Strummer

Jericho revealed in a radio interview that the original plan was for him to win the Universal title at mania (presumably against Owens) and then lose it to Brock at Payback.

looking through this thread and I don't think this was addressed. Turner exec Sharon Sidello was in charge between Watts and Bischoff in 93. The "mini movies" were her idea. She was Ole Anderson's girlfriend at the time

Dave said on Lapsed Fan that they were always enamored with Hunter so no matter who was the top guy or still with the company he most certainly would have inevitably got pushed to the top. He might not have stayed there but he would have got chance after chance even if the Stephanie angle never happens in 99

I've been enjoying the lack of 20 minute promos on Raw recently. I mean the show has been pretty much wall to wall in ring stuff the last month or so. I don't know if it's a change in philosophy or just because Stephanie and Foley types haven't been around in awhile. I like that they have had Angle be short and to the point and not have him dueling with other guys like they usually do, I doubt it lasts and I'm sure it will go back to form when Stephanie returns but I'm liking it

Died today at 65. one of the feuds that hooked me as a wrestling fan was Rose and Somers v Shawn and Marty in 86/87. Just great stuff and an epic title chase. RIP

More:

Lord Al Hayes was a fantastic promo:

wwe.com saying Braun had his surgery and could miss up to 6 months. But of course they could be kayfabing on the time missed

What do you think of the Nash matches? The Cell match was shit on pretty badly at the time but I just watched a few months ago or so and I'd didn't think it was *that* bad. But the booking was so terrible in 02/03 that's it's hard for me to enjoy pretty much anything from that era. I mean we have the SD 6 but even that became repetitive after awhile. 03 had the horrible Vince/Stephanie and Shane/Kane feuds that just never ended. Oh and that horrible Shane/Bischoff feud over Linda (which somehow transitioned to the Kane program). Just so much terrible stuff in that era

Always thought Mike Rotundo bore a striking resemblance to John Lennon. The glasses seal it:

He's had a lot of bad creative ideas but it just seems like he's willing to accept different styles and different workers more than those in charge now. Again it's most likely good cop but he comes across a likeable guy

I listened to Shane on Austin's podcast and I thought he came across very well. I don't know if he was playing "good cop" but he seemed to realize why certain segments of the fanbase have problems with creative. Good listen.

Now that the season is over they can finally announce the release of Eva Marie. She hasn't mentioned WWE in months and months. As someone who's watched this show since it began in 2013 this season was quite boring. And that's including a wedding and a pregnancy announcement. I'm sure it will come back but this show seems to be spinning its wheels. I don't know how much Bunim and Murray have left to work with here

again the Fashion Police are just fantastic. Hopefully Dick Wolf wasn't watching that.

I liked him and Lita together. Neither wanted to to go through with the angle so given that I thought they played off each other very well. Lita has admitted it was the most uncomfortable she's ever been in her time in the business. I didn't think the E & C comedy was that bad in 2000/2001 although listening to their podcast they seem to have gone into "dad humor" territory. He was probably over pushed but he had some talent and should have had at least a decent spot. The stuff with Vickie lasted too long though IIRC

any idea who Roman works now? Best I've heard is move Harper over and give him a push. Someone mentioned Angle but I can't see WWE ready to go there just yet. If they really want to troll they can bring back Hunter I guess

well Meltz seems to be implying it's a work on twitter but Satin is pretty reliable

yeah so this blows. Braun has an injured elbow and his availability for next 2 PPVs is in question. WWE may have to change their creative plans. http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/braun-strowman-elbow-issue-injured/#.WRDmLNy1uM9 WWE tapes TV in London this week

The "Plane Ride from Hell" also happened 15 years ago today.

The Fashion Police are just fantastic

Spawned off the Roman thread. With TV numbers and houses meaning less and less, merchandise sales seems to be the main indicator if so and so wrestler can draw. WWE even mentions it publicly So is it the new "drawing money"? Or do the other factors still matter? Is it just one revenue stream and not the sole indicator?

I don't think it's hyperbole to say that WWE putting Bryan in the 2015 Rumble might be the biggest booking decision blunder in company history. Was there ever a reason given why they did that? If you believe in the political hit theory that is probably the highest card you hold

I really liked that match now we are back to Miz/Ambrose and Wyatt/Balor after they had teased the opposite last week

I knw I'm going to be in the minority but Balor was actually pretty good on the mic in that segment and was solid last night. I know he was in there with the Miz but they are booking him smart in talking in sound bites instead of extended monologues

yes but technically Bryan never got his revenge on him. I think the Rumble was meant to be the blowoff as Wyatt was moving on to Cena and Bryan was supposed to go to Sheamus