The Daily Mail Ain't Happy

[Cool King]

But then again, what else is new?

Blonde WWE star slammed for using MH17 tragedy as tasteless storyline in grudge match between Russian and American wrestlers

Russian-themed characters incorporated the MH17 disaster into their act

'Lana' - played by actress C.J Perry - said Russia was not to blame
She spoke in a fake and hammy accent to voice support for Russian regime

Earlier she had dedicated the match to her 'hero' and 'idol' Vladimir Putin
U.S.-born actress also said Russian president 'makes fools' out of Americans

Two Russian-themed WWE wrestling characters have sparked outrage by incorporating the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 disaster into their act.

In a show last night, the characters 'Lana' and 'Alexander Rusev' launched into an anti-American rant in which they made reference to the flight MH17 being shot down and hailed Russian president Vladimir Putin for 'making fools' out of the U.S..

The Rusev and Lana roles often use Cold War-style rhetoric as part of their act, but their mention of last week's MH17 disaster, in which 298 people died, has shocked the wrestling community.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/07/21/article-2699766-1FD6656B00000578-471_634x591.jpg
Controversial: The 'Lana' charter played by C.J. Perry made reference to flight MH17 being shot down and hailed Russian president Vladimir Putin for 'making fools' out of the U.S.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/07/21/article-2699766-1FD661D200000578-948_634x632.jpg
Reference to MH17: As she walked out to a chorus of boos, the Lana character - played by actress C.J. Perry - said in a hammy Russian accent: 'You blame Russia for the recent current events?'

The controversial MH17 comments came during a grudge match between the on the WWE Battleground show on Sunday night.

As she walked out to a chorus of boos, the Lana character - played by actress C.J. Perry - said in a hammy Russian accent: 'You blame Russia for the recent current events?'

Earlier, she said: 'Tonight we dedicate this match to the most powerful man in the world. Tonight we dedicate this match the man that makes fools out of all of you Americans.'

'He is my role model. The is my idol. The president of Russia,' she added as an image of Vladimir Putin was displayed on big screens around the arena.

The image was greeted with audible anger inside the venue, with fans booing and shouting anti-Russian slogans.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/07/21/article-2699766-1FD6657400000578-180_634x274.jpg
Outrage: The Rusev and Lana roles often use Cold War-style rhetoric as part of their act, but their mention of last week's MH17 disaster, in which 298 died, has shocked the wrestling community

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/07/21/article-2699766-1FD6657A00000578-596_634x269.jpg
Shocking: Wrestling fans took to Twitter to voice their anger at the mention of flight MH17

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/07/21/article-2699766-1FD661D600000578-938_634x632.jpg
Role: WWE's Lana character is played by the American actress, who spent several years of her childhood in the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic in the Soviet Union

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/07/21/article-2699766-1FD65F0300000578-258_634x358.jpg~
In early May this year, C.J. Perry's charter Lana began dedicating Rusev's matches to her 'hero', the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. She also ramped up her anti-American rhetoric


The characters involved in the controversy entered the world of WWE in January, amid heightened tensions between Russia and the U.S. over the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine.

The Rusev character is played by Bulgarian Miroslav Barnyashev, with his storyline focusing on the wrestler's move from the Balkans to Russia, and becoming a hardline supporter of Putin.

The use of a foreign 'baddie' to cause controversy is nothing new in the world of wrestling.

In 2005 WWE introduced the character Muhammad Hassan, a Middle Eastern Muslim wrestler who would often pray in the ring and speak about prejudice against Arabs - both of which were often greeted by boos.

The character came to an abrupt end when a controversial 'terrorism' storyline coincided with the 7/7 London bombings, leading television networks to pressure WWE into removing the character.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2699766/Blonde-WWE-star-slammed-using-MH17-tragedy-tasteless-storyline-grudge-match-Russian-American-wrestlers.html

[Cool King]

Also, out of all the "non-WWE" pictures of her, they used one of her in her bra and one in a bikini.

Classic Daily Mail.

[Cool King]

But anyway, did anyone here actually think it went too far and they're appalled at the WWE for this?

Or are we all just cool with it and know that this is just "Vince being Vince" or whatever?

[el bobbo]

That bikini pic is great. I wonder what the article is about.

[drave]

At the end of the day, they have done exactly what they set out to do. This will be this generations way of generating heat - incorporate real life into their world. Ever since the proverbial "curtain was pulled back" the industry has needed something to take it to the next level. Muhammad Hassan was a great heel and the way they executed his promos with the masked men and "strangling" Undertaker, etc. they had a great character on their hands.

The gimmick also has some staying power, as current events are changing daily and Russia almost always has something to do with something. Cheap? Maybe..... but very effective.

[Cool King]

The thing is, with Hassan, the media assumed that what Hassan did to The Undertaker was in reference to the London bombings. They assumed that the masked men were terrorists and that Hassan himself was the gimmick of a terrorist.

Now, the media is doing the exact same thing. It's all assumption. They're assuming that Lana was talking about the plane crash, even though she said "recent events", which could easily be referencing the Ukraine/Russia conflict and not necessarily the plane crash.

Though to be fair, a part of me does think the plane crash was being referenced.

But Vince must be loving the publicity, as I'm sure the WWE's defence will be Lana saying "recent events" and then claiming she was referencing the conflict and not the crash.

[drave]

Whether they assumed what they did then and are assuming now, that is exactly what they are: Assumptions.

They can piss and moan all they want, but it isn't going away anytime soon. And hell yes the plane crash was being referenced, at least to anyone that is up on "current events". Surely direct reference would have put them in a very negative light, but as you stated, they can shift it to the conflict itself and not just a specific incident of said conflict.

It is.... how do you say..... best for business this way.

[Kingofdaswing]

Wrestling is so irrelevant now in main stream media, it doesn't really matter what they do. Besides, their target audience is around 10 - 13, these kids have little to no knowledge of what is happening over in Ukraine. All the others who watch, know that it is scripted and could careless.

[drave]

So they do care though, at least a little bit. Just want to be clear on this serious business rassle talk.

[drave]

Wrestling is so irrelevant now in main stream media, it doesn't really matter what they do. Besides, their target audience is around 10 - 13, these kids have little to no knowledge of what is happening over in Ukraine. All the others who watch, know that it is scripted and could careless.

Quite sure they are very relevant, to be honest. "Main stream" media has always and will always look down on sports entertainment, that isn't new. However, if Lana had directly referred to the plane being shot down, the media would be all over it like a fat tick on a lazy dog, you follow?

Don't be so ignorant.

[erickman]

lets see if swagger can use this to be a babyface and not screw it up

[drave]

lets see if swagger can use this to be a babyface and not screw it up

Exactly.

[Sepholio]

WWE issued the following statement earlier today concerning the mainstream media's negative reaction to Lana's promo at last night's WWE Battleground PPV referencing the Malaysia Airlines tragedy in Ukraine:

"Last night's segment during WWE's Battleground event was in no way referring to the Malaysia Airlines tragedy. The storyline with characters Rusev and Lana has been a part of WWE programming for more than 3 months. WWE apologizes to anyone who misunderstood last night's segment and was offended."

Source: The Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online

[Sepholio]

LULz. This is exactly why she said 'current events' in the promo. They knew this would happen and they wanted the publicity because they have plausible deniability here.

[Cool King]

Yup, just like I thought would happen.

Well played Vince. Well played.

He got his publicity.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

When did the British Media turn into such pussies?

[Cool King]

When did the British Media turn into such pussies?

Also, American Media.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/07/20/wwe-alludes-to-malaysian-airlines-filght-17-during-battleground-and-it-did-not-go-over-so-well/

[Cool King]

And this is The Daily Mail we're talking about.

They get pissy about anything that isn't Princess Diana.

[road doggy dogg]

LANAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

[DAMN iNATOR]

World War I started 100 years ago next Monday, but if you ask the folks at the Daily News, who REALLY have their collective fingers on the pulse of the world, it's STILL too soon to talj about.

"Hey guys, let's do a write-up about a speech given at a wrestling show that wasn't controversial at all and say it was to CREATE a controversy. And let's be sure to rush it to press without checking facts too. Readers LOVE that!"

Was checking out results last night after the show and USA TODAY had some article re: The Usos vs. Rowan and Harper. Got some weird-ass error when the page couldn't load for some reason, but it's definitely pretty rare for mainstream media to cover a wrestling show, let alone a match from a show unless it's WM-related. Still interesting to see. It shows that WWE is actually getting people talking about their product, and I'm sure they'd love to have word-of-mouth go around and atract new fans and demos.

[Cool King]

And let's be sure to rush it to press without checking facts too. Readers LOVE that!"

Judging by the article, the only thing that was checked, was Lana's Wikipedia page.

[drave]

It is a tabloid, so.... working as intended I guess.

[Seth82]

heh the daily fail is looked at as a joke anyway.

not surprised they got their panties in a twist about this.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Also, American Media.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/07/20/wwe-alludes-to-malaysian-airlines-filght-17-during-battleground-and-it-did-not-go-over-so-well/

It's in their blog section. Not news.

[Wehttam]

not surprised they got their panties in a twist about this.
you used to get so upset when someone mentioned you wear a dress.

why are you such a hypocrite, seth?

[DAMN iNATOR]

Judging by the article, the only thing that was checked, was Lana's Wikipedia page.

And maybe Google Image Search with the terms

● "WWE Lana bra"
● "WWE Lana bikini"

Let's face it. They wanted an excuse to see her scantily clad, and who could blame them? :shifty:

[DAMN iNATOR]

you used to get so upset when someone mentioned you wear a dress.

why are you such a hypocrite, seth?

Matthew spelled backwards taking a turn-of-phrase and using it to bully the poster who dared utter said turn-of-phrase. :n:

Clearly this is the work of former poster and Wrestling Forum mod Juan, who now lurks, looking for every opportunity for wannabe "heel" posters to PM them with advice on how to become as great a bully as he once was.

[road doggy dogg]

what the fuck did you just say

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Juan was only ever a Wrestling Q+A mod right? You be tripping Damn.

[Kingofdaswing]

WWE again, like they did with Zeb, breaking Kayfabe, and once again showing why no one will take them seriously, and why they will never reach the popularity they once had.

[Cool King]

It's in their blog section. Not news.

An American newspaper has an article about something on their site. It's news, regardless of where it is on a newspaper website.

But if you want to be like that, then here:

http://nypost.com/2014/07/21/pro-wrestlers-stun-audience-with-tasteless-schtick-about-flight-mh17/

A UK tabloid (Daily Mail) is talking about it on their site, and so is an American tabloid. The New York Post. No blogs or anything like that, just straight from the front page of their site.

A lot of news outlets are talking about the WWE, and I'm sure Vince is happy at that.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

You are incorrect. Opinion is not news. Unless the person is noteworthy enough that the news is that somebody has an opinion on something.

NY Post has hated wrestling for years, but at least it's in their news section.

[Kingofdaswing]

If Vince was happy, why issue an apology?

Did they issue one when Sgt. Slaughter was siding with Sadam Hussien during the war? I don't think so, and I would say that is much worse.

I understand that they are a publicly traded company, and one that has lost a lot on their stock price, but come on, it's theater. Does fox issue an apology for 24? How often does South Park, or Family guy issue apologies?

You break character, you lose the storyline. Much like what happened with Zeb and Swagger with the illegals. They issue an apology for that, and the story is screwed.

[thedarkness214]

Whether they assumed what they did then and are assuming now, that is exactly what they are: Assumptions.

They can piss and moan all they want, but it isn't going away anytime soon. And hell yes the plane crash was being referenced, at least to anyone that is up on "current events". Surely direct reference would have put them in a very negative light, but as you stated, they can shift it to the conflict itself and not just a specific incident of said conflict.

It is.... how do you say..... best for business this way.

Wh3th3r $h3 w@z cumm1ng th3n 0r w@z cumm1ng n0w, th@t 1z wh@t $h3 d1d,,, $h3 c@m,,,,

$h3 c@n p!zz @nd m0@n @ll $h3 w@ntz,,,, but 1t !$nt g01ng @w@y @nyt1m3 $00n,,,, @nd h3ll y3Z th3 fuk-f3$t w@z r3f3r3nc3d,,, @t l3@$t @ny0n3 th@t 1z up 0n "b3d t1m3 3v3ntz",,, $ur3ly d1r3ct r3f3r3c3 0f r1ck fukk1ng y0ur m0m 1n @ v3ry p0$!t!v3 l1ght,,, but @z y0u $T@t3d th3y c@n $h1ft th3 c0nfl1ct 1t$3lft 0r n0t ju$t @ $p3c1f1c 1ncn1d3nt 0f th3 $@1d c0nfl1ct,,,

1t 1z h0w y0u $@y,,,, m0mmyz fuk b3$t,,,,,,

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<marquee direction=left>Die TNA Rick</marquee>

[thedarkness214]

<marquee direction=left>Die TNA Rick</marquee>

<marquee direction=left> TNA Rick @ND Y0UR M0M 4 L1F3,,,,,,,</marquee>

[Cool King]

You are incorrect. Opinion is not news. Unless the person is noteworthy enough that the news is that somebody has an opinion on something.

NY Post has hated wrestling for years, but at least it's in their news section.

lol ok.

[Outsider]

As with pretty much any news story ever, the Independent's coverage is better: http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/it-was-tasteless-but-no-surprise-for-a-wrestling-fan-that-the-wwe-referenced-the-mh17-crash-9619172.html

Weirdly, the Indy has been doing a lot of decent WWE coverage recently. Definitely not something I would have expected.

[Kingofdaswing]

As with pretty much any news story ever, the Independent's coverage is better: http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/it-was-tasteless-but-no-surprise-for-a-wrestling-fan-that-the-wwe-referenced-the-mh17-crash-9619172.html

Weirdly, the Indy has been doing a lot of decent WWE coverage recently. Definitely not something I would have expected.

Great article, and sums it up perfectly.

[thedarkness214]

Great article, and sums it up perfectly.



Y0ur m0m cumz 1t up p3rf3ctly,,,,

[DAMN iNATOR]

Switched over to The Daily Show once I knew the last few minutes of RAW would be the video package for Brock and Heyman hyping the match vs. Cena and naturally being the Monday edition of the show and not having been on-air since Thursday they were covering the Malaysian Airlines flight 17 story.

Sure enough, Jon Stewart now being the openly-pro WWE fanatic he is actually used a few seconds of footage from the speech Lana gave at Battleground Sunday, briefly yelled at her for asking if Russia was really to blame for the disaster, recapped Rusev/Swagger, detailed the whole Real Americans tag team and how it featured Swagger and Cesaro and even worked in a SummerSlam reference. All of that before seeing how quiet the audience had become before noting, "wrong room."

[Shisen Kopf]

Juan was only ever a Wrestling Q+A mod right? You be tripping Damn.

he was the worst Mod ever. He was a bully and got mad when you disagreed with his ever so wrong and stupid opinions. Kinda mad at Triple A for letting illegals be mods here.

[erickman]

well looks like they ended the swagger rusev fued swagger has another screwed up push.