Brand Split Ends

[Hulk-a-Bo]

While I think the brand split definitely has it's positives, ever since it came to be nine years ago, I have seen more negatives.

First off, coming from an old school fan, the brand split just makes it where the average fan has too much to keep up with. Back in the day, I'd say as recent as the Austin era, the WWF/WWE always revolved around one major storyline, usually involving the current champ and who he was feuding with. Sure you had other storylines going on that were entertaining and captivating as well but it was always that one main storyline that would be the focus of every Raw and Smackdown until the storyline came to an explosive end. Nowadays, you have two world champions, which completely destroys the value of both, and the two world champion's storylines are both just another storyline on the show. This is not good. Think about it. How compelling would Austin vs McMahon had been if you would had had another world champion over on Smackdown feuding with say another authority figure.

I don't think that it is simply a coincidence that the wrestling business really took a dive after the brand split.

Also, the brand split with it's two world champions makes it impossible for another Austin or Hogan, or Rock to come along. The company has not had a "Main Guy" since the brand split. Now I know what a lot of you maybe thinking........Cena. Now I agree, Cena is definitely a star, but think about how much bigger Cena could have been if WWE was just one brand and Cena was, not now, but for long times in the past, there one and only champion. If this was the case Cena could had been the guy to take wrestling into it's next boom period.

[Kalyx triaD]

Ban this guy for the thread title.

[St. Jimmy]

Ban this guy for the thread title.
Ban this guy for the thread title.
Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.Ban this guy for the thread title.

[Hulk-a-Bo]

WOW, what a great an insightful response

[Rammsteinmad]

On the other hand, half of the people who have been successful today probably wouldn't have got half as much exposure as they did had it not been for the brand split.

[Rammsteinmad]

And please don't enlarge your text like that again.

I was half expecting a 'but the stars of OCW don't need a brand split' somewhere in there.

(Don't worry you won't understand). ;)

[Tom Guycott]

So, I take it OCW is officially a meme?

[Corporate CockSnogger]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fxdGu9YsUAM/S9TfUi-lAYI/AAAAAAAAB3k/0vbJrek6cNk/s1600/Split+Ends.jpg

[Rammsteinmad]

So, I take it OCW is officially a meme?

Hell, why not?

On a related note, they never replied to my application. So unprofessional. :nono:

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<a href="http://www.gifsoup.com/view/1086479/alex-wright-dancing.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=1086479&t=o" border="0"/></a><br /><a href="http://www.gifsoup.com/" title="GIFSoup" target="_blank">GIFSoup</a>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Post less or think more. Your call.</font>

[Innovator]

End the brand split and 60% of the roster is getting cut.

[Steveviscious89]

Hey jerks don't be so quick to jump down this guy's throat. I actually agree with him to a certain extent. As far as those other guys getting the exposure that they otherwise would not have gotten, I am not concerned with that. The brand split didn't completely cause the business the suffer, but it has made it terribly stale. And what's more, their ability to have a bigger roster further prevents any competition from coming into play (assuming certain other companies would provide it).

[KIRA]

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DAS WUNDER DANCE BABY!


But yea the brand split is okay and even their cris crossing shows is not that annoying hell TNA has one show and its confusing as fuck Ive no idea who the faces and heels are who has what belt ect.

plus my with out the split my poster boy for unrealized awesomeness Christian wouldnt be getting the belt.

[XL]

:roll:

[KIRA]

:roll:

I'm being obnoxious I know.

[XL]

Nah. That was aimed at the entire thread. Sick of the "end the brand split = solution to everything" crap.

[Rammsteinmad]

Yeah, the whole brand split debate has been going on since the split happened, NINE YEARS AGO!!! Seriously, to me, it doesn't even feel like a 'brand split' anymore, it's just Raw and Smackdown.

[Rammsteinmad]

Also, the 'nine years ago' in capitals isn't 'nine years ago, get over it', I meant it as 'nine years ago, holy shit really?!'. Can't believe how long it's been. :(

[Gertner]

http://www.gifsoup.com/view/36482/dancing-fools-o.gif

[XL]

Yeah, the whole brand split debate has been going on since the split happened, NINE YEARS AGO!!! Seriously, to me, it doesn't even feel like a 'brand split' anymore, it's just Raw and Smackdown.
Indeed. If anything they need to seperate them MORE not bring them together.

[Heisenberg]

I am for the first time in awhile enjoying the brands being split fella.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j440/Marc_Oxenreider/toomanylimes-238x300.jpg

[DAMN iNATOR]

I am for the first time in awhile enjoying the brands being split fella.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j440/Marc_Oxenreider/toomanylimes-238x300.jpg

LOL. Hate to say it but Sheamus I think will work out very well on SD! Also, how is it that Masters was considered RAW and drafted to SD! in the supplemental draft yesterday? I could swear he was on SD! last I checked...:?:

[Heisenberg]

LOL. Hate to say it but Sheamus I think will work out very well on SD! Also, how is it that Masters was considered RAW and drafted to SD! in the supplemental draft yesterday? I could swear he was on SD! last I checked...:?:

Glad Sheamus is going to Smackdown, I'm going to the house show next month in Austin, Texas and I plan on seeing the greatness of Cody Rhodes as well.

[Dave Youell]

FFS,

Ending the brand split:

1. Reduces your house show intake by 50% as you only have 1 tour
2. Reduces your merch, as you don't have enough room to create and maintain your starts
3. Reduces your stock, as it's a fucking dumb move

And that's just the business reasons. It's not going to happen

[Gertner]

Plus the brand split allows wrestlers to work lighter schedules and not have to resort to popping pills to keep going.

[CSL]

Who gives a fuck about that stuff that makes sense and follows some variety of logic when you could just change things that are working fine for no reason at all?

[NormanSmiley]

End the brand split and 60% of the roster is getting cut.
as much are some are sick of the brand split solves evrything argument, i get tired of ending it equals the roster loses 50% of its guys

1986 -WWF ROSTER

The WWF roster for August 1986 was as follows: The Fabulous Moolah, Rowdy
Roddy Piper, George "The Animal" Steel, Andre the Giant, Pedro Morales,
"Adorable" Adrian Adonis, Tony Garea, The Magnificent Muraco, The Iron
Shiek, Hulk Hogan, The Junkyard Dog, Tito Santana, Lelanie Kai, Judy
Martin, Moondog Rex, Moondog Spot, Gregg "The Hammer" Valentine, Mike
Rotundo, Nikolia Volkoff, "The Giant" John Studd, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul
Orndorff, Brutus Beefcake, King Kong Bundy, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat,
"Cowboy" Bob Orton, Davey Boy Smith, The Dynamite Kid, Steve Lombardi, Sivi
Afi, Haku, Toma, Hillbilly Jim, B. Brian Blair, "Jump'in" Jim Brunzell,
Barry O, Brett "Hitman" Hart, Jim "The Andvil" Neidhart, Terry Funk, Dory
Funk Jr., Randy "Macho Man" Savage, "Leaping" Lanny Poffo, Corporal
Kirshener, Hercules Hernandez, Jauques Rougeau, Raymond Rougeau, Jake "The
Snake" Roberts, Cousin Luke "Golden Boy" Danny Spivey, Jimmy Jack Funk,
Billy Jack Haynes, "The King" Handsome Harley Race, "The Natural Butch
Reed, The Honkytonk Man, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Paul Roma, Jim Powers,
The Super Machine, The Big Machine.
TOTAL ROSTER: 58
cross off moolah and you got 57 male competitors with 4 hours of programming in 86

as of now you have 52 male competitiors with 4 hours of programming. nothing has changed in that regard

[CSL]

They used to run 2-3 towns per night 5-6 nights a week with guys on the road for a month at a time back then with all day events taping 2-3 shows at a time thrown in. Hogan for example would work a show, get in a helicopter and fly to another arena in time to work the main event of another show. Which comes back to Gertner's point about lighter schedules/keeping the roster alive. The 'hours of programming' part is irrelevant.

[Dave Youell]

as much are some are sick of the brand split solves evrything argument, i get tired of ending it equals the roster loses 50% of its guys

1986 -WWF ROSTER

The WWF roster for August 1986 was as follows: The Fabulous Moolah, Rowdy
Roddy Piper, George "The Animal" Steel, Andre the Giant, Pedro Morales,
"Adorable" Adrian Adonis, Tony Garea, The Magnificent Muraco, The Iron
Shiek, Hulk Hogan, The Junkyard Dog, Tito Santana, Lelanie Kai, Judy
Martin, Moondog Rex, Moondog Spot, Gregg "The Hammer" Valentine, Mike
Rotundo, Nikolia Volkoff, "The Giant" John Studd, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul
Orndorff, Brutus Beefcake, King Kong Bundy, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat,
"Cowboy" Bob Orton, Davey Boy Smith, The Dynamite Kid, Steve Lombardi, Sivi
Afi, Haku, Toma, Hillbilly Jim, B. Brian Blair, "Jump'in" Jim Brunzell,
Barry O, Brett "Hitman" Hart, Jim "The Andvil" Neidhart, Terry Funk, Dory
Funk Jr., Randy "Macho Man" Savage, "Leaping" Lanny Poffo, Corporal
Kirshener, Hercules Hernandez, Jauques Rougeau, Raymond Rougeau, Jake "The
Snake" Roberts, Cousin Luke "Golden Boy" Danny Spivey, Jimmy Jack Funk,
Billy Jack Haynes, "The King" Handsome Harley Race, "The Natural Butch
Reed, The Honkytonk Man, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Paul Roma, Jim Powers,
The Super Machine, The Big Machine.
TOTAL ROSTER: 58
cross off moolah and you got 57 male competitors with 4 hours of programming in 86

as of now you have 52 male competitiors with 4 hours of programming. nothing has changed in that regard

You can't compare 2 era's like that, plus, people forget just how popular it was back then before Cable TV exploded.

They were running 3 shows PER DAY, 300 nights a year. They had to have a roster that size just to put cards on. Plus it was alot easier to get a guy over. Just beat jobbers on TV and you were made 'must see'

When the wars started and PPV matches were given away on TV, everything sped up, no jobbers, and you can't have everyone going over.

So the amount of stars slowed down and it got less popular.

[Dave Youell]

They used to run 2-3 towns per night 5-6 nights a week with guys on the road for a month at a time back then with all day events taping 2-3 shows at a time thrown in. Hogan for example would work a show, get in a helicopter and fly to another arena in time to work the main event of another show. Which comes back to Gertner's point about lighter schedules/keeping the roster alive. The 'hours of programming' part is irrelevant.

Great minds think a like,

Also you and I had the same idea.

[NormanSmiley]

if you guys are against bringing back jobbers then there is just no point even discussing things with you. you have no taste for the best thing in life...squash matches

[CSL]

I wish there were more squash matches with local guys like there used to be. Times have changed however and a TV show full of them is no longer practical. That's what the Zack Ryder's (:() and so on are there for.

[JimmyMess]

No regular jobbers anymore unfortunately.

They are all glorified jobbers. Thats just the way she be

[NormanSmiley]

@ CSL. theres nothing more classic than the cut to of a superstar talking over his enemy's squash match on superstars or wrestling challenge to promote their showdown. really helped build a program without it being obvious who would go over

[#1-norm-fan]

I don't like the "The brand split is good because it means more people can get a push/half the successful guys wouldn't have gotten as much exposure without it" argument.

I say good. It should be difficult. I don't see why "He got his push because there are two shows now" is really a good thing. Hell, why not make Superstars it's own brand and put 4 more brands as WWE.com exclusives. Make 7 "World Titles". Imagine all the main event stars that would come out of that!!!

(Yes, I'm being a dick and exaggerating for effect. But you get the gist.)

[Dave Youell]

It's clearly a 2 league system with Smackdown being the B.

But, without it, we would not of had Cena become what he is today......

Ok, you may all have a point

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Having separate brands is still a great idea because of when they decide to break their own rules. I think the best examples of what I am talking about are The Miz, Alberto Del Rio and Michael Cole. A few years ago you would expect everybody to be on Raw or Smackdown if they were on the WWE roster. Now that everybody is supposed to be on a separate brand it gives importance to the people who seem to be above the rules of brand extension.

During the Miz's push to the WWE Championship he was on Smackdown all of the time doing double-duty being a tag team champion. They should have had Alberto Del Rio being on Raw as something like 'he paid the GM to be on Raw', but it was still awesome that he was on both shows. Of course Michael Cole became the 'voice of the WWE' doing both Raw, NXT and Smackdown for a time and then cutting it down to just Raw and Smackdown.

Two brands also acts as a fall safe for some sort of accident or delay. It's the proverbial "don't keep all of your eggs" in one basket. Remember the volcano in Europe that grounded the Raw brand in Europe? Raw would have had to been cancelled if there wasn't another brand to cover their asses. Everybody would have been in Europe and everybody would have been stranded there. Was it the best Raw ever? No, but it could have been a hell of a lot worse.

[NormanSmiley]

if they did the brands with clarification like you suggest slicky it has potential to be great, can even work to their advantage. for example.....

think back to when hardy came back after edge. he attacks him week after week til mcmahon re-instates him. they could have.. re-instated but said due to them disrupting the show hardy would have to be on smackdown. keep them away form each other except at ppv's. leading up to them tearing each other up in the rumble when they see each other. then a big blowoff at mania. instead of the quick track feud it was and they continue to do now

or like you suggest have them find ways around the rules through their character, del rio with money, or dibiase with money, or loopholes sleeping with a gm whatever.

but just to have a guy show up on a different show with no explanation it makes the whole thing seem a shitty idea

[Tom Guycott]

<a href="http://www.gifsoup.com/view/1086479/alex-wright-dancing.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=1086479&t=o" border="0"/></a><br /><a href="http://www.gifsoup.com/" title="GIFSoup" target="_blank">GIFSoup</a>

For some reason, everytime I hear Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer", I've always pictured this image in my head.

Srsly.

Also, I've bastardized Busta Rhymes' "Break Ya Neck" with the Dave Chappelle/Charlie Murphy "FUCK YOUR COUCH" quote and image.

Yes. I have problems. ^_^

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I can't get that "Everything's all right" song out of my head because I've been replaying Saints Row.

[Dukelorange]

There are a lot of good points on both sides. I think WWE needs to use BALANCE to build the talent. Everyone says that RAW is loaded with the most talent, but Smackdown is more of a wrestling oriented show. Think about this. Which brand provided the most main events (the last match of the night) at the PPVs after the brand split AND the PPV merging (remember that we used to have brand specific PPVs)?

RAW has.

Which brings the next point. To further build angles and to give wrestlers more face time, they may need to go back to brand PPVs and have Champs float on both shows.

[XL]

All I knows is...Raw and SD! need better shampoo.

[Rammsteinmad]

I wouldn't mind seeing brand-only PPV's again. Even if it's just one per show per year. It gives all the younger, smaller guys a chance to get on a PPV and show what they've got.

[Dukelorange]

I wouldn't mind seeing brand-only PPV's again. Even if it's just one per show per year. It gives all the younger, smaller guys a chance to get on a PPV and show what they've got.

Every PPV should be brand-only with the exception of Wrestlemania, Summerslam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series.

I know that Elimination Chamber, and Money in the Bank were kinda popular, but they need to keep it on the HUGE events.

Throw in a Cyber Sunday, or Bragging Rights to have us vote on dream Raw vs. Smackdown type matches. That way you can have superstars float from show to show to better flesh out inter promotional angles and start some new ones so they can come full circle if somebody gets drafted to another show.

[XL]

I don't think the brand specific PPVs were considered all that successful were they?

[whiteyford]

The buyrates dipped i think.

[Fox]

The brand-specific PPV's were nixed because the buyrates were in fact dipping and frankly they just weren't that good. You had matches taking place on PPV that had no right to be on a $40 show - RAW undercard matches and Velocity main events that nobody really wanted to see. It makes more sense to utilize your top talent for PPV events - multiple main events with multiple top drawing superstars means more buyrates.

Nobody wanted to see Bubba Ray Dudley in a semi-main event on a RAW brand PPV.

[XL]

As I thought.