Why The Love For Santino? (The Underdog Curse)
- Thread starter d_henderson1810
- Start date
richunclescrooge
Occasional Pre-Show
I've been reading some people complaining about Santino, about how he's too goofy, the cobra sucks and doesn't belong in wrestling, and it was wrong to have him in the final two of the chamber.
He's too goofy? How goofy did he look last night? When given the chance to actually work he's phenomenal. He's usually been booked to be terrible in the ring but when he does get the chance to actually go, he doesn't disappoint.
The cobra sucks? I bet the same people who hate the cobra loved Mr. Socko, or the people's elbow, or any other entertainment-y move. He hits a pressure point in the neck that stuns the opponent, it's actually a real thing, in the same vein as Umaga's samoan spike.
Having him in the final two was great, It actually gave you the feeling, wether it be just for a split second, that he may actually do it. Plus the tapout victory over him still lets Bryan keep the cowardly heel character because he only eliminated Santino so it was like he got off easy. Let's hope that builds to mania where he will actually have a great match with Sheamus.
He's too goofy? How goofy did he look last night? When given the chance to actually work he's phenomenal. He's usually been booked to be terrible in the ring but when he does get the chance to actually go, he doesn't disappoint.
The cobra sucks? I bet the same people who hate the cobra loved Mr. Socko, or the people's elbow, or any other entertainment-y move. He hits a pressure point in the neck that stuns the opponent, it's actually a real thing, in the same vein as Umaga's samoan spike.
Having him in the final two was great, It actually gave you the feeling, wether it be just for a split second, that he may actually do it. Plus the tapout victory over him still lets Bryan keep the cowardly heel character because he only eliminated Santino so it was like he got off easy. Let's hope that builds to mania where he will actually have a great match with Sheamus.
People need to understand that this is ENTERTAINMENT!!!! I like to mention a couple of things, how can he ruin the careers of Wade Barret or Cody Rhodes?? Some time ago Maven beat The Undertaker for the hardcore championship, did it ruin The Undertaker's career?? Hell no, or Zach Gowan beating the Big Show ruined the Big Show, no, one loss isn't going to ruin someone's career, and another thing, Santino last night was something refreshing to see, something different finaly, not the same superstars over and over again, in my opinion, he's far better than Zach Ryder as a wrestler, and as an entertainer, i'm not saying that Zach is a bad entertainer, but in my opinion Santino is better, it's about time he gets recognized as a wrestler, if the WCW had David Arquette as a world champion, why can't the WWE have an actual wrestler as the champ, even if he is a comedian basicly, if it worked for Eddie Guerrero why can't it work for Santino?? Just asking, but anyway, like some of you said, just sit back and enjoy the show, you don't have to be a critic all the time, if you don't like it, watch something else and stop bitching, if the IWC is not happy with anything all i can say is either become a wrestler and change the business or get a life!!!!!!
As much as I hate Santino I enjoyed that moment last night and the whole time I was saying, "Oh hell no" I was laughing with it. Especially since he eliminated my Love Cody. But I was like what in the hell is WWE doing? But it was that shock factor and it soooo exciting because I was thinking are they going to pull the whole Jericho V. HHH Raw match where Jericho won, but the decision was changed. The crowd loved it and at the same time Daniel Bryan did too, he had that evil smirk and laughter going on the whole time as I did. It was funny and enjoyable. Just think if it actually happened???
Santino main eventing WM. I think they could do it considering the fact that Vince has The Rock, The Undertaker, and HHH to back him up. Those are the real Main Events for WM. The title matches don't mean shit lol.
Santino main eventing WM. I think they could do it considering the fact that Vince has The Rock, The Undertaker, and HHH to back him up. Those are the real Main Events for WM. The title matches don't mean shit lol.
The Perfect Max
I Am Jericho
It's more than likely that you like The Rock and Mick Foley. Two guys who solidify the world entertainment. You mention the Cobra as a bad thing. As mentioned before, the Cobra, like the Samoan Spike, hits a real pressure point in the neck, that if done correctly, would stun the opponent. Mr Socko and The People's Elbow do fuck all, yet we, the WWE fans, love it for the entertainment aspect. As far as that goes, The Rock and Mick Foley, in your evalulation, are goofier than Santino. Now call The Rock and Foley goofy.
Now I have that off my chest. Santino is a huge marketing ploy to entise not only Americans, but European fans to watch. Like with The Great Khali, he is from a different area of the world, places where WWE wish to stretch too. Whether you or I like it or not, both of those draw people from Europe and Asia. Santino most of all because of his comedic attitude and likeable personality.
Santino is certainly no crap in the ring either. When he gets the chance to go, he can go. I was at a Raw show in November, the WWE came over to the UK. Santino faced Drew McIntyre in the opening match. Didn't last long, but Santino was one of the better performers of the night. Truly gifted in the ring. See Elimination Chamber 2012. WWE book him in the comedic jobber way for reasons I don't need to specify, but Santino showed on Sunday that not only do 95% of the fans go insane for him, but he puts 110% into every match he is in and he delivers.
Now I have that off my chest. Santino is a huge marketing ploy to entise not only Americans, but European fans to watch. Like with The Great Khali, he is from a different area of the world, places where WWE wish to stretch too. Whether you or I like it or not, both of those draw people from Europe and Asia. Santino most of all because of his comedic attitude and likeable personality.
Santino is certainly no crap in the ring either. When he gets the chance to go, he can go. I was at a Raw show in November, the WWE came over to the UK. Santino faced Drew McIntyre in the opening match. Didn't last long, but Santino was one of the better performers of the night. Truly gifted in the ring. See Elimination Chamber 2012. WWE book him in the comedic jobber way for reasons I don't need to specify, but Santino showed on Sunday that not only do 95% of the fans go insane for him, but he puts 110% into every match he is in and he delivers.
Did you survey italy before making this statement? Santino is a comedic favorite right here in the USA. You don't need to look to international markets for a reason, the guy is over plain and simple. Yes, he's over as a comedy wrestler but over is over as long as they don't over do it. An underdog world title reign wouldn't be over doing it in my opinion as long as they make it entertaining.
trendkiller
The Voice of Reason
I might be wrong, but the pop at EC when the Cobra actually hit, to me, sounded lounder than the MITB pop for Punk and the pop for Rock's return. The crowd took the roof off the building like it was 1999 and the glass just shattered. God damn. And when Santino got to his knees during the Cripple Crossface? Monster pop again.
But, that being said, and as much of a Santinaught as I am, this is the kind of role Santino should be pushed in - getting oh so close, but not quite all the way. People can rally behind that kind of thing, because unlike Cena and Mysterio, Santino is an underdog in every sense of the word. If Santino can hold a mid-card belt and retain the pops, then I can see a brief test-run with the WHC down the line, especially if WWE tweaks his comedy to be more all-encompassing and less aimed at children.
People saying a comedy act can't main event should take a closer look at The Rock, John Cena and Big Show. A comedy act with just one more element (intensity, preferably) can and does evidently work. I don't think Santino should be pushed beyond his story, but I think a push and a dipping of the proverbial toe in championship water is in order.
But, that being said, and as much of a Santinaught as I am, this is the kind of role Santino should be pushed in - getting oh so close, but not quite all the way. People can rally behind that kind of thing, because unlike Cena and Mysterio, Santino is an underdog in every sense of the word. If Santino can hold a mid-card belt and retain the pops, then I can see a brief test-run with the WHC down the line, especially if WWE tweaks his comedy to be more all-encompassing and less aimed at children.
People saying a comedy act can't main event should take a closer look at The Rock, John Cena and Big Show. A comedy act with just one more element (intensity, preferably) can and does evidently work. I don't think Santino should be pushed beyond his story, but I think a push and a dipping of the proverbial toe in championship water is in order.
The Mandible Claw/Mr. Socko, I could kill you with. Also the People elbow was a move that was supposed to be done to the throat. Imagine if I dropped down with my elbow on your throat.
This is why we were always told to leave it to the professionals.
Santino is Canadian btw buddy : v )
Here's the problem with your last paragraph. The Rock, Big Show, and Cena are not comedy acts. They just add comedy to their character every one in a while.
Santino, Shockmaster, Hornswoggle, and the goggle gogglle thingy was a fucking comedy act. Please get it correct.
RickRaspberry
Dark Match Winner
I was at the Elimination Chamber last night. The crowd was going apeshit when Santino almost won. But it's a fucking business.
There were a ton of kids in the building. Santino/Brodus/Hornswoggle/Cena/etc etc are geared for LITTLE KIDS for fuck sake.
Do I personally like it...No...But I am not as ignorant and selfish as most of you "fans/critics" are, and I understand it.
Bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch.
There were a ton of kids in the building. Santino/Brodus/Hornswoggle/Cena/etc etc are geared for LITTLE KIDS for fuck sake.
Do I personally like it...No...But I am not as ignorant and selfish as most of you "fans/critics" are, and I understand it.
Bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch.
Santino got the loudest reaction last night. He got a bigger pop than Cena, Punk, Jericho etc. He saved the ppv from being a complete dud.
Santino is a very good comedy wrestler. I loved him when he was a heel. He is one of the few guys that is legit funny. A lot of times WWE humor doesn't make me laugh, especially Cena. With Santino how can you not laugh when he does a split in the ring, or when he starts to channel the Ultimate Warrior. The Socko/Cobra showdown at the RR was funny. WWE did a great job of playing up the underdog role. It helped fans get into to it last night.
I think most people agree he should of not won, but for one night fans really got into him almost pulling off a miracle. No one is saying Santino should be pushed to moon... but he certainly has a role in the WWE. He is not going to receive pops like that every night let the guy enjoy it.
Barrett still has a ways to go. I know IWC seems to have deemed him a future main eventer, but the guy was hearing boring chants in the beginning of the match.
Santino is a very good comedy wrestler. I loved him when he was a heel. He is one of the few guys that is legit funny. A lot of times WWE humor doesn't make me laugh, especially Cena. With Santino how can you not laugh when he does a split in the ring, or when he starts to channel the Ultimate Warrior. The Socko/Cobra showdown at the RR was funny. WWE did a great job of playing up the underdog role. It helped fans get into to it last night.
I think most people agree he should of not won, but for one night fans really got into him almost pulling off a miracle. No one is saying Santino should be pushed to moon... but he certainly has a role in the WWE. He is not going to receive pops like that every night let the guy enjoy it.
Barrett still has a ways to go. I know IWC seems to have deemed him a future main eventer, but the guy was hearing boring chants in the beginning of the match.
trendkiller
The Voice of Reason
I argue that if a character uses comedy as the main catalyst for getting over, they're a comedy character.
Ergo: Rock got over on his cocky comedy, backing it up in the ring. Cena got over on rap-based comedy, backing it up in the ring. Big Show until recently got over on comedy, backing it up in the ring. Kurt Angle got over on a dummy comedy gimmick, but backing it up in the ring.
Santino, Shockmaster, Hornswoggle, etc, are comedy acts that do not back it up in the ring. There's your difference: in-ring booking. Santino, however, is getting there.
Claiming that Rock, Cena or Angle were not comedy acts is just ignorant. Comedy has always been a solid way of getting faces AND heels over; the difference is in the execution and content, not the genre of dramatization.
Big Show was a bad example, though, I'll give you that.
The Big Show was a giant who was Vince's body guard beating down austin.
The Rock was the member of the nation of domination and was hated, but then turned became the main event heel.
Angle was the olympic gold medalist who was a pure wrestler who was corny, but could back it up with his skills. Milk truck big deal.
Cena was a rapper that had a bad side and he got over with the crowd by being one of those heel who you wanted to get his ass beat, then he turned face.
The Rock was the member of the nation of domination and was hated, but then turned became the main event heel.
Angle was the olympic gold medalist who was a pure wrestler who was corny, but could back it up with his skills. Milk truck big deal.
Cena was a rapper that had a bad side and he got over with the crowd by being one of those heel who you wanted to get his ass beat, then he turned face.
THTRobtaylor
Once & Future Wrestlezone Columnist
Santino is a pretty unique character in the whole Underdog scenario... he is a guy who according to WWE history walked out the crowd to win the IC title... Smarks know he was developmental but... that part of his character stuck... for 3 months or so he was portrayed as a straight IC champion, a real "underdog". Over time his gift for comedy bore out over his obviously understated skills... He is what Eugene should have been, but WWE chose to use the "special" card... Santino is batshit crazy but at the same time the closest anyone will get to being WWE champion... He works cos he is us... we all want to be in that Elimination Chamber, we all want our own (not) cool little gimmick like the cobra... I personally would have loved to see him win that match, sure he'd lose the shot on RAW without question but just once... have the madness win out...
THTRobtaylor
Once & Future Wrestlezone Columnist
Santino also did far better in the EC than we thought, except for Barratt's seemingly broken arm... I could actually see him winning MITB now if Barrett is out and being the first guy to lose his cash in...
I was disappointed by Santinos match tonight with Bryan. I thought it could have lasted much longer. Even though I didn't watch EC, I have read a lot about it. I'm thinking that they are gearing up Santino for a feud with Rhodes. They were beating on eachother a lot during the battle royal tonight and Santino did get the pin from the EC. That would put him in line for the IC title and then free Rhodes up to move forward for the big belt against Bryan or Shamus. Just a thought.........but I really do see Santino getting some sort of real push.
TWJC: The Beginning
Royal Rumble Winner
Barrett will never be a main event because Santino pinned him? What a stupid ass statement. Everyone knows it's fake, in 2 years, no one will even remember.
Santino is OVER, he's ENTERTAINING, that's why he's over. Weird how that happens.
"Precious" PPV time was given to an over character who ended up getting the biggest pop of the night, not "wasted", again, you seem to know nothing.
Basically the OP seems like you're typical IWC mark who doesn't know shit about pro wrestling. You don't think wrestling should be fun, you don't look at it for what it is (a business, wrestlers are products), and you really don't get how it works at all.
Santino is OVER, he's ENTERTAINING, that's why he's over. Weird how that happens.
"Precious" PPV time was given to an over character who ended up getting the biggest pop of the night, not "wasted", again, you seem to know nothing.
Basically the OP seems like you're typical IWC mark who doesn't know shit about pro wrestling. You don't think wrestling should be fun, you don't look at it for what it is (a business, wrestlers are products), and you really don't get how it works at all.
TWJC: The Beginning
Royal Rumble Winner
lol "******ed YET simple"? A little redundant. ******ed people are, by definition, simple. To "******" means "to slow". Slow, simple, ******ed, all basically the same way of describing someone.
Santino is NOT like Eugene. His character is goofy but he's a lot more over and a hell of a lot more versitile.
How is Santino's style of comedy inappropriate for wrestling when it exaggerates the somewhat siller parts of wrestling? I can't speak for anyone else, but personally, I think that's awesome.
The Cobra is not much different from the Samoan Spike. Getting hit in the throat, while not visually impressive could actually KILL you if done in real life. The Cobra also recalls other maneuvers that have a ridiculous time to impact ratio like The People's Elbow or Five Knuckle Shuffle.
The trumpeting in self-celebration also exaggerates wrestlers' tendency to celebrate their own accomplishments and "toot their own horn."
It makes just as much sense as standing on a turnbuckle, closing your eyes and expecting people to say how awesome you are.
As for why he's popular? Why does any character become popular? Timing, wrestler skill, good booking, moderation, and a smidge of luck. Add some suspension of disbelief and you get people who cheer for a guy they're pretty sure won't win.
The Cobra is not much different from the Samoan Spike. Getting hit in the throat, while not visually impressive could actually KILL you if done in real life. The Cobra also recalls other maneuvers that have a ridiculous time to impact ratio like The People's Elbow or Five Knuckle Shuffle.
The trumpeting in self-celebration also exaggerates wrestlers' tendency to celebrate their own accomplishments and "toot their own horn."
It makes just as much sense as standing on a turnbuckle, closing your eyes and expecting people to say how awesome you are.As for why he's popular? Why does any character become popular? Timing, wrestler skill, good booking, moderation, and a smidge of luck. Add some suspension of disbelief and you get people who cheer for a guy they're pretty sure won't win.
It's...Baylariat!
Team Finnley Baylor
Mankind.
That's all that needs to be said. Mankind was a deranged heel who was destined for mid-card status, until he won the hearts of fans by busting his tail and taking the sickest bumps known to mankind. (no pun intended)
Santino is simply lovable. He's clumsy, a little silly, and very funny on the mic. And in real life, he can legit wrestle as good as Punk or Danielson. That's why the fans love him. He's different and isn't shoved down our throats like Ryder was during his push.
I believe Santino should get a brief run with a major belt... just for the pure shock of the whole thing. Or have him beat Swagger or Rhodes for the US or IC title. But the bigger pop would come from winning MITB at Wrestlemania, cashing in the briefcase on Raw, win the belt and the fans go absolutely nuts! Then at the next PPV, screw Santino out of the belt, giving people the impression that he had to be cheated out of his belt.
Of course that won't happen.
That's all that needs to be said. Mankind was a deranged heel who was destined for mid-card status, until he won the hearts of fans by busting his tail and taking the sickest bumps known to mankind. (no pun intended)
Santino is simply lovable. He's clumsy, a little silly, and very funny on the mic. And in real life, he can legit wrestle as good as Punk or Danielson. That's why the fans love him. He's different and isn't shoved down our throats like Ryder was during his push.
I believe Santino should get a brief run with a major belt... just for the pure shock of the whole thing. Or have him beat Swagger or Rhodes for the US or IC title. But the bigger pop would come from winning MITB at Wrestlemania, cashing in the briefcase on Raw, win the belt and the fans go absolutely nuts! Then at the next PPV, screw Santino out of the belt, giving people the impression that he had to be cheated out of his belt.
Of course that won't happen.
Why the love for Santino? It's really quite simple.
Pro Wrestling is entertainment.
Santino is very entertaining.
Wrestling is about the titles, it's about the fans. The fans who pay for the tickets to come to the show, the fans that buy the t-shirts, buy the Rey Mysterio masks, etc. You can have the absolute best technical wrestlers in the world, but if the fans aren't entertained, your wrestling company will fail, because people stop watching. Santino Marella has personality, a certain charisma, which makes you want to watch him. Not exactly in the same way as Hulk Hogan had, but he has it.
Lariat, if that happened, I would mark out BIG TIME.
Pro Wrestling is entertainment.
Santino is very entertaining.
Wrestling is about the titles, it's about the fans. The fans who pay for the tickets to come to the show, the fans that buy the t-shirts, buy the Rey Mysterio masks, etc. You can have the absolute best technical wrestlers in the world, but if the fans aren't entertained, your wrestling company will fail, because people stop watching. Santino Marella has personality, a certain charisma, which makes you want to watch him. Not exactly in the same way as Hulk Hogan had, but he has it.
Lariat, if that happened, I would mark out BIG TIME.
I think you're taking his act way too seriously. There has to be some silliness in wrestling, theres always been and there always will be. I'm pretty sure Wade wont be barred from the main event scene unless the fans are actually stupid enough to mistreat him due to Santino's antics. I agree the IWC has somewhat of an underdog mentality but they dont always turn on someone they support. The IWC was pretty much 50/50 on Ryder, and the initial request was that WWE take what he was offering and put it on their show. No one asked for him to be pushed to the moon but you know the WWE. If they can make a quick buck out of it they'll even sell their souls. As far as Bryan and Punk, no one has really turned on him. Those negative posts you see about them are...well to be quite frank...mostly just me.
Serious Mozzarella
Special Victims Unit
You have the wrestling IQ of someone who just started watching wrestling last Monday.
Santino is entertaining. He's over as fuck, sells merchandise, and the audience loves him. I don't know why you think someone being a "jobber" is a matter of opinion, but Santino is not a jobber. In fact, your entire first paragraph supports that fact.
If you don't like him, fine, but don't sit here and act like you represent the majority of the wrestling community, because you're dead wrong.
P.S.: You also don't understand what it means to "bury" someone. But I don't blame you for that -- nobody fucking does.
Litle Jimmy Rocks
Litle Jimmy Rocks
d henderson 1810
I think you're just upest that Santino is arguably the most over person on the roster don't get me wrong I know Santino is a pure comady act but the fact of the mater is hi is OVER! Did you hear the pop he got when he won the battle royal to qualify for the chamber? Speaks for itself doesn't it. We know Santino won't win but viewers watch just if maybe just maybe he can do the inpossable we won't always get what we want just remebet that Hell if it was up to me R truth wouid be WWE champ.
I think you're just upest that Santino is arguably the most over person on the roster don't get me wrong I know Santino is a pure comady act but the fact of the mater is hi is OVER! Did you hear the pop he got when he won the battle royal to qualify for the chamber? Speaks for itself doesn't it. We know Santino won't win but viewers watch just if maybe just maybe he can do the inpossable we won't always get what we want just remebet that Hell if it was up to me R truth wouid be WWE champ.
