WWE and their "political liabilities"

[Rock Bottom]

I have to say, I can understand why marines would be upset that Orton was in a movie. I mean, if that means something to you - someone being dishonorably discharged - fine. I figure this is the reason Orton was jobbed out to Kane though. Kane winning isn't a horrible thing either, the guy's been with the company through a lot. It does look like Orton is going to have to take a step back until this thing blows over.

In today's business, it is to be expected that Orton is going to have to take a step back (not that he's been doing anything interesting lately) because of this, but personally, I think it sucks. I mean, I can understand it, but regardless of what happened with Orton and the military pre-WWE, I still think he's easily one of the top five wrestlers on the roster today.

Point being, if the WWE is going to continue with this kissing of the military's ass, they need to tread more carefully so they don't hurt their own stars. It's bad for Orton, and it's bad for business. If they're going to have to answer to gay activists when CM Punk says something at a house show in Australia, they should really know better.

The idea that they're a public company, and trying to keep an image and all that isn't a bad thing, but so far their execution is fucking horrible. I'm sure we've all wondered what is so "anti-bully" about the WWE anyway.

Any other thoughts?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I think having somebody wear camo who never even thought about serving is a bigger discredit than having Randy Orton in the Marine 3. Rather have somebody try and fail then never try at all and play solider.

[Rock Bottom]

I think if they were smart, they'd roll with this, and turn Orton heel, but, whatever. They have enough going on, I guess.

I do agree about the camo thing, but not everyone gets offended that non-soldiers wear it. I think Cena is genuine enough to mean it as a tribute to soldiers, which fits with the ass-kissing the WWE does. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for the fact that we do have soldiers. I don't agree with that people have them doing all the time, but that's something else entirely.

And, to be honest, the camo does look way better than jorts.

[Wishbone]

I agree with WWE's decision here on Orton. Pissing off the United States' military isn't exactly something you want to do, especially over a movie that's going to right to dvd. As for Cena wearing camo I agree that it's better than the jean shorts he wears, and honestly I don't see a problem with someone non-military wearing camo. I mean people do it all the time. Hell HBK wore a camo vest once on RAW.

[Fignuts]

Doubt the marine stuff had anything to do with Orton losing.

Probably has more to do with WWE trying to keep Kane a main event threat, after his loss to Cena.

[James Steele]

I think having somebody wear camo who never even thought about serving is a bigger discredit than having Randy Orton in the Marine 3. Rather have somebody try and fail then never try at all and play solider.

It isn't like Orton "couldn't make it" as a marine, he was a chickenshit who went AWOL at least twice and was dishonorably discharged from the military.

[Avenger]

I think it is ridiculous that any organisation feels the need to pander to the military the way that the WWE do.

The military in the USA seem to have carte blanche and are seen as some sort of super-human force that must be worshipped in the USA -- they are not and it is stupid.

They are just the military. Some of them do a dangerous job, but so do those in other fields. They are far from perfect and should be properly held accountable given the ridiculous amount of state funding they receive.

The WWE should fucking wise up and cut this shit out.

[James Steele]

It's easy PR and makes them much more appealing to their stereotypical "blue collar conservative" fan and sponsors.

[KaosDarksol]

Shouldn't have put him in the role in the first place

[Avenger]

It's easy PR and makes them much more appealing to their stereotypical "blue collar conservative" fan and sponsors.

Plus Linda McMahon is attempting to run away and join the circus again.

[RVDmark]

It isn't like Orton "couldn't make it" as a marine, he was a chickenshit who went AWOL at least twice and was dishonorably discharged from the military.

Chicken shit or not dumb enough to get shot at for money?

[Ruien]

Coming from someone that was in the military, it is a fucking movie get over yourself. It is for entertainment purposes, not to eduacate someone how to act while in the marines.

[Ultra Mantis]

You'd think the Marines would be more concerned about their name being attached to such a fucking horrible series of movies.

[James Steele]

If Orton hadn't gone AWOL and been dishonorably discharged, I don't think they would give a shit.

[JimmyMess]

And I highly doubt this had anything to do with him losing to Kane.

[whiteyford]

If Orton hadn't gone AWOL and been dishonorably discharged, I don't think they would give a shit.

[Next Big Thing]

I don't think anyone should read into this too much. Orton has been one of their top guys for almost 10 years and his dishonorable discharge has been common knowledge; I believe Rock mocked him about his time as a Marine during the Evolution/Rock & Foley feud.

In that time, WWE has done Tribute to the Troops and Orton wrestled on almost all of them with no complaints from soldiers or military officials. Randy's removal from the movie should be viewed as an isolated incident where it's clearly inappropriate to have someone who went AWOL and was dishonorably discharged from the Marines to play a marine and nothing more.

Also, Barrett vs. Orton was clearly the match and feud they were going for heading into Mania. Barrett's injury changed that. I think this feud with Kane is a placeholder program that gives him something to do instead of interjecting him in another storyline.

[Next Big Thing]

I think it is ridiculous that any organisation feels the need to pander to the military the way that the WWE do.

The military in the USA seem to have carte blanche and are seen as some sort of super-human force that must be worshipped in the USA -- they are not and it is stupid.

They are just the military. Some of them do a dangerous job, but so do those in other fields. They are far from perfect and should be properly held accountable given the ridiculous amount of state funding they receive.

The WWE should fucking wise up and cut this shit out.

Not to turn this into a political debate, but I think you're off here. There's nothing wrong with acknowledging and appreciating the military servicemen. They get more media and national attention than those in other fields because they represent the entire country, whereas most civil servants are state specific (e.g., someone in New York may not give a damn about the police force in Oklahoma). It's also important to point out that it's not so much the military as an organization as much as it is the soldiers and personnel. There's plenty of disdain and questioning of the politicians and commanding officers who dictate what they do.

As far as accountability goes, when U.S. soldiers fuck up, the media does a good job of informing the public whether it's Abu Ghraib or the bastards who pissed on corpses. Compared to almost every other military force in the world, the U.S. goes to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties and ensure that only enemy combatants are engaged as opposed to a country like Israel, which seems to be able to do no wrong despite the fact that it responds to terrorist attacks committed by a few by indiscriminately bombing Palestinian housing settlements and schools with little regard for the innocent men, women and children they kill.

And the truth is, it's not like Americans are running around waving flags and bowing to soldiers everyday. Most of the time, when they're acknowledged it's a PR move or holiday. The majority of military vets are afterthoughts once they come home.

[Gonzo]

...Compared to almost every other military force in the world, the U.S. goes to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties and ensure that only enemy combatants are engaged as opposed to a country like Israel...

Don't forget those unmanned drone strikes.

[Droford]

Can't wait for The Marine 4 starring Sheamus

[Nicky Fives]

Can't wait for The Marine 4 starring Sheamus

The Marine 4: Ghost Protocol

:shifty:

[Vastardikai]

I just hope that Orton's acting is better than his selling.

[Hanso Amore]

LOL at thinking not having served means you cant wear camouflage.

[Rock Bottom]

LOL at thinking not having served means you cant wear camouflage.

It's true, some people who are sensitive about it find it insulting.

[Rock Bottom]

http://www.uni-watch.com/how-do-military-personnel-feel-about-camouflage-jerseys/

Most of them seem like this though.

“I have been serving in the US army for the last four and a half years. Theoretically, I have no issue with teams wearing camo uniforms. I mean, I appreciate what they are trying to do. But the problem is they all look stupid. I cannot think of a way that a team could do such a design without it looking ridiculous.” — Kyle Harris

[Mr. Nerfect]

Doubt the marine stuff had anything to do with Orton losing.

Probably has more to do with WWE trying to keep Kane a main event threat, after his loss to Cena.

This. With the WWE clearly having plans to go to Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio, Orton needed something to do at Extreme Rules and putting over a well-respected veteran who is looking to stabilise his heat is pretty much a good booking decision. Orton should win the feud, but it's clear that it's not ending just yet.

If Orton were being punished for anything, I would think that it's the guy's general attitude in interviews where he pretty much says that he's on a level that no one else can reach -- including the current stars that they are trying to build up. And even that I would doubt.

I've not heard about this backlash from Orton being cast in The Marine 3, but not being from the US, I don't really care about their military propaganda bullshit (with all due respect to those who serve) and care even less about WWE Films. The WWE really shouldn't have cast him in the first place. They probably should have done another one with Ted DiBiase in the lead again. It at least gives Teddy something to do.