WWE

[Loss]

I wanted to a WWE questionnaire similar to the one done on WCW, with questions that apply more to WWE. I'd consider the time frame for this from the beginning of the Hogan era to present.

 

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

 

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

 

(24) From your personal experiences, is the WWF a company that delivers house shows where you feel you get your money's worth?

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

[sek69]

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

 

Wrestlemania as an event, and also as the one man synonymous with wrestling in the US and Canada.

 

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

TV production, no doubt. No matter how much I love the Studio Wrestling style, there's no way it would have survived this long even if Vince had never came around.

 

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

The negative stigma as entertainment for retards and hillbillies. Not that it doesn't deserve that stigma a lot of the time, but WWE sometimes does things just to re-enforce it.

 

 

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

 

Being such a long running ratings draw on cable would have been a major deal for any type of programming other than wrestling.

 

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

 

Vince using his roster (especially the women) to take his anger on the world out on.

 

 

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

 

These days, hatred. The amount of Cena hate on the internet for one thing, is just flat out retarded at times. What's funny is that there's tons of legit reasons to dislike WWE, and the people most vocal about it never state them. It usually just boils down to "WWE SUX".

 

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

 

Hogan vs Andre, WM III.

 

Also, Rock vs Hogan. I think that might even be a better "most WWE" match ever, since it's a lesson on what wrestling is all about since both guys tear the house down just with a stare down.

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

 

Probably, the stars were just aligned right for them no matter what. Having someone overflowing with charisma made it easier, but I think it was just one of those things that was destined to be.

 

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

 

Pre-Austin. Some of that was outside of their control (ie: not able to push the guys they normally would because of the steroid trial), but there was some extremely questionable guys hovering near the top from 1992-1995.

 

 

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

 

The eras were different, but I would say Hogan. Hulk put wrestling on the map on a national level, which IMO was a bigger feat than anything Austin did.

 

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

 

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

 

WWF TV was just so stale and cartoony in 1995, Nitro was something different and edgy. WWF was like children's TV and WCW was like what the grown-ups watched.

 

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

 

The nWo angle never getting a proper blowoff and making all the WCW guys look like chumps. Then blowing one of the biggest angles they had at Starrcade 97 made it clear that politics would insist certain things would never happen and certain guys would never get their chance.

 

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

 

Probably HBK, which just underscores how little workrate means to drawing power.

 

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

 

Hogan, by far. He made everyone money and the whole world knew his name and the WWF.

 

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

 

Not counting one day runs and gimmick champs like Vince, probably Kevin Nash. That's not entirely fair to him though, since other than Bret he wasn't really matched with anyone who had any hope of drawing.

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

 

The whole Wrestlemania III show is the ultimate blowoff of nearly a decade of unprecedented growth.

 

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

 

1993-1994. Again, a lot of it was out of their control with Vince on trial, but all the 15th anniversary of Raw stuff just highlighted how brutally bad that era was for the WWF.

 

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

 

I almost understand it in terms of wanting people who do their jobs instead of having the employees marking out all day, but they take it to the level of hiring people who know nothing about wrestling and it shows a lot. There's a happy medium to be found but they don't seem interested in doing that.

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

 

Yes, in the mid 80s. They had enough of a tag division to do a all tag team Survivor Series match, and even in the early 80s there were enough teams that I remember mark mags at the time suggesting that the WWF should introduce a Intercontinental tag team championship. Of course, looking back that might have been a inside joke since it was when the Bulldogs were champs and the belts didn't get defended a lot due to Dynamite's injury.

 

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Would Savage-Steamboat count? If so, that.

 

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Mabel vs Undertaker.

 

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

 

The death of WCW. They lost a lot of steam with no competition pushing them every week.

 

 

(24) From your personal experiences, is the WWF a company that delivers house shows where you feel you get your money's worth?

 

I've never been disappointed after attending a WWF/E show.

 

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

 

Probably about where they are now. WWE is at the point where they will always at least stay at the same level. If having an active wrestler commit a murder suicide doesn't change business, nothing will.

[Strummer]

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

His ability to make stars out of so so/below average talent

 

Promoting big time main events during the PPV era.

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

Production values.

 

Wrestlers having the chance to earn extra income though other media outlets

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

The "trailer park" stigma.

 

Creating a steroid culture by only pushing huge guys to the top

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

 

Still being able to make money even when business is down.

 

The business model of the company has always been fantastic

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

 

Ignoring wrestling history as a whole (although that's obvioulsy changed the last few years)

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

 

Mostly hatred due to the whole "workrate is everything" movement that started on the net in the early 90s and still permeates today

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

 

Hogan v Andre WM III

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

 

No. Hogan had size AND charisma. I don't know if any other wrestler at the time had them both as much as Hogan

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

 

No because from a presentation standpoint the company was still cartoonish and behind the times. It didn't matter who was on top as long as they still promoted wrestling like it was still the 80s

 

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

 

Hulk Hogan. He was everywhere in the 80s.

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

 

Creating Wrestlemania

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

 

The WWF's cartoonish presentation of wrestling while WCW was changing with the times and pushing new concepts such as live shows, monthly PPV, shoot type interviews and suprises and swerves in the main events

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

 

The rise of Austin.

 

Not being able to properly blow off the NWO angle and making WCW seem foolish and inept

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

 

Probably Bret because he was so good at selling and playing babyface. Shawn often outshined his opponent (see nash at WM 11)

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

 

Hulk Hogan

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

 

Kevin Nash although it wasn't his fault because he was booked as the typical "ahh shucks" bland WWF babyface instead of a killer

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

 

The period from fall of 86 (Debut of the new syndicated packages) to WM III

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

 

1995

 

There were some great matches that year but the booking and presentation were horrible.

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

 

Because they want them to act professional and not have a pre conceived notion on who to push or what angles to develop

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

 

Yes. From a presentation aspect definitely the 80s.

 

The matches may not have been great and didn't get enough time to develop but the belts were valued and each team had been given characters and personalities and were built up

 

 

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

I'm tempted to say Roberts/Savage in 91 if you don't consider that "Main Event" It was a personal blood feud that the WWF rarely did in those days

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Diesel Sid because the fans were dying for Shawn/Diesel and instead gave them this

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

 

Lack of competition that led to complacency

 

(24) From your personal experiences, is the WWF a company that delivers house shows where you feel you get your money's worth?

 

Always except for marathon tapings I've been to in the early/mid 90s (I guess these technically aren't house shows but they were really boring live)

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

 

Same place they are now

[Tim Evans]

I wanted to a WWE questionnaire similar to the one done on WCW, with questions that apply more to WWE. I'd consider the time frame for this from the beginning of the Hogan era to present.

 

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

-Changing the course of wrestling and the best Heel WWE ever had.

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

- PPV's and Big Building wrestling.

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

- I'll agree about the entertainment for Retards thing.

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

- Build main events people want to see even if it's already happened years ago.

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

- Shitty Undercards and lack of quality tag teams.

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

- Hatred for Vince Mcmahon and John Cena blinds a lot of people over the good stuff WWE does. The older fan that says Vince killed the territories to Attitude fans that Hate Cena just because the Rock isn't coming back.

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

- Austin vs Rock at WM17

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

- I don't think so. Part of the success was thanks to Vince and his great business mind and part of it was the Aura of Hogan. I don't think it would be the same with a guy like Backlund as top star. It was time for a new star and Hogan fit it better than anyone else.

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

- No. The steriod trial hurt the company a lot. It might have been a little better if Flair had stayed as top guy or Savage in 94. I have no Idea why Vince pushed Nash and Mabel so much

.

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

- Hogan. Austin is great but Hogan is on a whole different level. He's not just a wrestling star, he's a Star all over the entertainment world.

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

- Wrestlemania

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

-Hulk Hogan and the NWO. Plus the staleness of WWF from 95-97.

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

- Starcade 97 was the end of WCW. Adding so many members to the NWO thus killing it. And like 1985, Vince Mcmahon and Steve Austin were in the right place at the right time with the Attitude era.

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

- Bret Hart because he could get a good match out of almost anyone.

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

- Hogan without a doubt. Look what he did for with Andre when Andre was in horrible health.

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

- Kevin Nash.

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

-84-88. I mean it was getting great ratings on primetime Netowrk TV. Wrestlemania, Andre/Hogan, Rock N Wrestling. All that changed the business forever and put lots of money in Vince's and the WWE pocket.

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

-1993-1996. As great as Bret's matches were, no one wanted to watch wrestling and WWE knew that. It showed in the ring product. Plus I don't think Vince's heart was in the wrestling business because he couldn't rely on Hogan.

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

- Because Vince Mcmahon hates wrestling. Deep Down, Vince wants to do movies and TV but at the end of the day, He will always be known as a great wrestling mind and he loathes it. That's why he hires all these TV writers so he can surround himself around a bunch of yes men that are just following the paycheck.

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

-Late 80's. You had Demolition, Tully/Arn, Rockers, Hart Foundation etc. It all went to hell when the Hart Foundation broke up.

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

- DX vs Nation especially Rock vs HHH.

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

-Mabel vs Undertaker and Steiner/HHH. Mabel/Taker for obvious reasons that both men were just horrible then and Steiner/HHH for Steiner just sucking in the ring and HHH not caring.

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

- The failure of the WCW and the Invasion. Plus Vince was too caught up in the XFL to care.

 

(24) From your personal experiences, is the WWF a company that delivers house shows where you feel you get your money's worth?

- Never been to one.

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

- The same place they are now unless someone can come up and give him competition. I don't think that will be TNA. But i think Stephanie and Shane will start to take over with Vince still overlooking but not as much as he is now.

[Al]

Ohh, interesting.

 

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

 

Expansion. Vince took a wrestling company further than anyone imagined, and unfortunately smothered his competition in the process.

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

Production values. WWE for the most part produces a slick, well-produced television package. They rarely miss a shot.

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

Besides a monopoly. I would say a decreased emphasis on the sport aspect of wrestling. Wins and losses aren't sold enough as something that matters. The only storyline reason for winning a match or title is pride.

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

 

The aforementioned production values, particularly camera work.

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

 

Tough question considering WWE is a lightning rod for criticism. I would say that they rarely think outside the box when it comes to booking an angle or running a tv show. Everything in the last five years follows a generally predictable pattern.

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

 

I think this is an unanswerable question. Like anything, it depends on the group you are discussing with.

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

 

I assume we are looking for a positive image? This is another tough one because some great matches were non-formulaic, but then you do not get a grasp on the style. I would pick Ultimate Warrior vs. Randy Savage from Wrestlemania VII. A match between a good worker and an awful one that turned out good, and the perfect culmination of a seven year storyline between Savage and Elizabeth.

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

 

Probably, since success would ultimately come from who got market penetration from Cable tv first. I think Vince would take the wrestling market. The bigger question is whether he could have enjoyed as much mainstream exposure. Looking at Hogan's enduring popularity, I am inclined to answer no.

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

 

No. WWF's bigger problem at the time was the steroid proceedings. The guys not on top were at least part of the show, I can't see it becoming something bigger just because those workers were in the main event.

 

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

 

Hulk Hogan. I think Hogan reached mainstream popularity and penetration that Austin could not, at least long term. People who haven't watched wrestling in a decade know and respect Hogan.

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

 

Multiple stadium sellouts. Wrestlemania III, the Big Event in Toronto, Summerslam '92, Wrestlemania 17, Wrestlemania 18, Wrestlemania 19, Wrestlemania 23, etc.

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

 

Defection of big stars to WCW. Also, WCW produced their best looking product at this point.

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

 

Popularity of the Steve Austin/Vince McMahon feud.

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

 

Bret Hart, though Shawn might edge him out if we consider work solely by wrestlers AS champion. For the reason why, I could only point to great matches with Owen Hart (Summerslam '94) and Diesel (Survivor Series '95).

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

 

Hulk Hogan, no doubt.

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

 

I think Triple H in 2003 turned a lot of people off of the company.

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

 

Hogan vs. Andre at Wrestlemania III.

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

 

Over the Edge '99.

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

 

Hard to answer since I don't know the extent of the truth of that statement. I would guess that they find their fandom interferes with their work. Perhaps they spend too much time harassing the wrestlers or bugging the writers and staff with their opinions.

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

 

Yes, generally always. WWE rarely produces great tag matches. But they do a great job presenting their tag teams as characters fans can identify.

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Bret Hart vs. Jerry Lawler, just amazing to see one of the great regional babyfaces become a top-notch heel.

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Triple H vs. Kane. Why? Katie Vick.

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

 

Loss of big name stars. Sting, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, The Rock, Mick Foley, Scott Hall, etc. all stopped competing on a regular basis.

 

(24) From your personal experiences, is the WWF a company that delivers house shows where you feel you get your money's worth?

 

Yes, though I've only attended two. (I've been to live Raws in 1993, 1999 and 2007.)

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

 

Probably in the same place. I don't see a change in the industry occurring anytime soon.

[ohtani's jacket]

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

 

National and international expansion, as well as surviving each scandal, crisis and downturn in business.

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

The marketing and promoting of wrestlers.

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

Steroids.

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

 

Their booking of angles and long running feuds.

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

 

I personally think their production values are crap.

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

 

Eh, it's all reactionary. Even the people trying to be fair are reacting to unfair criticism.

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

 

It depends on the era, since the style has changed numerous times... In general, I think matches like Hogan/Andre, Hogan/Warrior, Bret/Shawn and Austin/Rock define the WWF booking philosophy.

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

 

It's unlikely they could've achieved national (let alone international) expansion without Hogan. Having said that, the expansion was well booked and promoted and they had a very good roster.

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

 

Not really. It's a simple equation, what goes up must come down.

 

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

 

Hogan.

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

 

Surviving and making money.

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

 

Bischoff's aggressiveness in doing unto Vince what Vince had done to the territories.

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

 

Vince vs. Austin being a hotter angle than the NWO. It really began with WCW botching Starrcade '97 and Tyson's appearances getting media play. WM 14 was generally seen as a satisfying show, and the RAW where Austin was supposed to fight Vince with one hand tied behind his back was the clincher.

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

 

Probably Bret.

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

 

Hogan.

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

 

Nash in '95.

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

 

Wrestlemania III.

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

 

1995.

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

 

From a booking/writing standpoint, they wouldn't know how to make money. From a personnel standpoint, they'd have a hard time getting their work done. Information leaks might be a risk too.

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

 

In the late 80s, sure.

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Savage/Steamboat, Savage/Roberts, Virgil/Dibiase, Bret/Owen.

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Undertaker/Undertaker, Undertaker/Yokozuna, Diesel/Mabel.

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

 

A boom can't continue forever. It has to stop somewhere. Speaking as someone who stopped watching in 2001, the product simply became boring.

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

 

Depends on whether Vince is retired/alive or whether someone gets real hot.

[sek69]

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

 

I personally think their production values are crap.

 

Wow. Really? I always thought that was something WWE was like eons above and beyond anyone else in professional wrestling. It's certainly what every promotion aims to look like. That's the one thing I assumed everyone agreed on.

[anarchistxx]

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

 

- Some genius ideas, that made him the only serious promotor around, but ones that he tended to run again and again until they appeared mundane.

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

- Dramatic storylines that are pretty out there. Of course, for every Eddie/Rey 'I'm your papi' feud, you get a Katie Vick.

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

- Highly repetetive storylines often. Once you've watched for 2 years, you've seen it all before.

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

 

- Building a good heel.

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

 

- Their ridiculous 'comedy' segments. Do they seriously think we find 'poop' funny?

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

 

- Depends on which aspect, and which time. At the moment everyone is going overly nuts for John Cena, where from what I've seen, he's pretty average in the ring. Then again, in 2003 they and especially HHH got ripped on to the death pretty unfairly at some points.

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

 

- Austin v Undertaker, Fully Loaded 99

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

 

- Yes. Someone else could have stepped up, they had a number of other equally talented performers.

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

 

- No, because the booking would still have been awful. A bit more sxtar power wouldn't have gone amiss, but the storylines were the main problem.

 

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

 

- Austin definately. I was 9/10/11/12 in the attitude era, and everyone I knew watched wrestling, and thought Austin was the coolest thing ever. 'Cool' isn't really what you'd assosciate with Hogan, though I suppose he drew more of the younger kids in.

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

 

- Turning the company around from nearly going otu of business, hiring Tyson and screwing Bret and generally expanding the market to the highest it's been ever.

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

 

- It was cool and edgy. Nobody wantedsome of the ridiculous storylines WWF were putting on, with dustmen and pirates and old looking arenas.

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

 

- Once again, it became 'cool', while WCW just ran out of ideas and nobody could agree on anything. You had Rock running people down and looking like the coolest guy ever, Austin not giving a shit about anyone, Undertaker crucifying people, Foley falling 15 feet, Kane was still interesting.

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

 

- Austin in 2001, just for the huge body of work against such a variety of opponents.

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

 

- Hogan

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

 

- Probably Bradshaw. The feuds seemed so repetetive and predictable after Eddie. Maybe Khali but I haven't seen anything since 2006.

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

 

- 98/99/00, where they actually managed to be the 'current thing'. Doubt it'll happen again, at least for another generation or so.

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

 

- 1995 is definately the worst. 2004 would be up there if it wasn't for Eddie and Benoit, luckily by then they had enough competent guys on top to make us forget about Heidenreich and Kenzo Suzuki and the Basham's.

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

 

- They figure the 'wrestling fans' are going to keep watching whatever, so they want an outsider in to help them reach the further non-wrestling audience.

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

 

- In 2000 it was pretty sweet, entertaining at least. And in 89/90 they had quite a good tag division.

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

- Orton/Foley or Eddie/Rey.

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

- Jericho v Triple-H at Wrestlemania X8.

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

 

- They were repeating feuds, it wasn't new, it burnt out, there was a new 'cool thing', people who liked it were now older.

 

(24) From your personal experiences, is the WWF a company that delivers house shows where you feel you get your money's worth?

 

- The one I went to was alright, but only really because I ended up meeting Batista and Jericho. The matches themselves were crap.

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

 

- Same as, maybe a little less popular.

[Loss]

I will do my questionnaire later today, but I'm really surprised no one has said pay-per-view is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter. PPV transcends wrestling, but wrestling's success is what has led to it being a valuable commodity for other forms of entertainment. In that regard, the people running the WWF were visionairies and deserve tons of credit. I really think the WWF did a better job at exploiting the possibilities of cable TV than any other sports or entertainment company promoting at the time. Cable TV completely changed the music business too, but it's debatable whether or not those changes were for the better, and you didn't ever really see other entertainment promoters really making the most of a new medium.

 

Also, there's not much Vince has done that has been more important than getting wrestling de-regulated by admitting it to be fake in 1989. We're still feeling the ramifications of that one today, as it permanently changed the face of wrestling in the United States and killed whatever was left of kayfabe.

 

Sorry I'm not doing the full questionnaire now, but those are two points I wanted to make while I was thinking about them.

[S.L.L.]

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

 

National expansion, Wrestlemania, and generally being the P.T. Barnum of his day.

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

Creating something that could make wrestling into a world-wide mainstream sensation, if only for a few years at a time.

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

The steroid culture that's resulted in numerous deaths and may be their undoing in the long run.

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

 

If you'll indulge my rambling.....

 

The most important thing Vince McMahon did creatively when he expanded was that he took a traditional territorial booking formula and used that as the template of a national promotion. As an amateur narratologist, I can't begin to tell you how crucial this was to his success in the years to come. Vince was creating something that had never existed before in America - a real, honest-to-God, national wrestling promotion. There was the NWA, obviously, but that wasn't really a national wrestling promotion so much as a national body that held together many regional promotions. You couldn't turn on the TV and see "the NWA", you'd see the WWWF or JCP or CWF or the CWA or Mid-South or WCCW or Continental or Portland Wrestling or whatever. Vince would have one promotion that would be seen nationwide, and he didn't book it like the hypothetical national promotion that already existed, he booked it like a territory, only one that toured everywhere and could be seen everywhere through the power of cable TV.

 

I say he doesn't get enough credit for this because nearly 25 years after this all went down, people are still inexplicably claiming that Vince made a mistake by doing this, or that the success of his style is an aberration, when really the "correct" way of booking only ever successfully existed in a hypothetical umbrella promotion. The most obvious example of this is the great "the money is in the chase" fallacy. The money is in the face challenger chasing the heel champion, and thus the heel should be champ more often than not. Because Hogan made so much more money chasing The Iron Sheik for those two months than he did in the four years after it. People want to see the good guy win. This isn't hard to figure out. Sometimes, the bad guy winning can be useful in building up drama, but at the end of the day, people want to see the hero stand triumphant. This didn't happen with the NWA World Title - the one all the people making these claims have such fond memories of - because the situation there was totally different. That guy would be in a different town every night, facing the top stars of all the different territories, and since those guys were usually faces, it only made sense for the NWA champ to be a heel. They could come in, get their ass kicked by the local babyface, sneak out a win, and leave. That was fine. The good guy didn't win, but he proved he could hang with the best in the world, and it's not like the champ would be there every week lording the face's failure over him. That would be a pretty huge buzzkill....and when Crockett went national and tried to take that formula national, that's exactly what happened. If touring champ Flair wasn't around every week, Lex Luger coming ever so close to beating him but falling short would make him look tough. When Flair is everpresent, Lex Luger's losses to him made him look like a choke artist. I said in the WCW poll that keeping Ric Flair as a heel for as long as they did was a big mistake, and this is why. I mean, it's not like everybody wasn't cheering Ric anyway. At least they started to realize what was going on by the end of the decade and started setting up Sting to be the top guy in the company, although that never quite happened for a number of reasons.

 

But I digress. My point is, Vince realized what Crockett et al. didn't, and has built his company around strong babyface champions ever since. Well, strong babyface champions and his NWA-touring-champ-wannabe son-in-law, but what are you gonna do?

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

 

They killed the cage match.

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

 

They're definitely blinded. The internet, like religion and politics, makes you stupid, and it tends to make people far more antagonistic over issues that really wouldn't bug you at all in real life. I'm sure there's more than a few dudes I've e-yelled at about John Cena who I'd probably like just fine if I sat down and had a drink with them. But the internet breeds arguments for some reason. I was at the DVDVR board, where they had a rep for being puro snobs, and saw people bitch about how they never gave the WWE a chance. Then, when they started praising things the WWE was doing and criticizing the state of wrestling in Japan, the same people who were calling them puro snobs were now calling them WWE sheep. For a long time, I wanted the WWE to deliver something that I didn't ever expect it to, and now it is. I for one, am happy, but some people can't seem to handle getting what they want. Some people just want to bitch about something. Oh, well.

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

 

Hogan vs. Andre, Wrestlemania III

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

 

Probably, but they didn't. Hogan was the best choice for the job, certainly, but if they had built the company around, say, Ricky Steamboat or Barry Windham or Sgt. Slaughter or Roddy Piper or Jim Duggan or Magnum TA or Kerry Von Erich, I think they still could have pulled it off. No telling just how well they would have fared, but I maintain that it was doable.

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

 

I suppose so, but I don't really think it's so much a question of them putting the wrong people on top as it is one of booking those people poorly. Specifically, killing Bret Hart right out of the gate by balking on him as company ace and turning to Luger instead, which ultimately hurt both of them.

 

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

 

Hogan

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

 

I agree with Loss that Vince establishing PPV as the new dominant money-making medium in wrestling is the one.

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

 

Failure to establish a compelling identity in the wake of Hogan leaving and in contrast to the rise of the nWo.

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

 

WCW's failure to properly blow-off the nWo angle and establish Sting or Goldberg as the company ace, in contrast to Austin catching fire and being booked effectively.

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

 

Eddie Guerrero, aside from being extremely charismatic, extremely gifted technically, and a guy who - if his circumstances had been different - had the ability to be a Hogan/Austin-level star, made BRADSHAW of all people into a really compelling main event heel. In general, his style spoke to me more than any other WWF/E champ ever, mastering both technical skill and storytelling ability in a way that only Savage, Flair, Hart, and Austin have done as WWF/E champ.

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

 

Hogan, natch.

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

 

Diesel

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

 

Vince McMahon getting his head shaved at Mania 23. Seriously.

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

 

Chris Benoit murdering his family and killing himself.

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

 

Because Vince sees what he does as something more than just wrestling, and he surrounds himself with like-minded people.

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

 

They do for a couple of months at a time, but compared to what was happening elsewhere before he came along, no, not really.

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero in 2005 was a big ratings draw, had a bunch of great matches, and was generally the most compelling thing in an otherwise lackluster year for free TV wrestling.

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Hulk Hogan vs. Zeus. I kinda feel like this should speak for itself.

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

 

Failing to establish a hot new babyface star in the absence of Austin, Rock, and Foley.

 

(24) From your personal experiences, is the WWF a company that delivers house shows where you feel you get your money's worth?

 

It's been a long time, but yeah.

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

 

Reply hazy, try again.

[Guest STAN]

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

 

For most people he will be remembered as THE wrestling promoter for better or worse

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

Guaranteed contracts

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

 

The lack of any real professional wrestling competition for several years

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

 

Their talent when it comes to "Greatest Wrestler Ever" conversations

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

 

Women's wrestling

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

 

All of the above

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

 

Hulk Hogan & Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

 

Yes, because there were plenty of 6'6 muscle bound wrestlers, but Hulk Hogan clearly had the best look

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

 

Not with the roster they had at that time, especially with the way they pushed them

 

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

 

Hulk Hogan

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

 

Destroying WCW

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

 

Live television

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

 

Attitude Era

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

 

Shawn Michaels

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

 

Hulk Hogan

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

 

Several come to mind. Yokozuna's first. Bret's 4th. Shawn's 2nd. Diesel.

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

 

The 80's. The peak would be Wrestlemania III

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

 

June 25 2007

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

 

Because they figure they are smarks

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

 

I wouldn't say so. Of course I have never really dugWWE tag team wrestling unless it's a super match like my answer to #7 or similar

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Well as far as matches that didn't technically "main event" a big card I'd give the nod to Savage vs. Warrior

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

 

Undertaker vs. Undertaker because it kinda made Undertaker a joke for a few years there

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

 

Overexposure especially in 2001. Yes I think they got TOO mainstream

 

(24) From your personal experiences, is the WWF a company that delivers house shows where you feel you get your money's worth?

 

At least when I regularly attended house shows in the 90's, yes.

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

 

Still on top

[Loss]

(1) What do you ultimately think Vince McMahon will most be remembered for as a promoter?

I think Vince McMahon has to be remembered as the greatest wrestling promoter of all time. It's a romantic vision, but there is truth in it -- he took a family business that operated regionally and expanded it into a global company with publicly-traded stock, and he did it by taking the right risks at the right times. He's flopped on a few things too, but his successes ultimately outweigh his failures.

 

(2) What do you think is the most important positive change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

Marketing. The only way a wrestling promotion could make money prior to Vince changing the business was to hype a house show and sell tickets. He has created clothing and books and DVDs and house show matches mass-marketed for video retailers and action figures.

 

(3) What do you think is the most important negative change that has come from the WWE vision of what pro wrestling is?

Buzzwords (Sports Entertainment, Divas, Superstars, Medical Facility, Physicality) and wrestling matches built around the above-mentioned marketing. A wrestler has a t-shirt that mentions his finisher, so he has to use his finisher in every match so they can sell the merchandise. Wrestling doesn't feel as organic with Vince running things, a byproduct of him being a meticulous control freak, and even the moments that are supposed to feel spontaneous often feel contrived and overly calculated.

 

(4) What is something that you have always felt WWE does well that they don't get enough credit for?

There is an asterisk when Vince's son-in-law is involved, but I've always felt WWF booking is great at building strong babyfaces, giving them clean wins and keeping them protected.

 

(5) What is something that you have always felt WWE does horribly that they don't get enough criticism for?

There is an asterisk when Vince's son-in-law is involved, but I've always felt WWF booking is horrible at building strong heels, making them look like idiots and laughingstocks without letting them build heat.

 

(6) Overall, do you think most people are fair when discussing WWE, or do you think people tended to be blinded -- either by fanboyism or hatred?

It's a combination, but I think most people are fair.

 

(7) What match would you point to as the match that most defines the WWE version of wrestling?

The Royal Rumble -- a concept match stolen from a small territory and adapted for a larger audience, where the match usually sucks and is just a bunch of random, fragmented stuff happening for an hour with no overall arc to tie it together, but it's a WWE hallmark that draws money and gets people interested. It's also a decent overview of the talent depth of the promotion at a given point in time.

 

(8) Could the WWF have had their initial success without Hulk Hogan? Why or why not?

They could have expanded nationally, but I don't think they could have sustained it without Hogan. They put all the pressure on Hogan to deliver, and didn't really spread it out with a strong group of top guys, like you see in the company now. Most of their competition self-destructed not because of anything the WWF specifically did, but the early success of Crockett after going national shows that with the right approach, another promoter could have made life hell for Vince for decades.

 

(9) Could the WWF have been more financially successful in the post-Hogan, pre-Austin time period with different people on top? Why or why not?

No. The problem at this time was perception, and also really feeling like an 80s pop culture sidebar that was still going on, but existed in a vacuum unto itself. Bret Hart was great for wrestling fans, but the Hulkamaniacs didn't really take to him. Shawn was pushed as a cocky, babyface sex symbol who posed nude in Playgirl, which I think killed any mega drawing potential he had. The Undertaker tends to be a product of his environment.

 

(10) Who do you think was a bigger star at their peak -- Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin?

Hulk Hogan. Steve Austin drew more money and sold more merchandise, but Hogan knocked down doors and took wrestling places it never would have gone otherwise. In a way, Austin did too, but I don't know that Austin could have been as successful as he was without Hogan creating a template.

 

(11) What do you think is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter?

Taking the pay-per-view concept and making it his core business, enticing boxing and eventually MMA promoters to eventually do the same.

 

(12) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to WCW overtaking the WWF from 1995-1998?

The WWF losing so many big names at one time hurt their perception, especially when everyone seemed to want to be in WCW. They were also stuck in a time warp, and Jim Cornette's Southern-style booking combined with Vince McMahon's cartoonish stuff came across really weird. WCW was trying new things with new stars, and also upped their production values to the point where they surpassed the WWF.

 

(13) What do you think was the greatest contributing factor to the WWF overtaking WCW in 1998?

Steve Austin. The WWF's comeback and WCW's downfall are pretty much mutually exclusive in my eyes, as both things would have happened regardless of the success or failure of the other promotion. WCW's downfall came from getting way too complacent on top, and thinking that because they had the big names, they could throw a bunch of crap together, keep increasing their amount of TV time, and it would never get old. I think the WWF was able to *sustain* their dominance by signing away a lot of WCW's underhyped midcard, most of whom fit in fairly well with top guys in the WWF, and were more effective and important, whether they were or weren't higher on the card.

 

(14) Which world champion was the best in terms of ring work and why?

Bret Hart or Eddy Guerrero. Bret gets the nod because he had a longer run, but Eddy's four month run was tremendous.

 

(15) Which world champion do you think meant most to the company?

Hulk Hogan. Aside from maybe Steve Austin in 1998, Hogan as champion from 84-88 is really the only time in WWE history that I truly think in order to keep drawing, they had to keep the belt on a specific person.

 

(16) Which world champion had the worst run?

Kurt Angle's first two title runs were pretty awful, built around his twin brother who didn't look like him and 9/11 sympathy, and the later ones weren't much better. Chris Jericho bombed. I say this acknowledging that there isn't much either one of them could have done to change this, because they weren't really given a chance to succeed.

 

(17) What do you consider the high point in WWF or WWE history?

1997 was a great year for them, where I think they found the right role for Bret, Austin, Owen, Michaels and Undertaker, before Montreal happened and it all fell apart.

 

(18) What do you consider the absolute low point in WWF or WWE history?

1999 is a credit to Steve Austin and The Rock, because everything was HORRIBLE at that time.

 

(19) Looking at things from their point of view, why do you think WWE frowns on employees being big wrestling fans?

Because they want to teach them their way, and think they're less likely to be questioned if they aren't exposed to other wrestling.

 

(20) Do you think the WWF has ever done a good job at booking tag teams in a meaningful way? If so, what time period?

Not really. They've never had a tag team that was over enough that they could have conceivably headlined a Wrestlemania. The Mega Powers were huge in 1988. Why didn't they build up a feud with Demolition or another top heel team? The Road Warriors were a key factor in Crockett's success -- the tag teams in the WWF were always treated more like a midcard division than a main event thing.

 

(21) What is the best non-main event feud the company has ever produced and why?

A lot of feuds mentioned, like Rey/Eddy, were main event feuds. So was Savage/Steamboat, as it headlined tons of house shows. I'm going to say the whole Jericho/Trish/Christian thing, because it was really well done.

 

(22) What is the worst main event level feud the company has ever produced and why?

HHH/Kane in 2002 for reasons that have been talked to death.

 

(23) What do you think was the single biggest contributing factor that caused the end of the 1998-2001 boom?

Not pushing the new generation of guys as peers of the previous generation is what killed the boom.

 

(24) From your personal experiences, is the WWF a company that delivers house shows where you feel you get your money's worth?

Yes.

 

(25) Where do you think they'll be in five years?

About where they are now, which is cool and all, but one of the reasons it isn't as exciting to be a wrestling fan as it used to be.

[ohtani's jacket]

Wow. Really? I always thought that was something WWE was like eons above and beyond anyone else in professional wrestling. It's certainly what every promotion aims to look like. That's the one thing I assumed everyone agreed on.

RAW was on while I was typing my reply... None of the production values impressed me, from the production design to the backstage skits to the camera work. The CMLL I aaw from last year had better production.

[sek69]

WWE is the slickest looking promotion in the world. CMLL's production reminds me of JCP/WCW right after Turner took over, basically a territory-era production with a big ass entrance ramp.

 

WWE was getting stale with the same sets on both shows for years, and I said before the same set for all 3 shows will probably get old after a while too, but you can't watch RAW in HD and not be impressed.

[anarchistxx]

I never liked the Raw set. The Smackdown one with the silver steps looked cool.

 

A lot of feuds mentioned, like Rey/Eddy, were main event feuds. So was Savage/Steamboat, as it headlined tons of house shows. I'm going to say the whole Jericho/Trish/Christian thing, because it was really well done.

I don't know, it wasn't as if Eddie/Rey was ever likely to headline a PPV. Trish v Lita main evented a Raw that year, but I wouldn't call it a main event feud.

 

I actually thought of Jericho/Christian first, I liked the whole twist at Wrestlemania 20, but I'm not sure the match quality was there, and we never did get a good payoff as I recall. Rock/HHH in 98 is also a great pick.

[Loss]

CMLL needs to mic their crowds.

[Loss]

I never liked the Raw set. The Smackdown one with the silver steps looked cool.

 

A lot of feuds mentioned, like Rey/Eddy, were main event feuds. So was Savage/Steamboat, as it headlined tons of house shows. I'm going to say the whole Jericho/Trish/Christian thing, because it was really well done.

I don't know, it wasn't as if Eddie/Rey was ever likely to headline a PPV. Trish v Lita main evented a Raw that year, but I wouldn't call it a main event feud.

 

I actually thought of Jericho/Christian first, I liked the whole twist at Wrestlemania 20, but I'm not sure the match quality was there, and we never did get a good payoff as I recall. Rock/HHH in 98 is also a great pick.

 

Eddy/Rey got more focus than anything on SmackDown! at the time, and was constantly used as a crutch to save ratings. It was also usually the cliffhanger for the show end and in a main event spot, and they used it to try to bring in a new Hispanic audience. It wasn't a championship feud, but it was definitely a main event feud, albeit more of a TV main event feud than a PPV one.

[tomk]

I will do my questionnaire later today, but I'm really surprised no one has said pay-per-view is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter. PPV transcends wrestling, but wrestling's success is what has led to it being a valuable commodity for other forms of entertainment.

 

The Thrilla in Manilla was broadcast over HBO's satelite in 75.

 

Hearns v Lloyd was on PPV in 1981.

While people argued at time about wether PPV was good for the sport (fuck people argue today about if PPV is good for the sport), everyone knew PPV was the future of the sport.

[ohtani's jacket]

WWE is the slickest looking promotion in the world. CMLL's production reminds me of JCP/WCW right after Turner took over, basically a territory-era production with a big ass entrance ramp.

WWE isn't slick. It's made on the fly. They don't even use matching shots half the time. CMLL's camera work & editing is way better. They get shots that WWE only come up with in post.

[Loss]

I will do my questionnaire later today, but I'm really surprised no one has said pay-per-view is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter. PPV transcends wrestling, but wrestling's success is what has led to it being a valuable commodity for other forms of entertainment.

 

The Thrilla in Manilla was broadcast over HBO's satelite in 75.

 

Hearns v Lloyd was on PPV in 1981.

While people argued at time about wether PPV was good for the sport (fuck people argue today about if PPV is good for the sport), everyone knew PPV was the future of the sport.

 

Has anyone else gained as much from it and used it as much to make money as WWE?

[Al]

I will do my questionnaire later today, but I'm really surprised no one has said pay-per-view is Vince McMahon's greatest accomplishment as a promoter. PPV transcends wrestling, but wrestling's success is what has led to it being a valuable commodity for other forms of entertainment.

 

The Thrilla in Manilla was broadcast over HBO's satelite in 75.

 

Hearns v Lloyd was on PPV in 1981.

While people argued at time about wether PPV was good for the sport (fuck people argue today about if PPV is good for the sport), everyone knew PPV was the future of the sport.

 

Has anyone else gained as much from it and used it as much to make money as WWE?

 

Possibly Don King.

[Loss]

Is there a link anyone can provide of boxing buyrates from their first PPV going forward?

[Al]

Is there a link anyone can provide of boxing buyrates from their first PPV going forward?

Quick google search shows no solid source. The record appears to be Lewis-Tyson, with 1.95 million buys.

[Childs]

De La Hoya-Mayweather just set the record at 2.4 mil, I think. Boxing's top 10 would blow away wrestling's top 10 for buyrate, but in terms of a single business entity making money on PPV month after month, WWE is probably all-time king.

[sek69]

I think Vince's biggest accomplishment re: PPV was making sure Crockett got cockblocked at every turn when he tried to run PPV as well. That tipped the scales in favor of the WWF and I think it's really an under-mentioned aspect of wrestling history.