WTF?!

[wildman]

SMACKDOWN IS GETTING "MENTALLY CHALLENGED". FIRST THEY LET A ROOKIE, CARLITO WIN THE US TITLE FROM CENA IN HIS FIRST MATCH. I KNOW THE KID HAS TALENT BUT THE WWE IS MAKING CENA LOOK LIKE A CHUMP. NEXT THE GIVE HARDCORE HOLLY A TITLE SHOT. HASNT THIS GUY BEEN WRESTLING TAG MATCHES ON VELOCITY FOR 6 MONTHS? WHO HAS HE BEATEN RECENTLY TO GET A TITLE SHOT? YOU HAVE BIG SHOW, EDDIE AND ANGLE WASTING AWAY IN A DUMB FEUD. I MEAN COME ON NOW!!!

[Chris Ingersoll]

It's not the first time they've done the "rookie wins title" thing, first match or no (see: Miavia, Rocky; Kim, Gail; and even Christian, "of the Brood"). Nor is it the first time they've given a title shot to someone who did nearly nothing to deserve it -- current champion aside, Holly had a shot at Brock not that long ago (Rumble? December last year? I forget)..

They're not getting "mentally challenged", they've been there for some time. You'd think people would be used to it by now.

[wildman]

I say a bunch of us from this board should get together and see if we can get jobs at the WWE as script writers. I know we can do a better job

[ringsyde]

For the record, Wildman, John Cena does enough to look like a chump without a whole lot of help.

What you're witnessing on Smackdown is the result of the spaghetti rule; the writers swap out popular wrestlers for old mainstays and newcomers, and they throw everything out there in the hope that something will stick (ie; the fans will identify something as worthwhile enough to show interest). Not only is this a standard practice with today's WWE, it's been the way wrestling has worked here and in Japan for the last four years. Wrestling has reached the dreaded valley after the big peak, and this one's going to be tough to climb out of.

Wrestling has always had slumps, and the writers and promoters have always gone through periods of rebuilding. Things are different now because most fans know way more than ever about what's happening and what's next, and because the WWE is the lone outpost for wrestling in the U.S. (sorry TNA fans, the promotion is nowhere close), and anyone involved will be weighted down by the current system instead of breathing life into it.

I'm not buying the writer angle as the reason for the poor shows anymore either. I personally think that good writers are just as easily crushed by the power of the handful of people who the promotion seems to be keyed to as good wrestlers are swept into mediocrity because they challenge the wrestling heirarchy. I think the best ideas still have to be approved by so many closed minds that no one really tries anymore. Why fight the opposition if you know they will always win (I think Pat Patterson just figured that out).

Thank God a 19 year old kid decided to start taping shows and ppv's all those years ago. Between collecting Japanese shows, taping almost every wrestling program on tv for the last 15 years, and filling out my dvd library, I have quite a lot to fall back on. Since I can't get my fix from what comes on, I either hit the ample wrestling vid library, or (of course) I break out the cards and the dice.

Rather than try to get WWE writing jobs, I bet there would be more of an impact if everyone here just didn't tune in for a month. If the blow to the ratings doesn't sting, the fact that we'd all find an alternative to watching wrestling sure would in the long run.

[Like Watching Paint Dry]

Personally I felt the whole Carlito/Cena angle from Smackdown last week was very well done. From the opening promo, to the structure of the match (with Cena dominant) to the 'shock' of Carlito going over by Cena by screwjob..in his debut match..in no less than Cena's hometown. Just classic old school style storytelling that left the fans in stunned silence. That's a textbook example of how to get people talking and caring about a new character. Excellent booking!

Since John Cena is going on a break to film his movie for a few weeks, it makes sense to drop the US belt. Putting the title on this kid they've been building up through the promos gives him instant visibility and status. Whether he can make good on his break remains to be seen, but I give WWE a major thumbs of for at least taking a chance on someone new. You can't create new stars without taking creative risks.
And once Cena returns from the movie, you've got an instant 'revenge' programming waiting in the wiings.

For the record the ratings for that show built throughout the night. It ended up being the highest overall rating Smackdown has had since Brock left many months ago (and things really started falling apart). To achieve this it didn't take stellar Smackdown angles like someone getting shot with a tranquillizer gun or a Gay wedding or a 'diva' killing another 'diva's' elderly father through sex. It took a good storyline played out well through the course of a 2 hour show ending up with a match in the ring that elevated someone new. Not a bad effort, and hopefully the start of a trend.

As for Holly getting title shots, I could definitely live without it. If they're doing it to fill time (and it ends up giving JBL at least one clean blow off win) it's tolerable. I'll reserve judgment for now, but if they are building to a Holly/JBL PPV match, I'm highly unlikely to order for just that match!

[thefamoustommyz]

Eh, Holly feuding with JBL is just a storyline to kill time for Bradshaw while there's no PPV. Carlito, while annoying, is getting built up at least. Things could be way worse.

And Angle, Show and Eddie feuding is hardly a waste, IMHO. Especially since their rub is being given to Luther Reigns and (to a lesser extent) Mark Jindrak.

Is the show perfect? God no. But I rarely wanna tune out on Thursdays. And Kenzo Suzuki & Rene Dupree are the only real "must see TV" on Thursdays anymore...=)

[Chris Ingersoll]

Guest-Like said:

To achieve this it didn't take stellar Smackdown angles like someone getting shot with a tranquillizer gun or a Gay wedding or a 'diva' killing another 'diva's' elderly father through sex.

Yeah... you know what? Let's never mention any of these again. It was bad enough sitting through them the first time.

I only have three problems with Carlito as it stands right now, one whole match in to his WWE career:

1) That accent (assuming it's a fake and not his actual speaking voice)
2) That hair (real or not )
3) That name

All three are unwieldy and throw me off, especially the name since it has no flow (an audible pause, as in "Carlito, Carribean Cool" would help I think). Too early to judge anything based on his in-ring work, but I didn't remember seing anything blatantly offensive. Would have been nice to see a finisher, but that'll come soon enough. All in all, too early to write him off, but not enough to catch my interest as of yet.

[thefamoustommyz]

Well, Carlito IS from Puerto Rico, so there's a chance he's not just faking the accent, at least.

And when I hear his name, it sounds like two pauses, actually...between each word.

Now, personally, I find the guy annoying as all Heck. BUT...God bless the WWE for trying to build someone up.

At the least, maybe he'll do for the US title what Honky Tonk Man did for the IC title, or vice versa.

[Chris Ingersoll]

The said:

Well, Carlito IS from Puerto Rico, so there's a chance he's not just faking the accent, at least.

Yeah, but I still can't shake the fact that he's essentially Razor Ramon 2004.

[thefamoustommyz]

Yeah, I've been telling folks around me how much I loved the gimmick...the first time...when it was Scott Hall...=)

[Like Watching Paint Dry]

If you watch pro wrestling long enough, you'll eventually live through the recycling of most every gimmick you've ever watched. It's an inevitable part of being a fan. Razor Ramon was a good character (who also had been done many times years before) and I don't have a problem with a take off of it. For many younger/newer fans this Carlito character is something 'new' to them, just as to fans of the 1980's WWF characters like the Million Dollar Man appeared 'new' even though in reality it had been done countless times before in times past. I recently watched a Playboy Buddy Rose build up where he's doing roughly the same vignettes years before a Ted DiBiase hit the WWF. It happens and will continue to happen.

As for Carlito he continues to impress me. Last night his match with Rey was fun to watch, and Triple C did his part displaying good physical charisma and bumping skills. He's young, athletic, can cut a good promo and will likely continue to get better with age. He's the son of the legendary Carlos Colon, so he knows what the business is all about and is likely wise to it beyond his years. With plans to hit PR later this year, its good business to spotlight Carlito as he's a former 7 time World Wrestling Council Champion and his dad will likely help with promotion.

Here's a short bio:

www.gerweck.net/carlycolon.htm

He hasn't been booked to win clean, but is still going over top names which elevates and puts heat on him. Wearing Cena's chain into the ring is a subtle reminder that he 'punked' him out and there's a score that remains to be settled. Thumbs up on a well booked angle!

[thefamoustommyz]

Now if only his look and promos didn't make me want to pull my own teeth out...=)

I'm really not trying to be overly negative, but that look is atrocious since he's not pulling an early Cena and thinking he's cool while coming across as a total putz...and fitting "cool" into every sentence has already gotten REALLY old.

But I do agree...great job actually trying to build him up so far.

Biggest problem I see is that Cena is actually so far BEYOND him and even the U.S. title right now that I don't see the point of building a rivalry, except to hold Cena back a little longer.

Not saying Cena's World title material just yet...but now would be a good time for that trnasitional feud to get him there. Hm...looks like Kurt Angle's the only Smackdown heel they have capable of doing that, too.

[Joe]

I am not trying to call the people who do not like Cena idiots, however, anyone who does not see that Cena has the "it" factor that true superstars possess has got to fall into the idiot category. Whether people like him or hate him, he gets a crowd extremely live, and that is a quality that too few people on WWE's current roster are blessed with.

[thefamoustommyz]

Right...watching Raw and Smackdown, I've been comparing Orton and Cena...and the crowd was actually chanting "We Love Cena" during his match with Carllito...I wouldn't call it a stretch to say he's Smackdown's most over face, with the *possible* exception of The Undertaker.

[EWT]

To Rindsyde

I agree totally with you as someone with a library of old WWF and WCW as well as ECW i have something to watch other than the garbage the WWE seems to be feeding us each week on both programs.
I thought for a moment that with Eddy and Benoit as champions we could be headed to one company again... WRONG. I have said for years less is more, fewer wrestlers, tighter storylines and fewer programming and yes less much less of HHH and the biggest waste of tv time, which is sad because I used to love him, Ric Flair.
Well now I have those dizzy dice and I just keep rolling.
By the way the baby comes on Tuesday.

[Swarm]

Guest-Like said:

Personally I felt the whole Carlito/Cena angle from Smackdown last week was very well done. From the opening promo, to the structure of the match (with Cena dominant) to the 'shock' of Carlito going over by Cena by screwjob..in his debut match..in no less than Cena's hometown. Just classic old school style storytelling that left the fans in stunned silence. That's a textbook example of how to get people talking and caring about a new character. Excellent booking!

Since John Cena is going on a break to film his movie for a few weeks, it makes sense to drop the US belt. Putting the title on this kid they've been building up through the promos gives him instant visibility and status. Whether he can make good on his break remains to be seen, but I give WWE a major thumbs of for at least taking a chance on someone new. You can't create new stars without taking creative risks.
And once Cena returns from the movie, you've got an instant 'revenge' programming waiting in the wiings.

For the record the ratings for that show built throughout the night. It ended up being the highest overall rating Smackdown has had since Brock left many months ago (and things really started falling apart). To achieve this it didn't take stellar Smackdown angles like someone getting shot with a tranquillizer gun or a Gay wedding or a 'diva' killing another 'diva's' elderly father through sex. It took a good storyline played out well through the course of a 2 hour show ending up with a match in the ring that elevated someone new. Not a bad effort, and hopefully the start of a trend.

As for Holly getting title shots, I could definitely live without it. If they're doing it to fill time (and it ends up giving JBL at least one clean blow off win) it's tolerable. I'll reserve judgment for now, but if they are building to a Holly/JBL PPV match, I'm highly unlikely to order for just that match!

As to your first paragraph, you are obviously an idiot and everything that is wrong with today's wrestling fans. I made sure not to read the rest of your rant as to save myself from any further retarded material. It is NEVER acceptable to put a title on a new guy, in his first match, ever. And if you don't know that, you are freaking stupid. Big surprise there.

[Like Watching Paint Dry]

Guest-Swarm said:

"As to your first paragraph, you are obviously an idiot and everything that is wrong with today's wrestling fans."

Circular illogic mixed with collectivizing...how quaint!

Guest-Swarm said:

"I made sure not to read the rest of your rant as to save myself from any further retarded material."

Thank you for taking the time to publicly announce that you don't read in full the posts you reply to. While not a good habit...it does explain a lot.

Guest-Swarm said:

"It is NEVER acceptable to put a title on a new guy, in his first match, ever. And if you don't know that, you are freaking stupid. Big surprise there."

Successful promoters like Vince, Don Owens, Eddie Graham and George Scott must have forgotten about this little forbidden rule of yours while they were making money booking title switches with promotional debuts for years on end. I guess for example when The Rock n Roll Express won the NWA World Tag belts on their JCP television debut it is was a horrible idea that should NEVER have happened...with the fact that the team got over and drew money for the promotion for years on end being a regrettable consequence.

Or in countless times where with no television build up wrestlers from elsewhere during the territory days would 'debut' with shock house show title wins over local favorites, often reviving dead promotions in the process with new programs and headliners apart from the status quo. It's known as 'hot shotting' an area...but I guess this should have 'never' happened even though it's historical been beneficial to the business for years on end. After all, Swarm equipped with his infinite wisdom sans an extensive track record of real world success in the wrestling industry has chosen to forbid it!

Heaven forbid Carlito should have won a secondary title upon his debut on Smackdown after weeks of build up and television time, just as the reigning champ is off to shoot a movie and take a leave. Next thing you know the kid may actual draw money and become a productive member of the company just as countless others have done through this proven booking formula in times past. The immediate results have seen ratings up and Carlito's quarter hours scoring strong...but still it 'never' should have happened...as anyone who sees logic in a proven time tested formula is merely an 'idiot' or is 'retarded'.

Nice try kid...but you really need to work on your trolling!

[Chris Ingersoll]

Guest-Like said:

Nice try kid...but you really need to work on your trolling!

Agreed. I fully expect the two of you to go back and forth on this for a while, but let's do so without the name calling (especially cracks like "idiot"), m'kay?

Normally I'd send this in a PM, but unregistered accounts necessitate public policing. My apologies to everyone. You may now return to your thread.

[wildman]

While I agree that having a newcomer defeat a proven champ in their first match has led to some great wrestlers, on the other hand look at the career of the Big Show. In his first WCW match he beat Hulk Hogan for the World Title and looked like he would have a monster career. Look what has happened since, not too much. Lets hope Carlito doesnt crash and burn. He has genetics on his side so lets hope for the best

[thefamoustommyz]

Also remember HOW The Giant beat Hogan...not by pinfall. A bogus DQ caused by Jimmy Hart using Hogan's power of attorney to get an obscure clause wrtten into the contract, and The Giant was then stripped of the belt.

Why...that made Carlito's title win look downright scientific...=)

As far as "what has he done since?"...well...multi-time World and Tag Team champion...but I don't dispute that he has seen some very high highs and some very low lows. The true testament to Big Show is that, after being buried he can STILL make the fans believe he is an unstoppable monster.

Show's not manifested into the second coming of Andre, no...but Carlito could do worse if he winds up with a resume matching Show's.