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SEScoops Mailbag for October 15th
(submit YOUR questions to [email protected])
Q: Where was the William Regal, King of the Ring/Raw GM angle meant to end up? The lights going out early on RAW was a pretty big thing! – Alex L.
A: At the very least, his run as Raw GM would have continued for far longer than it did had he not been suspended for a second time for violating WWE’s Wellness Policy. I know there had even been some discussion of a possible short reign with the title, given how much heat Regal was generating at the time.
Q: The title of Goldust’s new book begins with the words “Cross Rhodes”, which is also the name of his brother’s finishing move. Is it likely that one or the other will be renamed or was this done on purpose? – Frank
A: This was not done by accident. One really doesn’t have anything to do with the other, anyway. It’s not exactly the same thing as WWE changing Regal’s name from Steven to William because they already had two Steve’s (Austin and Blackman), or changing Lance Cade’s name to Garrison because Lance Storm already worked there.
Q: With occasional mentions of JR in light of Michael Cole being the most hated announcer in WWE by the majority of fans, and remembering Edge’s words in his recent segment with Cole and the GM, I wonder what Jim really thinks when he hears his name mentioned from time to time? Would he ever call another match if he decided to return for one night only? – Kirk R.
A: I can’t speak for him, but I’d guess it makes him both happy and frustrated. Happy that his name is being kept out there, which is good for his BBQ business, and frustrated in that they mention his name on TV as being the greatest of all time, yet have no use for him on television. Of course, when I say “they”, I’m really talking about Vince McMahon (not to be confused with friends of Abyss). As for whether he would ever call another match if he decided to come back for one night … I think you answered your own question there, buddy.
Q: Why do WWE and TNA continue to tape main TV shows, namely Smackdown and Impact? The spoilers I’m sure hurt their ratings and the fake crowd cheering that WWE inserts into the broadcast is just plain bad! – Mike Cornblatt
A: The piped in cheers on Smackdown can be rather annoying at times, but it’s no different than what they did for years with the old Superstars and Wrestling Challenge syndicated shows. Smackdown and Impact are taped as a way to save money, simple as that. Airing live each week is a great expense, and while you may think it hurts their ratings, you provide no clear cut evidence that this is true. The most recent taped edition of Raw performed poorly because of Monday Night Football.
Q: How long does it take WWE to set up an arena for TV? About how much money is used in pyrotechnics per show? – Big Mike
A: It depends on the arena setup. An elaborate set designed for a pay-per-view like WrestleMania could take WEEKS to erect, while the setup for Raw and Smackdown typically takes the better part of a day. As for pyro, not sure of an exact figure, but I do know that it costs many thousands.
Q: I would like to know when on earth Triple H is coming back to Raw because I keep hearing rumors that he is working in an office now. – Anonymous
A: Triple H is expected to be cleared to work as early as the end of this month from his most recent injury, assuming rehab has gone well. At that point, he would be free to return to TV whenever creative wants him to do so. His status as an office employee is more of a formality than anything else. He’s essentially been working under his father-in-law for years, but only recently was it made official. The big thing would be with Hunter now being recognized as a WWE employee, he is likely entitled to many benefits (including insurance and a 401k retirement plan) he did not have as an independent contractor. Not that he needs it or anything.
Q: What is the deal with the Hart Dynasty? Last Monday night on RAW, Michael Cole said that David Hart Smith was nowhere to be found. Obviously, WWE is planning on splitting them up with Smith turning heel, but that wouldn’t exactly explain why he wasn’t there at all. – Nick Adams
A: Never assume anything with WWE or TNA these days, but it’s called long-term build. Of course, the definition of “long-term” in 2010 is far different than it was, say, 20 years ago when the Mega Powers ran roughshod for months before splitting up. He may show up next week and beat up Tyson, but I’m thinking they will milk this for a while before someone does the big turn.
Q: Do you think it would be a good idea to bring in John Cena Sr. to do his Johnny Fabulous gimmick managing a heel against his son? – Matt
A: I’d rather his son go heel first, but that’s me. Mister Cena is actually quite the accomplished performer up in Boston as part of the Millennium Wrestling Federation (MWF) and would make a fine manager, but aside from Paul Bearer who was brought in primarily as a chess piece in an ongoing storyline, WWE doesn’t much care for managers these days. It’s worth noting that a few years ago, none other than Vince McMahon himself made an appearance at an MWF event and ended up on the receiving end of an Attitude Adjustment from Cena Jr.
Q: Why do you think The Miz has been given such a big push over the past year and a half or so? – madslam2009
A: Because he’s awesome.
Keep those questions coming to [email protected] and remember to include your name!
