows without the media being caught up over the Rock’s title match. Officials also want the PPV to be sold out by November.
I get pillared for saying things about how stupid the WWE is at the moment but stuff like this only backs up my opinion that Vince McMahon is batshit insane and trying to kill the company from the inside out.
Firstly they want to downplay the Rocks Royal Rumble match just so he doesn’t focus all media attention on a match that’s happening in 2013 but they want said Royal Rumble PPV to be sold out by mid-November.
Huh?
Chances of the Rumble, the second largest PPV of the year being a sell out is always strong and The Rock being on the card almost makes it a certainty. You shoot yourself in the foot by announcing his involvement in July for a January PPV. Doubly so when you have him confront C.M Punk and you have them get physical as a set up for that match.
In the words of Nigel Tufnell…the meat don’t fit the bread.
Follow up on my comments about Billy Gunn from RAW 1000….
WWE officials were reportedly impressed with Billy Gunn and how he interacted with Shawn Michaels on the 1,000th Raw. The current belief is that he will get at least one match for a future televised Raw. Conversely, Sean Waltman did not inspire the most complimentary talk as to is condition so he is unlikely to be brought back to work a match.
Several people backstage were also joking about Gunn being so friendly backstage considering he challenged Triple H and Shawn Michaels to a “shoot” fight years back.
Funny I made mention of Gunn and his issue with HHH but Billy was smart and showed up in shape and looked like he hadn’t aged a day since he left. He could certainly carry his end of a match. The Waltman stuff is a mach of nothing because all he has to do is take a beating, hit a couple of hope spots and hot tag out if they had him with Gunn and Road Dogg. The ability to utilize them in the right setting could be good.
Plus I’m always in favour of bringing in more established veterans to work with younger talent. While it’s not the same as working with Edge four nights a week a guy like Brodus Clay could get a lot out of working with Gunn for a couple of months. Or better yet Ryback as it wouldn’t be ridiculous that a guy as big and strong as Gunn could dominate him in a match.
From The Observer…
WWE officials think that Jinder Mahal has potential to be a top heel in the company. The WWE is looking to strengthen it’s position in India, and with Great Khalia’s career likely winding down, Mahal could be a big asset for the company
Okay, I get the WWE needs to continue to push into new foreign markets or in the case of India go back to a place they had a large following. I agree that Jinder Mahal, while green, does seem to have something about him. However right now he’s a geek and is lucky to not be fed to Ryback…but at least I now have an answer to why Mahal is being protected.
I’m all for Mahal getting some sort of push but at least protect him instead of being jobber meat.
Other Tasty Treats
For my classic wrestling clip of the week I give you The Southern Boys vs. The Midnight Express. The MX were considered all but down and done and they come out and pull this rabbit out of their hats and give us a near ***** classic with an unlikely team of the Southern Boys who went on to non-famey as The Young Pistols (since the Southern Boys didn’t sound gay enough I guess).
This match had great heel cheating, great tag-team moves, non-stop action and random moments like Stan Lane and Tracey Smothers breaking out into a martial arts dual out of nowhere….
411 On Twitter
