Isn't the booking of Sheamus and Drew identical?

[FromTheSouth]

They won their belts on the same show, got themselves DQ'd by messing with the ref in their first defense, and built as powerful, forceful personalities with their British Isles eccentricities.

It seems to me that the WWE is trying to figure out if ethnic works better in the main event or the midcard. That seems like a stupid experiment, so let's look a little deeper.

The similarities of them men of apparent. European, bad attitude, brutal, and cheaters. They seem like textbook heels to me. It also seems as if they are being booked out of 1985 textbook. That's all fine with me, but why both at the same time?

Furthermore, it's week by week. I know what Drew McIntyre is going to do based on what Sheamus does Monday night. At some point, they will have to go on divergent paths, but right now, it seems kind of stupid.

 

[goodlay]

Well I hate both of them, personally. What the hell have these guys proven besides the fact that asskissing gets you somewhere in the wrestling business? Well, in ring these guys are as green as they come. These guys are so boring and unoriginal in the ring it just blows my mind. People joke about Cena only knowing 5 moves, well with these guys it's extremely accurate. The worst part is that they are the IC and WWE champions. Both of these guys are being built up as "monster heels", but neither of them can generate any heat whatsoever. Yeah you're right, they are like 1985 heels, too bad it's 2010. Yeah im ranting, but I hate the fact that these guys haven't done shit in WWE and they are already champs. Also the fact that creative is throwing Sheamus' name around for the main event at Wrestlemania 26 scares the shit out of me.

 

[colalella2891]

Well I hate both of them, personally. What the hell have these guys proven besides the fact that asskissing gets you somewhere in the wrestling business? Well, in ring these guys are as green as they come. These guys are so boring and unoriginal in the ring it just blows my mind. People joke about Cena only knowing 5 moves, well with these guys it's extremely accurate. The worst part is that they are the IC and WWE champions. Both of these guys are being built up as "monster heels", but neither of them can generate any heat whatsoever. Yeah you're right, they are like 1985 heels, too bad it's 2010. Yeah im ranting, but I hate the fact that these guys haven't done shit in WWE and they are already champs. Also the fact that creative is throwing Sheamus' name around for the main event at Wrestlemania 26 scares the shit out of me.

Couldn't of said it any better myself.

Now for the topic, I was thinking the same thing a few weeks ago. FTS, you're probably right that they're testing whether or not foreigners belong in the main event or midcard, otherwise why not give McIntyre the World title.

Also, ALL of us have been bitching about pushing new stars and we got what we wanted. But, i'm sorry, I didn't. I meant stars like JOHN MORRISON, MATT HARDY, stars who have done shit!!!! I am also scared for Wrestlemania 26, because if Shaemus is main eventing, McIntyre may win Money in the Bank, and I will cry if that happens...

 

[JohnnyBlaze1986]

Isn't the booking of Sheamus and Drew identical?

OF COURSE IT IS! They are both Hunter's friends!

Although, I have to admit. After Sheamus went over, I busted out laughing and couldn't stop until about a few hours later. Then, it continued the next day for another few hours. I'm STILL laughing over the fact that the only man in WWE who's whiter than John Cena is the champion.

Maybe he can finally invest in some spray tan?

 

[marklouis]

It does seem ridiculous that they both won in that fashion last week. I can't help but think that at some point in the future, they're going to be a tag team-they spoke for a minute backstage @ TLC, they've got the Euro angle. Maybe they could do some kind of Invasion thing with a couple of other foreign wrestlers. WWE really needs to let these guys win some matches. Sheamus should wrestle every week, on RAW and Superstars, beating as many different guys as possible.

As for McIntyre, I don't hate him. I think he's got some talent, and I don't mind him being IC champ-it's a lot more appropriate than being World champ. Sheamus is a joke in my opinion, but McIntyre has potential.

 

[healyz84]

I actually don't mind it, I like both these guys. I guess being half Irish and half Scottish, I am somewhat biased, but I don't care. I like that these guys are fresh, are being built up like monsters, and are both champions right now. Are they being built up identical? very possibly. Does it matter? to me, no, it doesn't. Say what you will with these guys not having a huge move set, but they really haven't been given a chance to show their move set. From what it appears to me, the few moves they use are so dominant, they don't need them. Are they both cheaters? Yes! But they are both heels, and last time I checked, Jericho, Batista, Punk, Orton, all these guys cheat as much as possible also.

They don't have reactions? Im pretty sure they get a ton of reaction. The spattering of boos to Sheamus from what he has done to Cena is a testament to that. Also, how much of a reaction is someone going to get for beating down R-Truth, that guy is terrible. They have only been around for a short while, give it time, give them time, and their paths will seem much less identical and hell, you may even grow to like them.

Don't say you want something new and then complain the second it comes because it wasn't the "new" you wanted. Im sorry, but as much of a fan as I am of Matt Hardy, he will never be in the main event. The only way he has ever connected with the fans is by losing Lita to Edge and being Jeff's brother. There is/will be a ton of new hopefully in 2010, and this is just the first stage. The Miz and Morrison are making huge strides, and McIntyre finally gives Morrison someone legitimate to feud with, so don't complain about that! Just sit back and enjoy! Or tune out!

 

[jrocc4dub]

It is ridiculous that they've been booked pretty much identically. Really stupid in my opinion. However, i think McIntyre has a lot of potential and it doesn't really bother me too much hes the IC champ. Sheamus, well i think if he was built up slower, not just thrust into the main event, i'd probably like him too. Its just hard to think he's more than a one time champ, probably to transition it from cena to HHH without them having another match. McIntyre can go, i don't really see why people say he has five moves. I also have no problem with either of them keeping their titles by getting disqualified or cheating, that's what heels do. But yeah, for both of them to win last week in pretty much the same manner was lame.

McIntyre is probably a future world champ, he's decent all around...Sheamus, well, i think being pushed this fast to the main event is going to kill his career quickly. It does amaze me that the same people who bitch about new wrestlers in the main event bitch when it happens because it isn't who they wanted. Its not JoMo or Matt Hardy still hasnt main evented so they say it sucks. I mean everybody is entitled to like or dislike whoever they do, but don't say you want new stars made and then throw a fit when someones given the opportunity. The idea is for you to hate them, they are both heels after all. Anyway, yeah, definitely poor, lazy booking for them both to win the same way. Horrible actually.

 

[MisterRob]

Generalize, much?

Drew McIntrye came and was claimed to be a future champion by Vince McMahon, he attacked R Truth and has had several feuds before winning the Intercontinental championship. Sheamus came in attacking and injuring wrestlers, sending them out on stretchers before winning a shot at the WWE championship and then beating John Cena. Them being booked identically is a huge generalization. Why, because they're both heels? Why, because they're both from Europe? My god, people need to stop the ridiculous hate on these two guys.. people don't even have reasons behind it anymore, just generalizations and assumptions.

 

[Borgata]

Id actually like to see William Regal come over to RAW and manage both McIntyre and Sheamus as a monster EuroFaction and make Finley as the hit person of it. In the longrun though, McIntyre will have a much better career than Sheamus who will prolly end up like Test. A few token things here and their, but nothing much besides his current run. McIntyre does remind me more of a young Hunter back in the day. But like all things in this world, its who you know and who wants to step up to plate.

 

[Dagger Dias]

They are not necessarily being booked identically. If they were, then McIntyre would have won the World Championship, not the Intercontinental Championship. He too would have been thrown into the world title scene far too early. Sheamus received the fastest push in WWE history whereas McIntyre is holding a midcard title and being prepared for a world title run in the future when he's actually ready.

They have had some similarities lately in that they won their titles at the same PPV, both have retained through complicated match results, and both are foreign characters. That doesn't mean they have been booked identically though because the similarities pretty much end right there. If they were booked identically then either Sheamus would be holding the US title right now, or McIntyre would be holding the World title. One got the fastest push ever and the other is in the middle of a more traditional push.

 

[Viola Moonlight]

It's not completely identical, but it seems very odd that two wrestlers from the United Kingdom/Ireland (I always forget which country isn't apart of the UK) area win a championship on the same PPV and defend their first title defense against the former champion in the same fashion in the same week. Did I mention that they are both liked by Triple H?

Yes, it seems similar to each other, but there is one key difference that Dagger pointed out. Sheamus holds a World Title and McIntyre holds a midcard belt. There is also another fact: One is RAW and the other is one Smackdown, two very different shows where RAW is the flagship show representing everything the WWE is about (entertainment) and SmackDown showing the polar opposite (focus on pure wrestling). Call me crazy, but these have to be linked in some way.

It seems Sheamus has a quality about him that entertains the crowd in some fashion where the WWE can capitalise on it to push him to the main event with McIntyre having good wrestling ability. I can wholeheartedly agree with McIntyre and the IC title as he is a good heel worker, is believable in being a midcard champion due to past circumstances (being Vince's personally signed superstar) and JoMo having a chance to enter the main event. Sheamus, I would not have a clue what he possesses to have a World Title shot other than giving someone new the title (with HHH support).

 

[WhyTravisFelt]

I think most of us are justified in complaining. Yeah, it isn't the "new" we wanted. Why can't we be mad that the guys we want to see pushed like Morrison and Hardy have spent the past several years in the midcard and all of a sudden when they start handing out opportunities, they give them to a couple of green-skilled, weak-gimmicked foreigners who've only just debuted within the past half a year. Drew used to get decent enough heat at the FCW shows, Sheamus used to get a decent enough pop (he was a face for most of the time I watched him in FCW) but I've honestly never heard the crowd make any noise for either two wrestlers one way or another at any WWE events. I'm also annoyed that Ziggler had like five shots at the IC title and didn't get it, and they just hand it right over to Drew when he shows up. Bullhonkey!

To answer the question, yeah, the booking is pretty identical because, well, Sheamus and Drew backstage are pretty identical. The only difference so far in the booking is Drew's character actually mimics the reality of his position, while Sheamus's (which, let me point out if no one else will, is not the proper Irish spelling-- which should be Seamus. Seriously, google it, the wrestler is the only variation of Sheamus that pops up) character is supposed to be some cross between Finlay and a generic monster heel.

 

[Tastycles]

It's certainly quite lazy booking, but to be honest, I do think there are enough differences for it not to annoy me. Sheamus is being booked as a guy that takes his opportunities and who is ruthless, while McIntyre is Vince's "chosen one", which I don't think has been done for a while.

To differentiate between the two, the WWE should be avoiding similar match endings as we've seen this week. If I'm honest, I'd say that it is more indicative of a lack of communication and corroboration between the Raw and Smackdown bookers, rather than being a case of them copying each other.

 

[RVDgurl]

Are Sheamus and Drew McIntyre being booked in a similar fashion? You bet. Both are being groomed as the next big thing, they both play the role of monster heel, and they both currently hold titles. Of course, when Randy Orton was the top heel on RAW and Edge was the top heel on Smackdown, they were both booked in this way as well. It's a formula that has been proven to work.

If you compare the two guys, they really are very different. I think they are getting lumped together simply because they come from overseas. Sheamus and McIntyre have completely different looks and styles in the ring. They both may be booked as monster heels, but their characters are different as well. Contrary to what some people think, both guys are getting good reactions from the crowd.

Personally, I like them both. They are getting alot of shit simply because it appears they've developed a friendship with HHH and HBK. Last time I checked, the wrestling business had alot to do with "who you know". Sheamus and Drew have been entertaining and have provided fresh faces to the main event scene. That's what I care about. I look forward to seeing Sheamus perform every Monday and he is one of the few reasons that I tune into RAW on a weekly basis.

 

[Shanks18]

Sheamus's (which, let me point out if no one else will, is not the proper Irish spelling-- which should be Seamus. Seriously, google it, the wrestler is the only variation of Sheamus that pops up) character is supposed to be some cross between Finlay and a generic monster heel.

To be honest I don't see what the issue is here. The dude, who is genuinely Irish has been using the name all of his career as Sheamus O'Shaunnessy in IWW and RQW. It's another example of people picking irrelevant things to justify not liking the guy, like his skin tone for example, which marks him as unique in a sea of tanned and oiled clones, something which people also bitch about.

To say these two guys aren't drawing heat is ridiculous considering the amount of heat they are drawing on here alone.

To be fair I don't think these comparisons would as obvious if the two were not from the British Isles.

Additionally, does any one know the source where is says Drew McIntrye is a favorite of Hunter's? The guys been in development for a while and been called up to the main roster once before. Why did he not receive preferential treatment then? I don't know, but maybe the guys just been working harder at his craft rather than just ass kissing.

 

[y2straightedge]

I have realized this also. They have identical booking. They win or lose the sameway.
I think Vince really want to test them. To see which one is better.

I think that Sheamus shouldn't be WWE champion till Elimination Chamber, he could have been United States champion.

I hope they dont get in the Wrestlemania main event. I wish they would have stayed in the mid card division. Sheamus was only in for a month.

McIntyre could be Intercontinental champion, nice way to push THE SIGNED ON BY Vinnie Mac

Sheamus on the other hand being friends with HHH. I say we could have waited to have him get the WWE title.

 

[Lionshare]

Yeah you are right, this is just extreme lazy booking by the wwe, instead of giving us something fresh and original, they just do the same thing twice AT THE SAME TIME.

I hope that in time they take different roads, because i see Drew more like a silent but violent type of wrestler (yeah his mic needs more time), and if Sheamus keeps on working hard he can be a good all around wrestler like HHH.

 

[MisterRob]

How in the world are they both "monster heels"? Sheamus is portrayed as a monster, sure.. ruthless and dominant. How is that how McIntyre's been portrayed? I don't remember him manhandling lots of people, and he's not even overly big (maybe tall, but certainly not any size to him in thickness). The guys been labeled as the "chosen one" of Vince McMahon, has used heel tactics in his matches, but nowhere has he been built up as a monster like Sheamus.

Their gimmicks are entirely different. Just because they're both from Europe isn't justification for being ignorant and saying they're the same, when clearly there's nothing else similar about them. That's like saying Jericho and Edge are the same because they're both Canadian.

I'm also really tired of all the hate against both of them, because it's entirely unjustified. People keep bringing up this whole crap about them being friends with Triple H. So what? Did people bitch about Kevin Nash or Scott Hall getting their pushes during their hayday in the WWF because they were friends with Shawn Michaels? No. Because at the time the ridiculous insider information and internet knowledge wasn't as big of an issue and no one was aware of it. Fans watched and enjoyed the characters for what they were, instead of being biased and influenced by behind the scenes knowledge that ruins it for everyone. Stop seeing things as smarks and just look at them with no other influence but what's placed before you and you may enjoy things far better. Where's the proof that McIntyre is getting his push because of who he knows? There isn't any. Rumors on the internet, on some website based around internet fans, isn't a very credible source. The guys good in the ring, he's been busting his ass, and he's earned his spot by going through the farms and developing his skills for years. Sheamus? The rumors he works out with Triple H and Triple H likes him actually show why he DESERVES to be champion and get his push; because Triple H is behind him for his WORK ETHIC, his passion for the business, and his dedication. Oh my god! Let's slam him and take away the championship because he shows the exact qualities people want in a wrestler, and that the company is looking for in someone to get behind. Or would you prefer they push someone like Jeff Hardy who has no passion for the business, has no longevity, and doesn't have the same work ethic, and isn't dedicated at all?

Exactly.

 

[Doomsday Device]

Take somebody like Sheamus with a pale ass and a square head, the guy's hairstyle looks like the vocalist from Powerman 5000 for God's sake.

Now with the use of the internet it only takes a matter of hours for fans to know that Sheamus and Drew are at the top mostly because the kissed Trips and Hbk's ass.

Where do you go from the top? Straight back down "IF" you dont have the true heart and wrestling ability for the business.

These 2 look like guys who simply want to look "cool" and dont want to break a sweat for anyone.

 

[Super Crazy]

These two may be booked the same, but quite frankly, it all depends on how they can handle the success. If both can play off their success and not seem like they are rookies, then I personally could care less if they are booked the same.

Just because they are both from Europe doesn't mean they should be grouped together though. One is on Raw and the other on Smackdown. One is in the midcard and the other is in the main event. Personally I'm all for the style of booking they are receiving and while you could say it's a cop out for creative to not come up with new ideas, I enjoy it either way.

 

[andres torti]

Yeah you are right, this is just extreme lazy booking by the wwe, instead of giving us something fresh and original, they just do the same thing twice AT THE SAME TIME.

I hope that in time they take different roads, because i see Drew more like a silent but violent type of wrestler (yeah his mic needs more time), and if Sheamus keeps on working hard he can be a good all around wrestler like HHH.

I think you're right. He needs more practice on the mic,it doesnt sound natural when you hear him talk. He seems nervous talking.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

If people want to hate on these two, there's not really anything to be done about it. However, it might be more understandable to me if there seemed to be a bit more legitimacy behind people's complaints.

The biggest complaints regarding Sheamus, seriously, have been about the guy's almost inhumanly white skin and his friendship with Triple H. Firstly, the skin issue is more than just a bit ridiculous. The guy is full blooded Irish and, from what I understand, they don't tend to tan all that well. Even still, I hardly see that as justification for all the hate he receives. As for his friendship with Triple H, so what? People, think about it for a second. Vince McMahon is the owner and chairman of the largest wrestling promotion in the world. A company which makes hundreds of millions of dollars a year each and every year so do you really think Sheamus is going to get a push simply because he happens to be friends with Triple H? Do you honestly think Vince McMahon would allow Sheamus to be in the spot he's in unless he actually saw something in the guy? Don't you think it's possible that McMahon sees some talent and capability in the guy? Since Sheamus has been in the WWE title scene, he's cut a couple of good promos, has generated good heat from the crowd and has gotten people interested in the Raw main event scene. With Sheamus in the picture, I haven't heard the words tired or stale being casually tossed about. Whether people like or dislike Sheamus, he's generating renewed attention and interest in the main event scene and that's one thing that Raw has definitely needed.

As for Drew McIntyre, I don't really see what anyone's problem is. He's also cut some good promos, he's involved in an interesting IC title feud with John Morrison, he's another young guy that's come along and has generated some interest. He's gotta great look about him and yes, he's also friends with Triple H. The same thing I said about Sheamus applies to McIntyre. If McMahon didn't see something worth something in the guy, I don't think he'd be where he is at this particular point. Nepotism might get your foot in the door, but one is gonna have to be able to show something before they're able to walk on in.

I'm not saying that McIntyre and Sheamus are the best of the best of the best or anything like that at this point, but they're not bad either. They're definitely not as bad as some are trying to make them out to be. They've been booked similarly sure, credit some of that to lazy booking I suppose, but there are enough differences between the two that I don't find it annoying.

People on this board have been screaming for much of 2009: "We want somebody new" or "We want something different" or "We want something unexpected". And, lo and behold, the WWE does provide all three aspects in a short space of time. And still, people complain. Even if there's nothing truly relevant to complain about, they'll still find something to piss about even if they have to take the most mundane and meaningless thing, i.e. Sheamus' skin, and run with it.

 

[Freddy4190]

The similarities are creepy. I don't know. They don't bother me to be honest. New stars is what's wanted. People complain when the new stars aren't Kofi and Evan Bourne apparently. I like Sheamus. He's a big, creepy looking dude who kicks people in the face. I love him as champion, it's something. different. He's not your regular run-of-the-mill champion that everyone's used to. It's like people are scared of change. Isn't Drew like, supposedly the up and comer who's trying to gain respect and doesn't care what he does to get it? Sheamus just wanted the belt, didn't care who he assaulted to get to it. That's the differences I guess. I'm glad they're pushing some different people. Nice breath of fresh air to the otherwise stale championship struggle.

 

[DecayNYFX]

The timing was definitely suspect (maybe they should have held off on one of the titles changing hands until the following TLC, either on RAW or SD), and having both of them cheat in their first defenses didn't help differentiate, but the difference, in my opinion anyway, is that Drew actually deserves it. I've only seen one mention in this whole thread of him being part of the main roster, and I think that's an important bit of business to consider when comparing these two. Silly as it might have been, how can anyone forget Drew popping up with the Bushwhackers, err... Highlanders, a couple years back? That obviously wasn't his time, and I think it's safe to say that he used his time in "exile" wisely in order to merit a feud with someone like Morrison & ultimately snag the title. I think he'll be around for a while.

As for Sheamus, well, whoever said he got the belt in order to transition it back to HHH, I'm gonna say I won't be surprised if that's the case. I think he's just this year's Snitsky or Umaga.

 

[Doomsday Device]

To Jack-Hammer:

I dont mean to go against your word, but you said that Vince must have seen something in the guy, unlike everyone else is saying that Sheamus is the champ simply because he's friends with Triple H. Sure..Vince is not dumb enough to make someone champion simply because Sheamus is friends with so and so but, you have to consider that Triple H putting a "good word" for Sheamus and possibly even endorsing Sheamus will get him ahead of the pack. Vince knows Triple H/Shawn long enough to listen closely to their advice.

It might also be like others say that Vince might have made Sheamus champ to shut up all the Cena-haters.

But I think also the anger of some fans comes that perhaps Sheamus hasnt proved himself long enough, people may be afraid of another Brock Lesnar, someone who just had things handed to him... just to screw the fans at the end.

Hell, put Sheamus and Drew in some hardcore matches, put him against Taker and other top dogs BEFORE winning a major championship to see if these rookies really have what it takes.

The way for fans to take notice of a wrestler shouldnt be by strapping a belt around their waste. Make them pay their dues and then they can move along.