By Me...
The "Sting-as-a-heel" experiment failed. From September 12, 99 to November the 21st of 99, a whole 70 days, Sting was the "evil" heel. However, it never became what WCW expected. Sting didn't have his heart in the angle, and neither did the fans.
However...things didn't improve once the heel-turn was over, as Sting was locked into an angle with Lex Luger for the remainder of 99. This did little to boost Sting's heat, because Luger is about as over as moldy bread.
In fact, Most of 1999 was a wasted year for Sting. Sure...he won the WCW World heavyweight Title twice, but one reign lasted a whole 90 minutes, the second came in the midst of his heel phase. He spent a lot of time with angles that were poorly developed ( His almost inexplicable mini-feud with Goldberg, which was never properly exploited. ), or went nowhere ( His feud with the Steiners and Tank Abbott. ), and angles with has-beens who only served to leech off some of Sting's heat for themselves ( Are you listening Luger? How about you Hogan? You could insert Sid here too, as Sting had to put the big man over during his 'Millennium Man' angle.).
So...1999 could easily be compared to 1998...a continuation of Sting's mishandling by WCW. All in all...it was a down year, despite his popularity, and winning the world title twice.
Like most Sting fans, I hope for better things in 2000. However, some recent WCW events have left me with a feeling of dread.
When WCW fired Eric Bischoff, put Bill Busch in charge of the company, and hired ex-WWF scripters Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara last fall, many thought it was the start of something better, others predicted it would all end in fire. However, after 3 months, WCW has ended the Russo experiment, demoting him in favor of Kevin Sullivan, who will become the head booker.
Well..how about that? "Say hello to the new boss...same as the old boss, just more predjudicial!"
Sullivan has held the WCW booking reigns once before, and was shown to be clearly predjudical against the midcard talent, pushing them so far and no farther. One of his previous booking victims was Chris Benoit, whom Sullivan attempted to bury. The move by Busch caused an avalanche of complaints and a near-revolt among the WCW roster. Four men in particular demanded that Busch reverse his descision, and place Sullivan far away from the booking chores, or else they would ask for their release. WCW tried to reason with this quartet, but Busch would not reverse his decision. So, this group stuck by their guns as well and asked for their releases. Now, WCW has lost the services of Dean Malenko, Eddie Geurrero, Perry Saturn, and Chris Benoit, all because Busch was convinced that Kevin Sullivan would be a good choice as booker. What's more the move left certain big talents, such as Bill Goldberg, rather disgruntled, despite the fact that many performers didn't care for the WWF'esque angles they were immersed in.
But, the bad news doesn't stop there. An ugly, unconfirmed rumor has surfaced since the booking shift, stating that WCW is developing a "hit list" of sorts. This is reportedly a list of wresters whom WCW exects feel are overpaid. And the rumor states that WCW management may seek to convince these performers to accept a release from their contracts. Who's on this list? Reportedly the targeted wrestlers include Lex Luger, Buff Bagwell, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Bret Hart and Sting. Why you ask? The rumor claims that WCW feels these performers complain too much, are paid too much, and give very little back in return.
Well..if you ask me, including Sting on this list is nothing but horsecrap. Sting has stayed with the company through thick and thin, and was the driving force behind the Sting vs the nWo angle that made WCW so popular in 1996-97. What's more, his merchandise sales have long been in the company's top 3. While I can't argue the same for the others on the list, Sting tyically gripes only when he has a real reason to, and believe me, WCW has given him sufficient reason in the past 2 and 1/2 years!
However, since this rumor surfaced late last month, very litle else has been said about it, which leads me to believe that its nothing more than a rumor. For one, such a move against Sting and Hart would be irrational considering their popularity and respected status within the federation. Secondly, trying to force someone into a contract release is illegal, and if WCW persisted in such a course, they could face serious legal ramifications.
Regardless, WCW faces huge difficulties in the year ahead. The ratings are slipping to dangerous levels, and rumors indicate that WCW may relenquish Monday nights by making Thunder their premiere show, and reducing the importance of NITRO. That could be a smart move, and a step in the right direction. Another smart move would be the insertion of a president who understands the business, a mold which Bill Busch clearly does not fit. Also...it is well-known that Kevin Sullivan was a highly predjudicial failure in his previous stint as a WCW booker, and allowing him to head up the booking again would be idiocy. The removal of Sullivan and the promotion of Terry Taylor, and also Vince Russo in the committee would be another step in the right direction.
You can bet that I'll be keeping my eye on this situation as the weeks ahead unfold...a passage of time which could determine whether or not WCW begins an upswing, or instead a precipitous plunge towards possible self-destruction.
February 11th, 2000
Sting sacrificed at the altar of the Orange Ego...
By Rev. Rob...
VKM has dead on when he said the traditional all good against
all evil dichotomy was overly simplistic and woefully outdated.
This attempt by WCW to paint Sting as the face of evil is beyond
brain dead. Only the densest of marks believe the world is
black & white, and I suppose those will be the only ones left to
fill the empty arenas and order the horrid PPV's. We all thought
Bischoff was the cancer at the heart of WCW. We guessed wrong.
It's Hogan (followed closely by Jason Harvey of course). Until
WCW rids itself of Hogan WCW won't be worth watching.
It's hard to fathom how three quarters of WCW's top babyfaces
wound up being 40+, washed up, has-beens from another era.
Sure, Flair can still rock the mic, and Hart might be able to carry
some lesser stiffs, but why should the marks cheer for three
geezers who've turned three dozen times already just in the past
calendar year? What a brilliant marketing stroke for t-shirt sales
in turning Sting heel. Good luck trying to sell Sting masks and
shirts to little kids who actually listen to Tony Skevone.
Aside from Goldberg, what reason do marks and the rest of us
have to watch WCW? Sting was the only constant in WCW for
over a decade. Chaos and anarchy, short term shock value ad-
hoc booking, and utter mayhem can never replace coherent
and logical storylines. You have to give the fans a reason to
care, and now exactly what is WCW giving the fans to care about?
Three over the hill legends well past their prime, and a green
monster waiting in the wings for the old guard to retire.
There are two axioms in advertising that WCW fails to grasp.
Youth sells. Just look at the WWF. Vince was wise enough
to realize this when he replaced Bret Hart with younger, cheaper,
talent such as SCSA and The Rock. Sting in many ways still
presents that youthful appeal to many fans, so naturally that's why
Hogan wanted to diminish his fan base.
Give the fans want they want. WCW has never learned this no-brainer. Put an end
to the screw down main events, put an end to sudden turns that
reek of ratings desperation, and clean out the barn by cutting
lose all the dead weight at the top no one cares about. It is
high time guys like Hogan, Luger, Steiner, Nash, and the 10,001
jobbers Jimmy Hart manages, to get their walking papers. WCW
will not be well until they stop trying to force feed us Hogan at all
costs.
====
Rev. Rob - 40% pure, 72% on-topic, slightly lactose intolerant
From September 14th
Sting sacrificed at the altar of the Orange Ego: Part 2
From: MattieG@softhome.net (Martha Galban) In response to the above article.
One of the reasons I liked the WCW so much for so long was Sting. Sting was like Steamboat - the archtypical babyface.
I marked SO HARD for the "Crow" Sting angle, because it seemed, at first, like a legitimate attempt to lift the childhood "face/heel" dichotomy into adulthood - he was tired, he was disillusioned, he was angry, and he wanted vengeance. I had SUCH high hopes for that angle. I sat through each stupid swerve and defeat, believing that the angle would culminate in a total massacre and triumph for Stinger, and for all his fans: and those fans of the dramatic side of pro-wrestling, for whom a great angle is every bit as important as "workrate," or "ring psychology."
When he joined the nWo, NOTHING could have been more disappointing. I began to hate marking out. And why else should a grown woman watch wrestling, if not to be given a chance to feel like a child, again? The inmates were running the asylum. Continuity and closure were gone, seemingly for good, now...
I guess what I'm trying to figure out is *EXACTLY HOW THAT OLD F***ING S**T BUCKET HOGAN CAN POSSIBLY THINK THAT TURNING sting, poor, sweet, franchise, "i'll put anyone/everyone over" sting, AGAINST *HIM* COULD MAKE STING A HEEL?!?*
Hogan, here's a clue: trying to turn "face" by having Sting turn against you is NOT GOING TO GET YOU OVER AGAIN. NOTHING, other than your retirement, of course, will.
I hate Hogan so much right now. I hate Sting for staying with the franchise that has bent him over in so many angles the past few years, who pushed all the aging WWF *SUPERSTARS* over him in some megalomaniacal attempt to put VKM out of business, for not giving Bischoff & Co. the Austin two-finger salute and walking. Go run your gym and raise your kids, you gorgeous man. F*** wrestling and the WCW.
I hate being a mark, too. Because dumb shit like this matters.
I feel SO F***ING BAD when I attempt to watch the WCW now. I am greedy - I want lots of good wrestling. I have good memories of the NWA and the WCW. Their decline is so very depressing...
Try this: watch Knobbs in his "this s*** was lame 10 years ago" neon Big Eighties outfit trying to get heat, and then switch over to the WWF and watch the Hardys fly around the ring and absolutely take your breath away with their recklessness and talent.
It is to weep...
From September 16th
NITRO? Looked more like Thunder to me...
WCW is not convincing me to stick with them... not in the least.
Last night's edition of NITRO painfully cememted my increasingly negative opinions about the promotion. They had before them a great opportunity to strike a volley towards re-establishing themselves as the #1 promotion in pro-wrestling. With RAW being pre-empted on the USA Network till 11pm EST due to tennis coverage, NITRO was given not the usual unopposed first-hour, but instead 3 whole hours free of the WWF.
Unfortunately WCW fumbled the ball.
So...what exactly did they do wrong? Well...a lot of things. Lets take a look at them.
1). Lackluster matches:
We got a Lash LeRoux vs. Scotty Riggs matchup. Why? This is WCWSN material, or Thunder material at best ... not really fit for NITRO's current scheme if you ask me. Vampiro and crew arrive to make it interesting...but it just falls flat. Next came a decent Match. Kaz Hayashi vs. Lodi w/Lenny Lane. Now...putting the belt on Lane was genius if you ask me. But, Lodi vs. Hayashi? What about other cruisers? Wouldn't this match have been much better using Psicosis instead? How about Juvi? Chavo? Disco would have been well-used here...but they saved him to be jobbed out to Ric Steiner (more on that later). Instead, they use Kaz...and the match is sloppy, and a bit boring. Boring is exactly what you don't want when you have a chance to gain an audience. Hell...even a Sid match would have been welcome...but they used him only for a run-in. So...WCW blows it with this one.
They do it again a bit later...offering up Kenny Kaos and Prince Iaukea vs. The Windhams w/Hennig. Okay... Why is Prince "couldnt draw heat if he were on fire" Iaukea out there with Kaos? Ick!!! At this point, I'm willing to bet good money that people are switching away in droves, despite the fact RAW isn't on. Kendall beats down Iaukea and then pins him. This brings out Harlem Heat and they end up getting a beatdown at the hands of the rednecks. Wouldn't a match with Harlem Heat have been a better idea? Oh wait...I'm SURE that WCW knows what they are doing *smirk*.
2). Great matchups given little time:
We got La Parka and Blitzkrieg vs. Rey Misterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero. This was more like it! Vamp and the ICP come out and watch, but don't interfere ( Sid!!! You watching this??? ). However...the match ends at around 5 minutes! 5 minutes??? For the above matchup??? This was easily a 10-15 minute match at least...and they end it in 5. So, instead of showing a great matchup like this one, we get more tripe in its place.
3). Run-Ins:
Sid. Let me say this again. Sid. Right now he is the chief offender. When NITRO started on August 30th, the first match was ready. A match between Regal/Taylor vs DisOrderly Conduct isn't exactly winning material...but it was surely workable. However...this match was just fodder for a now-patented Sid run in.
Doesn't WCW get it? This isn't building real "heel-heat" for Sid... instead its confusing people, and pissing them off. They didn't even know whether to boo Sid or cheer him on Monday. People are getting frustrated and angry over it and it isn't the old "someone should stop this monster...how dare he act this way". Instead, the result is "My God this is getting old really fast! How dare WCW keep interrupting matches this way!".
I would have thought that when the crowd sent a tremendous rain of trash down on the ring 3 weeks ago after a Ric Steiner run-in ruined the outcome of the Hogan/Sid matchup that WCW would think "hey...maybe the screwjob finishes are annoying". But no...they didn't. Now, to give WCW credit, Sid interefered only once...which is better than 3 times by far. However...Vampiro and the ICP interfered in 2 matches. The way they did it wasn't as annoying though...and it was some angle development.
4). Poorly executed angles:
This is where WCW is one of the worst offenders. Let's start with Lex Luger. Lex came out early on, and badmouthed Hogan. While this dragged on a bit, this wasn't bad...looked like some real angle development. Luger was booed heavily, which both disgusted me and delighted me (On the bad side...are they booing Luger on behalf of Hogan? Why? They should know that Hogan's character is untrustworthy after years of nWo madness...or do only the "smarts" remember? On the good side...unlike the WCW annoncers ... *cough* Schivone *cough* ) ..., mayhap the crowd remembers that Luger is wishy-washy, and they are just booing him because he reeks of yet another heel-turn.). Then later, after a disheveled Luger interrupts Mean Gene and leaves, Luger returns once more, and calls Sting in. He shows Sting and everybody else his proof of Hogan's perfidity. He has a photo of Hogan standing next to a white hummer. It is, suposedly, the same white hummer that rammed Kevin Nash's limo back in June. Sing doesn't quite know what to make of it, and Hogan comes down to ringside. This starts an argument between the 3 men as Hogan swears to Sting that he wasn't the mysterious hummer driver, and Sting counters by saying "how many times have you stabbed me in the back already?". Just to make matters even more muddled, DDP comes ringside during the commotion, slugs Hogan in the back of the head, and then leaves.
Now...this angle with the Hummer driver has been dragged on, dropped, reborn, then dropped again many times over since June. Bischoff swore at the time that he thought a woman was driving it, which lends credance to rumors that WCW was planning on getting Dennis Rodman's ex-wife, Carmen Electra, to emerge as the driver. However, WCW deverted everyone's attention away from Bischoff's statements by introducing possible suspects in the form of Sid, Sting, the bougs Sting, and someone Savage referred to as "The Baddest Man on the Planet". Not only was that confusing and annoying, but the mysterious hummer went from white, to black, and now its white again.
The word/condition aneurysm comes to mind when considering all of this. This is where continuity comes in. You need someone to keep basic continuity from show to show and angle to angle, and keep it reasonably straight and logical. However, WCW's "on the fly booking" style is a poison to continuity.
A bit Later, Hogan calls out Goldberg, and issues a challange to Page and the Triad. He offers up He and Goldberg vs. the Triad, which DDP accepts. After the end of the match, Sting is roaming the halls in the back wondering where Hogan is. He shoves past a Security guard and opens the door of Hogan's dressing room to find Randy Savage and Gorgeous George inside. When this happens, Tony yells "Maybe Luger was right!" as a shocked Sting evidently comes to the same conclusion.
Now... an aside here. This bit made Sting look like an idiot, as everyone else knew that Hogan was involved in the main event. Why not an extra statement here by Sting stating that he'd been hashing things out with Luger somewhere else? Or instead of asking where Hogan was he could state that he wanted to wait for him in the dressing room. This is where actual writers come in handy. I'm hearing rumors that WCW is bringing a storyline writer in, and I hope that is actually the case.
5). Undeserved/poor pushes:
Once again...a name comes to mind, and that name is Sid. Sid's current push blows. If they wish to build Sid as a credible threat to Goldberg, how about some real matches? They did this with Brian Clark (Wrath), and could have done this with Sid. Just one big problem though... Sid's in ring skills, which just dont exist anymore. All of his moves are typical brawler moves, executed with no speed or particular skill. He's slow as molasses, sells horribly, and drones on and on when given the stick. As BKrell said on rec.sport.pro-wrestling.moderated:
"But it makes no sense at all....I mean, WCW can't even attempt to explain why run-ins are counted as wins for Sid, its such a damn stupid idea. And on the same topic, why the hell is Charles Robinson being a lackey for Sid one minute, and being a ref the next, and none of WCW's braindead announcers bothers to even bring it up, much less explain the apparent conflict of intrest. I mean,helllloooo....does WCW even try to book coherent angles anymore?"
Sid's current push is poison IMHO. And...its about to get worse. The announcers mentioned that when Goldberg hit 75 and 0 ( Sid 75 and 0...yeah right. He's racking up house show losses faster than you can say "bullsh*t" ), he gained the US Title Belt. Now there is a match between Sid and Benoit scheduled for Fall Brawl.
WCW finally did something right when they gave the US Belt to Benoit, who has long deserved such a singles title. Now they are probably go and give the belt to Sid. Great...just great. Destroy a great push in favor of a crap push.
Speaking of crap pushes, the name Ric Steiner comes to the fore. Why is he the TV champ? He is horrible in the ring...far worse than Sid. I don't know if Ric is lazy, or if his skills have just deteriorated that far, as he was once quite skilled. Now he is almost unwatchable, and his mic skills are as bad as they ever were. On Monday, they used him to totally squash Disco Inferno, which was just unforgivable IMHO. Disco got in no offense against the DFG, but yet he once got in considerable offense against Bam Bam Bigelow several months ago. But no, they let Disco get squashed instead. WCW needs to get that belt off of Steiner and around the waist of someone who can put on a show, like Eddie Guerrero, Disco, or Saturn.
Speaking of Saturn... the Revolution is an example of a poor push. Seriously, I like all of these guys (although Douglas needs to get his act together...he seems to be a mere shadow of his ECW self.), but something just isn't clicking here. On WCW Live, someone ( Bob Ryder? ) mentioned that all of these guys were just too similar, and I agree. As it stands, these guys are getting almost NO heat. Something needs to be done to spice this angle, and stable, up a bit.
6). Miscellaneous Flotsam:
Was it just me, or did Belyn (Alex Wright) ramble on in some of the most slurred, worst German I have ever heard? I also thought his segment droned on too long, and what was the deal with the lighting? However, his push may just get interesting. I agree with one of the "WCW Live" callers who stated that his interpereter needs a German accent. That would give the angle and extra something it needs.
So...where do I go with all of this? I have no idea. I do know, however, that WCW isn't entertaining like I feel they should be. They have the talent...if they would learn to keep the egos in check...and can certainly put on good shows. Unfortunately, they are not.
In my article on How to fix WCW, I laid out ways that I think WCW could improve its product. I still stand by all that. I think in my next article I shall discuss who should go, and why, and who should remain and why. Watch for that one in a few days.
From September 1st
Despite some positive signs, WCW still has a ways to go...
Hello all.
Well, recently there was a change in the WCW status quo. It appears Kevin Nash is no longer operating as WCW head-booker. That job has shifted to Dusty Rhodes.
However...despite some positive signs ( Benoit as US Champ, New activity in the cruiserweight division.) WCW is still screwing up in major areas. Particularly where Sting is concerned.
Take a look at Sting's record in PPV matches since his return to action...
- Spring Stampede 99 - 4 corners match between Sting, Ric Flair, Hollywood Hogan, and DDP: Sting Looses
- Slamboree 99 - Sting vs. Goldberg: Bret Hart Interferes, No contest
- Great American Bash 99 - Sting vs. Rick Steiner: Sting attacked by Tank Abbott, and a pack of Dogs, No Contest
- Bash at the Beach 99 - Sting and Nash vs. Savage and Sid: Savage's ho train interferes, Sting and Nash loose
- Road Wild 99 - Sting vs. Sid: Sting looses
See a trend?
I do...an ugly trend.
It could be argued that Sting, at this point in his career , should start putting over younger talent. However, he's the top babyface, and none of the younger talent except for Goldberg is really in contention for the heavyweight belt. Besides, Sting, unlike some of WCW's geriatric brigade, can still deliver in the ring.
However... there is something that certainly cannot be denied, and that is in now way should one of the top 2 faces in WCW be putting over Hogan, or Savage, or even Sid.
I can almost see Sid going over Sting cleanly, provided that Sting eventually gets a clean win over Sid in return. However, for Sid to beat Sting following the aftermath of an offensive flurry from the Stinger ( including avalances, a superplex, and two Stinger splashes ), well that's just asinine. A man who can beat Paul Wight can take out Sid Viscious any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Speaking of Sid...70 and 0 my pale butt! He's lost time and again since his return at WCW house shows. This 'millenium man' shtick is ridiculous. WCW knew outright that Chris Jericho was going to use that handle in the WWF, and they used it on air before Jericho could. How sad and pathetic must WCW's brain-trust be if they have to steal from McMahon's company. More evidence of WCW's stupid booking is present in Sid's current push, as he has now ruined several great matches by coming out and powerbombing the performers. This not only frustrates the smarts, but it pisses the regular fans off as well.
But, I digress...I'm drifting a bit.
Anyway, it should be this simple... if your performance is degenerating sharply and you've had your time on top, then its time to start downgrading your career and start putting over those who deserve it. If you have paid your dues, have talent, and get real heat from the fans (face or heel), then you should be rewarded. However, in WCW it doesn't work that way. The company has no clear leadership, focus, or vision for the future. Right now, the company is Terry 'Hulk Hogan' Bollea's toy. And right now, he's using the company to inflate his already gigantic ego. As someone recently said, "there's nothing sadder than someone who doesn't know when its time to let go"
That statement definately applies to Hogan.
Last week, the match between Sid and Hogan was ruined by a typical 'dusty finish'. And by goodness did the fans respond! They threw a tremendous amound of trash into the ring. I don't think I've seen the fans toss that much garbage since Hogan first turned heel and formed the nWo.
That should have been a wake-up call to Rhodes and the booking comittee. However it obviously wasn't, as yet another screwjob ruined a fairly decent match between Sting and Hogan on tonight's ( 8-23 ) NITRO. Unfortunately, the fans didn't send a rain of trash on the ring like they should have...I guess the Las Vegas crowd is a classier bunch *snicker*. After the match, Hogan promised Sting another title shot.
How will that one end? Will Hogan flex his ego again and get a win over Sting? A win he does not deserve? I believe he will.
A few weeks ago, Hogan openly stated on 'WCW Live' that he knew his time as a Pro-Wrestler was coming to a close, and that it was time for Savage, Flair and himself to start putting over the younger talent.
Was he sincere? Only time will tell. If he gets a win vs. Sting, or we see another 'dusty finish', then we will see that Hogan was merely playing the smarts some lip-service. I myself don't trust Hogan one iota...and neither should you. He's screwed Sting over several times before (most notably at Starrcade 1997), and will lilkely do so again.
Anything else from Hogan...well, I'll have to see to believe.
From August 23rd
How to fix WCW
Right now, there is a lot wrong with WCW. And its been building for a long time. What exactly is wrong? Well...a lot of it is opinion, but here is a sampling...
Ratings have been steadily dropping for months.
As of last Monday, the head to head matchup composite for RAW was 6.68 to NITRO's 3.05. Ick. Thunder has also suffered as well, getting the lowest ratings in the history of the program over the past 2 months.
Inconsistent storylines.
Hey...lets bring back the Horsemen! Then, let's bury them in favor of the NWO. That'll be cool! How about a first blood match ending in a pinfall? Lets bring in the Warrior, have him build himself as unstoppable, then job to Hogan and vanish without a trace! How about tasteless angles involving Scott Hall's drunkeness? Or, how about unleashing a pack of Dogs on Sting backstage at the Great American Bash?
The last one was particularly disturbing, especially the way in which they decided to cut "away from the cameras" backstage...it brought forth reminders of the tragic accident that claimed the life of Owen Hart several weeks ago.
This is mostly the fault of the bookers. Who are they? None other than Dusty Rhodes, Kevin Nash, DDP and Mike Tenay. Nash is tolerable, but refuses to push certain people. Dusty Rhodes is known to be overly enamored with screwjob endings. As for DDP and Tenay...I'm unsure of their leanings.
Sudden, multiple shifts in alliegances with little or no explanation.
Examples: Bret Hart's multiple face/heel turns. Kanyon was a heel as Mortis, then as Kanyon. He then became a face aligned against Raven, then flipped and joined Raven again. Then, he and Raven became faces again. Now he's had a heel turn again, aligning himself against Raven and Saturn. Leads you to say "Huh?"
Keeping dead weight on an already overloaded roster.
This is also mostly opinion...but the chief offenders in this area are:
Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Brian Adams, Vincent, Randy Savage, Rick Steiner, Barbarian, and Ed Leslie.
There are others that are on the bubble between being deadweight and servicable ( Like Hall and Nash. Lex Luger, Meng, Barry Windham, Curt Henning, etc. ). However, the above should be let go, or kept out as active wrestlers. Hogan, Piper and Savage need be put to pasture, used only as managers or commentators. They should cease active wrestling completely.
Ric Flair is also approaching that status, but he can still put together a decent match.
Older Wrestlers being pushed ahead of more talented, younger wrestlers.
This has been a major problem ever since Hogan and his cronies came aboard. Hogan has constantly been pushed over younger, more talented, and arguably more popular wrestlers ( Like Sting at Starrcade 97 ). Now that trend is repeating itself with Randy Savage, who would be totally irrelevant without his trio of busty beauties. Savage has recently been put over Konnan, Buff Bagwell, and Disco Inferno. Other offenders include Curt Henning, Barry Windham, and Vincent. Roddy Piper has also had time given to him that would better be served enhancing the push of younger talent. However, Piper hasn't shown himself to be unwilling to push younger talent himself. A person who is part of the solution is Ric Flair, who has consistently shown that he will push younger talent ahead of himself, and is respected backstange for it.
The value of various belts has declined rapidly.
Recent events have devalued most of WCW's title belts. After a brief renaissance, the tag team situation is starting to get a tad muddled. However, the injury to Raven is partly responsible for that. The US belt is currently round the waist of the injured Scott Steiner. The TV title is wasted on Rick Steiner, who not only has no mic talent at all, but who has lost most of his in-ring talent to age. He doesn't deserve any of the belts, especially not the TV Title that carries with it the stipulation that the holder appear on all 3 weekly TV broadcasts. The cruiserweight belt has been lost by the wayside somewhere. What happened to that superb batch of Luchadores? They are too busy fighting Harcore Lucha Libre' matches to worry about it I suppose. Last, and most importantly...the World Heavyweight title has went from wearer to wearer since Starrcade. From Goldberg, to Nash, to an undeserving Hogan, to Flair, to DDP, to Sting (for a whole 90 minutes!), back to DDP and then back to Nash.
Way to maintain the value and integrity of the World Title WCW.
Injuries to key performers.
The list is long. Goldberg is recovering from Knee surgery, as is Hogan along with Booker T. Raven is recovering from a torn rotator cuff. Wrath is still weeks away from his return. Bret Hart is recovering from surgery, and the tragic death of his brother Owen. Scott Steiner is also on the shelf due to back woes, and there is uncertainty as to when he may return to the ring.
Now...there is little you can do as far as injuries go, but the rest of it is fixable. And, you use real solutions...not Rap DJ's.
How do you fix whats wrong? Lets address these problems one at a time.
- Don't put a belt on someone because you think its their turn. Put it around the waist of someone who has real heat.
Watch audience reaction and pay attention to those who get the best face and heel heat. Those guys are your belt holders. Also, weigh in the amount of workrate these guys will put into their reign. Who should be in the running for belts in WCW if you use those criteria? The faces in that list would likely include:
Bill Goldberg, Sting, Booker T, Chris Benoit, Raven, Buff Bagwell, and Billy Kidman. I'd include Chris Jericho, but he is likely WWF bound.
- Start giving less TV and PPV time to the old guard. Give it to the new guys.
Start reducing the roles of the ones who's careers have peaked. You know who I'm talking about.
Then, start pushing the younger guys. Like Goldberg, Sting (although he is 40. He still gets major pops, and can still deliver in the ring.), Chris Benoit, Buff Bagwell, Booker T, Wrath (If ya end the jobber squashes.), Raven, Kanyon, Billy Kidman, Blitzkreig, Scott Steiner ( if you can control him. Much as I hate him, he gets huge heel heat.), and a few select others.
You have to build for the future...and using the above workers will ensure a bright one. Sting and Goldberg only have a few years left (Goldberg says he doesn't see himself in wrestling past the age of 37. He's 33 or 34 right now. Sting is 40.), and they can pass the torch to the new guard.
- Get rid of the dead weight!
The guys I listed above? Get rid of 'em, or at least get them out of the ring.
- Face/heel turns should make sense.
This is basic, and its plain good-sense. If someone turns heel, then for God's sake lets see a concrete reason. Same for face turns. Bad guy has a change of heart? Why should we trust him?
WCW should hire honest-to-gosh writers for this stuff. It would then be more believable, and far more coherent and consistent from week to week.
- Storylines should make sense too!
This goes hand-in-hand with the above. Hire writers to make this stuff up. Also, NO ACTIVE WRESTERS AS BOOKERS. This what WWF does, and most of the time it works better than WCW's stance. In fact, bring in new people as bookers, be they ex-wrestlers or whatever. Just make sure they work alongside the writers, and not against them.
It need not be Shakespeare, but it could be a lot better.
- The above will help the ratings.
You start putting the above suggestions into action, and the ratings will climb. But, there is more that can be done. First off, RE-SIGN CHRIS JERICHO! Whatever he wants, give it to him! He's worth the money. The guy has talent in spades, and should be re-signed and pushed to the moon. He's the future of wrestling, wether it be in WCW or the WWF. Unfortunately it looks like WCW is about to drop the ball where the "Lionheart" is concerned.
Another thing that could be done concerns Bret Hart. Its possible he may retire in the face of his brother's tragic death. However, if he does return, WCW should push him while they can. He's a big asset if used properly. Find Bret a role and stick to it. The Hitman deserves no less, no matter what Kevin Nash thinks.
Well that's it for this latest rant. Now its up to WCW to start thinking more, and doing things on a whim a lot less. If some real thought is put behind the business, it can reach the heights it enjoyed over a year ago.
Remember to think about the future and build towards it. The future is only a second away.
(From June 16th)
Screwjob 101...
You know, I'm starting to wonder if some of the WCW bigwigs have regular brainstorm sessions designed to create exciting new ways in which to screw Sting over.
I was convinced of this possible scenario wne watching NITRO last Monday evening (4-26-99).
I got to watch Sting win the WCW World Belt ( YAY!! ), and then, later, I got to watch him loose the Belt ( BOO! HISS! )
Thanks a bunch WCW
What's really sad about this, is the fear I have that this is Sting's title reign for the year. He was asked on his recent QVC appearance when he would next hold the strap, and he told the fans he would win it again this year. Well...unless they ( WCW ) decide he should hold it again this year, then that 90-minute reign was it.
Asinine.
While I'll openly admit I am biased where Sting is involved, I'm also a bit objective. These brief title reigns do little to help WCW in any way. All they do is devalue the World Heavyweight Belt, as they would ANY belt. Also...the fans usually dissapprove of such antics. There was no sense or satisfaction involved in Sting gaining the belt, only to loose it again 90 minutes later...a move which created the shortest World Title reign in WCW history. If you are going to do that, you might as well have not given the belt to him in the first place. All it does is further the rep Sting has as an inneffectual title-holder.
Hopefully, something can be salvaged from this mess. Its pretty much a given that Nash ( WCW's head booker btw ) will claim the belt at Slamboree. Perhaps this could culminate in an eventual Sting/Nash fued. However, it may be unlikely as Nash is slowly going over as a babyface again.
Anyway...all I know is that WCW needs a legitimate title holder, and Sting is long overdue. DDP is a booker, and he has the belt. Nash is the head booker and he is going to get the belt. Goldberg had the belt for quite a while and shouldn't get the World title back for a while IMHO. Flair had his shot and isn't a truly legitimate champ at his age.
WCW needs Sting as champ.
And not an inneffectual, short-time strap holder. He needs a legitimate reign of at least a couple months in length, with real title defenses against real contenders.
Remember...Sting is probably the second most popular guy in WCW ( Behind Goldberg ), and he pushes merchandise through the roof. The math is quite simple...
Sting + World Belt + Legit defenses = positive results for WCW.
Keep that in mind big Kev...
Special Article
A short time ago, I completed a special article dealing with one of the most confounding and disgusting events in modern Pro Wrestling history.
It doesn't deal with a death or an accident...instead it deals with one man's ego, and the follout following what was to be "The Match of the Century".
I'm talking about Sting vs. Hogan...I'm talking about Starrcade 1997.
From April 11th
What's next for the Stinger?
Well...now that Flair should be off of the Stinger's list for the time being, what's next for Sting?
Could it be DDP? Sting wants a shot at the belt. Could it be Kevin Nash? Sting may want revenge for his turncoat behavior. How about Lex Luger? What he did was even worse than the actions of the untrustworthy Nash. Then there's also such miscreants as Scott Steiner to worry about.
Lots of people to lay out...and too little time.
Sting has more heat now, thatks to his strong showing in the main event at Spring Stampede, and his victory over old nemesis, Ric Flair, on Monday Nitro the following night.
If I were WCW, I'd get Sting into the mix against Big Poppa Pump in short order, and get that US belt around Sting's waist as soon as possible.
But thats just me.
Sting actually needs to be in the world title picture as soon as possible, and by his own words he's in the hunt. DDP will likely keep the belt until his match against Kevin Nash at Slamboree. Could be a good time for Sting to challenge "Big Sexy". The next PPV would look awfully nice with a Sting vs Nash match heading up the list.
Who knows if that's what will happen...however I think it would be a great idea. It would give Sting about 2 months or so to build more heat. And Nash deserves a longer title reign himself.
You can bet I'll be watching to see what develops!
From April 11th
Will Sting win tonight? Should sting win tonight?
I believe the answer to be no on on the first count, and perhaps not on the second.
Now before all you fellow Sting fans call for my head, hear me out.
Sting has just come back from a long absence...an absence of over 5 months. Sting still has heat because of who he is, but he has been totally outside of the big WCW picture since October.
Now, he's back, and suddenly he's competeing for the big prize once again. By his own admission on the QVC special, Sting is indeed due a title reign in 1999. But should he win it now, when he's back with no clear affiliation or motivation?
I think that a little more time should be devoted to generating heat for the Stinger before he wraps the gold around his waist yet again. Sure, he gets the pops now, but he could be even more popular.
Say Flair pulls something dirty on the Stinger and holds on to the belt at the end of the evening...thus igniting the old feud between them. Then, you have a chance to build some heat for Sting as the challenger for an upcoming rematch...preferably at the next pay-per-view. I think this scenario could build some real heat for Sting, and could produce a longer title reign assuming he wins the rematch ( which he should. ).
However...if he wins tonight I won't be dissapointed at all, on the contrary, I'll be very pleased. I just think he needs to simmer for a while before regaining the strap. Otherwise, we Sting fans may end up disappointed by another short reign as champion.
From April 11th
I don't have a whole lot of commentary other than some kudos to WCW for putting forth an entertaining, coherent show on Moday night.
Sting's appearance was worth the wait, and its nice to see a slightly different look. Gone is the black leather overcoat, replaced by a longer one, made of a soft fabric, replete with some metal buckles and a white scorpion adorning the back.
He's also cut his hair a bit shorter as well. Looks good...and he looks ready for Sunday's big match, despite the fact that he hasn't wrestled a TV match since October. This is beacuse he's been wrestling in WCW house shows regularly since January.
One thing though. And that's Hogan.
He's spent some time and energy returning to the ranks of the babyfaces. Though that hasn't happened completely yet as he still commands the nWo, its coming. The events on Monday will likely lead to Kevin Nash turning on Hogan, and probably ousting him from the nWo.
Hogan did a lot of no-selling on Monday night, particularly when Ric Flair's offense was concerned. This is nothing new, as he rarely sells anything Flair does.
If he starts no-selling Sting's offense on Sunday, I'm gonna go ballistic.
Hogan isn't a babyface yet, and next to Goldberg, Sting is the most over face in WCW right now. Not to mention the fact that Hogan has been pushing his orange behind like a babyface for months, despite behing a heel. He ruined Sting's push last year, and then defended it by stating that Sting was getting "no heat".
I wont go into the debacle at Starrcade '97...its well-documented. However, Hogan has long pushed his own undeserving carcass over younger, superior talent.
WCW better not start making the same mistake where Hogan is concerened, and its about time for the Orange Goblin's last hurrah as an active wrestler.
'Nuff said.
From April 6th
Well, Sting recently had a chat with Jim Ross that appears on WCW.com, and in it he reveals some interesting information about his personal...spiritual...life.
Let's just say its not what I expected.
Recently, Sting spoke out about his status, and portions of his comments are covered in an edition of the Ross Report.
Over the course of his career, Sting has worn many different guises, and several different attitudes. His character has be figuratively "reborn" several times.
Now the real Sting, Steve Borden, has announced that he has accepted Christ, and is a Born-Again Christian.
I have no reason to doubt Mr. Borden, as he has always been great with his fans. All I can say is that I applaud Mr. Borden. In this day and age its hard to be a moral person in an increasingly immoral world.
My favorite basketball player, Mark Price, recently retired from the NBA. He also is a Christian, and very well-respected. He never used his Christianity as a crutch, or his public status as a "bully-pulpit" to become preachy. Instead, he was known by his works...and if anyone asked about his faith, he was always open and honest about it.
Although there are many differences between pro-wrestling and pro-basketball ( especially since pro-ball is an actual sport. ), but there are similarities. One...you are a public figure, and that breeds fans...fans breed groupies. Mark Price was very stern about his opinion about groupies. When a girl would say something to him, he'd smile...be polite, but would never play with fire...never invite temptation. He'd then call his wife up and tell her about it, and they would sort of laugh about the comments made.
Basketball can also get quite violent. There are fights, and occasionally injuries occur because of it. Mark Price never ceased to defend himself if someone was too rough...even if that person was a foot taller ( which wasn't rare considering that Price is only 6 feet tall. ). Just because one has accepted Christ doesn't mean that person is a wimp. He also never seemed to hold a grudge against anyone over any arguments...after all, things get heated on the hardwood.
Most of all, his faith had no negative bearing on Price's perfomance. Why would it? In fact, his faith was of prime importance to him during the stretches where he was injured, or on long road-trips away from his family. Price was a prime-time player. He left the NBA as the best free-throw shooter in league history, and is one of its best 3-point bombers.
Sting can also benifit from his faith as well...its just a matter of how to apply it.
He's made it clear that he doesn't wish to become preachy. He doesn't wish to become "father Sting". It should be quite interesting to see what Mr. Borden comes up with.
From March 29th
What's Next?
Yet again, I would like to thank all the faithful Crow fans out there who have
responded to me on the issue of Sting. Seems most of you were not upset over
his Crowlike guise. Only a handful of those who responded were upset over it.
My opinion? Well...imitation _is_ the sincerest form of flattery. To me its an
example of how prevalent Crow lore is becoming in our society, which is both
good and bad.
Now, Sting's guise has shifted away from the crowlike look with the replacement
of the white in his facepaint with NWO Wolfpac red. Sting is also speaking,
which is something he rarely did when in his vengeance mode...and is starting
to more closely resemble the Sting of old: The Stinger the late 80's and early
90's when he was a buzz-cut bleached blonde with minimal facepaint, and a
popular WCW (Originally the NWA) figure of iconic proportions. To many Sting
fans, this move may eventually culminate in a Sting which even more closely
resembles his old self. Only time will tell.
I for one don't mind his current look ( although the vandyke beard is unusual
), and hope to see him keep his dark guise for a while longer. If you would
like to know more about Sting, check out his Bio, and take a gander at the
pictures page. Keep watching, for I shall soon post Sting's full wrestling
history!
from January
