No WWE PPV's for 7 weeks (from TLC to Royal Rumble)!

[Mantaur Rodeo Clown]

After WWE's TLC PPV on December 13, the company will go seven weeks without any PPV events. This will be one of the longest stretches without a PPV event until January 31 when the Royal Rumble is presented.

This is a long amount of time, with an extra 3 weeks added tothe usual month difference between PPV. Whats also interesting is that these 7 weeks are leading up to the Royal Rumble. Whereas Wrestlemania and say, Summerslam both are jam packed shows requiring a long time to build, the Royal Rumble is pretty simple in terms of build. You have the big match which needs next to no build and a few mid carders going for the belts. Im interested to see why they booked these PPV's so far away, as well as why they felt it so necessary to cut a week off the Survivor Series to TLC build time.

I know there has been a lot of discussion on the oversaturation of PPV's and how to increase build time and tensions in between this. Go free reign in this thread about it, but I'd really like to focus and speculate on how they may use this build efficiently.

If WWE decided to stick with feuds currently shaping up as they are, even if you had Batista vs Taker, Cena vs Sheamus/Mid Carder and an ECW match, and finally the Royal Rumble match, I simply do not see how they could utilise 7 weeks to its full potential. How much build do you really need to sell Cena vs Tough guy, or the reliable, overdone Batista vs Taker? Unless they fill up air time with Royal Rumble qualifying matches, I'm very curious to see how they use it.

Thoughts?

 

[Phoenix]

I think part of the reason is because of the way they've booked Cena to make his film, 7 weeks would be long enough for him to go and film, come back and do his thing. But also, last year, there was a six week gap between Armageddon and the Rumble, so I think they might be looking too much into it?

But then whenever it's the end of the year, they wrap up some programmes come the turn of the New Year and start new ones the moment the New Year kicks in. I think there's no problem with 7 weeks given there's usually a lot of time between the December PPV and the Rumble, fresh start for the Road to Wrestlemania. But again I wouldn't think 7 weeks is bad as an exclusive period of the WWE calendar starts.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Wow, 7 weeks for a show that's already half prepared. They'd have been better off putting TLC later so they could build that show properly. Instead there will be 7 weeks until the Rumble, by which time people will be sick of Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton, Batista vs. Undertaker & Cena vs. Sheamus.

WWE has so few options for main event feuds that a lot of the ones that happen at TLC will carry on till the Rumble.

 

[Mantaur Rodeo Clown]

Are they doing tribute to the troops this year? Because that could be some of the reason, hence they're plugging the gaps with an extra week to fill up some space and give the wrestlers some recovery before the Pay Per View. Ya know, Jet Lag and all that stuff. But even still, that shouldnt influence it too much should it? When do they film it all? Early December?

Still, it's a long while, hell, even 6 weeks is longer then usual. I completely understand if it's Mania, that needs build. But Royal Rumble, although one of the big 4, is so easily prepared its ridiculous. Do you really have faith for Sheamus to evolve so incredibly as to give a whole new outlook to the feud?

 

[TheBestThereEverWillBe]

Many of you are saying the Rumble doesn't need build up time. I agree. But then I thought about last year. They did build this up as it was the beginning of Legacy. Randy Orton had been punting people left and right which built up to him supposed to be getting fired but getting outta that jam with another punt. THEN, he went on to win the Rumble. I'm pretty sure that was a big build up to the Rumble. They could use this time to pull of something like that again but how and with who?.... I'm clueless.

 

[TheAgeofLegacy09]

OK, I have a HUGE problem with Royal Rumble getting 7 weeks of build-up.

cause if you guys look at the current PPV schedule, The Elimination Chamber PPV is on February 21, and WrestleMania XXVI is on March 28 and that leaves only 5 WEEKS of Build-up for WWE's flagship PPV.

are you kidding me?

WrestleMania is the ONLY PPV that needs like 6, 7 or 8 weeks of build-up and there is only going to be 5 weeks of build after the Elimination Chamber PPV.

it doesnt make any sense why the Royal Rumble gets 7 weeks and WM XXVI gets 5 weeks of build-up.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

WrestleMania is the ONLY PPV that needs like 6, 7 or 8 weeks of build-up and there is only going to be 5 weeks of build after the Elimination Chamber PPV.

I don't think that's entirely true. Ideally every PPV would have about two months build and hype.

I'd also say that while more is better in regards to building up WrestleMania, the hype starts at the Royal Rumble and it used to start sooner. The show will also sell anyway, see last years show as an example. It was filled with rematches and nothing bouts.

 

[The Doctor]

I like it.

Last year, everyone was mad excited for the Royal Rumble, because there were six weeks between the two events. WWE could use the time wisely, like they did last year. ast year, we had the Orton storyline being built up nicely, and this year maybe Kofi, Sheamus, The Miz, Swagger, etc. could be built up. Plus, increasing time builds tension and makes people more excited for it. I'm already excited for the Rumble, as it's the only PPV I'm going to regularly buy, but the wait is just going to increase my desire to see it happen.

 

[SavageTaker]

For some reason, Royal Rumble is always the time of the year when I start getting excited about the WWE again. I guess it’s because RR is when the build up to Wrestlemania begins. So I’m actually glad that they are going to take their time and hype of the pay per view properly. Now they have the task of keeping fans interested for seven whole weeks up until the Royal Rumble. I know they have some pretty good matches planned, but they have to keep us excited about them, so it’s going to be interesting to see how they do that.

 

[Twanfusco]

I'm with doc blocker on this one, yeah it sucks that other ppvs are jammed together but I'm excited simply by the fact that we have 6 or 7 TV's in a row, new stories can be built and drawn out, newer guys can get a chance to develop their characters and even though the rumble is centred around the actual match, by the time it comes we might a tually think that guys like swagger and Morrison might win it, the 7 weeks build is enough time to convince us all that really anyone could win it, which is ultimately what is intended. You are all saying it's too long and the ppv sells itself, I think as it stands there's only about 6 guys I see winning it, maybe after 7 weeks I'm thinking it could be 1 of at least 15, so the build up time is perfect in my opinion.

 

[Chadmw]

There is probably seven weeks in between because of scheduling issues and the holiday season.

I also love this thread as it once again proves nobody is ever happy with what the wwe does. I've read here many times on how there are too many PPV's and not enough build up. So they put a long break leading up to one of there biggest PPV's of the year, and once again here's the IWC complaining that there is too much of a break.


Please folks make up your f***ing minds on what you want

 

[jmuhse0611]

the main reason that wwe has the rumble the week they have it is to avoid NFL playoffs, its in the bye week right before the superbowl and it has been that week for the longest time i can remember, originally the date was scheduled for the week before it is now but they moved it back a week to avoid that. Since this is my favorite event of all time i dont mind the build up, as long as this year there isnt such an obvious winner like last!!!

 

[Remix]

...wasnt Cena's Royal Rumble return last year a shock to everybody? I mean even if you knew he was going to win as soon as he entered, nobody knew he was going to be back that night (he even spent the start of the event in his car so nobody would know he was there, IIRC) and thus were shocked that he walked out with a 'Mania title shot.

 

[NSL]

I like it. There's not even a fuzzy picture for what's going to happen at WrestleMania right now, so Royal Rumble needs some time to build, and then give us something to look for at 'Mania.

I'm sure we'll get some mini-feuds out of TLC, giving us a decent undercard at the Rumble, and with big plans coming afterwards. We got 7 weeks for 'Mania this year, and I'd say it worked, so why not do it here? If only we got 7 weeks between every PPV.

 

[WWF Wrestling Fan]

IMO WWE Needs to go back to the old days and have only 4 PPV'S a year then we the customers who order the PPV'S would not be spending an ass load of money every month for every PPV by the WWE i liked how they would have the PPV'S in Jan. March. or April. Aug. and then Nov. so that they could build up the story lines because now there rushing through every month for a PPV that honestly are not worth buying but then again you have the story line where you think John Cena is going to lose the title but we get disappointed to see Cena keep the title so i say just make it 4 PPV's a year again.

 

[AnthonyMango/NoFate007]

Big fan. 7 weeks may be a TAD too much, but it gives them lots of time to...if they're intelligent about it...build things up correctly. Think about it, what's something that the Royal Rumble offers that no other part of the year has in terms of abundance? QUALIFYING MATCHES!

For 7 weeks, they can spread qualifying matches out through the undercard and have some miniature feuds based on that (as well as other feuds going on at the time that need to either wrap up or actually sink their teeth in). Remember the good old days when people could compete for the #30 or #1 spot? They could figure out a way to do that as well during this 7 week period. Maybe have a "last chance battle royal" with only a few guys wherein the last 2 people in the ring have a spot in the RR, but they have to have a match the next week to determine who gets the #30 and who gets the #1 spot?

Plus, whose to say that Sheamus and Cena continue their program? Sheamus is being pushed ridiculously right now (unfortunately) but with someone who has no crowd reaction and such, I doubt they're going to want to spend 10 straight weeks with Sheamus/Cena. Of course, they still could, which would suck, but they could just as easily put Sheamus in the Royal Rumble and have someone like Swagger challenge Cena instead and build him up during the 7 weeks. Unfortunately, if they do that, then Sheamus will be booked like Kozlov was last year as a "star" of the RR...ugh, lol.

Assuming they do go ahead with a Batista/Undertaker program and they have a match at TLC, they can do a rematch at the RR, or if they decide to stall it and have their first match at the RR then it gets 7 weeks build. For a feud they've done before, they'll need some time to build it up, so the 7 weeks can work either way...although it would probably get very tiresome if they have a TLC match as that will have made it in the same boat as Cena/Sheamus with 10 straight weeks.

Kofi/Orton in that 7 weeks can wrap up nicely. Various participants of the RR will have lots of time that they can be made to look like they've got a shot as it's not rushing everything in a 3 week span where you have to make sure most of the shows are dedicated to the championships. Etc, etc, etc. I think if they play it smart, they could have a huge build up for the RR and it can reward them handsomely, but if they play it stupid, it'll be 7 weeks of the same stuff we're getting now, because they'll think they have "extra time", and then they'll panic and rush the RR build, which will lead to boring episodes and a waste of our time. Still...fingers crossed.

 

[Kanye South]

Great news. The Royal Rumble is where the WWE starts to heat up. Last year's Royal Rumble buildup for example was when Randy Orton started his war on the McMahons, and it was a very interesting program. Hopefully in this 7 week period, we see some buildup of the much anticipated feud between Ted DiBiase Jr. and Randy Orton, or the even more anticipated feud between John Cena and Undertaker. So many possibilities for this announcement. This 7 week period should get the fans real pumped for the Royal Rumble match.

However, hopefully the WWE doesn't oversaturate their shows with qualifying matches. One of the biggest problems right now in the WWE is that they spend too much time with the matches, and not too much time on the buildup. Hopefully we'll get more promos for the Rumble than qualifying matches.

 

[healyz84]

A 7 week build-up to the Royal Rumble makes a lot of sense. To go from Survivor Series to TLC, you don't need to many weeks to build anything. Usually, feuds either begin or are simmering to a boil by the time that Survivor Series ends (In this case, Kofi/Orton, Batista's monster heel turn and his desire for championship gold). As an added bonus, the next ppv is a gimmick ppv, so that in itself can help build the ppv.

The Royal Rumble is an important ppv, in that it is one of the big 4(possibly the 2nd biggest ppv behind Mania). While you generally don't see the big title matches on this card (with some exceptions), it does not really matter, as everyone is wanting to see the rumble match. A 7 week period is a perfect time to build up such an event, and begin the future build to mania. As was already mentioned, last year this period was the beginning of the Orton/Mcmahon feud which led to HHH vs Orton at Mania. Who knows what kinds of twists and turns we may get, especially if this new superstar main event initiative continues, up to rumble and beyond.

On another note, the 7 week break will have a number of important dates to it. There will be a 3-hour Raw where the slammy's will be given out. You have the Tribute to the Troops show, the holiday week where the superstars can take some time off.

Also, though I myself am not sure if it has been announced yet or if it will happen, but this 7 week layoff is the perfect opportunity for the wwe to pull off a good SNME. This could happen in the first week of January, and could actually be built as a ppv(not just a slam of wrestlers into teams or little matches that lead to a ppv). This could be the best opportunity for the wwe to pull off a good SNME, get good ratings, and make the people of USA happy. Usually, that first week of January, most television shows are still on hiatus. And besides the College bowls, there is no real sports competition on a saturday night. Mark that up with a ppv quality SNME, and the WWE could have a winner finally.

 

[WWEChampBenHardy]

The only reason I can think of for there being so much time is because WWE wants to be absolutely sure that Edge will be ready to return in time to win the Royal Rumble Match.

I think WWE is pulling the same trick that they did with John Cena where they say he's not healing well at all and won't be able to make it in time for Wrestlemania but he returns and wins the Royal Rumble! Also the original plan for Mania was to have Taker vs. Jericho but "for some reason" they changed it to Taker vs. Cena. I think the reason is because Edge will indeed be able to return in time for the Royal Rumble and face Jericho for the WH Championship at Mania 26. I think Jericho will win the WH Title from Batista in the Elimination Chamber Match or even maybe at the Royal Rumble if Batista doesn't face Taker in a rematch.

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

The only reason I can think of for there being so much time is because WWE wants to be absolutely sure that Edge will be ready to return in time to win the Royal Rumble Match.

I think WWE is pulling the same trick that they did with John Cena where they say he's not healing well at all and won't be able to make it in time for Wrestlemania but he returns and wins the Royal Rumble! Also the original plan for Mania was to have Taker vs. Jericho but "for some reason" they changed it to Taker vs. Cena. I think the reason is because Edge will indeed be able to return in time for the Royal Rumble and face Jericho for the WH Championship at Mania 26. I think Jericho will win the WH Title from Batista in the Elimination Chamber Match or even maybe at the Royal Rumble if Batista doesn't face Taker in a rematch.

If they would pull that "Ultimate Opportunist" crap with Edge being a surprise entrant in the Rumble and winning it, I would probably through something at the TV and break it, in anger. I am so sick and tired of that shit, and not in a good way.

As far as the 7 week difference ... I agree that if they are going to spread anything out, it should be between No Way Out and Mania because of time to properly and hype the feuds. Having a short time span to hype Mania is ridiculous, given that this is supposed to be the most hyped event of the year. However, their philosophy is probably "Well, it's Mania, and people will buy Mania anyway, solely based on name value alone. So why bother putting that much effort into anything?"

I can just see that arrogant train of thought coming from Vince.

Moderator comment: There was a seven week break in between NWO and Wrestlemania 25.

 

[Remix]

Question, arent some of the matches at the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber going to be building towards 'Mania? The EC's of late have been used to determine the no. 1 contender for the brands that arent challenged by the rumble winner. Hence by building up those PPVs they are also building up Mania.

Not to mention that since the 'road to WrestleMania' will be mentioned at least three every Raw by Cole, I dont think WWE needs to worry about hyping the superbowl of sports entertainment too much.

 

[Lee]

If they would pull that "Ultimate Opportunist" crap with Edge being a surprise entrant in the Rumble and winning it, I would probably through something at the TV and break it, in anger. I am so sick and tired of that shit, and not in a good way.

As far as the 7 week difference ... I agree that if they are going to spread anything out, it should be between No Way Out and Mania because of time to properly and hype the feuds. Having a short time span to hype Mania is ridiculous, given that this is supposed to be the most hyped event of the year. However, their philosophy is probably "Well, it's Mania, and people will buy Mania anyway, solely based on name value alone. So why bother putting that much effort into anything?"

I can just see that arrogant train of thought coming from Vince.

You mean throw?

You mean like this year Sid? The seven week build up to Mania that we had? Oh Vince wouldn't do that because he;s arrogant as you said, but you're wrong because it happened this year.

Seven weeks is too long in my opinion, especially when a PPV happens 3 weeks after Survivor series. You get one PPV rushed and the other drawn out, logic would say make it 4 and 6 weeks and that way you get a decent build for both PPV with Rumble not being dragged out and TLC not being rushed.

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

Question, arent some of the matches at the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber going to be building towards 'Mania? The EC's of late have been used to determine the no. 1 contender for the brands that arent challenged by the rumble winner. Hence by building up those PPVs they are also building up Mania.

Not to mention that since the 'road to WrestleMania' will be mentioned at least three every Raw by Cole, I dont think WWE needs to worry about hyping the superbowl of sports entertainment too much.

That is all dependent on whether you think matches alone from prior PPV's are substantial enough to be considered "build" and "hype" for future PPV's.

I don't because I think it's piss poor and lazy. All matches need hype from some kind that does not come from prior matches from other PPV's. That is completely lazy.

Each individual PPV deserves to have storylines and feuds furthered on television leading up to that PPV. Not relying simply on matches from older PPV's. It's all in the feud and it's all in the storyline.

However, getting back to topic, another benefit though ... to the 7 weeks in between TLC and the Rumble, and it actually is brilliant thinking, come to think of it ... is that WWE is more than likely counting on people spending money on Christmas, and not having the money for Rumble ... thereby opting to pass on it if done too early near the holidays. Therefore, they are likely waiting a little bit so that people may be more opt to spend the money after they have "all the money spent on gifts" out of their minds for a while.

 

[Remix]

That is all dependent on whether you think matches alone from prior PPV's are substantial enough to be considered "build" and "hype" for future PPV's.

I don't because I think it's piss poor and lazy. All matches need hype from some kind that does not come from prior matches from other PPV's. That is completely lazy.

Each individual PPV deserves to have storylines and feuds furthered on television leading up to that PPV. Not relying simply on matches from older PPV's. It's all in the feud and it's all in the storyline.

But the Rumble match and ECs wont be the only build to Mania in the weeks between those PPVs and 'Mania. For a start, you've got the 'who's he going to challenge' speculation on each and every show, for a month; and then the fallout to his decision which leads to the EC, and then the fallout from the EC. The PPV matches that directly lead to a 'Mania match arent going to be isolated events ignored until 'Mania. The rumble winner isnt going to do nothing to hype his headlining match. Those matches are the starting points for the feuds that the road to 'Mania provides, all which will be followed up on TV. Repeatedly.

And in an on topic note, I dont think that the 7 week gap between PPVs is a huge deal at all. in fact, for a while each branded PPV was 7-8 weeks apart, so a gap this size is nothing new. all it does is give WWE more time to hype the event on TV and set up the undercard.

 

[billm75]

I think leaving a 6 - 8 week span between PPV's would bring the WWE back to it's WWF glory days. I remember only having 4 PPV's a year and I would do all I could to make sure my parents got it ordered for me. Greed is driving the every three week model and frankly, most of these in-between events suck. There's one good match or a few good spots, but nothing great.

Drop the lesser PPV's, and go to the old rotation, you'll sell more views this way because the audience will have much more time to get personally invested in the fueds being presented. The story lines will be richer, and the tension will be built to such a high level that you just couldn't bring yourself to miss out on the big day.

Heck, let's see here:

Go to a 5 week rotation, you get 10 PPV's and you can leave the extra weeks for a buildup to Mania or Rumble.

Go to a 6 week rotation, and you'll get 8 GREAT PPV's

OR simply go back to the 8 week rotation and have time for 6 - 7 really good PPV's.

I'd pay $60 four times a year for these shows. I am done paying $40 every three weeks for bland shows. The wrestling is good but the storylines fail. DX vs. Cena? Really? There was NO reason they should be in a triple threat...none. Yet, there they were. Ditto Jerishow vs. Taker.

Let's go back to building good fueds and story lines, and you'll get your money, probably MORE money and more fans that are truly loyal to your product