Possibly to separate any hints of him being GM? Jericho is a cunning wrestler and he knows as the mystery GM he could get the title later, in an environment more suited for him instead of a six pack.
[Official] Anonymous GM Discussion Thread
- Thread starter The Doctor
- Start date
Possibly to separate any hints of him being GM? Jericho is a cunning wrestler and he knows as the mystery GM he could get the title later, in an environment more suited for him instead of a six pack.
HeartBreakKid
Dark Match Winner
After last night's raw its safe to say that the GM is not, as most thought, Michael Cole. He wouldn't put the Miz in a title match his first night as champion nonetheless a TLC match and he was also standing when the email about the match came in. I'm not sure who the GM is but I'm now sure that it is not Michael Cole.
Heres to hoping its someone from the attitude area. Has anyone thought of it possibly being JBL? I think he would fit perfect in the role he could still do some physical stuff but wouldn't have to be a full time wrestler either.
Does everyone agree it is not Michael Cole? Would JBL be a good candidate?
Heres to hoping its someone from the attitude area. Has anyone thought of it possibly being JBL? I think he would fit perfect in the role he could still do some physical stuff but wouldn't have to be a full time wrestler either.
Does everyone agree it is not Michael Cole? Would JBL be a good candidate?
I have no idea who the new GM is, and you know what? I like it. WWE has managed to keep me in suspense, which doesn't happen very often. They've thrown so many curveballs in there as to who the GM COULD be, that its hard to rule out almost anyone. It could range from R-Truth to Jim Ross and it would qualify as a good surprise, because they've given it steam and its a good angle.
Every time the angle seems to lose steam, or the character seems to have direction, they seemingly change it's course, and lead you in a different direction. To me, its been compelling and watchable TV. The GM still draws legitimate heat, despite the fact that it's become seemingly impartial in most of its decisions lately. It's made for good television, and could be revealed any week, so its can't miss at the same time.
Every time the angle seems to lose steam, or the character seems to have direction, they seemingly change it's course, and lead you in a different direction. To me, its been compelling and watchable TV. The GM still draws legitimate heat, despite the fact that it's become seemingly impartial in most of its decisions lately. It's made for good television, and could be revealed any week, so its can't miss at the same time.
LoudClearVoice
Mid-Card Championship Winner
I think the most likely (and obvious) candidates are:
1. Triple H: This one seems almost too obvious. I'd be absolutely shocked if WWE copped out and went with Triple H.
2. HBK: This would be a cop out as well. Too easy for the WWE however I think it's more likely HBK than Triple H
3. Vince McMahon
Some of the more interesting candidates are:
JBL, Goldberg, Batista (if he's coming back), Jericho.
I think there's an outside chance that it ends up being Michael Cole.
Also, I know this has been said before but this is the perfect way to bring the rock back. Remember, he said he wanted to come back for more than just a hosting gig, he wanted a storyline. This would be good way to bring him in.
1. Triple H: This one seems almost too obvious. I'd be absolutely shocked if WWE copped out and went with Triple H.
2. HBK: This would be a cop out as well. Too easy for the WWE however I think it's more likely HBK than Triple H
3. Vince McMahon
Some of the more interesting candidates are:
JBL, Goldberg, Batista (if he's coming back), Jericho.
I think there's an outside chance that it ends up being Michael Cole.
Also, I know this has been said before but this is the perfect way to bring the rock back. Remember, he said he wanted to come back for more than just a hosting gig, he wanted a storyline. This would be good way to bring him in.
How can you NOT know why you want it to be Styles? Certainly, there's something about him that you like, lol.
Styles acyually wouldnt be a bad choice. Hes been "making noise" with his tweets lately, especially giving away the elimination of Aksana 4 weeks ago on NXT, and noting the show sucked. He'ld make an intriguing choice, as Vince has stated that the GM has full power, meaning that the promise of punishment for Styles for that reveal wouldn'd hold up.
im not sure how Styles would be as an on air authority figure. Hes a phenomenal announcer, but doesnt come across as someone who is swift in decision making and doling out punishment. But they certainly could do worse. Intriguing possibility.
TheMainMan32
Pre-Show Stalwart
I have always thought that it was The Rock for a few reasons: One, the Rock isn't normally mentioned during Raw, but once the GM angle got started he was mentioned 3 or 4 times in consecutive weeks. Maybe I was the only one that noticed that or maybe I'm making too much out of coincidence, but it would be a good way to clue some of us in without it being obvious. Also, with The Rock's schedule it's smart to run a program with him that doesn't really have an end point. Think about it: this is a perpetual gimmick. If Rock can't make it to Raw for the unveiling of he GM, you simply push it back till he can, and none of us are any wiser.
Just my 2 cents. I'm probably wrong and it'll end up being Michael Cole.
Just my 2 cents. I'm probably wrong and it'll end up being Michael Cole.
Mr. Artistic guy
Better Off This Way
People complained about TNA's they storyline for months and with just cause, it was obvious what would happen on the day just not who the players would be. But hardly has it been mentionned for almost months now the identity of the GM on raw is! The reason for this being that WWE have gone one worse than TNA and done what you never do which is drag out a storyline to the point of people becoming passive on the subject. It is not so usual for WWE to make these kind of long-term storyline errors ie they can make mistakes with storys on a short term, but longer term they usually have an idea of where it is going. No advances have been made with the mystery GM story in so long that it would lead you to believe that they don't really have an end in sight.
Case and point, if nexus no longer garnered the kindof heat they did when they debuted they would have disbanded ages ago, probably at summerslam. But as it was found for there to be a way to keep them around for a long time, exactly that has then happened because the story is still interesting because it is still going somewhere.
All of this would lead you to believe they have no idea where they are going with this whole story, but that would mean they are basically stringing it along until they find someone who they wish to fill that role. Here's where my speculation comes in. What if they had a plan and are just waiting for the right person to free up their calendar to make it clear for them to make their arrival. Yes, in case your not already aware, and there is a big pinch of wishful thinking involved in this, the person I am referring to is The Rock - Dwayne johnson.
I have very little evidence for this to be honest, in fact none at all but I can't think of a good reason why they would string along such a waste of time when nobody is interested anymore. Yes, it gets a lot of heat off the crowd... so does vickie guerrero piping out "EXCUSE ME" or stone cold stirring the crowd by saying "WHAT" until every pause left for breath during any time someone is talking for the rest of the night is tailed by that simple word. What that is, is a knee-jerk reaction, those people don't boo because they care about the GM anymore, they do it because it has become a tradtition for them to do it, pavlov's dogs, ring the bell and watch 'em salivate.
So that's it, it's pure speculation i know, and the only thing assisting my thoughts is the current shape of a one former world champion, more buff than we ever even saw him as a wrestler! But I honestly don't think WWE has gotten to the point where it is that bad, they are basically keeping everybody on hold until they make up their mind, I don't think they could make such a mistake if it wasn't for a reason..
And I'm jumping the gun a bit with rocky, no reason that it isn't another person who's diary they have been trying to keep free. Ok, keep in mind this is purely my brain-child and I'll take all the hits if you decide to shoot me down but just answer me this question, if they're not waiting for someone, then how did they let things get so bad?
Case and point, if nexus no longer garnered the kindof heat they did when they debuted they would have disbanded ages ago, probably at summerslam. But as it was found for there to be a way to keep them around for a long time, exactly that has then happened because the story is still interesting because it is still going somewhere.
All of this would lead you to believe they have no idea where they are going with this whole story, but that would mean they are basically stringing it along until they find someone who they wish to fill that role. Here's where my speculation comes in. What if they had a plan and are just waiting for the right person to free up their calendar to make it clear for them to make their arrival. Yes, in case your not already aware, and there is a big pinch of wishful thinking involved in this, the person I am referring to is The Rock - Dwayne johnson.
I have very little evidence for this to be honest, in fact none at all but I can't think of a good reason why they would string along such a waste of time when nobody is interested anymore. Yes, it gets a lot of heat off the crowd... so does vickie guerrero piping out "EXCUSE ME" or stone cold stirring the crowd by saying "WHAT" until every pause left for breath during any time someone is talking for the rest of the night is tailed by that simple word. What that is, is a knee-jerk reaction, those people don't boo because they care about the GM anymore, they do it because it has become a tradtition for them to do it, pavlov's dogs, ring the bell and watch 'em salivate.
So that's it, it's pure speculation i know, and the only thing assisting my thoughts is the current shape of a one former world champion, more buff than we ever even saw him as a wrestler! But I honestly don't think WWE has gotten to the point where it is that bad, they are basically keeping everybody on hold until they make up their mind, I don't think they could make such a mistake if it wasn't for a reason..
And I'm jumping the gun a bit with rocky, no reason that it isn't another person who's diary they have been trying to keep free. Ok, keep in mind this is purely my brain-child and I'll take all the hits if you decide to shoot me down but just answer me this question, if they're not waiting for someone, then how did they let things get so bad?
BillAlfonso
Getting Noticed By Management
Ha, I'm here first, eat it everyone after me.
Honestly, I think they may have had an ending a while ago but it fell through, maybe someone re-signed somewhere else or simply backed out at the eleventh hour. The beginning of the angle was that the GM stayed behind the email address to keep from being attack by Nexus but Nexus seem nowhere as ferocious as they once did back in the spring so safety should no longer be a concern and, if it is The Rock or someone along those lines, I couldn't see them being afraid to take Nexus on head on.
Honestly, I think they may have had an ending a while ago but it fell through, maybe someone re-signed somewhere else or simply backed out at the eleventh hour. The beginning of the angle was that the GM stayed behind the email address to keep from being attack by Nexus but Nexus seem nowhere as ferocious as they once did back in the spring so safety should no longer be a concern and, if it is The Rock or someone along those lines, I couldn't see them being afraid to take Nexus on head on.
barclayteo
Pre-Show Stalwart
well im completley tired of the whole myster gm thing i think the gm should have revelead atleast a month ago im hopping the gm sides with nexus to keep them around but i think it would be good if it was the rock but i dont see it because the rocks acting career is to good he is a big hit and he left wrestling for a reason and even if he did return i dont see it for more than a special appearence i dont think it would be the length of time the storyline it would be for the gm. im just getting sick of micheal cole saying excuse me i know its his role but each month the catch phrase gets longer and longer.
Tattooed Jesus
Redneck Thug
From what I heard and this is all just speculation but I believe that Bret Hart was originally supposed to fill the GM role for much longer than he did. However his wife/girlfriend whatever was against him being on the road so much and doing to much in the ring so Bret politely declined the long term role as GM and Vince agreed. Now they were stuck with no GM plans what so ever so they went with the unknown GM which to me has worked rather well so far. I don't feel the need for a GM really in the state they wrestling biz is right now it is really not needed.
playmaker21
Dark Match Jobber
The Rock ain't coming back. It's time everyone faces the facts. He is a major movie star and makes more in 2 weeks shooting a movie than he did in 6 months of beating up his body with the WWE. Unlike many of veterans and legends that have to come back and be humiliated, Rock made his money, saved his money, invested it wisely, did not spend it all on numerous paternity cases and multiple ex-wives/baby mama's. He doesn't need Vince or the WWE. And that eat's Vince up.
I'm so over the anonymous GM angle it's not funny.
I'm pretty sure the WWE don't even know where this is going to end. They probably made it under the assumption that a legend like Stone Cold or Rocky would jump at the chance of returning to WWE programing.
However, if they make it someone cool, the months of "AND I QUOTE" would be worth it.
This is one of those situations that could be really good or really bad, nowhere in between.
I'm pretty sure the WWE don't even know where this is going to end. They probably made it under the assumption that a legend like Stone Cold or Rocky would jump at the chance of returning to WWE programing.
However, if they make it someone cool, the months of "AND I QUOTE" would be worth it.
This is one of those situations that could be really good or really bad, nowhere in between.
Wrestling Free Thinker
Occasional Pre-Show
the GM thing isn't a focal point story line. It chimes in once or twice a night and they don't mention it at all or put emphasis on it besides that. They still have no clue who they want, but I do know that whoever they pick the IWC will bitch about it.
People also need to get over that the rock is gone. HE IS GONE, GET THE FUCK OVER IT.
People also need to get over that the rock is gone. HE IS GONE, GET THE FUCK OVER IT.
I know. Same with WWE being PG. I mean you don't get to see blood, swear words, divas half naked, and Vince Mcmahon kissing every diva anymore but so the fuck what! That was the past and WWE has moved on from that. People need to get over that because WWE will never turn TV 14. If people don't like the PG era than go watch TNA where Hulk Hogan and Eric Bishoff try to turn it to WWE/WCW/ECW.
FozzyRocks05
Dark Match Jobber
WWE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW WHO THEY WANT THE GM TO BE YET. The storyline will unfortunatley go on and on until WWE creative pulls there heads out of there asses and figure out what they wanna do with the GM
NotHarlanClark
Dark Match Jobber
So would all the times he's had a hard time when the GM puts Miz in bad situations just be a swerve? I just don't think Cole would do anything like that.
To answer the question, I'm pretty sure they're actively looking for someone. Or maybe they'll wait until the entire Nexus story is over. Either way, I don't think this will end for quite a while.
I do believe that WWE had a person in mind when they decided to start the mystery GM storyline. I'm not going to speculate on who it may or may not have been. At the same time I'm not going to put down anyone that has their opinion(s) of whom they think might have been that person. I do thing that whomever they had in mind, for one reason or another, fell through. I would love to see the "Mystery GM" storyline end and we actually get a face behind the mic besides Michael Cole. I also look forward to reading these forums to see people praise the WWE on their decision. As well as looking forward to reading all the posts of people complaining about the decision. Because as we all know...everyone has their own opinions...there will be some complaining and some enjoying.
The Anonymous GM storyline has taken a turn to total and complete stupidity as I watch RAW. The logic of the storyline has the GM as the most unjust manager in the history of RAW.
1) He can overturn decisions, but the Bella's can blatantly switch in and out of the ring and win matches?
2) He can overturn decisions, but Cena, a "fired" employee can interfere in a match, and cause the Nexus to lose? Cena coming down to the ring doesn't "stop" the match just like when a regular fan comes in the ring?
There are other examples, so please add to the discussion. Is the Anonymous GM storyline completely annoying now? Is the booking of the storyline entertaining or logical?
I don't think so.
1) He can overturn decisions, but the Bella's can blatantly switch in and out of the ring and win matches?
2) He can overturn decisions, but Cena, a "fired" employee can interfere in a match, and cause the Nexus to lose? Cena coming down to the ring doesn't "stop" the match just like when a regular fan comes in the ring?
There are other examples, so please add to the discussion. Is the Anonymous GM storyline completely annoying now? Is the booking of the storyline entertaining or logical?
I don't think so.
LoudClearVoice
Mid-Card Championship Winner
I think the concept is good on the surface but now it seems like there's just no direction. It honestly seems like they're writing the mystery GM script/story on a week-by-week basis prior to each show. They're losing continuity and it doesn't seem to be headed anywhere.
I didn't mind the angle at first when I thought they were building into something with it.
Here is a name I don't think has been mentioned as The GM...
Booker T.
Booker T and Sharmell even. I saw that they were both backstage at TLC and got me thinking.
The GM is no one at this point. WWE has used this Email/Computer thing because they are undecided on who it should be, I think.
I think they have used the Emails because they didn't wanna rush into anyone for shock value and then eventually be out of a GM again.
By the GM's emails from the past, he/she seems to have some sort of a personality. I think Booker would be a pleasant surprise as far as being named as GM goes.
Also, he could debut as Heel or Face and could go either way at any moment. Especially with Sharmell involved.
Anyway, just a shot in the dark, that in my opinion, would probably be a better choice than who WWE actually does end up choosing.
Booker T.
Booker T and Sharmell even. I saw that they were both backstage at TLC and got me thinking.
The GM is no one at this point. WWE has used this Email/Computer thing because they are undecided on who it should be, I think.
I think they have used the Emails because they didn't wanna rush into anyone for shock value and then eventually be out of a GM again.
By the GM's emails from the past, he/she seems to have some sort of a personality. I think Booker would be a pleasant surprise as far as being named as GM goes.
Also, he could debut as Heel or Face and could go either way at any moment. Especially with Sharmell involved.
Anyway, just a shot in the dark, that in my opinion, would probably be a better choice than who WWE actually does end up choosing.
The 1-2-3 Killam
Mid-Card Championship Winner
This past Monday marked the 7th month anniversary of the Anonymous GM on Raw. I'm working on a new piece for my column involving the concept, and I'd really like the input of the forum, so I'm not just spewing my own ideas...
1.) What are the pros of the Anonymous GM concept? There are pros out there, and I'd like to hear some ideas. I know how much most people hate Michael Cole and the concept, but if you could dig deep and find some good qualities, that would be great.
2.) What are the downsides to the concept? I hate MC has much as the next guy, but don't turn this into a "I hate Michael Cole" thread. That doesn't really lead to anything productive.
Thanks everybody! I can't wait to hear your ideas! Also, if you want to be quoted, leave something for me to quote you with (like Susie Butterflies, NY), or I'll just go with your forum ID.
1.) What are the pros of the Anonymous GM concept? There are pros out there, and I'd like to hear some ideas. I know how much most people hate Michael Cole and the concept, but if you could dig deep and find some good qualities, that would be great.
2.) What are the downsides to the concept? I hate MC has much as the next guy, but don't turn this into a "I hate Michael Cole" thread. That doesn't really lead to anything productive.
Thanks everybody! I can't wait to hear your ideas! Also, if you want to be quoted, leave something for me to quote you with (like Susie Butterflies, NY), or I'll just go with your forum ID.
THTRobtaylor
Once & Future Wrestlezone Columnist
The concept itself is interesting but needs to pay off for Wrestlemania, there needs to be a GM to be involved in the draft so I would hope that Raw's World title match involves an unveiling.
On the positive it keeps you guessing, it could be Cole himself, but he clearly cannot be typing the emails and controlling the lights etc... as he is often on camera when messages come in...
The negative is that unless it turns out to be The Rock or Randy Savage, there is no one who can really pay the angle off as big as it needs to be... One of those two and the roof blows off... anyone else... dead silence... Cole? We Riot!!
On the positive it keeps you guessing, it could be Cole himself, but he clearly cannot be typing the emails and controlling the lights etc... as he is often on camera when messages come in...
The negative is that unless it turns out to be The Rock or Randy Savage, there is no one who can really pay the angle off as big as it needs to be... One of those two and the roof blows off... anyone else... dead silence... Cole? We Riot!!
JJYanks121
The Mouth of the South Shore
To be honest, the best thing about the concept is that on most shows, it has a very minor role. Yes, we all clench our teeth when we hear the beep, but all it does is set matches and I'm fine with that.
Too many wrestling fans got it in their heads that wrestling ALWAYS needs a GM figure that has a discernible personality and that GM needs to feud with somebody. I'm not one of those people.
The general manager or commissioner or owner or whoever the authority figure is, does NOT NOT NOT need to be involved in storylines. The reason Raw has been clicking so much is that all the major storylines involve WRESTLERS. Yes, Cole and Lawler have a feud, but for the most part, it's dormant. The major stories on the show are Cena vs. Punk w/Nexus, Miz vs. the World with his WWE title and the Morrison/Sheamus feud. All of these can and have been resolved in the wrestling ring as it should be.
I hope that when the GM is revealed, it's someone that nobody expects to wrestle and that person takes a back seat essentially right away. What's been nice about this length of time is that we don't have to worry about management being involved in the story. The GM behind the computer basically just makes matches and that's all an authority figure should do. They should be the authority to put the talent in positions to perform.
I love that we don't have a GM that eats up airtime as a character. If the authority figure was always someone who simply made matches and lacked a personality, I'd be pretty happy.
Too many wrestling fans got it in their heads that wrestling ALWAYS needs a GM figure that has a discernible personality and that GM needs to feud with somebody. I'm not one of those people.
The general manager or commissioner or owner or whoever the authority figure is, does NOT NOT NOT need to be involved in storylines. The reason Raw has been clicking so much is that all the major storylines involve WRESTLERS. Yes, Cole and Lawler have a feud, but for the most part, it's dormant. The major stories on the show are Cena vs. Punk w/Nexus, Miz vs. the World with his WWE title and the Morrison/Sheamus feud. All of these can and have been resolved in the wrestling ring as it should be.
I hope that when the GM is revealed, it's someone that nobody expects to wrestle and that person takes a back seat essentially right away. What's been nice about this length of time is that we don't have to worry about management being involved in the story. The GM behind the computer basically just makes matches and that's all an authority figure should do. They should be the authority to put the talent in positions to perform.
I love that we don't have a GM that eats up airtime as a character. If the authority figure was always someone who simply made matches and lacked a personality, I'd be pretty happy.
Klown_Karnage
Slapstick Heavyweight Champion
Okay, I'll bite on this one.
Pros to the Anonymous GM: One important one is that, whomever this GM is, it has to be admitted as a smart move. An anonymous GM is protected from threats, physical violence, bribery, and charm from any of the Raw superstars. Also, it allows Michael Cole to gather heat just from his mere presence at the podium, both by being the GM-appointed scapegoat, but also because now we have added an aspect of Cole "editing" the e-mails.
Cons: Michael Cole in general, 'nuff said. Another con here is the aspect of Raw being run by a computer. I understand that there's somebody (supposedly) sending these e-mails, but when it comes right down to it, the person in charge is a computer and no matter how much authority that computer has, you can't take it seriously. Also, while it has to be admitted that being anonymous is smart (as outlined in the pros), threats, physical violence, bribery and charm used against the General Manager all make for good television. So, you've basically just taken the GM out of the equation in terms of a story element beyond the messages sent.
In conclusion, I don't really think the robot-GM works. It would have worked extremely well as a plot element in a novel, but come on, this is television.
Pros to the Anonymous GM: One important one is that, whomever this GM is, it has to be admitted as a smart move. An anonymous GM is protected from threats, physical violence, bribery, and charm from any of the Raw superstars. Also, it allows Michael Cole to gather heat just from his mere presence at the podium, both by being the GM-appointed scapegoat, but also because now we have added an aspect of Cole "editing" the e-mails.
Cons: Michael Cole in general, 'nuff said. Another con here is the aspect of Raw being run by a computer. I understand that there's somebody (supposedly) sending these e-mails, but when it comes right down to it, the person in charge is a computer and no matter how much authority that computer has, you can't take it seriously. Also, while it has to be admitted that being anonymous is smart (as outlined in the pros), threats, physical violence, bribery and charm used against the General Manager all make for good television. So, you've basically just taken the GM out of the equation in terms of a story element beyond the messages sent.
In conclusion, I don't really think the robot-GM works. It would have worked extremely well as a plot element in a novel, but come on, this is television.
The pros of having an anonymous GM:
The GM can stick it to Face/Heel on a whim. It keeps you guessing as to what matches will be allowed to play out. Previously with a McMahon in charge, they were there to screw with whatever wrestler(s) was on their bad side, and anyone who got in there way was toast. Now, the GM chimes in to normally just make the main events, and otherwise, stays out of the rest of the show. You don't see Cena vs. 6 members of Nexus in a handicap match every week. Nexus gets barred from ringside. The King gets a title shot. The early teases as to who might be sending the emails by using obvious catchphrases has disappeared.
Theoretically, they also never have to fire this GM. One day Vince can simply say "we're moving in another direction, and the services of our former anonymous GM are no longer needed. Now let me introduce you to Raw's New General Manager..." and the storyline can end immediately, or linger with Cole whining at the booth about how he misses being able to read those emails, like his behaviour when Jim Ross came back on Retro Raw.
The GM can stick it to Face/Heel on a whim. It keeps you guessing as to what matches will be allowed to play out. Previously with a McMahon in charge, they were there to screw with whatever wrestler(s) was on their bad side, and anyone who got in there way was toast. Now, the GM chimes in to normally just make the main events, and otherwise, stays out of the rest of the show. You don't see Cena vs. 6 members of Nexus in a handicap match every week. Nexus gets barred from ringside. The King gets a title shot. The early teases as to who might be sending the emails by using obvious catchphrases has disappeared.
Theoretically, they also never have to fire this GM. One day Vince can simply say "we're moving in another direction, and the services of our former anonymous GM are no longer needed. Now let me introduce you to Raw's New General Manager..." and the storyline can end immediately, or linger with Cole whining at the booth about how he misses being able to read those emails, like his behaviour when Jim Ross came back on Retro Raw.
