Look who's pumped about the current direction of WWE...

[Jeritron]

By PAUL HEYMAN

Published: 26 Jan 2009

WORLD Wrestling Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon has made the decision to present a huge opportunity to Randy Orton, and the master of the RKO is poised to provide a fantastic return on WWE's investment.

Orton has been chosen by McMahon to be WWE's focal point heading into this year's WrestleMania, and bluntly, there isn't a member of the roster who could possibly be a better choice.


Randy Orton has stepped up in every way imaginable, and his improvement in just the past month has been spectacular to watch.


Just watch the way Orton was in control during the big confrontation with Vince and Stephanie McMahon on last week's edition of Monday Night Raw.


This was Vince's first television appearance in six months. Stephanie had the entire crowd eating out of the palm of her hand with her great interaction with Chris Jericho and his "apology to the crowd".


So here's Vince, revelling in the spotlight, and Stephanie, delivering what could be her best performance ever.


And yet, when Orton stepped into the ring and started talking, he compelled you to watch him.


Orton's control of the mic was masterful. Just six months ago, Orton couldn't compete with Adam ‘Edge’ Copeland for the bragging rights of being the best performer in WWE because Edge's mic work was far superior to Orton's.


But on this night, on this edition of Monday Night Raw, Orton showcased his extraordinary progress.


Orton delivered his lines with conviction, confidence, and malice. The beating he gave the Chairman was believable, and the confusion he showed after "the punt heard round the world" was perfectly acted.


Orton played this scenario better than even Shawn Michaels could have.

Vince McMahon may have given Randy Orton the chance, but Orton clearly ran with the opportunity and scored huge.

Randy Orton is the leader of a youth movement in WWE that has been very evident recently.

Look around.

Triple H does not have a title, at least not right now. Undertaker, the legendary Phenom, no title. Shawn Michaels, no title. The championships are on the youth.

John Cena is still the new generation. Edge may be in his 30's, but he's a glass-ceiling-breaker, and a great choice for Smackdown champion.


It's obviously too early for Jack Swagger to carry the ECW Tttle, but the reason why he's ECW champion is for him to learn how to be a champion. It's called a "grooming period," and he'll be a much better Raw or Smackdown champion in the future because of this experience. So, the Swagger title decision has more upside than downside.


CM Punk's dramatic intercontinental title victory in that stellar match with William Regal last week in Chicago was indicative of WWE's decision to push Punk and take advantage of his ability to communicate with and appeal to a younger generation of sports entertainment fans.


Miz and Morrison's positioning as the top tag team in WWE is another demonstration of the decision to elevate the young stars who will carry WWE into the second decade of the new millennium.


Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase are improving every time they perform in front of a crowd and Cryme Time may not be technical marvels, but they're young, hard working, and a far more contemporary act than anything you'll see on TNA.


Randy Orton punting Vince McMahon's head off and subsequently winning the Royal Rumble was the kickoff to this year's WrestleMania Season.


It doesn't matter if the crowds cheer him or boo him going into the biggest event of the year.

The audience is interested in Orton, and more so than any other character on WWE television today.

There are two main reasons for that.

Number one, Vince McMahon wanted it that way.

And number two, Randy Orton has put all the pieces of the puzzle together, and is about to claim his rightful position as the most important character in WWE.

The Age of Orton is indeed upon us!

Read more from Paul Heyman at www.heymanhustle.com



Nice read.

[El Fangel]

Very Nice read.

[Heyman]

Excellent read.

Paul Heyman is 100% correct in my opinion.

[Theo Dious]

As someone who doesn't suck Heyman's cock at every corner, that was a pretty fine assessment. :y:

[Kane Knight]

LOL

[Jeritron]

I was reading another article of his about the youth movement, and the inner circle around Vince that have their heads up their asses culturally.

He was talking about how the whole problem with creative is that anyone with any power actually thinks DX is cooler and funnier to youth and by modern standards, than Miz and Morrison.
So, "kids are turning off the show to play Wii and Guitar Hero" as he puts it, while the product is struggling.

Some excellent observations by a creatively brilliant man.

[Heyman]

He was talking about how the whole problem with creative is that anyone with any power actually thinks DX is cooler and funnier to youth and by modern standards, than Miz and Morrison.


It depends on the demographic...or age group.

For kids aged 13 and under, I would argue that most WOULD find DX to be cooler and funnier than Miz and Morrison. For people aged 13-17, perhaps most people would find DX and Miz/Morrison to be equally lame.

People 17 and above however, might be able to appreciate the subtle coolness of the Miz/Morrison.

[Jeritron]

Okay let's put it this way...DX is still cool if you're an aging gym rat, hair metal disciple from the 80s that wears a fanny pack.
Not the target demographic

[Hanso Amore]

I still think DX has great appeal to all ages. As much as I hate to say it, but I rarely have seen a skit that wasnt a bit entertaining, albeit out dated and juvenile.

The problem is, DX is great for little pops here and there, but you cant build your company around that, you need to build to the future on Youth.

Things have been down for 7 years. Something needs to change. They rode a new generation into the Attitude era, and now they are all gone and old...but the WWE needs to try to build like that again.

[Hanso Amore]

HHH, HBK and Taker's time as the focal point is over. They can still stay as main eventers, but they need to not be the focal point of the show.

Cena has had his chance to be the man, and has failed.

Orton is next in line, we will see where he goes.

[Jeritron]

The problem with DX though, and he lays it out, is that they're portrayed as younger, hipper, cooler.

They are still way over and a great throwback, yes. He highlights that too, and how they're better as veterans who know the ropes rather than the "cool punks".

That's where I agree with him.

Here's my further take on it:

Think of it this way. They're a product of the late 90s, Clinton-era shock entertainment. Everyone was into edgey stuff, and vulgarity and offensiveness. Who knows why, but it was true.
Gutter was in. "Trailer park" was in.

That's why Jerry Springer, Howard Stern, COPS, Spencer Gifts and all that shit was the talk of the town. Co-Ed Naked T-Shirts and the South Park craze were indicative of the times.
So if that stuffs not cool anymore, why do they parade DX over what actually is?
What's ass backwards about it too is that they're a throwback to the days of shocking behaviour as pop culture, without the shocking behaviour.

[Hanso Amore]

Agreed.

Today's humor and entertainment is much more subtle, intelligent than it was in 1999.

A

[Fox]

The problem with DX though, and he lays it out, is that they're portrayed as younger, hipper, cooler.

They are still way over and a great throwback, yes. He highlights that too, and how they're better as veterans who know the ropes rather than the "cool punks".

That's where I agree with him.

Here's my further take on it:

Think of it this way. They're a product of the late 90s, Clinton-era shock entertainment. Everyone was into edgey stuff, and vulgarity and offensiveness. Who knows why, but it was true.
Gutter was in. "Trailer park" was in.

That's why Jerry Springer, Howard Stern, COPS, Spencer Gifts and all that shit was the talk of the town. Co-Ed Naked T-Shirts and the South Park craze were indicative of the times.
So if that stuffs not cool anymore, why do they parade DX over what actually is?
What's ass backwards about it too is that they're a throwback to the days of shocking behaviour as pop culture, without the shocking behaviour.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, WHOA.....




How is South Park not cool anymore?

[Heyman]

Cena has had his chance to be the man, and has failed.



Few things:

1) I don't think it's fair to say that Cena has "failed." I would argue that in their attempt to cater to kids aged 12 and under, the WWE has alienated Cena from the older demographic. As much as WE hate to admit it however, Cena is loved by young kids....as is DX. Which leads my to my next point:

2) Jeritron - it depends on what your definition of 'target demographic' is. In my opinion, the target demographic for the WWE are kids aged 12 and under. With that in mind, the WWE has actually pushed Cena and DX PERFECTLY......if that TRULY IS the demographic that they are targetting. The merchandise sales, etc. are vivid proof that the WWE has been successful in their marketing efforts towards this demographic.

3) Cena as a heel. I still believe that when all is said in done (be it 1 year from now....3 years from now....who knows), Cena will go down as one of the best HEELS of all-time.

When Cena turns heel, look out........:)

[Hanso Amore]

Very good points Heyman.

Perhaps it isnt Cena that has failed...Perhaps it is the decided direction.

The WWE had its peak catering to a 13 and up crowd. IN turn, little kids still love it.

12 and under will always follow the WWE. They need to win back their teen and Adult fans.

[Fox]

John Cena will turn heel and form a new stable with Randy Orton and Batista that will usher in the next era of greatness for pro wrestling fans.

In 2012.

[Heyman]

I still think that ONE day, we WILL see John Cena vs. The Rock.

Call me an optimist....

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Paul E. just pretty much called the ECW title a minor league championship. It's good to see he's accepted reality and has at least let that grudge go.

[Juan]

By PAUL HEYMAN

Published: 26 Jan 2009

WORLD Wrestling Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon has made the decision to present a huge opportunity to Randy Orton, and the master of the RKO is poised to provide a fantastic return on WWE's investment.

Orton has been chosen by McMahon to be WWE's focal point heading into this year's WrestleMania, and bluntly, there isn't a member of the roster who could possibly be a better choice.


Randy Orton has stepped up in every way imaginable, and his improvement in just the past month has been spectacular to watch.


Just watch the way Orton was in control during the big confrontation with Vince and Stephanie McMahon on last week's edition of Monday Night Raw.


This was Vince's first television appearance in six months. Stephanie had the entire crowd eating out of the palm of her hand with her great interaction with Chris Jericho and his "apology to the crowd".


So here's Vince, revelling in the spotlight, and Stephanie, delivering what could be her best performance ever.


And yet, when Orton stepped into the ring and started talking, he compelled you to watch him.


Orton's control of the mic was masterful. Just six months ago, Orton couldn't compete with Adam ‘Edge’ Copeland for the bragging rights of being the best performer in WWE because Edge's mic work was far superior to Orton's.


But on this night, on this edition of Monday Night Raw, Orton showcased his extraordinary progress.


Orton delivered his lines with conviction, confidence, and malice. The beating he gave the Chairman was believable, and the confusion he showed after "the punt heard round the world" was perfectly acted.


Orton played this scenario better than even Shawn Michaels could have.

Vince McMahon may have given Randy Orton the chance, but Orton clearly ran with the opportunity and scored huge.

Randy Orton is the leader of a youth movement in WWE that has been very evident recently.

Look around.

Triple H does not have a title, at least not right now. Undertaker, the legendary Phenom, no title. Shawn Michaels, no title. The championships are on the youth.

John Cena is still the new generation. Edge may be in his 30's, but he's a glass-ceiling-breaker, and a great choice for Smackdown champion.


It's obviously too early for Jack Swagger to carry the ECW Tttle, but the reason why he's ECW champion is for him to learn how to be a champion. It's called a "grooming period," and he'll be a much better Raw or Smackdown champion in the future because of this experience. So, the Swagger title decision has more upside than downside.


CM Punk's dramatic intercontinental title victory in that stellar match with William Regal last week in Chicago was indicative of WWE's decision to push Punk and take advantage of his ability to communicate with and appeal to a younger generation of sports entertainment fans.


Miz and Morrison's positioning as the top tag team in WWE is another demonstration of the decision to elevate the young stars who will carry WWE into the second decade of the new millennium.


Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase are improving every time they perform in front of a crowd and Cryme Time may not be technical marvels, but they're young, hard working, and a far more contemporary act than anything you'll see on TNA.


Randy Orton punting Vince McMahon's head off and subsequently winning the Royal Rumble was the kickoff to this year's WrestleMania Season.


It doesn't matter if the crowds cheer him or boo him going into the biggest event of the year.

The audience is interested in Orton, and more so than any other character on WWE television today.

There are two main reasons for that.

Number one, Vince McMahon wanted it that way.

And number two, Randy Orton has put all the pieces of the puzzle together, and is about to claim his rightful position as the most important character in WWE.

The Age of Orton is indeed upon us!

Read more from Paul Heyman at www.heymanhustle.com (http://www.heymanhustle.com/)

I really couldn't have said it better myself.

[Johnny Vegas]

Great read and i think with Orton...just have this feeling...that we are going to see a Bret/Austin switcharoo at WrestleMania between the two. Orton was already getting RKO chants for not backing down to Vince, so that tells me that the fans WANT somebody like that. And what better way to make him look ever more cooler than to go against a squeaky clean babyface like Cena.

How i would love that match to end is either:

1.) Great match with Orton kicking out of 2 FU's and, by the skin of his teeth, win the title WITHOUT using that punt but by RKO or school boy pin.

2.) If Cena HAS to win, both trading two finishers EACH, then Cena locking in the STFU. Orton goes unconscious and never taps, like so many others before him have. Cena leaves and Orton eventually gets to his feet while being greeted to a standing ovation from the crowd.

[Volare]

If Orton destroys Cena, there's your 18-34 demographic back in a heart beat.

[Legend Killer]

2.) If Cena HAS to win, both trading two finishers EACH, then Cena locking in the STFU. Orton goes unconscious and never taps, like so many others before him have. Cena leaves and Orton eventually gets to his feet while being greeted to a standing ovation from the crowd.

It is no longer the STFU.

[Volare]

How long though do you think they could carry this?

[Heyman]

Great read and i think with Orton...just have this feeling...that we are going to see a Bret/Austin switcharoo at WrestleMania between the two.

I think it would be amazing if the WWE pulled this off. A few things however:

1) What happens to Team Legacy? Does Legacy turn face along with Orton, or do they disown Orton?

2) Can Legacy, in it's entirety, be successful as faces?

[Heyman]

If the WWE are smart, they will focus HEAVILY on these 5 guys (or 'entities') for the next year:

1) Randy Orton
2) CM Punk
3) MVP
4) Priceless (i.e. Rhodes and Dibiase)
5) Big Show

Yes - point #5....you read that correctly. In my opinion, the WWE finally needs to push Big Show to the moon....and at some point, have him defeat Undertaker in a string of convincing victories.

Just my opinion however.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Randy Orton finally got the bad-ass thing down four and a half years after it would have been appropriate for him. Good work, Randy. It's good that he's on a roll, though. It's also good that he is connecting to audiences without really having to do much. They put Orton over Cena and Triple H last year, so I see no reason why Cena should not take a punt at WrestleMania XXV.

Paul Heyman has been high on Randy Orton for some time, and I cannot bring myself to completely agree with him. Orton is winning me over, but I still think he is oily and mechanical both in the ring and in the promo department. It's just that what he is doing seems to be...working. I'd follow it through to its logical conclusions (Orton punting a lot of people in the head).

Personally, believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to a face Orton versus heel Batista feud when Dancin' Dave returns in 2009. That would be a fresh spin on the feud, and take things right back to how they started -- with Batista stabbing Orton in the back.

If Orton turns face, so should The Legacy. Teddy DiBiase should logically be a face to ensure that his movie does well. Cody Rhodes also works really well as a face. His first run was a bit bland, but that can be forgiven. Oh, and while he prefers to play a heel, it is going to be hard to boo the son of Davey Boy Smith and nephew of Bret Hart. They just have to keep their attitude.

I'll also agree with Hunter Hindu Heyman that there is money in the guys he listed. I wouldn't limit things there, though. There is a lot of potential in the WWE.

[Jeritron]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, WHOA.....




How is South Park not cool anymore?

I'm not saying it isn't, I'm just citing it as one of the things that took off in those times because of the trends.
It was brilliant enough to stay relevant.