Personas vs. Gimmicks

[the Illusionist]

How many good gimmicks do they (WWE) actually have? Personas are way more well structured and solid, leaving room for development. Gimmicks are more one dimensional and are as is. For example, Undertaker is a gimmick; Edge is a persona. I'd say it's about time WWE starts working more on personas...rather than these sad, would be over wrestlers like Boogeyman and Eugene.

[thedamndest]

They have, for the most part, phased them out as far as solo wrestlers go, but for some reason they give new tag teams "gimmicks." Boogeyman is an old guy, and probably would just blend into the roster and/or job out if he was a persona of Marty Wright. Jimmy Wang Yang kills me every time he talks. Conversely, Eugene's gimmick is stale, and he would probably get way over (not hard compared to now) if they dropped it. Same with Vito, although I don't know if anything can save him now. If used sparingly, gimmicks can still work, but for the most part are products of twenty years ago.

[jindrak]

I think a persona usually evolves from a gimmick.

For example, Kane. He was introduced as UT's long lost brother who survived a fire from his childhood that left him scarred. From that, he became an unforgiving monster out to destroy whoever was placed in front of him. He was ruthless and sinister, and those are personality traits evolving from a gimmick.

[the Illusionist]

For smackdown to really shine, they need to stop acting like such a fucking circus. Greasers, devils and royalty just make it so much more of a novelty act. WWE keeps trying to reclaim the 18-34 demographic...but they'll never do that as long as they have humor marks running around.

[the Illusionist]

I think a persona usually evolves from a gimmick.

For example, Kane. He was introduced as UT's long lost brother who survived a fire from his childhood that left him scarred. From that, he became an unforgiving monster out to destroy whoever was placed in front of him. He was ruthless and sinister, and those are personality traits evolving from a gimmick.

huh. good point. but you got my distinction, right?i was just trying to differentiate the two.

[The Cock]

they need both

and it depends on who the wrestler is

[.44 Magdalene]

Even after all these years, Undertaker is still ridiculously over with the crowds. People who haven't watched wrestling in years always ask me "is the Undertaker still in it?" when they overhear me in a wrestling conversation. Gimmicks may be "one dimensional," but the casual fan can remember them. A personality is alot harder to catch on. Someone without a gimmick--with just a "persona"--might look generic at first glance, and in this day and age of rampant "blue chippers" and "hosses," you desperately WANT to stand out.

I'd like to point out that "beer drinking redneck" would probably fall under the category of gimmick. You could argue that a "real American" who tells kids to take their vitamins and pray, and rips his shirt off all the time and "hulks up" when the chips are down isn't exactly a "persona." I sure as fuck don't know anybody like that in real life. Likewise, the cocky loudmouth that refers to himself in third person. These aren't personas. They're gimmicks, and they're memorable.

John Cena was over when he had a gimmick. People enjoyed the goofy rapping. Now that he's just some guy in camo who never loses, he's boring as fuck all. I know that's not the only thing wrong with Cena, but you can't tell me that it's not involved. Really, I'd love to see a solid list of over wrestlers with "personas." You mentioned Edge, but I still see Edge as being a top heel by necessity, and because of that shit with Lita. Randy Orton can barely stay anywhere near the top for any extended period of time.

It's not really that fucking hard to develop a gimmick the same way you'd develop a persona. I don't see why it has to be "Oh shit, a gimmick? This character will never change." People used to bitch quite a bit that TNA's X Division didn't have any distinction between the wrestlers--they're all just small guys that do spots. Yeah, they have their own looks and personalities, but somebody tuning in once or twice won't remember their individual personas. You can remember Abyss. He's the huge guy with the mask and the chain. You can remember Ron Killings. He's the black guy that does the crazy dances. You can even remember Christopher Daniels pretty well, with the robes and the hand signals and the Ihmotep look. Good luck remembering Austin Starr (or Austin Aries, or whatever he is now), or any member of ex-Team Canada outside of Petey Williams (and even then, he's only memorable if you've seen his finisher).

You can't say it's a matter of persona vs gimmick, because WWE's doing a shitty job with BOTH OF THEM. There's no reason to believe persona is better. I know, someone's gonna jump in here with "LOL BUT KIDS TODAY LIKE THE UFC AND REALISM AND SHIT." Okay. There's not alot of over "personas" in WWE, regardless. The ones that ARE pretty memorable have at least a little stake in a gimmick.

[Batsu]

They have, for the most part, phased them out as far as solo wrestlers go, but for some reason they give new tag teams "gimmicks." Boogeyman is an old guy, and probably would just blend into the roster and/or job out if he was a persona of Marty Wright. Jimmy Wang Yang kills me every time he talks. Conversely, Eugene's gimmick is stale, and he would probably get way over (not hard compared to now) if they dropped it. Same with Vito, although I don't know if anything can save him now. If used sparingly, gimmicks can still work, but for the most part are products of twenty years ago.

someone needs to write that last line in bold letters to WWE.

For smackdown to really shine, they need to stop acting like such a fucking circus. Greasers, devils and royalty just make it so much more of a novelty act. WWE keeps trying to reclaim the 18-34 demographic...but they'll never do that as long as they have humor marks running around.

the same could be said for wrestling as a whole, but it really sticks out like a sore thumb in WWE.

For example, in retrospect, I think I like what Undertaker seemed like he was going to be when he showed up at Judgement Day 2000 and definitely on his last run as a heel feuding with the likes of Brock Lesnar and RVD, out for "respect" more than I like his return to the "Deadman" gimmick. And it's only because the way the Undertaker has been presented ever since seems stuck in 1993.

At least they're reducing his on-screen appearance to something "special" instead of having him on every show.

But yeah, the over-the-top gimmicks like Vito, Boogeyman, and the like... just suck nowadays.

Not saying that every persona is great (see: John Cena's current "Marine" incarnation -- as the throwback wearing, trash-talking heel, he was classic), but the difference between Rated RKO and the Boogeyman is like miles apart.

JBL actually became much more entertaining (though his ringwork still sucked) as "JBL" than he ever was in any other incarnation he had in WWE.

I really thought, that when the likes of Randy Orton, John Cena, and others initially debuted in WWE, that the program was sort of moving toward a "WCW"-like old school revival.

[Kane Knight]

http://news.softpedia.com/images/news2/The-Island-Actress-Scarlett-Johansson-Shocked-By-Her-Own-Breasts-2.jpg

[Jeritron]

Main event: Personas
Midcard: Personas in development
Lower midcard: Gimmicks

It's really always been that way. Even in the almighty attitude era everyone wants back the midcard was Val Venis the pornstar, Godfather the pimp, Big Bossman, Sexual Chocolate, RTC and all that stuff.
It's all filler and entertainment, its the main eventers in training (IC division), the entire main event scene (all personas) and a tag team division with a mix of persona and gimmick teams that works the best.

[Stickman]

http://news.softpedia.com/images/news2/The-Island-Actress-Scarlett-Johansson-Shocked-By-Her-Own-Breasts-2.jpg


I just ejaculated. Even though that is a man.

[the wwe champion]

I am convinced bro.

[Kane Knight]

I just ejaculated. Even though that is a man.

Is it really, or are you just being Rhiannon?

[Stickman]

Is it really, or are you just being Rhiannon?

The latter

[Kane Knight]

Kinda thought so, but she actually does look a little...Well.

I just did a random google search on "boobs."

[Kane Knight]

On the topic, the difference is semantic.

[Kane Knight]

Now, to save this topic:

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[thedamndest]

He's back, and this time he's concentrating on gold!

[Jura]

Then he gets speared by Goldberg. Shalom!

[Kane Knight]

Mozzeltoff!

I spelled it wrong.

[the Illusionist]

Now, to save this topic:

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idiots like you kill the topic. cant keep to a simple, casual discussion then post your shit somewhere else.

[.44 Magdalene]

I already ruined Christmas for the original topic. KK has the right idea.

[Kane Knight]

idiots like you kill the topic. cant keep to a simple, casual discussion then post your shit somewhere else.

If it's so casual, why do you get so anal about people being off topic?

[Kane Knight]

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I don't have a Hitler obsessions, BTW. Just wanted to post something, and Mel Brooks came to mind.,

[Kane Knight]

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[the Illusionist]

If it's so casual, why do you get so anal about people being off topic?

the discussion's nature about the TOPIC is casual. if it's assholes like you who have nothing worth value except stupid random shit and thin you're funny, well then you're just fucking useless.not even addding script doesnt add to the conversation either.

[addy2hotty]

What is everyone's favourite type of cheese?

[the Illusionist]

fuck you.

[Kane Knight]

the discussion's nature about the TOPIC is casual. if it's assholes like you who have nothing worth value except stupid random shit and thin you're funny, well then you're just fucking useless.not even addding script doesnt add to the conversation either.

:rofl:

Translation: WAAAAAAAA! ME NO SPEAK ENGRISH WAAAAAAA!

[.44 Magdalene]

Swiss... or good ol' American.


Because I am Swiss American.







OHYEAH

[Kane Knight]

Does that mean you're processed and nasty with holes in you at random intervals?

[.44 Magdalene]

HELLSYEAH

[Kane Knight]

Sweet.

[.44 Magdalene]

Prior to me posting this exact post, my post count was 969.


THAT'S LIKE AN ORGY, RITE?

















AAHYEAH

[Kane Knight]

Mine was 96,969 a while back. :D

[.44 Magdalene]

That's a HUGE FUCKIN' ORGY


OHYEAH HELLSYEAH AAAAAAAHYEAH

[Kane Knight]

:naughty:

[.44 Magdalene]

This topic is ruined.


Time for everybody to join my online RPG.

[Kane Knight]

What RPG? :shifty:

[The Ravishing One]

lol @ this thread.

[Kane Knight]

I don't think it's ruined, so much as saved. Much like Christ rose from the dead to become Spider-Man, this thread has risen in the name of KK to prove that all things are possible.

Through the poster, the pun, and the Holy Youtube.

[the Illusionist]

yeah. thanks for nothing, shitbag.

[Kane Knight]

Nothing? Or did I just save your immortal soul?

I think my work speaks for itself.

[the Illusionist]

yeah; if i wont let Jesus do it, why would i let you do it?

[Kane Knight]

Oh, you'll let me.

[.44 Magdalene]

Jesus won't light your dog on fire and shit in your mom's mouth for refusing salvation

[thedamndest]

Rad Radford is one of the most sweetest gimmicks of all time.

[Londoner]

I just wanted to add to my post count.

[Kane Knight]

Jesus won't light your dog on fire and shit in your mom's mouth for refusing salvation

Psh. Shows what you know.

[.44 Magdalene]

Well, I guess my experience may vary.


'Cuz Jesus usually lights my mom on fire and shits in my dog's mouth. Not the other way around.

[Kane Knight]

Oh, He's done that, too. When He did, he also did donuts on my front lawn.

I think it's safe to say, Jesus is a prick.