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PWINSIDER Q&A: RHODES VS. FLAIR, THE FUTURE OF THE WOMEN'S DIVISION IN WWE, WRESTLEMANIA MAIN EVENT AND MORE

Answered on 9/3

I have been following wrestling actively for well about 30 years I became a huge fan of "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes when he came to the Mid Atlantic Area in the Eighties. Since then I have watched the older footage and followed the many transformations with Dustin Runnels. My two questions are how soon can we see Dusty's youngest son Cody in the WWE? Is there any possibilities for a David Flair vs. Cody Runnels feud?

Cody Runnels has been working in OVW this summer, so technically he could get brought up by WWE at any time.  However, he is only 21 years old and still pretty green, so I think it would be a mistake to try and thrust him into the spotlight at this time. As for David Flair, while he did work a dark match at a Smackdown show earlier this year, I don't know how interested he really is in pursuing wrestling full-time anymore.  I doubt we will see a Rhodes vs. Flair, version 2, feud, but you never know. 

Do you think TNA should be somewhat concerned that a watered down version of ECW is getting better ratings every week?

Honestly, while I know they are, I don't think they should be focusing on it. For starters, the original ECW was a revolutionary product in this country and created a very loyal fanbase.  The WWE version of ECW was launched on the most watched wrestling programs in the country, and is plugged every week during Raw.  Those two factors alone will create an audience, regardless of the quality of the shows.  TNA should be concerned with keeping SpikeTV happy, and expanding their business.  WWE can launch twenty more shows, and it doesn't change what TNA needs to do.

Does WWE rig the Diva Search?

I highly doubt it, since I don't see the point in doing so.  They hire any of the losers they see potential in anyway, so why bother rigging it? 

If Hogan-Austin falls through, do you think a Cena-Rock or Austin-Cena or a Hogan-Cena can pack 78,000 fans in for Wrestlemania? If not these, then what? Everything has been done!

Let me say, right away, that I think WWE has their work cut out for them in trying to draw 78,000 fans, regardless of the main event.  Wrestling is a different beast now, and it takes a lot to convince someone to pay $50 (or $100 or $200) for a ticket when they can drop $50 and watch Wrestlemania with a group of friends at home instead. The power of the Wrestlemania name and good promotion will probably get 40,000 fans, and after that it is up to the card and the main event.  I think Austin vs. Hogan would draw the biggest of any possible match.  If that didn't happen, of the three matches you listed, I think Cena vs. Rock would probably be the biggest draw.  However, it is also the least likely to happen, since Rock has stated that he is done with wrestling.  That leaves Austin vs. Cena and Hogan vs. Cena.  Of those two, I think Austin vs. Cena might draw slightly better amongst wrestling fans, since Austin hasn't been as active as Hogan, making it seem "more special" for him to be in the ring.  Hogan being in the match would draw more mainstream attention, but I don't think it would translate into ticket purchases. A big key in all of this is how well WWE can get over John Cena between now and Wrestlemania.  If he isn't seen as "heir to the throne" against these legends, then it is less likely people will care. 

In your honest opinion, is the women's division in the WWE dead or just simply on life support?

It's not dead yet, but it certainly isn't healthy.  With Trish Stratus, who was the undisputed leader of the division, leaving soon, we're left with a few quality wrestlers (Victoria, Mickie James, Jillian Hall, Melina), some with potential (Kristal Marshall, Michelle McCool, Ariel), and some eye candy that will never be expected to have good matches (Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle, Ashley Massaro). By dividing them up amongst the brands, it makes it almost impossible to create a strong division.  WWE will always have women on their shows, but at this point, I would expect to see a lot more water balloon fights than wrestling bouts from them.

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