**MERGED** McIntyre, Mahal & Slater: 3MB Discussion (Keep it in here!)

[Mustang Sally]

Well, as far as names, I like "The Band" better than "Encore"......for whatever that's worth. Two things were accomplished last night:

-Heath Slater seems to have emerged as leader of the group; the other two rallied around him. Frankly, this is okay, as it's better for a group like this to have a focal point, rather than three discordant personalities bouncing around the ring with no apparent direction. To say the least, this is an unlikely trio anyway, and a leader was needed.

-I like that they've moved on from launching sneak attacks on participants of other matches to having scheduled contests of their own. In a 2-man tag match, they possess that random element, the third guy who can wreak havoc when the referee isn't looking.

Honestly, I don't know if this group will amount to anything, but I'm happy they've finally given Drew something to do beside serve as sacrifice for the Brodus Clays' and Sin Caras'.

 

[Thepiedpiper]

Well, as far as names, I like "The Band" better than "Encore"......for whatever that's worth. Two things were accomplished last night:

-Heath Slater seems to have emerged as leader of the group; the other two rallied around him. Frankly, this is okay, as it's better for a group like this to have a focal point, rather than three discordant personalities bouncing around the ring with no apparent direction. To say the least, this is an unlikely trio anyway, and a leader was needed.

-I like that they've moved on from launching sneak attacks on participants of other matches to having scheduled contests of their own. In a 2-man tag match, they possess that random element, the third guy who can wreak havoc when the referee isn't looking.

Honestly, I don't know if this group will amount to anything, but I'm happy they've finally given Drew something to do beside serve as sacrifice for the Brodus Clays' and Sin Caras'.

Yeah I prefer "The Band" also as Encore was too much like the corre, plus I think Encore is there saying, "who wants an encore?"

I found the segment on Smackdown funny and want more of this, the more heat the better and so far so good.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I'm mixed on this whole thing.

On one hand, I do think that the various mannerisms they've adopted are pretty damn stupid, especially with Jinder Mahal. It just doesn't mesh with him whatsoever. It seems as though they're just having McIntyre & Mahal act like Heath Slater and I don't see that as a good thing.

On the other, at least WWE seems to be trying to do something with these three. Slater & McIntyre especially have paid their dues in WWE. But, at the same time, I don't look for anything to come out of this group because the way they behave is just too silly to be taken seriously.

A stable featuring these three, possibly another additional member or two, could seriously work with just a couple of minor tweaks. Doing away with the silly Rock n' Roll thing would be the easiest to fix.

 

[MrMojoRisin]

Don't add anyone else to their faction. Put them in the tag division instead as an interchangeable 3 man team, using a modified Freebird rule. Every night, you won't know which two of the three you'll face until the bell rings. And of course, have the third on the outside causing havoc every night and stealing wins for the team.

They could be a Freebirdesque team. Slater in the Hayes role. McIntyre in the Gordy role, and Mahal as the bump man Buddy Jack. Before I get flamed for even mentioning that... remember that when the Freebirds started out, they weren't as good as they evolved into either. Everyone needs to start somewhere.

They're too silly right now, but they can get past that by running an angle where they accidentally hurt someone badly, and get empowered by that.

 

[Arcade]

This could be an interesting group if they are builded up correctly. I don't really see the point putting Jinder Mahal in a group with Slater and McIntyre, and call it "The Band". Jinder's wouldn't seem to fit in with the group. They should have used Curt Hawkins or Trent Barretta instead of Jinder Mahal for the group, and make Mahal as a singles competitor.

 

[Барбоса]

I like the idea of a lower card stable and even building it around the silliness of Slater. Having them feud with the likes of Gabriel, Kidd and maybe even Santino and Ryder can only be a good thing for their development. I also like the idea of giving McIntyre something to do but this line up just does not work. Mahal in particular is completely out of place.

There are plenty of other talents, Barretta and Hawkins have already been mentioned, that would fit in far better.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Well, another week has gone by and this "Where in hell is Creative going with this program?" continues to develop, presumably by the seat of it's pants.

After changing the name of the group from "Encore" to "The Band," the rowdy boys have acquired new duds and even more boisterous behavior. They look like a cross between 1950's greasers and 1990's punk rockers.

I wish I knew what WWE was doing with this one. I'm enjoying McIntyre trying to change his character but Jinder Mahal has got to go. The sight of him smiling (see image) is scary enough but the notion of a man trying to dress like The Fonz while wearing a turban is just too bizarre to contemplate.

Still, I'm wondering if Creative has a direction in mind for the trio, or are they making it up as they go? As they posed on stage in Nashville, they looked as if they were about to sing. Fortunately, I don't have to hear the result if it ever happens, but the rest of you do. Let me know.

 

[Christian Faith]

These guys have formed the most ridiculous and pointless stable I have seen since X Factor in my opinion.

Mahal looks ridiculous in a turban, jeans and leather jacket whilst Mcintyre only pulls it off because of his hair.

When these ********s are on though I fast forward.


On a final note didn't TNA have a tag team of Hall and Nash called the band?

 

[the_vipers_enigma]

Like many of you I also had doubt about this group which now goes by the name 3MB(3 man band), but after last RAW I am very interested on how they will develop. Who knows maybe they wil be very interesting to watch but that we will see in the upcoming weeks. In my eyes they could be a very good mid-card stable and from time to time carrying the tag titles and the IC or USA championships. And who knows maybe after the stable disbands Drew McCintre will finally break through and be World Champion.

 

[Thepiedpiper]

These guys have formed the most ridiculous and pointless stable I have seen since X Factor in my opinion.

Mahal looks ridiculous in a turban, jeans and leather jacket whilst Mcintyre only pulls it off because of his hair.

When these ********s are on though I fast forward.


On a final note didn't TNA have a tag team of Hall and Nash called the band?

The fact you watch X-Factor tells me enough, X-Factor = reality show! WWE = non-reality!

Hmmmm, I think you are on to something!

3MB are really fun to watch and I hope this continues for some while now, anything with D-Mac in it, is worth a watch.

I'm sure everyone on this site agrees too, don't you!

 

[DallasMack]

The fact you watch X-Factor tells me enough, X-Factor = reality show! WWE = non-reality!

Hmmmm, I think you are on to something!

3MB are really fun to watch and I hope this continues for some while now, anything with D-Mac in it, is worth a watch.

I'm sure everyone on this site agrees too, don't you!

X-Factor was a stable in the 2000's sometime (can't recall the exact year without looking it up) that consisted of X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert. The stable made no sense, and they received little reaction besides X-Pac heat.

But I like the silliness of 3MB. Not all stables have to be serious ass-kickers, so I'm curious if creative will have more for them to do besides beating up fellow jobbers after matches.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Jinder Mahal does seem to be an extremely odd duck in this setting. Here's a guy wearing jeans, a leather jacket, doing the whole "air guitar" thing all while wearing that thing on his head. On one hand, it looks downright goofy. On the other, it definitely goes about as far against the typical Indian stereotype as you can get. I think if Mahal got rid of that thing on his head, it might actually make it easier for people to accept him as part of this group. That headdress, whatever it's called, just doesn't seem to fit with 3MB because it reminds me people too much of his former dry character.

McIntyre really seems to be cutting loose with this thing. It's such a departure from what we've gotten used to seeing from McIntyre that I'm not sure a lot of people have been able to adjust to it yet.

If WWE gives the group a bit more focus in the coming weeks, it might all fall into place. I will say this though: McIntyre & Mahal are doing their best with their current gig so far, so I have to respect them for that. It might not be something I'll be all that crazy about in the long run, like Santino or Brodus Clay, but they seem to be trying to do what they can to make it work so I have to give it up to 'em for that if nothing else.

 

[UFOcalling]

...Jinder Mahal does seem to be an extremely odd duck in this setting. Here's a guy wearing jeans, a leather jacket, doing the whole "air guitar" thing all while wearing that thing on his head...

I agree, 100% on that account! The other night on Raw was the first time I remember seeing 3MB come out with similar jeans and leather jackets (and was McIntyre wearing an AC/DC t-shirt?), although it's possible they've been in those "uniforms" before (for lack of a better term). Having all three guys dress alike definitely helps the group overall, since at least they have a similar look now.

Since McIntyre & Slater both have long hair, it's easy to buy into the whole "rock n' roll" aspect that 3MB seems to be going for. With Jinder, I too have a hard time getting over the turban. As Jack Hammer pointed out though, it is a pretty big departure for the "stereotypical Indian wrestler" gimmick - but he just seems so out of place with the other two. Like I hinted at already, Slater & McIntyre easily look like the type of guys you would see in a bar band on a Friday or Saturday night at your local watering hole. Jinder....well, not so much.

I agree with Jack Hammer, losing the turban could really help Jinder with this gimmick. Then again, I'm pretty sure that the turban is a big part of Indian culture (at least in certain religious groups, and/or areas of India), so I completely understand why he wears it. If I'm not mistaken, some Indians wear a turban like that to hide their hair - since cutting their hair (and possibly showing it?) is against their religion? I'm not 100% clear on it, and I apologize if I have it wrong. If Jinder isn't wearing the turban for cultural/religious reasons (and is only wearing it for the purpose of his former wrestling gimmick - before joining 3MB), then he should take it off to help make himself look more like part of the group. Right now, 3MB seems less likely to appear on WWE tv, and they seem more likely to appear on Sesame Street; in that old song that went: "One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong...".

 

[xavyer]

Hey guys, i was watching some footage of 3MB attacking people after their matches, and doing their stuff, i like these guys, it looks like they're on to something, i know it's too early to tell if they will make it big, or if it's just a fluke, i don't know, they in a way remind me of how the new age outlaws started, getting into everyone's bussiness untill they made it, maybe the same thing could happen to 3MB, and it got me curious and started thinking that these guys might need a little something, like a manager or mentor to guide them in the right direction, so what do you guys think? Do you think they need a manager, and if you think they do, who should it be? I know is a little wat out at left field, but my choice is the Road Dogg, because, like i said, this is kind of how him and Billy started, and he can teach them a few tricks, and he's also kind of musical, and he can be a great mouth piece for these guys, because we all know that he can do wonders with the mic and 3MB can really learn a lot from him, i would like to see e your choices guys.......

 

[XXJJ]

I will admit it did make me laugh a little, but IMO it was poorly done. They didn't explain or give a reason to the sudden change in Jinder and Drew character. Also, Jinder needs to drop the turbin. It just reminds me of his previous gimmick.

With them trying to rebuild the tag division... they would of been better off making this a tag team instead of a 3 man group. They should of used Trent Baretta or Curt Hawkins instead. I think either one would of been a better fit with Heath as goofy pretend rockstars.

I think both Jinder and Drew have little more potential. I'm not sure I wanted them to do something this silly.

 

[Mustang Sally]

They didn't explain or give a reason to the sudden change in Jinder and Drew character.

That's true, but they might explain it yet. At first, I thought Creative was flying by the seat of it's pants with this program, making it up as they went along, with no long term plan in mind. Now, I'm not so sure. It seems they're aiming to be a group of modern-day rebels who attack selected opponents after they've been beaten up...... sort of a MITB gang attack. What I'd like to see is 3MB bombard anything that moves, not just good guys. Yes, make them a heel faction, but keep us guessing as to exactly what they're looking to accomplish.

I was sure the group was doomed to a short life but last night's Smackdown result made me think there might be a longer-term plan. This was brought about by seeing Slater beat Brodus Clay with only minimal interference from the other two band members. That's a change, and might be indicative of bigger things coming.

If nothing else, seeing Drew in those pants, with his long hair and flat gut left me gasping for air and totally disgusted my one-and-only into disapproving silence. That alone made my Friday night a treat.

 

[Wolf Pac]

Most people are against this group and I'm not exactly all for this group myself but I don't think it's bad either. They weren't gonna go anywhere on their own and they ain't gonna go anywhere now or after they break up, I don't expect anything big to come out of this, but at least this gives them something to do on TV for the time being. I'm glad they also gave them this Rock N' Roll gimmick cause without it they didn't have a lick of personality (except for Slater, who already had the gimmick). Before they adopted the gimmick, they were just another dull group attacking people, but now they have a bit of personality and I can tolerate seeing them whenever they appear.

Maybe the WWE could give them a feud similar to 3 Count vs. The Jung Dragons, where they could try to take over Superstars or Main Event and they are successful for a while, but then Yoshi Tatsu, Tyson Kidd & Justin Gabriel band together to form an alliance called "International Airstrike" and they attempt to stop the 3MB, with their feud sometimes spilling out onto RAW & SD! Or if not International Airstrike then a group featuring 3 superstars of other musical tastes, R-Truth (Rap), Zack Ryder (what does he listen to? Pop?), and Brodus Clay (Funk). Actually that's maybe where they are headed with 3MB & Brodus Clay, but with Brodus teaming with two different people. I think a 3 Count vs. Jung Dragons like feud with International Airstrike, or a feud with The Funk-Pop-Rap Connection could be somewhat interesting.

 

[Isaac Kaye]

Something makes me feel these guys spend a lot of time on the road together. Creative probably looked at them and thought, 'what the heck' we'll put you in a faction and see what you can do! I doubt that it will amount to much, McIntrye has really struggled to find his niche (but has fallen foul to some odd booking). He was looking good a couple of years ago, especially in the Elimination Chamber where he looked dominant. They seemed to abandon him after the whole Tiffany debacle and he hasn't really recovered since. It's been a long time now. Mahal is okay, still very green, but he's got potential at least. Funnily enough, I really like Slater and I think this works best for his character. He's definitely the most comfortable in his role, is competent on the mic and sells like an absolute demon in the ring. Don't be surprised to see Slater to stick around for a while.

The faction probably won't amount to much more than attacking lower mid card babyfaces to garner cheat heat. Most of the time I reckon they will be positioned in a comedy role and not looking particularly intimidating. At least they are appearing on TV, which is more than can be said for McIntyre, and to some extent, Slater. Just don't be surprised to see Ryback run through them next week, or something similar to that. Keep and eye on Slater though. That guy is durable.

 

[IHW]

The Three Man Band, The Band, 3MB, Encore, or what ever the hell were supposed to call them have been steadily improving lately. Slater has always been entertaining on the mic. He knows how to work up a crowd. Given his lower card status, I am extremely surprised he has been doing so well. McIntyre has been improving on the hand of turning into a "band member." The hair, the voice, the pants. Those pants. Its all developing rather smoothly.

I keep wondering where they can cap off at. I want to say give them a few runs with the tag titles. It would certainly add more interest and entertainment there. The problem I have with the 3MB is that they haven't given us a purpose. Why are they here? Why are they attacking mid card faces? If its just to get noticed, tell us that. If its just to have some fun, tell us that. Don't leave us with no reason as to why you are doing what you are doing or we may end up not caring.

Jinder Mahal has surprised me thus far. But, not fully sold on him being in a band yet.

 

[MOExecution]

It was a few weeks ago when we saw the debut of a new stable in the WWE called, “3MB” this stable consists of Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre, and Jinder Mahal. They have not really made much progress on television, but behind the scenes these three are apparently a big deal. A report a few months ago said that there were a lot of officials behind the scene who were impressed with Heath Slater and how he handled the Legend’s storyline leading into RAW 1000 and earned the respect of many. Another report said that Vince McMahon wanted to build new stars in Ryback and soon Jinder Mahal. One more report said that Triple H was a big fan of Drew McIntyre and planned to give him a push very soon. You take three guys that WWE behind the scenes have big hopes for and you place them in a stable being led by Heath Slater and call them, “3MB” it sounds logical, but so far 3MB have not really sold well on television.

Me personally, I enjoyed Heath Slater and his time with the Legend’s storyline and one reason in particular is because we finally got to see some personality come out of Slater and he made every minute of television he got count and it worked in his favor. I have seen Jinder Mahal on WWE NXT and in smaller venues like Full Sail University Jinder Mahal is a great character, but in a crowd of thousands he just does not connect like he should. I also have had this chip on my shoulder about his character. It reminds me too much of Muhammad Hassan who worked the gimmick perfectly and got legitimate heat from fans. Drew McIntyre I was a fan of during his first few months in the WWE when he was Intercontinental Champion and had an intense feud with Kofi Kingston and Teddy Long. His career fell short because he wasn’t connecting with the audience like WWE hoped he would so his push went to Jack Swagger in the end who at the time was getting over with the fans. Since then I have said Drew McIntyre is one of the most underutilized wrestlers in WWE today. Now, I find positive aspect in ALL three of these men, but placing them in a group together just seems forced. Drew McIntyre and Heath Slater are really into their current roles, but Jinder Mahal looks out of place in the group with his turbin and does not look as into the role.

What we have seen from, “3MB” are very random attacks. We have seen these three stars dress in black leather jackets, kuttes, and blue jeans; Slater with a top hat and Drew McIntyre with a headband. So the evolution of this stable is slowly coming together. I’m willing to give this stable some time before I make any assumptions on whether this will be a big success or a dud, but I think that if WWE are really going to build these three as future stars they need to go all the way with this stable or just don’t go through with it at all. We have seen it with Heath Slater, we know he can take nothing and make it into something. So I am expecting the same thing as he carries this stable as the leader, but I have an addition in mind that could help the group greatly and make fans take them seriously.

My idea? Bodyguards. As I said, you go all the way or no way with this stable. Now, who do you get to become the bodyguards for this group? These bodyguards need to be intimidating figures and preferably two stars who could benefit from TV time. The bodyguards of 3MB should be none other than Ezekiel Jackson and Mason Ryan. Two intimidating figures who are believable bodyguards. People may believe that it may be a bad idea and some of the reason is that they might think that 3MB do not need a bodyguard, some may believe that Mason Ryan and Ezekiel Jackson may not suitable for the position, but hear me out. These two are just there as MUSCLE they will just stand around in black shirts, black jeans, and sun glasses with their arms crossed taking out anyone who tries to lay their hands on the band. These two could stand ring side during the matches. As I said, MUSCLE. They will not have to cut promos that will be left to Slater, Mahal, and McIntyre.

Having these two as bodyguards would not hurt. I think it would be a great addition to the group and would make 3MB look like something of importance and people will buy into this group. The beat downs would look more vicious with Jackson and Ryan. The group would have more of a rock band feel to it. Famous musicians hardly ever go anywhere without a bodyguard or some type of security why not treat these guys like they are supposedly a, “band” and treat them like REAL musicians and equip them with bodyguards? It makes sense. Mason Ryan and Ezekiel Jackson would be built as two powerhouses, get TV time, and hell could even begin a tag team with each other! There is nothing, but positive things that could come out of this. So what do you think?

- Should 3MB have bodyguards? Yes or no?
- If yes, are Ezekiel Jackson and Mason Ryan suitable for the position? If not, who would you assign as their muscle?
- What ideas do you have that could get 3MB over or add onto their stable?

 

[the_vipers_enigma]

Ok I'm gonna go straight to the point how far do you think the WWE will go with the 3 Man Band?

 

[The Dragon Saga]

This thread may be closed due to a piss poor opening post, but before it does all I'm going to say is 3MB is one of the most ridiculously horrible angles I can remember in recent memory, maybe even distant, this is up there with Kung Funaki for me. Heath Slater had fanfare two months ago, now hes leading Drew McIntyre whose failed at every turn to live up to what some people build him as and Jinder Mahal, an anti-American who couldn't even get booed by insulting America!

Their sketches haven't been funny, I do realize the idea is their supposed to be horrible, but this isn't like how Kurt Angle was horrible playing the guitar in the skits with Austin and McMahon, this is actually unfunny. I said it in the LD and I'll stick to it, if you find humor in 3MB you've the sense of humor of a mentally ******ed child and should apply for benefits immediately.

 

[nbieclkl91]

Every time I see 3MB I automatically picture them on a future episode of "Are You Serious?" They are honestly a joke and will never be taken seriously (especially with Heath Slater as the leader). The only person that actually pulls the look off is Drew McIntyre and that's only because he looks like a Bret Michaels rip off. Don't even get m started on Jinder Mahal. All I have to say about him is WHAT THE FLIP?! Really? Mahal? Really?!

Anyway, to answer your question. No, I do not see 3MB lasting.

 

[suleman09]

I see the 3MB as something WWE threw together to give these guys something to do because lets face it, Drew was doing NOTHING before this, Heath was jobbing to legends before Raw 1000 and Mahal was well...kind of feuding with Ryback but that failed too then he was doing nothing. I see probably by the end of the year the "band" splitting up and probably Jinder becoming a face because he can't get over as a heel as a previous poster already pointed out.

Or maybe they make it to the Rumble and eliminate a couple of jobbers or mid-carders like sin cara, justin, tyson or something like that. then break after that

 

[Doctor Awesome]

Oh my, this is such a bizarre faction, I think this may be one of those scenarios where an angle is put together for the sole purpose of entertaining one person in the back. I like all three guys to a certain degree but the mannerisms are atrocious, so much so that I have to turn my head when they do the guitar gimmick. I'm starting to understand that they are supposed to look like wannabe's and lame-o's, but it isn't even funny.

Mahal and McIntyre were just too serious of characters to transform like this virtually overnight. I am a big fan of Slater and he fits the leader role perfectly. I think his drummer and bassist should be replaced, though. If they ever get taken seriously this could be a great vessel to get Drew or Mahal over as a serious heel; more akin to their personalities when they turn on a member of the group or two. Slater is destined to be Santino's heir apparent. Forget that he has true wrestling ability, they did w/Santino and likely will with him except for selling extremely well.

It's just too awkward and though I would love to see Drew and Jinder grow into characters that people get behind; this isn't it. If any individual breaks away from the group or is ex-communicated, feuding w/remaining and new members will not be enough to elevate said superstar. So again, Pat Patterson is prob the guy in the back that find this group hystericals. lol