So, did you hear what happened to Mr. McMahon?
Some fans loved the ending of Raw on Monday and some hated it, but one thing is certain: the “death” of Mr. McMahon had people talking yesterday. And that is exactly what WWE wanted.
It wasn't just wrestling fans that were talking about it, either. The shocking final scene on Raw was discussed on a number of sports talk shows and morning shows on local and national radio. In fact, I was a guest for a segment about it on Sun columnist Peter Schmuck’s show on WBAL last night.
I know that this kind of over-the-top, soap-opera-like story line turns off a lot of hardcore wrestling fans, but they’re missing the big picture. WWE is trying to broaden its audience, and becoming the subject of water-cooler talk is a way to do that. For WWE to get people talking, something that transcended wrestling needed to happen. Trust me, Schmuck was not going to bring me on his show to discus the merits of Torrie Wilson being drafted to Smackdown.
The “Who Blew Up WWE Chairman Vince McMahon?” saga (as it was referred to in a WWE news release yesterday) got under way the same week in which The Wrestling Observer reported that USA Network is pressuring WWE to increase the ratings for Raw. Time will tell if this angle, which will likely play out for several months, can deliver.
Comments
It's about time USA woke up and started pressuring them. Unfortunately, unless they demanded Stephanie's firing as head of creative nothing will change. Oh I forgot, her loser borefest husband returns soon. That should fix everthing. And yes sorry Baron Von Raschke, TNA is the ONLY watchable hour of wrestling! Oh that's right! I might miss the Boogeyman! Cutting edge writing there folks! Same horrible writing that caused me to stop watching Wrestling from 89-95.
Posted by: eric | June 13, 2007 1:14 PM
I think Vince staged his death as a way to learn which WWE stars/managers/announcers are really loyal to him.
I could see a Shane-Coach feud developing over who becomes new GM of Raw.
Posted by: John | June 16, 2007 12:15 PM
Eric,
I mean really, c'mon!!!!!!!! TNA - Kevin Nash, Angle, Double J, Steiner, Sting, oh let's not forget Sharkboy. Please tell me where the talent is. They have 1 star worth watching and that's Cage. Now in the words of David lee Roth, c'mon man give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Baron Von raske | June 18, 2007 8:58 AM
this is so not right. what would kids think when they hear that someone's father died and it's all for tv. me as a not so fan was very mad about this. think of the children that really lost ther father in the war and just being fathers day. no money is worth lying about your father's death.
Posted by: me | June 20, 2007 11:21 AM