Perhaps "ruined" isn't the proper word to use, but on at least a miniscule level they have. Most of them weren't even really "the first", with them being regularly used story arcs and scenarios that simply turned into greatness based on the performers, the era, etc. None the less, here they are...
The Rockers Split-Up:
Even back then, it wasn't very rare for a tag-team to break-up, have their feud, and then either go their separate ways or reunite at some point. However, with The Rockers it was different. Namely due to the birth of HBK and the heights Shawn Michaels reached, combined with Marty Jannetty really going nowhere after their feud. Shawn putting Marty through the Barber Shop window is still one of the best moments in sports entertainment. However, ever since then it has been a foray of tag-teams that have done well together only for them to be split-up. The problem here is that we now immediately look for who will be the HBK and who will be the Jannetty. At times it seems as though WWE does it simply to try and find their next Heart Break Kid, while their tag-team division flounders. Of course there have been exceptions over the years, where the tag-team division is as big as the WWE title picture (ie Attitude Era), but it doesn't seem to last. Even with the Uso's and Goldust/Stardust, I find we wait for them to split and have a feud, both would be epic mind you, but why keep them all together and rebuild the division to a more stable manner?
Hollywood Hulk Hogan:
Possibly one of the biggest moments of not just the Monday Night Wars, but wrestling history. The immortal Hulk Hogan turned heel and joined Hall & Nash to form the n.W.o. It wasn't even the first time the Hulkster was a heel, having been one near the start of his career. How did this ruin wrestling? I can't help but wonder if we all wouldn't be craving a John Cena heel turn if this hadn't had happened. Sure, Cena's rise to the top came from a heel with great ability on the mic (rapping and not) that got over with fans. But, now Cena's face run has run its course with the mass majority (kids aren't as loud anymore), similar to Hogan right before his turn. John has said himself how all of those who boo now, will simply cheer when he turns. He's not wrong, but we did the same for Hogan at times during his Hollywood days, but for the most part we played along and booed him for his actions as a heel. Heck, the boos started to outweigh the cheers when the n.W.o. was beginning to be played out past its prime. To add to the internet speculation, all the red & yellow Cena has been wearing gives the Black & White's coming vibe.
Trish Stratus From Valet to Wrestler:
How could she have possibly ruined wrestling? Well, she didn't. Her greatness is what's caused WWE to ruin it. They seem to think they can turn any pretty model into a professional wrestler/sports entertainer. Now of course there are obvious exceptions to this conversation, with ladies being able to "go" in the squared circle. But, there always seem to be a few who don't belong, or at least don't belong on television at the time. Right now would namely be Eva Marie. She could turn out to be an amazing wrestler one day, but why is she in actual matches, especially televised ones right now? Couldn't her role on Divas be of a person training to becoming a wrestler? Perhaps acting as a valet, while she learns the in-ring. Womens matches can be botchy at times with inexperienced wrestlers like that. Not their fault, but their being green makes the division look bad. And one can't help but wonder if this would be the case if not for the success of Trish (and some others) making the transition so well.
Monday Night Wars:
Thanks to Eric Bischoff and Ted Turners money, WCW was whooping Vince McMahon and WWE's butts. To the point where Vince and company weren't far from going out of business. Sure there were countless moments during this time, but again Vince McMahon almost "lost". Not something he likes to do, I am sure. And because of this he's learned from his mistakes. Say goodbye to straight ship jumping between companies. All contracts are laced with no compete clauses, and law suit that would ensue likely would be a horrible business decision in the end. And lets face it, the usual 90 days doesn't cause as much impact upon a performers debut elsewhere. Say goodbye to wrestlers really being themselves or using own names (in most cases). WWE has everything on lock, with trademarks, etc. And kind of say goodbye to any chance of someone going head to head with WWE again. WCW eventually folded due to being to focused on what WWE was doing and trying to crush them. TNA showed that it wasn't ready, and perhaps a sign that nobody should really ever attempt to go head to head with WWE. At least, not until your truly at par with them. (and yes the pic is of Russo, looks good to me lol)
Like stated in the opening line, "ruined" is an improper word to use really. But, it seems as though they have had an impact on the wrestling world in some fashion. With every reaction there is an negative one, just in these cases they are truly small.
The Rockers Split-Up:
Even back then, it wasn't very rare for a tag-team to break-up, have their feud, and then either go their separate ways or reunite at some point. However, with The Rockers it was different. Namely due to the birth of HBK and the heights Shawn Michaels reached, combined with Marty Jannetty really going nowhere after their feud. Shawn putting Marty through the Barber Shop window is still one of the best moments in sports entertainment. However, ever since then it has been a foray of tag-teams that have done well together only for them to be split-up. The problem here is that we now immediately look for who will be the HBK and who will be the Jannetty. At times it seems as though WWE does it simply to try and find their next Heart Break Kid, while their tag-team division flounders. Of course there have been exceptions over the years, where the tag-team division is as big as the WWE title picture (ie Attitude Era), but it doesn't seem to last. Even with the Uso's and Goldust/Stardust, I find we wait for them to split and have a feud, both would be epic mind you, but why keep them all together and rebuild the division to a more stable manner?Hollywood Hulk Hogan:
Possibly one of the biggest moments of not just the Monday Night Wars, but wrestling history. The immortal Hulk Hogan turned heel and joined Hall & Nash to form the n.W.o. It wasn't even the first time the Hulkster was a heel, having been one near the start of his career. How did this ruin wrestling? I can't help but wonder if we all wouldn't be craving a John Cena heel turn if this hadn't had happened. Sure, Cena's rise to the top came from a heel with great ability on the mic (rapping and not) that got over with fans. But, now Cena's face run has run its course with the mass majority (kids aren't as loud anymore), similar to Hogan right before his turn. John has said himself how all of those who boo now, will simply cheer when he turns. He's not wrong, but we did the same for Hogan at times during his Hollywood days, but for the most part we played along and booed him for his actions as a heel. Heck, the boos started to outweigh the cheers when the n.W.o. was beginning to be played out past its prime. To add to the internet speculation, all the red & yellow Cena has been wearing gives the Black & White's coming vibe.Trish Stratus From Valet to Wrestler:
How could she have possibly ruined wrestling? Well, she didn't. Her greatness is what's caused WWE to ruin it. They seem to think they can turn any pretty model into a professional wrestler/sports entertainer. Now of course there are obvious exceptions to this conversation, with ladies being able to "go" in the squared circle. But, there always seem to be a few who don't belong, or at least don't belong on television at the time. Right now would namely be Eva Marie. She could turn out to be an amazing wrestler one day, but why is she in actual matches, especially televised ones right now? Couldn't her role on Divas be of a person training to becoming a wrestler? Perhaps acting as a valet, while she learns the in-ring. Womens matches can be botchy at times with inexperienced wrestlers like that. Not their fault, but their being green makes the division look bad. And one can't help but wonder if this would be the case if not for the success of Trish (and some others) making the transition so well.Monday Night Wars:
Like stated in the opening line, "ruined" is an improper word to use really. But, it seems as though they have had an impact on the wrestling world in some fashion. With every reaction there is an negative one, just in these cases they are truly small.
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