[Official] Disco Nation

[he6rt6gr6m]

Why do wrestling fans even care about Ratings?? I can understand the interest in it years ago during the Monday Night Wars...but why does it matter now? No shows go head to head, ratings don't mean anything to fans, it's numbers for the business side. Why does anyone care? Do you go looking for ratings for CSI, South Park or Deadliest Catch? Do you care if Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares does better numbers than Hells Kitchen? Who really cares about ratings for these shows anymore? Do you need ratings to determine if watching wrestling is still cool and hip? Will you stop watching because the numbers drop or tune in because they go up?

I work in Radio...another industry that uses ratings...I've never in my career had a listener call me up and request a song and then ask me what our current ratings are. Just seems kinda dumb that anyone outside of the corporate fat cats would actually care at all.

I search for ratings for the Soap Opera's here in the UK. I only do it, though, to poke fun at the Mrs. because her Favourite is Eastenders, which is the lowest out of the top three soaps... and it proves my point that Corrie and even Emmerdale depict life in a more realistic way.

Eastenders just gives Cockneys a bad name, and everyone stereotypes them to it.

Apart from that, i completely agree that the ratings are pointless, but they make them available to people who want to see it.

Like TNA's ratings amaze me, because I cant see how people just arent watching the product.

Back in the day, if it was RAW or NITRO, you were torn on what to watch (well, personally I was a WCW Mark, so Id watch NITRO) and if you could, youd watch the other wrestling on TV (if its bearable) because your a wrestling fan, or because your fans of a promotion, and want to watch the opposition in action.

If I watched NITRO, Id watch Smackdown also, just to see whats happening, and that way, you keep up to speed with things.

Now? Your right. No Ratings War means the ratings are pointless. Its just another thing for people to use in their defense to slag off a promotion, its show or the business in general.

 

[he6rt6gr6m]

...dixie carter who i thanked for the show and was friendly and polite with me but when a friend asked who fire vince russo she reacted with "oh stop i get that all the time" so it is somthing am sure is not just brought up by nerds on the internet or in the front row of tna events...

Nerds are intelligent. 90% of people who shout that, arent. The rest have thought about it hard, chanted it, and felt that they have done their bit. Then when they get home, they realize that Russo is getting paid money to do something we could only dream about, has good relationships with many people high in power in certain places, and has some fantastic ideas, and doesnt care what the fans chant, as long as they keep watching and buying t-shirts.

Ill admit it. Ive been guilty of thinking that Russo needed the boot a couple of times, when things havent gone the way I thought they should, but then I setlle down, and I realize that Im not in a position to question Russo. Nor am I in a position to overthrow a man, who writes some pretty amazing stuff. I mean, everyone slags off the New Blood vs. Millionaires Club, but I thought that was a great idea! Having people switching from side to side each week, and having Russo on screen werent so great, but the concept was genius.

Sting, Flair, Hogan, Sid, DDP, Lex Luger all in one Stable!? Thats friggin' insane! I loved it!

If there is one thing I could criticize TNA/Russo for, and lets call this constructive criticism, is how feuds and Storylines dont last that long in TNA. The Abyss/Sting one went for a bit, as has the whole Angle/AJ thing. But after that? Not much, really. Even a few weeks back, Booker T was teaming with Robert Roode! I mean, what happened there!?!? Roode "broke" Sharmell's jaw! And a few months later their tagging?!

I think continuity is the word. But given the change in direction Ive heard so much about, making things more "gritty" and so on, my complaints have died down, especially given things are changing.

Still, Id like to see Sting and Nash tag again, before Sting calls time, maybe with his Wolfpac paint on.

Any chance of that Glen? hehe...

 

[paulsoprano]

Actually yes.

Don't get me wrong I'm really not disagreeing with you but there have been a few TV shows that I've really liked and didn't want to be canceled. So I would check out what their rating were and compare them to other shows they were against.

To be fair, I think what GG means is that it would be rare for your average TV viewer to analyze a TV show's ratings like a lot of "experts" on the net do.

Can you imagine, for instance, if they did a quarter-by-quarter dissection for a show like Lost?

If Meltzer of Keller critiqued Lost, it'd probably go something like:

"The show started with 15 million viewers, but they lost 156,000 when Sawyer and Jack built a raft. This "friendship" storyline is not over with the viewers, and they haven't properly established who the face is. People tuned out because of this!

The flashback with Ben gained 226,000 viewers, because everyone loves flashbacks! This emphasizes that the viewers like watching a monster heel. Ben has been well booked in this feud, which makes you think what creative is doing with the rest of the show. Strong build, people!!!

The next quarter, featuring Kate in a thong, gained 100,000 viewers initially, but lost 300,000 by the end of the segment when she had some dialog with Hurley. Hurley is over as a face, but he wasn't booked strongly here, as Kate got most of the lines. Traditionally, fans will tune out when there's too much talking and not enough action.

The show felt very rushed and they are trying to be too cute. The last quarter, where Sawyer turned on Jack, was so obvious. It also failed to gain any new viewers. The show had some alarming trends and finished lower than it started."


The overanalyses and convenient/self-serving conclusions are pretty scary when you look at in this sort of context, are they not?

 

[FromTheSouth]

the problem here is the definition of "the fans." I don't talk down to "everyone." I pick my spots. i agree with a majority of the opinions in here. believe it or not. i only respond to the ones that are so far off base that i feel compelled to put them in their place. but since i sensationalize my responses, people think i'm attacking the whole internet community. if you've read EVERYTHING i've written, you would understand it, and probably appreciate it. The one thing i do that i have fun with is respond in "wrestling promo mode," which usually encourages passionate response, which is what the site wants because it draws traffic. don't take me too seriouisly on this site,because i'm, in a perversely entertaining way, having fun cutting promos on people, and getting a chuckle out of their responses.

I knew half the shit you said was in character. I can even apologize because I have been kind of hyperbolic in my defense of the "fans." I can also say that I've agreed with you several times, especially about defending Russo.

I can also say that as I watch my DVR'd Impact! that this Taylor is fucking hot.

 

[Tolk]

I remember one time I was watching Nitro, and Alex Wright comes out, and he's dancing down the to the ring during his entrance, and out of now where from the side of the screen comes Disco dancing, and it was just so hilarious how he appeared out of now where. And that wasn't the funniest part; Alex and Disco get in the ring, and they're both dancing, then Tokyo Magnum makes his way in between them, rips off his pants, and starts dancing, and then they both attacked (like he's stealing the show), it was so hilarious. Every time I see the clip, I laugh.

 

[STEVE IN SC]

Hey Glen I enjoy reading your stuff on here. I just heard on the radio that you are going to be at Bluffton High School on Saturday night. I am the maintenance supervisor for Beaufort county school district. Hope you enjoy your visit to Bluffton and might I suggest checking out the tiki bar on Hilton Head while you are in town.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

the problem here is the definition of "the fans." I don't talk down to "everyone." I pick my spots.

Like a liver spot? My dog, spot? A cow's spots? Not just any spot, right Glenn, but "A" spot. Perhaps.. a Double A spot? Hmm.

i agree with a majority of the opinions in here. believe it or not.

I'm gonna go with not.

Don't worry Glenn, I haven't forgotten about you. Sadly I just haven't had the huge amount of time lately to completely pick apart your column and show you all the errors in your way. I will though, especially since I'm your hero and all now. I mean, why else would you personally put me in your column. I felt loved too.

i only respond to the ones that are so far off base that i feel compelled to put them in their place.

So, putting them in their place means.. helping address how right they were? Such as for example, oh I don't know.. how I completely told you James Storm and Robert Roode wouldn't do shit at the p.p.v. except for lose.. and, shockingly.. thats exactly what they did.

Or how about Taylor winning and keeping the Women's Championship? I'm begging you to explain to me how this one is even worth something? Seriously. Kong was a dominating Champion, she couldn't be beat by anyone practically. (minus Kim) Now all the sudden, she has two back-to-back losses to a "fan"?

Why didn't Roxxi get that push? Or was it because she shaved her head, shes no longer "Knockout pretty"? Oh wait, T.N.A. doesn't pride themselves on beautiful "divas" right Glenn? Thats why the "Beautiful People" got more Pay Per View air-time than the X-Division Champion, or the returning Abyss all in one.

Personally, I like the fan being Champion. I think it speaks volumes for your whole Women's Division. Because of course Santino did wonders for the Intercontinental Championship division when he defeated Umaga in the same fashion.

but since i sensationalize my responses, people think i'm attacking the whole internet community.

In order to attack something, you pretty much have to make a point, then make it hurt. You've done neither, my friend.

if you've read EVERYTHING i've written, you would understand it, and probably appreciate it. The one thing i do that i have fun with is respond in "wrestling promo mode,"

Ah.. so thats why all your replies are short, not very understandable, and often suck. You're mimicking your wrestling days. I FULLY UNDERSTAND NOW! Carry on.

which usually encourages passionate response, which is what the site wants because it draws traffic. don't take me too seriouisly on this site,because i'm, in a perversely entertaining way, having fun cutting promos on people, and getting a chuckle out of their responses.

Glenn, dispite our playful banter.. I still completely enjoy you. Like a sunset walk on the beach, filled with trash. Or a candle-lit dinner for one. You had me from elloh.

 

[anonymous]

To be fair, I think what GG means is that it would be rare for your average TV viewer to analyze a TV show's ratings like a lot of "experts" on the net do.

Can you imagine, for instance, if they did a quarter-by-quarter dissection for a show like Lost?

If Meltzer of Keller critiqued Lost, it'd probably go something like:

"The show started with 15 million viewers, but they lost 156,000 when Sawyer and Jack built a raft. This "friendship" storyline is not over with the viewers, and they haven't properly established who the face is. People tuned out because of this!

The flashback with Ben gained 226,000 viewers, because everyone loves flashbacks! This emphasizes that the viewers like watching a monster heel. Ben has been well booked in this feud, which makes you think what creative is doing with the rest of the show. Strong build, people!!!

The next quarter, featuring Kate in a thong, gained 100,000 viewers initially, but lost 300,000 by the end of the segment when she had some dialog with Hurley. Hurley is over as a face, but he wasn't booked strongly here, as Kate got most of the lines. Traditionally, fans will tune out when there's too much talking and not enough action.

The show felt very rushed and they are trying to be too cute. The last quarter, where Sawyer turned on Jack, was so obvious. It also failed to gain any new viewers. The show had some alarming trends and finished lower than it started."


The overanalyses and convenient/self-serving conclusions are pretty scary when you look at in this sort of context, are they not?

Too true. While ratings are obviously important for the company, I have always felt that certain aspects of TNA are way too overanalyzed by the critics/pundits such as how far gimmicks are over/not over and the success or lack thereof of a certain angle. However, there really isn't too many other ways to grade segments, characters or angles except by ratings. The Beautiful People seem to always get the highest ratings on Impact so one can conclude that they are over through those ratings. In some cases, ratings are way too overanalyzed, and in others, they provide an indication for what works and what doesn't.

 

[FromTheSouth]

In some cases, ratings are way too overanalyzed, and in others, they provide an indication for what works and what doesn't.

But which case is which? Whenever it's convenient. Whichever looks better? Ratings are one method on to judge a show, yes, but wrestling segments are quick. Saying a minute and a half long interview at the beginning of a segment is the reason people are changing the channel is ridiculous. If the Guns have a match after this "non-over" interview and people haven't flipped back yet, does that mean the guns aren't over? I would say the crowd creaming itself is a better indicator of how over the Guns are than the ratings. People channel surf and three or four vignettes happen during a segment.

 

[anonymous]

But which case is which? Whenever it's convenient. Whichever looks better? Ratings are one method on to judge a show, yes, but wrestling segments are quick. Saying a minute and a half long interview at the beginning of a segment is the reason people are changing the channel is ridiculous. If the Guns have a match after this "non-over" interview and people haven't flipped back yet, does that mean the guns aren't over? I would say the crowd creaming itself is a better indicator of how over the Guns are than the ratings. People channel surf and three or four vignettes happen during a segment.

I wish that I have an answer for you but I don't. I totally agree that using ratings as an indicator for a grade for a segment, angle, or character is totally flawed. The crowd reaction would be a great indicator of the Guns' or anyone else's popularity if TNA did not do their tapings at the Impact Zone in Orlando. The Impact Zone unfortunately is totally jaded when it comes to the TNA product. For example, Taylor Wilde is over in the Impact Zone, however, she did not receive that good of a reaction in Houston during Victory Road.

 

[RatedR69]

Hey Glenn/Disco, just want to say thanks for all the work you do here, despite putting up with all the "fans" who hate TNA just because it's Tuesday, and nothing else. I'm in a hurry, but I'll leave with this (and I don't want to start a politics flame war, just tellin it like it is):

Sean Hannity has a saying that goes something like, "Barack Obama has over 15 billion press secretaries--they're called the MAIN STREAMED MEDIA!!"

Well, the same goes for wrestling: WWE(or every wrestling organization other than TNA) has has over 15 billion press secretaries--they're called the INTERNET WRESTLING COMMUNITY!!! Oh it's true. The only exception is that, this site, the Observer, etc. are the MTV's, CNN's, and MSNBC's in the wrestling world, where a "Fox News" does NOT exist.

 

[psykohurricane]

Hey Glenn, i'M just wondering something since your not part of TNA Creative, did you understand the awful ending to the Victory Road PPV because i sure didn'T get it and from what i was hearing for the announce team, they didn'T know how to explain it to us. It's not like the main event was over when Samoa Joe was beating up Booker T so why was all the referree and security trying to stop Joe from beating up Booker if the match wasn'T over. And why was Sting even involve in this. The awful ending to the ppv ruin what was a great PPV and i would sure like to get your thoughts on this.

 

[andremt9]

That was the only way to make Booker look good in his hometown ,and Joe not drop the title? are TNA joking with fans?

and all that final only to make Joe vs. Booker T in a Six Sides of Steel Cage Match...


That end of Victory road was extremely weak,and i wish in the next PPV,they really do a real end
Controversy creates cash,but isn't the type of controversy that creates cash...

 

[Jacomo]

I heard JB in the last Spin Cycle mentoning TNA is coming to Germany and Austria. Is that really true? Can you tell me about when this will happen? Next year? Or even this year? I would love to see you guys in Austria

 

[TheOneBigWill]

Glenn, in completely honesty I'm not here (this time) to spite you or anything of the sort. I have an honest question, and would hope you can find the maturity level to reply back without anything other than an honest answer.

1. Why don't you explore the forum more? Not exactly begin posting in the W.W.E. section and all that.. but for example, we have a Pay Per View section that carries talk of the T.N.A. P.P.V.'s.. why don't you get into conversations and add your opinion on those matches?

You could even debate with people, as (clearly) T.N.A. gets a lot of negative looks. I know you don't think its negative, so you could debate with people in the p.p.v. threads about why the match should be happening, and why its worth seeing for $29.95.

So that's my question. Why don't you add your opinion in the Pay Per View section, regarding the T.N.A. P.P.V.'s? I'd honestly like to see your opinions on the matches.

 

[Marty2Hotty]

7/20/2008 - Glenn's newest article: Fake MMA, TNA criticism.. the full article can be viewed here

http://www.wrestlezone.com/column.php?articleid=218587680

most people watch professional wrestling because it's professional wrestling. i would profess that there is zero chance that you're going to draw from the mma crowd by doing fake mma. i think most mma fans would be more entertained by the disco inferno vs. the honkytonk man, because at least they know they're watching a pro wrestling match and not some hybrid ridiculous let's do the mma moves and pretend that the moves hurt and insult my intelligence style. wrestling fans pop more for mr. socko and the people's elbow than they would for a fake guillotine choke hold.

the guy needs a gimmick. i'm sorry, but you can't sell a plain joe to fans that want sports entertainment.

I agree with that paragraph about fake MMA> Ithink MMA fans would prefer something entertaining when watching wrestling because guess what, they're watching wrestling for that type of entertainment. They watch MMA for that style of sport. theyw atch basketball/baseball for that type of sport.

*i have a cameo appearance coming up on spin cycle, and let's just say that it wasn't planned, and i certainly wouldn't have booked myself that way. did you know that spin cycle had 600,000 downloads last week? unbelievable number.

Well, the 600,000 is a flawed number because TNAWrestling.com loads the file immediately when you enter the site. So it's more of 600,000 views on the official website per week if anything

Cameo appearance on Spin Cyle? DOes that mean a 1 minute appearance or a full 15 minute appearance. Some people on anotehr forum, after reading glenn's opinions, said they'd like to see him on spin cylce.

*saw some goofy criticisms of this week's tna show on the various websites. why would people be critical of tna for having a stretcher match? because we're "giving it away for free?" think about how stupid that sounds. say you went to a wwe show, and the rock and stone cold showed up and said that they were going to have a no dq street fight unannounced. what do you think a wrestling fan's reaction would be? they'd probably #@^%$# their pants! what do you think a wrestling critic would say? "Boy, how dumb is that? why wouldn't this match be on ppv?" most critics that think they know a thing or two about this business make themselves look pretty dumb each week with their criticisms, not realizing that when you write tv, you're doing it to put on a good show for the fans. sometimes a good show shouldn't be resricted by not putting stuff on that they think should be saved for ppv. in summary, do they actually think a straight up match with booker t and consequences creed would do a better rating that a stretcher match?

I agree. A stretcher match is just different and more visually entertaining. At least it was for me. plus a nice twist at the end

 

[Uncle Sam]

I agree with that paragraph about fake MMA> Ithink MMA fans would prefer something entertaining when watching wrestling because guess what, they're watching wrestling for that type of entertainment. They watch MMA for that style of sport. theyw atch basketball/baseball for that type of sport.

I'm going to throw out a radical theory here, Marty. Maybe, just maybe, that style would be used to draw new fans in, rather than entertain existing ones. As it is, if that match was MMA-style, then 90% of other matches are mat-wrestling-style. Because that's pretty much the difference - they just used MMA stances in place of wrestling stances. It soon just broke down into a wrestling match.

Well, the 600,000 is a flawed number because TNAWrestling.com loads the file immediately when you enter the site. So it's more of 600,000 views on the official website per week if anything

Cameo appearance on Spin Cyle? DOes that mean a 1 minute appearance or a full 15 minute appearance. Some people on anotehr forum, after reading glenn's opinions, said they'd like to see him on spin cylce.

People say a lot of crazy stuff.

I agree. A stretcher match is just different and more visually entertaining. At least it was for me. plus a nice twist at the end

I'd personally be critical of it because a stretcher match is just a stupid gimmick idea. I wouldn't show it for the same reason I wouldn't show a blindfold cage match.

 

[admin]

The 600,000 does not simply include the website numbers. It is posted via youtube, both on and off their site so YouTube is the way you can track how many people played the feature.

Chris

 

[Slyfox696]

I'm going to throw out a radical theory here, Marty. Maybe, just maybe, that style would be used to draw new fans in, rather than entertain existing ones.

That's just the thing though Sam.

If I'm a MMA fan and don't watch wrestling, why would I be entertained by two guys pretending to do MMA, when I can watch the real thing? Gilbertti's point was that you're not going to entertain MMA fans with fake MMA, especially since one of the biggest appeals to MMA is the fact that it IS real.

I don't know how it works in actuality, but in theory, I don't see why a fan of MMA would watch fake MMA. I mean, would you watch a scripted football game?

 

[Uncle Sam]

I read an article written by an MMA writer about that match (in a magazine, before you ask). I see with your point of view, but I think this would draw new fans in. Would it be a runaway success? Probably not. However, I genuinely thought that it was entertaining, and the writer liked it. Granted, he was overly critical about it - apparently, Angle's strikes are much better than Joe's and he wanted them to be both DQ'd if anyone else got in the ring - but he enjoyed it.

Yeah, that wouldn't be the case for every MMA fan, but I think it would draw in new viewers and, used sparingly enough, wouldn't chase any away. I still stand by the fact that it's a regular match, just with MMA rest holds and stances, as opposed to wrestling ones. So at the end of the day, it's not much of a difference anyway.

 

[gg inferno]

That's just the thing though Sam.

If I'm a MMA fan and don't watch wrestling, why would I be entertained by two guys pretending to do MMA, when I can watch the real thing? Gilbertti's point was that you're not going to entertain MMA fans with fake MMA, especially since one of the biggest appeals to MMA is the fact that it IS real.

I don't know how it works in actuality, but in theory, I don't see why a fan of MMA would watch fake MMA. I mean, would you watch a scripted football game?

exactly. mma has been done before with success in wrestling, but not the way guys are trying to do it now. goldberg was a hybrid mma gimmick, and the reason it worked because he beat people quick. he used to have awesome matches with jerry flynn, doing basically an mma style, but the reason it worked was because it was high impact and 2-3 minutes long. that's why joe got over in tna, because he beat everyone and beat them pretty quick. it's just my opinion, but mma style doesn't work in pro wrestling when the matches are long, 20 minute things, because it gives you too much time to expose the fact that it's not real. it works if you have guys that can make it look real enough and they're annhiliating people.

 

[Marty2Hotty]

Uncle Sam, people watch wrestling for an entire different reason compared to why they woiuld watch MMA. MMA is real guys fighting. Pro wrestling is a soap opera with larger than life characters that capture the fans' fantasies with badass characters, sex appeal, language, goofy characters, finishes, run-ins. It's a theatrical show.

Watch the A&E documentary on wrestling they did in about 98-99. I think that was incredibly well done, and it had "experts" analyzing teh show. I think Meltzer, Russo were in it as well too.

Gilbertti said it best with people marking out to a sock, marking out like hell to people's elbow when the story is great, marking out to Austin stunning McMahon. They don't want to fake believe that two guys are fake MMA"ing" when they can watch the real stuff on UFC

The 600,000 does not simply include the website numbers. It is posted via youtube, both on and off their site so YouTube is the way you can track how many people played the feature.

Chris

Chris Cash... I know the show is posted on youtube... but tnawrestling.com loads SpinCycle through Youtube as soon as you load the page. So, most of the views that specific video gets is due to the website hits... (I believe)

I don't know how it works in actuality, but in theory, I don't see why a fan of MMA would watch fake MMA. I mean, would you watch a scripted football game?

He nailed it

Goldberg was pretty awesome when he did a great job of kicking everyone's ass. I also like Matt Morgan's appearance last week on TNA> Off-topic: Matt Morgan as "Beast" on American Gladiators was cool> he "really" beat two guys in Joust -= so that was cool. TNA needs to continue to make Matt Morgan unstoppable. i really loved last week's show and look forward to what they do for the entire roster same with shark boy and co.

to glenn.. i liked "Lance Rock"'s promo about the lead singer being badasses... it was good to see rock n rave back/

in regards to karen's angle.. that sounds good.. kurt sent tomko to spoil the party so i'll look forward to that.

but mma style doesn't work in pro wrestling when the matches are long, 20 minute things, because it gives you too much time to expose the fact that it's not real.

That's a good point

But goldberg whooping ass quickly was cool.. because i guess it looked cool, and people marked out to his streak..and when he beat hogan.

I don't like how everyone blames the ratoings being low on Joe. I'm not a huge fan of jOe but i love booker t and how Joe is used now.. his story with Nash gets interesting too...

I think it's all in the writing, and if Vince Russo writes for 27 weekjs more (i friendly bet 30), ther ating will go to 1.5 - and I bet that..

But as we all know, the IWC will complain once the ratings go up due to an entertainment direction which will lead Russo to get kicked out again. LET HIM WRITE for ONE YEAR and they'll get to 1.7 damnit... if the IWC was supportive, TNA wouldn't belike dumbasses and listen to the net..

If the net says "Russo is increasing the ratings. I may not like the direction so much, but if TNA is growing, let's see where it goes"

I wish everyone was like that online.


glenn, when are you appearing on spin cycle.. and hope the topics are controversial rasslin topics... that you like to argue about

they have to make that a tv show on spike

 

[andremt9]

UWF tried do More "Real" Wrestling mixed with MMA in Japan. They folded.

One or two times try a diferent match could work,but when you begin to do only MMA/Wrestling Mixed Matches... or your public will hate it and stop watch ,or they will accept (hating or not) and you can bring some media attention and make some MMA's Fans Watch.
But MMA fans watch MMA as a Sport,and if them like Wrestling,its because them watch as entertaiment.So Mix the two could make them only hate your promotion and change the channel.


But Of Course,TNA should do more cross-branded work with UFC,they are in same channel and they are for the same demografic group.Sometimes Bring a UFC Fighter to be a Enforcer or do a special role,and send Kurt Angle,Frank Trigg to UFC events doing commentaries,should be a good partnership to both promotions

But Only don't mix Wrestling with MMA!

 

[BallsBallsBalls]

Hey Glenn, I think you hurt Tommy Fierro's feelings. It's July 23rd and he hasn't wrote an article on the site since July 9th which has to be a record. His last article that he wrote he seemed a bit hurt by your constructive criticism of his booking style. I think you two should go on Dr. Phil to air out your differences. Now that would be compelling television

 

[anonymous]

I just read the Kevin Kelley article, and I have to agree with the whole CM Punk not having the right dance partners. Batista is more over than Punk, and he is a face just like CM Punk. Kane hasn't held the WWE Title in forever, yet is being put over as this monster that I feel more likely than not will make Punk look kind of weak unless they book Punk looking incredibly strong. I guess that WWE is going with the whole underdog thing for Punk, but by doing that at times he is made to look extremely weak like when he got Batista Bombed on RAW. It is also difficult for Punk to ever go over clean on anyone (TNA showed this same problem at Victory Road) most likely because a wrestler like Batista needs to look strong as well. JBL could be that opponent who will make Punk look stronger after they feud. Personally, I feel that Chris Jericho is that wrestler who can really make Punk look stronger after feuding with him.