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PWINSIDER Q & A: BAD RATINGS GOING INTO MANIA, THE SAMOAN RELATIVES, CENA-ROCK AND MORE

Answered on 3/9

First off, great job with the site. Regarding Cena's recent comments about the Rock; is it possible, that this was Cena's way of planting the first seed for a possible Rock/Cena match at Wrestlemania 25? Now don't get me wrong, like you always tell those asking about Rock returning, I agree there is absolutely NO incentive for Rock to step back into the ring, he's making millions in Hollywood, and accomplished everything he could in WWE. But to me this is a no-lose situation. If Rock refuses an offer to wrestle Cena, no harm done, and Cena's comments will fall by the wayside. However, if Rock agrees, WWE could do a gradual, one year build to WM XXV. All Rock has to do take a subtle, friendly dig at Cena during his speech at the Hall of Fame ceremony next month, and we're off. For the rest of 2008, Cena goes about his business in WWE, Rock goes off to make movies, and all that would be required of him would be an occasional comment during one of his usual interviews remarking about Cena. Cena would do the same from time to time. Rock wouldn't even have to appear on WWE TV at all. Then, come 2009, things kick into high gear. Rock makes a cameo on RAW simply to say hi to the fans or whatever, Cena comes out, and let the fun begin.

I think there is some kind of ulterior motive here, I just don't know what it is.  It could be that Rock didn't work with Cena in the past so he harbors hostility towards him.  Or it could be, as is my hunch, that he is trying to do WWE's bidding and goad Rock into a match.  It's no secret that Vince McMahon would love for the Rock to appear in WWE rings again.  But, much like when Hulk Hogan goes into business for himself, I don't see this working if that is his intention.  The bottom line is if WWE wants to get Rock to work, the only way to do so is to get him to agree to it first.  Otherwise, it will have the opposite effect.

Last year's build to Wrestlemania had RAW ratings easily reaching 4.0 and higher. However, this year, the ratings have more or less remained the same as the rest of the year. I know that this is a broad question, but what is WWE doing wrong with this year's build to Wrestlemania?

Wow, that sure is a broad question.  I will give you my take on it.  First, I think the actual wrestling on the show is going to be very good overall.  So, I don't think that is the issue.  To me, the problem lies in the fact that there is really nothing special or fresh on the show.  Both the Raw and Smackdown main events just seem like rehashes of past matches.  Money In The Bank isn't a new idea any more.  The "outside" match this year of Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather isn't very appealing to outside fans.  Plus, the build for the show on TV has been pretty lackluster so far.  Add it all up and it has led to fan apathy.  

It should also be noted that some outside fans do want to get into the show.   As I mentioned on my hotline last week, the 3/3 edition of Raw began with a 3.74 quarter hour and dropped to a 3.45 at 9:15, a 3.33 at 9:30 and a 3.31 at 9:45.  The second hour had a similar pattern with the 10 p.m. hour starting off with 3.65 before dropping to a 3.36.  Ordinarily, the numbers build as the show goes on so people are trying Raw at the top of the hour and leaving when they don't like what they see.  That tells me that they could attract more viewers if they just gave them reason to stick around..

I was wondering your thoughts on WWE adopting the Baseball Hall of Fame's rule by not inducting anybody until they have been retired for 5 years. I know the word "retire" in wrestling doesn't mean much but maybe 5 years after being off the active roster. There isn't a ballot system for the Hall of Fame, but if a Superstar is elected after his 5th year of retirement, it would kind of give it that "first ballot" feeling. Your thoughts.

If WWE had real criteria and an established selection process for the Hall, I would totally agree with you.  But, since it's anything but that, I don't really think it matters who they bring in or when they do it.

In a recent Q+A, You told a reader that unless the IC Championship is made more valuable and something that the fans and wrestlers cared about, that they should get rid of the IC title permanently. Ok, let's go a few steps further. In this answer, you mentioned that the only titles that are valuable and that the fans and WWE care about are the WWE Heavyweight and World Titles (I miss the times when it was one belt and one legit champion but that's another subject). If you are suggesting that the IC title should be eliminated, are you also saying that the United States title, WWE Tag Team and World Tag Team titles, The ECW Title and the Women's title should also be eliminated?? It doesn't seem like creative cares about those belts either. Your thoughts?

Creative cares a little more about the US belt since they have pushed MVP pretty well with it, but yes, it's expendable too.  There is no need for secondary belts in WWE since the brand system started and creative put all the impetus on the main titles.  Even though they treat the tag belts like refuse, I would keep one set around and let the champs defend on all the shows.  They should do the same with the Women's Title.  Even though it's kind of a joke really, as long as ECW is a brand with its own show, it should have a title.  

I was wondering how High Chief Peter Maivia and the Samoans Afa and Sika are related? Also are the Barbarian and Haku related to the Maivila/Samoan family?

Afa The Wild Samoan placed the following relative list on his website:

Relatives:

• Uncle:
  • The late High Chief "Peter Maivia"
• Brothers:
  • Sika (My other brother & tag team partner)
• My sons:
  • Samu (AKA Wild Samoan # 3, Great Samu)
  • L.A. Smooth (member of the Samoan Gangstas)
  • Afa Jr. "The Samoan Storm"
• Nephews:
  • The Late Yokozuna
  • Rikishi Phatu
  • Rosie
  • TKPA
  • "The Rock" Rocky Maivia
  • Jamal
  • Reno The Black Pearl
  • Toa Maivia
• Other Relatives:
  • Rocky Johnson
  • Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka
  • David "Terminator" Tua
  • Joe Onosa'i (Strong Man Contest competitor)
  • Afa's son in law the late Gary "Air" Albright

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