**MERGED** Jack Swagger, Zeb Coulter & Swagger's Arrest (Keep it all here!!)

[ElGenericoUsername]

I don't really see how repackaging a heel with a beard, a new manager and racist undertones is a breath of fresh air. Zeb is pretty awesome on the mic, so we will get some great promos from him, but I don't see this relationship elevating Swagger above the level he was at before (high mid-carder).

A feud with Del Rio does make sense, as Del Rio is now our Mexican hero, not to mention the potential classics the two could deliver, but I can't see it being as soon as Wrestlemania. ADR should be in the main event of that, Swagger should be nowhere near it. Yet anyway.

 

[Mustang Sally]

I don't really see how repackaging a heel with a beard, a new manager and racist undertones is a breath of fresh air. Zeb is pretty awesome on the mic, so we will get some great promos from him, but I don't see this relationship elevating Swagger above the level he was at before (high mid-carder).

Agreed. It seems more like a last gasp for Jack Swagger. It was rumored he was going to return with a whole new gimmick, which was to possibly feature a new attitude. Instead, it's the same old Jack; his technical excellence, dour expression, gangly body movement.....and that look about him that makes you wonder what in hell he's so angry about.

They're getting around one problem; Jack's lack of ability on the mic (and the speech defect that makes it so hard to read his lips). I like who they've brought in, although I had no idea the guy was Dutch Mantell when I first saw him.

But the goofy countenance Jack projects makes it tough to take him seriously and I don't know why management is trying so hard to get him over. If Swagger makes it strictly because of Zeb Coulter......if Jack actually becomes a secondary character in his own act.... it seems ominous for his future career.

On the other hand, if Creative can finally find a way to get Jack Swagger over, more credit to all of 'em.

 

[The Butcher]

I think this is pretty cool. From WrestleZone:

Paul Joseph Watson of InfoWars.com has written an article taking a look at outraged fans on Twitter who are criticizing WWE of demonizing the tea party with its current Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger angle...

Here's the article

There's no such thing as bad publicity, they say, so to have Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter getting editorialized over so soon is great news. A lot of folks have pointed out how fresh the Colter character is and how controversial he could be. Well, here we are just a couple weeks into the character's existence, and already a segment of the fanbase is pissed. Hopefully WWE's sponsors won't get sketchy about it, because this Swagger and Colter pairing could be money if what Eric Bischoff said is true.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

It took a little longer than I thought, but the WWE has begun to receive criticism from their current storyline featuring Jack Swagger & Zeb Coulter.

On the main page, the story is mentioned that InfoWars.com writer Paul Joseph Watson has written an article based on the outraged response WWE is getting from some viewers on Twitter. The part of the angle in which commentators stated that Swagger & Coulter were getting "fan mail" from the likes of Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh & Alex Jones. The main page has an excerpt from the article that reads:

World Wrestling Entertainment has jumped on the bandwagon of demonizing Tea Party Americans as racists by creating a xenophobic character who espouses anti-immigrant rhetoric, as WWE commentators quip that he receives “fan mail” from Alex Jones, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh.

During Swagger’s match, commentators Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler joked that Swagger and Colter had received “fan mail” from conservative radio talk show hosts Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and Alex Jones.

Twitter users reacted with outrage, slamming the WWE for “crapping all over the Tea Party” by “promoting a Racist, immigrant hating Tea Party character vs a Mexican wrestler.”

“What the fuck are you doing with this Zeb Colter guy? A heel with a Tea Party stereotype angle? Do you still want my money?” asked Mark Scudder.

I'm guessing that last part was written by someone on Twitter.

I don't agree with the stance that WWE is trying to "demonize" the Tea Party. Compared to a lot of things I've heard Tea Party supports & political candidates say, what WWE is doing with the Coulter/Swagger situation is pretty damn liberal.

For anyone unfamiliar with the Tea Party, it's a political party that's only really begun in the past couple of years. It's a party comprised primarily of dissatisfied right wing conservatives that feel the Republican Party as a whole simply isn't conservative enough. The Tea Party is about as right wing as you can possibly get.

I don't mean to get into some sort of political rant, but nothing I've heard out of WWE during the course of this angle has come off at the least bit racist. The issue of illegal immigration in the country is a political hot button, though I do believe that a lot of people have tried to use racism to tie people's hands. There are extremes on both sides. For instance, using Latinos as the focal point on the issue of illegal immigration doesn't strike me as racist for the simple fact that the VAST, VAST majority of illegal immigrants in the United States ARE LATINO. That's not racism, it's just a fact. Whatever someone's stance is on the issue, that's something that can't be disputed.

I don't believe WWE is demonizing the Tea Party, though I do think that the Tea Party was an obvious inspiration for the idea. The Tea Party does a good job of demonizing itself all by itself. That doesn't mean that everyone in the Tea Party is just like Zeb Coulter's character but, in all honesty, some of them are. I know because I've listen to them give speeches just like the ones that Coulter has been given. Also, as I alluded to earlier, Zeb Coulter's speeches are FAR more considerate than some I've heard.

If Tea Party supporters feel they're being demonized, then perhaps they need to change their own political views. If the truth stings a little bit, then I don't see how WWE can be faulted for it.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

Totally agree, JH. They wouldn't be offended by what Coulter is saying if it wasn't their true beliefs.

At any rate, it was only a matter of time before this angle got into the mainstream world and now I'm sure it will be all over the news outlets. If WWE backs down, that is too bad since it really is a good angle. Coulter is great on the mic, which makes up for Swagger's lack of mic skills and the character is perfect given all of the "foreigners" in the WWE.

The one thing I find very interesting is that WWE has gone out of their way to cater their product to the hispanic crowd and now they've got a character bashing the hispanic world champion. I very surprised WWE is doing this angle based on that alone.

Back to the whole tea party thing. Who really cares what they think. Coulter never once mentioned the Tea Party, so by criticizing the angle, the Tea Party is admitting, as I stated above, that these are their views, the very views they are saying are demonizing.

 

[Mr. HD]

It took a little longer than I thought, but the WWE has begun to receive criticism from their current storyline featuring Jack Swagger & Zeb Coulter.

On the main page, the story is mentioned that InfoWars.com writer Paul Joseph Watson has written an article based on the outraged response WWE is getting from some viewers on Twitter. The part of the angle in which commentators stated that Swagger & Coulter were getting "fan mail" from the likes of Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh & Alex Jones. The main page has an excerpt from the article that reads:

World Wrestling Entertainment has jumped on the bandwagon of demonizing Tea Party Americans as racists by creating a xenophobic character who espouses anti-immigrant rhetoric, as WWE commentators quip that he receives “fan mail” from Alex Jones, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh.

During Swagger’s match, commentators Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler joked that Swagger and Colter had received “fan mail” from conservative radio talk show hosts Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and Alex Jones.

Twitter users reacted with outrage, slamming the WWE for “crapping all over the Tea Party” by “promoting a Racist, immigrant hating Tea Party character vs a Mexican wrestler.”

“What the fuck are you doing with this Zeb Colter guy? A heel with a Tea Party stereotype angle? Do you still want my money?” asked Mark Scudder.

Well, that didn't take long.

ONE promo and the Lynch Mob is already being formed. People really have gotten soft these days.

It's only Wrestling.

 

[SuperKalEl]

There are too many sensitive people in the world now days. They need to grow up, and grow thick skin. Not everything can be rainbows & sunshines. The best characters are those that are real with the volume turned up. The best angles are those that reflect upon real issues that people can relate to, and this is an issue that has troubled the US for a very long time. There are tons of people who would be able to relate with both sides of the debate, and I believe this angle will do its job in bringing the heat and believeability to fruition.

 

[Dmbfantomas]

Totally agree, JH. They wouldn't be offended by what Coulter is saying if it wasn't their true beliefs.

At any rate, it was only a matter of time before this angle got into the mainstream world and now I'm sure it will be all over the news outlets. If WWE backs down, that is too bad since it really is a good angle. Coulter is great on the mic, which makes up for Swagger's lack of mic skills and the character is perfect given all of the "foreigners" in the WWE.

The one thing I find very interesting is that WWE has gone out of their way to cater their product to the hispanic crowd and now they've got a character bashing the hispanic world champion. I very surprised WWE is doing this angle based on that alone.

Back to the whole tea party thing. Who really cares what they think. Coulter never once mentioned the Tea Party, so by criticizing the angle, the Tea Party is admitting, as I stated above, that these are their views, the very views they are saying are demonizing.

You have to build the villain to extremes for the hero to take him down convincingly and enjoyably. Joker wouldn't be fun if he wasn't cranked to the nth degree. Magneto wouldn't be fun if he wasn't totally believing in his cause. This is a huge problem in our lovely country right now, the ignorance and racism towards those from other countries and of different ethnic backgrounds. They found just the right guy to play it with Dutch (who is playing this beyond perfection), and who would have EVER seen Swagger's character taking this turn? They breathed life into one of the most boringest men on the face of this planet of Earth.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

As of right now, it looks like WWE is staying the course with Coulter & Swagger. Brian Flinn, WWE Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, gave a statement to the Hollywood Reporter on this:

"WWE has a long history of creating fictional characters that serve as either protagonists or antagonists, no different than other television shows or feature films. To create compelling and relevant content for our audience, it is important to incorporate current events into our storylines. WWE is creating drama centered on a topical subject that has varying points of view to develop a rivalry between two characters," he adds. "This storyline in no way represents WWE’s political point of view. One should not confuse WWE’s storytelling with what WWE stands for, similar to other entertainment companies such as Warner Bros., Universal Studios or Viacom."

Zeb Coulter & Jack Swagger have even been getting played over on Fox News, so WWE has to be loving the mainstream press coverage this is generating. I hope they keep things as they are with this character and Brian Flinn's statement is right in my opinion. If Zeb Coulter was a character featured in some big Hollywood studio film or on a show like Sons of Anarchy, the Tea Party would be okay with it. Back in the late 90s, Edward Norton was in a movie called American History X in which he's a Nazi skinhead and said & did things a hundred times more offensive than anything Coulter & Swagger have said, yet he got an Oscar nomination for it.

I don't see Coulter & Swagger as being racists but their characters are xenophobic. They're not just against illegal Mexican immigrants, but maybe they're against immigrants altogether no matter what country they're from or what their skin color is.

 

[The Butcher]

Looks like Jack decided to do some joyriding last night:

WWE star Jack Swagger was arrested last night in Mississippi, TMZ has learned -- after allegedly committing several traffic offenses.

Source close to the situation tell TMZ, Swagger was leaving a "Smackdown" taping at Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi when he was pulled over.

It's unclear what traffic offenses Swagger is accused of committing ... but they were serious enough to result in an arrest.

We're told Swagger -- a former WWE World Heavyweight champ -- was taken in by local sheriff's deputies ... and later released on his own recognizance.

We reached out to WWE, who tells TMZ, "Mr. Swagger is responsible for his own personal actions."

Well, it's still out as to what the charges are, but I doubt this will have any effect on his push unless it was especially heinous. Pretty stupid of him, that's for sure.

*Zeb Colter couldn't be reached for comment

 

[The Butcher]

TMZ reporting it was DUI & possession of marijuana.

That was quick. The story I read still said "story developing." What a dumbass. Like I said before, I doubt it'll affect his push right away, but just for being so stupid in the middle of the biggest push of his life, I wouldn't doubt if this affects him professionally at some point down the road.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

Swagger, good luck in all your future endeavors.

WWE, PLEASE, PLEASE, keep the Zeb Coulter character. Pair him up with another young up and comer and keep the same storyline.

 

[closet_fan]

TMZ.com has update their story on Jack Swagger being arrested Tuesday night.

The new details claim Swagger was initially pulled over for speeding and was believed to be driving under the influence. The police then found marijuana in Swagger's possession.

Swagger was on a huge push in such little time, but I'd have to think this not only blew his chances in being ADR's opponent at Wrestlemania, but this could be a good reason for the WWE to finally future endeavor him. Which has been talked about during his absence.

 

[Adam Rush]

For all of you who haven't heard yet, Jack Swagger was arrested Tuesday night for possession of marijuana after initially being pulled over for speeding. Further details don't matter at this time as this thread is aimed at another purpose.

My question is, how does this affect the World Heavyweight Championship picture? Will Swagger still face Del Rio? Or will something else entirely happen?

I personally have hope that Swagger still faces Del Rio, because I think this feud would be epic. But if not, maybe Orton turns heel on the next RAW and he faces Del Rio. That, or, *gulp* Big Show will have to step up.

But what do you guys think?

 

[LoudClearVoice]

This makes WWE look REALLY bad especially since this angle with Zeb Coulter has already been all over the mainstream media and news stations. Now, WWE will be the laughingstock when they update the story that Swagger was arrested for a DUI and marijuana possession.

 

[maximf83]

WWE have to but HAVE TO take him out of the title match, first of all the publicity that it will give them after the controversy this week will negate everything the rock did, and wasn't RVD stripped of his titles and suspended because of exactly the same thing?

 

[fenderjapan]

Things to do between January and Wrestlemania

1) Work Hard in the ring
2) Work out and keep yourself in good shape
3) Bust your ass for the company

Things to not do between January and Wrestlemania

1) Drugs
2) Go blab about your title opportunity to random people at a bar (Lex Luger)
3) Rub the suits the wrong way

Too bad cause I was enjoying this push and Zeb Colter was a lot of fun to watch. I guess swagger will have a chance to make an "impact" in the near future.

 

[Big Papa Santo]

Dumbass. He deserves to not only lose his push, but be released. I don't care if you support the recreational use of marijuana or not, its still illegal and still deserves to be punished by the law. And its not like he is at a mid-card or lower mid-card status where he is expendable and the WWE can afford to just release him on the drop of a dime. He's not. He's receiving the biggest push of his career and was going to be put into the World Heavyweight Championship scene, but he just had to screw it up. I feel bad for the creative team that had already wrote out the whole feud for him and Del Rio that now have to write up weeks worth of storylines within just 5 days. I never cared for him anyway, good riddance. On a side note, I was just starting to like Zeb Colter.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

Now the question becomes, how does this play out?

Will they have ADR "injure" him on RAW? If they do that though, it makes ADR look bad, as he's the face in the feud. Maybe bring back like Sgt. Slaughter or something "injure" him and then scramble to figure out what to do with the world title.

 

[Papa Pillman]

WWE have to but HAVE TO take him out of the title match, first of all the publicity that it will give them after the controversy this week will negate everything the rock did,

I agree exactly.

and wasn't RVD stripped of his titles and suspended because of exactly the same thing?

Yes he was.

I personally have hope that Swagger still faces Del Rio, because I think this feud would be epic. But if not, maybe Orton turns heel on the next RAW and he faces Del Rio. That, or, *gulp* Big Show will have to step up.

But what do you guys think?

I don't think any of those options. I think the best bet right now is that Ziggler cashes in on Del Rio and the rematch happens at Mania. They teased the cash-in Monday, so there is already a built-in start to the program. And since they have yet to start any direct interaction between Swagger/Colter and Del Rio yet they have created interaction between Ziggler/Langston and Alberto/Ricardo, this is almost like not having to hit the reset button at all.

 

[Sedated]

Let me start off by saying that I've really enjoyed the gimmick so far. Zeb is great on the mic and just what Swagger needed.

I've never been high on Swagger but this is the highest I've been on him and have decided to give this new character a chance. Swagger isn't bad on the Mic per say, but his lisp sometimes is hard to take seriously, even if the rest of what he's doing is solid. So really this is perfect for him and the story is interesting, and edgy.

That's where we start running into problems though, it's not that the story is edgy or controversial, it's that it's not being presented as such. WWE is presenting Swagger and Zeb as straight up heels, ... but why? Because they don't want illegal aliens living in America? So wait, not wanting ILLEGAL people coming into your country makes you a heel? Swagger and Zeb haven't (yet) said anything wrong really that I've noticed, even when they talked about Del Rio, they just said something along the lines of "That's why people like Del Rio come to this country, for the opportunity America gives." Not actually saying they have a problem with someone like Del Rio legally coming to the country.

Yet, there are obvious redneck, racist, whiter power undertones to the story, just in the way it's being presented. Even that much I was mostly okay with until Cole and King start blatantly bashing them, trying to make like their crazy right wing extremists for not wanting immigrants to come here illegally.

I don't consider myself republican or democrat, I have zero problem with legal immigration. I do have a problem with illegal immigrants and nothing being done about it though, as should every reasonable American if you ask me. So why would WWE choose to demonize this belief? It's okay if you present the story without bias but... it's obvious Swagger is the bad guy and Del Rio is the good guy here...I'm all for freedom of speech but I find this a little dangerous...

For starters, I hate when any form of my entertainment gets too political. Music, TV, Movies, whatever it might be. I think it's a turn off when any form of media starts shoving political views down my throat, and even though I enjoy the angle I'm starting to find that happening here. The part I think is dangerous is demonizing a perfectly reasonable political view on a program that's currently geared towards children...it doesn't seem right. It's basically telling young kids if they have a problem with illegal immigrants they're bad people and racists and that doesn't quite sit right with me. This story should be being presented in shades of grey and thus far it's looking to be black/white, good/evil, it has a liberal agenda written all over it. The really puzzling part is Vince and Linda are republicans. Maybe there really isn't any agenda and the only thought behind it is the entertainment, still just doesn't seem right though.

With that all said, what do you all think about this? Agree? Disagree? Don't give a crap? Let's hear it.

 

[The Butcher]

and wasn't RVD stripped of his titles and suspended because of exactly the same thing?

I had said elsewhere that I didn't expect immediate repercussions for Swagger, but I honestly forgot about the RVD situation. Thanks for reminding me.

Later Jack. Hopefully Zeb lands on his feet.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Well, there goes Jack Swagger's push.

I dunno what it is about WWE stars who finally get in the middle of a significant push only to go and do something as stupid as this. Swagger was heading in the right direction, he was more interesting than he's been in his career, Zeb Coulter has been a great mouthpiece thus far.

This could throw a huge monkeywrench in WWE's WrestleMania plans.

 

[HBK/RKO]

This is great news! He didn't deserve to be in one of the four main events at Wrestlemania. I'm hoping we see a heel Orton vs Del Rio. I wouldn't be against Orton taking Swagger out and would be a great time to break out the punt again. I would be okay with a fatal 4 way with del rio vs orton vs sheamus vs big show. I would have thrown Ziggler in there but I think he will have a match with Jericho at mania

 

[Wald]

Swagger is done, this was his big chance and he blew it. Shame cause I thought his new character and attitude were his ticket to the top.

Have Mark Henry come out and destroy him on Raw, put him out of action, have Henry make the case for him being the Wrtestlemania opponent but instead have Ziggler march out and say he is sick and tired of waiting, he is cashing in his briefcase and he's doing it at Mania. Hell I'd even turn Ziggler face after winning the title at Mania and have him take on Henry in his first feud, silver linings and all that.

Hey presto Ziggler vs ADR is your new World Title match at Mania and you can either suspend Swagger for a while or you can fire him. I'd fire him if I were Vince.