Has the absence of major stars been good for the WWE?

[RockFan89]

Most people on these threads seem to believe that the WWE is starting to get much better than it was just a few months ago. But when you compare the rosters, there seems to be a couple of major superstars who are currently not active or have left: HHH, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Batista. The Divas also do not have Melina or Beth Phoenix.

So my question is, is the current improvement in WWE television directly the result of these 4 superstars being out?

My answer is, for the most part, yes. Now for Smackdown, I think the fact that the Undertaker is not there is really hurting the brand since their next face is Rey Mysterio, and with all due respect to Mysterio, he cannot carry a show. And Kingston, Hardy, and Christian are not being pushed to the main event with the void left behind. So unless the WWE gives at least one of those 3 a push for the title, they need 'taker back.

Now for Raw, if HHH and Michaels were still with Raw, I seriously think the nexus angle would turn into nexus vs Dx and that would have turned into a joke like the spirit squad did. Or if they kept the current storyline, HHH and Michaels would have most probably been on Cena's team and the nexus would have clearly been outmatched. (With the current team, the nexus could at least seem on the same level with Cena's team.)

And if I remember correctly, Batista was officially part of Smackdown but he was always on Raw feuding with Cena. But no matter the brand he may have been on, he would have taken up the time of other heels like McIntyre, Rhodes, Miz, or DiBiase. All of whom seem to be developing fairly well. And if HHH/Michaels were still on Raw, guys like Bourne and Mark Henry may not be given such a spotlight and wrestlers like Ryder and Regal may not even make the show. (As it is, The Hart Dynasty and the Uso's weren't even on the show last night).

Even divas like Eve, Alicia Fox, and Kelly Kelly have gotten more ring time, and even though I don't think the divas have become more entertaining, this time has allowed the girls to develop which may speak well of the future of the divas division.

So just in summary, the fact that these superstars are currently out has allowed the WWE to develop their talent at a better rate and has allowed writers to be more creative and flexible which has resulted in the better product we are currently witnessing.

So what do you think?

 

[Optimist Prime]

I don't see any connection whatsoever and feel that it's just one giant coincidence.

I don't think people were patiently waiting around their house refusing to turn on WWE until all of the major stars had left.

I think it's all a big coincidence as ratings have always fluctuated over the years...it could be because it's the summertime now and kids don't have school the next day? perhaps? That would seem like the more logical explanation.

If anything, perhaps a lot of people who were barely hanging on by a thread watching Raw and such because of the nostalgic value the older guys gave them may have LEFT because they basically watched wrestling as a link to their past...and without anybody there from their past...it wasn't necessary anymore. That would even be a far stretch...but even that makes a lot more logical sense than people refusing to turn WWE on until every single major star was off the air so they could enjoy a nice dose of mediocrity instead.

 

[anaximillion]

I think smackdown is hurting without undertaker because big show is getting so much face time. and he is just boring. but with undertaker here i doubt anyone else would really get any title runs. rey mysterio wasnt even supposed to be at fatal 4 way. undertaker just squashes alot of the smackdown talent and thats why its a double negative with undertaker back. with punk injured another heel would have had to step up but it seems as if kane is switching to a heel, so it wouldve been a chance for other guys to step up into the main event light, but when undertaker returns that will definately be put on hold for awhile.

as for raw, they are not as stale without hhh and michaels, when they were here u expected dx to come out make some stupid jokes and squash somebody. without that happening, creative has no choice but to come up with some "fresh" material. or at least something different. not to mention the fact that the guest hosts arent running a muck like they were for the past year. Guest hosts and DX running around making stupid jokes and useless segments and dumb gimmick matches collectively hurt raw. But without that much time being wasted younger talent gets the chance to step up and produce.

 

[Liquid Smallz]

For RAW I don't know why everybody saying stupid stuff like DX would have been squashing guys when they haven't really rolled like that since their first return in 2006. If HHH and HBK were there they would have been put down by Nexus. When they came back last year they were really putting guys over like Legacy and The Hart Dynasty. The only thing I'd say is without them there other superstars get time because DX had alot of promo time.

And for Smackdown Taker's absence hasn't brought the show down. To me if people like CM Punk left THAT would bring the show down, not ratings wise but quality. With Taker gone again you get more time for other upcoming superstars when one door closes another opens and hopefully its good.

Oh and Batista BTW was not causing WWE to do bad, Batista before he left worked amazing as a heel the best he has in his life its unfortunate that at his peak he didn't want any part of the business anymore.

 

[JBK2008]

I think this is just a big coincidence. Wrestlers retire, get hurt, or just need to take time off for whatever reason. A lot has just happened in this past year and creative so far has done a decent job. I mean, there's going to be a day when all the younger guys will have to fill in these voids. A lot of voids just happened to come up around the same time. This has been a wild year and these voids ave been a great test to creative and the WWE Superstars. No. The absence of the bigger names hasn't hurt the company that badly really. Sure having Undertaker on SmackDown would be nice, but how much of the show would be directed towards McIntyre and Kofi or Ziggler and Christian. Mysterio can't carry a show and I hope that his short time as champion proved it and we see Swagger or another superstar get focused over there.

Raw isn't doing too bad either with HBK gone and Triple H hurt. Sheamus and Miz have risen VERY high and Cena vs Nexus has been fun to watch so far. The young and lower card guys need exposure from time to time. Even if it's a short 5 minute or so match with eachother, some exposure on Raw is good and the injuries or what have you have helped just about everyone out here. In a sense, it's good to miss big names as long as creative takes care of it properly, and I think we've all seen a good job so far.

 

[Optimist Prime]

With all due respect I think you are missing what he's saying.

What the person that created this thread is saying is that due to the absence of these 4 main superstars, other younger superstars are receiving pushes and they make the show even more entertaining instead of the same old thing. Thus more people are watching. I'm not saying I agree with this hypothesis but I do believe that is what he's getting at.

Yes, but think about that for a second. That still insinuates that people were avoiding the programs before...literally sitting around waiting for newer guys without any personality but high flying moves to come in and perform. I just don't think it's likely.

And I certainly don't feel it's more entertaining at all. I think the Nexus invasion thing was cool at first but they kind of went in a direction that I didn't agree with since then. Other than that...pushing a really boring Evan Bourne isn't going to put more fans in their seats. He has the personality of a dead moth.

 

[ForeverRKO]

the absense of big name superstar is a good thing , now the other over looked superstars can potentially become big name supertars and keep their status even when some good superstars like HHH return , Evan bourne is a main eventer , Jack swagger , Kane is about to be , even the miz , it's looking great for the WWE .

 

[kcordloh]

I am a casual RAW viewer. I used to be diehard, but that ended years ago. And once WWECW ended I didn't have a weekly program I had to catch. RAW, iMPACT, SmackDown!, didn't matter, I'd catch part of one or parts or just read a recap. But I heard about the Nexus angle, downloaded and watched that RAW, and haven't missed an episode since. I'd been watching The Miz develop and enjoyed him alot, but I must admit the TV has been really good to me lately, and it's become must watch.

There are so many things clicking. The matchups feel fresh, you see something that feels amazing (Air RKO), the Nexus angle is intriguing, top heels and faces that have major issues with each other are teaming up yet their faces say they don't want to. I haven't been this "Must tune in and watch" since 2000/2001, and I was 13 back then. And I started watching SmackDown! to see Swagger as champ because loved his work on ECW, and I haven't missed an episode of that either.

Is it because of the top talent gone? I think to a degree. If HHH/HBK/Undertaker/Batista were back you'd have to find room for them. Maybe that's just Bourne's time, or maybe the Usos/Hart feud completely dissapears, but I have a feeling they would be involved in the Nexus angle at the top and I like seeing guys like Morrison & R-Truth and Bourne being up there. Something NEW.

 

[Liquid Smallz]

Yes, but think about that for a second. That still insinuates that people were avoiding the programs before...literally sitting around waiting for newer guys without any personality but high flying moves to come in and perform. I just don't think it's likely.

And I certainly don't feel it's more entertaining at all. I think the Nexus invasion thing was cool at first but they kind of went in a direction that I didn't agree with since then. Other than that...pushing a really boring Evan Bourne isn't going to put more fans in their seats. He has the personality of a dead moth.

I have to say you are definitely going a bit overboard here saying his persona dead. You and everybody know that his character is guided by creative. Evan Bourne doesn't come up with his personality WWE does. Creative gives him the script then Evan has to make it more than what it is so people can notice him and thats how it is with any wrestler.

They have gave Evan enough ring time he's already over with fans but he needs a character that kids can go "man i wanna be like him" and adults can say "damn he's pretty cool". Along with his character he needs promo time so he can sell it. All this stuff is not even his choice its up to creative and whoever to make Bourne a star.

And on a side note there aren't many superstars ALONE that make people buy tickets unless your Cena,Orton,Taker maybe two more. So stating he won't put fans in seats is pointless most fans come to see show itself.

 

[JenksIX]

Let me start by saying what I was saying a few months ago "In 5 yrs, Batista, HBK, HHH, Taker, Big Show, Kane, Edge, Mysterio, and Jericho will all be either retired and/or over 40"
Of those names, there will obviously be 2-3 working very light schedules so none of them can be a constant main eventer as they have been. Because of this WWE has really invested in Randy Orton lately who will only be like 34 in 5 years and why you hear HBK telling young guys like Sheamus not to step on Orton's toes.

So basically the main events of 5-10 yrs from now are going to include Randy Orton, John Cena and .......

For me that kinda sucks heh. I'm not much a fan of either (drives me nuts how ppl go wild for Orton and you know the major reason is b/c his finisher is the RKO)

I mean, watching Edge vs Jericho vs Orton last night ... that's suppose to be a big match right? Watching it, I felt like the guys mailed it in. It seemed so textbook to me if that makes sense. I think it's partly to do with where they are in their careers where they've done it so much it just becomes easy for them.

Also I've heard a lot about Cena's 7 moves of death ... does ne one realize Randy Orton doesn't have much a move set and practically takes no bumps himself?

If you watched MITB, I knew it before the PPV, Orton was going to hit like 3 RKOs but be outside the ring "recovering" for most of the match. I was shocked when he fell off the ladder at the very end and actually hit the rope(someone must of got an ear full from him for having to take that bump) ... he fell down twice that match and the first time he like jumped down 2 pegs before he actually fell so he fell from half way up the ladder.

Anyway, I was more excited last night to see the nexus confront edge and Jericho then I was too see the triple threat match. And a part of the excitment was b/c you are adding two more guys to a storyline ... which Cena has been hogging.

Not only was he the #1 contender feuding with sheamus .. but Cena was also getting the whole Nexus storyline to himself (7 on 1)

As for the topic, I think not seeing the same old faces has helped people become more interested in Raw. I watched wrestling pretty regularly from 1990's till 2003-2004.
After WCW was bought, I feel like Vince spent more time trying to destroy WCW then trying to build on WWE. The NWO even sucked in WWE.

But also at the time, when Rock and Austin left (and WCW guys like Sting had been gone) I wasn't able to get behind the new main eventers.

Now I'm a fan of all the young guys and can't wait for the old guys to be out of the picture. I mean I have to give credit too HHH who I never liked (he's a real good heel) ... but if WWE is going to progress they can't have those guys around. WWE Raw can not be WWE Cena every fking week. The old main eventers have to much say that they can't even put the young guys over correctly ... they'll botch it.

It'd be better for John Morrison to have a great feud with Justin Gabriel and have them both try to get over that way ... then a match with Cena where they'll look gud but come up short of winning.

Here's an example of how you make John Morrison a top guy in WWE.
Have him feud with Randy Orton. This is just a what if so I dunno whose heel or if there both face. It'd make sense for Morrison to prolly be face though.
Morrison have a match and it's an awesome match with a lot of close pins, may be sum 1 tried to interfere but sum 1 comes out and chases them off .. just make it an epic match. Ne how Morrison gets the chance to hit starship pain and he hits it, covers orton and Orton kicks out. Ne way, whether Orton goes for an RKO and Morrison counters ... THE MATCH ENDS WHEN MORRISON HITS THE RKO ON ORTON!

I bet you the whole fking arena would erupt and with that and a win over Orton, I dunno how Morrison is not cemented into mainevent.
The problem is ... would Orton go for that? If he's a face, he probably definitely won't.

Anyway, I tune into RAW to watch the young guys(funny thing is I tune into TNA to watch the old guys or established guys like Mr Anderson over the TNA originals lol), but I know in the long run the veteran main eventers have all the say.

Nexus, Ted Dibiase, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Dolph Ziggler, CM Punk, Morrison, Zack Rhyder, Swagger, Vance Archer, The Miz, Sheamus.

But I'm sure they all still got a bit to learn, but if they're not pushed into the spotlight ... they'll be the next Christian and Matt Hardys.

 

[smalltownfan]

As far as Smackdown goes, Taker is hardly on Smackdown anyway except for the occasional appearance every once in a while so it'll be good to have him back, but i haven't really missed him. I love Big Show as a face. If you've ever seen him do an interview with Jimmy Kimmel or do any other real-life TV interview, he is very funny and I'm glad to see WWE tap into that. He portrays the gentle giant until you piss him off very well. Swagger has really stepped up his game, too. On RAW is where missing top stars has really paid off. The Nexus angle is awesome to say the least. With HHH out of action and HBK retired, it gives guys like Nexus, Sheamus, and the Miz the chance to shine and if they continue on their current roles, the WWE's future is extremely bright.

 

[bigbootydaddyV]

I think HHH and Batista being gone is a huge improvement. Undertaker and HBK could have still been around to do somethings and improved everyone around them, however, those other two just hog all the spotlight in my opinion. I can't stand HHH as everything he does seems like the same old thing and he flip flops between face/heel so many times its hard to keep up or care. Batista was always boring to me and like HHH he went back and forth so many times and sucked on both ends. Taker and HBK on the other hand were two of the most consistent wrestlers in history. They will always leave a void with their absences whereas HHH and Batista just leave opportunity with theirs

 

[Optimist Prime]

I have to say you are definitely going a bit overboard here saying his persona dead. You and everybody know that his character is guided by creative. Evan Bourne doesn't come up with his personality WWE does. Creative gives him the script then Evan has to make it more than what it is so people can notice him and thats how it is with any wrestler.

That's not true. Creative gives gimmicks to only those who don't have any ideas (and usually they don't have any ideas because they lack the personality to come up with one). If a wrestler comes up (usually one who has a personality) and has an idea for himself (due to their personality) - they present it and more often than not creative will give it a chance if it sounds decent.

They have gave Evan enough ring time he's already over with fans but he needs a character that kids can go "man i wanna be like him" and adults can say "damn he's pretty cool". Along with his character he needs promo time so he can sell it. All this stuff is not even his choice its up to creative and whoever to make Bourne a star.

I don't even know what half of this means. I'll just focus on the one small part I can understand. Evan Bourne is over with the fans because he's the little engine that could. And he's a face. They'll cheer for him because he's the small little guy with no personality that can do a few cool moves and because he represents the "little brother who gets picked on" mentality the majority of America has these days. The same reason the Red Sox are so popular and people hate the Yankees to a certain extent. Jeff Hardy was one of the most boring wrestlers in the history of mankind and he got over with the fans too. But he soon fizzled out. Evan Bourne is basically Rey Mysterio Jr. without a mask on. His somersalts and cartwheels will only go so far. He may get a title belt...but due to his lack of personality, I can guarantee you he won't keep it for long.

And on a side note there aren't many superstars ALONE that make people buy tickets unless your Cena,Orton,Taker maybe two more. So stating he won't put fans in seats is pointless most fans come to see show itself.

I'll agree with you here. Nobody is coming to a WWE even to see one guy anymore. They used to do that with Hogan, Michaels, Austin, The Rock, and that's about it. There just hasn't been anybody (Cena is closest but still has more than his fair share of detractors as well) to really solely attract fans to come to the arena to see them. People seem to just be going these days because of the name: WWE.

 

[ANKHOR_MAN3]

Opitmus you still dont get it. He is not saying that people were sitting around avoiding television. That isn't even his idea he is saying that he feels the product is better since they are not hogging up tv time. He never said people werent watching tv because HHH was on. He is simply saying the overall product has gotten better. This has nothing to do with people watching or not watching. He was stating a fact not an opinion when he said that a lot of people around forums have been stating that the product is getting better. Hell there was a forum I read today where people were discussing the fresh new product and new direction they are taking. I personally like the step WWE is taking. Before they were kind of stuck in the shadow of the Attitude era. Now they are saying new era new times and we still can give you something different. Its about time the older stars take a backseat to some new talent.

 

[The 1-2-3 Killam]

Well, you can never be totally sure that it's because those guys have been gone, but it's a good possibility. I mean, I have nothing against them, but think about it. Suddenly Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Batista are off of Raw and Sheamus is WWE Champion, Miz wins Money in the Bank and becomes "the new face of Monday nights" and guys like Ted DiBiase and John Morrison are getting a hell of a lot more attention. And that's just for Raw...

Again, don't get me wrong, because there's a place for Triple H when he comes back, and I would love to see HBK around again. For instance, the Great Kahli is on Team Super Cena. What?!? Honestly, Bret Hart makes sense even if he's not able to hold his own in the ring. He got beaten down by Nexus and is now getting his revenge. It was a surprise move, and allowed Hart to make a comeback that worked with the story. But the Great Kahli...really? This is where a big name like Triple H would have fit perfectly. The team has star power already with Jericho, Edge, and Cena...but when Kahli came out one of the coolest WWE moments I'd seen in years was completely deflated... So there's definitely a place for the huge stars in the WWE, and they can use them while still promoting Miz and Sheamus. It's just really obvious when they're missing because great young talents finally get the pushes they deserve, so it really makes you not care about the "bigger" guys being gone. Because honestly, if Triple H coming back means that Miz has to lose his push...I would rather the Game hang up his boots and never come back.

 

[Dave]

Absolutely! I completely agree with you.

With all four of those guys leaving the company for their separate reasons, I have to say that it has been a glorious time to be a rookie in the business. Or rather, it is great to be an up-and-comer in the business right now..

At this time, you have to look around the WWE and you don’t have to look far to see the evidence of the way the new business has been conducted and I must say that it looks like a much healthier business. The young stars that we thought might not get the opportunity to show us what they are working with until much later in their careers have been given a lot of faith in the WWE and I guess it is because the WWE had little to no other choice but to give them the time of day. Right now, it looks as though it has paid off and when you combine it with the angles that are currently in play on Raw and Smackdown, you cannot help but feel that the superstars who took the time away from the company did it at the right time.

Look at people like The Miz, Evan Bourne and Jack Swagger and you can see how good a time it is to be in their situation. Swagger is already a World Champion and although he has lost his title, he still remains very much a part of the bigger picture on Smackdown. Evan Bourne is getting one hell of a push and I would be very surprised if he is not holding onto some gold in the coming months. Obviously The Miz has found his finest form recently and it has come at the right time because now he is right on the cusp of the main event and it is only going to continue to grow.

You could even look at the people who have been with the WWE for a while and are now getting some sort of reward for their troubles. People like Kane and Rey Mysterio who have held Championships as people like Batista and Taker leave the company for whatever reason. It’s incredible to think that the people who are holding all of the power in the WWE would not have stood a chance if these guys were still around. Hell, 6 months ago, I might not have been confident on any of these guys being successful but with so much talent making way, they have showed me.

I have to think that it has been great for the WWE.

 

[Kaneanite]

What's good for these young guys too is that Shawn and Batista are gone for GOOD. I was never really a Batista guy though it does suck that Michaels is gone. Nonetheless, however, you have to replace those 2 names with 2 others. Big shoes to fill, not saying they can be as good, but Wade Barrett as the new Batista and Morrison as some what of the new face that was Michaels "face spot"? I like the new talent.

 

[KennedyKennedy]

I agree with you and I don't agree with you.

I agree that since Triple H has left it has allowed wrestlers like Sheamus to step up as a credible main eventer and also I am beginning to get increasingly bored of Triple H. He's a legend, boss's son-in-law or not, but I think he really needs that heel turn and start feuding with younger talent such as Morrison and Miz and keep out of the world title picture when he gets back.
The second name on that list is Undertaker. I think that Smackdown could do well without 'Taker but not how the WWE is currently booking the show. At the moment Mysterio, Show and Kane are the shows top faces. While these names are big, they obviously won't be around for many more years. Smackdown needs to push more younger faces into the main event. I liked what they had going with Swagger and talent like Kingston and McIntyre seem to be really stepping up. But the WWE needs a huge name to replace 'Taker once he is gone and aside from Rey, they do not have that. Me personally has enjoyed the absence of 'Taker as I have found his character to be getting stale over the years and aside from cutting a few decent promos and having a few quality matches the few months he appears on TV these days, I feel he is more ready for retirement then Michaels was.
Speaking of Michaels, he is the next name on your list. I feel he could have gone a few more years and have definitely missed him. He can still pull out quality matches and promos any time he wants and since he didn't really stand in the way of younger talent reaching the main event, he even put many people over.
Finally, the last name on your list, Batista. I think Batista was definitely a big name in the WWE but aside from his great heel persona, didn't really bring much to the table. I believe that him leaving has left more room for other superstars to step up on Raw and have enjoyed it more since he left.
As for the divas, by the way you forget to mention Mickie James had left in the OP, I have found the division to be less entertaining without these names. Lets be honest, most of the divas suck. I would only keep Laycool of all the current active divas in the WWE if I was in charge and hire Mickie back and bring in some divas who can actually wrestle and entertain. If watching TNA has taught me anything, it is that a woman's division can actually be entertaining which I don't find is the case in WWE.

 

[1_2_3 Kid]

I gotta say that with a couple of ME'ers out, the show has been pretty good. Both have been for that matter. But, and there's always that "but" , you know that as soon as HHH musci hits or Taker's, or shit even HBK why not ... your going to mark. So don't say you wouldn't.

These young guys are going to get the rub regaurdless. Shit happens for a reason, and now they get their time to shine. So someone got hurt. You better damn well make sure your ass makes the most of that oppertunity you have. And its been getting done.

The Miz is really coming into his own and I cannot wait to see how this MITB angle goes for him. It would suck if they end up having him be the first to lose it .. that would suck. Guys like R Truth, JoMo, Evan Bourne and all the upstarts have to understand one thing, and I KNO they do .. you gotta pay your dues. And if you dont you can forget about tv time, and good angles. And you better be a good backstage contributor and have a good connection with VKM.

Look @ how many guys job that could easily be doing something way better. Regal is a master tactictionin that ring and Kozlov is a beast. But they don't do shit. Fuck Kahli, I won't even go there, but but when your doing good you doing good and when you doing bad you doing bad. It all goes back to having a good repore with people. Be you a Vet or Rook.

But back to the point, its been very refreshing seeing the Nexus play out and idk about others, but I am LOVING me so Mayrse and Teddy JR. This guy is going places, its a shame they don't have him in the ring more. That's someone I feel will headline after that 5 - 10 yr period. But they would have all been pushed if Hunter and all them were here. Talent like that can't go wasted for too long and VKM knows that. Its all about timing, and people have to realize that.

Stars don't get made overnight unless your one of the chosen ones. Hard work, dedication and basically everything Cena's gimmick stands for as much as it pains me to use that analogy is the way that being "big" goes good for you. Just because a guy gets hurt, you get pushed. Lol, would you take that as a compliment? I know I wouldn't ... "oh yeah, jerk off, and by the way, Hunter is going to be out for X months, your going in. Don't get too happy tho, he'll be back soon, I hope." Oh that would just make me feel soo much better about the work I was puttin in .. thanks asshole .. but anyway. WWE television has been going pretty strong for a while now and its time to get things rolling on SS. I'm really hoping we get to see a Miz vs. RKO ME at the biggest party of the summer.

Now Miz, what can I say. I had my doubts but he has just surpassed them all and grown into a legit ME player in my eyes. He's got a little of everything, and progresses every week. When you have something that you want bad enough, you'll go to extremes to get it. These guys must have SICK work ethics because handling a WWE schedule alone is hetic enough, just imagine being Champ. All the photo ops and signings and public appreances on top of working out. (Well we would be fine if VKM never had that little "stain" a little while back) ... but that's for a different day

Hmm .. just rambling now, but all in all I don't think it really makes a difference ..

 

[Optimist Prime]

Opitmus you still dont get it. He is not saying that people were sitting around avoiding television. That isn't even his idea he is saying that he feels the product is better since they are not hogging up tv time. He never said people werent watching tv because HHH was on. He is simply saying the overall product has gotten better. This has nothing to do with people watching or not watching. He was stating a fact not an opinion when he said that a lot of people around forums have been stating that the product is getting better. Hell there was a forum I read today where people were discussing the fresh new product and new direction they are taking. I personally like the step WWE is taking. Before they were kind of stuck in the shadow of the Attitude era. Now they are saying new era new times and we still can give you something different. Its about time the older stars take a backseat to some new talent.

It's about time old stars take a back seat to knew talent? What do you think Shawn Michaels did for the past 8 years? He was basically just with the company to SOLELY put younger guys over. It wasn't his fault if they failed or couldn't hang on to it for long. He did was he was supposed to do. Undertaker does similar things. Triple H, at times. To say that they had to LEAVE in order for these younger guys to come up is just wrong.

How has the product been getting better though? Less personality and more high flying circus acts? I mean I'm all for a good move or two but if the guy lacks personality...I can't continue to watch. And almost everybody in the WWE right now lacks personality (sans The Miz).

Look at John Morrison for example - he's got the look, the moves, but he still puts people to sleep because he has literally zero personality. Evan Bourne would be in there too but he has that "little guy taking on the world" thing going for him. But his personality still stinks.

 

[Hawkeye]

I'm not gonna say it's good for them business wise,because to that end,it doesn't really matter.But it is good for the young talent looking to step up.Now more than ever,it's time for them to start impressing the higher up because the old school is missing more and more often,and when they are there,they just give the younger guys the rub anyway.Now it's time for them to prove they're worth the rub.

 

[RT]

I have to say that the absence of big stars such as HHH, Undertaker, HBK is good for the WWE. It shows that without these major stars up and comers like Bourne,Nexus and so on can be in the spot light and can perform to the degree of major stars in WWE. Giving lower guys on the card chances to shine is good for the company and shows what future stars you will have.

Like Evan Bourne by giving him more in ring time it has given him time to improve and really grow into a possible main eventer. So in my opinion YES without these big time stars it is good for the less noticed super stars to shine.

 

[The Holy One]

I think the loss of major stars have been good for the WWE in the long term. Now I said b/c right now I'm sure they have lost viewers for the absence of superstars such as HHH and Taker but since that gives them a chance to build new, younger stars such as Evan Bourne, The Miz, and Cody Rhodes. I think this will help benefit them in the future.

 

[Blush]

I find HHH, Batista, 'Taker and HBK taken out of the equation is a good thing. I can't wait to watch RAW or Smackdown. Especially with RAW, I just turn it on and see one of three (HHH, Batista, HBK) going to do a promo, and that would last 15 minutes or more. I'd sigh in disappointment of the same ol' shtick and use that time to do laundry. For me, it was just all played out and I was plain disinterested in what they had to say, or who they were feuding with. The shows were on cruise control and I was basically watching out of habit and in hopes that something interesting would happen.

Now, I'm pretty happy watching the new(er) stars, and even some old ones, get a push into the spotlight. HHH and 'Taker won't be around forever, and Batista and HBK have left. Now is the prime chance to integrate the next generation of wrestlers into the product. It'll work out well for the business, IMO. It has to, and creative seem to be doing well with it.

One of the only new guys they've intro-ed that I just can't seem to get behind is Drew. I just can't get any connection with him. I want to, but.. Nope.

 

[WWE Manster03]

Honestly, you can't say that Smackdown is benefitting from Undertaker being out because he works 20 days a year. He literally is never on the show, so he isn't that missed. Now on Raw, HHH/Michaels/Batista were all top level guys and 2 of them leaving and 1 being hurt opened up 3 spots (taken by Sheamus/Miz/Evan Bourne/Nexus collectively). HHH was putting over Sheamus already, and I don't think that Batista would of had a problem working with Evan Bourne to get him over.
I don't think anyone being out "helps" the show, but I DO think it makes the writers get creative as to how to use people that are available and inevitably they make stars out of them in the process. Same way Austin/HHH/Michaels all became HUGE stars in the day because Hogan and company all left for WCW and they needed top guys, so they had to work these guys into those roles. Same thing here