Am I alone in thinking a fun way to fill some time on the Network would be to bring back the 24/7 rule that accompanied the Hardcore Title? Except this time, maybe use Zack Ryder's Internet Championship. Something to kill the extra few minutes in between shows or even to cut in to something live.
Hell, with the WWE app, you could even get real-time alerts. It's 1am and you get an alert on your phone ("Cody Rhodes challenging for the Internet Championship right now on WWE Network!") and the few night owls that are awake at the moment turn it on and there's Cody, beating up Zack at a Burger King drive-thru to win the title and run off into the night.
It's something that probably wouldn't be acknowledged much on TV but it'd give the lower card guys something to do, give the internet fans something amusing to talk about, and give the Network a little bit of new material.
Eh?
I thought Zack was sold to YouTube for $10 as a part of the cost cutting.
Cody beating up Ryder in a Burger King/Tim Horton's drive-thru and running off screaming into the night would be worth the $10 per month by itself.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun idea, actually.
I...am actually OK with this
ReplyDeleteI kind of like it, do it with the U.S. title, it needs something to make it interesting. Just don't over do it, as in no matches where the title changes hands 20 times in 10 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI don't see any reason why this wouldn't work except that it might be too ingenious to handle and thus send everyone in backstage into a panic and they decide the best thing to do is scrap the idea altogether
ReplyDeleteI think this is a shit idea
ReplyDeleteSurely it should be a returning hardcore title? Just to justify the fact they're fighting at McDonald's drive thrus etc
ReplyDeleteThis is a horrible idea. Now if it happened at an Arby's or a Taco Bell, I'm listening...
ReplyDeleteFeels like an Arby's night
ReplyDeleteIs there anyway this idea can lead to Pete Gas coming back and holding a title?
ReplyDeleteNo, just do it like if you're challenged you have to defend your title, kind of like MITB only anyone can cash in on you whenever they want. I haven't quite worked out the logistics yet, but the idea is sound, or at least something different.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone even go there anymore? Everyone I know hates it, even though I like their roast beef, despite the fact that they shouldn't be legally allowed to call it "roast" or "beef".
ReplyDeleteI think a goofy hardcore title for the lower card geeks is fun.
ReplyDeleteHaving a 24 hour network would allow them to have title changes whenever too.
I like it
The brilliance of this idea is you would only need to be hungry to get a title shot
ReplyDeleteThis is a...surprisingly interesting idea.
ReplyDeleteCZW or IWA-MS should do a Kitchen Match. Believe me, there's enough shit laying around to do a pretty violent match.
ReplyDeleteRandom: That AT&T ad with Gordon Ramsay is pretty funny, and Lilly is fucking fine as hell.
ReplyDeleteI like it. I wouldn't use a current title though. And the Hardcore Title has run its course.
ReplyDeleteThat's the one question I have. Maybe the Network Title? Hrrrm. In any case, A super fun idea, I would be into it. It would never happen in a million years, which is too bad because you could film a couple months worth of title defenses in a little over an afternoon.
They should trash the stupid US title and smash it and tape it back up and put a big $9.99 sticker on it.
ReplyDeleteHave it be the US title rescued from the trash.
ReplyDeleteZack Ryder destroyed his replica United States title on an episode of his Last Rezort show.
ReplyDeleteI assume that he would have also destroyed his Internet title belt long before that.
Did you know that Stephanie used to date Joey Abs? In storyline times I mean. Not in real life. Well maybe in real life, who knows?
ReplyDeleteBut somebody would end up getting coffee poured on them, and a huge lawsuit would ensue.
ReplyDeleteHogan/Giant versus Nash/Goldberg and a lengthy Warrior segment. I attended this Nitro in Chicago back then and only remember the Warrior segment.
ReplyDeleteIf the blog starts running a little slow, it's probably because I got Scott the number one ranking for the Google search term "Lesnar Cena double turn"
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
I'm so hungry I could eat at Arby's!
ReplyDeleteThey're not gonna sink money into filming more TV starring guys who don't move the ratings needle when they're in cost-cutting mode, nor should they. Midcarders trading wins and losses over a meaningless title is not gonna boost subscriptions.
ReplyDeletethought the same... which makes it less likely to happen.
ReplyDeleteI think that's wrong. those segments alone would probably not "boost subscriptions". but a dozen of those little ideas might.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. I don't think that it should EVER be discussed on the regular programs, other than maybe a really quick mention here and there, but it would be a fun little bumper segment for the network.
ReplyDeleteI write this every time this video comes up: but who come that with so many hours of tv each week they couldn't find a place for something like this? wtf?!
ReplyDeleteIt won't boost anything, no, but things like this would just keep the network fresh and fun, and hopefully generate a positive feeling from those subscribed.
ReplyDeleteI miss the 24/7 title. It was a ridiculously fun fantasy booking tool.
ReplyDeleteExactly. They're looking for $100 ideas when four $25 ideas would help just as well.
ReplyDeletehttp://tvsportstream - Stream all sports from all around the world for FREEEEE at http://tvsportstream.com live tv sport channels live stream watch for free skysport channel
ReplyDeleteCrash Holly's run in the Hardcore Division is a personal favorite of mine. Whole lotta fun.
ReplyDeleteMmmmm, popcorn.
ReplyDeleteBut fuck your spam.
Hey you just described the Intercontinental and United States Championships.
ReplyDeleteYou can come up with 100 ideas for midcarders and Heath Slaters to take part in. It won't make a difference. The WWE has spent a good 7+ years making sure the audience knows that John Cena, the people John Cena is friends with and the people John Cena is currently feuding with are all that matter and now they're throwing a temper tantrum in the bed they made.
ReplyDeleteNow, a resurrected 24/7 title would be cool if only because it'd be different. The programs are so homogenized and squeezed dry of any feeling of spontaneity that when anything truly unique happens, it feels like watching cold fusion.
sorry men
ReplyDeleteAnd in the Attitude Era all that really mattered was what Rock & Austin were doing.
ReplyDeleteAnd in the 80s, all that mattered was what Hogan was doing.
Before that, all that mattered was Bruno.
It's ALWAYS been about the top 1-2 guys at any given time. Always. But as the Attitude era showed, the fun stuff like the hardcore division makes the overall show feel fun.
Crash Holly or Edge & Christian or Val Venis never really sold a single fucking ticket, but added together they made people enjoy WWE more, which is important.
The logic gap in the whole 24/7 rule was too much to overcome. If the title could change hands anywhere, anytime, then why even bother showing up for a sanctioned match? They theoretically can't strip you and even if they did, just blindside the next champ with a chair and pin him. It was fun for about ten minutes and then I thought it sucked. Suspend belief and all with wrestling but that was just too much.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that you had to have a WWF referee with you at the time for you to challenge for the title.
ReplyDeleteThe Brawl For All is one of my guilty pleasures. One of the dumbest ideas ever, but very fun to watch. Bart Gunn was one tough mofo.
ReplyDeleteThe top 2 guys were not ALL that mattered in the 80s and 90s. They were very important, the biggest draw, and a priority, but they were no ALL that mattered like today. Many tickets were sold for people to see Savage, Razor, LoD, New Age Outlaws and DX, Austin and Rock when they were battling over the IC strap, the Dudleys/Hardy's/Edge and Christian. The midcard was a crucial piece to the puzzle, especially during early attitude era. Maybe not as much in the 80s, but there was still a bigger emphasis put on it then compared to now.
ReplyDeleteWhy did they call him Gas as a last name? Never got that.
ReplyDeleteNeeds more lemon.
ReplyDeleteThey should have a WWE Network Championship that is only defended on Main Event/Superstars/Specials. Give it to a fairly high profile name like Ziggler or something and I think it would drum up some interest.
ReplyDeleteThey'd be we'll off dropping either the ic or us belt at this point and replacing it with something like this or a cruiserweight title. What the hell is the difference supposed to be between the two titles at this point anyway?
ReplyDeleteKind of funny how Warrior was responsible for both Raw's final winning streak before Nitro overtook it for 82 weeks, and Nitro's final winning streak as well.
ReplyDeleteScrapebox? Magic Submitter? Or something else?
ReplyDeleteStill a better poster than Abeyance.
ReplyDeleteBecause Vince Russo
ReplyDeleteThat was smart, I truly believe that was to prevent any idiot marks or psychos to beat up a wrestler at a restaurant or something. Chances are, if you're drunk and looking for a fight, there won't be many WWF refs at your disposal.
ReplyDeleteEspecially considering that comprises the entirety of his impact on the Monday Night war.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Steve Blackman reign for 2 reasons:
ReplyDelete1- It was implied that he was such a badass that nobody dared bother him with the 24/7 rule
2- It allowed him to use his cool weapon tricks in actual matches.
It's so weird to see Nitro still getting ratings wins over Raw sporadically through 1998 when arguably the most popular star ever (Austin) was at his peak in the WWF and the show quality was already just not even arguably close.
ReplyDeleteAs Vince Jordan says, that comes in an episode or two.
ReplyDeleteDiminished or not, I don't want to watch a WWE without an IC title.
ReplyDeleteWow, you're really hungry!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be woken up by my phone at 4am, because Zach Ryder is about to get blindsided by Heath Slater. Screw that important job interview in 5 hours!
ReplyDeleteI liked the 24/7 rule as a one-show thing, but the logic beyond that made it too silly. I'd settle for like the TV Title that's defended weekly.
ReplyDeleteIt IS important and the problem is that the guys playing Crash, Edge, Christian and Val aren't positioned in a way that helps people enjoy the show more.
ReplyDeleteBe honest, your own personal fandom aside, if they cut Raw to two hours and fired Ziggler, Sandow, the Usos, etc., would anyone really notice or care after a few weeks?
Because people WOULD notice and care if the Dudleys, Rikishi, Val Venis, etc. got fired in 1999.
I liked it too. Nothing you'd ever want to re-watch but at the time, it was interesting to see the wrestlers fight it out like that. I loved when Bart Gunn dropped Dr. Death.
ReplyDeleteHuman beings are creatures of habit. Some people stuck with Nitro for a long long LONG time, just because it was part of their routine.
ReplyDeleteHell yes the Blackman reign was great too. After months of the 24/7 wackiness it was cool to see him hold onto it for an extended period of time and it was the best showcase for him.
ReplyDeleteI remember one of his first Hardcore matches against Funaki, The regular garbage can full of weapons ended up in the ring, Funaki took a Kendo stick... Then Blackman took 2 sticks, and a collective light bulb flashed on the entire crowd, and they popped huge. like "holy f*ck, he's actually gonna beat up someone wtih it this time!"
ReplyDeleteI still find it confusing. After all this time it still hasn't gone anywhere.
ReplyDeleteHey, Steen is coming up... PERFECT TIMING!
ReplyDeleteI loved "Mr. McMahon" as much as the next guy, but I would much rather have this incarnation than the parody he became. He isn't making matches or ordering people to do stuff, he's still gives the wrestlers a lot of agency.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun longer than 10 minutes but they just beat it into the ground. The funniest one was a guy sneaking up on a sleeping wrestler (Briscoe?) and the ref doing a quiet 3 count.
ReplyDeletelawler whispering "Jerry brisco's the new hardcore champion..."
ReplyDeleteit's the small details man
ReplyDeleteEat here, get Gas.
ReplyDeleteI love Arbys. Their big roast beef sammiches (formerly the big Montana), Reubens, curly fries, and brisket sammiches are all great.
ReplyDeleteThe last thing I want at 1am when I'm trying to get shuteye for work is a notification from the goddamn Network.
ReplyDelete"Who needs sleep? Zack Ryder is defending the Internet title on the WWE Network for just $9.99!"
You can kiss my whole ass with that nonsense.
I totally concur on Lilly. I'd like to AT her T' s! EH?! EH?! HOW BOUT IT!!
ReplyDeleteI recall him being at a kids fun house type of place once when everyone attacked, and he escaped a bunch of people by going down a slide, then everyone attacked him in a ball pit. I thought that was hilarious.
ReplyDeleteWell...the Dudley's at the time sure. And Rikishi with Too Cool, but...Val?
ReplyDeleteLol no idea, I have never eaten there, was just doing the Seinfeld quote.
ReplyDelete"IT'S PARTY TIME!"
ReplyDeleteTV title would be cool; especially on someone like Kidd or Cesaro.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm also in the small minority that really liked it. Intrigued the shit out of me, even though some of the bouts sucked.
ReplyDeleteI remember this show well, it was REALLY entertaining. If I remember correctly, the face Mark Henry made when he was about to kiss Chyna was absolutely fucking hilarious. First shades of what became the Sexual Chocolate character.
ReplyDeleteMaybe his act was stale in 1999, but you still get the point. Russo was an awful writer, but he DID make every guy on the show contribute TO the show.
ReplyDeleteIt's the Raw after Summerslam, which was on a Saturday night due to the Open.
ReplyDeletePuny God
ReplyDeleteWhile it was great in theory, you do have a point.
ReplyDeleteI miss those days.
ReplyDeleteSomeone posted a clip of her bit appearance on House of Lies, and I was surprised how STACKED she is.
ReplyDeleteIm thinking Mickie James, brother!
ReplyDeletewell put. As much as I loved Austin and the Rock, some of the funniest bits were in the middle of the show. Val Venis vs Kaientai had me rolling, even back in the day I loved to watch Koko B Ware or even Iron Mike Sharpe. A strong midcard is good for ratings and the future of the company,
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what House of Lies is, but she's hot.
ReplyDeleteWhen are you going to review Southern States Wrestling again?
ReplyDeleteThose reviews were insanely hilarious and it exposed me to a show so hideously bad that it's now required viewing for me every week.
I mean, name one other show on the planet that heavily plugs a house show in Stickleyville, Virginia (!!!!) only to announce the very next week that the show has been canceled.
If it happened at a Taco Bell then it would have to involve Ian Rotten and I'm against anything that involves that useless slug so no buys.
ReplyDeleteI liked it since it was a change of pace. I think they rigged the last several bouts and I know guys got hurt, but it was an intriguing competition.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to know what makes you think the later rounds were rigged. I saw you allude to the finals looking rigged based on the first knockdown, so I rewatched it and while the punch that leads to Bradshaw going down was a glancing blow, he was already on his way from the previous two punches and you can see that he has no idea where he is. There's nothing in there that leads me to believe he's "selling." The second knockdown is pretty brutal.
ReplyDelete