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

[milamber]

<p>Comments from Austin who was backstage at Raw getting content for his podcast.</p><p> </p><p>

<a href="http://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2014/2/13/5409556/stone-cold-steve-austin-talks-interesting-atmosphere-backstage-at-wwe-wrestlers-walking-on-eggshells" rel="external nofollow">http://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2014/2/13/5409556/stone-cold-steve-austin-talks-interesting-atmosphere-backstage-at-wwe-wrestlers-walking-on-eggshells</a></p>

[TakerNGN74]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Stennick" data-cite="Stennick" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So the wrestling observer released the most searched for pro wrestlers of 2013. <p> </p><p> </p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>John Cena<br /></li><li>CM Punk<br /></li><li>Hogan<br /></li><li>Triple H<br /></li><li>Randy Orton<br /></li><li>The Undertaker<br /></li><li>AJ Lee<br /></li><li>Brock<br /></li><li>Steve Austin<br /></li><li>Big Show<br /></li><li>Daniel Bryan<br /></li><li>Ric Flair<br /></li><li>Batista<br /></li><li>Shawn Michaels<br /></li><li>Rey Mysterio<br /></li><li>Ryback<br /></li><li>Jeff Hardy<br /></li><li>The Miz<br /></li><li>Chris Jericho<br /></li><li>Dolph Ziggler<br /></li><li>Vince McMahon<br /></li><li>Sheamus<br /></li><li>Eva Marie<br /></li><li>Mark Henry <br /></li><li>Nikki Bella<br /></li><li>Natalya <br /></li><li>Kurt Angle<br /></li><li>Mickie James<br /></li><li>Cody Rhodes<br /></li><li>Sin Cara<br /></li><li>Goldust<br /></li></ol><p></p><p> </p><p> So Daniel Bryan is WAY down on this list. In fact he's right above Batista and Randy Orton is much higher on the list. Now this is more atune to who casual marks who don't patrol newz sites are looking for. I mean Batista wasn't even mentioned in the WWE for 99 percent of 2013. The top of the list isn't surprising what is surprising is how high Randy Orton is and how low Daniel Bryan is. Although I'm sure this list is meaningless. Unless of course Daniel Bryan was at the top and then it would mean everything....I think thats how these things work.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Eva Marie made the list... Someone please kill me!</p>

[DaMegaFish]

<p>So does anyone watch OSW Review?</p><p> </p><p>

It's a pretty good show where they started by reviewing all the WWF Hulkamania PPV's, followed by the David Arquette WCW set (Ready To Rumble, Thunder, Slamboree) and now they are starting a mini ECW phase. Most of their videos run from 90-120 minutes and I think they are a pretty funny group. They really started hitting their stride I'd say around their 1989 reviews or 1990 area, but all around they make for some good free entertainment.</p><p> </p><p>

If you want to check them out, go here!</p><p>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/oswreview" rel="external nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/oswreview</a></p>

[Teh_Showtime]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TakerNGN74" data-cite="TakerNGN74" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Eva Marie made the list... Someone please kill me!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> She's a model and she is a tv star...</p>

[milamber]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">NXT Review:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Natalya, Bayley & Emma vs Summer, Sasha & Fox</strong> - Good agressive match. Fox tapped out to the Emma Lock after the BFFs walked away. Valentine's themed commentary was a bit creepy.</p><p>

<strong>English vs Big Cass</strong> - Regal's man-crush defeated Big Cass for the 2nd time in a short match.</p><p>

<strong>Zayn & Cesaro</strong> - Zayn has been obsessing over the 2/3 Falls match and can't figure out where he went wrong. Cesaro claims Zayn is good but he's simply better. Zayn put Cesaro over as a workhorse in the WWE (that got a few cheers) and they both referenced their history wrestling each other all over the world. Zayn goaded Cesaro and got the crowd chanting "One more time" and Cesaro was about to pinky swear! Instead he said no and kicked Zayn's injured knee. HHH overuled him and set the match for the live show because it's best for business. Great segment.</p><p>

<strong>Dillinger vs Parker</strong> - Squash win for Parker. He cut a heelish promo to the fans blaming them for ruining the world he's trying to save. I think he's OK but most people hate his gimmick so a heel turn won't help much.</p><p>

<strong>Wyatt Family vs Jordan & Louis</strong> - The Wyatts are babyfaces on NXT. Quick squash and a brief Bray promo.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Verdict:</strong> The show started off good but ended with a couple of squash matches and no main event. And they wasted 15 minutes plugging the next PPV and the new Shawn Michaels DVD.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i.imgur.com/X46TB31.gif</span></p>

[Basmat01]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DaMegaFish" data-cite="DaMegaFish" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So does anyone watch OSW Review?<p> </p><p> It's a pretty good show where they started by reviewing all the WWF Hulkamania PPV's, followed by the David Arquette WCW set (Ready To Rumble, Thunder, Slamboree) and now they are starting a mini ECW phase. Most of their videos run from 90-120 minutes and I think they are a pretty funny group. They really started hitting their stride I'd say around their 1989 reviews or 1990 area, but all around they make for some good free entertainment.</p><p> </p><p> If you want to check them out, go here!</p><p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oswreview" rel="external nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/oswreview</a></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Love OSW I actually found them though the botchamania website. Just watched the ECW video cant wait for heatwave 98.</p><p> </p><p> youtube channel </p><p> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoP2aohe2aQXRWKNN6bRng" rel="external nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoP2aohe2aQXRWKNN6bRng</a></p>

[lazorbeak]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DaMegaFish" data-cite="DaMegaFish" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So does anyone watch OSW Review?<p> </p><p> It's a pretty good show where they started by reviewing all the WWF Hulkamania PPV's, followed by the David Arquette WCW set (Ready To Rumble, Thunder, Slamboree) and now they are starting a mini ECW phase. Most of their videos run from 90-120 minutes and I think they are a pretty funny group. They really started hitting their stride I'd say around their 1989 reviews or 1990 area, but all around they make for some good free entertainment.</p><p> </p><p> If you want to check them out, go here!</p><p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oswreview" rel="external nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/oswreview</a></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah, they're great. I also enjoy the Attitude Era podcast.</p><p> </p><p> </p><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><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">NXT Review:</span></strong><p> </p><p> <strong>Dillinger vs Parker</strong> - Squash win for Parker. He cut a heelish promo to the fans blaming them for ruining the world he's trying to save. I think he's OK but most people hate his gimmick so a heel turn won't help much.</p><p> <strong>Wyatt Family vs Jordan & Louis</strong> - The Wyatts are babyfaces on NXT. Quick squash and a brief Bray promo.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Verdict:</strong> The show started off good but ended with a couple of squash matches and no main event. And they wasted 15 minutes plugging the next PPV and the new Shawn Michaels DVD.</p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> People hate the gimmick as a photo-bombing babyface, but there's no reason a twist on the character and a turn can't make Parker watchable. And the main event was the Wyatt match/promo. No main event? <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[milamber]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="lazorbeak" data-cite="lazorbeak" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> People hate the gimmick as a photo-bombing babyface, but there's no reason a twist on the character and a turn can't make Parker watchable. And the main event was the Wyatt match/promo. No main event? <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> A 1 minute Wyatt squash and a generic 1 minute Bray promo is not my idea of a main event.</p>

[Guest codey]

I don't think it's been pointed out here yet, but this is something that I love is going on. Antonio Cesaro just pinned the WWE Champion clean. He's a clear cut upper midcarder heading into Elimination Chamber. Meanwhile, he's also down in NXT, feuding with Sami Zayn. Although he won their 2/3 falls match, the two are presented as equals pretty much. Zayn, while great, is in DEVELOPMENTAL. WWE are sending main roster guys down to NXT and getting them over. They may not be jobbing to them, but they're making them look strong and entertaining in compelling matches, and I think that's key. If you're going to televise your developmental league, you've got to present these guys as strong, or when they graduate to the main show fans just won't buy it at first. In Zayn's case, I fully believe that his debut will see a ton of Ole! chants. People will know him because of this Cesaro feud.

[TakerNGN74]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="codey" data-cite="codey" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I don't think it's been pointed out here yet, but this is something that I love is going on. Antonio Cesaro just pinned the WWE Champion clean. He's a clear cut upper midcarder heading into Elimination Chamber. Meanwhile, he's also down in NXT, feuding with Sami Zayn. Although he won their 2/3 falls match, the two are presented as equals pretty much. Zayn, while great, is in DEVELOPMENTAL. WWE are sending main roster guys down to NXT and getting them over. They may not be jobbing to them, but they're making them look strong and entertaining in compelling matches, and I think that's key. If you're going to televise your developmental league, you've got to present these guys as strong, or when they graduate to the main show fans just won't buy it at first. In Zayn's case, I fully believe that his debut will see a ton of Ole! chants. People will know him because of this Cesaro feud.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Some people probably knew who he was prior to him getting signed by WWE after all Zayn was El Generico in Ring Of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrila but I agree your casual WWE fan wont understand that.</p>

[sabataged]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Stennick" data-cite="Stennick" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So the wrestling observer released the most searched for pro wrestlers of 2013. <p> </p><p> </p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>John Cena<br /></li><li>CM Punk<br /></li><li>Hogan<br /></li><li>Triple H<br /></li><li>Randy Orton<br /></li><li>The Undertaker<br /></li><li>AJ Lee<br /></li><li>Brock<br /></li><li>Steve Austin<br /></li><li>Big Show<br /></li><li>Daniel Bryan<br /></li><li>Ric Flair<br /></li><li>Batista<br /></li><li>Shawn Michaels<br /></li><li>Rey Mysterio<br /></li><li>Ryback<br /></li><li>Jeff Hardy<br /></li><li>The Miz<br /></li><li>Chris Jericho<br /></li><li>Dolph Ziggler<br /></li><li>Vince McMahon<br /></li><li>Sheamus<br /></li><li>Eva Marie<br /></li><li>Mark Henry <br /></li><li>Nikki Bella<br /></li><li>Natalya <br /></li><li>Kurt Angle<br /></li><li>Mickie James<br /></li><li>Cody Rhodes<br /></li><li>Sin Cara<br /></li><li>Goldust<br /></li></ol><p></p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> These were the most searched for pro wrestlers of 2013.</p><p> </p><p> (the numbers in parenthesis denote their overall rank when including MMA fighters and boxers, and their ranking from last year’s list):</p><p> </p><p> 1: The Rock (2) (4)</p><p> 2: John Cena (5) (1)</p><p> 3: CM Punk (9) (6)</p><p> 4: Hulk Hogan (10) (5)</p><p> 5: Triple H (11) (14)</p><p> 6: Randy Orton (14) (13)</p><p> 7: The Undertaker (15) (18)</p><p> 8: AJ Lee (16) (20)</p><p> 9: Brock Lesnar (19) (7)</p><p> 10: Steve Austin (20) (19)</p><p> 11: The Big Show (22) (17)</p><p> 12: Daniel Bryan (26) (42)</p><p> 13: Ric Flair (28) (35)</p><p> 14: Batista (29) (16)</p><p> 15: Shawn Michaels (30) (31)</p><p> 16: Rey Mysterio (31) (21)</p><p> 17: Ryback (32) (25)</p><p> 18: Jeff Hardy (33) (22)</p><p> 19: The Miz (36) (38)</p><p> 20: Chris Jericho (38) (33)</p><p> 21: Dolph Ziggler (41) (NR)</p><p> 22: Vince McMahon (42) (54)</p><p> 23: Sheamus (43) (36)</p><p> 24: Eva Marie (44) (NR)</p><p> 25: Mark Henry (45) (47)</p><p> 26: Nikki Bella (47) (NR)</p><p> 27: Natalya (49) (NR)</p><p> 28: Kurt Angle (54) (53)</p><p> 29: Mickie James (55) (NR)</p><p> 30: Cody Rhodes (57) (55)</p><p> 31: Sin Cara (58) (30)</p><p> 32: Goldust (60) (NR)</p>

[djthefunkchris]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="sabataged" data-cite="sabataged" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>These were the most searched for pro wrestlers of 2013.<p> </p><p> (the numbers in parenthesis denote their overall rank when including MMA fighters and boxers, and their ranking from last year’s list):</p><p> </p><p> 1: The Rock (2) (4)</p><p> 2: John Cena (5) (1)</p><p> 3: CM Punk (9) (6)</p><p> 4: Hulk Hogan (10) (5)</p><p> 5: Triple H (11) (14)</p><p> 6: Randy Orton (14) (13)</p><p> 7: The Undertaker (15) (18)</p><p> 8: AJ Lee (16) (20)</p><p> 9: Brock Lesnar (19) (7)</p><p> 10: Steve Austin (20) (19)</p><p> 11: The Big Show (22) (17)</p><p> 12: Daniel Bryan (26) (42)</p><p> 13: Ric Flair (28) (35)</p><p> 14: Batista (29) (16)</p><p> 15: Shawn Michaels (30) (31)</p><p> 16: Rey Mysterio (31) (21)</p><p> 17: Ryback (32) (25)</p><p> 18: Jeff Hardy (33) (22)</p><p> 19: The Miz (36) (38)</p><p> 20: Chris Jericho (38) (33)</p><p> 21: Dolph Ziggler (41) (NR)</p><p> 22: Vince McMahon (42) (54)</p><p> 23: Sheamus (43) (36)</p><p> 24: Eva Marie (44) (NR)</p><p> 25: Mark Henry (45) (47)</p><p> 26: Nikki Bella (47) (NR)</p><p> 27: Natalya (49) (NR)</p><p> 28: Kurt Angle (54) (53)</p><p> 29: Mickie James (55) (NR)</p><p> 30: Cody Rhodes (57) (55)</p><p> 31: Sin Cara (58) (30)</p><p> 32: Goldust (60) (NR)</p></div></blockquote><p> I don't understand the reasoning of including anything but wrestlers? Am I missing something?? If you're going to include them, why not also include all celebrities, like actors or action stars, music artists, etc? If your trying to see the overall popularity... or why not include the names of everyone on the list with parenthesis to indicate from where (Boxing, MMA, Movie Star, Olympics, etc.)</p>

[milamber]

<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Smackdown Review:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Bryan, Christian & Sheamus vs The Shield</strong> - Great match. Could have easily been the main event. Sheamus accidentally Brogue Kicked Christian. Reigns speared Sheamus and Ambrose pinned Christian.</p><p>

<strong>Fandango vs Miz</strong> - Santino & Emma came out. Summer & Emma had a catfight. Santino hit Fandango with the Cobra and Miz won. Emma's got an uphill battle to get over.</p><p>

<strong>Henry vs Rey vs Kofi vs Swagger (IC Title #1 Contenders Match)</strong> - Solid match. Swagger made Kofi tap out. Best move was Swagger pulling a Double German Suplex on Rey and Kofi. Rey managed to finish the match despite getting injured. He needs to retire for his own sake.</p><p>

<strong>The Usos & Rhodes Bros vs NAO & Rybaxel</strong> - Good match. Jimmy Uso pinned Road Dogg. Rybaxel are growing on me.</p><p>

<strong>Young vs Sandow</strong> - Quick squash for Young with Titus on commentary. The two brawled in the ring and Young ripped Titus' suit. Effective segment but it's a shame Sandow had to do the job.</p><p>

<strong>Cesaro vs Orton</strong> - They played a HHH/Cole interview where HHH put over Cesaro as the dark horse for the Chamber match. JBL and Cole also hyped him up. Great match. It was even but Cesaro won and I marked out! So many good spots like Orton selling a Cesaro uppercut like he'd been shot, Orton suckering in Cesaro with a fake injury, Cesaro giving Orton the Giant Swing, and the finishing sequence.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Verdict:</span></strong> For the 3rd straight week Smackdown had better quality wrestling than Raw and NXT. It was one of the best shows so far this year. Cesaro is getting the push he deserves. MVP: Randy Orton. Despite some weak booking he's been putting on consistently good matches against a variety of opponents.</p>

[Jaysin]

<p>Just saw this blog from heelbook. I enjoyed it.</p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://heelbook.com/2014/02/rock-hard-crowd/" rel="external nofollow">http://heelbook.com/2014/02/rock-hard-crowd/</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>If you’re a die-hard pro wrestling fan, odds are you’re not exactly thrilled about the last few months of WWE storylines. Namely when it comes to the bearded elephant in the room. I’ve expressed my discontent multiple times, both through memes and wrestling shirts.<p> </p><p> As a fan, a student of the game and someone who’s tried his hand at promoting for a few years, I keep coming back to “Why?”. Why do the higher-ups seem to systematically pick the sure-thing main eventers from 2005 over the steaming hot acts of the guys that came from the indies?</p><p> </p><p> While I take great pride in my frustration over WWE not getting 100% behind the likes of Bryan, Punk and Ziggler, the marketing guy in me spots a (possibly) legitimate reason for WWE current course of action: for the first time, WWE is faced with not having one target audience, but two.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> In the Golden Era of professional wrestling (80s and early 90s), kids flocked to the larger-than-life heroic characters of Hogan, Warrior and Savage. In the late 90s, the business once again surged, as the same kids – now more mature – got a new brand of ass-kicking rebellious sports entertainment in the form of Austin, Rock, Foley and D-X.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Somewhere between the middle and the final years of the 2000’s, something shifted, and I can only assume WWE decided going back to the younger crowd, and targeting the corporate sponsorship dollars meant more to their bottom line. So, the “Ruthless Aggression” and the “Attitude” underwent an adjustment.</p><p> </p><p> Cena went from a clever, aggressive, rapper/wrestler who opened Wrestlemania 20, eliciting the universal cheers from fans that now elude him as he F-U’d the Big Show… to a 50/50 Face/Heel that is revered by the young ones but fervently considered the “same old sh**” by the more wrestling-savvy crowd.</p><p> </p><p> WWE clearly chose to bank on Cena’s unparalleled work ethic and have him spearhead this marketing shift toward the kids market, managing the increasingly passionate boos from the mature audience by labeling him “the most controversial superstar” in the history of the company.</p><p> </p><p> While we simply don’t have nearly enough information to assess the merit of such a call, we can’t help but find amazing talent chained in creative restrictions, because the office keeps putting its faith in the sure thing or, at the very least, the safe thing: Cena, Orton and now, Batista.</p><p> </p><p> As a pro wrestling fan, I thoroughly believe you’ll never find me as ready to discombobulate my mother’s basement’s furniture as I was when poor don’t-shoot-the-messenger Rey Mysterio came out as #30 in the Rumble.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> As a marketer, I can’t help but wonder the difficult choices that come across the McMahon desk in this respect: pleasing the young section likely means raising the ire of the smart section, and pleasing the grown-ups risks putting out a product that is a little too advanced for the 10-to-13s to follow.</p><p> </p><p> Maybe this is when the brand split would actually make sense. Maybe Bryan and Punk don’t really move the needle that much in the money department, even though the crowds clearly come alive in their presence. Maybe they should have been booked in a stronger manner so they had a legitimate chance to do so.</p><p> </p><p> (I still have booking nightmares about Punk losing to Triple H after Summerslam and Bryan’s very weird and even harder to explain title chase over the Fall.)</p><p> </p><p> Maybe it’s politics. Maybe it’s just creative making mistakes that are hard to recover from. Maybe having a monopoly means pushing the vanilla midgets isn’t a priority. Maybe it’s just smarter business to cater to the kids and keep banking on the Cenas and Ortons. Maybe WWE really are letting the Yes Ship sail.</p><p> </p><p> But one thing is for sure: the office is caught between a rock and a hard place. How do you manage two often diametrically opposed audiences in a cohesive product and show the stockholders the company is millions and millions in the black?</p><p> </p><p> Let me know your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter.</p></div></blockquote>

[delv213]

Raw was okay, sole bright spot on the show was the awesome Cesaro match with Cena. People can say Cena's an awful worker all they want, he's definitely improved from when he needed to be carried every match back from 2002-2007. Cesaro also got a huge rub from that match with Cena, not everyone can say they've manhandled Cena not being a 400 pound man.

[bigtplaystew]

<p>Yea for someone who "sucks" Cena seems to be in an awful lot of good matches. </p><p> </p><p>

And the big brawl at the end was awesome.</p>

[djthefunkchris]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="bigtplaystew" data-cite="bigtplaystew" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yea for someone who "sucks" Cena seems to be in an awful lot of good matches. <p> </p><p> And the big brawl at the end was awesome.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The biggest thing that impresses me with Cena, is his ability to control the crowd. I don't think I've seen anyone connect with a crowd the way he does, ever. He can come out to full blown "BOO!!!!" and still get the crowds full attention, no matter how much they don't want to give him the time of day. What is also impressive, is he knows when NOT to control the crowd, and let them do what they want to do. </p><p> </p><p> I have been bored, upset with, and at times even spiteful and hateful to John Cena, but I cannot deny his skills with live crowds. Steve Austin and Daniel Bryan have both said out of character, that John Cena is better then perceived, in the ring. That I think is a given here at GDS, I don't even see his worse critics here deny that. </p><p> </p><p> Who I've been more impressed with is Randy Orton's ability to get the crowd going. He does this on the mic, or while having a match, which I forgot, or haven't seen him do as well til' now. All the sudden these "safe" (Orton, Cena, etc.) guys, have suddenly learned in ring psychology on another level. I'm not saying it's the best I've seen or anything like that, but it's the best I've seen from them.</p>

[lazorbeak]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="delv213" data-cite="delv213" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Raw was okay, sole bright spot on the show was the awesome Cesaro match with Cena. People can say Cena's an awful worker all they want, he's definitely improved from when he needed to be carried every match back from 2002-2007. Cesaro also got a huge rub from that match with Cena, not everyone can say they've manhandled Cena not being a 400 pound man.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I agree Cena/Cesaro was the highlight, but "sole bright spot"? I'll take 40 minutes of Daniel Bryan, Orton/Sheamus, and Shield/Wyatt confrontations, too.</p><p> </p><p> Although it's odd that a big schmozz like this is the lead-in to Elimination Chamber, when the lead-in to Royal Rumble was John Cena jogging and Randy Orton driving away.</p>

[bigtplaystew]

DJ i'm with you. Randy's been on another level lately for real. I wish his character were more interesting to me but I can't knock the man's in-ring work right now. It's been pretty damn great.

[dpoolez]

<p>As much as I hated Orton for WM25, he has come a long way since then. He's probably one of the best in the WWE right now. Even Kurt Angle gave Orton props when he was bagging on Punk a while back.</p><p> </p><p>

Cena/Cesaro was an awesome match, one of the best TV matches that I've seen in a while. Cena's really stepped it up since coming back from injury in terms of consistency IMO. I second that Cena can work a crowd like nobodys business. Hes the only guy that I know that can walk out to boos and by the end of the match have a good amount of fans cheering for him, or at least, stop most of the audible boos.</p><p> </p><p>

Another thing, I think the male audience are finally starting to chill with the Cena Sucks chants, gradually if nothing else. They didnt seem as loud as they've been in the past, and in some spots in the match the cheers from the fans sounded like more men were involved in that than usual. The only time Cena was really booed badly was when he stopped the Big Swing from happening.</p><p> </p><p>

Hopefully this means that Cenas starting to win the male adult audience over, he deserves it for all of the work hes put in these past 11 years. I havent remained a Cena fan the entire time but he's won me back over to being one with the amount of great matches hes given us.</p>

[Rickymex]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="dpoolez" data-cite="dpoolez" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As much as I hated Orton for WM25, he has come a long way since then. He's probably one of the best in the WWE right now. Even Kurt Angle gave Orton props when he was bagging on Punk a while back.<p> </p><p> Cena/Cesaro was an awesome match, one of the best TV matches that I've seen in a while. Cena's really stepped it up since coming back from injury in terms of consistency IMO. I second that Cena can work a crowd like nobodys business. Hes the only guy that I know that can walk out to boos and by the end of the match have a good amount of fans cheering for him, or at least, stop most of the audible boos.</p><p> </p><p> Another thing, I think the male audience are finally starting to chill with the Cena Sucks chants, gradually if nothing else. They didnt seem as loud as they've been in the past, and in some spots in the match the cheers from the fans sounded like more men were involved in that than usual. The only time Cena was really booed badly was when he stopped the Big Swing from happening.</p><p> </p><p> Hopefully this means that Cenas starting to win the male adult audience over, he deserves it for all of the work hes put in these past 11 years. I havent remained a Cena fan the entire time but he's won me back over to being one with the amount of great matches hes given us.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Like people have said in the past the thing that brings the hate on Cena is his moveset (which he has improved) and his goofy comedic character. When Cena gets serious in a promo it's great and when put in a match with someone who can wrestle Cena rises to their level and we have excellent matches.</p><p> </p><p> Serious Cena is awesome. Comedic Cena is poopy.</p>

[delv213]

I agree Cena/Cesaro was the highlight, but "sole bright spot"? I'll take 40 minutes of Daniel Bryan, Orton/Sheamus, and Shield/Wyatt confrontations, too.

 

Although it's odd that a big schmozz like this is the lead-in to Elimination Chamber, when the lead-in to Royal Rumble was John Cena jogging and Randy Orton driving away.

 

I was watching Raw with my 29 year old brother(I'm 20) and his best friend. Both are casual wrestling fans who aren't marks, we fast forwarded through the entire Daniel Bryan/Christian match because we knew Kane was going to get involved someway and had absolutely no interest in either wrestler since Daniel Bryan's gimmick is simply the guy who shouts "Yes" and Christian sucks as a babyface. This is coming from a Canadian lol, we met Christian at a Tampa Bay Rays game back in 2011 and we all towered over him despite us being 6'0, 5'11 and 6'3 respectively(Christian and loads of wrestler's wear lifts in their boots) and we also took a picture with him. We enjoyed both the Sheild/Wyatt confrontations and agreed that Bray Wyatt's promo was fantastic however the sole consensus thought coming out of our heads post show was how awesome Cesaro looked in his match. A lot of the filler stuff nearly killed our attention and we started watching a Lebron James documentary because of how badly booked the midcard talent is on a weekly basis.

 

So yes, 3 people agreed that the show was okay for the most part except the fantastic Cesaro match.

[FINisher]

I don't know what has happened but the last two RAW's have been above the normal By far the highlight of both shows has been Shield vs. Wyatt promos and confontrations, loving it! The ending of this weeks RAW was so so awesome. Dunno if I'll order EC.. We'll see.

 

Read that Cesaro got a standing ovation when he arrived backstage after the main event

[Rickymex]

I was watching Raw with my 29 year old brother(I'm 20) and his best friend. Both are casual wrestling fans who aren't marks, we fast forwarded through the entire Daniel Bryan/Christian match because we knew Kane was going to get involved someway and had absolutely no interest in either wrestler since Daniel Bryan's gimmick is simply the guy who shouts "Yes" and Christian sucks as a babyface. This is coming from a Canadian lol, we met Christian at a Tampa Bay Rays game back in 2011 and we all towered over him despite us being 6'0, 5'11 and 6'3 respectively(Christian and loads of wrestler's wear lifts in their boots) and we also took a picture with him. We enjoyed both the Sheild/Wyatt confrontations and agreed that Bray Wyatt's promo was fantastic however the sole consensus thought coming out of our heads post show was how awesome Cesaro looked in his match. A lot of the filler stuff nearly killed our attention and we started watching a Lebron James documentary because of how badly booked the midcard talent is on a weekly basis.

 

So yes, 3 people agreed that the show was okay for the most part except the fantastic Cesaro match.

 

So 3 people watching the same thing, in the same place, and all friends had the same opinion? What kind of poll is that?

[lazorbeak]

I was watching Raw with my 29 year old brother(I'm 20) and his best friend. Both are casual wrestling fans who aren't marks, we fast forwarded through the entire Daniel Bryan/Christian match because we knew Kane was going to get involved someway and had absolutely no interest in either wrestler since Daniel Bryan's gimmick is simply the guy who shouts "Yes" and Christian sucks as a babyface. This is coming from a Canadian lol, we met Christian at a Tampa Bay Rays game back in 2011 and we all towered over him despite us being 6'0, 5'11 and 6'3 respectively(Christian and loads of wrestler's wear lifts in their boots) and we also took a picture with him.

 

Well, you missed a good match, and Christian worked exclusively as a heel, so your "Christian is a bad babyface" point doesn't really matter. I agree that Christian is a short person, though. A short, yellow person.