TSN & the CRTC can Suck It.
The above pics are the "unfit" things that you didn't see on RAW this week. That is, if you live in Canada and watch RAW on TSN like me. But come on, what's so unfit about these things? We see Austin give the finger every damn week. We see people with beer in magazines, tv commercials, tv shows, and in everyday life. Why not in wrestling?
Because Austin and the Undertaker are "role models" for the youth of our nation? It's not fit for a lady to give someone the finger and yet be able to call another woman a bitch, slut or whore? Bullshit.
Wait a minute..... ok, I'm gonna calm down and try to give both sides of the story here. Remember all those Val Venis promos on RAW several weeks before his debut on RAW a couple months ago? Maybe you don't. That is, if you live in Canada. Remember when Val showed Yamagouchi San a video of himself and his wife in bed together? Maybe you don't. That is, if you live in Canada. Remember the woman who flashed D-X just last week? Maybe you don't. That is, if you live in Canada. With the exception of the Val's very first promo, they were all cut out by TSN. Where they right to do that? Well, yes and no. Maybe so many sexual references shouldn't be seen by the millions of kids that watch wrestling each week. But what about the right of the adult wrestling fan to watch an unedited show? How many times have I moaned and groaned when the camera flicks to a wide crowd shot whenever an interesting or funny part of the show comes on?
The bottom line is this: TSN and the CRTC need to evaluate what really needs to sit down and decide what should be edited and what should not. Is beer drinking offensive? Hell no. Are middle fingers offensive? To some parents, yes. Is talking about having big dicks and showing off big boobs offensive? Sure. But not for everybody.
The solution: TSN should air an unedited version of RAW later on Monday night when the kiddies are in bed, but the adults can still enjoy the show or tape it for later. The midnight (eastern time) airing would be ideal. Put the Tuesday afternoon repeat on the editing chopping block, for the kids to watch. Boom. Problem solved. Sounds good to me.
UPDATE August 1: Well, there was a newsconference today at Skydome in Toronto. It seems that TSN and the WWF have signed a new 5 year deal where RAW will be shown L-I-V-E every week at 9 pm eastern on Monday Nights. This plan will begin in October.
Boy, do I feel the fool. I apologize to TSN, but the CRTC can still suck it.
Since this year's King Of The Ring, we've seen an previously unheard of amount of title changes. I guess the big two have gotten the impression that title changes = RATINGS. And for the most part, they're right. The element of surprise has become a cornerstone in wrestling today. I admit, I totally marked when D-Lo got the upset win over Triple H, as well as for Goldberg's huge title win. BUT, I really did feel cheated when Austin won the title back so quickly from Kane.
Of course, the televised Austin/Kane and Goldberg/Hogan World title matches were very successful for both their respective companies. Here's a list of title changes as of late, that I can remember:
Title changes add excitement to events, but one problem can arise: "cheapening the importance" of a title. Back when the WCW Cruiserweight division was really hot, the title was being traded back and forth between Misterio, Malenko, Geurrero, Jericho, Syxx and Juvi almost on a monthly basis. Sure, the action was great but did a title really matter to anyone? Nope. I couldn't have cared less about who had the belt, let alone who was challenging for it. It didn't matter. The reason: the wrestlers didn't have a goal. The only thing worse than an over-defended title is an underdefended one. How many times did HBK or Triple H defend the European title? Not very many. When Owen had it, he wrestled nearly every week for it. How many times did Hogan defend the title in his last two reigns? Not very often. How many times did the Outsiders defend the tag belts during their lengthy reign? Not very often. They wrestled more singles matches than as a tag team.
So what's the solution? Not much really. But at least the WWF have begun doing something to increase the prestige and importance of becoming the champ. They've been emphasizing the importance of being the number one contender. When the crowd "believes" how important a title shot is, then there's interest generated, which result in ratings, higher attendance at house shows and ppv buys.
Sure, title changes for pure shock value alone aren't always a bad thing when used sparingly, but when overused the shock wears off in time.
He's been a Supreme Fighting Machine, a Godfather as well as a Voodoo Witch Doctor during his long career with the WWF, but as of late he's slowly developing a gimmic (of all things) as a pimp. That's right, a pimp. And yes, I like it.
Kama's pimp gimmic truly came into being on RAW this week when he came out with three buxom young ladies, who are supposedly hookers. Lurking in the crowd I noticed several signs that read "Pimpin' Ain't Easy". I probably wouldn't have made the connection that Kama even said this except for overhearing someone mention it the night before. But tonight, Kama said yet another great line, "It's a beautiful day for pimpin'". It had me rolling. During his tag match against the LOD, even Jim Ross mentioned that Kama has been wrestling with a new air of confidence. Kama isn't that bad a wrestler either, and can hold his own against almost anyone. He's strong, fast and knows some good moves. Who knows, maybe Kama will finally see some of that gold he's been denied for so long.
While watching Billy Gunn fight it out with Austin, I couldn't help but feel that I was watching a future ppv main event in the making. Maybe not this year, but when the Bad Ass' star finally begins to shine as a singles wrestler. It'll happen. Trust me.
Hawk as the drunken old man. Not the way the LOD wanted to go out I'm sure.
If Kaientai want to make any kind of impact on the mic, they've gotta at least have some prepared things to say. "Chop chop your pee pee" ain't gonna cut it. (no pun intended)
I guess the "ultimate tough man" gimmic for Dr. Death may not happen. He go knocked out cold by Bodacious Bart in the Brawl For All. They say there's 8 men left to compete. I wish they'd show some brackets to this tourney. BORING chants don't sound good either.
You gotta love D-Lo. The most under-rated wrestler today. Hands down. At least he's got a title. Wish I could say the same for Benoit.
Now for some news (some old, some new)... plucked from various sources around the Net. I will also start giving credit where credit is due for most of these new tidbits, so if you want to read about these stories, I suggest checking out some of the great Wrestling News Sites located on my Links Page.
Click here for the previous "News & Views" Column.
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