DDelaware2009
Occasional Pre-Show
OK some quick notes to start:
1- this is long, so be forewarned
2- this is not who i "WANT" or who i think is "BEST" - think of this instead like gambling odds - given the storyline setup here is what I am seeing
The Candidates:
1. Eric Bischoff 0% - if youre talking about corporate powerhouses, you have to mention Eric Bischoff. He had a tremendous tenure in WWE as RAW general manager from 2002 2005 in a marriage between he and Mr. McMahon that shocked the wrestling world. But he is currently in TNA so no chance we see Bischoff return.
2. Teddy Long 0% - If he was going to be the GM, he wouldnt have gotten to be guest GM already, and they wouldnt be building the angle up the way they have; instead he would have just been promoted the night after Laurinaitis was fired. TRL was a solid character and its amazing he lasted as long as he did, but time to move along for all parties involved here.
3. JBL 5% - while hes a popular choice on the net and I agree JBL would do a tremendous job as general manager, I think JBLs focus is on things outside of wrestling. Hes currently embarked on his Seven Summits charity endeavor and that will take some time. WWE is assisting in funding JBLs efforts so the business relationship is still there and perhaps we will see JBL back in the WWE sooner or later, but now does not seem like the time for the Wall Street savant to return to the WWE universe.
4. Jim Ross 5% - WZs John Isenberg tagged JR as his top choice for GM, citing that it would provide an element of realism to the position plus JR would not need the camera time that most GMs require to build their character. While I think Joshs logic is sound, I think WWE (and JR himself) are happy with where JR is at working with scouting, talent development, and the NXT brand. Plus, McMahon tries to bury JR every chance he gets, so I doubt hes high on JRs potential in a spot like this.
5. Shawn Michaels 5% - I have to mention ol HBK since he is a former GM (at that time called commissioner during the WWF days) and with the knowledge that Shawn WILL be at the 1000th RAW. That said, I take Michaels at his word that he is retired and does not desire to be on the road anymore.
6. Steve Austin 10% - Austin is a popular fanboy pick but Austin has his hands in a lot of other things these days. Plus, hes done all the roles GM, co-GM, CEO, special referee, guest enforcer, so on and so forth. This is a recycled idea that I think neither WWE nor Austin will be interested in. Instead, expect the two to maintain a business relationship that will always leave the door open come Wrestle Mania time. Austin WILL be at 1000th RAW but won't be the GM pick - instead, expect to see him interact with Vince and perhaps the other McMahons, and possibly even CM Punk
7. William Regal 10% - another former GM and a dark horse pick of those handicapping the GM decision on the Net. However, I think he is more valuable as a trainer of new talent and being groomed as a future main show commentator, a position he could thrive in and a spot the WWE could greatly use an upgrade. Plus, given that hes been the GM before, I think WWE will look elsewhere
8. David Otunga 10% - an interesting candidate given the intellectual and Hollywood backgrounds Mr. Otunga possesses. Plus, now Otunga is going to be in a WWE-produced movie starring Otunga and Halle Berry. I dont think Otunga is the guy here, but I do expect him to get a minor push in order to raise his profile prior to the production of this movie.
9. Mick Foley 15% - always a popular pick but its another option thats already been done. His chances definitely decrease given he got the interim tab for a week right off the bat. I think Foley wants back on WWE television more than WWE wants him back, sadly.
10. Rowdy Roddy Piper 15% - Piper has been through personal hell with his health issues but just like his wrestling character hes fought like mad and come out stronger in the end. The man gets tremendous pops whenever he appears in a WWE ring. That said, Im just not sure theres mutual interest from both parties and while Piper wouldnt be a bad pick, I just dont think he will be THE pick.
11. Stephanie McMahon 20% - Stephanie had a long run as Smack Down GM at the onset of the brand extension back in 2002 2003 and then served as RAW GM during 2008 2009. While I think shed be a popular pick amongst fans that desire a WWE that blurs the lines of reality, I think she passes on the role given her family situation, plus if they want someone from the McMahon family tree, I believe H's and Vince are more likely picks
12. Paul Heyman 35% - Im shocked that I have Heyman ranked even this high but as we get closer to d-day (1000th RAW) I find myself inclined to actually raise, not lower, Heymans likelihood. The man has proved, even in brief appearances, that he could thrive as a character, even in WWEs PG atmosphere his charisma is THAT good. And hes a guy you love to hate or love to love, and WWE is lacking characters with that kind of edge. Reasons that will ultimately keep Heyman from being the pick for RAW GM are purely political, but then again, if you were McMahon, youd probably feel the same way. The more Vince invests in Paul, the more dangerous he becomes, and while the smarks out there might pine for it, its just not good business, and therefore wont happen. If Heyman gets power in this storyline, I expect it to be as a part of a relationship he has, not because he is chosen as GM.
13. Michael Cole 40% - WWE has invested quite a bit in Michael Cole, starting with the Anonymous GM angle and his Wrestle Mania match against Jerry Lawler. Hes a homegrown WWE employee and someone who has been a loyal company guy all along, plus he gets legit heat when given the opportunity. I wasnt confident enough to put him at a 50/50 shot, given that I feel the WWE would not want to have to put JR back on main RAW play-by-play to replace Cole. Also, I have questions over whether or not the WWE audience would take a former announcer seriously as the choice over so many others with wrestling backgrounds that seemingly would make better GM candidates.
14. Edge 50% - I think Edge is a hot pick amongst the fans and you have to believe it would work both personally and professionally for the retired Rated R Superstar. Hes dating Beth Phoenix, so he would get to be on the road with her. And you have to believe the guy would be open to returning to a TV role given that his career was cut short due to injury. Im not sure how one would work it in storyline but thats simply a formality if hes the WWEs choice, theyll make it happen. Hed have to redefine himself a bit to fit into the role of being an on-camera suit, but hes got the charisma and mic skills plus Edge can be a face or heel.
15. Ric Flair 50% - Flair has left TNA and his return has been widely rumored for months now. WWE definitely wants him back for the 1000th RAW. And while he, too, has been GM before, he would be an incredibly popular pick. Plus, you can practically picture his real life friend, Triple H, introducing him as the new GM its seamless. Most rumors have linked Flair returning to serving as Dolph Zigglers manager, but dont count Flair out as a GM candidate as well. You know Flair is open to returning he needs the work, for unfortunate reasons in his personal life. But if he can get back in WWE again, its a win-win for he and the fans.
16. Vince McMahon 50% - If the WWE decided to go with a realistic pick, who better than the Chairman? The Mr. McMahon character remains popular as ever with the fans his performance review of John Laurinaitis raised ratings notably and would satisfy those who prefer the WWE acknowledge the inner workings of the business as a part of storyline. That said, Im not sure Vince wants to be a constant presence on television, but then again, he might be the best option at this point. Im putting his chances at 50/50.
17. Triple H 50% - If Vince doesnt want to be the GM, Triple H could be the guy. Obviously, he also provides a great deal of realism to the role. They tried this last year with Trips serving as COO of the company so it could be reprised. That said, Triple H also has his match with Brock Lesnar on the horizon. While I do put Triple Hs chances at 50%, there is just something about Triple Hs character that makes him seem awkward as the authority figure.
18. John Laurinaitis 50% - Yes, Big Johnny was fired and the People Power era was seemingly ended. Then again, you also have the pending lawsuits hanging in the air between Team Lesnar and the WWE, and Laurinaitis was the guy responsible for signing Lesnar. Like Heyman, if Big Johnny returns, it will be through subversive means. The fact that Johnny continues to be used at house shows and the WWE has removed his name from corporate websites tells me not that they are reducing his role but instead that they are setting up for something a power struggle over the company, perhaps. Its not for certain, but Im rating Johnnys odds at 50/50.
1- this is long, so be forewarned
2- this is not who i "WANT" or who i think is "BEST" - think of this instead like gambling odds - given the storyline setup here is what I am seeing
The Candidates:
1. Eric Bischoff 0% - if youre talking about corporate powerhouses, you have to mention Eric Bischoff. He had a tremendous tenure in WWE as RAW general manager from 2002 2005 in a marriage between he and Mr. McMahon that shocked the wrestling world. But he is currently in TNA so no chance we see Bischoff return.
2. Teddy Long 0% - If he was going to be the GM, he wouldnt have gotten to be guest GM already, and they wouldnt be building the angle up the way they have; instead he would have just been promoted the night after Laurinaitis was fired. TRL was a solid character and its amazing he lasted as long as he did, but time to move along for all parties involved here.
3. JBL 5% - while hes a popular choice on the net and I agree JBL would do a tremendous job as general manager, I think JBLs focus is on things outside of wrestling. Hes currently embarked on his Seven Summits charity endeavor and that will take some time. WWE is assisting in funding JBLs efforts so the business relationship is still there and perhaps we will see JBL back in the WWE sooner or later, but now does not seem like the time for the Wall Street savant to return to the WWE universe.
4. Jim Ross 5% - WZs John Isenberg tagged JR as his top choice for GM, citing that it would provide an element of realism to the position plus JR would not need the camera time that most GMs require to build their character. While I think Joshs logic is sound, I think WWE (and JR himself) are happy with where JR is at working with scouting, talent development, and the NXT brand. Plus, McMahon tries to bury JR every chance he gets, so I doubt hes high on JRs potential in a spot like this.
5. Shawn Michaels 5% - I have to mention ol HBK since he is a former GM (at that time called commissioner during the WWF days) and with the knowledge that Shawn WILL be at the 1000th RAW. That said, I take Michaels at his word that he is retired and does not desire to be on the road anymore.
6. Steve Austin 10% - Austin is a popular fanboy pick but Austin has his hands in a lot of other things these days. Plus, hes done all the roles GM, co-GM, CEO, special referee, guest enforcer, so on and so forth. This is a recycled idea that I think neither WWE nor Austin will be interested in. Instead, expect the two to maintain a business relationship that will always leave the door open come Wrestle Mania time. Austin WILL be at 1000th RAW but won't be the GM pick - instead, expect to see him interact with Vince and perhaps the other McMahons, and possibly even CM Punk
7. William Regal 10% - another former GM and a dark horse pick of those handicapping the GM decision on the Net. However, I think he is more valuable as a trainer of new talent and being groomed as a future main show commentator, a position he could thrive in and a spot the WWE could greatly use an upgrade. Plus, given that hes been the GM before, I think WWE will look elsewhere
8. David Otunga 10% - an interesting candidate given the intellectual and Hollywood backgrounds Mr. Otunga possesses. Plus, now Otunga is going to be in a WWE-produced movie starring Otunga and Halle Berry. I dont think Otunga is the guy here, but I do expect him to get a minor push in order to raise his profile prior to the production of this movie.
9. Mick Foley 15% - always a popular pick but its another option thats already been done. His chances definitely decrease given he got the interim tab for a week right off the bat. I think Foley wants back on WWE television more than WWE wants him back, sadly.
10. Rowdy Roddy Piper 15% - Piper has been through personal hell with his health issues but just like his wrestling character hes fought like mad and come out stronger in the end. The man gets tremendous pops whenever he appears in a WWE ring. That said, Im just not sure theres mutual interest from both parties and while Piper wouldnt be a bad pick, I just dont think he will be THE pick.
11. Stephanie McMahon 20% - Stephanie had a long run as Smack Down GM at the onset of the brand extension back in 2002 2003 and then served as RAW GM during 2008 2009. While I think shed be a popular pick amongst fans that desire a WWE that blurs the lines of reality, I think she passes on the role given her family situation, plus if they want someone from the McMahon family tree, I believe H's and Vince are more likely picks
12. Paul Heyman 35% - Im shocked that I have Heyman ranked even this high but as we get closer to d-day (1000th RAW) I find myself inclined to actually raise, not lower, Heymans likelihood. The man has proved, even in brief appearances, that he could thrive as a character, even in WWEs PG atmosphere his charisma is THAT good. And hes a guy you love to hate or love to love, and WWE is lacking characters with that kind of edge. Reasons that will ultimately keep Heyman from being the pick for RAW GM are purely political, but then again, if you were McMahon, youd probably feel the same way. The more Vince invests in Paul, the more dangerous he becomes, and while the smarks out there might pine for it, its just not good business, and therefore wont happen. If Heyman gets power in this storyline, I expect it to be as a part of a relationship he has, not because he is chosen as GM.
13. Michael Cole 40% - WWE has invested quite a bit in Michael Cole, starting with the Anonymous GM angle and his Wrestle Mania match against Jerry Lawler. Hes a homegrown WWE employee and someone who has been a loyal company guy all along, plus he gets legit heat when given the opportunity. I wasnt confident enough to put him at a 50/50 shot, given that I feel the WWE would not want to have to put JR back on main RAW play-by-play to replace Cole. Also, I have questions over whether or not the WWE audience would take a former announcer seriously as the choice over so many others with wrestling backgrounds that seemingly would make better GM candidates.
14. Edge 50% - I think Edge is a hot pick amongst the fans and you have to believe it would work both personally and professionally for the retired Rated R Superstar. Hes dating Beth Phoenix, so he would get to be on the road with her. And you have to believe the guy would be open to returning to a TV role given that his career was cut short due to injury. Im not sure how one would work it in storyline but thats simply a formality if hes the WWEs choice, theyll make it happen. Hed have to redefine himself a bit to fit into the role of being an on-camera suit, but hes got the charisma and mic skills plus Edge can be a face or heel.
15. Ric Flair 50% - Flair has left TNA and his return has been widely rumored for months now. WWE definitely wants him back for the 1000th RAW. And while he, too, has been GM before, he would be an incredibly popular pick. Plus, you can practically picture his real life friend, Triple H, introducing him as the new GM its seamless. Most rumors have linked Flair returning to serving as Dolph Zigglers manager, but dont count Flair out as a GM candidate as well. You know Flair is open to returning he needs the work, for unfortunate reasons in his personal life. But if he can get back in WWE again, its a win-win for he and the fans.
16. Vince McMahon 50% - If the WWE decided to go with a realistic pick, who better than the Chairman? The Mr. McMahon character remains popular as ever with the fans his performance review of John Laurinaitis raised ratings notably and would satisfy those who prefer the WWE acknowledge the inner workings of the business as a part of storyline. That said, Im not sure Vince wants to be a constant presence on television, but then again, he might be the best option at this point. Im putting his chances at 50/50.
17. Triple H 50% - If Vince doesnt want to be the GM, Triple H could be the guy. Obviously, he also provides a great deal of realism to the role. They tried this last year with Trips serving as COO of the company so it could be reprised. That said, Triple H also has his match with Brock Lesnar on the horizon. While I do put Triple Hs chances at 50%, there is just something about Triple Hs character that makes him seem awkward as the authority figure.
18. John Laurinaitis 50% - Yes, Big Johnny was fired and the People Power era was seemingly ended. Then again, you also have the pending lawsuits hanging in the air between Team Lesnar and the WWE, and Laurinaitis was the guy responsible for signing Lesnar. Like Heyman, if Big Johnny returns, it will be through subversive means. The fact that Johnny continues to be used at house shows and the WWE has removed his name from corporate websites tells me not that they are reducing his role but instead that they are setting up for something a power struggle over the company, perhaps. Its not for certain, but Im rating Johnnys odds at 50/50.
