As always, it would be greatly appreciated if those who are reading helped me promote the blog. And I'd like to thank those who make this a regular stop on your Internet travels. I wish I updated it more regularly, but hopefully it's enough to make you happy.
Now onto the show.
Raw opening
In the ring is John Cena, looking down, not very happy.
Cena: Last week, I won a match and with it also won the opportunity to join the title match at Wrestlemania. That opportunity is what every wrestler dreams of. Now, unlike other men, I've had that chance many times, so I know how it feels. But let me assure you, no matter how many times you headline the Grandaddy of them all, it never gets old.
Cena: However--and there is a however--I didn't win this match in the most heroic of ways. For some reason, and I think we all know why, Batista decided to interfere in my match. Let me make this 100% clear--I did not know he was going to do so nor did I need him to do so. I'm John Cena, I've had my back against the wall many times before and each time I overcame them without the help of anyone. I did that.
Cena: As a result of that interference, I've been wrestling my most difficult opponent over the last week--my own conscience. Do I accept the opportunity I didn't truly deserve or do I decline the most coveted position in sports entertainment? Some men have walked out of the company for not being able to ever be in that position.
HHH's music hits and he enters with Stephanie.
HHH: John, let me tell you, you are going to accept this match. Like you said, this is an opportunity many others would kill for. And....
Orton's music hits, coming out and facing off with HHH.
Orton: I think Cena has a point, Hunter. What kind of hero would he be to his fans, to the little kids who idolize him if he accepted the title match under such circumstances? But the real question here is what was with you indicating HE would be champion after Wrestlemania? Why?
HHH: Calm down, Randy, I was just promoting the main event. It's about selling it to the people. It had nothing to do with wanting him as champion.
Orton: Well, since Cena has declined the opportunity, I guess you could get charged with false advertisement.
Cena: Hold on there, Randy, I never said I declined. I said I've been wrestling with my conscience over the last week about this. But you see, I kept coming back to one thing--I never had my rematch with Bryan. He's who I want to wrestle, because to me, he's still the real champion. He isn't some puppet of Hunter and the Authority. He's won the title several times only to have you rescued by him. So, I accept this opportunity, I accept the main event at Wrestlemania.
HHH and Cena shake hands as Orton throws a temper tantrum.
Orton: What the hell! You're going let the skinny jeans wearing teenage girl ruin affect everything?
HHH: Umm, I hope you aren't talking about who I think you are.
Orton: You think I'm scared of Batista? He ran away from this company four years ago. He doesn't belong here.
HHH shakes his head as Batista makes his way down to the ring.
Batista powerbombs Orton.
A tag team match is made for the main event--Orton and Bryan vs Batista and Cena.
The Punk Revolution is in the ring, all four staring at the announce booth.
AJ: Last week, Tamina and I stood up for all divas when we attacked the misogynist who regales our audience each and every week with quips regarding the women who entertain our fans. To him, we are nothing more than sexual objects, nothing more than pieces of meat. Last week, he felt what these sexual objects can do.
AJ: Here's the funny thing, several decades ago, that man, Jerry Lawler, made his name by sticking up for women who were being exploited and demeaned by Andy Kaufman. Well, I ask you Jerry Lawler, while you do not wrestle this women, aren't you just as bad as he was? Aren't you just a newer and just as repellant version of that man?
Lawler stands up, microphone in hand.
Lawler: Look, I don't know what I said to offend you, but I'm sorry. I fully respect what you and the other divas do in the ring.
AJ: You have a funny way of showing it. Always commenting on our looks, never referencing the match going on in the ring.
Lawler: What do you want me to say?
AJ: Oh, it isn't what I want you to say, it's what I want you to do. At Wrestlemania, I want you to get into the ring with the Punkasaurus Brodus Clay. If he wins, I want you to retire allowing the WWE to hire their first full time female announcer for the table. It's the 21st century and it's about time.
Lawler: I'm sure you know that WWE won't clear me to wrestle since my heart attack.
JBL stands up.
JBL: I'll take up the challenge for Jerry, if he wants me.
Lawler: Yeah, I'll take a former world champion as my surrogate versus this guy.
AJ: You don't know what you've gotten into. But to give you a demonstration, send out Brodus' opponent.
Ryback's music hits.
Brodus dominates the match, winning with the Pipe Bomb.
They taunt the announce booth after the match.
Backstage segment
Bryan and the Wyatts.
Bray: We left you to your own devices last week, Daniel Bryan, and the ones in the tower made you into a joke again. They've enlisted another in their crusade against you, because you denied us last week.
Bryan: I have to prove I can win the title on my own.
Bray: I sacrificed for you, Daniel Bryan. This opportunity could have been mine. I eliminated myself for you. It cannot be for naught.
Bryan: It won't be. The title is mine.
Bray: Ours, Daniel Bryan. Ours.
Backstage segment
HHH with the New Age Outlaws
Road Dogg: You said you were going to fix our situation.
HHH: I did and I will, at Wrestlemania.
Road Dogg: What's happening at Wrestlemania?
HHH: Tag team mayhem--you vs the Usos vs the Brotherhood.
Billy: What? How does that help us? Are you crazy?
Road Dogg: Calm down, Billy. Hunter always has a plan.
HHH: You're right. Which is why the Shield is also involved. Hopefully between you and the Shield, I can take care of a couple of problems that night.
Billy: He's lost it.
Backstage segment.
The Bella Twins and Natalya.
Brie looking at Nikki and Natalya.
Brie: I don't understand why you didn't check on me last week, Natalya.
Natalya: I could tell you were fine.
Brie: I was out cold!
Nikki holds up the title.
Nikki: This is all the matters so that is what she was checking on.
Brie folds her arms.
Main event
Bryan and Orton vs Batista and Cena
This match devolves into each man for himself, fighting among themselves, even against their own partners. In the end, Batista has dominated the other three participants, standing over all three of them, holding aloft the title.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
#Rawesome and #Rawful Moments of the Week
This week was quite the interesting one for WWE Raw. The fans were treated to The Authority finally getting some sort of come-uppance at the hands of Daniel Bryan. One man can be thanked for this sudden change in story--CM Punk. Like many fans, I'm disappointed we may have seen him for the last time, but on the other hand, I don't think Bryan would be receiving this title match if Punk hadn't walked out. Maybe next year, but that may have been too late for Bryan. People's attention span is much shorter than it used to be and if the story dragged out, it very well could have damaged the momentum that he had developed.
For that, the hero of the week is CM Punk, the man who hasn't been on our televisions for almost two months now.
There are those who seem to believe that this was planned all along, but that doesn't pass the smell test. Bryan's aborted storyline of joining the Wyatts alone proves that. My guess (and I fully admit that it is only a guess) is that Bryan was originally scheduled to fight Bray at Wrestlemania in order to raise both wrestler's profiles. I still think that they shouldn't have totally abandoned it, that they could have rewritten the story to incorporate their original intentions--increasing the profitability of several wrestlers--while still giving the fans what they wanted, a Bryan championship reign. That is basically what the Raw ReWrite has been trying to prove over the last few months. Suddenly dropping a storyline is jarring to the audience. It's better to ease out of it and find a way to still leave all parties in a positive position.
With that said, let's move on to the #Rawesome and #Rawful moments of the week.
This week the two go hand-in-hand, are inseparable.
#Rawesome Moment of the Week
After almost a year of constant "Yes!" chants, after almost a year of fans erupting every time the most unlikely of popular wrestlers, the WWE finally listened. WCW, despite the massive egos, bodies and legends they had, really found that a variety of styles attracts a wider audience. People don't want to just see jacked wrestlers any longer. There are many different types of wrestlers that are intriguing out there and it's time WWE realized that.
Somehow, in spite of the idiotic anger management story that was given to him, Daniel Bryan turned that into an engaging storyline, he attracted a fan base regardless of that stupidity. Each week he added more believers, more fans. Yet, for some reason, the WWE felt the need to constantly belittle the new people's champ. I don't buy into the theory that Punk left for Bryan, but Bryan is definitely a beneficiary of the walkout.
So, we ended up with Bryan hijacking Raw, which funny enough is what Punk fans were supposed to do last week. Daniel Bryan finally did what fans wanted him to do--be a man and take his spot. That does much to untangle the "weakness" they have entwined him with. Hopefully this leads to what the fans truly want--a Daniel Bryan heavyweight title reign.
#Rawful Moment of the Week
First, let me say, I'm not a fan of tying Daniel Bryan to the dead Occupy movement for two reasons. One, it's dated; two, it feels to me like it may turn off certain fans. That being said, that isn't the #Rawful Moment of the Week.
That distinction belongs to the still guaranteed HHH vs Bryan prelude match. This would be much better suited to take place on a Raw preceding Wrestlemania and not the showcase itself. By placing it on the card and adding to it the stipulation of attaining a title shot with a victory, it is a foregone conclusion that Bryan will win that match. With that, there is no drama in the match, which makes it a wasted moment. Now, I will say, what it does add, is drama to the main event. No doubt Bryan will be "injured" during the first match--before, during and after--which will cast further doubt on whether he will win. I don't like having a wasted match on the card though and that's what this feels like it will be. Imagine the "go home" Raw having that match though. That would provide more payoff (buys for the PPV and viewers for Raw) for all parties involved.
My prediction is that Orton will cost HHH the match in some awkward way which will incite The Authority against the current champion. In the main event, The Authority will try to unseat Orton with Batista, which will allow Bryan to win. Hopefully that in turn leads Batista to meaningless mid-card matches where he belongs.
For that, the hero of the week is CM Punk, the man who hasn't been on our televisions for almost two months now.
There are those who seem to believe that this was planned all along, but that doesn't pass the smell test. Bryan's aborted storyline of joining the Wyatts alone proves that. My guess (and I fully admit that it is only a guess) is that Bryan was originally scheduled to fight Bray at Wrestlemania in order to raise both wrestler's profiles. I still think that they shouldn't have totally abandoned it, that they could have rewritten the story to incorporate their original intentions--increasing the profitability of several wrestlers--while still giving the fans what they wanted, a Bryan championship reign. That is basically what the Raw ReWrite has been trying to prove over the last few months. Suddenly dropping a storyline is jarring to the audience. It's better to ease out of it and find a way to still leave all parties in a positive position.
With that said, let's move on to the #Rawesome and #Rawful moments of the week.
This week the two go hand-in-hand, are inseparable.
#Rawesome Moment of the Week
After almost a year of constant "Yes!" chants, after almost a year of fans erupting every time the most unlikely of popular wrestlers, the WWE finally listened. WCW, despite the massive egos, bodies and legends they had, really found that a variety of styles attracts a wider audience. People don't want to just see jacked wrestlers any longer. There are many different types of wrestlers that are intriguing out there and it's time WWE realized that.
Somehow, in spite of the idiotic anger management story that was given to him, Daniel Bryan turned that into an engaging storyline, he attracted a fan base regardless of that stupidity. Each week he added more believers, more fans. Yet, for some reason, the WWE felt the need to constantly belittle the new people's champ. I don't buy into the theory that Punk left for Bryan, but Bryan is definitely a beneficiary of the walkout.
So, we ended up with Bryan hijacking Raw, which funny enough is what Punk fans were supposed to do last week. Daniel Bryan finally did what fans wanted him to do--be a man and take his spot. That does much to untangle the "weakness" they have entwined him with. Hopefully this leads to what the fans truly want--a Daniel Bryan heavyweight title reign.
#Rawful Moment of the Week
First, let me say, I'm not a fan of tying Daniel Bryan to the dead Occupy movement for two reasons. One, it's dated; two, it feels to me like it may turn off certain fans. That being said, that isn't the #Rawful Moment of the Week.
That distinction belongs to the still guaranteed HHH vs Bryan prelude match. This would be much better suited to take place on a Raw preceding Wrestlemania and not the showcase itself. By placing it on the card and adding to it the stipulation of attaining a title shot with a victory, it is a foregone conclusion that Bryan will win that match. With that, there is no drama in the match, which makes it a wasted moment. Now, I will say, what it does add, is drama to the main event. No doubt Bryan will be "injured" during the first match--before, during and after--which will cast further doubt on whether he will win. I don't like having a wasted match on the card though and that's what this feels like it will be. Imagine the "go home" Raw having that match though. That would provide more payoff (buys for the PPV and viewers for Raw) for all parties involved.
My prediction is that Orton will cost HHH the match in some awkward way which will incite The Authority against the current champion. In the main event, The Authority will try to unseat Orton with Batista, which will allow Bryan to win. Hopefully that in turn leads Batista to meaningless mid-card matches where he belongs.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Raw Rewrite March 10th 2014
As always, I'm looking for help in promoting the blog, so please, if you like what you're reading, post it to Twitter, Facebook, or whatever your favorite social media platform is. Also, I'm still looking for some feedback--weaknesses, strengths. Thanks for reading.
Opening Segment
John Cena is in the ring, looking around, playing to the crowd.
Cena: Over the last few weeks, I've been the forgotten man around here. People talk about the future of this business being Daniel Bryan, the Punk Revolution, the Wyatt Family. Other people talk about how Batista and Orton are. And somewhere along the way, I was forgotten. Countless title reigns. Millions of shirts sold. And yet I'm forgotten. Well, you see, the future of the WWE runs through me. I'm not going anywhere without a fight.
AJ's music hits as she comes to down the ramp with Brodus, Tyson Kidd, and Tamina.
AJ: You see, John, that's the problem. You're a glass ceiling here in the WWE. In truth, you're even part of the reason our namesake is no longer here. Once you're gone, make no mistake about it, you will be forgotten. And in doing so, we will honor the man that you played no small part in excommunicating from this company.
Cena: And who's going to do that? These two? You think some Funkasaurus and his sidekick can take me down?
AJ: Funkasaurus? No, no, no, John. That man, that wrestler, he's gone, he's done, he's dead. This is the Punkasaurus. This is the man who fights for the little guy who doesn't get the chances that were handed to you simply for looking like some freak of nature.
Cena: Punkasaurus, huh? Cute. Real cute. As you can see, I'm not going anywhere, so if he has something to say, climb on into the ring.
The Punk Revolution start moving toward the ring when The Authority's music hits. Out comes HHH along with a still shocked Stephanie, continually looking over her shoulder, scared. The announcer's play up her actions, about how the Wyatts had kidnapped her.
HHH: None of that is going to happen. You see how they speak to you, Cena? The lack of respect? For ten years, the WWE has taken care of you, promoted you, made sure you had the opportunities you deserve. For that leadership, this is what you get--blatant disrespect. Unlike these four and the President, I can spell that word.
Cena: Except when it comes to a man like Daniel Bryan.
HHH laughs.
HHH: John, I'm out here for you. I respect the men who deserve it and Daniel Bryan isn't one of those men. Here's what I'm out here to offer you. Tonight, you have an opportunity to have a world title shot at Wrestlemania.
Cena: That's Daniel Bryan's opportunity, not mine. He earned it and I'm not going to injure him just because you don't want him in your main event at Wrestlemania.
HHH: Right you are, he did earn that match. But see, here's the thing, winning Royal Rumble only guarantees you a match at Wrestlemania, but it doesn't guarantee you a one on one match. I can see from looking at you, though, that you don't want to be given an opportunity, that you want to earn it yourself and I wouldn't have it any other way. So tonight, if you win your match, the main event at Wrestlemania will become a triple threat match.
Cena: And who do I have to defeat?
HHH smiles.
HHH: Daniel Bryan!
Cena thinks for a few seconds.
Cena: I accept.
AJ: And once again the great and powerful John Cena gets what he wants handed to him on a silver plate while the rest of us scramble for the crumbs that fall from his table. Once again, John Cena doesn't have to earn what the rest of us have to scrap for.
HHH: No, AJ, you got it all wrong. You think I've forgotten about the so-called Punk Revolution. Tonight, we will be seeing Tamina vs Natalya. In addition, we'll be seeing the Punk Revolution vs The New Age Outlaws. And AJ, tonight, you'll be seeing the Bellas in a handicap match.
Back from commercial.
Natalya vs Tamina
Tamina is in the ring with Natalya as AJ has joined commentary.
Lawler makes comments about beauty and the beast in the ring.
AJ: What's the matter, Lawler, she isn't young enough for you? You have a problem that she can wrestle, that both of these women in the ring live up to the standards of their families' names?
Cole: You're showing a lot of respect to a woman who cost you your title.
AJ: I do respect Natalya, as a wrestler, not what she did at Elimination Chamber. But I'm sorry I'm not living down to that stereotype that you and the WWE like to perpetuate, that women are a bunch of backbiters.
Lawler: Is Natalya a backbiter? Marv Albert might like to meet her.
AJ: Is that all you think about when women are in the ring, Lawler, your own depravity? This is a new era of divas, not just some bimbo models.
Lawler: What's wrong with models?
AJ stands up, pointing a finger at Lawler.
AJ: You think I don't hear the jokes you make about the women's division when we're wrestling? The fact you ignore what we're doing in the ring, that we're played up for laughs? Well, that era is over, you understand me?
Lawler laughs.
Lawler: Yeah, I hear you.
JBL has gotten between Lawler and AJ, holding her back, trying to calm her down.
AJ: I'm not taking this any longer.
She throws down the headset and starts to walk away. JBL sits down.
JBL: What was her problem?
Lawler: Probably her time of the month.
AJ comes running back, diving over the table and throwing punches at Lawler. Tamina comes out, trying to pull AJ from Lawler. Natalya wins by countout. AJ is being carried out by Tamina as she continues to struggle to get back at Lawler.
AJ: We are not a joke, Lawler!
Backstage segment.
Batista, Orton, HHH and Stephanie. Stephanie is still acting strangely, looking around, scared.
Orton: What's wrong with her?
HHH: Some lingering trauma from her kidnapping. She's handling it with her therapist though.
Batista: There's a bigger issue than that right now. Why did you add Cena to the main event match at Wrestlemania and not me?
HHH: I haven't added anyone to the main event yet. John Cena gets to determine that.
Batista: You might as well have. Cena only lost to that pipsqueak because he was hurt last time.
Orton: More importantly, why does anyone need to be added to the match? You know, the more people you add to the match, the harder it is for the champion to hold the title, right?
Batista turns, cutting Orton out of the conversation.
Batista: You know, I should be the one getting this opportunity.
Orton: Hey, what about what I said?
Orton repositions himself to re-enter the conversation but HHH and Batista move as well.
Orton: Guys! Guys! Guys?
Punk Revolution vs New Age Outlaws
This is a quick match, dominated by the Punk Revolution but ends in a disqualification when the Shield interfere and attack the Punk Revolution.
AJ vs The Bellas
During the course of the match, Tamina delivers a superkick to Lawler who badmouths AJ.
AJ wins after some miscommunication by the Bellas. Natalya storms the ring, throwing AJ out of the ring, then tends to Nikki while ignoring Brie who is more injured.
Backstage segment
Daniel Bryan is with the Wyatts.
Daniel: I need to do this on my own. I need to prove to Cena, to the crowd, to the Authority that I'm better than John Cena, that I deserve the main event at Wrestlemania.
Bray: You were lost in the forest until we found you, Daniel Bryan, with no chance of finding escape. We led you to the redemption you sought. Do not forsake us in your darkest hour.
Daniel: No, just tonight. Let me do it on my own. Show me the faith I've shown in you.
Bray: My arms will not be there to catch you tonight, Daniel Bryan.
The Wyatts leave him standing there alone.
Daniel Bryan vs John Cena
John Cena and the referee are knocked out. HHH comes out to the ramp distracting Bryan. From behind Batista enters the ring and spears Bryan, followed by a powerbomb. He pulls Cena over and throws him on top of Bryan and awakens the ref.
The ref counts three. HHH enters the ring, hugging a befuddled Cena, raising his hand in victory, indicating the world title around his waist.
Opening Segment
John Cena is in the ring, looking around, playing to the crowd.
Cena: Over the last few weeks, I've been the forgotten man around here. People talk about the future of this business being Daniel Bryan, the Punk Revolution, the Wyatt Family. Other people talk about how Batista and Orton are. And somewhere along the way, I was forgotten. Countless title reigns. Millions of shirts sold. And yet I'm forgotten. Well, you see, the future of the WWE runs through me. I'm not going anywhere without a fight.
AJ's music hits as she comes to down the ramp with Brodus, Tyson Kidd, and Tamina.
AJ: You see, John, that's the problem. You're a glass ceiling here in the WWE. In truth, you're even part of the reason our namesake is no longer here. Once you're gone, make no mistake about it, you will be forgotten. And in doing so, we will honor the man that you played no small part in excommunicating from this company.
Cena: And who's going to do that? These two? You think some Funkasaurus and his sidekick can take me down?
AJ: Funkasaurus? No, no, no, John. That man, that wrestler, he's gone, he's done, he's dead. This is the Punkasaurus. This is the man who fights for the little guy who doesn't get the chances that were handed to you simply for looking like some freak of nature.
Cena: Punkasaurus, huh? Cute. Real cute. As you can see, I'm not going anywhere, so if he has something to say, climb on into the ring.
The Punk Revolution start moving toward the ring when The Authority's music hits. Out comes HHH along with a still shocked Stephanie, continually looking over her shoulder, scared. The announcer's play up her actions, about how the Wyatts had kidnapped her.
HHH: None of that is going to happen. You see how they speak to you, Cena? The lack of respect? For ten years, the WWE has taken care of you, promoted you, made sure you had the opportunities you deserve. For that leadership, this is what you get--blatant disrespect. Unlike these four and the President, I can spell that word.
Cena: Except when it comes to a man like Daniel Bryan.
HHH laughs.
HHH: John, I'm out here for you. I respect the men who deserve it and Daniel Bryan isn't one of those men. Here's what I'm out here to offer you. Tonight, you have an opportunity to have a world title shot at Wrestlemania.
Cena: That's Daniel Bryan's opportunity, not mine. He earned it and I'm not going to injure him just because you don't want him in your main event at Wrestlemania.
HHH: Right you are, he did earn that match. But see, here's the thing, winning Royal Rumble only guarantees you a match at Wrestlemania, but it doesn't guarantee you a one on one match. I can see from looking at you, though, that you don't want to be given an opportunity, that you want to earn it yourself and I wouldn't have it any other way. So tonight, if you win your match, the main event at Wrestlemania will become a triple threat match.
Cena: And who do I have to defeat?
HHH smiles.
HHH: Daniel Bryan!
Cena thinks for a few seconds.
Cena: I accept.
AJ: And once again the great and powerful John Cena gets what he wants handed to him on a silver plate while the rest of us scramble for the crumbs that fall from his table. Once again, John Cena doesn't have to earn what the rest of us have to scrap for.
HHH: No, AJ, you got it all wrong. You think I've forgotten about the so-called Punk Revolution. Tonight, we will be seeing Tamina vs Natalya. In addition, we'll be seeing the Punk Revolution vs The New Age Outlaws. And AJ, tonight, you'll be seeing the Bellas in a handicap match.
Back from commercial.
Natalya vs Tamina
Tamina is in the ring with Natalya as AJ has joined commentary.
Lawler makes comments about beauty and the beast in the ring.
AJ: What's the matter, Lawler, she isn't young enough for you? You have a problem that she can wrestle, that both of these women in the ring live up to the standards of their families' names?
Cole: You're showing a lot of respect to a woman who cost you your title.
AJ: I do respect Natalya, as a wrestler, not what she did at Elimination Chamber. But I'm sorry I'm not living down to that stereotype that you and the WWE like to perpetuate, that women are a bunch of backbiters.
Lawler: Is Natalya a backbiter? Marv Albert might like to meet her.
AJ: Is that all you think about when women are in the ring, Lawler, your own depravity? This is a new era of divas, not just some bimbo models.
Lawler: What's wrong with models?
AJ stands up, pointing a finger at Lawler.
AJ: You think I don't hear the jokes you make about the women's division when we're wrestling? The fact you ignore what we're doing in the ring, that we're played up for laughs? Well, that era is over, you understand me?
Lawler laughs.
Lawler: Yeah, I hear you.
JBL has gotten between Lawler and AJ, holding her back, trying to calm her down.
AJ: I'm not taking this any longer.
She throws down the headset and starts to walk away. JBL sits down.
JBL: What was her problem?
Lawler: Probably her time of the month.
AJ comes running back, diving over the table and throwing punches at Lawler. Tamina comes out, trying to pull AJ from Lawler. Natalya wins by countout. AJ is being carried out by Tamina as she continues to struggle to get back at Lawler.
AJ: We are not a joke, Lawler!
Backstage segment.
Batista, Orton, HHH and Stephanie. Stephanie is still acting strangely, looking around, scared.
Orton: What's wrong with her?
HHH: Some lingering trauma from her kidnapping. She's handling it with her therapist though.
Batista: There's a bigger issue than that right now. Why did you add Cena to the main event match at Wrestlemania and not me?
HHH: I haven't added anyone to the main event yet. John Cena gets to determine that.
Batista: You might as well have. Cena only lost to that pipsqueak because he was hurt last time.
Orton: More importantly, why does anyone need to be added to the match? You know, the more people you add to the match, the harder it is for the champion to hold the title, right?
Batista turns, cutting Orton out of the conversation.
Batista: You know, I should be the one getting this opportunity.
Orton: Hey, what about what I said?
Orton repositions himself to re-enter the conversation but HHH and Batista move as well.
Orton: Guys! Guys! Guys?
Punk Revolution vs New Age Outlaws
This is a quick match, dominated by the Punk Revolution but ends in a disqualification when the Shield interfere and attack the Punk Revolution.
AJ vs The Bellas
During the course of the match, Tamina delivers a superkick to Lawler who badmouths AJ.
AJ wins after some miscommunication by the Bellas. Natalya storms the ring, throwing AJ out of the ring, then tends to Nikki while ignoring Brie who is more injured.
Backstage segment
Daniel Bryan is with the Wyatts.
Daniel: I need to do this on my own. I need to prove to Cena, to the crowd, to the Authority that I'm better than John Cena, that I deserve the main event at Wrestlemania.
Bray: You were lost in the forest until we found you, Daniel Bryan, with no chance of finding escape. We led you to the redemption you sought. Do not forsake us in your darkest hour.
Daniel: No, just tonight. Let me do it on my own. Show me the faith I've shown in you.
Bray: My arms will not be there to catch you tonight, Daniel Bryan.
The Wyatts leave him standing there alone.
Daniel Bryan vs John Cena
John Cena and the referee are knocked out. HHH comes out to the ramp distracting Bryan. From behind Batista enters the ring and spears Bryan, followed by a powerbomb. He pulls Cena over and throws him on top of Bryan and awakens the ref.
The ref counts three. HHH enters the ring, hugging a befuddled Cena, raising his hand in victory, indicating the world title around his waist.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
#Rawful and #Rawesome Moments of the Week
This past week's Raw was full of memorable moments--some good, some bad.
#Rawful Moment of the Week
I was torn about what to award this to. The finalist not selected was the continuing of the Passion of the Daniel Bryan storyline. While I didn't particularly care for the continuing of showing Bryan in a position of weakness, it couldn't match with the one eventually chosen. To me, I'm hoping the HHH issue will be resolved prior to Wrestlemania instead of taking a slot there. Preferably Bryan gets under his skin, a match is made on Raw where if Bryan wins he is added to the main event in Wrestlemania. If Bryan loses, he can no longer chase the WWE title and must accept his mid card status in perpetuity. It would even goose ratings for a Raw leading to the biggest PPV of the year as long as they promoted it for a week or two.
Regardless, that didn't hold a candle to the biggest disappointment of Raw--the lack of CM Punk. I do believe WWE could get more mileage from Punk not being there, as seen in the last two Raw ReWrites. Also, they did handle his lack of presence pretty well, all things considering. But you never want your crowd to go home deflated, which is what the lack of Punk coupled with Bryan's continuing losing streak did.
The only way to satiate the crowd was the appearance of Punk. And that was why this was the Rawful moment of the week.
#Rawesome Moment of the Week
On the flip side, the lack of Punk contributed to one of the hottest crowds of the year. The hometown audience made the WWE aware (if they weren't already) on where they stood on the behind the scenes situation. Of course, there are those who argue that WWE isn't at fault, that Punk left of his own volition. From listening to the man's interviews previous interviews, he understands the business, far more than most of those in creative. Like others have stated, none of us know the true story of what transpired, but if it were over creative direction, I'd take his side ten times out of ten.
Either way, Punk, without even being there, inspired a boisterous crowd. When the crowd is into the action, that improves the product because the energy carries through the project. That was the best part of ECW and the Attitude Era. WWE should do as they used to do--incorporate the conflict into the storyline; don't ignore the situation, capitalize on it.
So he's hoping that WWE uses this as a jumping point for further storylines. It could catapult several superstars if they handle it properly.
#Rawful Moment of the Week
I was torn about what to award this to. The finalist not selected was the continuing of the Passion of the Daniel Bryan storyline. While I didn't particularly care for the continuing of showing Bryan in a position of weakness, it couldn't match with the one eventually chosen. To me, I'm hoping the HHH issue will be resolved prior to Wrestlemania instead of taking a slot there. Preferably Bryan gets under his skin, a match is made on Raw where if Bryan wins he is added to the main event in Wrestlemania. If Bryan loses, he can no longer chase the WWE title and must accept his mid card status in perpetuity. It would even goose ratings for a Raw leading to the biggest PPV of the year as long as they promoted it for a week or two.
Regardless, that didn't hold a candle to the biggest disappointment of Raw--the lack of CM Punk. I do believe WWE could get more mileage from Punk not being there, as seen in the last two Raw ReWrites. Also, they did handle his lack of presence pretty well, all things considering. But you never want your crowd to go home deflated, which is what the lack of Punk coupled with Bryan's continuing losing streak did.
The only way to satiate the crowd was the appearance of Punk. And that was why this was the Rawful moment of the week.
#Rawesome Moment of the Week
On the flip side, the lack of Punk contributed to one of the hottest crowds of the year. The hometown audience made the WWE aware (if they weren't already) on where they stood on the behind the scenes situation. Of course, there are those who argue that WWE isn't at fault, that Punk left of his own volition. From listening to the man's interviews previous interviews, he understands the business, far more than most of those in creative. Like others have stated, none of us know the true story of what transpired, but if it were over creative direction, I'd take his side ten times out of ten.
Either way, Punk, without even being there, inspired a boisterous crowd. When the crowd is into the action, that improves the product because the energy carries through the project. That was the best part of ECW and the Attitude Era. WWE should do as they used to do--incorporate the conflict into the storyline; don't ignore the situation, capitalize on it.
So he's hoping that WWE uses this as a jumping point for further storylines. It could catapult several superstars if they handle it properly.
Monday, March 3, 2014
WWE Raw March 3, 2014 Raw Rewrite
If you enjoy what you've been reading, please share the link.
Raw Opening
Chicago. All of the lights are out. CM Punk's music starts to blare through the arena as a spotlight aims at the center of the ring, showing a man sitting Indian style in a sweatshirt, back to the camera, hood pulled over his head. The music cuts and turns to HHH's music. The figure slowly turns his head toward the ramp, waiting, watching. After a few seconds, the figure jumps up and pulls back the hood revealing HHH.
HHH: Who did you think it was? Did you think one night of a hissy fit last week would make me cave to a wrestler with a bloated sense of self-worth? Did you think the Chicago crowd here scares me so much that I was going to do whatever was necessary to quiet you bunch of ingrates?
HHH: Let me answer that--No! No! No!
HHH strips the Punk sweatshirt from his back and tosses it to Kane on the outside who is next to a giant barrel which is full of CM Punk merchandise.
HHH: I hope everyone who wanted one of those pieces of crap have bought it because we aren't in the business of pushing run down indy has-beens.
Kane does his arm motions, causes a fire to erupts in the barrel.
HHH: His career just went up in smoke.
AJ Lee, Tamina and Brodus walk out onto the ramp, extending their right fists into the air, still taped liked CM Punk.
AJ: You think it's that easy to erase someone, to make the people forget about them? Martyrs are never forgotten, Hunter.
HHH laughs.
HHH: I'm glad you three made it out here tonight, because this is the only opportunity the crowd here will be able to see the Punk Revolution. You see, as a result of what's best for business, I've decided to ban all three of you from the arena.
Security slowly makes their way up the ramp.
AJ laughs.
AJ: There's more than us, Hunter. There's more than us.
The Punk Revolution are escorted to the back.
HHH: Now that the trash has been taken care of, it's time to get down to business. We are rapidly approaching Wrestlemania and no one has been able to slaughter a certain goat faced wrestler who currently has claim to being the number one contender. Tonight, that ends. Daniel Bryan, you will be facing off against Batista. Your dream becomes a nightmare. Oh, and if the Wyatts interfere, you will be stripped of your match.
Backstage segment.
Orton, Batista and HHH.
Orton: I can handle Bryan. I don't need Batista taking him out.
HHH: This isn't about whether you can beat him or not, it's about what will draw the most money at Wrestlemania. And that isn't Daniel Bryan.
Batista: Trust us, this is best for everyone.
Orton eyes Batista and then HHH.
Orton: Best for everyone?
HHH puts a hand on Orton's shoulder, with a cheesy smile.
HHH: Yeah, for everyone.
New Age Outlaws vs The Usos
During the match, The Brotherhood comes out to do commentary. Toward the end, the Rhodes distract Billy, leading to the Usos getting the victory.
Backstage segment
New Age Outlaws are complaining to HHH.
Road Dogg: Did you see what happened out there?
HHH: I saw, but I have bigger issues to handle right now.
Road Dogg: We're your friends, you're going to hang us out to dry like that?
HHH: It will be addressed, just not right now.
Billy Gunn: When, Hunter?
HHH looks at him, shakes his head and walks past him.
HHH: When I say so.
After HHH leaves.
Road Dogg: Ever since he became obsessed with Daniel Bryan, he's become a douche.
Billy Gunn smiles.
Billy Gunn: Some things never change.
Daniel Bryan vs Batista
HHH enters first in referee gear.
HHH: As a special added surprise, I've decided only the fairest and most impartial of all people should referee this match--me.
Bryan and Batista enter. HHH checks Batista for weapons. Then he starts checking Bryan. As he holds Bryan's foot, Batista attacks Bryan.
Orton makes his way to ringside. Throughout the match it is three on one.
The Wyatts come to the ramp, pacing back and forth, wanting to interfere on Bryan's behalf. HHH glares at them, yelling.
HHH: You three better stay up there.
Brodus Clay, Tamina and AJ come through the crowd. Brodus starts taking out Orton, treating him like a rag doll. HHH rolls out of the ring and attacks Brodus. AJ jumps on HHH's back. Running from the back comes Tyson Kidd, hands taped like CM Punk, the newest member of The Punk Revolution. Brodus enters the ring, taking Batista down.
Brodus yells: In Punk's name!
Brodus performs the Vader bomb, now called The Pipe Bomb.
Orton is now in the ring with HHH, clearing the ring of everyone except Bryan who perform the Knee Plus to Orton. Batista is back up, going to spear Bryan, but accidentally hitting Orton instead. Bryan locks in the Yes Lock on Batista. HHH refuses to call for the bell despite Batista tapping out. Instead HHH kicks Bryan in the face.
Everyone is back in the ring. The New Age Outlaws run down, The Shield, The Brotherhood, etc.
The Wyatts remain on the stage with Bray smiling wickedly, enjoying the carnage and mayhem. He looks into the camera.
Bray: I wish I had a lyre.
Screen fades to black.
Raw Opening
Chicago. All of the lights are out. CM Punk's music starts to blare through the arena as a spotlight aims at the center of the ring, showing a man sitting Indian style in a sweatshirt, back to the camera, hood pulled over his head. The music cuts and turns to HHH's music. The figure slowly turns his head toward the ramp, waiting, watching. After a few seconds, the figure jumps up and pulls back the hood revealing HHH.
HHH: Who did you think it was? Did you think one night of a hissy fit last week would make me cave to a wrestler with a bloated sense of self-worth? Did you think the Chicago crowd here scares me so much that I was going to do whatever was necessary to quiet you bunch of ingrates?
HHH: Let me answer that--No! No! No!
HHH strips the Punk sweatshirt from his back and tosses it to Kane on the outside who is next to a giant barrel which is full of CM Punk merchandise.
HHH: I hope everyone who wanted one of those pieces of crap have bought it because we aren't in the business of pushing run down indy has-beens.
Kane does his arm motions, causes a fire to erupts in the barrel.
HHH: His career just went up in smoke.
AJ Lee, Tamina and Brodus walk out onto the ramp, extending their right fists into the air, still taped liked CM Punk.
AJ: You think it's that easy to erase someone, to make the people forget about them? Martyrs are never forgotten, Hunter.
HHH laughs.
HHH: I'm glad you three made it out here tonight, because this is the only opportunity the crowd here will be able to see the Punk Revolution. You see, as a result of what's best for business, I've decided to ban all three of you from the arena.
Security slowly makes their way up the ramp.
AJ laughs.
AJ: There's more than us, Hunter. There's more than us.
The Punk Revolution are escorted to the back.
HHH: Now that the trash has been taken care of, it's time to get down to business. We are rapidly approaching Wrestlemania and no one has been able to slaughter a certain goat faced wrestler who currently has claim to being the number one contender. Tonight, that ends. Daniel Bryan, you will be facing off against Batista. Your dream becomes a nightmare. Oh, and if the Wyatts interfere, you will be stripped of your match.
Backstage segment.
Orton, Batista and HHH.
Orton: I can handle Bryan. I don't need Batista taking him out.
HHH: This isn't about whether you can beat him or not, it's about what will draw the most money at Wrestlemania. And that isn't Daniel Bryan.
Batista: Trust us, this is best for everyone.
Orton eyes Batista and then HHH.
Orton: Best for everyone?
HHH puts a hand on Orton's shoulder, with a cheesy smile.
HHH: Yeah, for everyone.
New Age Outlaws vs The Usos
During the match, The Brotherhood comes out to do commentary. Toward the end, the Rhodes distract Billy, leading to the Usos getting the victory.
Backstage segment
New Age Outlaws are complaining to HHH.
Road Dogg: Did you see what happened out there?
HHH: I saw, but I have bigger issues to handle right now.
Road Dogg: We're your friends, you're going to hang us out to dry like that?
HHH: It will be addressed, just not right now.
Billy Gunn: When, Hunter?
HHH looks at him, shakes his head and walks past him.
HHH: When I say so.
After HHH leaves.
Road Dogg: Ever since he became obsessed with Daniel Bryan, he's become a douche.
Billy Gunn smiles.
Billy Gunn: Some things never change.
Daniel Bryan vs Batista
HHH enters first in referee gear.
HHH: As a special added surprise, I've decided only the fairest and most impartial of all people should referee this match--me.
Bryan and Batista enter. HHH checks Batista for weapons. Then he starts checking Bryan. As he holds Bryan's foot, Batista attacks Bryan.
Orton makes his way to ringside. Throughout the match it is three on one.
The Wyatts come to the ramp, pacing back and forth, wanting to interfere on Bryan's behalf. HHH glares at them, yelling.
HHH: You three better stay up there.
Brodus Clay, Tamina and AJ come through the crowd. Brodus starts taking out Orton, treating him like a rag doll. HHH rolls out of the ring and attacks Brodus. AJ jumps on HHH's back. Running from the back comes Tyson Kidd, hands taped like CM Punk, the newest member of The Punk Revolution. Brodus enters the ring, taking Batista down.
Brodus yells: In Punk's name!
Brodus performs the Vader bomb, now called The Pipe Bomb.
Orton is now in the ring with HHH, clearing the ring of everyone except Bryan who perform the Knee Plus to Orton. Batista is back up, going to spear Bryan, but accidentally hitting Orton instead. Bryan locks in the Yes Lock on Batista. HHH refuses to call for the bell despite Batista tapping out. Instead HHH kicks Bryan in the face.
Everyone is back in the ring. The New Age Outlaws run down, The Shield, The Brotherhood, etc.
The Wyatts remain on the stage with Bray smiling wickedly, enjoying the carnage and mayhem. He looks into the camera.
Bray: I wish I had a lyre.
Screen fades to black.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
#Rawful Moment of the Week
A new offering on the blog each week will be the #Rawful Moment of the Week, where we select the worst moment of Raw. Of course, that's subjective as each person brings their own bias to such things. In other words, it's just my opinion.
For the premiere choice, it made sense to select something that somewhat tied into the Raw ReWrite storyline I've been crafting--and hopefully that you've been enjoying. The selection was made for two other reasons as well, which will be explained in a moment.
So, without further ado, the initial #Rawful Moment is none other than.....
Daniel Bryan challenging HHH at Wrestlemania.
Unlike others, I have no problem with the match in and of itself. If anything, it should have happened at Royal Rumble, however, with the stipulation that if Bryan won, he'd be entered into the battle royal as number one. It would have helped alleviate the ill will the company garnered by not featuring the superstar in that match.
What are the two reasons that make this worthy of being the #Rawful Moment of the Week?
First, the WWE universe is being cheated out of what they want yet again. Daniel Bryan needs his triumph at a Wrestlemania, which means we'd have to wait yet another year for that to happen. I realize he could win at another, lesser PPV, but let's be honest--that hurts the wrestler and the fans.
Reason #2: HHH did it again. What did he do? Once more, he lowered Bryan in the eye of the viewer. Calling one of your superstars--your most over superstar--unworthy and a B class player doesn't help anyone. On multiple occasions WWE has lamented the lack of elevated superstars but that's difficult to do when those in charge need their ego stroked at the expense of the product.
People compare The Authority storyline to the Austin one, but I don't recall McMahon ever stating Stone Cold didn't belong in the company or diminish the character as a mid card enhancement talent. Austin got over on the powers that be as often as they did him. Why? Because the audience likes seeing the underdog overcome. One thing the audience doesn't like is a loser. Unfortunately it seems like WWE increasingly paint Bryan in that fashion.
The WWE is sitting on a gold mine in Daniel Bryan but have so far chosen to ignore the easy money. That's why this was our inaugural #Rawful Moment of the Week.
Hope you enjoyed the read. Please share the link if you did and please share what you felt was #Rawful this week.
Thank you.
For the premiere choice, it made sense to select something that somewhat tied into the Raw ReWrite storyline I've been crafting--and hopefully that you've been enjoying. The selection was made for two other reasons as well, which will be explained in a moment.
So, without further ado, the initial #Rawful Moment is none other than.....
Daniel Bryan challenging HHH at Wrestlemania.
Unlike others, I have no problem with the match in and of itself. If anything, it should have happened at Royal Rumble, however, with the stipulation that if Bryan won, he'd be entered into the battle royal as number one. It would have helped alleviate the ill will the company garnered by not featuring the superstar in that match.
What are the two reasons that make this worthy of being the #Rawful Moment of the Week?
First, the WWE universe is being cheated out of what they want yet again. Daniel Bryan needs his triumph at a Wrestlemania, which means we'd have to wait yet another year for that to happen. I realize he could win at another, lesser PPV, but let's be honest--that hurts the wrestler and the fans.
Reason #2: HHH did it again. What did he do? Once more, he lowered Bryan in the eye of the viewer. Calling one of your superstars--your most over superstar--unworthy and a B class player doesn't help anyone. On multiple occasions WWE has lamented the lack of elevated superstars but that's difficult to do when those in charge need their ego stroked at the expense of the product.
People compare The Authority storyline to the Austin one, but I don't recall McMahon ever stating Stone Cold didn't belong in the company or diminish the character as a mid card enhancement talent. Austin got over on the powers that be as often as they did him. Why? Because the audience likes seeing the underdog overcome. One thing the audience doesn't like is a loser. Unfortunately it seems like WWE increasingly paint Bryan in that fashion.
The WWE is sitting on a gold mine in Daniel Bryan but have so far chosen to ignore the easy money. That's why this was our inaugural #Rawful Moment of the Week.
Hope you enjoyed the read. Please share the link if you did and please share what you felt was #Rawful this week.
Thank you.
Monday, February 24, 2014
WWE Raw February 24, 2014
Opening segment
AJ is in the ring with Tamina. Both are wearing sweatshirts, hands in pocket. AJ is holding the mic in her left hand.
AJ: There is a name that we can't say right now around here. There is a name that The Authority wish you all would forget.
She pauses, waiting for the crowd to start a CM Punk chant.
AJ: That's the one. You see, I'm not allowed to say that name, despite that man being a very good friend of mine. But you see, that man, that man whose name I cannot say, he isn't just a good friend of mine--he's a good friend to all of the wrestlers in the back who have hit the glass ceiling, those who have been held down because they didn't suck up to the right people.
AJ makes the "Yes!" gesture with her left hand.
AJ: Yes! Yes! Yes! Even Daniel Bryan has that unspeakable name to thank for helping down those barriers. You see, before Daniel Bryan, Punk....
AJ covers her mouth.
AJ: Oops, guess I slipped. Before Daniel Bryan, that unspeakable man had the same powers that be look at him and dismiss him as nothing more than an independent wrestler who would do no more than enhance the bulbous monstrosities who normally run roughshod over this industry. When he left, he warned me that I would probably face some fallout from our friendship, from our relationship. But last night, I was robbed of something I hold very dear to my heart, something I fought for, that I earned. If anyone thinks The Authority wasn't behind Nikki Bella stealing my championship, THEY'RE the delusional ones.
AJ shakes her head looking down at the ground.
AJ: I've read the stories, calling that unspeakable man a coward for leaving, saying he wasn't a man for not honoring his commitments. But see, he was fighting for something larger. He wasn't fighting just for himself, he was fighting for the guys in the back. He was fighting for you.
AJ points at the crowd.
AJ: No, he wasn't a coward. If anything, it was the bravest act I've ever seen. Walking away from guaranteed money, walking away from a Wrestlemania paycheck. After last night, I wish I had the courage demonstrated by that man, but I don't.
AJ shakes her head again, looking down.
AJ: But I don't.
AJ raises her head with a smile.
AJ: But I'm going to be strong in a different way. I'm going to fight The Authority from the inside. There are several guys on our side, who want to join the revolution, who recognize that the unspeakable man may not have been our messiah, but he is our savior. (Shirts could be made of this with the wrapped hand on the front and half the phrase on that side, with the rest on the back.)
AJ removes her right hand from her sweatshirt pocket as does Tamina. Both raise them to the sky, revealing they are wrapped in CM Punk fashion.
AJ: This is the symbol of The Punk Revolution. This is the symbol of resistance. He may have left, but he is not forgotten. We will continue to fight in C.....M.......
HHH's music plays as he approaches the ring.
HHH: That's enough of your little temper tantrum about losing your title. The Authority wasn't out here interfering in your match. If you have a problem with Natalya, maybe you should go resolve that with her instead of dragging us into your little catfight.
AJ: And that's the problem right there, dismissing me, dismissing the other divas as nothing more tawdry entertainment between the "real" wrestling. But I'm not afraid of you. You already took the only thing I care about.
HHH: Oh, you should be very scared of me.
HHH backs her up into the corner, she's looking down, hair covering her face. After he's done, she pushes the hair from her eyes and reveals she is smirking.
AJ: You're the one who should be scared.
AJ ducks out of the way as Brodus Clay has entered the ring and splashes HHH in the corner. AJ, Tamina and Brodus extend their right hands to the air, showing unity through their taped fists. The monster Brodus is back.
Backstage segment.
The Wyatt Family with Daniel Bryan.
Bryan: Last night, I overcame all odds, eliminating all five of the men sent to destroy me. They had one goal--ensuring I didn't reach Wrestlemania. But nothing is going to prevent me from making it to Wrestlemania and living my dream.
Bray: Our dream, Daniel Bryan. Our dream. As we wander through the darkened forest, happening upon the lost among us, we will lead them to their salvation. Overhead, the buzzards circle, waiting for us to fall--and the weak will fall. Some will choose to aid those who falter and they will be lost as well. But the family will continue moving forward. The princess may have found her way back to the castle, but the forest still lurks outside its walls. Roots dig deep and weaken those barriers. When those walls fall, we will storm the castle.
The Wyatt Family exits leaving Daniel Bryan to watch them in a lost manner.
Backstage segment.
HHH is being interviewed. He is being bandaged.
Renee: Last night, Stephanie McMahon escaped the clutches of the Wyatt Family, but she is conspicuous by her absence tonight. Can you shed some light on her whereabouts?
HHH: It's very rare that a McMahon misses a Monday Night Raw. After the ordeal she has suffered over these last few weeks, we felt it was appropriate that she talk with a psychologist to help her make sense of everything. Once she her mind is cleared, she'll return to the show. But there are other things to handle tonight, important things. Punishment is deserved for Daniel Bryan and The Wyatt Family. Daniel Bryan will be facing off against Batista. The Wyatt Family will be facing The Shield. And then we come to this new thorn in my side which presented itself earlier tonight. AJ and associate Brodus Clay. He will be facing Kane.
Daniel Bryan vs Batista
Bryan dominates early on but Batista takes control. Orton comes out, circling the ring. Bryan is distracted which allows Batista to pick up the win.
Shield vs Wyatts
This match breaks down into a melee which causes a double disqualification. The battle rolls into the crowd, all different directions.
Brodus w/ AJ vs Kane
AJ is on commentary.
AJ: A little over a year ago, the nameless one stated a fact--that WWE made this monster Brodus dance with little kids when they should have feared him, when they should have been looking under their bed for him. While management didn't realize it, that was the slap in the face that this man needed. We've been discussing this for months now. You think it was an accident that he attacked Tensai, R Truth, Xavier Woods? No. That was the final straw. WWE was stealing something he had built, that he made. Now the monster is unleashed and there will be no caging him again.
Brodus wins cleanly, dominating the whole of the match..
After the match AJ enters with Tamina. All three raise their CM Punk inspired taped hands.
AJ: The Punk Revolution has only just begun!
AJ is in the ring with Tamina. Both are wearing sweatshirts, hands in pocket. AJ is holding the mic in her left hand.
AJ: There is a name that we can't say right now around here. There is a name that The Authority wish you all would forget.
She pauses, waiting for the crowd to start a CM Punk chant.
AJ: That's the one. You see, I'm not allowed to say that name, despite that man being a very good friend of mine. But you see, that man, that man whose name I cannot say, he isn't just a good friend of mine--he's a good friend to all of the wrestlers in the back who have hit the glass ceiling, those who have been held down because they didn't suck up to the right people.
AJ makes the "Yes!" gesture with her left hand.
AJ: Yes! Yes! Yes! Even Daniel Bryan has that unspeakable name to thank for helping down those barriers. You see, before Daniel Bryan, Punk....
AJ covers her mouth.
AJ: Oops, guess I slipped. Before Daniel Bryan, that unspeakable man had the same powers that be look at him and dismiss him as nothing more than an independent wrestler who would do no more than enhance the bulbous monstrosities who normally run roughshod over this industry. When he left, he warned me that I would probably face some fallout from our friendship, from our relationship. But last night, I was robbed of something I hold very dear to my heart, something I fought for, that I earned. If anyone thinks The Authority wasn't behind Nikki Bella stealing my championship, THEY'RE the delusional ones.
AJ shakes her head looking down at the ground.
AJ: I've read the stories, calling that unspeakable man a coward for leaving, saying he wasn't a man for not honoring his commitments. But see, he was fighting for something larger. He wasn't fighting just for himself, he was fighting for the guys in the back. He was fighting for you.
AJ points at the crowd.
AJ: No, he wasn't a coward. If anything, it was the bravest act I've ever seen. Walking away from guaranteed money, walking away from a Wrestlemania paycheck. After last night, I wish I had the courage demonstrated by that man, but I don't.
AJ shakes her head again, looking down.
AJ: But I don't.
AJ raises her head with a smile.
AJ: But I'm going to be strong in a different way. I'm going to fight The Authority from the inside. There are several guys on our side, who want to join the revolution, who recognize that the unspeakable man may not have been our messiah, but he is our savior. (Shirts could be made of this with the wrapped hand on the front and half the phrase on that side, with the rest on the back.)
AJ removes her right hand from her sweatshirt pocket as does Tamina. Both raise them to the sky, revealing they are wrapped in CM Punk fashion.
AJ: This is the symbol of The Punk Revolution. This is the symbol of resistance. He may have left, but he is not forgotten. We will continue to fight in C.....M.......
HHH's music plays as he approaches the ring.
HHH: That's enough of your little temper tantrum about losing your title. The Authority wasn't out here interfering in your match. If you have a problem with Natalya, maybe you should go resolve that with her instead of dragging us into your little catfight.
AJ: And that's the problem right there, dismissing me, dismissing the other divas as nothing more tawdry entertainment between the "real" wrestling. But I'm not afraid of you. You already took the only thing I care about.
HHH: Oh, you should be very scared of me.
HHH backs her up into the corner, she's looking down, hair covering her face. After he's done, she pushes the hair from her eyes and reveals she is smirking.
AJ: You're the one who should be scared.
AJ ducks out of the way as Brodus Clay has entered the ring and splashes HHH in the corner. AJ, Tamina and Brodus extend their right hands to the air, showing unity through their taped fists. The monster Brodus is back.
Backstage segment.
The Wyatt Family with Daniel Bryan.
Bryan: Last night, I overcame all odds, eliminating all five of the men sent to destroy me. They had one goal--ensuring I didn't reach Wrestlemania. But nothing is going to prevent me from making it to Wrestlemania and living my dream.
Bray: Our dream, Daniel Bryan. Our dream. As we wander through the darkened forest, happening upon the lost among us, we will lead them to their salvation. Overhead, the buzzards circle, waiting for us to fall--and the weak will fall. Some will choose to aid those who falter and they will be lost as well. But the family will continue moving forward. The princess may have found her way back to the castle, but the forest still lurks outside its walls. Roots dig deep and weaken those barriers. When those walls fall, we will storm the castle.
The Wyatt Family exits leaving Daniel Bryan to watch them in a lost manner.
Backstage segment.
HHH is being interviewed. He is being bandaged.
Renee: Last night, Stephanie McMahon escaped the clutches of the Wyatt Family, but she is conspicuous by her absence tonight. Can you shed some light on her whereabouts?
HHH: It's very rare that a McMahon misses a Monday Night Raw. After the ordeal she has suffered over these last few weeks, we felt it was appropriate that she talk with a psychologist to help her make sense of everything. Once she her mind is cleared, she'll return to the show. But there are other things to handle tonight, important things. Punishment is deserved for Daniel Bryan and The Wyatt Family. Daniel Bryan will be facing off against Batista. The Wyatt Family will be facing The Shield. And then we come to this new thorn in my side which presented itself earlier tonight. AJ and associate Brodus Clay. He will be facing Kane.
Daniel Bryan vs Batista
Bryan dominates early on but Batista takes control. Orton comes out, circling the ring. Bryan is distracted which allows Batista to pick up the win.
Shield vs Wyatts
This match breaks down into a melee which causes a double disqualification. The battle rolls into the crowd, all different directions.
Brodus w/ AJ vs Kane
AJ is on commentary.
AJ: A little over a year ago, the nameless one stated a fact--that WWE made this monster Brodus dance with little kids when they should have feared him, when they should have been looking under their bed for him. While management didn't realize it, that was the slap in the face that this man needed. We've been discussing this for months now. You think it was an accident that he attacked Tensai, R Truth, Xavier Woods? No. That was the final straw. WWE was stealing something he had built, that he made. Now the monster is unleashed and there will be no caging him again.
Brodus wins cleanly, dominating the whole of the match..
After the match AJ enters with Tamina. All three raise their CM Punk inspired taped hands.
AJ: The Punk Revolution has only just begun!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Daniel Bryan / Bray Wyatt Elimination Chamber
Elimination Chamber PPV
AJ vs Nikki Bella
Natalya makes her way out to ringside, sitting in on commentary. "My family has been with this company for the last three decades. We live, we breathe the wrestling industry. The Authority talk about who the face of this company is--that's been the Harts. And now it's time to reclaim that throne."
Natalya interferes as Brie distracts Tamina, allowing Nikki to beat AJ--hopefully eliciting boos from the crowd.
Brie and Nikki continue their beatdown of AJ as Natalya and Tamina go at it.
Four Way Tag Team Elimination Match
The Wyatts relentlessly attack the NAO. The other two teams even look shocked and scared about what's going on. They put the NAO through tables, beat them around. The Wyatts roll them into the ring, looking like they are prepared to eliminate the tag team champs. However, Bray approaches them, taps them on the shoulders and indicates it is time to leave.
All three men exit as Bray looks into the camera. "I told you, Hunter, we are not here for gold. We have higher aspriations."
The match continues with three teams after The Wyatts are counted out. Usos are eliminated. The Rhodes are dominating and looks like they will win until Batista shows. Due to DQ, the titles are retained.
Elimination Chamber match--Bryan vs The Shield vs Batista vs Brock Lesnar
Pre-match promo
Paul Heyman: I begged Hunter to remove Brock from this match. I begged him. You do not lock a wild animal in a cage and expect him to be tamed, to do your bidding. Brock Lesnar, when locked in a cage, does what comes naturally to him--he hurts people. He doesn't care who that person is, friend or foe. He simply rends flesh from bone and devours whatever is left. May God have mercy on the souls of those who dare to enter.
During the match.
All three members of The Shield are out first. They of course refuse to attack one another. All three choose to start ripping and tearing at Daniel Bryan's pod. Brock is pacing back and forth in his, looking increasingly animalistic. Batista is out next--he assist The Shield in tearing apart at Bryan's refuge. Finally Brock's cage is opened. He slowly approaches the group. It looks like he might attack them except Bryan's pod is finally breached.
All five gang up on Bryan. This continues until Batista accidentally hits Brock. Those two begin fighting. The Shield tries to break them apart and explain they have a larger mission. Brock grabs Ambrose, Batista grabs Reigns, leaving Rollins who Bryan rolls up and eliminates.
Reigns and Ambrose are shocked, turning their attention back to Bryan, beating him again while Brock and Batista continue going at it. Brock goes to hit Batista but levels Ambrose instead. Bryan picks up another elimination.
Reigns is irate, attacking Batista. But the animal in Brock has been unleashed and he levels Reigns. Bryan picks up another victory.
Now Bryan crawls into his pod and watches as Batista and Brock go at it. When he is rested and both are worn down, Bryan pounces, picking up wins over both, having claimed all five eliminations despite all odds.
Backstage segment.
HHH is angry, seething again. "How did he win? How did he beat five of the best superstars this company has to offer?" He throws furniture before staring into the camera. "As God is my witness, Bray, you are not leaving that ring tonight until I get my wife back."
HHH vs Bray Wyatt
This is a very physical confrontation. HHH is unleashing pent up fury upon Bray when he finally gets control. Toward the end of the match Stephanie comes stumbling down the ramp, looking over her shoulder, seemingly afraid for her life. Luke and Rowan are now following her, but The Shield come down. Steph is on the apron and HHH hugs her, asking, "Are you all right?" She nods. "I'm going to end this," he promises. HHH turns to meet Bray who performs Sister Abigail to get the win.
HHH has Stephanie back but Bray has gotten his blank check from The Authority. Bray looms over HHH. "Sometimes a pawn thinks he is a king and that is when he must be taught his place on the board, Hunter."
Hopefully those who are reading enjoyed the storylines that are forming. I've decided to take on the divas division as you can see in hopes of making them more relevant and entertaining. Tomorrow's Raw Rewrite will start including them more prominently.
As always, feel free to comment and of course follow me on Twitter @calvinsrocks
AJ vs Nikki Bella
Natalya makes her way out to ringside, sitting in on commentary. "My family has been with this company for the last three decades. We live, we breathe the wrestling industry. The Authority talk about who the face of this company is--that's been the Harts. And now it's time to reclaim that throne."
Natalya interferes as Brie distracts Tamina, allowing Nikki to beat AJ--hopefully eliciting boos from the crowd.
Brie and Nikki continue their beatdown of AJ as Natalya and Tamina go at it.
Four Way Tag Team Elimination Match
The Wyatts relentlessly attack the NAO. The other two teams even look shocked and scared about what's going on. They put the NAO through tables, beat them around. The Wyatts roll them into the ring, looking like they are prepared to eliminate the tag team champs. However, Bray approaches them, taps them on the shoulders and indicates it is time to leave.
All three men exit as Bray looks into the camera. "I told you, Hunter, we are not here for gold. We have higher aspriations."
The match continues with three teams after The Wyatts are counted out. Usos are eliminated. The Rhodes are dominating and looks like they will win until Batista shows. Due to DQ, the titles are retained.
Elimination Chamber match--Bryan vs The Shield vs Batista vs Brock Lesnar
Pre-match promo
Paul Heyman: I begged Hunter to remove Brock from this match. I begged him. You do not lock a wild animal in a cage and expect him to be tamed, to do your bidding. Brock Lesnar, when locked in a cage, does what comes naturally to him--he hurts people. He doesn't care who that person is, friend or foe. He simply rends flesh from bone and devours whatever is left. May God have mercy on the souls of those who dare to enter.
During the match.
All three members of The Shield are out first. They of course refuse to attack one another. All three choose to start ripping and tearing at Daniel Bryan's pod. Brock is pacing back and forth in his, looking increasingly animalistic. Batista is out next--he assist The Shield in tearing apart at Bryan's refuge. Finally Brock's cage is opened. He slowly approaches the group. It looks like he might attack them except Bryan's pod is finally breached.
All five gang up on Bryan. This continues until Batista accidentally hits Brock. Those two begin fighting. The Shield tries to break them apart and explain they have a larger mission. Brock grabs Ambrose, Batista grabs Reigns, leaving Rollins who Bryan rolls up and eliminates.
Reigns and Ambrose are shocked, turning their attention back to Bryan, beating him again while Brock and Batista continue going at it. Brock goes to hit Batista but levels Ambrose instead. Bryan picks up another elimination.
Reigns is irate, attacking Batista. But the animal in Brock has been unleashed and he levels Reigns. Bryan picks up another victory.
Now Bryan crawls into his pod and watches as Batista and Brock go at it. When he is rested and both are worn down, Bryan pounces, picking up wins over both, having claimed all five eliminations despite all odds.
Backstage segment.
HHH is angry, seething again. "How did he win? How did he beat five of the best superstars this company has to offer?" He throws furniture before staring into the camera. "As God is my witness, Bray, you are not leaving that ring tonight until I get my wife back."
HHH vs Bray Wyatt
This is a very physical confrontation. HHH is unleashing pent up fury upon Bray when he finally gets control. Toward the end of the match Stephanie comes stumbling down the ramp, looking over her shoulder, seemingly afraid for her life. Luke and Rowan are now following her, but The Shield come down. Steph is on the apron and HHH hugs her, asking, "Are you all right?" She nods. "I'm going to end this," he promises. HHH turns to meet Bray who performs Sister Abigail to get the win.
HHH has Stephanie back but Bray has gotten his blank check from The Authority. Bray looms over HHH. "Sometimes a pawn thinks he is a king and that is when he must be taught his place on the board, Hunter."
Hopefully those who are reading enjoyed the storylines that are forming. I've decided to take on the divas division as you can see in hopes of making them more relevant and entertaining. Tomorrow's Raw Rewrite will start including them more prominently.
As always, feel free to comment and of course follow me on Twitter @calvinsrocks
Daniel Bryan / Bray Wyatt Part 7
Raw opening segment
HHH is in the ring by himself. He looks disheveled, tired, unshaven.
"As you can see, I don't have my entourage with me tonight." He pacing back and forth, manic. "I've been without Stephanie for several weeks now, when the Wyatt family and Daniel Bryan kidnapped her." He looks out over the crowd. "I don't know where you've taken her, I don't know where she is."
The Wyatts appear on the TitanTron with Stephanie who is tied down to a chair. She wearing the same clothes as previous weeks, hair is grungy. Bray is combing his fingers through her hair. "Don't worry, Hunter, the princess is safe. Maybe not as clean as when she was taken, but none of us are truly clean, are we? We all have dirt on our hands. It's been my experience that those who have the cleanest hands, those who inhabit the ivory towers, are those who are the dirtiest." He combs his fingers through her hair again.
HHH screams. "Get your filthy fingers off of her!"
Bray laughs. "You're used to getting your way, aren't you, Hunter. Used to men of greater power doing what you say as you wield the cudgel of wealth. But what about the men who do not care about money? What about the men who have aspirations of greater import than mere green paper?"
HHH is seething. "What do you want?" He tears at his hair. "What do you want!"
Bray laughs again, running his fingers along Stephanie's face. "That's what it comes down to, doesn't it? I've gotten the messages from your lawyers, the offers of money, of title shots. You are free with the money which is not your own, that which you did not earn, Hunter. When I look upon you, I see a kingdom that is rotting from within, at the core. You are that core, Hunter. But what do I want?" He looks at Stephanie, then back to the camera. "I'll make you a deal, Hunter. This Sunday, when it's you and me in the ring at Elimination Chamber, if you win, you get your princess back. But if I win..." Bray laughs. "When I win, I get a blank check, a token I can cash in any time for whatever purpose I want."
HHH shakes his head. "How do I know you'll keep your word?"
Bray's smile is wide. "Do you have any other options?"
The crowd starts to erupt as Bryan has come through the crowd and is standing behind HHH. However, from under the ring comes The Shield. A four on one beatdown ensues until the Wyatt family come running down from the back. HHH and The Shield exit the ring, standing at the top of the ramp.
"I accept your offer, Bray. A no disqualification street fight. You and me. You think you can hang with the big dogs, the Cerebral Assassin? You think YOU'RE good at mind games? I invented them! You hear me? I invented them!" The Shield are dragging HHH away who wants to go back to the ring.
Back from break
The commentators announce that we will have 8 man action later on tonight--The Wyatt Family and Bryan vs The Shield and Batista.
Backstage segment.
HHH is with The Shield, Batista, Orton and the New Age Outlaws.
HHH: Stephanie has to be here. The Wyatts had to have filmed from somewhere in the building. Talk to the production guys, find out where they were. They had to have set up the cameras. Whoever finds her will be greatly rewarded.
Backstage segment.
New Age Outlaws are looking for Stephanie.
Road Dogg: Remember when HHH kidnapped Stephanie?
Billy Gunn: Yeah, what about it?
Road Dogg: They ended up getting married. You don't think.....
The NAO shiver at the idea, then continue searching.
Number One Contender match for the Tag Titles--Usos vs The Brotherhood
Back and forth match until the NAO come out and interfere. The Wyatts run in and counteract the interference. A Fatal Four Way match for the tag titles is made for the Elimination Chamber.
Backstage segment.
Orton finds the chair where Stephanie was tied down. He takes the evidence to HHH.
HHH: You bring me a chair, Randy. A chair isn't Stephanie.
Orton: They're already gone. What could I do about that?
Batista shakes his head. "Always a day late and a dollar short, as always, Randy."
Orton gets in Batista's face. "It doesn't look like you fared any better."
The two stare at each other, hinting at some discontent.
Backstage segment.
Orton and HHH. Orton asks, "Why do you trust Batista more than me? I could take out the Wyatts and Bryan just as easily....more easily than he could."
HHH: Then why haven't you, Randy? I put a bounty on the man's head and he's still walking around here. I didn't leave you out of the main event match tonight to punish you. I did it to protect you.
Orton: I don't need protecting.
Main event--Bryan and Wyatts vs Batista and The Shield, an elimination match.
HHH enters the ring in a referee's shirt, pointing at the ref in the ring and dismissing him. The Wyatts and Bryan dominate the first half of the match before things go badly. Systematically they take out each one of the team until it's Bray and Bryan vs The Shield and Batista.
HHH gets in Bryan's face. "This is what you can expect at the Elimination Chamber. This is what you're going to get!" He slaps Bryan across the face.
Bryan is eliminated.
HHH is in Bray's face. "Where is she? I can make this stop. Where is she?"
The Shield triple powerbomb Bray. HHH drags him back to his feet. "Where is she?"
The assault continues until The Wyatts and Bryan return without the match ending. A brawl commences. The New Age Outlaws and Orton arrive but so does The Brotherhood and the Usos. Shows goes to black with massive carnage in the ring. Bray has climbed up the ramp, watching from his chair, bleeding but smile at the chaos.
Bray looks to the camera. "We have just begun."
HHH is in the ring by himself. He looks disheveled, tired, unshaven.
"As you can see, I don't have my entourage with me tonight." He pacing back and forth, manic. "I've been without Stephanie for several weeks now, when the Wyatt family and Daniel Bryan kidnapped her." He looks out over the crowd. "I don't know where you've taken her, I don't know where she is."
The Wyatts appear on the TitanTron with Stephanie who is tied down to a chair. She wearing the same clothes as previous weeks, hair is grungy. Bray is combing his fingers through her hair. "Don't worry, Hunter, the princess is safe. Maybe not as clean as when she was taken, but none of us are truly clean, are we? We all have dirt on our hands. It's been my experience that those who have the cleanest hands, those who inhabit the ivory towers, are those who are the dirtiest." He combs his fingers through her hair again.
HHH screams. "Get your filthy fingers off of her!"
Bray laughs. "You're used to getting your way, aren't you, Hunter. Used to men of greater power doing what you say as you wield the cudgel of wealth. But what about the men who do not care about money? What about the men who have aspirations of greater import than mere green paper?"
HHH is seething. "What do you want?" He tears at his hair. "What do you want!"
Bray laughs again, running his fingers along Stephanie's face. "That's what it comes down to, doesn't it? I've gotten the messages from your lawyers, the offers of money, of title shots. You are free with the money which is not your own, that which you did not earn, Hunter. When I look upon you, I see a kingdom that is rotting from within, at the core. You are that core, Hunter. But what do I want?" He looks at Stephanie, then back to the camera. "I'll make you a deal, Hunter. This Sunday, when it's you and me in the ring at Elimination Chamber, if you win, you get your princess back. But if I win..." Bray laughs. "When I win, I get a blank check, a token I can cash in any time for whatever purpose I want."
HHH shakes his head. "How do I know you'll keep your word?"
Bray's smile is wide. "Do you have any other options?"
The crowd starts to erupt as Bryan has come through the crowd and is standing behind HHH. However, from under the ring comes The Shield. A four on one beatdown ensues until the Wyatt family come running down from the back. HHH and The Shield exit the ring, standing at the top of the ramp.
"I accept your offer, Bray. A no disqualification street fight. You and me. You think you can hang with the big dogs, the Cerebral Assassin? You think YOU'RE good at mind games? I invented them! You hear me? I invented them!" The Shield are dragging HHH away who wants to go back to the ring.
Back from break
The commentators announce that we will have 8 man action later on tonight--The Wyatt Family and Bryan vs The Shield and Batista.
Backstage segment.
HHH is with The Shield, Batista, Orton and the New Age Outlaws.
HHH: Stephanie has to be here. The Wyatts had to have filmed from somewhere in the building. Talk to the production guys, find out where they were. They had to have set up the cameras. Whoever finds her will be greatly rewarded.
Backstage segment.
New Age Outlaws are looking for Stephanie.
Road Dogg: Remember when HHH kidnapped Stephanie?
Billy Gunn: Yeah, what about it?
Road Dogg: They ended up getting married. You don't think.....
The NAO shiver at the idea, then continue searching.
Number One Contender match for the Tag Titles--Usos vs The Brotherhood
Back and forth match until the NAO come out and interfere. The Wyatts run in and counteract the interference. A Fatal Four Way match for the tag titles is made for the Elimination Chamber.
Backstage segment.
Orton finds the chair where Stephanie was tied down. He takes the evidence to HHH.
HHH: You bring me a chair, Randy. A chair isn't Stephanie.
Orton: They're already gone. What could I do about that?
Batista shakes his head. "Always a day late and a dollar short, as always, Randy."
Orton gets in Batista's face. "It doesn't look like you fared any better."
The two stare at each other, hinting at some discontent.
Backstage segment.
Orton and HHH. Orton asks, "Why do you trust Batista more than me? I could take out the Wyatts and Bryan just as easily....more easily than he could."
HHH: Then why haven't you, Randy? I put a bounty on the man's head and he's still walking around here. I didn't leave you out of the main event match tonight to punish you. I did it to protect you.
Orton: I don't need protecting.
Main event--Bryan and Wyatts vs Batista and The Shield, an elimination match.
HHH enters the ring in a referee's shirt, pointing at the ref in the ring and dismissing him. The Wyatts and Bryan dominate the first half of the match before things go badly. Systematically they take out each one of the team until it's Bray and Bryan vs The Shield and Batista.
HHH gets in Bryan's face. "This is what you can expect at the Elimination Chamber. This is what you're going to get!" He slaps Bryan across the face.
Bryan is eliminated.
HHH is in Bray's face. "Where is she? I can make this stop. Where is she?"
The Shield triple powerbomb Bray. HHH drags him back to his feet. "Where is she?"
The assault continues until The Wyatts and Bryan return without the match ending. A brawl commences. The New Age Outlaws and Orton arrive but so does The Brotherhood and the Usos. Shows goes to black with massive carnage in the ring. Bray has climbed up the ramp, watching from his chair, bleeding but smile at the chaos.
Bray looks to the camera. "We have just begun."
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Sandbagging the Talent
WWE has a problem with their announcing team.
No, it isn't the constant shilling of the WWE app--though that is an issue all and of itself. I think to a certain degree even they realize the unnecessary inundation of the app and have turned it into a joke.
It isn't even the awkwardness of a three man announce team, though that, too, has its moments.
The problem is their constant sandbagging of the talent. What do I mean by that? Put simply, it's that the announcers seem far more concerned about putting themselves over at the expense of the talent who are the actual product.
Recently, during the "Battle of Cleveland" match, all three announcers took swipes at the talent and the city. Even Lawler only gave half-hearted defense of either one. In essence, all three were playing the role of the heel announcer, which is idiotic. You need at least one announcer to play the role of the fan--not even necessarily a "face" announcer, but looking at it from their perspective. None of the three played that role during that match and this wasn't the only instance of this being the case.
When the women wrestle, the same is true--all three announcers are dismissive of the action in the ring. If the three guys who are PAID to be there don't care about what's happening in the ring, why should I or any other fan? The sad part of that is that I think there are actually more talented female performers available to the WWE right now than there had previously.
I don't know whether this is under direction from Vince, HHH, Stephanie or they are left to their own devices, but it doesn't sell merchandise. Lawler, Cole and JBL don't have t-shirts to sell. Actually, strike that from the record--they do have t-shirts to sell, EVERYONE ELSE'S. That and PPVs. The wrestler in the ring is the product, they are who need to get over, not the announcers.
While Jim Ross was mocked on many occasions for his commentating style, his strength was two fold. First and foremost, he made you believe what was happening in the ring had the impact of a world war. You thought the future of the planet stood in the balance for staged matches, no small feat. Secondly, he put the emphasis where it belongs--on the wrestlers in the ring, a talent the three in the booth right now are devoid of.
I know other people aren't a fan of the man, but I believe Don West had the same talent as Jim Ross. Honestly, I felt more invested in TNA's product when he was at the announce table. The voices behind the product matter. Hopefully WWE can have them refocus where the emphasis should be. I don't think any of the three are bad at their jobs (though I preferred Cole as a heel announcer) but they need to be directed in a better way.
That's my thought anyway.
No, it isn't the constant shilling of the WWE app--though that is an issue all and of itself. I think to a certain degree even they realize the unnecessary inundation of the app and have turned it into a joke.
It isn't even the awkwardness of a three man announce team, though that, too, has its moments.
The problem is their constant sandbagging of the talent. What do I mean by that? Put simply, it's that the announcers seem far more concerned about putting themselves over at the expense of the talent who are the actual product.
Recently, during the "Battle of Cleveland" match, all three announcers took swipes at the talent and the city. Even Lawler only gave half-hearted defense of either one. In essence, all three were playing the role of the heel announcer, which is idiotic. You need at least one announcer to play the role of the fan--not even necessarily a "face" announcer, but looking at it from their perspective. None of the three played that role during that match and this wasn't the only instance of this being the case.
When the women wrestle, the same is true--all three announcers are dismissive of the action in the ring. If the three guys who are PAID to be there don't care about what's happening in the ring, why should I or any other fan? The sad part of that is that I think there are actually more talented female performers available to the WWE right now than there had previously.
I don't know whether this is under direction from Vince, HHH, Stephanie or they are left to their own devices, but it doesn't sell merchandise. Lawler, Cole and JBL don't have t-shirts to sell. Actually, strike that from the record--they do have t-shirts to sell, EVERYONE ELSE'S. That and PPVs. The wrestler in the ring is the product, they are who need to get over, not the announcers.
While Jim Ross was mocked on many occasions for his commentating style, his strength was two fold. First and foremost, he made you believe what was happening in the ring had the impact of a world war. You thought the future of the planet stood in the balance for staged matches, no small feat. Secondly, he put the emphasis where it belongs--on the wrestlers in the ring, a talent the three in the booth right now are devoid of.
I know other people aren't a fan of the man, but I believe Don West had the same talent as Jim Ross. Honestly, I felt more invested in TNA's product when he was at the announce table. The voices behind the product matter. Hopefully WWE can have them refocus where the emphasis should be. I don't think any of the three are bad at their jobs (though I preferred Cole as a heel announcer) but they need to be directed in a better way.
That's my thought anyway.
Daniel Bryan / Bray Wyatt Part 6
Raw opening segment
HHH is pacing back and forth in the ring flanked by his cronies--the Shield, NAO, Batista, Orton. "Seven days ago, my wife was kidnapped by a bunch of rejects from Deliverance. The Wyatts, we've tried to call them but apparently those hillbillies don't have phones. For seven days, one of the pillars of the WWE has been held hostage, kidnapped. Vince wants to call the police, to report the kidnapping. But that isn't what a man does." He removes his coat jacket, starts unfastening his shirt, throwing them to the side. "These buffoons can't stop you. But I can. So I call you out here, Wyatt Family and Daniel Bryan. Come out here right now."
The Wyatts and Daniel Bryan appear on the TitanTron with Stephanie tied down to a chair. She appears scared and Daniel Bryan looks conflicted about the situation.
Bray Wyatt commences his segment. "I told you, Hunter, I told you not go after my son Daniel Bryan, but you didn't listen, did you Hunter. And now the chickens have come home to roost." He laughs. "And it looks like we have the queen hen of the yard." He runs his fingers through Steph's hair as she pulls away.
"I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" The cronies start pulling HHH back, trying to calm him down. "Get out here!"
Daniel pulls close to Bray. "Maybe this it too much." Looking back to Stephanie, then back to Bray. "I mean, we kidnapped her."
"You question my methods, Daniel Bryan?" Bray puts a hand on Stephanie. "I know there is a Judas among us." He squeezes Stephanie's shoulder. "But I didn't think it would be you, Daniel Bryan. Do you think they would hesitate to treat you like this? For the last six months, haven't they kidnapped your career, held it hostage? Haven't they tied you down like we have done Stephanie?"
Bryan looks to Stephanie, his face changing from concern to anger. "Yes!" He takes a step back, letting Bray continue.
"Now, Hunter, your proposition intrigues me. But it need not be gang warfare like the lesser people who are beneath us. No, Hunter. I'd like to meet you one on one."
"Great, get out here and we'll settle it like men."
"No, no, no, Hunter. See, you are not in control here. I see how that anguishes you after so many years believing you were the puppeteer, the puppet master, believing you were pulling the strings. It made you feel strong, invincible. But now that your weakness has been displayed, you are a lost little child in the wilderness. I am the wilderness, Hunter, and I will devour you. I will devour you at the Elimination Chamber."
HHH kicks the ropes, visibly agitated. "Get out here! I want you now!" Segment ends with the cronies trying to calm HHH.
Back from commercial, HHH and the cronies are still in the ring. He has been calmed down, but quietly seething.
"Here is the deal. Elimination Chamber, you and me, Bray. But Daniel Bryan doesn't get the night off then. Oh, no. He will be competing in the Elimination Chamber. Oh, not the world championship one. Your opportunity, your LAST opportunity, for the heavyweight title will be at Wrestlemania. At the Elimination Chamber, it will be you along with five other WWE superstars." HHH slowly turns to his entourage with a smile. "Who should those five be? One. Two. Three. Four." He touches The Shield and Batista on the shoulder. He turns back to the camera. "But that leaves us one short and I'm already booked for the night." He scratches his chin. "I know." Snapping his fingers. "Brock. Lesnar. But don't think you have tonight off. Tonight, you're facing off against the tag team champions, the New Age Outlaws. See, while I have nothing to threaten Bray with, I know I can threaten you. If you don't show up tonight, I'll have no choice but to say you're in breach of contract which constitutes fair reason to strip you of your number one contendership. Ball's in your court." He throws the mic down angrily. (The main event for Elimination Chamber would be Orton vs Christian vs Cena vs Dolph vs Cesaro vs Sandow)
Backstage segment
The Rhodes Brothers are talking about how maybe they shouldn't have aligned with the Wyatts, how Bray is crazy. Goldust takes the side of the Wyatts, saying people have called him crazy in the past. They talk about how HHH will have it in for them. Kane shows up and tells them they have a match right now and they have to head to the ring.
The Brotherhood vs The Shield (Handicap match)
This is nothing short of a mugging. No rules are enforced. The Shield do their old school beatdown of the Rhodeses. They target Goldust, doing the most damage to him.
HHH comes out with the mic as the Shield continue to do their worst to the Rhodes brothers. "Where are you, Wyatts? Bryan, aren't you going to save your friends? Are you going to sacrifice them?"
No one shows. No TitanTron appearance either. HHH turns to the rings and makes a slash sign across his neck to the Shield who triple powerbomb both Rhodes brothers.
Big Show runs out, but is met by Batista and the NAO. They beat him down, throwing him to the Shield.
Daniel Bryan vs the New Age Outlaws
HHH's cronies line the walkway down to the ring. As Bryan walks between them, he stares at each one, prepared for a beatdown, but they let him pass. The match proceeds with Bryan holding his own until outside interference starts to swing the momentum to the NAO.
Halfway through the match, on the TitanTron, Stephanie has gotten a cellphone and is using the videochat function. "Hunter, Hunter, I've gotten away." She looks over her shoulder, frightened, running. She stops. "I don't know where I am." She frantically looks around, then stares back into the phone. "I don't know." Over her shoulder a lamb mask appears. She looks over her shoulder and screams.
Rowan simply says, "Run!"
While the Authority and its cronies are distracted, Bryan picks up the pinfall and escapes through the crowd, ending Raw.
HHH is pacing back and forth in the ring flanked by his cronies--the Shield, NAO, Batista, Orton. "Seven days ago, my wife was kidnapped by a bunch of rejects from Deliverance. The Wyatts, we've tried to call them but apparently those hillbillies don't have phones. For seven days, one of the pillars of the WWE has been held hostage, kidnapped. Vince wants to call the police, to report the kidnapping. But that isn't what a man does." He removes his coat jacket, starts unfastening his shirt, throwing them to the side. "These buffoons can't stop you. But I can. So I call you out here, Wyatt Family and Daniel Bryan. Come out here right now."
The Wyatts and Daniel Bryan appear on the TitanTron with Stephanie tied down to a chair. She appears scared and Daniel Bryan looks conflicted about the situation.
Bray Wyatt commences his segment. "I told you, Hunter, I told you not go after my son Daniel Bryan, but you didn't listen, did you Hunter. And now the chickens have come home to roost." He laughs. "And it looks like we have the queen hen of the yard." He runs his fingers through Steph's hair as she pulls away.
"I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" The cronies start pulling HHH back, trying to calm him down. "Get out here!"
Daniel pulls close to Bray. "Maybe this it too much." Looking back to Stephanie, then back to Bray. "I mean, we kidnapped her."
"You question my methods, Daniel Bryan?" Bray puts a hand on Stephanie. "I know there is a Judas among us." He squeezes Stephanie's shoulder. "But I didn't think it would be you, Daniel Bryan. Do you think they would hesitate to treat you like this? For the last six months, haven't they kidnapped your career, held it hostage? Haven't they tied you down like we have done Stephanie?"
Bryan looks to Stephanie, his face changing from concern to anger. "Yes!" He takes a step back, letting Bray continue.
"Now, Hunter, your proposition intrigues me. But it need not be gang warfare like the lesser people who are beneath us. No, Hunter. I'd like to meet you one on one."
"Great, get out here and we'll settle it like men."
"No, no, no, Hunter. See, you are not in control here. I see how that anguishes you after so many years believing you were the puppeteer, the puppet master, believing you were pulling the strings. It made you feel strong, invincible. But now that your weakness has been displayed, you are a lost little child in the wilderness. I am the wilderness, Hunter, and I will devour you. I will devour you at the Elimination Chamber."
HHH kicks the ropes, visibly agitated. "Get out here! I want you now!" Segment ends with the cronies trying to calm HHH.
Back from commercial, HHH and the cronies are still in the ring. He has been calmed down, but quietly seething.
"Here is the deal. Elimination Chamber, you and me, Bray. But Daniel Bryan doesn't get the night off then. Oh, no. He will be competing in the Elimination Chamber. Oh, not the world championship one. Your opportunity, your LAST opportunity, for the heavyweight title will be at Wrestlemania. At the Elimination Chamber, it will be you along with five other WWE superstars." HHH slowly turns to his entourage with a smile. "Who should those five be? One. Two. Three. Four." He touches The Shield and Batista on the shoulder. He turns back to the camera. "But that leaves us one short and I'm already booked for the night." He scratches his chin. "I know." Snapping his fingers. "Brock. Lesnar. But don't think you have tonight off. Tonight, you're facing off against the tag team champions, the New Age Outlaws. See, while I have nothing to threaten Bray with, I know I can threaten you. If you don't show up tonight, I'll have no choice but to say you're in breach of contract which constitutes fair reason to strip you of your number one contendership. Ball's in your court." He throws the mic down angrily. (The main event for Elimination Chamber would be Orton vs Christian vs Cena vs Dolph vs Cesaro vs Sandow)
Backstage segment
The Rhodes Brothers are talking about how maybe they shouldn't have aligned with the Wyatts, how Bray is crazy. Goldust takes the side of the Wyatts, saying people have called him crazy in the past. They talk about how HHH will have it in for them. Kane shows up and tells them they have a match right now and they have to head to the ring.
The Brotherhood vs The Shield (Handicap match)
This is nothing short of a mugging. No rules are enforced. The Shield do their old school beatdown of the Rhodeses. They target Goldust, doing the most damage to him.
HHH comes out with the mic as the Shield continue to do their worst to the Rhodes brothers. "Where are you, Wyatts? Bryan, aren't you going to save your friends? Are you going to sacrifice them?"
No one shows. No TitanTron appearance either. HHH turns to the rings and makes a slash sign across his neck to the Shield who triple powerbomb both Rhodes brothers.
Big Show runs out, but is met by Batista and the NAO. They beat him down, throwing him to the Shield.
Daniel Bryan vs the New Age Outlaws
HHH's cronies line the walkway down to the ring. As Bryan walks between them, he stares at each one, prepared for a beatdown, but they let him pass. The match proceeds with Bryan holding his own until outside interference starts to swing the momentum to the NAO.
Halfway through the match, on the TitanTron, Stephanie has gotten a cellphone and is using the videochat function. "Hunter, Hunter, I've gotten away." She looks over her shoulder, frightened, running. She stops. "I don't know where I am." She frantically looks around, then stares back into the phone. "I don't know." Over her shoulder a lamb mask appears. She looks over her shoulder and screams.
Rowan simply says, "Run!"
While the Authority and its cronies are distracted, Bryan picks up the pinfall and escapes through the crowd, ending Raw.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Daniel Bryan / Bray Wyatt Part 5
To start this post, I want to amend the last one just a bit. After re-reading it a few more times, I realized that the ending had Daniel Bryan coming off as a coward which is hardly how one wants the "hero" of a story to be portrayed. So, instead of Bryan voluntarily walking away from the ring, I would have The Brotherhood and Big Show come down and forcibly push a reluctant Bryan through the crowd. This in turn injects those three participants into The Authority storyline after incomprehensibly being removed from it.
2/3/2014 Raw
The Authority, Orton, NAO, and The Shield are in the ring. HHH is on the mic. "It is time like these that people should choose their friends wisely, especially in a business like this one. The person who stands beside you today very well be the man you're facing off against tomorrow. In addition, there are certain.....troublemakers who like to stir the pot for no purpose other than to further their own selfish ends. Last week, we saw a coward, yes, a coward, leave his supposed mentor behind in this very ring to suffer a brutal beatdown at the hands over several WWE superstars. Is that the kind of friend you want to stand beside, the kind of man you want to stake your career on? Tonight, so that we do not have the unwarranted interference that happened last week, the NAO will face off against The Brotherhood in a steel cage match with the tag titles on the line. Big Show, you get a special treat--Brock Lesnar and Batista vs you in a handicap match. The Wyatts, you have drawn The Shield. Lastly, Daniel Bryan, you're--"
Daniel Bryan appears on the TitanTron. "Hey Hunter, last week, I was forced to abandon my mentor in the ring. I realize it was for my own good, that I was outnumbered, but the odds have always been against me in my career. You think you're the first one to doubt my abilities, HHH? You think you're the first one to think I didn't have it in me? I'm guaranteed a shot at the title at WrestleMania and I'm walking out the champion. But tonight, tonight I'm just walking out."
HHH is screaming, "Walking out? You can't do that? You're a CONTRACTED WWE employee. You have to perform when and where we tell you to perform. This isn't some bush league wrestling promotion you indy guys came from! This is the WWE!"
Bryan walks away from the camera immediately revealing he's in The Authority's office. HHH turns The Shield, instructing them, "Bring him out here. NOW!"
After The Shield disappear into the back, the video is still playing on the TitanTron, showing HHH walk by. The announcers are puzzled, asking, "Was that HHH on the TitanTron?"
Coming out from under the ring are the Brotherhood, Daniel Bryan, Bray Wyatt and the family, circling it. They all storm the ring, taking out the remaining member of The Authority except for Stephanie. Bray approaches her, playing with her hair. The Family pick her up and carry her to the back. As Rowan and Harper abscond with her, Bray gets in HHH's face and says, "I told you, family for family, Hunter. This isn't over."
End of segment.
Backstage segment with HHH who is livid, yelling at The Shield. "Where were you guys? You should have been there to protect Stephanie."
Reigns steps up, saying, "You sent us to the back, not us."
HHH counters, "What kind of man tries to blame another for his shortcomings?"
Reigns back: "What kind of man can't protect his wife?"
The two start staring down until Rollins plays peacemaker, stepping between the two of them. "Look, there are bigger concerns right now. We have to focus on the Wyatts, Big Show and the Rhodes brothers."
HHH: "You guys focus on that, I need to find my wife."
End of segment.
Big Show vs Batista and Brock Lesnar
For the bulk of this match, Batista and Brock would dominate Big Show, almost competing to see who is stronger and the most fearsome of the two. Due to a miscommunication, Batista hits Brock Lesnar. Brock starts to climb into the ring to go after Batista but Heyman jumps on his back. "No, Brock, not here! We need HHH right now." Brock still stares at Batista as he climbs back down from the ring, walking away from his partner with Heyman instead.
Batista is yelling at Brock, asking where he's going. This has given Big Show enough time to recover. Brock stops and turns, taking a few steps toward the ring and then stopping with a huge smile on his face. Batista asks, "What?" Heyman points behind him. Batista turns to meet the KO punch. Big Show picks up the pinfall.
NAO vs The Brotherhood in a steel cage
The NAO, through cheating, win the titles back. The Shield try to scale the cage to get inside but the Wyatts show and prevent that from happening. During this chaos is when the NAO cheat to regain the titles.
The Wyatts vs The Shield
HHH comes out and tells them not to remove the cage, that this match will be held in a steel cage as well with a special referee. He removes his jacket and shirt, revealing a referee's shirt.
Rowan and Harper are disposed of quickly. The four team up on Bray with HHH yelling, "Where is she? Where is Stephanie?"
On his knees, Bray looks up at HHH laughing. "Those who live in the towers always think they're safe. But they aren't. They think they are the machine. But they aren't." Bray gets to his feet, taking a step toward HHH. "The machine will fall."
As HHH prepares to pedigree Bray, Bryan appears on the TitanTron with Stephanie. "I wouldn't do that, Hunter. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, it's simple physics."
HHH: "What do you want?" He lets go of Bray.
Bryan: "I already have what I want, a title match at Wrestlemania. And there's nothing you can do about it."
While distracted, the Wyatts have recovered, taking out The Shield and HHH. The match is thrown out.
End of Raw.
2/3/2014 Raw
The Authority, Orton, NAO, and The Shield are in the ring. HHH is on the mic. "It is time like these that people should choose their friends wisely, especially in a business like this one. The person who stands beside you today very well be the man you're facing off against tomorrow. In addition, there are certain.....troublemakers who like to stir the pot for no purpose other than to further their own selfish ends. Last week, we saw a coward, yes, a coward, leave his supposed mentor behind in this very ring to suffer a brutal beatdown at the hands over several WWE superstars. Is that the kind of friend you want to stand beside, the kind of man you want to stake your career on? Tonight, so that we do not have the unwarranted interference that happened last week, the NAO will face off against The Brotherhood in a steel cage match with the tag titles on the line. Big Show, you get a special treat--Brock Lesnar and Batista vs you in a handicap match. The Wyatts, you have drawn The Shield. Lastly, Daniel Bryan, you're--"
Daniel Bryan appears on the TitanTron. "Hey Hunter, last week, I was forced to abandon my mentor in the ring. I realize it was for my own good, that I was outnumbered, but the odds have always been against me in my career. You think you're the first one to doubt my abilities, HHH? You think you're the first one to think I didn't have it in me? I'm guaranteed a shot at the title at WrestleMania and I'm walking out the champion. But tonight, tonight I'm just walking out."
HHH is screaming, "Walking out? You can't do that? You're a CONTRACTED WWE employee. You have to perform when and where we tell you to perform. This isn't some bush league wrestling promotion you indy guys came from! This is the WWE!"
Bryan walks away from the camera immediately revealing he's in The Authority's office. HHH turns The Shield, instructing them, "Bring him out here. NOW!"
After The Shield disappear into the back, the video is still playing on the TitanTron, showing HHH walk by. The announcers are puzzled, asking, "Was that HHH on the TitanTron?"
Coming out from under the ring are the Brotherhood, Daniel Bryan, Bray Wyatt and the family, circling it. They all storm the ring, taking out the remaining member of The Authority except for Stephanie. Bray approaches her, playing with her hair. The Family pick her up and carry her to the back. As Rowan and Harper abscond with her, Bray gets in HHH's face and says, "I told you, family for family, Hunter. This isn't over."
End of segment.
Backstage segment with HHH who is livid, yelling at The Shield. "Where were you guys? You should have been there to protect Stephanie."
Reigns steps up, saying, "You sent us to the back, not us."
HHH counters, "What kind of man tries to blame another for his shortcomings?"
Reigns back: "What kind of man can't protect his wife?"
The two start staring down until Rollins plays peacemaker, stepping between the two of them. "Look, there are bigger concerns right now. We have to focus on the Wyatts, Big Show and the Rhodes brothers."
HHH: "You guys focus on that, I need to find my wife."
End of segment.
Big Show vs Batista and Brock Lesnar
For the bulk of this match, Batista and Brock would dominate Big Show, almost competing to see who is stronger and the most fearsome of the two. Due to a miscommunication, Batista hits Brock Lesnar. Brock starts to climb into the ring to go after Batista but Heyman jumps on his back. "No, Brock, not here! We need HHH right now." Brock still stares at Batista as he climbs back down from the ring, walking away from his partner with Heyman instead.
Batista is yelling at Brock, asking where he's going. This has given Big Show enough time to recover. Brock stops and turns, taking a few steps toward the ring and then stopping with a huge smile on his face. Batista asks, "What?" Heyman points behind him. Batista turns to meet the KO punch. Big Show picks up the pinfall.
NAO vs The Brotherhood in a steel cage
The NAO, through cheating, win the titles back. The Shield try to scale the cage to get inside but the Wyatts show and prevent that from happening. During this chaos is when the NAO cheat to regain the titles.
The Wyatts vs The Shield
HHH comes out and tells them not to remove the cage, that this match will be held in a steel cage as well with a special referee. He removes his jacket and shirt, revealing a referee's shirt.
Rowan and Harper are disposed of quickly. The four team up on Bray with HHH yelling, "Where is she? Where is Stephanie?"
On his knees, Bray looks up at HHH laughing. "Those who live in the towers always think they're safe. But they aren't. They think they are the machine. But they aren't." Bray gets to his feet, taking a step toward HHH. "The machine will fall."
As HHH prepares to pedigree Bray, Bryan appears on the TitanTron with Stephanie. "I wouldn't do that, Hunter. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, it's simple physics."
HHH: "What do you want?" He lets go of Bray.
Bryan: "I already have what I want, a title match at Wrestlemania. And there's nothing you can do about it."
While distracted, the Wyatts have recovered, taking out The Shield and HHH. The match is thrown out.
End of Raw.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Who to focus on next?
I'd like to run another Raw Rewrite storyline but don't know who I should focus on. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. I like to reimagine every wrestler's storyline so I don't care whether it's a low tier or tag team. Send your suggestions.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for reading.
Daniel Bryan / Bray Wyatt Part 4 - Through Elimination Chamber
To cover more ground, I've decided to cover the next month's worth of Raw Rewrites in a single bound. There are four Raws between Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, so we'll be covering all of those along with February's PPV in this post.
Raw 1/27/2014
The day after Royal Rumble--a far different one than the one that transpired in reality. Take that negative reaction and flip it as we had Daniel Bryan walking away with the number one contender position--the crowd would be going nuts at the opening of Raw, anticipating the arrival of Daniel Bryan, not only in the arena but as a bonafide WWE superstar.
Our Raw, much like its real life counterpart, would start with HHH and Stephanie in the ring, although somber and not in the jovial mood he actually was in. The Shield are there as well with their heads hung low knowing that a lecture is coming.
"Last night, I asked the Hounds of Hell to perform a simple task--keep Daniel Bryan from ruining Wrestlemania. This wasn't a selfish request, despite what you out there may think. This wasn't done out of spite nor malice. I have a responsibility to each and every one of you. But more importantly, I have a duty and responsibility to the fans AFTER you, the future. Is Daniel Bryan the future of this company?" Pause to allow a "Yes" chant to break out. HHH gets livid, more so than the previous night, turning his back to the camera, yelling at the crowd. "Do you know how annoying that is?" Again pause for the "Yes" chant to take hold. "You all make me long for the 'What?' chants, you know that?"
"You want Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania? Is that it?" More "Yes!" chants. "Well, you aren't going to get it. I PROMISE you, he will NOT be the number one contender when Wrestlemania rolls around. He will not be the headliner. He will not be the face of this company." HHH turns to the Shield. "Now, as for you three."
Steph takes the mic and approaches the three of them, poking her finger in the chest of each one. "You let us down. We don't like losers." Stephanie smacks Roman Reigns hard across the face to set up more tension between the Shield and the Authority. Reigns takes a step toward her, but HHH moves between them--a staredown between Reigns and HHH.
Steph continues: "You three have an opportunity to make amends for last night. We have decided to reward any WWE superstar....." Steph turns from the Shield and faces the camera. "Even those of you in the back, so listen well. Any WWE superstar who ensures Bryan cannot make it to Wrestlemania will receive his number one contender position. Consider it open season."
The Wyatt music hits as the four of them enter the arena. Bray is unaccustomed to being cheered and looks visibly uneasy by the turn of events. "I told you not to threaten my son, Hunter. We protect our own, much like you do. Daniel Bryan will no longer be wearing a crown of thorns after Wrestlemania, Hunter. He will wear a crown of gold and reign over these people, over you, Hunter."
Hunter yells: "He isn't making it to Wrestlemania. Tonight, all four of you will be competing. Bray, Bryan, you will be wrestling Kane and Orton. Harper, Rowan, you're competing against The Shield in a handicap match."
The segment ends with Bray laughing at this match.
Various lower card heels try to attack Bryan in the back, but the Wyatts fend them off in backstage segments.
Harper and Rowan vs The Shield
This match devolves quickly and ends in a disqualification. Bryan and Bray are banned from ringside. Once the disqualification is invoked, The Shield start a beatdown of the Wyatt Family. A lot of damage is done before Bray and Bryan make the save. Paramedics strap Rowan and Harper to stretchers, escorting them from the building.
Bray yells to the back: "You'll pay for this, Hunter. You'll pay for your sins."
Cody and Goldust vs New Age Outlaws (Title match)
At some point in this match, Bray and Bryan come down the ramp, slowly idling their way down, watching. Finally they make their move to the ring, distracting the NAO enough to cost them the match and their titles. An important point here--while I too would love to see Cody vs Goldust, I think the Authority storyline is far more important than that at this point. I would hold off on that match until SummerSlam. Wrestlemania should be an all-out assault on the Authority so this way we could bring The Brotherhood back into it--where they started.
Bray and Bryan abuse the NAO leaving them in a heap. Bray takes the mic, smiling. "I told you that your friends and family were not safe any longer, Hunter. I told you that you were playing with the devil. As you continue to peddle your friends as nostalgia, we will shred the memories and leave them forgotten. Behold the future of the Authority, Hunter." Bray points at the beaten NAO. "Be afraid of your future, Hunter. Be very afraid."
Hunter and Steph walk out with Orton and Kane in tow. Steph shakes her head as she instructs Kane and Orton: "Take out the trash."
Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan vs Orton and Kane
This match goes back and forth until Bray and Bryan finally start taking control. A couple of heels from the back--ADR, Sandow, and Fandango--rush the ring and target Bryan. We have a five on two scenario. All five are more concerned with Bryan than Bray. Bray rolls Bryan out of the ring to save him. "Run, Daniel Bryan. You are more important than me." Daniel Bryan looks conflicted, wants to get back in. "RUN!" Bray turns, arms outstretched to sacrifice himself. The five start to destroy him as Bryan reluctantly does as Bray instructed. Raw goes off the air with Bray getting pummeled and Daniel Bryan watching from the safety of the crowd, still torn about what to do.
Since this post went long, we will end it there and continue with the 2/3/2014 Raw episode tomorrow.
Raw 1/27/2014
The day after Royal Rumble--a far different one than the one that transpired in reality. Take that negative reaction and flip it as we had Daniel Bryan walking away with the number one contender position--the crowd would be going nuts at the opening of Raw, anticipating the arrival of Daniel Bryan, not only in the arena but as a bonafide WWE superstar.
Our Raw, much like its real life counterpart, would start with HHH and Stephanie in the ring, although somber and not in the jovial mood he actually was in. The Shield are there as well with their heads hung low knowing that a lecture is coming.
"Last night, I asked the Hounds of Hell to perform a simple task--keep Daniel Bryan from ruining Wrestlemania. This wasn't a selfish request, despite what you out there may think. This wasn't done out of spite nor malice. I have a responsibility to each and every one of you. But more importantly, I have a duty and responsibility to the fans AFTER you, the future. Is Daniel Bryan the future of this company?" Pause to allow a "Yes" chant to break out. HHH gets livid, more so than the previous night, turning his back to the camera, yelling at the crowd. "Do you know how annoying that is?" Again pause for the "Yes" chant to take hold. "You all make me long for the 'What?' chants, you know that?"
"You want Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania? Is that it?" More "Yes!" chants. "Well, you aren't going to get it. I PROMISE you, he will NOT be the number one contender when Wrestlemania rolls around. He will not be the headliner. He will not be the face of this company." HHH turns to the Shield. "Now, as for you three."
Steph takes the mic and approaches the three of them, poking her finger in the chest of each one. "You let us down. We don't like losers." Stephanie smacks Roman Reigns hard across the face to set up more tension between the Shield and the Authority. Reigns takes a step toward her, but HHH moves between them--a staredown between Reigns and HHH.
Steph continues: "You three have an opportunity to make amends for last night. We have decided to reward any WWE superstar....." Steph turns from the Shield and faces the camera. "Even those of you in the back, so listen well. Any WWE superstar who ensures Bryan cannot make it to Wrestlemania will receive his number one contender position. Consider it open season."
The Wyatt music hits as the four of them enter the arena. Bray is unaccustomed to being cheered and looks visibly uneasy by the turn of events. "I told you not to threaten my son, Hunter. We protect our own, much like you do. Daniel Bryan will no longer be wearing a crown of thorns after Wrestlemania, Hunter. He will wear a crown of gold and reign over these people, over you, Hunter."
Hunter yells: "He isn't making it to Wrestlemania. Tonight, all four of you will be competing. Bray, Bryan, you will be wrestling Kane and Orton. Harper, Rowan, you're competing against The Shield in a handicap match."
The segment ends with Bray laughing at this match.
Various lower card heels try to attack Bryan in the back, but the Wyatts fend them off in backstage segments.
Harper and Rowan vs The Shield
This match devolves quickly and ends in a disqualification. Bryan and Bray are banned from ringside. Once the disqualification is invoked, The Shield start a beatdown of the Wyatt Family. A lot of damage is done before Bray and Bryan make the save. Paramedics strap Rowan and Harper to stretchers, escorting them from the building.
Bray yells to the back: "You'll pay for this, Hunter. You'll pay for your sins."
Cody and Goldust vs New Age Outlaws (Title match)
At some point in this match, Bray and Bryan come down the ramp, slowly idling their way down, watching. Finally they make their move to the ring, distracting the NAO enough to cost them the match and their titles. An important point here--while I too would love to see Cody vs Goldust, I think the Authority storyline is far more important than that at this point. I would hold off on that match until SummerSlam. Wrestlemania should be an all-out assault on the Authority so this way we could bring The Brotherhood back into it--where they started.
Bray and Bryan abuse the NAO leaving them in a heap. Bray takes the mic, smiling. "I told you that your friends and family were not safe any longer, Hunter. I told you that you were playing with the devil. As you continue to peddle your friends as nostalgia, we will shred the memories and leave them forgotten. Behold the future of the Authority, Hunter." Bray points at the beaten NAO. "Be afraid of your future, Hunter. Be very afraid."
Hunter and Steph walk out with Orton and Kane in tow. Steph shakes her head as she instructs Kane and Orton: "Take out the trash."
Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan vs Orton and Kane
This match goes back and forth until Bray and Bryan finally start taking control. A couple of heels from the back--ADR, Sandow, and Fandango--rush the ring and target Bryan. We have a five on two scenario. All five are more concerned with Bryan than Bray. Bray rolls Bryan out of the ring to save him. "Run, Daniel Bryan. You are more important than me." Daniel Bryan looks conflicted, wants to get back in. "RUN!" Bray turns, arms outstretched to sacrifice himself. The five start to destroy him as Bryan reluctantly does as Bray instructed. Raw goes off the air with Bray getting pummeled and Daniel Bryan watching from the safety of the crowd, still torn about what to do.
Since this post went long, we will end it there and continue with the 2/3/2014 Raw episode tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Daniel Bryan / Bray Wyatt Part 3
The Rumble
From how it appears now, Daniel Bryan will not be a part of the 30 man battle royal to determine the number one contender for the heavyweight title. Good idea? Bad idea? To me, it seems as though it robs the fans yet again of what they truly want--Daniel Bryan as champ. If I had to place a wager, unfortunately I think I'd have to place my money on Batista winning.
WWE keeps talking about the chase, how that is more thrilling than the arrival at the desired destination as an explanation as to why they won't give Bryan that final nod. The chase can only go so far before the fans lose interest and believe the character/wrestler has no chance at winning and move on to the next guy. This is precisely where Dolph is right now--losing the fans by no fault of his own.
So where does that leave us with Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt. As I stated when I started writing this string of ideas for a storyline, the idea is to elevate both wrestlers--Daniel Bryan to unquestioned superstar and Bray Wyatt to main event threat. The Rumble is where we solidify both of those.
Prior to the Rumble, on the SmackDown preceding it, this is what should have happened. Instead of CM Punk receiving number 1 on Raw, that should have been the closing segment here, but with Bryan receiving the "unlucky" number. As HHH makes the announcement, Bray Wyatt comes out onto the stage, the family flanking him, to cut a promo of his own.
"My children are very important to me, Hunter. When you attack one of my own, you attack me. We are one and the same, inseparable. By placing him in harm's way, you've done yourself no favors, Hunter." Bray laughs, "Hunter. Funny, that is not what you right now, Hunter. We are the hunters. You are the prey. By attacking my family, your own friends, your own family, they are fair game now, Hunter. Remember that."
The idea here is not to position Bray as a babyface, but to position him as a villain with a code of honor which HHH has now breached. So now we have the makings of a memorable Rumble.
During the course of the Rumble, at various times Bryan is teamed up on by the heels, where they neglect other participants in order to go at him. The announcers would of course mention that it seems odd they keep trying to eliminate other Bryan instead of those who are in a more weakened condition, playing up the conspiracy aspect.
HHH would be shown in the back. Unlike previous years, he is drawing names out of a bin to see who the next participant to enter will be. Against all odds, of course hinting at the names not being what HHH actually pulled from the bin, the Shield are selected back to back to back, but Bryan persists, holding on.
Twenty-seven participants have been selected. Only the Wyatts have not called as HHH has thrown their names back into the bin, refusing to call them out. Finally, with no choice in the matter, he calls their names, one by one, telling Bray to do the right thing as the final participant. Bryan is outnumbered still--only he and the Shield remain, besides the approaching Wyatts.
HHH makes an executive decision and throws all three Wyatts into the ring at the same time, believing they have an understanding. They enter the ring, facing Daniel Bryan. "They know now what they do, Daniel Bryan. But they are about to find out."
The Wyatts turn and go at it with the Shield. Rollins is eliminated. Roman Reigns is eliminated. Dean Ambrose is eliminated. HHH goes ballistic with each elimination as Daniel Bryan lays in the ring. All that's left in the ring are the Wyatts and Bryan.
Pointing outside of the ring, Bray instructs Harper and Rowan to eliminate themselves, which they willingly do. Bray calls for a microphone.
"Daniel Bryan, here we are, you and me. I have protected you, Daniel Bryan." Bryan gets to his feet. "Do you accept Sister Abigail, Daniel Bryan?" Bryan nods, extending his arms, saying, "Yes!" Bray locks him into Sister Abigail, leaning him over. "Do you accept your destiny, Daniel Bryan?" "Yes!" "Are you ready to take down the machine, Daniel Bryan?" "Yes!" Bray smiles. "Are you ready to have your crown of gold, Daniel Bryan?" Bryan's eyes widen, questioningly he says, "Yes?"
Bray lays Bryan gently down to the mat instead of performing the Sister Abigail. "Do not forget my sacrifice for you, Daniel Bryan." The announcers would of course play up the fact that he's surrendering a chance at gold.
He starts walking toward the ropes to eliminate himself. HHH is livid, starting to climb into the ring but Rowan and Harper stop him. Bray climbs over the top rope, dropping to the floor as Orton explodes from the back. Royal Rumble goes off the air with a brawl in the ring between Orton plus The Shield vs Bryan plus the Wyatts.
So now you have two storylines set up at this point in the narrative, which will widen as I progress. As always, I hope those who are reading enjoy this as much as my writing it.
Please let me know how you feel about the story progression, where you see its flaws and strengths.
From how it appears now, Daniel Bryan will not be a part of the 30 man battle royal to determine the number one contender for the heavyweight title. Good idea? Bad idea? To me, it seems as though it robs the fans yet again of what they truly want--Daniel Bryan as champ. If I had to place a wager, unfortunately I think I'd have to place my money on Batista winning.
WWE keeps talking about the chase, how that is more thrilling than the arrival at the desired destination as an explanation as to why they won't give Bryan that final nod. The chase can only go so far before the fans lose interest and believe the character/wrestler has no chance at winning and move on to the next guy. This is precisely where Dolph is right now--losing the fans by no fault of his own.
So where does that leave us with Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt. As I stated when I started writing this string of ideas for a storyline, the idea is to elevate both wrestlers--Daniel Bryan to unquestioned superstar and Bray Wyatt to main event threat. The Rumble is where we solidify both of those.
Prior to the Rumble, on the SmackDown preceding it, this is what should have happened. Instead of CM Punk receiving number 1 on Raw, that should have been the closing segment here, but with Bryan receiving the "unlucky" number. As HHH makes the announcement, Bray Wyatt comes out onto the stage, the family flanking him, to cut a promo of his own.
"My children are very important to me, Hunter. When you attack one of my own, you attack me. We are one and the same, inseparable. By placing him in harm's way, you've done yourself no favors, Hunter." Bray laughs, "Hunter. Funny, that is not what you right now, Hunter. We are the hunters. You are the prey. By attacking my family, your own friends, your own family, they are fair game now, Hunter. Remember that."
The idea here is not to position Bray as a babyface, but to position him as a villain with a code of honor which HHH has now breached. So now we have the makings of a memorable Rumble.
During the course of the Rumble, at various times Bryan is teamed up on by the heels, where they neglect other participants in order to go at him. The announcers would of course mention that it seems odd they keep trying to eliminate other Bryan instead of those who are in a more weakened condition, playing up the conspiracy aspect.
HHH would be shown in the back. Unlike previous years, he is drawing names out of a bin to see who the next participant to enter will be. Against all odds, of course hinting at the names not being what HHH actually pulled from the bin, the Shield are selected back to back to back, but Bryan persists, holding on.
Twenty-seven participants have been selected. Only the Wyatts have not called as HHH has thrown their names back into the bin, refusing to call them out. Finally, with no choice in the matter, he calls their names, one by one, telling Bray to do the right thing as the final participant. Bryan is outnumbered still--only he and the Shield remain, besides the approaching Wyatts.
HHH makes an executive decision and throws all three Wyatts into the ring at the same time, believing they have an understanding. They enter the ring, facing Daniel Bryan. "They know now what they do, Daniel Bryan. But they are about to find out."
The Wyatts turn and go at it with the Shield. Rollins is eliminated. Roman Reigns is eliminated. Dean Ambrose is eliminated. HHH goes ballistic with each elimination as Daniel Bryan lays in the ring. All that's left in the ring are the Wyatts and Bryan.
Pointing outside of the ring, Bray instructs Harper and Rowan to eliminate themselves, which they willingly do. Bray calls for a microphone.
"Daniel Bryan, here we are, you and me. I have protected you, Daniel Bryan." Bryan gets to his feet. "Do you accept Sister Abigail, Daniel Bryan?" Bryan nods, extending his arms, saying, "Yes!" Bray locks him into Sister Abigail, leaning him over. "Do you accept your destiny, Daniel Bryan?" "Yes!" "Are you ready to take down the machine, Daniel Bryan?" "Yes!" Bray smiles. "Are you ready to have your crown of gold, Daniel Bryan?" Bryan's eyes widen, questioningly he says, "Yes?"
Bray lays Bryan gently down to the mat instead of performing the Sister Abigail. "Do not forget my sacrifice for you, Daniel Bryan." The announcers would of course play up the fact that he's surrendering a chance at gold.
He starts walking toward the ropes to eliminate himself. HHH is livid, starting to climb into the ring but Rowan and Harper stop him. Bray climbs over the top rope, dropping to the floor as Orton explodes from the back. Royal Rumble goes off the air with a brawl in the ring between Orton plus The Shield vs Bryan plus the Wyatts.
So now you have two storylines set up at this point in the narrative, which will widen as I progress. As always, I hope those who are reading enjoy this as much as my writing it.
Please let me know how you feel about the story progression, where you see its flaws and strengths.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Daniel Bray / Bray Wyatt part two
The following week's Raw would open with a promo detailing the previous week and the questions that the audience was left with--did Daniel Bryan escape the Wyatts in more than one way?
We open with Bray and the family--sans Daniel Bryan--in the ring.
"Last week, as Daniel Bryan climbed from this ring, I knew how my father felt when I left his caring arms. I felt the heartache because Daniel Bryan didn't understand what I did for him, the path I was paving for him. Unlike my father, though, I will be there for you Daniel Bryan when you recognize the error of your ways. I will welcome you back with open arms, Daniel. You survived the den of lions because you are a lion. The sheep do not see this in you, but I do. Come back home, Daniel Bryan."
An hour into Raw, The Authority establish a Shield vs Bryan and Punk match for the main event. At the two hour mark, Punk is attacked backstage by the New Age Outlaws, removing him from the main event. Just prior to the main event, Triple H enters the ring apologizing for the main event being changed. But as we saw last week, Bryan can handle a 3 on 1 match, if anything Punk may have hindered Bryan's chances. After all, as we heard from Bray Wyatt earlier tonight, Daniel Bryan is a lion. So tonight, it will be Daniel Bryan vs all three members of the Shield.
Halfway through the match, the Wyatts come out to the stage, but do not make the save immediately. The Shield are decimating Daniel Bryan who keeps looking at the Wyatts--causing the announcers to question the purpose of their presence on the stage.
Bray gets a mic, still on the stage. "You need to ask for my help, Daniel Bryan. I did not abandon you, remember that. You abandoned me. Ask for my help, Daniel Bryan."
During the course of this, a member of the Shield points at the Wyatt Family, yelling at them to mind their own business. Daniel is attacked by the three Shield members again, escaping to the ropes, mouthing the words finally--"Help me."
The announcers ask, "Did he just ask Bray for help?"
Bray Wyatt: "Louder, Daniel Bryan, loud enough for these people to hear you!"
"Help me!"
The Wyatts erupt from the stage into the ring, each taking on a member of the Shield, clearing the ring after a few minutes of a scuffle.
Bray turns to Daniel Bryan who looks on in disbelief. Bray simply extends his arms, inviting Daniel Bryan in for a hug, a return to the family, to accept his future. Bryan looks to the crowd for an answer before finally giving in and embracing his destiny and the Wyatt Family.
The announcers are speechless.
Next up: Are you ready to Rumble?
We open with Bray and the family--sans Daniel Bryan--in the ring.
"Last week, as Daniel Bryan climbed from this ring, I knew how my father felt when I left his caring arms. I felt the heartache because Daniel Bryan didn't understand what I did for him, the path I was paving for him. Unlike my father, though, I will be there for you Daniel Bryan when you recognize the error of your ways. I will welcome you back with open arms, Daniel. You survived the den of lions because you are a lion. The sheep do not see this in you, but I do. Come back home, Daniel Bryan."
An hour into Raw, The Authority establish a Shield vs Bryan and Punk match for the main event. At the two hour mark, Punk is attacked backstage by the New Age Outlaws, removing him from the main event. Just prior to the main event, Triple H enters the ring apologizing for the main event being changed. But as we saw last week, Bryan can handle a 3 on 1 match, if anything Punk may have hindered Bryan's chances. After all, as we heard from Bray Wyatt earlier tonight, Daniel Bryan is a lion. So tonight, it will be Daniel Bryan vs all three members of the Shield.
Halfway through the match, the Wyatts come out to the stage, but do not make the save immediately. The Shield are decimating Daniel Bryan who keeps looking at the Wyatts--causing the announcers to question the purpose of their presence on the stage.
Bray gets a mic, still on the stage. "You need to ask for my help, Daniel Bryan. I did not abandon you, remember that. You abandoned me. Ask for my help, Daniel Bryan."
During the course of this, a member of the Shield points at the Wyatt Family, yelling at them to mind their own business. Daniel is attacked by the three Shield members again, escaping to the ropes, mouthing the words finally--"Help me."
The announcers ask, "Did he just ask Bray for help?"
Bray Wyatt: "Louder, Daniel Bryan, loud enough for these people to hear you!"
"Help me!"
The Wyatts erupt from the stage into the ring, each taking on a member of the Shield, clearing the ring after a few minutes of a scuffle.
Bray turns to Daniel Bryan who looks on in disbelief. Bray simply extends his arms, inviting Daniel Bryan in for a hug, a return to the family, to accept his future. Bryan looks to the crowd for an answer before finally giving in and embracing his destiny and the Wyatt Family.
The announcers are speechless.
Next up: Are you ready to Rumble?
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Bray Wyatt / Daniel Bryan
To begin, I have to admit, I'm not a Bray Wyatt fan. That doesn't mean there isn't potential in the character. As a matter of fact, one of the flaws I see in the WWE currently is that the creative crew allow their own opinions of the talent to affect how they are booked. Obviously there is a group of fans that like Bray and his delivery a lot; however, for the most part, the crowds are still relatively dead during The Wyatt Family matches and promos. That isn't his fault--to a degree the wrestlers are at the mercy of creative and their biases.
Now to the storyline. While I wasn't a fan of Daniel Bryan joining the Wyatt Family, I do believe there was a lot of untapped potential in the pairing. Ideally, it would have elevated Bray Wyatt while giving the fans what they have been craving for the last six months--a Daniel Bryan title reign. There is still the chance that the current storyline will lead to that, but I have a feeling it may be many more months prior to that, if at all.
The first blog post will lead us through Royal Rumble and the subsequent ones will move us further into the year.
This past Monday, Bryan apparently left the Wyatts, which I think was a mistake for all parties involved. Yes, Bryan is back to being a full face. Yes, it received an epic reaction. Yes, Bryan is a superstar. However, it didn't feel as though it did much for Bray. Prior to the Bryan joining the Wyatts, he was already receiving those reactions. So what was accomplished? Currently, not much. Bray isn't any more over than he was 3 weeks ago.
So let's start with this past Monday. Bray Wyatt in a cage--there seems to be something iconic in that, even without being a fan of the man. Instead of being a tag match against the Usos, which didn't serve Bryan or Bray in any way. The talent that should have been built were the main eventers, not the tag team, yet the Wyatts lose with such frequency that it's difficult to take them seriously as a threat. So what should have happened in the cage?
First, a promo, which the crowd was robbed of by a slapped together main event. Bray needed to cut his promo in the cage, he needed to start drawing in the crowd, convincing the crowd he wasn't the bad guy--that there was a purpose to his madness. In other words, play the cult leader to the masses.
So who should the match have been against if not the Usos? It should have been The Wyatts vs Daniel Bryan, though not in a traditional match.
Sample portions of a promo:
"Daniel, this cage, it's like your WWE career. Do you see it? These walls, Daniel Bryan, they are the manifestation of what holds you in, prevents you from being what you can be, what you should be. You are among the lions, tonight, Daniel. Can you survive the lions, Daniel? Can you prove to them you are what they cannot see? This is for you, Daniel Bryan. This is not a punishment, this is your freedom from your shackles, from your cage. Accept your destiny, Daniel Bryan."
During the course of the match, it would have gone back and forth, until the Wyatts overwhelm the underdog Bryan. At some point during the match, through a series of miscues, Bryan takes advantage and escapes the cage, slowly backing away from the cage once he does.
Raw goes off the air with the announcers in shock, asking, "Has Bryan left the Wyatts? Did Bray lose his pupil?" as the camera zooms in on a smiling Bray.
Tomorrow will continue how I feel the storyline should have played out. Hopefully you've enjoyed this first edition of the Raw Rewrite and will continue to follow along.
Thank you for reading.
Now to the storyline. While I wasn't a fan of Daniel Bryan joining the Wyatt Family, I do believe there was a lot of untapped potential in the pairing. Ideally, it would have elevated Bray Wyatt while giving the fans what they have been craving for the last six months--a Daniel Bryan title reign. There is still the chance that the current storyline will lead to that, but I have a feeling it may be many more months prior to that, if at all.
The first blog post will lead us through Royal Rumble and the subsequent ones will move us further into the year.
This past Monday, Bryan apparently left the Wyatts, which I think was a mistake for all parties involved. Yes, Bryan is back to being a full face. Yes, it received an epic reaction. Yes, Bryan is a superstar. However, it didn't feel as though it did much for Bray. Prior to the Bryan joining the Wyatts, he was already receiving those reactions. So what was accomplished? Currently, not much. Bray isn't any more over than he was 3 weeks ago.
So let's start with this past Monday. Bray Wyatt in a cage--there seems to be something iconic in that, even without being a fan of the man. Instead of being a tag match against the Usos, which didn't serve Bryan or Bray in any way. The talent that should have been built were the main eventers, not the tag team, yet the Wyatts lose with such frequency that it's difficult to take them seriously as a threat. So what should have happened in the cage?
First, a promo, which the crowd was robbed of by a slapped together main event. Bray needed to cut his promo in the cage, he needed to start drawing in the crowd, convincing the crowd he wasn't the bad guy--that there was a purpose to his madness. In other words, play the cult leader to the masses.
So who should the match have been against if not the Usos? It should have been The Wyatts vs Daniel Bryan, though not in a traditional match.
Sample portions of a promo:
"Daniel, this cage, it's like your WWE career. Do you see it? These walls, Daniel Bryan, they are the manifestation of what holds you in, prevents you from being what you can be, what you should be. You are among the lions, tonight, Daniel. Can you survive the lions, Daniel? Can you prove to them you are what they cannot see? This is for you, Daniel Bryan. This is not a punishment, this is your freedom from your shackles, from your cage. Accept your destiny, Daniel Bryan."
During the course of the match, it would have gone back and forth, until the Wyatts overwhelm the underdog Bryan. At some point during the match, through a series of miscues, Bryan takes advantage and escapes the cage, slowly backing away from the cage once he does.
Raw goes off the air with the announcers in shock, asking, "Has Bryan left the Wyatts? Did Bray lose his pupil?" as the camera zooms in on a smiling Bray.
Tomorrow will continue how I feel the storyline should have played out. Hopefully you've enjoyed this first edition of the Raw Rewrite and will continue to follow along.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Mission Statement
With this blog, it is the intention of the authors to offer alternative takes on current WWE story lines in order to improve their flow and ability to entertain. As a wrestling fan for over 30 years, spanning such federations as USWA, UWF, WWF/WWE, NWA, WCW, TNA, ROH, GLOW, POW and many more I'm sure I'm neglecting, I've watched various entities offer different slants on production, storytelling emphasis, and characterization of their wrestlers. None of them, even those who ended up shuttering their federations, necessarily did anything wrong. That brings us back to WWE Raw Rewrite, an endeavor not created out of anger--there's enough of that on various other sites. No, the intention here is simply to offer what my friend and I view as a more viable path to creating long term, memorable story lines while elevating the talent in the eyes of the fans. Strong characters and story lines are what draws an audience--the true hallmark of the Attitude Era, not the cursing and juvenile humor. With that, I hope you enjoy what we have to offer in this space. I'm sure there will be duds on our behalf but I hope there will at least be some fun had along the way. Our only rule within the framework of this project is an attempt to mirror the current ongoing storylines, yet find a way to strengthen what it has to offer.
The first post will be tomorrow.
Enjoy.
The first post will be tomorrow.
Enjoy.
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