Crocker

I've noticed something over the last few years, that the WWE has really stopped with epic rivalries that last for up to a year or two. Just think back a while ago with Bret vs. Shawn, Vince/Austin, and Kane vs. Undertaker (when Kane first debuted and destroyed Undertaker in the cell). These rivalries lasted months upon months and they never actually faced off one on one untill it was absolutely necessary. Kane vs. Undertaker is a prime example as they had many things happen for about 6 months before they finally fought at Wrestlemania which gave that match so much meaning.

Now a days if the WWE starts a rivalry say between JBL and Undertaker or Orton vs. HHH they rush it, and give the fans what they want right away and have them go at if for the title (I know nobody actually wants to see JBL as champion but bear with me.... oh except for the morons who actually think he's a good champion, they're the same ppl who think David Arquette was a great World Champ too). Instead of building a massive story and having the face go through adversity after adversity they just give them the title shot and usually they win the title, or if they don't win it the first time they get it the next month on a rematch.

I think this is a serious problem for the WWE, as their PPV matches don't have nearly as much significance they used too. Having monthly PPV's and no huge established faces hurt the chances of them getting out of this rut, but maybe if they actually realize that they DON'T have to have a title match every PPV then maybe they can stretch out storylines to make them have more impact.

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Dr. Giganto

There's a HUGE difference between JBL being champ and David Arquette. You should know that

But, to stay on topic, rushed storylines have been one of my biggest complaints recently. Orton got the belt WAY too early, as did JBL, who's character is actually really entertaining, but was given the title before he could earn any credibility. Same with Carlito.

Remember how everyone loved the Y2J-Trish-Christian stuff from early this year? Thats because it was a well thought out storyline that was given time to develop

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The Strange One

Epic rivalries require epic storytelling, and the storylines that have been written over the past 2 years have been anything but epic. It also requires the involvement of two polarized characters who are different in almost every way except for their wit and their passion to win. McMahon/Austin worked so well because McMahon represented the corporate image and Austin was the anti-McMahon.

The JBL character would be better if we had an anti-JBL. I really think Booker could be that guy if they play their cards right. But we know WWE will probably rush through the story and pull the trigger on the payoff too soon. I could totally see Booker being the black Stone Cold. I think that would be believable booking, too, because Booker seems like the common man like Austin was. And JBL is already in the McMahon-esque heel role.

Another possible rivalry could be Batista and Triple H. Except that Triple H would eventually bury Batista like he does other workers.

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Dr. Giganto

Another good example, provoked by Strange One's point, was the Orton-Foley feud.

That was another one that took months to develop, and it was also two dynamic opposites. On one hand, you had Foley, the grizzled veteran, adored by fans of all ages around the world, not-quite-good-shape, worked his butt off to get where he was

On the other hand, there was Orton, who was young, good-looking, in great shape, inexperienced, arrogant, "born into the business". He basically was the anti-Foley

As a result, we ended up with one of my favorite matches of the year, the hardcore match at Backlash

As for Booker T, I think he actually might win at Survivor Series. Lord knows JBL has had the belt long enough

I know this is risky, but i think a good way to kick off the feud would be to make it sort of racially-toned. you could have Orlando Jordan playing a sort of "Uncle Tom" character, who renounces his African-American heritage, to be a sell-out for JBL. Technically, he is sort of like that, they just need to play it up.

JBL can then talk about how Booker T is a bad influence on young black children, how he's a former criminal, a thug, etc. while JBL and Orlando Jordan are positive role models, etc.

It would be very touchy, and very difficult to not cross the line into blatant racism, but I think it could be effective.

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The Strange One

I think WWE would probably avoid any type of racially charged storyline out of fear of it garnering bad press. I like the premise of the storyline, though.

I agree that the Orton/Foley thing had all the potential in the world. Great build up and then, in an instant, it was was done. Done, dropped, and forgotten.

I think the absence of epic rivalries is more of the symptom than the illness. The illness is undoubtedly bad writing. Good ideas, but bad writing.

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DD

Vince is clearly suffering from the fact that he thinks he can't contain the fans interest with such long storylines.

Its really quite sad how WCWesque they have become in regards to storylines.

Wasnt Trish and Christian supposed to be lovers?

Where is Stevie Richards with his embarrasing womans dress?

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Miakal

What's sadder is that you guys keep watching this crap.

Vince will never change the product around as long as he is selling advertisements and making money.

I would also like to point out that when a wrestling fans attention span has gotten even lower you've come to a sad point in the history of points.

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The Strange One

Hardcore wrestling fans are going to watch WWE because we love pro wrestling and WWE is the only wrestling on primetime TV. If TNA wasn't broadcasted in the middle of the afternoon on Fridays, they'd have more viewers.

I DVR the TNA shows on Fridays but they're not all that great. Its like 15 minutes of wrestling and 45 minutes of commercials, most of which are TNA's. The wrestling is pretty good but the production quality sucks so it still wouldn't be a legit contender with WWE, even in primetime. And by the way, their storylines are anything but epic.

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Jackie Pies

just a small add on, not only are the angles rushed these days, but sometimes they don't even last till the next payperview, instead they quickly throw the match on tv, wh/ is fine for a person like me who won't order the ppv's anyways, but why would someone who is considering buying a ppv shell out the dolla dolla bills if they just saw that match for free last week or they know they'll see the free rematch on the following show. besides, why would you pay to see a match between guys w/ no real story anyways...

strange one is correct, tna's storylines suck and usually don't exist (although nash and hall are w/ tna now so maybe they'll do something. the biggest storyline i've seen last month was abyss getting fed up w/ goldilocks ignoring him and the jeff hardy vs. jeff jarret, and the well expected raven vs. sabu feud that disappered due to sabu's injury,, but the wrestling kicks ass and just shows that sometimes you need smaller guys on your roster like a.j. styles and amazing red and team canada and i could keep going on and on. the "biggest" guy they have is dusty rhodes (i mean in fame and in body size) and then abyss and dallas and the pounce guy, but their entire x division is pretty small sized guys and they are amazing.