OLD BUT NEW AGAIN?

There has been moments as of late, mainly on the mic. But, when words like "ass" are used, one can't help but think of the Attitude Era. There have even been some innuendoes too, reminiscent of back in the day, with The New Day and Enzo & Cass' on the mic. But, that era is long gone and never coming back. Never, a word said not to use in this industry. In this case, it can be, but at the same time still not hold as much power as it is meant to.

The catalyst for the Attitude Era was of course the Monday Night Wars with WWE and WCW battling for ratings supremacy. Vince McMahon was forced to go places that the kid friendly WWF (WWE) hadn't really gone before. We all know the story, whether we lived through it or have been caught up via the web or WWE Network. WWE won, had zero competition, and eventually went the PG route. The competition may be gone, and likely not to be replaced, but there is now a standard in the ratings department. After breaking and setting records, TV companies likely expect something at least similar to the glory days. So, now we have RAW and Smackdown! Live battling each other for top spot. Which is good, competition is good even when within the same team. The bad is that they aren't head-to-head like they were with WCW, and the star power isn't there like it was in the late 90's or late 00's.
This has me wondering, if the ratings don't reach the levels that are expected will we see Vince once again push the envelope? This is how that "never" comes into play, not the same as the Attitude Era but very similar to it. Given that the majority seem to agree that the injury bugs have been from the faster paced work being done. Perhaps slowing that down while heightening the attention done in the story lines. The attention, not the focus. The focus should be on the matches, but slower more meaningful pace. It is weird to say, but even bring back Vince Russo. Before you flip, remember that he would have that filter he needs aka Vincent K. McMahon.

It was just a thought, that the more I think about is actually possible. Ratings still equal money. Money that is lost while perusing sponsors who still didn't hop on board while playing in a PG environment. Unless we actually see the day RAW and Smackdown! Live are on the WWE Network.

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THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

It is a theory that makes one want to both test and avoid. Do we want to see if it is true? Sure, there are a lot of things we think we should go back and change. Do we want to risk making something even worse? No, because then what was the point? It applies to everything, including professional wrestling and sports entertainment. Both good and bad in nature. Here are some that come to mind...

Madison Square Garden Curtain Call

Some loved this, mainly fans, but it was still something that has even bigger ramifications if changed in any way. Obviously if it didn't happen, but if say, Sean Waltman had been there, then he likely would have been the guy to take all the heat. Hall and Nash were gone, HBK the champ, clearly had plans for Triple H to win the King Of The Ring. If that hadn't had been taken away, then it wouldn't have been given to Stone Cold. Which we all know, King Of The Ring that year was where "Austin 3:16 Says I Just Whooped Your Ass" was born. Could it have happened at another time? Maybe, but would it have been the same if he hadn't just beat Jake "The Snake" Roberts, who was thumpin' the bible as part of his gimmick at the time, for the crown? It was too perfect to even think of touching. Austin was over, and rising, but that moment solidified everything. I guess the Kliq haters can be grateful if a Stone Cold Steve Austin fan. What? I said thank you Hall, Nash, HBK, and Trips for being above the business at that time, and Waltman for being in rehab instead of being there haha

Eric Bischoff, Ted Turner, & Black Saturday

This involves two separate instances, but I think that without them both, The Monday Night War doesn't happen or just not the way it did. First, Black Saturday was the day WWE (then WWF) replaced Georgia Championship Wrestling on Turner's TBS. How this sparked RAW V Nitro, was that Ted initially refused Vince's offer, and Vinnie Mac went and simply bought a floundering (financially) GCW. Which now allowed him to air WWE. Vince mainly used clip from his shows on opposing network, USA, on his TBS show. Because of this, and the non-WWE GCW fans, as well as Gordon Solie fans lead to horrendous ratings. Combine the tactics and the outcome, Ted Turner wasn't too pleased to say the least. Long story short Vince sold GCW to Jim Crockett, who later would have to sell to Turner. Enter WCW. And all of this initiated the McMahon/Turner rivalry that feuled the wars. How does Bischoff play into this? It was Ted's money, but it was Eric's vision and direction (what direction there was) that kicked WWE's butts for a long time. This could have not happened if things prior hadn't played out the way that they did. Most of us have seen the Easy E audition for WWE from back in the day. For those unaware, Vince had Eric interview a broom for his audition. Which I get, as the guy holding the mic may have to save an interview, or to see how they initiate things (look at Macho and Mean Gene, Randy was great, but Okerlund would make it that much better). Regardless of the why, Eric apparently left with a chip on his shoulder. What if things were different? An actual person to interview, or if he got the position? Would Eric have had that drive without the anger, and who would've replaced him had he been in WWE at the time? Would they have done better or worse? It is why I put them together. Change anything here, and our favorite era is gone or altered.

Spoiler Report Gone Awry

Wasn't sure what to call this one, didn't want to use the quote that caused the clicks, and didn't want to put the heat on the guy who had to say it (Tony Schiavone). So, it is called what it is because it was a common occurrence, but backfired badly at this moment. It is a moment that in this regard have to wonder "what if...?". For example, what if it had been someone else who had won the WWE Championship? That could have and maybe did cause the hardcore and pre-Hogan WCW fans to turn over and see Mick Foley a former "WCW guy" win the competitions main prize. Would someone else have caused so many people to change channels? Even if it was just about the title changing hands, what if it hadn't? Would there have been something else to take place that caused the same reaction? It was literally the moment that turned the tide in the ratings battle. Could something have triggered this further down the road? It was unlikely given the misdirection that came to the surface, but then again might not have exposed the holes leading to further disasters, aka Russo. Would AOL Time Warner have been so quick to sell had it been the success it was? They say Vince McMahon would never have given up, but that is also after having not to. Who's to say that if this moment is taken away that Vince wouldn't have had a choice at some point?

The Third Man Was Sting

Even those involved said that it wouldn't have worked the same way it did with Hogan. We won't know really, we kind of but still don't know that it likely wouldn't have worked at all for Hulk who's popularity was pointing to the exit. Would he have returned to WWE and gotten the reception he did in 2002? Or would he have been forced into retirement. I can't envision Hogan doing anything similar to what Sting did at that time. Which is another big question, what about Sting? He tends to get lost in all of this when talking about the nWo and how Hogan's turn is what lit the fuse to the rocket. If it was Sting would there have not been The Crow version that also reignited his career? Which wasn't in bad shape, but it sky rocketed his career to an even higher level. Or would it have come to be, but different? Scott Hall was the one to suggest it to Sting, but again the question, success or failure? Hogan's "darkside" lameness just prior to the nWo turn, was exactly that, lame. Would that have happened to Sting turning heel at that point in time? Wolfpac Sting was okay for a minute, but never really meshed with the nWo vibe whether red or white.

That's what came to mind at this moment, there is more I am sure. Even if I had to really reach for a what if and the butterfly effect that would follow. Examples like "What if Hogan's back gave out at Wrestlemania 3?" or a simple yet dark "What if one of the promoters who had their territory become obsolete actually attempted and succeeded in killing Vince McMahon?" It is a crazy business both in and out of the ring. Part of why we love it so much I guess haha Stay Nerdy!

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WRESTLING WHAT IF's VOL.I

"What If...?" was a favorite Marvel Comics title in my youth, and watching the WWE Network non-stop has forced me to apply this to the world of wrestling and sports entertainment. From outcomes, signings, to behind the scenes, backstage stuff there are almost endless possibilities in regards to what could have been or might have been if something was done different. Large to very small, the decisions and occurrences throughout the years have made impact.

What If...Vince McMahon Had Picked Turner Over USA Network?
Immediately you think of the Monday Night Wars. Rightfully so. There might not have been a war if Vince and Ted had continued to work together. Of course things could have soured later on and the two parted ways, but would there still have been a war? What would it have been like? And what would have become of Jim Crockett Promotions if this hadn't of happened? Someone else could have bought the company, then again, who's to say that something else wouldn't have happened that made for better business for Crockett? Would Eric Bischoff have been involved in this at all? The Butterfly Effect on this one decision (that was forced by Ted Turner) is pretty massive to say the least.


What If...Triple H Hadn't Married Stephanie?
This one is almost cliche. It doesn't mean things wouldn't have been effected. Triple H would have still been the icon he is. Zero argument here. The questions that arise are would Trips be in the position he is in now? Would Vince have seen the drive, knowledge, and work ethic Paul Levesque brings to the table? It is possible. It is also just as unlikely. So, how would the WWE look at the top of corporate? A simple answer would be that Stephanie simply took on more of the work load and filled her fathers shoes alone. She is a McMahon, and constantly referred to being just like her dad. The other options raise some questions though as well. Would Shane be involved in some fashion? It is his families company, and if Steph needed help he is likely the first name to pop into your head. Linda would be next possibly. Would she have left the company and pursued her political goals? Or would she have possibly stayed on to help with the transition (not that Vinnie Mac is going anywhere right now).


What If...Jeff Hadn't "Stolen" Karen From Kurt?
Almost as cliche as Triple H and Stephanie's  addition to all of this, but given the current state of things it belongs here. Why? First, would we have witnessed the great matches between Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle? Would they have been as good it they still happened? Possibly, but also possibly not. There is a good chance the real life situation is what made the matches that much more. Then of course there was the "repercussions" from the real life aspect of all of this. It was the true downfall of Jarrett in TNA. Most importantly, behind the scenes. There were almost legal ramifications from all of this. Sure, they are now married and even Kurt has moved on, but it did effect business. Would Dixie have been "more involved" if Jarrett wasn't in good with management, or was that inevitable? The "WWE" talent that TNA aquired during the time Double J was making most if not all the calls was done properly. Christian (Christian Cage) had a really good run in TNA, The Dudleys (Team 3D), Gail Kim, and Tara Vachon. Can't believe Dixie is allowing Jarrett back in, although only a "talent", in full GFW promotion mode. Even a "crossover" or "invasion" seems only to be smart on Jarrett's side. Dixie's not so much.


What If...Hulk Hogan Versus Ric Flair Happened At Wrestlemania?
An off the wall "what if...?", but curious as to what could have been with this one. There is always speculation as to why. Most likely of them being that the two sides couldn't come to an agreement on who should be put over. Regardless, what would have happened if they did? Would it have drawn massive numbers? If it did, then it would be safe to wonder this would have changed McMahon's outlook on how he approached the "youth movement. Which seems to be the reason Flair returned to WCW, and Hogan (amongst others) eventually followed suit. Would we have seen more of a mix of old and new? Instead of Macho Man Randy Savage behind the announce table, or Hogan being allowed out of his contract. Would we have possibly seen some epic showdowns between Savage and HBK? Come to think of it, the Butterfly Effect is pretty big here. Would this have meant WCW alum turned WWE legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Chris Jericho, amongst others, not have come over? More room to grow without Hogan and others atop the glass ceiling. What if it had bombed? Would WCW have acquired Hogan later on, or would they have possibly seen Hogan with less drawing power?

The list is truly endless, and we hadn't even touched anything that happened "during" the Monday Night Wars and the Attitude Era. Or even if a wrestlers life hadn't ended so early. Those will eventually make their way into the mix, but best to leave the deaths for when drawing a blank much later on.

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THE MANY FACES OF...

Mick Foley wasn't and isn't the only wrestler to have many "faces", or characters/gimmicks as their called in wrestling. It was almost the norm back in the day for almost everyone to have more than one persona. Some were lucky and/or good enough to basically remain the same through out their careers, Hulk Hogan is slightly an example of this, having only made small changes to his character with the exception of his Hollywood Hogan days (which was more of just a basic heel turn). But, most had to have multiple looks and persona's. It kept them fresh when things ran stale, and that was key as the territories began to finally die out leaving only WWE and at the time WCW, now there is TNA and ROH.

For some it was really a matter of going through failed attempts before finally finding something that works. Look at The Undertaker, there was Mean Mark Calloway before there was The Deadman. Here are some others who had many faces through out their careers...

Stone Cold Steve Austin

He will forever known as The Texas Rattlesnake. However, before there was "What?", there was The Ringmaster. And even before that, he was Stunning Steve Austin. Which was pretty successful with runs with the WCW United States championship, and Tag Team Championship with the late Brian Pillman as the Hollywood Blondes. Austin just wasn't able to break the glass ceiling with it.

Kevin Nash

Most will remember him as himself, Kevin Nash. The rest will remember him as Diesel. Very few will remember the persona's that preceded these two. Vinnie Vegas wasn't too bad considering that era. Plus it was a taste of the future when Nash was part of the stable, The Diamond Mine, which included Scott Hall. Master Blaster member Steel and Oz? Not so much.

Bray Wyatt

The Easter Of Worlds may have found the gimmick that he will use the rest of his career. It is really too early to say, but it is one that has been really working well (understatement). His real name is Widham Rotunda, and although his career is still in the early stages, he has had persona's that came before Bray Wyatt. Axel Mulligan, Duke Rotunda. He even went by Husky Harris during the initial NXT. Which was actually getting over with fans before a punt to the head from Randy Orton wrote the character off.

JBL

From rough and tough Texan cowboy, followed by beer swilling brawler, to Wall Street tycoon. That pretty much sums up all of JBL's gimmicks over the years, and has had many names, but he made them work. As Blackjack Bradshaw it was hard to believe that he wasn't the stereotypical Texas tough guy cowboy. When teamed with Ron "Farooq" Simmons to form The Acolytes/A.P.A. he was able to get over with the fans at times as a beer drinking, cigar smoking, professional butt-kicker. He followed up and ended with his money maker (pun intended), JBL. Taking from real life, a Wall Street tycoon and even won the WWE Championship. Which he holds the record for longest run as WWE Champ in Smackdown! history.

It will be interesting to see if the days of someone having multiple persona's will continue on or cease to exist. With WWE attempting to build their own wrestlers through their system (training facility to NXT to main roster), will they take those who fail character wise and rebrand them until something works given their investment? Or will we see a one-and-done way of things?

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JOURNEY TO GREATNESS

Not to be confused with the WWE's annual "Road To Wrestlemania", which is currently underway. This is about professional wrestlers who have gone through a string of characters before finding "the one". Some entrants on the list are those who had found the perfect character, but then revamped themselves to prolong their careers within the squared-circle. From a simple heel or face turn to a complete over haul, in most cases it was a matter of being allowed to be themselves. With the volume cranked past eleven as they say.

Will try to leave out the wrestlers who had already discovered themselves, but the WWF (WWE) forced a gimmick of sorts on them, but there are some who took their careers to another level with said gimmick...

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stunning Steve Austin, and The Ringmaster. Austin made the "Stunning" thing work, and made it even better when teamed with the late Brian Pillman for the tag team "Hollywood Blondes". The Ring Master gimmick, despite adding the "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase Sr and holding the Million Dollar Championship belt didn't help this one. A combo of being himself (which he did in a short stop in ECW before) and Jake "The Snake" Roberts religion gimmick at that time, the "Austin 3:16 Says I Just Whooped Your Ass!" line was dropped and the rest was history. Oh Hell Yeah!! WHAT?!?

Hulk Hogan

The stars of the 80's, especially the ones who were at the forefront of Vince McMahon's vision of Sports Entertainment, are hard to add but hard not to add to this list. As most were already established stars across the territories before Vinnie Mac scooped them all up and made them global superstars. Which is where most of todays fans joined pro-wrestling fandom. The Hulkster made the cut for his ability to prolong his career, and even go to another level when he turned heel and unleashed the Hollywood Hogan gimmick on us via the n.W.o. Which translated into another "run" when he returned to the WWE and turned face. Even beating Triple H for the Undisputed WWE Championship strap. Love or hate him, he's the Babe Ruth of professional wrestling, Brother!

Bubba Ray/Bully Ray

Shocked that a current TNA star made the list? Understandable. However, I felt this one deserved in. Starting as the stuttering member of one of the greatest tag teams ever (Dudley Boys/Team 3-D), and evolving off of that and being more of the leader/mouth of the Dudleys. What helped him make this list is that he was able to find a gimmick that worked for him after the tag team split. Something that wasn't happening in the WWE days when they attempted to do the same. Bully Ray was even the leader of one of TNA's better things in the Aces & Eights faction. And he's in the best shape of his career.

Rikishi

Fun fact: Yokozuna was supposed to be a member of the Samoan tag team, "The Headshrinkers, but was replaced by Rikishi when they (WWE) decided to put Yoko in the Sumo gimmick instead. After that, he became The Saulton, and followed by more of an urban version of himself, and then finally, he became almost the wrestling equivelant of Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, became famous for dat butt. Talented in the ring of course, but the "Stink Face" would always garner a massive pop from the crowds.

Triple H

He came into the business via WCW as "", then came over to the WWF(WWE) and started as a blue-blooded snob from Greenwich, CT (Vince's jab at his neighbors) Hunter Hearst Helmsley. He really took off after forming DeGeneration-X with WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels and becoming Triple H, and then exploded after taking the reigns of D-X. Then he evolved into The Game. Now he has extended his characters career until his end with the corporate angle. Unless of course he and Stephanie get a divorce one day, but even then, the McMahons have a habit of pushing personal feelings aside in the name of business.

Kevin Nash

True, Big Daddy Cool made it big with the "Diesel" gimmick, but things went to another level when he and Scott Hall jumped ship to WCW, and used his real name Kevin Nash a co-founder of n.W.o. But not all are aware of the failed gimmicks Big Sexy had tried out before becoming Diesal or ending Goldberg's streak. There was Vinnie Vegas, Master Blaster, Oz (a rip-off of The Wizard Of Oz) as well as others. But I am sure Nash counts all the money he's made over the years and laughs along with us.


There are many others who have either gone through a string of failed gimmicks, or upgraded their gimmicks to remain fresh, but end up "making it" or at least have a lengthy career. Perhaps another list in the future covering some more like Kane, or even his brother the Undertaker. Love or hate the "American Badass" gimmick, it made way for a great return of the "Deadman".

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FEMALE HALL OF FAMERS

Congrats to Lita on her upcoming induction into the WWE's Hall Of Fame. She'll be joining other female Hall Of Famer's, Trish Stratus, Mae Young, "The Fabulous" Moolah, among a few others. Which is also well deserved, having established her own niche in the history of pro-wrestling being unique from those she was competing with as well as those who came before her.

With the list of female wrestlers in the past being quite low, especially in comparison with the guys, it isn't a surprise that the female count within the WWE Hall Of Fame is low. And with the the inductions seemingly creeping into the "Attitude Era" in terms of the inductees (mostly), which is also when there was a real resurgence in the women's division, it isn't odd to wonder who would be next. Also, it would be wrong to wonder who should be in there but curious as to "if" they ever will. They say to never say never in this business, so here's a list of possible future female WWE Hall Of Fame Inductees...

Medusa

In the early 1990's she was Alundra Blayze the WWF Womens Champion, when the women's division was somewhat making a return after a slight hiatus, only for it to kind of disappear once again. The next time we saw her and the WWF Womens Championship belt, was on an episode of WCW Monday Night Nitro, with Alundra Blayze now known as Medusa, dumping the title belt in a garbage pail on live television. She is also a former WCW Women's Champion. If she doesn't get inducted, it may be by her own decision. Vince and the WWE are known for "sucking it up" for the good of business, and despite the major insult with the belt it was a massive moment in the Monday Night Wars and the history of wrestling.

Ivory

The mouthy firecracker of the women's division, but despite the ability to talk (a lot), Ivory could "go" in the ring. Her three title reigns showed that. As annoying as her "Right To Censor" gimmick was, it was meant to do that and she did it amazingly. Even standing out from the rest of the RTC at times both in the squared circle and on the microphone.

Stacey Keibler

She did try to develop some in ring ability, we all remember her foot chokes on her opponents showing us all her super long legs. It was her performances as a manager that earns her a spot though, if not just for her popularity (it is a business after all, and she drew on looks alone). She was a new age Miss Elizabeth, and as long as she was put with someone who was talented, she didn't over-shadow them, and helped their careers. Plus, there were rumors Stephanie McMahon was trying to get her inducted this year as a "big" name induction.

Luna Vachon

If there was one "Diva" who truly broke stereotypes on women's wrestling it was Luna. Coming from one of wrestling's family dynasties, she had the ability in the ring, cut it was her over the top character that helped her stand out amongst the more traditional "Divas". Not only a great wrestler, she also made for a perfect manager/valet for anyone who has a "weird" gimmick and need help getting over. Never did get a title reign, so perhaps an induction into the Hall will suffice.

Victoria/Tara

She came in as one of The Godfather's "Ho's", but then, like her friend Trish Stratus, this former fitness model became one the best female wrestlers of our generation. Who can forget her "Street Fight" match with Trish back in 2003? They proved the girls can do what they guys can on that night. She's been in TNA Wrestling the last few years, but like many others, isn't at the present moment. Would be nice to see her recognized in the form of a WWE Hall Of Fame induction. Two title reigns as WWE Women's Champion in the WWE, her reigns in the competing (now floundering) TNA are also worth mentioning, although won't help any in her getting the nod.

Jacqueline

She may have been tiny, but if there was a female wrestler that you thought could kick your butt, and most likely could, it was Jacqueline. She held her own on the mic, in the ring and in a bikini (90's and 00's was loaded with that), and even held her own against the men, winning the WWE Cruiserweight Champion in 2004 to go along with her two reigns as WWE Women's Champion.

Chyna

This one mat fall entirely on her. On both a personal and on a business level. Obviously she would have to completely sweep her feelings on Stephanie & Triple H and what had happened in the past. Old, long story short; Chyna & Triple H were a real life item that ended when he hooked up with Stephanie in real life. But, even more important than that is she would have to remain clean and sober like a list of other wrestlers have seemingly, and rightly so, have had to do (ie Jake Roberts most recently). And perhaps, just maybe stay out of the porn industry as well. We'll have to see if the former WWE Intercontinental Champion and former WWE Women's Champion ever gets into the Hall.


There could be others as well, women like Torrie Wilson, Molly Holly, among others. Regardless, the list is a lot shorter then the men's. I would possibly induct a female every other year as to not run the list dry. Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson are pushing it, as they weren't the best of wrestlers when they attempted, but still drew in money for WCW and WWE. Unfortunately, the list isn't going to get much longer as the now "Divas" division is openly mocked at times. Luckily, there are still some names that could one day be Hall Of Famers (AJ Lee, Natalya Neidhart, etc). Hopefully by then we can include TNA female wrestlers in the list, as they had for the longest time, a much superior women's division. Until then...


Stay Nerdy!