*MERGED* Raw Guest Host discussion

[brainsuks123]

I was thinking and since both Ted Bidase And Cody Rhodes Fathers have both been in the show. If Bob came He could push orton to win back his wwe title since we all know Wwe is going to make Cena to win at Breaking Point.
Any thoughts on what you think would happend if Ortons father came?

 

[CanYouSayKay?]

Last night's RAW's guest host was Bob Barker who was better than some of the previous hosts (Summerfest, ZZ top, etc.). He was funny with his comedy bits with Jericho but the guy just seemed out of it to me. Granted he is an 85 year old man and can't always be on top of things, but he still didn't even know the winner of the previous match that happened literally 2 minutes before!

To me it just seemed like a grandpa who didn't know much about wrestling was guest hosting raw. He was funny sometimes and really entertained me but most times I felt like he didn't really know what he was doing. I know he's probably the most sucessful game host in the history of television but we have to remember that he is just not the same Bob Barker we all grew up with. It was kind of sad seeing him struggle sometimes and Entertainment Weekly seems to agree:

The opening of the show was the most painful. After Barker received a warm response — “I thank you for that wonderful welcome. I wish I had a refrigerator for everyone!” “We are really going to party tonight!” — we were forced to watch him play “The Price is Raw” with a few of the WWE stars bidding on the upcoming Best of Smackdown DVD. Sure, we might have died a little inside seeing the 19-time Emmy winner at a WWE event, but the man did appear to be having a great time

That last part I agree with, he did look like he was having a great time but I just don't think he was that good.

 

[T2KFreeker]

Bob Barker! Really? Bob Barker? You know, I recorded WWE RAW last night because the minute I saw the very opening with "The Price Is RAW", I just couldn't watch it. Well, I finally watched it, and all I can say is that WWE have sunk RAW to the watery depths of no return. I was so0 not interested in any of the matches on the show and the whole gameshow aspect of the show was just horrid. Mind you, I actually like Bob Barker. I think the man is an Icon of American television and he really deserves to be honored for the over half a century he was on television, but the host of WWE RAW? Who in the Hell thought that this was going to be a good idea? DX and Bob went together oh so well . . . NOT! This was a step in the wrong direction for WWE and I am dure it really did nothing to help Barker's career. I do hope that it helps him sell some books because it did nothing to help the WWE wrestlers or the WWE fans. Hell, this was so bad I am looking forward to whenever they get Mike Adamle on the show as the guest host. Hopefully things are better next week when Trish Stratus hosts because at least at that point the hostess will be fun to look at. I can say that the whole "Special Guest Host" angle has been a huge fail. Sorry, but Smackdown has been ten times more entertaining than RAW lately and it's only getting worse. No pushes outside of the usual suspects and the Guest Hosts seem clueless. That's the only thing I can say about Bob, he was Bob. You can tell he was at least trying unlike Jeremy Piven and the Summerfest. It's time for RAW to go back to the drawing board before it's too late.

 

[nthomas504]

Over the past few weeks, the guest host idea has warmed up to me. I just don't know how its going to be the same without them. Who would take the place of them. But thats another topic. Bob Barker was a pretty good choice, a little weird yes, but at the same time, it turned out to be pretty creative, and turned out pretty good. I don't know how long this is going to go on, but i've heard rumors that 50 Cent & Snoop Dogg are interested in doing it, and since we saw Floyd Mayweather back, im sure Snoop has a good chance of getting it since the WWE is trying to push all demogratics.

 

[#1DX_fan]

im still gettn use to thefact that raw has no gm, although i do find it kinda cool, but lets face, dont u think some of their choices are kinda, uh, well, lack of a better word, jus stupid. Im waitin for the trained monkey and the water skiing mouse to host next month, should b a blast. I think they put some people on the there just to be seen, to prove the world they r not dead, its like to show their face and not working on the show. If i was the GM, id set some badass matches and well, just do my damn job, not just their for my 15 mins. of fame. Rumor has it that a talking rabbit will host next month, should be good.

 

[joesgoingtoeatu]

i was suprised to read Chris Cash's post I thought the opening scene with Barker and the pricing game was hystetical. Especially the interaction with jericho, I though Jericho was about to hit him and then Barker unexpectedly turned it around on him was priceless.

I think everyone has to lighten up, the fact of the matter is that Raw is lacking storylines right now so if the storylines arent going to improve, at least we have some comedy or entertaining segements with some of the guest hosts. If we didnt have a guest host on Monday, all we have to look forward too is , Cena beats Orton at breaking point, Cena comes out with the tittle, Orton interrupts and says that he was screwed somehow, and then they announce the next pay per view we'll have to see yet another match between them.

Some of the guest hosts have been lame, but I thought Barker was great and if u didnt dont blame the guest host blame Orton vs Cena as the main storyline again as the reason why the show drags

 

[Барбоса]

For me, the Guest Host idea has distracted too much attention from the actual in-ring storylines. Even having legends such as Ted DiBiase and Dusty Rhodes hasn't worked in my eyes, particularly to the detriment of Legacy.

It has been pulled in four separate directions all at once. Ted Jr. is angry at Orton and going to turn face... no wait its Cody that going to turn... no, they are being out over as a legitiamte threat by DX... no, they are still Orton's lackies. The explanation of all this could be drawn out over a few months but due to the ridiculous Guest Host segments (a lot of them including 'stars' that many non-Americans won't know) there isn't enough time.

Even when time is made, it is mostly wasted. I see no point in having Seth Green or Freddie Prinze Jr. taking part in matches. That double-swerve with Dusty, as well as being pretty rubbish, has turned out to be basically pointless. In a way, Mayweather has been the best host as he took up as little time as possible.

Indeed, the whole card is suffering as a result. Even in a two hour show there now isn't time to have mid-carders such as Jack Swagger, Evan Bourne or Kofi Kingston on every week. There now isn't a lower card.

When compared to what is happening on Smackdown with the emergence of Punk, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre and even ECW with its talent initiative and veterans like Christian and Regal, RAW is a complete mess.

Not even the Saviour, Chris Jericho, can get me to tune in anymore, and that makes me very sad.

 

[The Pope CTC MEM]

i hate this guest host concept. im sick of all the gimmick things like this week when bob barker hosted with all the win games or whatever

 

[X]

Barker wasn't bad this week. He made a few minor errors and I had to laugh when it seemed like he couldn't hear what someone was saying in a cliched senior citizen moment, but overall he was fun to watch.

I'm looking forward to Trish this Monday for sure, I've had a crush on that gal since she first started teasing Bubba with those tables back in 2000. It's her home town too, so I'm sure she'll get a great reaction. I really can't wait to see her again, should be alot of fun.

 

[Knockout]

I think a great host COULD be Hacksaw Jim Dougans (Although IDK if he will be THAT great... :s) Maybe if Cowboy Bob Orton... Even though I am not a HUGE fan of Randy Orton, I think that it would be cool to see what damage he could do in a short time. Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. HBK vs. Triple H vs. Batista vs. JEFF HARDY for the wwe title. I know Jeff is gone, but still..... That wud be AWESOME!!!!!

 

[Dagger Dias]

I absolutely HATE the guest host thing. Granted, Trish will be interesting this week.... but the celebrities have all been annoying and I think that this just needs to be done away with. It has made Raw AWFUL! Smackdown and Impact are infinitely better than Raw right now, heck even ECW is better and it's only a short hour of newcomers and jobbers. I don't CARE about some guy trying to get people to watch a movie he's in, or whatever else these people are trying to promote by being the guest host.

Shaq was cool, and the "Summer Fest" mistake was funny with Piven. Other than that, the guest hosts have done nothing to benefit Raw. Dusty was pretty good, I thought they could just make him the GM (or some other legend or well known name).... It is really stupid and they need to end it.

Raw should be about wrestling storylines, not who the guest that week is. (Sort of off topic, but the guest host thing in SNL was the main thing I hated about it. I knew it would be stupid on Raw for that reason.)

Barker was the worst of all. That show made me nearly swear off of raw forever, luckily Trish is the guest this week and not another lame celebrity.

People complain about how the midcarders don't get enough time. Well, get rid of the guest hosts and that brings back time that could be used for the midcarders. Oh, and make some well-known name be the GM.

Problem solved.
_

 

[And I'm Awesome]

The guest host thing does take some TV time away from things which could use some more screen time. Things such as:

• Getting a useful storyline for the US Championship
• Letting Kofi build up a character on the mic
• Getting Cody and Ted to be recognized as the potential stand alone team (and individuals) they are
• Even though this one isn't as big...some more mic time for the ME's would be good. Cena had very limited mic time heading into Breaking Point.

Now, there are other things taking up valuable time as well (see: Chavo vs. Hornswoggle or whoever Horny's hanging out with this month). Unfortunately, things will be continuing in the manner for the immediate future.

Obviously former wrestling personalities will be the most entertaining (ignoring Sgt. Slaughter. There must be an exception to every rule.) They know how to work the stick, the crowd, and actually know what they're talking about (SummerFest, anyone?). They have the additional bonus of being people that we wrestling fans are used to and are eager to see doing this sort of thing just so we can cheer for them one more time.

Celebs are used because the network executives want to broaden the audience for Raw. Part of me understands this, but part of me want to slap those executives in the back of the head. They may draw some extra viewers for a week or two (see: Shaqzilla, Shaqalicious, and the rest of the Shaq Edition of the Scrabble Brand Word Game: Now featuring 10 Q's Per Box!), but that gain in viewership is temporary. Between that and the alienation of some older fans (and younger), the celebs could actually cause a long-term drop off in the ratings.

Obviously we're going with this thing for a while longer. All we can really do is hope we get some more decent guests like Freddie Prinze. He did the nightly spiel, and pretty much got off the show. Unlike Piven and Dr. Ken, who had me about ready to push my TV out the window that's behind it.

Either way, tonight we're all in for some Stratusfaction, so we should have a very solid and entertaining show.

 

[X]

The following has been reported by IGN.com:

The Reverend Comes To RAW

Left and Right work together to host RAW...and reform schools.

by Matt Fowler

September 18, 2009 - We learned last Monday that Cedric the Entertainer was set to host this upcoming Monday's RAW, but now we know who'll be hosting the show the following week. It's none other than the Reverend Al Sharpton!

Spoiler: Rest of Ridiculous Story

We're used to certain odd-fellows showing up on RAW these days, but what could Al Sharpton possibly have to promote? Why, it's "Achievement Gap" Tour - whic will feature Sharpton hitting the road with, of all people, Former House Secretary Newt Gingrich, and Education Secretary Arne Duncan. With stops in Philly, New Orleans, Baltimore and Atlanta, Sharpton and Gingrich will be raising awareness for the "achievement gap" currently facing public schools in the U.S. and highlighting the efforts to reform public education.

Could there even be a remote possibility of seeing Gingrich on RAW? I smell new Tag Team Champions

I simply can't believe what I'm reading. I've defended the guest hosts thing for a while now, but this is just too far. Seriously, Al fucking Sharpton as the host of Raw? How is that going to help the show in any way? What does Al Sharpton know about wrestling? Nevermind that he's a moron, this is going to be absolutely painful to watch.

It's official everyone, the WWE has officially run out of ideas. I simply shake my head at how fucking stupid this is.

 

[RockFan89]

This seems extremely odd. I know Sharpton is working with Gingrich on education reform, but hosting Raw? I'm no fan of the Reverend, but I recognize that many African Americans view him as a civil rights leader. Is he going to go on tv and argue for education reform on Sunday and then announce a Hornswoggle vs Chavo match on Monday? Sharpton is not an entertainer like the previous hosts, he is a legitimate political figure. He ran for president in 2004. I've got no issue with the WWE getting someone like Sharpton, but why is the Reverend lowering himself to the WWE? Any thoughts?

 

[klunderbunker]

...why? This just makes no sense and I can already see the bad Santino comedy skits coming. Like was said, he's not an entertainer. He's unlikely to have much comedy and entertainment appeal to him, and it's just going to be awkward. This is one of those times where it's a head scratcher, but maybe it could work on some level. If my math is right then this is the go home show before Hell in a Cell, so there's not a lot he's going to have to do anyway. Still, this is just an odd choice to say the least.

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

Hmmm, can't help but think that this is being done for PR reasons, in an effort to show the public that Vince doesn't try to solely push Republican propaganda on his audience. Maybe with his wife running as a Republican, he wants to come off as "fair to both sides" and "without a political agenda".

Other than that, putting Sharpton on Raw makes absolutely no sense, and that is the only thing that I think it could be ... as Vince certainly can't be a fan of Sharpton.

 

[Ol'Canucklehead]

I am pretty sure he is a promoting a reality show for somebody. And it may be good he can be very candid at times.

 

[DiscipleofWrestling]

I think the guest host concept needs to be reevaluated right now, at least who they pick to be guest hosts. This is no commentary on Al Sharpton or politics in general. This just doesn't make sense for both WWE or Sharpton. He's not bringing anybody to the TV set to watch Raw at that hour, and I don't think this will benefit his cause really. We'll probably get a ZZTop-like guest host with pre-taped segments and maybe one quick live appearance in Al Sharpton.The cynic wrestling fan in me has to ask this: what is next after this?!

 

[classicviolence]

At least Sharpton can talk, lmao!! This is kinda odd, but after Jeremy Piven, ZZTop and Seth Green WWE can't do any worse.

 

[Kenny Powers]

This is another Raw I won't be watching, along with Cedric the Entertainer. These two coming to Raw only benefits them and not the show or the fans. It benefits WWE as far as media is concerned, but ZZ Top and Jeremy Piven were laughed at and mocked by pretty much the whole media after their appearances. I predict this will be another situation where both these two will get no reaction what so ever from the crowd, and ratings will suffer because of it.

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

This is another Raw I won't be watching, along with Cedric the Entertainer. These two coming to Raw only benefits them and not the show or the fans. It benefits WWE as far as media is concerned, but ZZ Top and Jeremy Piven were laughed at and mocked by pretty much the whole media after their appearances. I predict this will be another situation where both these two will get no reaction what so ever from the crowd, and ratings will suffer because of it.

I doubt ratings will suffer. Rather, people will tune in for the intrigue factor. Ratings might not increase for someone like a Donald Trump, but I don't think that people will not tune in because they simply don't want to see Sharpton or Cedric The Entertainer. Sharpton, in particular, may not be a popular choice, but people will still tune in to see what he actually does.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

While I have no real interest in either of these two guest hosts, I'll be among those that tune in just to see what happens with them. Cedric the Entertainer, I don't really know who this guy is. I know he's an actor/comedian but I don't think I've seen anything he's been in. Al Sharpton is a shameless self-promoter that will do anything and say anything he has to in order to accomplish whatever it is he's trying to do. He'll have to be plugging some sort of show or some sort of cause or something. Sharpton is more of a political activist that happens to be famous and controversial more than anything else. I'm pretty curious to see what happens with him.

I doubt Raw's ratings will suffer because of these two. As last Monday was the season premiere of Monday Night Football and the series debut of The Jay Leno Show, a 3.4 is respectable and solid. I don't look for ratings to dip below 3.4, they might go higher for CTE, though I do expect them to jump for Sharpton.

 

[X]

This is another Raw I won't be watching, along with Cedric the Entertainer. These two coming to Raw only benefits them and not the show or the fans.

I completely agree with you here.

It benefits WWE as far as media is concerned, but ZZ Top and Jeremy Piven were laughed at and mocked by pretty much the whole media after their appearances.

This I disagree with. For the most part the media didn't even notice ZZ Top (because let's face it, they aren't exactly hot commodities these day), but the Jeremy Piven show was met with a ton of positive media for the WWE. Piven went on the Tonight Show and they spent a good five minutes talking about him working with the WWE and how everyone was impressed by him jumping off the top rope. If I'm not mistaken Sportscenter even showed a brief clip during one of their video packages.

I predict this will be another situation where both these two will get no reaction what so ever from the crowd, and ratings will suffer because of it.

Because of how controversial a host Al Sharpton is sure to be, I wouldn't be surprised if that episode is mocked and made fun of in the media.

 

[Dagger Dias]

Trish was great.... however.... I have hated almost every other guest.

This week it's Cedric the Entertainer? Come on now. That's ******ed. I thought it could not possibly get any worse until I read that the next host after Cedric is AL SHARPTON!?

I really hate this. Why does the person who came up with the celebrity guests still have a job!? This is the worst thing to ever happen to wwe raw. This is WORSE than David Arquette as WCW champion. From now on I will just tape raw to get past all the idiotic guests because I just cannot stand it anymore. MAKE A GM AND LET'S GET BACK TO RAW BEING ABOUT WRESTLING, NO LAME CELEBRITY GUESTS!!!!!!!

Raw is an absolute embarassment right now when compared to Smackdown or Impact.
_

 

[X]

Cedric was absolutely terrible as guest host, though I'm sure that's about all we could expect from him. The opening segment with the limo was hands down one of the worst things I've seen this year. The WWE apparently remembered the Hornswoggle-Chavo cow-match, and said "Let's try and do something even more stupid!", and they may have just succeeded in that. I was about ready to put a bullet into my head when they had the Rabbi step out of the limo pretending to circumsize what was clearly a plastic doll. Seriously, who comes up with this shit?

Another awful host, another awful Raw. The WWE really needs to get rid of the guest host thing now, it's been months already.