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PWINSIDER Q&A: MMA VS. WWE, LADDER MATCH AT MANIA, TURNER AND MORE

Answered on 2/14

Obviously this isn't going to happen, but just play along with me. With the rise of MMA ratings and decline in WWE ratings, what would happen if a promoter could sign a MMA contest between two big name wrestlers to go head-to-head against Wrestlemania on PPV? Let's say for example, UFC was able to sign both Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar. Would an Angle vs. Lesnar shoot fight be able to outdraw Wrestlemania 23? Personally, the thought of watching two awesome pro wrestlers get it on in a legit fight is far more intriguing than anything "Creative" has come up with in a long, long time. I haven't purchased a WWE PPV in at least two years (and haven't regretted missing a single one!), but I'd definitely lay down $40 (or more) to see Angle vs. Lesnar in a MMA match. Also, if you could watch any two pro wrestlers in an official MMA fight, who would it be?

First thing we should note is that the PPV providers will not let WWE and UFC go head-to-head live on PPV.  The industry put their foot down when WWF and the NWA went head to head many years ago, and they won't let it happen again.  That said, I don't think an Angle vs. Lesnar shootfight would outdraw Wrestlemania.  It certainly would do damage, and if it was UFC promoting it with a strong card around it, it might beat out Mania, but this is all fantasy booking.  Now, if I could put two pro wrestlers in an MMA fight, I'd like to see JBL vs. Tracey Smothers.

Just wanted to let you know that I like that WWE give Deuce & Domino their WWE Tag Team Title Match against Paul London & Brian Kendrick at WWE No Way Out. Do they save the popular Ladder Match for WrestleMania 23? Your thoughts please...

It certainly wouldn't hurt to give the fans the rematch that WWE teased for No Way Out at some point.  However, it all really depends on what WWE decides to do with the Hardys and MNM.  As of right now, they are operating on the idea that the duos will be split apart permanently once again.  However, this could change by the time I finish typing this answer.  Personally, I'd be happy to see the match at Wrestlemania. 

I was wondering what Shawn Michaels was like backstage now. We heard stories that he had originally sat down with people when he came back and apologized for his previous behavior. Supposedly, he also had pretty much  stopped playing the "politic game." But, now that the smoke is cleared, and he's been back for a while, is this still true? Is he a respectful, good guy backstage, or has he resumed his previous position as a backstabbing political player, or is it somewhere in between?

I would say "somewhere in between" is a good answer.  Michaels has matured, and certainly isn't worried about "his spot" like he was in the past.  Michaels knows his place in history is secure, that he is one of the top stars in the company, and doesn't need to "hold back" anyone in the company.  At the same time, he has been known to get his nose out of joint over things, like the Hulk Hogan situation at Summerslam two years ago, and make no mistake about it, he still has plenty of "stroke" even if he doesn't use it in a vicious manner. 

I have a hypothetical scenario. Let's say Ted Turner decided to again, invest in the wrestling industry, but didn't want to start from scratch, and decided to pick up TNA from whenever that point came. Whether his has bought it from Panda or decided to do a joint effort with the Carters, there would now be a lot of money for TNA to do whatever (acquire talent, take the show on the road, have live weekly shows, newer stage and audience, etc.) just like WCW. These changes could be done almost overnight or reasonably within a month. My question is should (and would) TNA take up on this offer? Besides their desire to become larger and competition to WWE, maybe they don't want help and also not want to become WCW 2. Plus their audience, feel, and looks, like the soundstage will change drastically And will this benefit or hurt TNA both in the long run, and short run?

You seem to assume that Ted Turner would be an open checkbook for TNA.  Remember, WCW didn't get the "blank check" treatment until Eric Bischoff successfully convinced the powers that be at Turner/Time Warner to give it to him.  Honestly, I don't see Turner putting any more money into TNA than the Carters have.  The Carters have put millions into this venture, so unless Turner was bringing a better TV deal to the table with him, I don't see what him being involved will accomplish.  I certainly don't see him throwing millions into the pot just to try and compete with WWE. 

Why is everybody so hot on WWE creative for stopping the push of everybody's darling - CM Punk? I realize, that he had a lot of momentum and everybody loves Punk for his past achievements. But, in a business like this, isn't it also important to look strong, while losing matches (take a look at Mr. Kennedy, who is not whining about losing almost every match, while the crowd respects him). When Punk has so much problems with losing matches, why is he so high on every observers list? 

I think you have answered your own question.  Because of his work in Ring Of Honor and other promotions, and the fact that WWE allowed him to retain his familiar name and gimmick, fans had high expectations of Punk.  When he actually got an initial push, those expectations grew.  Now that WWE hasn't been pushing him, there is a backlash. Also, it isn't just the losses, but the fact that Punk wasn't being portrayed strongly in the losses (like Kennedy) that annoyed many.  Fans of his are still hopeful he will "survive" the de-push and still become a star using the character they enjoy. 

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