Your Big Wrestling Angle

[Loose Cannon]

Hogan-Andre
Mega Powers Breakup
Flair-Savage
nWo
Fake Sting
Canada vs America (Hart Foundation)
Rock Heel Turn joining Corporation
Invasion


What do all these have in common? Well they were all pretty interesting angles that sparked interest in the product.

Over the past 2 years or so, nothing has really sparked my interest or many of the fans interest in wrestling. Sure you had Evolution, Cena, Orton, Benoit/Guerrero winning Titles, but we haven't really seen an interesting angle in a while. The angles have been good, but nothing really great. Great to the point where Raw just ended and you couldn't wait until next weeks show. I think the last one was the Invasion angle. And when I say that, I mean how we were all interested in it at the beginning, cause they fucked that one up big time.

I have been trying to think of something that would be really interesting and put wrestling back on the map again, but I just can't. Has everything been done already? I don't know and I hope not.

So here's where you guys come in. In the WWE right now at this very moment, if you had to think of a big angle to book that's going to spark a ton of interest in the product, what would you do? I know you guys have some ideas, but I don't think there has been a thread in a while which let's you get them out

If I get a few replies in here, I'll probably post a few of your ideas on the front page. Full credit to you of course. So go ahead and try to sell me and the rest of TPWW and others who come here on your BIG WRESTLING ANGLE.

[Xero]

I'm gonna state the obvious and say the return of ECW... However, done big, and done right...

First, Heyman has to be fired for something. This pisses him off and he returns a few weeks/months down the line with a former ECW star... Either have someone go out a few months/weeks before, or sign someone... For the sake of example, I'm going to say Tommy Dreamer...

Heyman and Dreamer go on a rampage, tearing through both RAW and SmackDown! Kendo sticks flying, and blade jobs abound... Then, more ECW talent come into the picture... RVD quits SmackDown! for something, say not being used correctly... He redebuts the next week on RAW with Dreamer and they interfere in a tag match...

More and more former ECW talent join the faction, and eventually start having matches against WWE wrestlers, in Hardcore matches, or "ECW Rules" Matches... They win one of the world titles, and convert it into the ECW Championship... (They would win the WWE title on SmackDown!...)

Once they get enough members, things start to brew between them... So, while battling the WWE, they start to feud with each other... This eventually gets them one to two matches on both RAW and SmackDown! each week for the ECW brand...

This goes on for months, until the WWE wrestlers start to interfere in ECW matches... This leads up to several main events at PPVs between ECW and WWE wrestlers. It all comes to a head at WrestleMania, where it is all WWE vs. ECW matches... The main event being the WWE champion (Who won the WWE title in a tournament a few months before this) vs. the ECW champion, to decide which faction will reign supreme. Of course WWE wins, but they then convert the ECW championship into a new Hardcore championship...

This all ends with a draft to see who will go from ECW to RAW or SmackDown!, and the Hardcore title being interbrand.

[loopydate]

10/11 RAW

In a backstage segment, Rosey is apologizing profusely to The Hurricane for hitting The Fan last week. "My mask got turned... I thought you were--" Hurricane interrupts him, saying that he's not pissed because of what happened. Doesn't Rosey resent having to wear this ridiculous "RC Cola Man" get-up every week? "Not really. I mean, we're entertainers, right? The fans like it, and it's fun." Whatever...

Later on that night, in a tag team match pitting Hurricane and Rosey against Christian and Tyson Tomko, Hurricane gets knocked off the apron by Tomko, allowing Christian to hit the Unprettier for the win. After the match, Hurricane enters the ring and confronts Rosey. Rosey apologizes, but Hurricane isn't having it.

10/17 Heat

The main event is Hurricane versus Steven Richards. Richards is already in the ring. "Stand back! There's a Hurricane coming through!" The green lights come on and the video plays, but there's no Hurricane! Suddenly, Richards is assaulted from behind by...Shane Helms! Helms pounds the hell out of Richards before finally hitting the Vertebreaker. Coach and Al talk about how this is a side of The Hurricane they've never seen before!

10/18 RAW (night before Taboo Tuesday)

We see a locker room door with the Hurricane logo spray-painted over and "Shane Helms" painted underneath. Rosey tries to enter, but the door's locked, and Helms isn't responding.

Later in the night, Rosey comes to the ring (without Helms) for a match against Batista. Batista just destroys Rosey, and continues his assault after the match. Helms comes tearing down the aisle with a chair and lays out Batista. The crowd goes nuts! Suddenly, Helms wheels on Rosey and knocks him out, too! He grabs a microphone.

"I've been here for three years. THREE YEARS! In my three years with this company, do you know how many real opportunities I've had to win a title? NONE! Now, I'm on the ballot for Taboo Tuesday. One of twenty guys who could be fighting Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Title. And I won't get it. Because you people would rather see Shelton Benjamin get the shot. Or Batista. Or, heaven forbid, we get another Chris Jericho/Christian match! Well, you know what? I'm sick of it! I'm sick of having to change my name to 'Gregory,' because I had the misfortune of being born with the same first name as the boss' son! I'm sick of these stupid comedy bits where I pretend to be a superhero! I'm sick of being an entertainer. My name is Shane Helms, and I'm a wrestler! Now, I know I'm not the only one who's sick and (bleep) tired of the same guys getting the same opportunities every month. Who's sick of Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Chris Benoit fighting for the World Title. Who's sick of television time - that could be used to give guys like me meaningful matches - being given over to a glorified beauty pageant and 'As The Kane Turns!' So, right now, I'm issuing a challenge. Anyone who's back there that feels the same way. Anyone in that locker room who is stuck wrestling on Heat so that Evolution can get a twenty-minute promo. Anyone in that locker room who hasn't appeared on pay-per-view in two years because the General Manager's nephew wants to be a wrestler. Anyone in that locker room who is stuck playing a (bleep) character, when all you want to do is be a wrestler. You know where to find me."

He throws down the microphone and storms off, leaving JR and the King speechless.

In the following weeks

Helms begins to amass something of an army. Guys like Sean Morley, Chuck Palumbo, and Lance Cade help Helms perform run-ins on midcard matches. Every week, someone knew joins the movement, cutting a promo on how being a porn star or a homosexual or "H.B. Cade" was making them look like a fool on national television when they deserved much better. Helms begins to drop hints about a leader. The man who inspired him to throw off his mask and embrace his true self. Speculation runs rampant that he's referring to Ric Flair, which leads to a huge blow-up between HHH and Flair, where HHH accuses Flair of trying to subvert his control over RAW. Flair swears it's not him, but Hunter doesn't believe him, possibly even having Batista "teach him a lesson" one week on RAW.

Finally, Bischoff snaps. He's sick of Helms and company ruining his show. He asks them what they want. All they want is an opportunity. He says, fine. You want an opportunity? You got it at Survivor Series. Your team wins? Pick a title match. If you lose? The mask goes back on.

Survivor Series

Shane Helms, Sean Morley, Chuck Palumbo, and Lance Cade vs. William Regal, Eugene, Rhyno, and Tajiri

On Heat before the show, Eugene is found bloodied and beaten in his team's locker room. Someone "got to the dear boy," and the prime suspect is Helms. Helms, after all, mentioned Eugene in the promo that started this whole thing. Regal needs to find a fourth member for his team.

Helms' team comes to the ring first. Rhyno and Tajiri come out, to be joined by Regal. There is a lengthy pause while the announcers speculate on who might be the fourth member of the team. "WHOOOOOOOOO!" The crowd goes absolutely apeshit for Ric Flair, who leads the team into the battle.

Tajiri is the first out after Rhyno accidentally Gores him instead of Palumbo. Palumbo then "Whacks" Rhyno for a second elimination. Morley attempts a top rope splash on Regal, but Regal gets his knees up, driving the wind out of Morley. A Regal Cutter gets the pin. Palumbo attempts to "Whack" Regal, but Regal trips him up and makes him tap to the Regal Stretch. However, before Regal realizes what's happened, Cade has entered the ring and schoolboyed him, grabbing a handful of tights for a three-count.

It's down to Helms and Cade against Flair. Flair enters the ring, and the crowd falls into a hush. Is Flair going to lay down for his new proteges? Suddenly, Eugene appears on the ramp! He dashes into the ring, and Helms and Cade hit the deck. The official tries to restrain Eugene, but Eugene accidentally elbows him in the face, knocking him out. Flair and Eugene stand together in the center of the ring, daring Helms and Cade to make a move. Suddenly, Eugene wheels around and DDTs Flair! Cade heads to the top rope and hits his diving elbow drop. A Vertebreaker from Helms gets the three-count.

The next night on RAW

Helms' group is in the ring, gloating about their victory. Bragging that they were beginning to accomplish their mission. Evolution's stranglehold on RAW was weakening, because they had made Triple H distrust Flair. But the best part of this whole situation was that they had allowed the man who made all this possible to come clean. Come on out here...Nick Dinsmore!

The "Eugene" music hits, and a newly-clean-shaven Dinsmore comes through the entrance. He does the Eugene head pat, then makes some rude gestures at the fans. He cuts a killer promo about how, for six years, he was considered one of the best technical wrestlers in the world. He'd put on five-star matches against the likes of Chris Benoit. When he finally got his opportunity to make it to the "big show," what did WWE do? Did they package him as the next big thing? Did they put him in technical matches with Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho and William Regal? No! They made him retarded! Now the truth is out. And with their victory at Survivor Series, this group is ready to announce that the title shot they want is...Nick Dinsmore against Triple H!

Armageddon

Of course, Hunter wins in a screwjob, because they're still building to a HHH/Orton match at Mania. However, Dinsmore looks amazing, and has instant credibility.

The Pros of this plan

1) It gives fantastic workers like Dinsmore, Helms, Cade, Morley, and Palumbo an upper-mid-card push.

2) It also gives them a chance to showcase their above-average (with the possible exception of Cade) mic skills.

3) It gives them a graceful excuse for getting Dinsmore out of the "Eugene" gimmick.

4) You get the next generation of main-event heels.

5) Fans will wonder every week if anyone's going to join them. Maybe even some SmackDown guys like Scott Taylor or the Bashams would start their own version of the group.

The Cons

1) These guys have been buried so badly over the years that the fans might not take them seriously.

2) It interrupts the HHH/Orton plans temporarily.

3) Cade and Morley would likely be overshadowed by their teammates.

4) It's a storyline that will take weeks to develop, and fans' attention spans may not last.

5) It still requires Triple H in the main event.

[The CyNick]

Wow, tough (good) question/topic.

I guess the easiest way to bring some quick interest in the product would be to re-unite the rosters, and work an Invasion type angle, culminating with unified champions and one roster.

But the problem with that is that I think its a short term thing, and its unlikely the WWE will go that route as long as they still have outlets for RAW and SD to air on.

But the brand extension complicates things even further because back in the day they only needed one key central angle with a couple of key stars to get people interested. But now, with two brands, you could in theory have a scenario where RAW hits on a killer angle while SD lags behind, or vice versa. So in essence they need to hit on two angles and get top guys over on both shows in order to maximize profits and really see the benefit of the brand extension.

So with that in mind, I think there needs to be different formulas used on SD and RAW. If they run the same angles on both shows it will get stale, and at that point they might as well bring the rosters together.

Ive been saying for a while that they need to look at their viewers' demographics more carefully and play off that. I heard something on WOL last night that said the first part of RAW the average age of the viewers was around 40. Yet the WWE seems to continually gear the product towards a younger demo, even though it seems those people are no longer watching.

As far as angle goes, its tough.

I think the best angles are the ones that are based partly on realism and partly on what is going on in society today. Thats what really made the Austin-McMahon thing so great. McMahon really was "da boss" and that had never really been played off on TV. On top of that, people loved the idea of seeing their hero Steve Austin kick the boss' ass. Everyone could relate to that. On top of that, the WWE had their pulse on the audience by giving them a hero who didn't smile and kiss babies, he flipped people off and whipped ass. In contrast Hulk Hogan came up during the late stages of the Cold War, and the idea of the American Hero who fought the giant enemies (maybe a representation of the power of the Soviet Union) went over like gangbusters.

Society has changed somewhat since 2001. I think people are more open to the more traditional type of hero, the guy who does the right thing and stands up to evil. I guess 9/11 had a lot to do with that change, in general it just seems with crack downs on obsenities on TV and the like, that people have moved away from a guy like Austin getting over being so rebellious.

If you look at movies, more and more, the movies that do well are fantasy stories, superhero movies, and cartoons appealing to kids. But does that or can that translate into wrestling?

I know that doesn't answer the question, in that I haven't given an angle, but its just some stuff to consider when throwing out ideas.

[Gouda]

You gather the best technical wrestlers on both shows. Only the best of the best. Have them go and defy the rules. Have them appear on both shows, doing whatever they want.

Why? Because they are sick and tired of all the crap that goes on in the WWE. They are tired of all the drama and everything. They want to get back to the wrestling, pure and simple. Have them go out night after night and kick everybody's asses.

Why do all this? Simple. To get away from feuds that revolve around some personal issues. To go back to it just being about who the better wrestler is, and the prestige of holding titles. You can still do personal issue things but only once in awhile, thus making it "special".

I think wrestling would benefit greatly.

[The Icon of Elisim]

A wrestling fireman

[The CyNick]

A wrestling fireman

I bet its been discussed

[Xero]

Vince: How about a Fir...
Triple H, Followed by the rest of the writing team: NO!
Vince: Oh... okay.... :shifty:

I'm sure there's an indy worker who has a fireman gimmick...

[Loose Cannon]

good one loopy. The only problem I have with that is that those guys would have a tough time getting over with the crowd, like you already mentioned. You need a big name with that group, IMO, to get them over.

I have an idea. I'll type it up later when I have time.

[loopydate]

good one loopy. The only problem I have with that is that those guys would have a tough time getting over with the crowd, like you already mentioned. You need a big name with that group, IMO, to get them over.

I have an idea. I'll type it up later when I have time.
I agree. That's why I threw "Eugene" in there, as he's the most established of the group. Maybe somewhere down the line, they could swerve Flair into the group. Say, for example, that Flair's so pissed at Triple H for not believing that he wasn't the "idea man" for Helms' group that he eventually does turn on Evolution to join them. It could be like when Kevin Nash mentored the Natural Born Thrillers.

[Loose Cannon]

well, I think the WWE has found the next big angle in Matt Hardy. Who would of ever thought this almost a year ago?

[#1 Pac-Man fan]

amazing how this angle started. Kane wanted to make a "sacrifice" and kidnapped Lita or something, I'm not sure exactly, but it was over a year ago.

[Loose Cannon]

yea, it's hillarious how this all came about. Kane was a heel and got Lita pregnant. Everyone basically shit all over the angle. Hardy gets injured. Then enter Gene Snitsky and he "kills" the baby and turns Kane face. There were rumors that Hardy would return and side with Kane as a heel before the whole Snitsky thing. Then Edge/Lita happens out of story. Hardy starts bitching on his website. Edge/Lita swerve Kane. We Want Matt Chants occur everywhere. And here we are today.

[Volchok]

Amazing how one shitty storyline could turn into this...and who would have thought people would be chanting " We Want Matt".

[LK]

Not to mention Eddie/Rey

[Yashamaga]

Hogan-Andre
Mega Powers Breakup
Flair-Savage
nWo
Fake Sting
Canada vs America (Hart Foundation)
Rock Heel Turn joining Corporation
Invasion





You forgot a little thing called Austin/McMahon

[LK]

DX?

[Crashnburn]

well, I think the WWE has found the next big angle in Matt Hardy. Who would of ever thought this almost a year ago?


I think Loopy's idea would work now with Hardy being the leader of the stable. Of course there would need to drop Cade out of the stable now to update the whole thing.

I personally would save Eugene's turn into Nick Dinsmore for a Kevin Spacey/Usual Suspects moment.

[Corkscrewed]

I like how one of the early ideas was an ECW invasion.

I think they pulled it off relatively well for ONS. Not to the scale we wanted, but the way they invaded was still better than WCW vs WWE.

[The CyNick]

Here's a question, because I dont want to go off on another rant on this "new boom" thing because I just finished doing that.

Where does this Hardy angle go?

In other words, if this is going to be the next big thing in wrestling, where does it go? Okay say Hardy beats Edge, great he's avenged what happened. But why do people stay into him? What makes him the next Stone Cold (which is lughable, but I'll play along).

They lucked into this angle where a small percentage (a loud percentage but very small nonetheless) of the crowd were into a situation that they turned into an angle. But why does the average fan tune in to RAW to see Hardy?

I dont think anyone really believes he doesn't work for WWE, and when he starts showing up every week even the dumbest fan will figure it out. So where is the intrigue? All he becomes at that point is a cheap Austin rip off by getting thrown out of buildings and doing run-ins when he's "banned".

Do they hope that Lita jumps on someone else's dick so they can have another program for him? Or maybe they could fire him again, and then he could bitch on his website about how sad he is.

[Crashnburn]

Here's a question, because I dont want to go off on another rant on this "new boom" thing because I just finished doing that.

Where does this Hardy angle go?

In other words, if this is going to be the next big thing in wrestling, where does it go? Okay say Hardy beats Edge, great he's avenged what happened. But why do people stay into him? What makes him the next Stone Cold (which is lughable, but I'll play along).

They lucked into this angle where a small percentage (a loud percentage but very small nonetheless) of the crowd were into a situation that they turned into an angle. But why does the average fan tune in to RAW to see Hardy?

I dont think anyone really believes he doesn't work for WWE, and when he starts showing up every week even the dumbest fan will figure it out. So where is the intrigue? All he becomes at that point is a cheap Austin rip off by getting thrown out of buildings and doing run-ins when he's "banned".

Do they hope that Lita jumps on someone else's dick so they can have another program for him? Or maybe they could fire him again, and then he could bitch on his website about how sad he is.

I understand your point however what you have presented here is a very simplistic version of it. If WWE is smart (and I know that's a big "if") it won't be just one match and it's all done. If they want to do it up right when Hardy and Edge finally do have a match they'll have Edge squeek out with the victory only for Hardy to pursue him again and again.

Also you mention that only 7% of fans are in the know. First off, I'm just wondering where this number came from. Secondly, by now, word of the situation has spread to a majority of the fans. And thirdly, if (yes, I know, another "if") WWE is smart and most likely they will turn it into a huge angle where Matt is probably going to end up getting interviewed either by Carlito, Jericho, or even JR. So the whole story is going to come out any ways. And if it done well the fans are going to be behind Hardy because of 1) sympathy for being screwed over and 2) he'll be the new anti-hero like Austin as you mentioned. (Note: I'm not saying that he'll be as big as Austin. I'm just saying he'll be like Austin.)

[The CyNick]

7% is just a number that I'm throwing out there, but its definately no more than 10. Thats just going by how many people visit these websites and how many people watch RAW and SD.

I'm just disagreeing with people who think Hardy can be the next big thing, or that this is some boom that is coming off this angle. That idea is quite frnkyl absurd. Hardy will be turned on very quickly when people realize what a whiny bitch he is. Sure its easy to cheer for a guy who was off TV for a long time, but its not going to last when people see him in angles on TV every week.

Hardy is hot right now because a small umber of fans know about how he was fired because his girl slept around, but I still dont see people staying behind him once this deal with Edge is done. Like I said, are they going to have all the heels screw Lita so Hardy has a program? I mean she'll probably do that anyway, but still.

I'm just saying this angle has no legs, and the idea of working angles for such a small percentage of the audience is suicide.

[Loose Cannon]

I couldn't tell you if this angle will be successful and I'm sure nobody could. You just never know, especially in wrestling. But from where I am sitting and from what I am hearing from casual fans (the one's I know) they are extremely interested in this whole Hardy deal. They want to watch next week to see if Hardy will show up again. I felt like I was in 1998 again when I was having conversations with them.

[Fox]

(Backstage at a WWE event: Paul Heyman walks into the creative department where a group of men and women are having a meeting)

Paul Heyman: Hey guys.

All: Hey Paul, etc, etc.

Paul Heyman: Listen, I have an idea for the WWE that will skyrocket them back to the popularity and media attention of the Attitude era. It involves ECW, the nWo, and D-Generation-X in a huge, dual-brand angle that I think will really make a splash.

Brian Gerwitz: Um... thanks Paul, but no thanks.

Paul Heyman: What? Don't you want to help the WWE? Will you just listen to me for five minutes?

Brian Gerwitz: I'm sorry, we're very busy.

Paul Heyman: .....this is a huge angle that could draw big money.

(Writers look at each other; dumbfounded)

Brian Gerwitz: Weeee... don't do that anymore.

[.44 Magdalene]

I had an idea for the Hardy / Edge angle, but I don't know how plausible or even possible it is.

Have Edge attack Hardy at ROH.

Seriously. Let him do his match, so nobody bitches about interruptions, but then have Edge break through the crowd, tossing off a disguise or whatever and beat the shit out of him. I don't know if it's possible, but imagine the kind of attention all parties involved would get. WWE would end up plugging ROH. The Edge / Matt thing would AGAIN make at least a few people question their sanity.

Then wait.

Tease. Have other wrestlers make fun of Edge. Have Edge get strange phonecalls. NEVER. SHOW. MATT. HARDY. Just keep the teases up. Have little video malfunctions, so for a moment, just a moment...Edge looks like he's coming out to Matt's entrance (with the CPU look and all). But for the most part, keep it in the background. Make Edge...erm...edgy, but make it look like it's all over and it was just a one shot deal with Matt. Marks will think it was all a shoot, Smarks will think Matt was just on a one-night thing before heading off to ROH forever. And then, at a Smackdown / RAW mixed PPV...

...introduce the newest wrestler of Smackdown to poor, confused Edge, possibly during his cash-in briefcase thing whatever the fuck you call it. Pull up the Matt video.

Matt Fact: Matt likes to surprise his friends.

Edge gets injured for a little while, Matt goes to Smackdown!, and on his first real show he comes out to possibly that Punisher gimmick he was talking about, if it's still applicable. Everyone's happy, maybe?

[The Naitch]

John Cena & The Chain Gang

WWE should try to get some huge big name rapper in this angle. Have someone like 50 Cent or Jay Z, or whatever be the guest ref at Wrestlemania.

[The Naitch]

John Cena
Rey Mysterio
Torrie Wilson
Teddy Long

The Chain Gang

[The Naitch]

oh wait, forgot Cena is on RAW now

[Anybody Thrilla]

Fake Sting wasn't that interesting. I thought it was pretty fucking stupid, really.