View Full Version : Who Should Be WWE's Head Writer?
Cewsh
May 21st, 2013, 6:21 PM
So there's been talk recently about how WWE hasn't had a head writer since Eric Pankowski was fired at the beginning of March. As it turns out, that isn't actually true. Unbeknownst to most of us, for the last 6 weeks we've had a new guy in charge named Adam Rudman. Since you've seen the show quality, you can probably guess how that went:
WWE's new head writer, Adam Rudman, is already out of the company. The news was originally reported by (http://www.sescoops.com/exclusive-wwes-head-writer-released/79988) SEScoops.com and independently confirmed by PWTorch today.
Rudman lasted six weeks in the company after replacing Eric Pankowski, who left the company prior to WrestleMania and recently landed at CBS.
PWTorch has learned that Rudman's removal occurred last Friday. According to sources, when Redman was first hired six weeks ago, once people met him, they did not think he would last in WWE.
The consensus was that Redman was a bad fit in WWE because he did not have knowledge about pro wrestling.
So WWE is probably promoting from within again, and god alone knows who will get to be in charge this time. Which bears the question, if you coul have anyone in wrestling be the Head Writer for WWE, who would you choose?
Simmo Fortyone
May 21st, 2013, 6:23 PM
William Shakespeare
The Law
May 21st, 2013, 6:30 PM
I'd probably put Paul Heyman in charge if he would do it. He's one of the few people out there with a proven track record of writing good wrestling shows. The thing is, it seems like everyone fails at writing the show. Whether it's former wrestlers (Michael Hayes, Dusty Rhodes, Ole Anderson) or random Hollywood guys, or Vince Russo (a category unto himself).
And the thing is, it's fucking hard to write a wrestling show. Has anyone ever sat down and tried it? I've tried before and fail miserably every time. Trying to keep track of 50 different characters, give enough of them something to do, pace the show well, balance matches and non-wrestling segments, and progress stories forward in an entertaining way is outrageously difficult. And then factor in that in real life this is being written by a committee headed by Vince McMahon, a notorious control freak, and his daughter and son-in-law, both of whom have very strong opinions on what should be happening. So it's not a surprise that given all the cooks in the kitchen, we tend to end up with kind of a sloppy product.
The "I Want Wrestling" Podcasts with David Lagana and the other former WWE writers were so enlightening a few years ago. These were smart guys who were life-long wrestling fans and also had written television before, and almost all of them failed spectacularly to increase business or entertain the majority of the audience. And the job has only gotten harder now that they have to write another hour of Raw, and Main Event, and Saturday Morning Slam. Writing for WWE might be the hardest job I can think of.
Atty
May 21st, 2013, 6:38 PM
at528 would be a tremendous head writer until he gets fired for ignoring the PG thing
G-Fresh
May 21st, 2013, 6:50 PM
Violent J
Ringo
May 21st, 2013, 6:52 PM
Monday's show was the best written show in ages and it was probably Stephanie :squint:
Bring back Court Bauer! I often agree with his take on things on the podcasts.
Beer-Belly
May 21st, 2013, 7:00 PM
Grant Morrison.
Also, if they fired this new guy for not having a background in wrestling then WHY THE FUCK DO THEY CONTINUE TO HIRE PEOPLE WITHOUT A BACKGROUND IN WRESTLING?
Andy
May 21st, 2013, 7:03 PM
This is kind of weird news that there's been someone doing it for six weeks. Last night felt so fresh - it flowed well and it all made sense, just about.
Maybe they've decided that WM season is well and truly tied up and they're moving on to the guys they want pushed for the rest of the year. Therefore we saw Sheamus, Bryan, The Shield, Cody, Orton and Langston all looking beastly.
I don't really know how the writing works in WWE, but given that I keep hearing how Trips is a big fan of The Shield, Langston and Maddox, I'd let him do it.
Although having said that I guess there's a big different between creative control and writing the show week to week. I don't know. I'd be willing to bet that Heyman would be awesome at it though.
Peter Griffin
May 21st, 2013, 7:03 PM
PS Hayes
Beer-Belly
May 21st, 2013, 7:05 PM
Every interview I've seen with Michael Hayes makes him seem out of touch.
The Law
May 21st, 2013, 7:22 PM
So here's my understanding of how this works:
-Vince is on top of everything. Anything that goes on TV has been approved by him. He's primarily responsible for the broad creative direction of the company and delegates the writing of the television shows to the creative staff. Creative brings him drafts of the shows and he critiques them.
-Stephanie is in charge of creative. Basically, that means she manages the writers and carries out Vince's wishes. She runs the "writer's room" in which they produce ideas for the shows.
-Triple H doesn't have an official role in the proceedings, but obviously has the ear of Stephanie and Vince. Apparently he often sits in on the meetings.
-The head writer is the primary writer of the show. There is a head head writer, and also head writers for Raw and Smackdown. Together, they write the shows. Not sure of the exact number, but I think there is a team of 3-4 for Raw and a team of 3-4 for Smackdown. Some of the show is produced by committee and some is produced by divvying up the responsibility for particular segments to individual writers.
-The producers or "agents" lay out the matches with the talent. Current agents include Road Dogg, Dean Malenko, Finlay, Jamie Noble, IRS, Michael Hayes, and Brooklyn Brawler.
TimeSplitter
May 21st, 2013, 8:03 PM
Whoever wrote everything up until the ending of Raw did a great job.
One Man Gang
May 21st, 2013, 8:14 PM
Tony Garea. Give him something to do.
lotjx
May 21st, 2013, 8:18 PM
Grant Morrison.
Also, if they fired this new guy for not having a background in wrestling then WHY THE FUCK DO THEY CONTINUE TO HIRE PEOPLE WITHOUT A BACKGROUND IN WRESTLING?
This. If it were me, it would be Heyman, but the reality of the situation its either going to be someone who kisses McMahon ass or someone who is out of touch. The last six weeks have been pretty awful. If it were not for Shield vs. the midcard and the Punk/Taker match, this would be the worst Mania, post-Mania in a long time. I would say give it to Heyman, but there is no way that is happening without a massive coup ie the ousting of Steph and HHH.
There also seems to be a difference between Legends of Wrestling Roundtable PS Hayes and the real PS Hayes. Real PS Hayes has no clue.
Damien
May 22nd, 2013, 2:32 PM
Raven
ReDPath
May 22nd, 2013, 2:40 PM
No particular order
5 Credible names that could easily jump in and fill the job, given they got the ok for majority creative control.
Vince Russo
Roddy Piper
Aaron Sorkin
Bret Hart
Kevin Smith
Cewsh
May 22nd, 2013, 2:41 PM
Those people would all be absolutely gigantic disasters.
Jacknife
May 22nd, 2013, 2:46 PM
Louis C.K.
Peter Griffin
May 22nd, 2013, 3:06 PM
Just give wrestling Jesus the gig, he obviously knows his shit :rolleyes:
Vice
May 22nd, 2013, 3:16 PM
No particular order
5 Credible names that could easily jump in and fill the job, given they got the ok for majority creative control.
Vince Russo
Roddy Piper
Aaron Sorkin
Bret Hart
Kevin Smith
Honestly kind of shocked you didn't include WrestlingJesus123 here. Or would he make your serious list?
ReDPath
May 22nd, 2013, 3:23 PM
Nah.
WJ is a straight up troll, he even admits it in some his vids. I just find him hysterical. Im either easily amused or I suppose I should laugh at someone of a higher caliber, idk.
I don't think anyone can do well in that spot, because they are always setup to fail anyway JMO
Bring in writers who couldn't cut it somewhere else, especially of the non wrestling variety, and expect them to work miracles.
Makes sense, right?
I know its just regurgitated internet talking points/CM Punks worked shoot promo awhile back, but its true. I don't see drastic improvement in creating new, believable stars, watchable/exciting 3 hour product as long as the big 3 are behind the scenes, muddling everything.
Cewsh
May 22nd, 2013, 3:24 PM
Sorry, do you mean Vince, Triple H and Stephanie? You mean that no big stars can be created by those three?
The Law
May 22nd, 2013, 3:30 PM
No particular order
5 Credible names that could easily jump in and fill the job, given they got the ok for majority creative control.
Vince Russo
Roddy Piper
Aaron Sorkin
Bret Hart
Kevin Smith
Okay, let's take these in order:
Vince Russo-has been a disaster everywhere he's worked other than WWE. Managed to produce, in my opinion, two good years of wrestling television out of approximately ten that he was working (three in WWE, two in WCW, eight in TNA).
Roddy Piper-To my knowledge, has no experience writing or booking wrestling. Is 59 years old and a cancer survivor. Has never written television.
Aaron Sorkin-No experience with wrestling. Based on his demeanor, probably hates professional wrestling. Has had one of four television shows he wrote succeed. Is generally an insufferable asshole.
Bret Hart-Again, no experience writing or booking wrestling. 55 years old and a stroke survivor, quite possibly unable to handle the rigorous schedule demanded of a WWE writer. Has never written television before.
Kevin Smith-Same story as Sorkin.
ReDPath
May 22nd, 2013, 3:47 PM
Sorry, do you mean Vince, Triple H and Stephanie? You mean that no big stars can be created by those three?
You sir, won the lottery.
Sorry.
You can give me the names of people they've sorta pushed/depushed/pushed again, etc.
But when I watch a match from any of the guys you might actually mention on the current roster.
Daniel Bryan
Dolph Ziggler
Jack Swagger
Del Rio
Kingston
Ryback even
Barrett
etc
I just see a sea of mediocrity, many of them with the same look, and a lot of blandness that makes me believe they really can't get over to the point where you could say 'yeah someday, that guy will walk into an arena, and it will explode for say 2-3 years straight'.
I don't see it.
To be fair, its not all on HHH, Steph and Vince. Times change and I don't really see times changing in favor of WWE.
Cewsh
May 22nd, 2013, 3:52 PM
You sir, won the lottery.
Sorry.
You can give me the names of people they've sorta pushed/depushed/pushed again, etc.
But when I watch a match from any of the guys you might actually mention on the current roster.
Daniel Bryan
Dolph Ziggler
Jack Swagger
Del Rio
Kingston
Ryback even
Barrett
etc
I just see a sea of mediocrity, many of them with the same look, and a lot of blandness that makes me believe they really can't get over to the point where you could say 'yeah someday, that guy will walk into an arena, and it will explode for say 2-3 years straight'.
I don't see it.
To be fair, its not all on HHH, Steph and Vince. Times change and I don't really see times changing in favor of WWE.
Um, Stephanie has been head of the writing team since around 2002. So John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Edge, CM Punk, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, JBL, Rey Mysterio Batista and everyone else since then owes their main event success to the people that you're accusing of being incapable of making main eventers.
Your entire deal seems to be bad suggestions based on faulty assumptions.
ReDPath
May 22nd, 2013, 4:17 PM
Like I said.
current roster.
All of those guys were made, but look at the ratio of which they make them now? Its not that close really.
Its funny cuz I keep waiting for someone to mention Mark Henry in one of these sort of arguments for some odd reason, dunno why.
A guy whose had longevity, but more or less, has always been a pseudo transitional champion, and was from an era before.
And Punk is the only one on that list who I'd even consider a fresh, potential, era changing star. Cena/Orton are fucking expired goods, its so unbelievable. While Lesnar can be enjoyable when he's allowed to be a monster who can um...be a monster...he's only part time.
Cewsh
May 22nd, 2013, 4:32 PM
Like I said.
current roster.
Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, John Cena, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio. More than half of the people I named.
All of those guys were made, but look at the ratio of which they make them now? Its not that close really.
Not really sure what you mean by ratio. Do you mean that they make less stars now than they did in previous times?
And Punk is the only one on that list who I'd even consider a fresh, potential, era changing star. Cena/Orton are fucking expired goods, its so unbelievable. While Lesnar can be enjoyable when he's allowed to be a monster who can um...be a monster...he's only part time.
All of that kind of misses my point. You said that the trifecta backstage was getting in the way of making new stars. In the past 10 years they've made numerous generation defining stars, whereas no other company in North America has really made any at all, (excepting Ring of Honor with Samoa Joe.)
At the moment, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Randy Orton and The Shield are all getting big time responses from crowds and are either huge stars now, or are well on their way.
VHS
May 22nd, 2013, 5:29 PM
If it's anybody that can continue the tone Raw had on Monday, then that person.
JRSlim21
May 22nd, 2013, 9:13 PM
If he wasn't still with TNA, I'd give Bischoff a shot. Strictly off-camera.
Zacharie
May 23rd, 2013, 2:55 AM
Jim Cornette!
Beer-Belly
May 23rd, 2013, 3:54 AM
No one has topped Grant Morrison.
G-Fresh
May 23rd, 2013, 3:57 AM
If he wasn't still with TNA, I'd give Bischoff a shot. Strictly off-camera.
I'd love to see Uncle Eric come back, but I don't really want him involved in creative.
Kimura Kid
May 23rd, 2013, 9:33 AM
Jim Cornette!
I'm not the most educated here regarding this topic but Jim is the 1st guy that I thought of.
Also, Anyone watched Timeline of WWF: 1997 with Jim Cornette? It was really good. Prolly his best shoot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IarkoPgOMCw
Watch it before they take it down!! lol
Kneeneighbor
May 23rd, 2013, 9:47 AM
They should hire whoever wrote lost. It will be perfect because they can do random shit that is never explained and drop things mid season with no explanation yet still have an amazing show.
Jacknife
May 23rd, 2013, 9:48 AM
Iron Shiek
Mills
May 23rd, 2013, 10:39 AM
Cornette is a terrible idea, he helped drive ROH to the ground and doesn't really have a national perspective for a wrestling company
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 10:55 AM
In fairness, Jim probably could be a great help to the writing team, as he's been on writing teams for WWE, WCW and TNA, among others that weren't as national. Trouble with Jim is that he doesn't have the temperament to coexist with other writers in a corporate environment, and he's not great at crafting overarching storylines. He's more of a details guy. Those are useful, but it's not enough.
The Law
May 23rd, 2013, 11:04 AM
I was waiting for someone to bring up Cornette. I love him and his amazing shoot interviews as much as anyone else, but he's not the guy to run the show in 2013. His perspective and take on wrestling is just too old school to work and connect to fans today. Bits and pieces of his ideas would be helpful, and he would be a great guy to point out the inconsistencies and stupidities of what other people think. But like Cewsh said, there's no way he's fitting into WWE's current modern corporate culture. This is a guy who said he would murder Vince Russo if he thought he could get away with it. Because Russo committed the unforgivable sin of having a different perspective on wrestling.
That said, he'd be a nice piece of a creative team because he understands logic and gets the basics of wrestling: how guys get over, how heels get heat, and how to set-up angles and finishes.
Also, that 1997 shoot interview is the best I've ever seen and I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes wrestling. The 1995 one with Kevin Nash is pretty awesome too.
Mills
May 23rd, 2013, 11:05 AM
So you want Gabe do ya Cewsh? :lol:
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 11:12 AM
:lol:
"And then have a bunch of Japanese guys come in and squash John Cena. GOD I'M SO SMART!"
Peter Griffin
May 23rd, 2013, 11:13 AM
Has anyone mentioned Dutch?
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 11:18 AM
I don't believe he's ever been a head writer anywhere significant in the recent past. Just a member of numerous teams.
Peter Griffin
May 23rd, 2013, 11:19 AM
Im almost certain he was head of TNA at some-point during their better years, I may be way off though.
Ringo
May 23rd, 2013, 11:44 AM
He had creative control in IWA Puerto Rico did he not? Or was Savio Vega actually running things? Either way he's always got the credit for their huge attendance and ratings increases. That's why TNA gave him a big job.
Then he went to WWC rival promotion International Wrestling Association as a creative consultant, which included writing/producing and booking four hours of original TV programming per week. Mantel remained there until September 22, 2003. Mantel set a record while in Puerto Rico (IWA), in the number of hours that a single writer produced a TV wrestling show as he was responsible for four hours a week, 52 weeks a year, for a total of 208 hours a year for five years straight. His ratings also set records as his shows regularly ranged in the 12 to 15 range, with his highest being an 18.1, with a 55 share of the TV viewing audience while working for WWC in 2000.
:dunno:
Mills
May 23rd, 2013, 12:01 PM
They just need a strong mix of writers. Some ex wrestlers, some Hollywood types, and I would try to get a comic book writer in too
Vice
May 23rd, 2013, 12:07 PM
They just need a strong mix of writers. Some ex wrestlers, some Hollywood types, and I would try to get a comic book writer in too
This, pretty much.
You need at least one person that can write compelling, interesting stories.. and then have a guy who says "hey, that's awesome... now let me rearrange things so that it works as a wrestling storyline"
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 12:12 PM
Im almost certain he was head of TNA at some-point during their better years, I may be way off though.
He was only the storyline authority figure and a member of the writing team. Jeff Jarrett was technically the head writer during that period.
He had creative control in IWA Puerto Rico did he not? Or was Savio Vega actually running things? Either way he's always got the credit for their huge attendance and ratings increases. That's why TNA gave him a big job.
:dunno:
Yeah, I think he had the same deal there that he has with Ring of Honor. Creative consultant and producer, but not holding the pencil.
Mills
May 23rd, 2013, 12:14 PM
Dutch didn't work for ROH, I think you have Dutch and Cornette mixed up
The Law
May 23rd, 2013, 12:17 PM
Yeah, people always complain about the "Hollywood writers," but as far as I can tell almost all of them were life-long wrestling fans who happened to have also written television or movies. And, if we're being honest, writing for WWE probably has more in common with writing a soap opera than booking a small wrestling company. Chris Kreski, who was head writer in 2000, was a former TV writer. I think most people consider 2000 to have been one of the best written years in the history of the company. You need someone who can write a long-term story arc and understands how to make something interesting/entertaining happen every week.
Stephanie became part of the writing team in 2000, though it's not clear to me if she was in charge or not until 2002, when Kreski left and Stephanie officially became head writer.
The Rosk
May 23rd, 2013, 12:25 PM
Glen.
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 12:26 PM
Dutch didn't work for ROH, I think you have Dutch and Cornette mixed up
Yep, I got all twisted up there.
JP
May 23rd, 2013, 1:24 PM
Aaron Sorkin-No experience with wrestling. Based on his demeanor, probably hates professional wrestling. Has had one of four television shows he wrote succeed. Is generally an insufferable asshole.
Right, RP is mental and Sorkin would never take the job, but you're so, so, so horribly wrong I can't just let this go.
In tv terms Sorkin has had one flop, Studio 60. And that wasn't really a flop, they just didn't get the West Wing type numbers they were hoping for. And it was bloody superb.
The Newsroom's first season was magnificent, both a commercial and critical success the world over. Which would be why they're making another season.
And the big one. I men seriously, come on. He created and wrote The West Wing. The funking West Wing. The single greatest tv show ever made.
Add to that A Few Good Men, Charlie Wilson's War, Moneyball, The Social Network etc and its safe to say, are you drunk?
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 1:26 PM
In fairness, Sports Night, while amazing, was considered a flop at the time. Naturally, it'd be one of the highest rated shows on tv now, by comparison, but it was canceled after a short run.
JP
May 23rd, 2013, 1:28 PM
:squint:
Deliberately left that one it as I've never seen it.
Lasted two seasons though, so can't have flopped too badly. And it was off the back of that he got WB to pick up WW.
The Law
May 23rd, 2013, 1:43 PM
So I should clarify that I'm a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin and "The West Wing" and "Sports Night" are two of my favorite TV shows. But "Sports Night" failed commercially, "Studio 60" failed commercially and critically, and "The Newsroom" has received at best mixed reviews. Metacritic has it at 57/100. Surprisingly, it did receive a Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama Series, which I think was wholly undeserved. Its ratings for the first season were pretty good for an HBO show, but less than half of what True Blood draws.
I wasn't trashing Aaron Sorkin as a writer, but his history writing TV is spotty. His record on movies, on the other hand, is immaculate. I think he should probably stick to that.
Also, he is absolutely an insufferable asshole. I've never heard someone more smug in my entire life. This story encapsulates it pretty well:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/how-to-get-under-aaron-sorkins-skin-and-also-how-to-high-five-properly/article4363455/
JP
May 23rd, 2013, 1:52 PM
:shakefist:I'll let you off this time for your West Wing love, but I'm watching you...:shakefist:
ReDPath
May 23rd, 2013, 3:59 PM
Kevin Smith would do wonders.
He already has a hugely successful tv show in Comic Book Men.
With the right tutelage combined with the right creative freedom (No Vince/Steph/HHH in his ear). More like a Roberts type/Steve Austin/Heyman in his ear.
He'd probably whip together a bunch of great characters based off thought-to-be repackaged garbage guys who all have the same look.
Hell...he'd probably even convince the company to go back to finding talented big man that mimics the types you've seen from the 80s.
The problem is, he was always a bit of a risque director, and given the PG Agenda. I'm not sure Vince would go for it.
Then again, they have whored out Charlie Sheen before, and if that isn't the definition of risque, then who knows.
JP
May 23rd, 2013, 4:04 PM
You know who does wrestling shows best?
Wrestling people. Shocking, I know.
Peter Griffin
May 23rd, 2013, 4:05 PM
Sorry but this Redpath fella is obviously a troll of some kind.
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 4:11 PM
Kevin Smith would do wonders.
He already has a hugely successful tv show in Comic Book Men.
Comic Book Men draws rating just behind Full Metal Jousting on the History channel. A 1.74 on cable these days is not a huge success. It is a very modest one.
With the right tutelage combined with the right creative freedom (No Vince/Steph/HHH in his ear). More like a Roberts type/Steve Austin/Heyman in his ear.
He is a drug addict who has chafed at every authority figure that has ever been placed over him in his entire time in the movie business. He admits this himself.
He'd probably whip together a bunch of great characters based off thought-to-be repackaged garbage guys who all have the same look.
Based on what, exactly? His characters all have the same look, and he's made about 4 memorable ones in 20 years.
Hell...he'd probably even convince the company to go back to finding talented big man that mimics the types you've seen from the 80s.
I'm genuinely baffled by this. Do you think those guys are out there and Vince just doesn't have any interest in them? VINCE MCMAHON?!
The problem is, he was always a bit of a risque director, and given the PG Agenda. I'm not sure Vince would go for it.
Because he's smart.
Mills
May 23rd, 2013, 4:17 PM
Hey Smith wrote my favorite run of Green Arrow and a very good run on daredevil. That said, he'd be a terrible fit, his writing projects run long or don't get finished. He can't write weekly TV.
MMH
May 23rd, 2013, 4:48 PM
Do they even need a head writer?
Have the guys think up there own stuff in general, the wrestlers should know their characters better than anybody, then have the guy in power, Vince, Steph, HHH etc to just say yes or no and then get someone to time it all up and fit it into three hours or whatever. Easy.
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 4:52 PM
Someone has to write the script and lead the meetings. That person is the one who shapes the format of the shows, and there needs to be a definitive person to do that who is good at it, or the shows get listless and confusing, as they have been the last several weeks.
ReDPath
May 23rd, 2013, 5:18 PM
That's the problem.
They treat that position like their dealing with a prestigious position like David Chase on the Sopranos, or Kevin Williamson on Dawsons Creek, or Joss Whedon on Buffy/Angel, or Doug on Entourage, or or or or any other would be name in the industry over the last 15ish years etc.
Its laughable.
Its a television show, sure. But its not a seasonal show with breaks..though it could/would likely benefit creatively from being a seasonal product, it would destroy them otherwise.
Its just not credible when whoever it is likely always gets shot down. The proof in that being how repetitive the product can be for LONNNGGGG stretches.
Ideally, it should just be Royal Rumble, then a seasons break, come back in April, Mania, seasons break, come back in August for Summerslam, seasons break, come back in November for Survivor Series.
Not gonna happen obviously, you don't need to tell me that, but still...creative could benefit, and since they'd be on tv for shorter stretches...they' d be forced to put on a BETTER product or risk much more than they do now.
VHS
May 23rd, 2013, 6:39 PM
That's the problem.
They treat that position like their dealing with a prestigious position like David Chase on the Sopranos, or Kevin Williamson on Dawsons Creek, or Joss Whedon on Buffy/Angel, or Doug on Entourage, or or or or any other would be name in the industry over the last 15ish years etc.
No, they're don't. Shut up.
If it was so prestigious, they wouldn't have put some 6-week bloke in charge of it in the first place.
Its laughable.
So is everything you say.
They can revolve writers and everything, sure. But like Cewsh mentioned, there needs to be somebody at the end of the table that gives they final YES or NO.
Zacharie
May 23rd, 2013, 8:22 PM
I think part of the problem is too many shows. Stories, ideas, and characters get stale quick when you're using the same roster three times a week. I don't even watch Smackdown, Main Event, or Superstars anymore. Alberto, Orton, and Sheamus aren't going to do anything that I must see three time a week. What's the point of all those shows if nothing major or semi important is going to take place and all the matches are roughly the same?
Raw - A-show
Main Event - keep the same format
NXT - keep the same format
Give Raw the full attention that it needs.
Morrison
May 23rd, 2013, 8:34 PM
That's the problem.
They treat that position like their dealing with a prestigious position like David Chase on the Sopranos, or Kevin Williamson on Dawsons Creek, or Joss Whedon on Buffy/Angel, or Doug on Entourage, or or or or any other would be name in the industry over the last 15ish years etc.
Its laughable.
Its a television show, sure. But its not a seasonal show with breaks..though it could/would likely benefit creatively from being a seasonal product, it would destroy them otherwise.
Its just not credible when whoever it is likely always gets shot down. The proof in that being how repetitive the product can be for LONNNGGGG stretches.
Ideally, it should just be Royal Rumble, then a seasons break, come back in April, Mania, seasons break, come back in August for Summerslam, seasons break, come back in November for Survivor Series.
Not gonna happen obviously, you don't need to tell me that, but still...creative could benefit, and since they'd be on tv for shorter stretches...they' d be forced to put on a BETTER product or risk much more than they do now.
that doesn't sound ideal at all. doesn't even make sense. have the rumble, then they go on a break until mania? so there's no build for mania? how long are these breaks? are you saying they should shift the dating of these events back further?
William
May 23rd, 2013, 9:02 PM
If I had to choose, I'd chose both Paul Heyman and John Canton working together. Should be entertaining television, I think.
mth
May 23rd, 2013, 9:18 PM
John Canton the guy the writes columns on the main page? No thank you. :no:
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 9:22 PM
I would be interested to hear why William thinks he'd be a good choice. I don't read a lot of Canton's columns these days, has he done much fantasy booking?
William
May 23rd, 2013, 9:52 PM
He's done a fair share of it in the past. I usually read his articles on his website. I think that having someone from the IWC itself working alongside Paul Heyman writing the shows would help it tremendously. Canton was just the first one that popped in my head that would do a decent job although I'd be satisfied with any decent writer that is actually connected with the fans, as a fan. I would have added in Cewsh and Vice in there, as I know they are both great writers, but I had not read any of their fantasy booking articles until just now (I read the 'Fantasy Friday - The Trial of Styles: Part 1' article). After reading that, I would be satisfied substituting Canton with Cewsh (for example). Like I said, as long as it's someone that is both a decent writer and connected with what the audience wants. Paul Heyman fits the bill, yeah, but I believe one head writer alone isn't enough as two heads are definitely better than one and can work together to improve upon each other's suggestions resulting in a much better show.
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 9:55 PM
Well if Vince McMahon reads this, I am 100% willing to be the co-head writer of Raw with Paul Heyman. Let's make that happen.
Hacksaw
May 23rd, 2013, 10:03 PM
Tempest.
Brian M.
May 23rd, 2013, 10:20 PM
I don't think it's fair to say that anyone who writes wrestling columns on the internet is "connected with the fans." I mean, they are connected with SOME fans but they don't think like the majority of the 4-6 million people that watch the shows.
Jimmy Zero
May 23rd, 2013, 10:31 PM
Well if Vince McMahon reads this, I am 100% willing to be the co-head writer of Raw with Paul Heyman. Let's make that happen.
Fuck you. Daniel Pena 4 Life.
Cewsh
May 23rd, 2013, 10:34 PM
I don't think it's fair to say that anyone who writes wrestling columns on the internet is "connected with the fans." I mean, they are connected with SOME fans but they don't think like the majority of the 4-6 million people that watch the shows.
Hey man, speak for yourself, I'm a man of the people.
Fuck you. Daniel Pena 4 Life.
I don't think even Pena himself feels that way.
William
May 24th, 2013, 4:25 AM
I don't think it's fair to say that anyone who writes wrestling columns on the internet is "connected with the fans." I mean, they are connected with SOME fans but they don't think like the majority of the 4-6 million people that watch the shows.
Much more connected than "Hollywood writers" and those unfamiliar with wrestling in general, don't you think?
Peter Griffin
May 24th, 2013, 6:04 AM
John Canton is a fucking cunt.
Beer-Belly
May 24th, 2013, 6:16 AM
He is a drug addict who has chafed at every authority figure that has ever been placed over him in his entire time in the movie business. He admits this himself.
Wait, smoking weed makes you a drug addict? That's some of the dumbest shit I've heard in a while.
The Rogerer
May 24th, 2013, 6:58 AM
Kevin Smith is the one man who'd manage worse shit that McMahon and Russo.
Ringo
May 24th, 2013, 8:24 AM
canton sucks
Kotre
May 24th, 2013, 8:54 AM
The best WWE show is NXT. The head writer is Dusty Rhodes. Based on that (and FCW) he's the guy that should be in charge, with Vince there to temper his wildest excesses (Reverse Battle Royales? Come on son).
Jimmy Zero
May 24th, 2013, 9:41 AM
Wait, smoking weed makes you a drug addict? That's some of the dumbest shit I've heard in a while.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vpin9VhNck
The best WWE show is NXT. The head writer is Dusty Rhodes. Based on that (and FCW) he's the guy that should be in charge, with Vince there to temper his wildest excesses (Reverse Battle Royales? Come on son).
What's a reverse battle royale? You throw the guy into the ring to win?
OD50
May 24th, 2013, 9:50 AM
Maybe he means the ol' NWA Bunkhouse Stampede?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyndj0nPdRw
Only other reverse Battle Royals I've seen were in TNA.. And they pretty much sucked.
Kotre
May 24th, 2013, 9:53 AM
Maybe he means the ol' NWA Bunkhouse Stampede?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyndj0nPdRw
Only other reverse Battle Royals I've seen were in TNA.. And they pretty much sucked.
Nope, I'm talking about the FCW Grand Royales. I know my obscure FCW match types.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0KxLiop-bE
Jimmy Zero
May 24th, 2013, 10:03 AM
That is idiotic.
Cewsh
May 24th, 2013, 10:59 AM
Wait, smoking weed makes you a drug addict? That's some of the dumbest shit I've heard in a while.
People with addictive personalities can become addicted to anything. Have you heard him talk about his weed use? It's completely crazy.
Beer-Belly
May 24th, 2013, 11:08 AM
It's impossible to become physically dependent on weed.
Cewsh
May 24th, 2013, 11:11 AM
It's impossible to become physically dependent on weed.
It is possible to become mentally dependent on it. If you are just arguing the semantics of the word "addict" then fair enough. He's just a crazy person who smokes weed to excess to the detriment of other things in his life.
Beer-Belly
May 24th, 2013, 11:11 AM
Obviously if you do it habitually for long enough it can be a chore to stop cold, but you aren't going to go through withdrawals. The worst you're going to endure is some crankiness.
"Crazy" is a giant leap. I'm not even a Kevin Smith fan, but it's clear that he's just a rich stoner who doesn't see a need to stop. He's pretty productive. I don't like his material, but if the guy is finishing screenplays then it can't be doing too much harm to him.
Cewsh
May 24th, 2013, 11:12 AM
Obviously if you do it habitually for long enough it can be a chore to stop cold, but you aren't going to go through withdrawals.
Never meant to imply such. It would be better to say that he has all of the hallmarks of a drug addict with none of the underlying cause.
Brian M.
May 24th, 2013, 6:27 PM
Hey man, speak for yourself, I'm a man of the people.
Alright, fair enough. You do seem to take into account all different points of view when forming an opinion. But people like you in the wrestling blogger world are few and far between. Most think that what entertains them is what would be best for the company, and most of the time that is certainly not the case.
wardy
May 24th, 2013, 8:41 PM
DRUG ADDICT :lol:
Calm down Cewsh.
I'd like to see good ol' JR have a bash at writing.
Cewsh
May 24th, 2013, 9:13 PM
Alright, fair enough. You do seem to take into account all different points of view when forming an opinion. But people like you in the wrestling blogger world are few and far between. Most think that what entertains them is what would be best for the company, and most of the time that is certainly not the case.
:lol: I appreciate you saying that but I was 100% joking. You're completely right about bloggers.
Craig DeBoard
May 30th, 2013, 7:51 PM
Dusty Rhodes.
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