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What are your thoughts on New Japan's first independent U.S. events?
I enjoyed them. I think it was a great first step for the promotion. They have a great product and they shared it with the US. I think there was some growing pains but that is to be expected.
Despite the very flat reaction, not to mention all the “What” chants as Kurt Angle was pouring his heart out on Raw, I’m assuming WWE is happy overall with the storyline leading to Jason Jordan being revealed as his illegitimate son given the ratings increase. However, Kurt mentioned that (within the storyline) his family and WWE management are totally supportive of him – and they have no reason not to be, given that no one involved has done ANYTHING wrong. With that in mind, I just don’t see how this draws ratings, sells WWE Network subscriptions or attracts crowds to live events to see a match of some kind, which should be the point of all wrestling storylines. Is this it or is there more to come such as that someone has set the whole thing up, is playing Kurt for a fool and it’s actually a total lie which will lead to a grudge match?
First off, not everything on the show will do the things that you mentioned. If it were that easy, they would have tons of new stars all of the time. The way I see it, they are trying to use Angle’s goodwill to elevate Jordan. That is a good thing in my opinion as Jordan needed something to get him jump started. Hopefully it works out.
I noticed you said that WWE programming was eligible for Emmy nomination. Considering the power of the various unions of Hollywood (SAG, the Directors Guild, The Writers Guild, etc), do you think the fact that WWE is a non union production hurts their chances of being nominated?
That may have something to do with it. I have to be honest, I don’t know that much about how that whole process works.
Regarding Finn Balor, I know he has been in a sort of holding pattern since his return. It seems that WWE is finding the right time to put him back into the title picture. I know its against common consensus but my question is do you think this holding pattern has helped him? When he was immediately thrust into the title picture in 2016, it seemed a little rushed (even though he 100% deserved it) as the casual fans did not really get to know him. I think since he returned he has built a strong connection with the fans who see him as something special (the chants and reaction to his entrances have began to grow). I think when he eventually gets into the title picture, it will be more impact-full.
That is an interesting question and I hadn’t really thought of it that way. I can’t say for sure either way right now as it will really depend on what they do with him in the future. It could very well go the way that you mentioned. I like the idea of creating a groundswell among the fans to get him elevated up the card. Thanks for your take.
Following up on your wrestling "Mount Rushmore" question. I know Hogan, Flair, Austin and Rock are all no brainers at this point as you rightly said. My question is before all is said and done wouldn't John Cena be a no-brainer as well? Love him or hate him, the guy will go down as a top guy, a exemplary ambassador for professional wrestling and a wrestler that transcended the wrestling world.
I wrestled with that, pun intended. I would have to say no right now because while business has grown in dollars while he was on top, I think had the others you mentioned been on top in Cena’s time they would have drawn more money. I can’t bump any of the four for Cena.
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