BestSportsEntertainer
I Don't Need No User Title
According to PWI.
This is a bummer. It was really one of the best things going in WWE today.
This is a bummer. It was really one of the best things going in WWE today.
Talking Smack Will No Longer be a Weekly Show
- Thread starter BestSportsEntertainer
- Start date
I can't say I am surprised. While I do enjoy the concept behind Talking Smack there's too much weekly content in my opinion. It gets to be a chore to try to keep with every single show. Raw, Smackdown, and NXT take priority. When someone is working full-time and is involved with other interests outside of watching WWE all the time, there comes a point when you have to decide what to eliminate from your list of shows to watch. Talking Smack got taken off that list for me a while back. I do still watch the editions of Talking Smack that follow a Smackdown PPV, those I really hope they keep around. Same goes for Raw Talk following the Raw PPV's. I can see why some could be upset about this although if you look at the positive side of it, this is more time that could go toward doing something else. Part of me is wondering if this is a way for them to try to see if more people will tune in to 205 Live. I wouldn't be shocked at all if they move 205 Live to now be immediately following Smackdown. That won't change anything for me. I still won't watch that, and I haven't seen a Talking Smack (disregarding the ones after blue brand PPV's) in many months. Sad to see it go regardless though.
I wouldn't be surprised if this decision was made based on the fact that daniel bryan can't be their on a regular base and it was hard to replace him everyweek.
Just look at last week show for exemple, it was a complete train wreck without bryan there and it that way most week when bryan isn't there.
So in a way it's a good thing that they cancelled it, as of now, while the news broke, it look like this week will probably be the last week since it's still on the schedule. But after that I think it's a good thing to not have this show every week.
Just look at last week show for exemple, it was a complete train wreck without bryan there and it that way most week when bryan isn't there.
So in a way it's a good thing that they cancelled it, as of now, while the news broke, it look like this week will probably be the last week since it's still on the schedule. But after that I think it's a good thing to not have this show every week.
@smarkmouth
Friendly Neighborhood
Well, balls and dicks.
Unfortunately, 205 Live is already immediately following Smackdown, which is pretty much the one and only nail that the coffin needed. I can't blame WWE too much in that regard. You can't expect a live paying audience to hang around for a 20 minute intermission at 10:00 and expect them to hang around for 205.
I'm pretty bummed. I didn't watch it live but I PVR'D in case anything good happened, which was often, but not enough incentive to keep me hanging around for the purple brand. Talking Smack featured terrific chemistry between Renee and Daniel, featured Ambrose's best mic work to date and served as an outstanding turning point for the Miz. I hope it finds its way back some day.
Unfortunately, 205 Live is already immediately following Smackdown, which is pretty much the one and only nail that the coffin needed. I can't blame WWE too much in that regard. You can't expect a live paying audience to hang around for a 20 minute intermission at 10:00 and expect them to hang around for 205.
I'm pretty bummed. I didn't watch it live but I PVR'D in case anything good happened, which was often, but not enough incentive to keep me hanging around for the purple brand. Talking Smack featured terrific chemistry between Renee and Daniel, featured Ambrose's best mic work to date and served as an outstanding turning point for the Miz. I hope it finds its way back some day.
BestSportsEntertainer
I Don't Need No User Title
How exactly does this change 205 Live?
It already aired immediately after SD and will continue to do so.
Who knows? They might start advertising that show more often.
BestSportsEntertainer
I Don't Need No User Title
They can advertise it and keep Talking Smack.
The Perfect Max
I Am Jericho
I think it's easy to say that this was one of those times where WWE cuts short one of its best things going without reason, but honestly, I'm surprised that it took this long. I don't think that Talking Smack was ever supposed to be the big thing that it turned out to be with certain fans. Sure, it was meant to be entertaining and add a particular edge to the SmackDown Live brand that Raw doesn't have, but Raw is supposed to be entertaining too and it quite frankly isn't all that often. Okay, maybe a low blow there, but my point is that Talking Smack was very, very good last year. It was a very fresh addition to the product and Renee Young and Daniel Bryan were great anchors on that show. But, Bryan isn't around all the time now and the WWE network, well, the weekly line up for programming anyway, is so stacked. When you consider that there is, what, seven hours of live programming a week. Then you have a special event almost every other Sunday at some points. Then you have network specials and tournaments. It's a lot, and really, Talking Smack probably comes at the bottom of the list in terms of what is important to WWE. Arguably WWE didn't even expect for the show to last this long or become so successful and popular.
I suppose that could be the logic or I could be very wrong. Keeping it for post pay-per-view analysis is fine with me, but if it's a network special anyway, I don't see why they can't continue to run the show weekly anyway. That's why I think it could be a creative thing. I mean, there was a report this week that said how WWE creative was featuring many multi-women matches recently so that they didn't have to focus on character building. If they can't do that for their main product then perhaps this is another cut to make things easier. But then it might not be a creative thing at all. After all, it was supposed to be less scripted. But hey, I don't know, just sounding off here.
I suppose that could be the logic or I could be very wrong. Keeping it for post pay-per-view analysis is fine with me, but if it's a network special anyway, I don't see why they can't continue to run the show weekly anyway. That's why I think it could be a creative thing. I mean, there was a report this week that said how WWE creative was featuring many multi-women matches recently so that they didn't have to focus on character building. If they can't do that for their main product then perhaps this is another cut to make things easier. But then it might not be a creative thing at all. After all, it was supposed to be less scripted. But hey, I don't know, just sounding off here.
Not here in Canada it doesn't. Sportsnet airs Smackdown Live then 205 Live and then Talking Smack. Might be different where you live though.
I enjoyed the show and because I do watch 205 Live used to stick around to see it. Some like the Miz, Corbin and Owens were great on it, but others like Naomi and the Uso's came off completely different to the characters they play on SD Live.
Sorry to see it go but hopefully they will keep the ones that air after the SD PPV's. Oh and I don't think Daniel Bryan not being there has anything to do with it. Shane and JBL were great when they filled in for him.
BestSportsEntertainer
I Don't Need No User Title
SD Live, then 205 Live, then Talking Smack. It's like that in the US.
Taking off Talking Smack has no effect on 205 Live.
Maybe I'm missing something here.
No I missed something. I thought you meant Talking Smack aired after SD Live and then 205 Live,
StaRRStruck
Roman Reigns the real 1-2-3 Kid
I was a huge fan of Talking Smack. While I agree Daniel and Renee's chemistry on screen was impeccable, I still felt Shane and JBL filled the void enough for the superstars to get out what they needed to say.
It just felt like it flowed with the show (SDL), and it was unique because sometimes superstars who weren't featured on the 2 hours of SDL were able to get their views across and their frustrations voiced. Check out Baron Corbin and The Usos, neither of them before SDL would I ever even wanna listen to on the mic. For Corbin, it helped build his case of how he wanted more competition and how he deserved the main event slot at one point he was coming on the show every week to complain about it. It's funny because when he MITB it felt like a huge "I told you so" to Daniel and Renee who had to here the whining week in and week out.
For the Uso's, I feel like their appearances transcended their mic skills on actual television. I know the Uso's are much friendlier and laid back on Talking Smack, but even that comfortability on the mic started to help excel their heel personas, I love the whole paranoia line I don't even know why lol.
Then their was those OMFG moments, absolute fucking gold being delivered, The Miz on MULTIPLE occasions (For those who haven't seen it watch his first promo against DB and the night he won back the IC title from Dolph) came on that show and made it matter. This set the tone for guys like Cena, Ambrose, Styles and most recently KO layeth the smack talk and make a memorable moment out of it.
I can understand why they might wanna cancel, but I will definitely miss the show. Always brought a unique insight on feuds, superstars and the show that night; hopefully we still get it after SDL PPVS.
It just felt like it flowed with the show (SDL), and it was unique because sometimes superstars who weren't featured on the 2 hours of SDL were able to get their views across and their frustrations voiced. Check out Baron Corbin and The Usos, neither of them before SDL would I ever even wanna listen to on the mic. For Corbin, it helped build his case of how he wanted more competition and how he deserved the main event slot at one point he was coming on the show every week to complain about it. It's funny because when he MITB it felt like a huge "I told you so" to Daniel and Renee who had to here the whining week in and week out.
For the Uso's, I feel like their appearances transcended their mic skills on actual television. I know the Uso's are much friendlier and laid back on Talking Smack, but even that comfortability on the mic started to help excel their heel personas, I love the whole paranoia line I don't even know why lol.
Then their was those OMFG moments, absolute fucking gold being delivered, The Miz on MULTIPLE occasions (For those who haven't seen it watch his first promo against DB and the night he won back the IC title from Dolph) came on that show and made it matter. This set the tone for guys like Cena, Ambrose, Styles and most recently KO layeth the smack talk and make a memorable moment out of it.
I can understand why they might wanna cancel, but I will definitely miss the show. Always brought a unique insight on feuds, superstars and the show that night; hopefully we still get it after SDL PPVS.
ISkye
Pre-Show Stalwart
Yeahhh.. Every now and then I enjoyed watching Talking Smack even more than the actual Smackdown prior. It was cool and fans have been pretty continuously vocal in their love and support of the show. At least that was noticeable so they might do similar or something in the future. I'm glad it did what it did during the time it was around if it doesn't see a return in the nearby couple months for fans and the roster.
Jack-Hammer
YOU WILL RESPECT MY AUTHORITAH!!!!
According to a report via Sports Illustrated, the show was cancelled simply because Vince McMahon didn't like it and felt that the unscripted aspects of the show weren't in the company's best interests.
In all honesty, when I heard that it'd been cancelled as a weekly show, the first thought that legitimately came to mind was "Vince didn't like the show." I don't buy into the rumors that it was because of low viewership because Talking Smack was listed consistently as one of the three most viewed programs on the WWE Network. Usually, the only programs from the network that drew more viewers were the monthly ppv events and NXT. If this is legit, then I can genuinely say that I'm not surprised, though I figured Vince would try changing the format first, you know, do away with the non-scripted elements of the show instead of outright cancelling the show. Talking Smack was a rarity in that everything about it felt like it wasn't being micromanaged by Vince, it didn't have his fingerprints all over it and that in and of itself is something of an anomaly as Vince is a well known control freak.
In all honesty, when I heard that it'd been cancelled as a weekly show, the first thought that legitimately came to mind was "Vince didn't like the show." I don't buy into the rumors that it was because of low viewership because Talking Smack was listed consistently as one of the three most viewed programs on the WWE Network. Usually, the only programs from the network that drew more viewers were the monthly ppv events and NXT. If this is legit, then I can genuinely say that I'm not surprised, though I figured Vince would try changing the format first, you know, do away with the non-scripted elements of the show instead of outright cancelling the show. Talking Smack was a rarity in that everything about it felt like it wasn't being micromanaged by Vince, it didn't have his fingerprints all over it and that in and of itself is something of an anomaly as Vince is a well known control freak.
Well, that's Vince for you. It's either his way or no way, it's been that way for him for a long time and it will be that way for as long as he's running WWE.
d_henderson1810
Mid-Card Championship Winner
Who cares about it.
It is just an interview show where performers who wrestle say things that are scripted for them. It's not like we are going to get anything insightful from them (I include RAW Talk in the same vein).
I want the actual show, the drama, the matches, the storylines. Nothing is said on these shows which we haven't already heard in promos already.
I have only so much time on my hands. There are plenty of other things on WWE Network I would rather watch before some interview show.
These shows only exist to fill time on the WWE Network. So I don't see this as a loss, nor would I if it were RAW Talk.
d_henderson1810
Mid-Card Championship Winner
I don't buy the rumors because if "Vince didn't like the show" it wouldn't exist.
Vince McMahon controls everything that happens on WWE TV. He has been accused of being a control freak, and won't even let wrestlers cut their own improvised promos anymore.
So if he didn't "like it", then it never would have been off air after a couple of weeks. Same with NXT. Triple H might have a lot of say, but he doesn't run the company yet, Vince does. So if Tripper wanted to bring someone up, he can't without Vince's okay.
If Vince wanted to get rid of it, it would be a commercial reason, or the time could be better utilised elsewhere. If it was Vince's preference alone, then he would have turned down having it to begin with, considering that a lot of what is said on it is rehashing what we heard the same wrestler say in a promo an hour before.
According to the reports Vince isn't getting younger and he doesn't attend all of the shows anymore. Do you blame the guy? Apparently he was at last week's SD Live, saw Talking Smack and didn't like the fact that it was as unscripted as it was.
Is he a control freak, no idea, don't know the guy, but the show was great and it was his decision to pull it. I mean we are talking about a show that only ran for about 15 minutes at the end of 205 Live. Not a lot of time to throw another show in there.
If it was Vince's idea then so what really, the guy own's the WWE and the network and he can do what he wants. I just think in this case it was a good waste of 15 minutes and I enjoyed it.
BestSportsEntertainer
I Don't Need No User Title
It was a great show, and clearly you're in the minority.
It allowed for actual character development and some great mic work. It basically revived The Miz's career.
And most of the promos are NOT scripted. That's the entire point. Do you even watch the show?
d_henderson1810
Mid-Card Championship Winner
1) It's okay. I can take or leave it.
2) Some people on it were great. The Miz, Kevin Owens and Alexa Bliss are particular stand-outs, but then, they are great on the mike regardless. It really depends on who you interview. Often, the post-PPV one will have the night's winners, and we have to endure someone like Naomi or Tamina, just because they won, not because they have anything worthwhile to say.
So, I could take it or leave it, depending on who they have on that night. But if "Talking Smack" doesn't exist, I won't feel a massive void in my life, as I can still hear the Miz, Owens or Bliss in promos on their respective shows anyway.
3) How do you know it isn't scripted?
What I have heard is that Vince is paranoid about what is said or done on-screen. The days of Austin or the Rock improvising their own promos, and only having cliff notes written on their wrist to guide them, is over. Now, everything is regulated or controlled. Vince has sponsors, advertisers and other interests to think about, so he treads carefully nowadays. Hell, you can tell that everything Michael Cole says is fed to him by Vince in the gorilla position.
So, if everything else is scripted and planned within an inch of its life, then why would some 15-minute sit-down interview program be any different, especially considering that the times I have watched it (and I have watched it) I hear at least one interviewee (usually one not as sure of themselves as a talker) recycle the same things they were forced to say in a promo earlier that night on "Smackdown". If it was their own thoughts, wouldn't it differ from what they said on the show?
The reason it may feel unscripted is probably more to the acting of some of the talent, who are more confident stick-wise, so it sounds like they are saying what they really feel, rather than just saying things that are scripted.
