Where does Pro Wrestling Go From Here?

[Lexvol]

This board has the most informed opinions on pro wrestling that I have ever seen. So where do you guys think the sport goes from here? Will there be sponsor pullouts?

[kptvol]

Aren't most of their sponsors energy drinks and male body sprays? Most of the products I see supporting wrestling won't be that negatively affected. I really don't see this incident changing pro wrestling too much. I'd say things will be completely back to normal in a month or so. I'm probably not one of the informed guys you were referring to, though. I'd be interested to get hat's opinion.

[Crew]

No more death angles would be a good start. I could see why sponsors would pull away. It'll mostly depend on how much coverage this gets and whether or not it leads to the feds getting involved with the WWE's preactices. If it fades...it'll be buisness as usual within months... If there is constant outcry against the WWE, they could be in real trouble.

Personally, I don't even know if I'll ever watch it again, Benoit was one of the only reasons I even watched.

[VolFirebirds]

McMahon made a BIG step tonight, though I'm not sure how many people saw it (it was at the beginning of ECW)
He basically apologized for the tribute show, saying that it was done before all the facts were known. Then said that all you'd see tonight and on Smackdown were matches, the wrestlers being wrestlers and entertaining us.

That is a Solid start, and may have gone a long way towards avoiding the destruction of the business. I don't think I'm exaggerating there, because the Mainstream media is about to hit Vince over the head with the Steroid thing again, Hard.

But I think that if they can keep this (another death) from happening for a LONG time and generally clean up their act, and find SOMEBODY other than Cena to lead the industry like Austin and Hogan before him, then they'll be fine.

[hatvol96]

You'll see the WWE follow TNA's lead and go back to a more traditional style wrestling product. You'll see considerably less emphasis on the solacious and the prurient. Let's all remember how Chris and Nancy Benoit's relationship began. Kevin Sullivan, her then husband, thought it would be a good idea to create an angle where she was cheating on him with Benoit to put some heat behind a feud between the Four Horsemen and the Dungeon of Doom. I'm pretty confident nobody will think that type of angle is a good idea anytime soon. One prediction: The new emphasis on in ring performance will make Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles the two hottest stars in the industry within six months. Also, look for the WWE to give Ric Flair one more run as a contender and HHH to regain his place as the company's dominant figure.

[oklavol]

Originally Posted by hatvol96

Also, look for the WWE to give Ric Flair one more run as a contender and HHH to regain his place as the company's dominant figure.

Space Mountain maybe the oldest ride in the park, but its still got the longest line. Woooo

[getyopopcornready]

downhill

[Lexvol]

Do you think that this may give the wrestlers some momentum for their own union, especially if steriods are proven as a primary factor in Beniot's behavior? I am typically not a union guy simply because most unions now exist to serve themselves. By in large sports unions effectively buck that trend.

It is close to the fact, and I don't want to offend anyone, but this situation is unprecedented. None of the previous wrestling tragedies similar to this involved a 7 year old. I tend to agree that we will see drastic changes in the WWE product this time around.

As a "purist" (I understand that is a weird term to use for a sports entertainment fan) I welcome the day when the atheletes with technical skill and a good mike presence are once again at the top of the sport.

[Lexvol]

Originally Posted by kptvol

Aren't most of their sponsors energy drinks and male body sprays? Most of the products I see supporting wrestling won't be that negatively affected. I really don't see this incident changing pro wrestling too much. I'd say things will be completely back to normal in a month or so. I'm probably not one of the informed guys you were referring to, though. I'd be interested to get hat's opinion.

KP I typically respect your opinions even if I disagree. Maybe it is your anthropological view of the world that I enjoy.

[JZVOL]

Originally Posted by hatvol96

You'll see the WWE follow TNA's lead and go back to a more traditional style wrestling product. You'll see considerably less emphasis on the solacious and the prurient. Let's all remember how Chris and Nancy Benoit's relationship began. Kevin Sullivan, her then husband, thought it would be a good idea to create an angle where she was cheating on him with Benoit to put some heat behind a feud between the Four Horsemen and the Dungeon of Doom. I'm pretty confident nobody will think that type of angle is a good idea anytime soon. One prediction: The new emphasis on in ring performance will make Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles the two hottest stars in the industry within six months. Also, look for the WWE to give Ric Flair one more run as a contender and HHH to regain his place as the company's dominant figure.

If this becomes reality I will be drawn back to wresling. I haven't watched it much over the past 5 years so if they go back to the old way it was I would love it.

[JZVOL]

Originally Posted by Lexvol

Do you think that this may give the wrestlers some momentum for their own union, especially if steriods are proven as a primary factor in Beniot's behavior? I am typically not a union guy simply because most unions now exist to serve themselves. By in large sports unions effectively buck that trend.

It is close to the fact, and I don't want to offend anyone, but this situation is unprecedented. None of the previous wrestling tragedies similar to this involved a 7 year old. I tend to agree that we will see drastic changes in the WWE product this time around.

As a "purist" (I understand that is a weird term to use for a sports entertainment fan) I welcome the day when the atheletes with technical skill and a good mike presence are once again at the top of the sport.

I agree 100%. The "Attitude" era has hurt wrestling in the long run IMO.

[hatvol96]

Originally Posted by JZVOL

I agree 100%. The "Attitude" era has hurt wrestling in the long run IMO.

The problem with the "Attitude Era" is that Vince misinterpreted why it was successful. It wasn't a hit because of lewd jokes and foul language. It won fans over because Austin, Rock, HHH, HBK, 'Taker, Foley and others were compelling personalities who could deliver the goods in the ring.

[JZVOL]

Originally Posted by hatvol96

The problem with the "Attitude Era" is that Vince misinterpreted why it was successful. It wasn't a hit because of lewd jokes and foul language. It won fans over because Austin, Rock, HHH, HBK, 'Taker, Foley and others were compelling personalities who could deliver the goods in the ring.

100% agree.

[Fine Vol]

Originally Posted by hatvol96

You'll see the WWE follow TNA's lead and go back to a more traditional style wrestling product. You'll see considerably less emphasis on the solacious and the prurient. Let's all remember how Chris and Nancy Benoit's relationship began. Kevin Sullivan, her then husband, thought it would be a good idea to create an angle where she was cheating on him with Benoit to put some heat behind a feud between the Four Horsemen and the Dungeon of Doom. I'm pretty confident nobody will think that type of angle is a good idea anytime soon. One prediction: The new emphasis on in ring performance will make Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles the two hottest stars in the industry within six months. Also, look for the WWE to give Ric Flair one more run as a contender and HHH to regain his place as the company's dominant figure.

I must say Hat for a man who is well educated and well spoken as you I would peg you to think wrestling is stupid. I was a big fan but I quite watching it because it is the man's version of a womens soap opera. The storylines are addictive and well written most of the time. How did you become the big wrestling fan?

[GAVol]

Originally Posted by VolFirebirds

McMahon made a BIG step tonigh

As if Vince has ever done anything other than try to sell product and avoid getting sued?