The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

[MightyDavidson]

<p>To be perfectly honest, I'm shocked when WWE booking does anybody any favors these days. Seems like, with certain exceptions, they spend more time tearing wrestlers down then they do building them up and when they do try to build somebody up, Roman Reigns for example, they do a horrible job of it.</p><p> </p><p>

Don't even get me started on them devaluing their World title with this "Universal" title, or the Stealing WWC Intellectual Property Title as I jokingly refer to it, BS.</p>

[Mootinie]

<p>"This is a thousand writers working on a thousand scripts for RAW. Soon they'll have written the greatest show known to man! Let's see..."</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/s85lcjF.jpg</span></p>

[Blackman]

<p>Oh goodness... the Cruiserweight title is so deliciously retro with that theme song of TJ. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

After seeing that I swear I shall coins poppin' out of Sheamus' head after the jumping uppercut. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[milamber]

<span>http://botchedspot.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/09/2016-09-26-too-much-2.jpg</span>

[milamber]

That was the most entertained I've been by Raw in weeks but it was still frustrating. Most of the booking is either half-assed or illogical.

[crownsy]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="milamber" data-cite="milamber" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>That was the most entertained I've been by Raw in weeks but it was still frustrating. Most of the booking is either half-assed or illogical.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> My impression of Raw:</p><p> </p><p> "ehh....the debate is gonna kill us so....here's a place holder show, enjoy!"</p><p> </p><p> Also, the whole "is steph actually TALKING TO HER HUSBAND!!!! oh noes!" angle is DOA already. off triple H's attack, I had hopes they would have a good stroyline ready to go. Instead it's authority 2.0, only with Owens as the champ and Foley playing the Rube that used to be played by whatever babyface the authority was busy making look like crap. Oh well, better that than Steph killing a wrestler verbally while they sit there and go "ok...ok....ok"</p><p> </p><p> I could get behind the shemus cesaro tag team, but unsure why the Club had to be buried with a shovel the last 3 months to get there....I assume there are plans for them when Balor returns and right now they just have nothing for them?</p><p> </p><p> I expect smackdown to win handily for me again this week</p>

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crownsy" data-cite="crownsy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> I could get behind the shemus cesaro tag team, but unsure why the Club had to be buried with a shovel the last 3 months to get there....I assume there are plans for them when Balor returns and right now they just have nothing for them?</p></div></blockquote><p> At the rate they're going they'll be as dead as the Shining Stars by the time Finn is healthy.</p>

[Mootinie]

<p>An average of 2.478 million viewers for RAW last night, down from 2.684 million viewers last week. With the presidential debate starting at 9PM, only approximately 450,000 viewers turned over. It might still be RAW's worst rating in history but it's certainly not as bad as expected. Wade Keller says it's a 1.75, with a 0.83 demo rating.</p><p> </p><p>

The real story here is that Monday Fight Football lost around 4 million viewers compared to last week and recorded it's worst rating yet. They lost around 30% of their viewers whereas RAW only lost around 9%.</p>

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>An average of 2.478 million viewers for RAW last night, down from 2.684 million viewers last week. With the presidential debate starting at 9PM, only approximately 450,000 viewers turned over. It might still be RAW's worst rating in history but it's certainly not as bad as expected. Wade Keller says it's a 1.75, with a 0.83 demo rating.<p> </p><p> The real story here is that Monday Fight Football lost around 4 million viewers compared to last week and recorded it's worst rating yet. They lost around 30% of their viewers whereas RAW only lost around 9%.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> See alot of these things can't account for "online viewers". Since I myself don't have cable tv I usually watch through an "illegal" streaming site that +500,000 viewers on that one stream alone. I honestly think the tv rating system will be dead in a few years because it doesn't mean anything anymore.</p>

[milamber]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>An average of 2.478 million viewers for RAW last night, down from 2.684 million viewers last week. With the presidential debate starting at 9PM, only approximately 450,000 viewers turned over. It might still be RAW's worst rating in history but it's certainly not as bad as expected. Wade Keller says it's a 1.75, with a 0.83 demo rating.<p> </p><p> The real story here is that Monday Fight Football lost around 4 million viewers compared to last week and recorded it's worst rating yet. They lost around 30% of their viewers whereas RAW only lost around 9%.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> And yet the WWE are back to spamming Championship matches between PPVs on Raw next week to boost ratings. And at least 1 one them will have a dodgy finish <img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[MightyDavidson]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="milamber" data-cite="milamber" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>And yet the WWE are back to spamming Championship matches between PPVs on Raw next week to boost ratings. And at least 1 one them will have a dodgy finish <img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> And despite how obviously bad the booking has been for ages now, certain sections of the fanbase will use it as "evidence" that KO is not a draw. <img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Rone Rivendale]

<p>On another thread, the topic of figureheads in TEW came up. And I didn't want to off-track that thread so I'm posting this here.</p><p> </p><p>

John Cena has been the undisputed figurehead of WWE for several years. But obvs he is on his way out, or at least will be a part timer for as long as he's around. </p><p> </p><p>

So who is the figurehead of WWE today? Is it KO? Is it Rollins? Is it Dean? Is it AJ?</p><p> </p><p>

The problem is, by TEW standards, you have to be a babyface to be a figurehead. Only Dean out of the top guys is a face right now. WWE is VERY top heavy with heels.</p><p> </p><p>

Does WWE even HAVE a figurehead right now?</p>

[Mootinie]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Rone Rivendale" data-cite="Rone Rivendale" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Does WWE even HAVE a figurehead right now?</div></blockquote><p> Yes, the product.</p>

[Blackman]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Since I myself don't have cable tv I usually watch through an "illegal" streaming site that +500,000 viewers on that one stream alone.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> If not more... You're right that ratings don't mean much nowadays. Just like many saw the debate hours later, people view RAW later. As a WWE Network subscriber, I reserve the right to download the shows through illegal means. I sure as hell won't watch it on the Belgian channel, where some stupid idiot dubs french over the original audiostream, which is near impossible to understand because you're hearing two languages simultaneously. Otherwise they will lose me as a sub altogether as it won't make sense to watch just the PPV's. I guess I can watch everything one month after the events, but that would mean kissing my internet life goodbye because of spoilers and the inability to discuss pretty much anything. And would presuppose quitting facebook (that or severing bonds with WWE-minded friends).</p><p> </p><p> Someone posted earlier that Trips was playing with the idea of a more expensive subscription service that would include TV shows instantly. I for one would be down with that.</p>

[milamber]

So Smackdown and Talking Smack kicked ass again but came up short on Raw's ratings. But it's not that bad really. I see Raw as the mainstream show for casuals and Smackdown as the show for wrestling fans (like NXT when it was at its peak last year).

[Russelrules44]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="milamber" data-cite="milamber" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So Smackdown and Talking Smack kicked ass again but came up short on Raw's ratings. But it's not that bad really. I see Raw as the mainstream show for casuals and Smackdown as the show for wrestling fans (like NXT when it was at its peak last year).</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> That's what I've gotten from this. RAW is representing the casual type of fans, the ones who will watch the show no matter what happens. (Myself included) </p><p> </p><p> SmackDown on the other hand represents the more professional type of wrestling fan, the smark. Those are the types of fans that will talk about the show in a analytical manner, you never really can tell what type a smark you'll get. It's always something different.</p><p> </p><p> I've personally been enjoying both RAW and SmackDown for different reasons, for RAW; I've really been enjoying their cruiserweight division. It takes a different approach than from the rest of RAW and really helps to move the show along faster. I'm also very happy to see squashes on RAW again, It gives the low/mid card something to do and helps to build them up for the future.</p><p> </p><p> SmackDown on the other hand has the better storytelling structure and makes sure that there's something for everyone. Look at Slater for example, before the draft; he was the prime example of a jobber. Now? He's one of the most over babyfaces in the company and currently a tag team champion with Rhyno.</p><p> </p><p> They also manage to turn chicken s**t into chicken salad very well. Let's be honest, who here was excited for a feud with Miz and Ziggler? Not many. But thanks to SmackDown, it's given a purpose for feuding. Miz thinks Ziggler can't win the big one, Ziggler wants to prove him wrong. (and will even put his own career on the line to do so) That is great story-telling and I have to give props to SmackDown for that.</p><p> </p><p> I think this is WWE's way of bringing in smark fans and giving them their own show to play with and yet keeping the casual fans happy with the flagship show, which I find to be a very smart move on WWE's part. Needless to say, i'll be watching onward to see what happens next in the WWE universe.</p>

[Mootinie]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Russelrules44" data-cite="Russelrules44" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think this is WWE's way of bringing in smark fans and giving them their own show to play with and yet keeping the casual fans happy with the flagship show, which I find to be a very smart move on WWE's part. Needless to say, i'll be watching onward to see what happens next in the WWE universe.</div></blockquote><p> What even? Are you a WWE spokeperson? They're keeping the casuals <em>so happy</em> that they're all tuning out in their droves every week. >_> They make the show wrestling heavy because hardcore fans are all they have left watching this dumpster fire of a show.</p>

[Russelrules44]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>What even? Are you a WWE spokeperson? They're keeping the casuals <em>so happy</em> that they're all tuning out in their droves every week. >_> They make the show wrestling heavy because hardcore fans are all they have left watching this dumpster fire of a show.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Nope. Just calling how I see it, just like what your doing right now.</p>

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Blackman" data-cite="Blackman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> Someone posted earlier that Trips was playing with the idea of a more expensive subscription service that would include TV shows instantly. I for one would be down with that.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> This^^^</p><p> </p><p> I would rather watch it live through them like PPVs as opposed to trusting the faulty servers that I currently watch. Somedays I just get frustrated and watch the Hulu version instead.</p>

[Blackman]

<p>On the figurehead topic: I always thought it was a stupid idea to have a figurehead in a promotion this size (in the game, mind you). Cena however makes me 'wrong', seeing how the ratings are supposedly worse than during his time at the top. But again: the ratings don't mean that much. I think people are just searching for a reason to legitimately blast their current product. They should takes notes and adapt to it. I for one think they are on a good course, and I say that as a casual fan.</p><p> </p><p>

It's also an interesting discussion to see who will watch the product no matter what: The smarks or the casuals? The way I see it the smarks hated Cena's figurehead position but... still kept watching, though the casuals tend to switch channels as soon as they don't like what they're seeing. With that in mind I'd let Cena take a step back as he can't be their top star forever.</p>

[guyver3]

On the subject of the more expensive network tier I was part of a WWE survey about what one would like to see or expect as a part of that higher cost. Watching live Raw and Smackdown was not listed as a benefit of the tier but they did say next day viewing of the shows no waiting a month or so.

[CQI13]

So basically Hulu, with full show as opposed to condensed version? Depending on the cost, I'd do it.

 

It would just push the viewing a day back (Tuesday Raw, Wednesday Smackdown, Thursday NXT).

[moon_lit_tears]

So basically Hulu, with full show as opposed to condensed version? Depending on the cost, I'd do it.

 

It would just push the viewing a day back (Tuesday Raw, Wednesday Smackdown, Thursday NXT).

 

I hate watching tv so I tend to watch next day online so this would be perfect for me!

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="guyver3" data-cite="guyver3" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>On the subject of the more expensive network tier I was part of a WWE survey about what one would like to see or expect as a part of that higher cost. Watching live Raw and Smackdown was not listed as a benefit of the tier but they did say next day viewing of the shows no waiting a month or so.</div></blockquote><p> I have to think USA would object pretty strongly to the TV shows being on the Network the next day.</p>

[iruleall15]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I have to think USA would object pretty strongly to the TV shows being on the Network the next day.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Well USA needs to start airing Raw and SD a 2nd time each week. If I can't make Raw or SD I don't wanna get spoiled. So next day on network works since USA doesn't air repeats of WWE</p>