Things to improve Raw/Smackdown

Tyler Durden

Put here stuff that you think WWE could do to improve the programme.

Not, for example, "I want to see them push RVD" I want to hear ideas you have for making the programme itself better.

My first idea is based around them having a whole bunch of guys that are just outside of the glass ceiling but who we know little about. I don't want just a little 2 minute "I'm from the streets" thing like they did for Shelton once.

Let Kevin Dunn get seriously on the case, produce something that runs 5-10 minutes showing some career highlights, remind us of what they've done before (for example for Rob Conway you'd show him in OVW, then show him in WWE winning tag belts....probably the time they won them in Quebec and the crowd popped like they were gods.....show them fighting against The Rock.....recap why he wanted to go solo).

Then put these on the website linked to their profiles.

Wrestling only truly works on all levels when you give a crap about the guys in the ring, it's time the group started giving us a reason to give a crap about people that are outside the main event level.

In 1999/2000 when the group was as hot as hell it seemed like everyone was over, the reason was due to good writing that gave everyone a character and made you recognise them.

3D

I think a loy of people have pointed out recently how the undercard is often under-utilized in terms of TV time and storylines/promo time. I think vignettes would help remedy the problem, and would surely be an interesting way to promote some wrestlers, but I think the basic need for writers to stick with writing one storyline each and focus on that would help more than your suggestion.

Look at Raw last week - in one match, the 3 vs 3 tag featuring Masters, Striker and Benjamin against Haas, RVD and Carlito, I think they did a magnificent job of keeping the heat in those feuds going whilst promoting all those guys on TV. There was a nice lack of action between Carlito and Masters despite them constantly trying to sneak in cheap shots and such, RVD and Benjamin had some nice in-ring interaction, as did Benjamin and Haas (Surely Shelton's next feud), Striker went after Carlito, RVD seemed to be made out to be a marked man due to the MITB brief case.. it was just beautiful '99 Attitude-era booking that covered a wide scope of feuds, with great in ring psychology. That's the kinda back-to-basics thinking WWE needs right now.

3D. Wrestling Clique, Monksdiner, JimmyVan and KnowYourNews' Crafty Old Veteran.

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

RAW is fine IMO.. SD! I've discussed but I won't on here. I'll say this.. No draft. A drat would be terrible.

hello_dondalinger

I would say more build on the anticipation b/w opponents. Who cares to see JBL versus Rey Mysterio when they'll be facing each other in tag team matches leading up to their match. Keeping them apart as often as they can leading up to their match. Remember the no-touch policy for the 2 out of 3 match b/w Austin and HHH?

Also, lets see more of the mid card wrestlers get some decent time in when they fight main event guys. If theyre showcasing Rob Conway versus John Cena (non-title), then why can't Conway get some good offence in rather than squash victories as if they'll never be at a calibre to contend for the title.

I agree that vignettes always help build superstars. Look at the Miz. I think he has some real potential with his backstage segments (except for his 'Hoo-rah!' reminiscent of the recent Jarhead), and vignettes also allow wrestlers to develop some mic skills before they even show off their in-ring skills.

And lastly, don't bounce titles around just so that the fan-favorite always gets their turn. Every so often, transitional champions are fine. But I remember when it was a big deal for somebody to win a title, be it IC, World, Tag or US. Like who cares about the Cruiserweight title? Anyone? It's b/c there isnt enough competition for it.

There sre lots of more ideas on how they can improve their product, ie. create more stars and stop looking to the past to form a future. The fans will help decide who will work and who won't. Take a chance.

ICEMAN

1) Start off RAW with an actual wrestling match every once and a while. It gets tiring see the same old 15-20 minute promo from Vince, Triple H and Cena each week.

2) Remember how nuts everyone went when Y2J beat Triple H for the title on RAW (even though it was reversed later, still the initial excitement was huge)? That unpredictability in the booking is missing and it'd be nice to see surprises.

3) Give the midcard guys more TV exposure. They wonder why guys like Conway can't get over and a lot of it has to do with the lack of character development. When WWE was rolling in the late 90's, pretty much every guy on the roster had a developed character that the fans could follow. Now, not so much.

4) Get rid of the draft lottery. It's been a joke the past two years. Instead, have a couple of guys switch shows randomly during the year. Surprise appearances are always good and all they have to do is say so and so's contract expired and he's moved on to the other brand. Not that complicated.

Tyler Durden

You don't think there's anything they can do to improve Raw!!! It's better than it was, sure, but you must be the easiest impressed wrasslin' fan ever if you can't think of anything to improve that show.

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

Well.. what more can be done? They have enough main event level talent.. And they have a lot of young stars on the rise..

The only thing I can say is write interesting storylines and keep the people who should be at the top or near the top there.. For example, don't drop someone like Shelton to Heat duty just because he loses one match against RVD. You have to create storylines where everyone comes out a winner from it. You know, like they did with Stone Cold and Bret?

I'm sorry if they don't have the next Rock or the next Austin.. There is nothing that can be done about that. People have to quit bitching about Shelton or Carlito as "not being the Rock" or just let them be who they are. There is no next Rock. Get over it people, he's been gone for years. To sit here and bitch about RAW after th last month of programming would be foolish.. Do me a favour and stop watching if you're never going to be happy..

No, I'm not talking about you Bulldog lol..

Tyler Durden

Meanwhile, back in the actual thread........

thirty7

Not that it's a major thing. but i think both sets need a overhaul. A more simplistic, sleek set would look much better and give both shows a little edge i believe.

I wish my sex life was like ECW, first you get a One Night Stand followed by 2 months of nostalgic orgasms and then 6 months of constant sucking.

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

I agree with that, especially SD!.. Their set looks like a 2nd rate independent.