NGN FAVORITES: PRO WRESTLING IV-WWE RETURNS & DEBUTS

A few things add to the "experience" of witnessing a WWE debut or return. How I like the superstar, the music, the look, the crowd reaction, the moments that follow. One of each, all of the above, or various combinations of them.There were more, but these are the WWE debuts and returns that I can still remember and in some cases still get the chills and goosebumps even today.

Debuts:

Chris Jericho

I still get goosebumps watching this one. I didn't have the internet then, and didn't really have any friends who read the dirt sheets and whatnot, so I was shocked when "Jericho" appeared on the screen and Y2J appeared. He was one of the few WCW guys I enjoyed watching in my limited exposure to the product.

Tazz

The New York crowd kind of gave it away as Kurt Angle was cutting his promo, but they also added to their hometown boys WWE debut. The music, the lights, even the towel on his head made it look epic as the MSG gave possibly their biggest pop of Royal Rumble 2000/

The Undertaker

I can't remember if I watched this live or soon there after on VHS (yes, VHS). Regardless, all I can remember is that from moment one, the Deadman scared the sh!t out of me. Later adding Paul Bearer and the Funeral Parlor only made things worse haha

AJ Styles

The crowd pop wasn't as big as Jericho's (that could have been the audio though or arena acoustics), but it was still close and a big reaction from the crowd at the 2016 Royal Rumble. I could've cared less about the reaction as I was just pumped that the Phenomenal one was finally in the organization he belongs. Other companies helped prepare him, but the WWE stage is one AJ Styles belongs on.

Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page

Booker was given the better scenario with Austin, DDP was with Taker but the stalker angle was weird. Regardless, their arrivals meant The Invasion was officially on. Didn't get all of the big names, but I enjoyed this period regardless. Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page helped that.

Returns:

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Which time? Wrestlemania 32. When I noticed HBK was ready to wrestle, and then Mick came out I thought this was gonna be cool. The Rock is probably the third guy. Then "the glass broke", and I had my greatest feeling ever in sports entertainment haha I think my heart might have actually stopped for a moment before the goosebumps and the numerous "Holy Sh1t!!!"s sped from my mouth. Sure, he wasn't in his gear, but I knew I was about to relive my glory years and watch a classic Texas sized Can Of Whoop-Ass be opened. And the bit with The New Day was hilarious. One time deal, but that's sure better than nothing.

Shane McMahon

I got goosebumps with this one as well. The shock of Shane O'Mac returning, but also possibly the loudest crowd pop I've ever heard. Or perhaps it felt bigger as it has kind of been awhile of a worthy moment. Regardless, it was a huuuuuge ovation.

Undertaker

Again with the question of which time? Wrestlemania XX. We obviously knew he was returning, but when Paul Bearer's voice echoed his trademark, "Oh Yes!" it took things to another level. Then to see Taker's return to an updated Deadman gimmick was amazing. This was really the only thing I talked about with coworkers at that time leading up to Mania. Benoit was a Canadian boy, and this was obviously before the tragedy. But, it was how Taker will look and approach his character upon his return against Kane (who was at his best at that time in my opinion).

Triple H

His return from his first torn quad. WWE did an amazing job helping us remember not who he was (we wouldn't forget him) but what he did. Not even just the torn quad, and finishing the match. He tore his quad and finished the match in the *expletive* Walls Of Jericho!!!! If you think I am overselling, do the math. Jericho's finishing submission on top of the announce table wasn't helping The Game's fresh injury. Anyhow, the pop of the ever loud MSG crowd gave me goosebumps once again.

n.W.o.

I put them under returns as the same or similar reaction would've came sans the black and white. They were WWE made men which is what made the New World Order work in the beginning. The only "debut" was simply of the brand. Either way it was a great moment at the aptly named No Way Out. Crowd reaction and the entertainment. Scott Hall's line about maybe having some beers with the boys and Hogan and Nash saying no was hilarious (it's good to laugh sometimes).

NGN FAVORITES: PRO WRESTLING I-SUPERSTARS
NGN FAVORITES: PRO WRESTLING II-FINISHING & SIGNATURE MOVES
NGN FAVORITES: PRO WRESTLING III-ENTRANCES

AJ STYLES: THE LONG SHOT

It is kind of weird to think of AJ Styles being the "underdog", as he truly is phenomenal. He's transitioned perfectly into the WWE Universe, you would think that he is a WWE Veteran, and not just an overall Vet. But, in the WWE he is a rookie none the less. AJ is also not the "traditional" WWE Superstar in regards to being THE man. We've seen others break that invisible glass ceiling, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, etc. Difference being that they had to acan still lmost "earn" their way to the top through the WWE Universe. AJ Styles is still a WWE rookie, having only been in the WWE since being a surprise entrant in the 2016 Royal Rumble.

Those are the basics. AJ Styles is also not Roman Reigns. WWE has been building to all of this for almost 2 years now. Money In The Bank cash in, The Authority, etc are a thing of the past. Unless things have changed, The Roman Empire is on a run as being the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The new don't care attitude says that they are going to keep trying to win fans over. So again, unless things have changed, AJ isn't walking out with the title after Payback.
Are they at least turning Roman heel or going with the new evolved "good" and "bad" guy routine? Which is where it isn't face versus heel, as it is fan fav against person fans like less. I say evolved because of people like Kevin Owens, who are fan favorite in regards to ring ability but can garner cheers as a face and boos as a heel. If people booed Owens as champ, it would be because his character at that time called for it. If Reigns doesn't turn, fans will be booing because he wins and not because they simply prefer Styles. It isn't because Roman is a bad guy, it isn't because Roman is a good guy, it is because fans just don't want him as THE guy in this manner. Just like with John Cena, who I've mentioned could "turn" without doing anything but acknowledging he is a heel. Same stuff, just justifying the chorus of boos. It is also hard to see past a traditional "someone runs in and screws AJ over, he feuds with them, Reigns on to the next challenger" scenario as well.

Things aren't horrible with a Reigns win though, well, if they played it out as such it wouldn't. I've said before how The Usos are going through a similar situation as their cousin Roman. Beyond their entrance, fans don't seem to be behind the tag team. So, why not have them join The Roman Empire and have all turn heel? Usos run in costing AJ the title, Karl Anderson and Doc/Luke Gallows follow-up clearing the ring and starting The Bullet Club now The Balor Club with AJ? Then feuding of course. Joe isn't part of the Samoan Dynasty, but he could be included in the Roman Empire, with Finn Balor in the Balor Club to make this that much better.

Guess we shall see soon. Again, I am big fan of AJ Styles and have been wanting a WWE jump for years. I would just be shocked if he walked away from Payback as the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. A very welcomed shock, but a shock none the less. Guaranteed positive is that I'll be watching via the WWE Network. Couldn't handle disappointment at PPV pricing.

INJURY BUG BITES WWE YET AGAIN

Seth Rollins, John Cena, Randy Orton, Neville, Luke Harper, and now Bray Wyatt. Cesaro was on there, but came back the night after RAW. I may have even forgotten some, but that is a pretty big number. Nothing beyond confirmation that there is an injury has been released yet, but the acknowledgment indicates it is bad. The level of bad is the question. Can he still walk on it, but can't compete? Bray of course could still work the mic while Rowan and Strowman unleash hell. Or is it bad enough that there is yet another void to fill?

To make things worse, this was a freak accident with Bray slipping and falling while walking backwards from the corner. The opponent was Roman Reigns, who did absolutely nothing to cause this.Regardless of the how, if Bray Wyatt is out of action for a period of time, how does this effect...everything? On television we were witnessing The Wyatt Family turning baby face, with Bray even teaming with Reigns in a tag match against the League Of Nations. A part of me senses this was maybe part of a bigger story involving Wyatt and Reigns, how does this effect that?
And lets not forget about The Wyatt Family as a whole? It has been cut in half, leaving the two who aren't as strong on a mic as the fallen members. Bray is the leader of course, where do Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan go from here? Remain as a tag team? Split up and go the singles route? The latter would benefit Strowman more, given reports of being a fav of Vince McMahon's. I am still wondering why the white sheep left and returned to the flock, so not sure what they would do with him. Sheamus' cousin? haha
If Bray is out for awhile, will we see another NXT call-up? The Balor Club (Bullet Club) members signed by WWE are a Finn away from completion. And of course there is Samoa Joe, interesting to see what Vince does with him when it happens. Or will a different NXT star make their way onto the main roster?

I guess we will find everything out as it happens. We still don't know anything beyond that there is an injury, and it is the right calf. It is ironic that there are so many questions surrounding this, for me at least, being so fitting of a character like Bray.

THINGS CENA WASN'T GIVEN

I've seen many a postings about John Cena being given everything. Some foolish enough to think he doesn't at least earn what he gets, which he does. But, when you are the top guy for so long it will appear as though you are just the boss' b!tch. It happens. Regardless, despite everything that John Cena has earned over the past decade there are some things he didn't and in some cases will not get (ever). Allow my Non-Geeky Nerd butt to list those for you haha

The Undertaker's Wrestlemania Undefeated Streak

If there were a list of guys, I am sure Cena was on it along with Triple H, Kurt Angle (supposedly), etc. But, it didn't happen and Brock Lesner became the 1 in 21 and 1 (I feel like that should've began with "My name is...." haha). It is something we could still see depending on how many more Mania's we have The Phenom for. And it would still mean something win or loss. Not because of a streak, but because it is still The Undertaker.

WWE Intercontinental Championship

Of the active championships, the Intercontinental title is the one championship John hasn't won. It has evolved over the years, but the "grand slam" right now would be WWE World Heavyweight Championship, WWE Intercontinental Championship, WWE United States Championship, and the WWE Tag Team Championship. Cena is a title short at this point in time. Although it could be achieved before he retires.

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Possibly even more so than with The Rock, I am sure John wants/wanted this to happen. He got the "torch passing" with Austin giving him a beer at a Hall Of Fame ceremony, but it lacked anything really. Don't know about others, but I felt like Cena's run using a Springboard Stunner was a way to draw the Texas Rattlesnake out of retirement. Yes, I am aware of how adamant Austin is about being done, but a boy can dream for...one...more...match! If Wrestlemania 32 is as close as we get, then fine, but a boy can still dream haha

WWE Divas Championship

This started as just a joke, but then my dirty mind took into an obvious direction. Which would be John and Nikki getting it on, when out of nowhere he puts her in the STF, makes her tap, then proceeds to run around the room naked with the WWE Divas Championship belt in the air haha Okay that was a toned down version but you get it haha

That is what comes to mind at this point in time, I am sure I will think of more things later or be given a new example haha It isn't so much he's been handed the 15 World titles and other accolades, it is more that it has become "Hogan just before nWo" levels of staleness.

NGN FAVORITES: PRO WRESTLING-SUPERSTARS

Fav Superstars As A Kid

• Hulk Hogan
• Macho Man Randy Savage
• Undertaker
• Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase
• Jake The Snake Roberts
• Bret Hart
• Shawn Michaels
• Animal
• Hawk
• Ravishing Rick Rude

What can I say? I was an 80's kid who had more exposure to WWF (WWE) than NWA (WCW). Otherwise there may have been room on the list for Ric Flair or Sting, but I didn't see much of them as a kid. My cousins always argued and I never listened. It didn't help that when I would catch an episode of either NWA (Crockett) or WCW, it was always a low budget, bingo hall type show. Where even the "stars" who appeared, looked more like WWE jobbers at times. I remember seeing a young Marcus Bagwell, who hadn't found his character yet, nor was at all good in the ring. Not that he was great period, but early years are always the worse for young male escor.....er wrestlers.

Fav Superstars As A Teen

• Stone Cold Steve Austin
• The Rock
• Triple H
• Bret Hart
• Chris Jericho
• Scott Steiner
• Hollywood Hulk Hogan
• Goldberg
• Kevin Nash
• Scott Hall

Once again, more WWE than WCW. But, that was a cable situation for me. I got RAW live every Monday Night (if not preempted by a frickin dog show....stupid TSN), and saw more highlights than show with Nitro via Thunder on Thursdays. It would occasionally be on, but not enough to get hooked. I'm Canadian. Like Snitsky said, "it wasn't my fault". But, I did enjoy them both when I was able to see them. Hence why Big Poppa Pump and others are on there.

Fav Superstars In My 20's

• John Cena
• Randy Orton
• Kurt Angle
• Eddie Guererro
• Chris Benoit
• Brock Lesner
• Undertaker
• Kane
• Shawn Michaels
• Triple H

Not original Cena, but the Doctor Of Thuganomics John Cena. Also, "Legend Killer" Randy Orton. I actually think of who they could actually bring back for him to "kill". I liked Taker as both the American Badass and when he returned to the Deadman gimmick. Still get chills thinking about Wrestlemania XX when the late Paul Bearer's voice hit the air. Plus, Kane removing the mask and unleashing a new monster was awesome. Lesner's initial run was really good too, it was almost as if he was McMahon's way of showing how to properly build a Goldberg haha With HBK, I was glad to see return. Not initially with those hideous tights at the initial "Elimination Chamber". But, the matches he went on to have with Cena, Angle, Taker, etc made it hard to keep him off this list.

Fav Superstars Now

• AJ Styles
• Finn Balor
• CM Punk
• Bray Wyatt
• Luke Harper
• Daniel Bryan
• Samoa Joe
• Seth Rollins
• Dean Ambrose
• Roman Reigns

Yes, Roman Reigns is on the list. Take away Vince's strings and you got something. Can't blame him, part of becoming a top guy nowadays. Plus, this list is an evolving one for sure, given I am only just under halfway through my 30's....dammit. CM Punk is also on there, because he could always change his mind one day, plus he hasn't had a fight yet so technically more pro wrestler than pro mixed martial artist so far. Daniel Bryan JUST retired, and really may stay on here given the impact. Been liking Balor. Inring and his entrance. Glad to see AJ jump over to the big times where he belongs, like Joe. Rest speak for themselves really. Seth, Dean, Bray. The future. Harper, I just like his look mannerisms in regards to his gimmick.

DYNASTY SIZE HEEL TURN

It isn't that they aren't talented. It isn't that the problem is even with them. Fans have fallen off the bandwagons of both Roman Reigns and The Usos. There have been a few occurrences, but Wrestlemania 32 and the following night on RAW solidified things. I've said before that I don't think it is so much that Vince is behind Roman, but more how he is presenting the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Triple H is one the legends who can go full baby face or full heel, and get anyone over on the opposing side. Wrestlemania 32, it didn't happen. Chris Jericho, also overly capable of getting someone over as a baby face or heel. April 4th's RAW, it didn't happen. The same thing with The Usos on both nights against the Dudley Boyz. A tag-team as capable as Triple H and Y2J.

So, not only because it makes sense in regards to character development (remember how The Rock started), but also because of the current landscape of the WWE. Factions of 3 or more are everywhere. The Wyatt Family, The New Day, League Of Nations, #SocialOutcasts, etc. Now that I think about it, this is VERY similar to when we saw Rocky Maivia turn into The Rock. Degeneration X, Nation Of Domination, Job Squad, and more. Heck, even Legion Of Doom was somewhat functioning as a three man unit.
If we are going to make this a WWE total domination type group, then I am adding Samoa Joe to the mix. Not a member of the Samoan Dynasty, but Samoan none the less. Highly capable one to boot. Roman as WWE Champ, Joe with either US or IC titles, and Usos with the tag straps. I am also going with them all in suits and shades. Might be kind of over-done nowadays, but for them it further cements them as new day Samoan wrestlers. Not the large, wild warriors of the past, but the fit, calculating assassins of today. Sorry, tried to sell that a bit haha If we get the Balor Club (formerly Bullet Club) on the main roster, that would make for a great feud in many ways.
Not sure what else they can do to get Roman over with the crowds the way that they (WWE) want. It didn't help that his push began while Daniel Bryan was still in the picture and nobody having a clue that Vince was looking out for D Bryan and not "holding him back". Fans may have to hate him before they can love him. I know that it isn't good to try and replicate the past, but this is almost becoming not an option with Reigns needing to follow The Rock. Not directly, not a carbon copy, but same destination of being so over as a heel that they love you.

It does seem to be going that direction though. Roman taking a "don't give a______" type stance on things. I will admit that the line, "I'm not a bad guy. I'm not a good guy. I'm THE guy!" is really good. But, really good for a heel. Believe that.

IT BEGINS WITH JACQUELINE

Rightfully so. Jacqueline did everything that the WWE product required of her at the times. The Attitude Era saw her show the confidence it takes to strut around in a bikini (even exposing her breasts on occasion), but again, that was what the WWE product needed from her at that time. Then they needed her to wrestle, and she did that flawlessly. Working with all types too, from those who couldn't really wrestle (Sable, although has some MMA ability) to even the men. Even winning the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

Trish Status and Lita were obvious choices to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Their names were as known as any of the guys (including Rock and Stone Cold), and to be honest, if you put Sunny in there...well. With Jacqueline being inducted this year, it makes me think that combined with the recent "Divas Movement", this is a sign of things to come. There were plenty of Divas from yesteryear that deserve to be in the Hall Of Fame, and not actually talking about Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson, although there "star power" earned through wrestling makes them deserving. What about the females who were like Jacqueline and could actually wrestle.
Ivory. Another Diva who could do it all, regardless of the products direction. Her "anti-Diva" type reactions during bikini contests and whatnot added to the segment so it was more than just a meat show. She had quality inring ability, and could work a mic (being known as a chatter box helped that I am sure). Her character in RTC (Right To Censor) was just as entertaining as Steven Richards.
Victoria/Tara. She started off as one of The Godfather's hoes, and has become one of the best ever. Her matches with Trish Status were amazing, most notably their hardcore match. She seemed to get better with age, both ability and looks wise.
Jazz. Her run wasn't really that long, but she was a good wrestler and likely was held back for not "looking the part", not that she isn't attractive, but as we know there was a certain look for years...basically model like.

Molly Holly. A rare Diva who didn't have to reveal any flesh (beyond some cleavage). She sure could go with anyone in the ring. And she even "out her hair on the line" just so the WWE Womens Championship and women would be represented at Wrestlemania beyond the Playboy Evening Gown Match. Ya.
Luna Vachon. Multi generation...you know what, google the late Diva's work. That was a women's wrestler for sure.
Gail Kim and Mickie James. Might be too early yet, but they are both deserving. Like others on the list, willing and able to give what the product requires of them. Both would make perfect fits in todays Divas division.

Again, I am not against women like Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson going into the WWE Hall Of Fame, I would just prefer to see the women who could wrestle just as good as the men go in first.

HEEL TURN COMING?

Probably beating the proverbial dead horse again, but John Cena. Heel turn. The reason I am thinking about it again, is that his next World Championship will be his 16th. The is Nature Boy Ric Flair's thing. Even if Naitch came out and publicly endorsed everything with the utmost sincerity, we could see Daniel Bryan level of fan reaction. The women and children can cheer all they want, they will be drowned out by booing half of crowds everywhere.

John has said that technically he is already a heel since there are the jeers among the cheers. And has also said that if he went heel via a throwback of sorts, those who booed would begin to cheer. Both are very likely true in a sense. His heel ways would "lose kids" and men would cheer when they should boo. However, it dawned on me that he could go heel and possibly be the one capable of putting Roman Reigns over like they are trying.

Whether it be at Wrestlemania 32, or maybe even the RAW that follows, but Cena somehow screws Reigns out of winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship from Triple H. It is then revealed that he has joined The Authority. To put the heel turn through the roof, Cena's 16th World Title would simply be handed to him. This works if there is a brand split and the title is divided again, remember when Bischoff rewarded Triple H (ironically) the World Heavyweight Title after Brock Lesner took the WWE Championship to Smackdown!? Trips got massive heat for both being handed the title, and for those who think everything is simply because of who he married (morons, tbh. position now? likely ya. inring? rewatch history). With Cena, that heat could be amplified for being the current face of WWE.
Fans did boo Hogan during his nWo turn, and we was able to "return to the kids" after. This could also help get someone like Roman Reigns over once fans simply want anyone to take the title from Cena. Since they seem against having Reigns make the turn a la The Rock.
To make things possibly uber hot, start things at or RAW after Wrerstlemania 32, then possibly have Lesner end title reign #16 at Summerslam or Survivor Series, and with help of The Authority win it back for #17 next night on RAW. Forget tying Ric Flair, imagine the reaction to #17. Then at Wrestlemania 33, Reigns ends the reign.

Now, that is all banking on the fans simply hating Cena to the point that they will take Reigns no matter how Vince prefers to push him. Might be easy to think of Bray Wyatt as a heel who could get Reigns over, but fans love him too much for that to work yet. Bray's best bet to really go heel is be the guy who screws over and feuds with the people that the fans love.

MOMENTS IN WRESTLING I LIKED, OTHERS HATED

I'm not normal, but not one to always have to go against the grain either. There are moments I am with the general opinion, and there are times I am against it. In terms of bad moments in wrestling or sports entertainment, here are my opposing opinions...

End Of The Streak

Either one. Goldberg's and Undertaker's. Both finishes worked for me, and made sense. First with Goldberg, was there really any other way to end the streak? They went with a run-in and a taser/cattle prod. The problem was that they had no idea how to use Goldberg after that. Ending showed it took 2 men and a weapon that takes down cattle to beat him.

With Taker, it is a "if they're gonna do it, this is how" type deal for me. Didn't want The Undertaker's Wrestlemania Undefeated Streak to end, but if it was then I am glad it was Brock Lesner. Reasons being, Lesner is a legit badass, freak of nature, however you want to put it. Who else could handle the heat that would come with being the 1 in 21-1? Brock gives zero sh!ts about what we think, especially in the real world. Then there is the "what if...?" aspect of if someone else did it. What if their careers are cut short due to injury or personal problems? It would end up being a waste.

Katie Vick

I'm joking, I'm joking haha Although they could have simply referenced it, and it might have worked...probably not but jeezbus haha

Finger Poke Of Doom

Hold on a minute, I enjoyed the initial moment of it. I thought it was part of a bigger storyline. Not just reuniting of the nWo. Perhaps if someone came out and said that things weren't happening that way, and brought out say Goldberg and face both Hogan and Nash for the title. He destroys them, and turns tables on Scott Hall going to the well too many times. I don't know, again the initial moment made me go, "Ohhh, sh!t." and then it turned into, "this is sh!t".

Chris Benoit Tribute

It was the last moment Chris Benoit was cast in a positive light or really even mentioned again. Now, I am absolutely no way condoning what happened. Even with the chance that it was purely brain damage related (which is hard to fully press judgment, as we are all capable of that with a damaged brain), I am not saying we need to honor Chris Benoit, I am just picking a moment in time where a great wrestler was remembered or honored for a final time. Benoit the wrestler? Legendary. The person? Will never know for sure.

The Invasion

When it first appeared to be guys like Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak at Wrestlemania X-7, I was like "crap." I liked seeing Chavo and Lance Storm, but it didn't seem like much. But, then pieces began to reveal themselves, and I was actually pleased with the "final roster" of WCW and ECW's Alliance. Booker T, Diamond Dallas Page, Kris Kanyon, RVD, Lance Storm, Sean O'Haire, etc. were the guys that were actually working on WCW every week up until the end. The big stars minus Steiner, were come and go mostly, and not at all near the end.

There are others, I simply cannot think of them at the moment, so perhaps for a future entry. Till then...

WWE NETWORK SLOWLY BECOMING WHAT IT CAN BE

I don't expect a 24 hour run of new content by any means. I don't even expect to see a live edition of Raw or Smackdown! take place on the WWE Network. And that is understandable from a business point of view. The WWE Network is a specialty channel of sorts, so not everyone has access to it. Unlike a regular television network, no chance of picking up new viewers who randomly came across an edition of Raw or Smackdown!

What WWE does need to do is have more original content mixed in with the massive collection they hold at their disposal. They sort of do this, they just don't seem to do enough just yet. Shows like The Edge & Christian Show, Legends House, and others have been good but all seem to be in a "shoot some shows, and play the crap out of them, and then repeat" mode. Perhaps they should "stock pile" some shows and launch them all within a 12 hour a day, 7 days a week format. Easy for me to say I am sure, and I admit I don't know anything about how things are done. But, being a part of the IWC (I guess), I'll tell how I would regardless haha But, on a serious note, it does suck not having the On Demand (damn deal between WWE and Rogers) and makes the repeats even worse. Something needs to change for people like me, and actually to attract companies to want to purchase commercial time and all that.

MONDAY:
-This Week In WWE
-The Monday Night War
-Old RAW
-Old Nitro
-RAW Pre-Show
-3 hours worth of repeats from last week
-RAW Post Show
-Stone Cold Podcast

TUESDAY:
-This Week In WWE
-Superstar Ink w/ Corey Graves
-WWE Unfiltered w/ Renee Young
-WWE Countdown
-WWE Rivalries
-Total Divas
-Old Tuesday Night Titans

WEDNESDAY:
-This Week In WWE
-The WWE List
-Tough Enough (Old)
-Tough Enough (Old)
-Breaking Ground
-NXT
-WWE 24
-WWE Beyond The Ring

THURSDAY:
-This Week In WWE
-Old Smackdown!
-Old Thunder
-Smackdown! Pre-Show
-2 hours of repeats from last week
-Smackdown! Post Show
-Ric Flair Podcast/Legends w/ JBL

FRIDAY:
-This Week In WWE
-Culture Shock w/ Corey Graves
-Table For 3
-Table For 3
-WWE Ride Along
-WWE Ride Along
-Edge & Christian's Show...
-Edge & Christian's Show...
-WWE Movie

SATURDAY:
-This Week In WWE
-Rock 'n' Wrestling
-WWE Slam City
-Camp WWE
-WWE Legends' House
-Old WWE Superstars
-WWE Superstars
-Swerved
-Old Saturday Night Main Event
-First Look
-Superstar DVD (main footage)
-Superstar DVD (main footage)

SUNDAY (Special Event Night)
-This Week In WWE
-Classic Wrestling
-Classic Wrestling
-Classic Wrestling
-Wrestlemania Rewind
-Special Event Pre-Show
-Special Event
-Special Event Post Show

SUNDAY (No Special Event)
-This Week In WWE
-Classic Wrestling
-Classic Wrestling
-Classic Wrestling
-Wrestlemania Rewind
-Old WWE Special Event
-Old WCW Special Event

Obviously, that isn't enough to fill the 12 hour run time, but you get the general idea. New shows, other things from the library, but the only reruns are during RAW and Smackdown! and shows like This Week In WWE or RAW Flashback can repeat. No more playing the crap out of things, then getting something new and playing the crap out that and repeating the process. Time for better structure to look more like a television channel.
Ric Flair's Podcast would join the ranks with Austin. His shows would focus on Legends and rotate with "Legends w/ JBL"Which could perhaps add to the Smackdown! hype that may or may not (but should be) coming. Podcasts are a new one a month, rerunning in that time slot the other weeks. Friday nights would become a "movie night". Why not air some of the WWE movies like "The Marine" or "The Condemned" series. Or buy/lease the rights to movies that featured WWE stars like "The Scorpion King" or one of the many films Rowdy Roddy Piper starred in (he was a pretty good actor). Take what they have and then simply formulate a schedule where they play one per week and then repeat the cycle. Annnnd, let's see some old editions of Smackdown! and Thunder. They were just as much as part of the war as RAW and Nitro were. Not the focal points, but they were part of the storylines, and had some great moments themselves too.

INJURY BUG LOOKING MORE LIKE A PLAGUE

Neville. Seth Rollins. John Cena. Cesaro. Tyson Kidd. That's just the performers who are out of action at the moment (could be forgetting some) due to injury. There are some others who are apparently working through their injuries, but are injured none the less.

Why is this happening more frequently nowadays? There have always been runs where people would get injured and be on the shelf for awhile. But, not really in the cluster it is right now, right before Wrestlemania to make things worse.Mind you, the wrestlers out right now are out with major injuries. Neville breaking his ankle and shin last night on Raw during a baseball slide. Kidd is still healing from surgery on his broken neck (hopefully he can come back from this, we all know he'll give his all in the attempt). Basically, the type of injuries the "old school" guys wouldn't have been able to work through no matter how much or what type of "gimmick" they use to numb the pain. Although the late Kerry Von Erich did wrestle after losing his foot, unbeknownst to me anyhow. But, everyone else seemed to be "done" after major injuries, partly because of where the medical field was at those times (unlike today), but finished regardless.
So again, why is this? It is getting harder to argue that the style and pace of today's wrestling is playing a factor into things. The schedule is still massive, but not what it once was. The performers are almost in superior condition compared to yesteryear. Only real difference is the style and pace. Sure, a high flyer like Neville got injured with a routine none high risk move. But, who's to say the wear and tear from before didn't play a part in things. A doctor could maybe, but again, just trying to make a
Could we go back to a slower paced, less high risk style of sports entertainment? Would fans "allow" that? Looking back at the greats of all time to the recent ones, they had a slower pace. Stone Cold, The Rock, Undertaker, Randy Orton. They didn't have a high risk style of move sets. Sure, Taker added some, but they were almost reserved for moments that called for it. Meaning he didn't do them all the time, so it made them stand out more when he did.

So, perhaps it is time to tone things down. We already have to now worry about others joining Daniel Bryant in retirement due to concussions. Which are always a risk with even the most basic of bumps. Speaking of D-Bryan, he showed that the audience can dictate things, and with all these stars out it is the era of opportunity right now. Creative or Vince can't hold anyone back right now, even if they wanted to.

FUTURE ENDEAVOR WORTHY?

I don't know the contract situations and all that goes into it, just simply "analyzing" the WWE roster and giving my opinion on who should perhaps hope for a brand split between Raw and Smackdown! Add the success of NXT and the number of stars it is creating, then some main roster guys become extra "expendable".

Sin Cara...
What began as the best thing, quickly became the worst thing for Sin Cara (current version). And that was being joined with Kalisto. Love or hate him, Rey Mysterio made WWE a lot of money (and he got his from them). Sin Cara, regardless of who's been under the mask hasn't really gotten over with the crowds. Kalisto, the opposite, and with the right marketing could be the WWE's next Rey Mysterio. And if there isn't a split, then there really isn't a "need" for a second Lucha past their feud after splitting.

Zack Ryder...
I know he has been down in NXT with Mojo Rawley.as The Hype Bros, but do we really see that team going beyond NXT? Personally, I don't. If Ryder has any chance of regaining what he briefly had (before creative crushed that), it comes from a brand split where he doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Sooner than later too, as NXT is got some people who've been ready for awhile now, leaving limited spots even on two separate shows.

Ryback...
The Big Guy needs a show that has mostly "smaller guys", to really be The Big Guy. As it is now, he ins't really that big compared to others like Sheamus or Alberto Del Rio. Don't get me wrong, Ryback is jacked. It just doesn't come across as well with everyone. He needs a show where he is the monster. Good workers who are simply smaller than Ryback. Dolph Ziggler, AJ Styles, and others like that. He would gain heat for simply not being like the other fan favorites, being more the classic "Vince's type". In my head it makes sense. Because if not, I am already bored with him and he just went heel again.

Fandango...
He has moments where he is over with crowds. Perhaps he is out with injury right now, but if that isn't the case, where has he been? His character was a new-age throw back to the gimmick days, but there wasn't really any character depth. It was still the boring guy from....Tough Enough? NXT? I forget. Regardless, time to get back on television and develop the gimmick, or find a new one.The #SocialOutcasts are getting more airtime. Join them, or develop yourself, or best of luck in all your future endeavors? Brand split or not.

There are others, and this isn't a knock on anyone. Just feel that the way things are going, if the WWE looks to "save money", then some people should worry. Again, just based on what is known, like television time, etc.

RUMORED BRAND SPLIT

Apparently there have been some rumors floating around regarding the WWE "splitting the brands" again. With Shane McMahon returning and there being at least a momentary power struggle story line wise, it isn't hard to see why this rumor exists. Personally, I am on the fence in regards to how I feel about splitting Raw and Smackdown!.

I still remember when the first split occurred. I was a young man, new father, and wrestling was still running strong. The initial brand split was needed in a sense. WWE had won the "Monday Night Wars" and there wasn't any competition to fill the voids left by WCW and even ECW. TNA was in it's infant stages, having PPV shows, instead of a television product including a monthly PPV. Different story for a different time. The split was needed to maintain interest as well as fit all the top quality performers into the mix. Sure, WWE hadn't picked up every WCW and ECW star, but there were enough to make the WWE roster crowded. WWE had even done everything the "right way" during the early days of "brand splitting". There was a draft, and the roster was split in two. And it was an even split in regards to star power and quality shows. They were able to create competition within themselves, and some to most fans had a preference as to which show they preferred. And it wasn't always Raw. Smackdown! was a legit competitor to Raw. To keep it "fresh" the WWE would "shake things up" via the draft now being annual. And it worked too, for a time. After a bit, it became quite apparent that Smackdown! was becoming a feeder show to Raw. A talent develops and gets over with the Smackdown! audience? They ended up on Raw. It is what happened with John Cena. What made that situation worse, is that with the show change came the end of Thuganomics, and the beginning of the Cena we see now.
The past is why I am hesitant to fully embrace this, however there are obviously reasons I would love to see this happen. Preferably, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship would be split into two titles, or a new title would be presented for the other brand. One title would almost make for an easy to predict outcome of the title matches and/or repeated matches for the title. Think of guys like Dolph Ziggler, and others who are over with the audiences, but may never be in the top tier with guys like Brock Lesner. Sure, Seth Rollins is a "smaller" guy, but not everyone can play the sneeky heel, or everyone be the triumphant underdog. Gets repetitive and takes away from guys like Brock Lesner. Look at Big Show, he shouldn't have really put anyone over until this phase of his career. He put too many guys over, and not all of them deserved it or made any sense. Rey Mysterio? Yes. One time ever though. Everyone else should've "earned it" like JBL at No Way Out 2005.

Guess I will have to wait and see, much like with everything in life. Can't wait for Wrestlemania 32 though. Card is shaping up pretty good, and with Vince looking to set another attendance record, I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve for us. He may not be able to wrestle, but Daniel Bryan has to be involved so we can hear and feel the massive crowd chant YES!