View Full Version : Vince: You know who would make a great GM? Al Sharpton/Steph wants a change
Business Week has done a story about WWE's decision to use celebrities in the guest host position on Raw. The piece features a telling quote from Stephanie McMahon-Levesque: "When Donald took over we realized that our audience wanted to see something new."
Yes, she said that. So, at least they realize their audience wants something new. Too bad what she missed is that they want something new in the actual wrestling storylines and who gets pushed.
The piece also stated that "Stephanie McMahon says the show plans to have as hosts Freddie Prinze Jr., who will promote his new role on the Fox TV show 24, former game show host Bob Barker and the Reverend Al Sharpton (who hasn't yet said exactly what he'll be promoting)."
Full Article: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/aug2009/db2009084_008420.htm
/facepalm
kareru
08-05-2009, 12:08 PM
Reverend Al Sharpton will promote black people, talk about how great obama is, and say how the wwe is racist because the black guys aren't been given opportunities
Mr. Nerfect
08-05-2009, 12:29 PM
I wish they would stick to guys who know wrestling and/or celebrities worth a damn. Isn't Adam Sandler a wrestling fan? He could be OK in the role. With the WWE being in Calgary next week, someone like Bret Hart or even Lance Storm would have been fantastic.
These guys are showing up, taking the position, and it's just a matter of why they are "RAW Guest Host." It's mainly just because they have shit to promote, and it just doesn't add up to much.
I'd take Hulk Hogan over Jeremy Piven, truthfully, because at least Hogan has got relevancy to the WWE product, and some kayfabe insight as to what is going down. Shawn Michaels is about to return, but he would have been a great one during his downtime. Ric Flair, too.
Hell, I'd even take current members of the WWE roster over some of the celebrities they are bringing in. Before he won the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship, it would have made sense for Vince McMahon to give Chris Jericho a spot as RAW Guest Host. It was pretty much Jericho's idea for the Title vs. Mask Match against Rey Mysterio, which impressed Vince McMahon. Plus, although this has been forgotten, Jericho was the kayfabe mind behind the Money in the Bank staple.
As the nephew of the former General Manager, Chavo Guerrero could be given the spot one week. It would be better than jobbing him to a leprechaun each week. With him now on ECW, William Regal would be fantastic. Abraham Washington could use the spot to help himself get over. Stuff like that might actually go somewhere for them. Hell, the World Champions of the other shows could be given extra focus by hosting RAW one week. And when they can't think of anything to advance storylines, just give Eric Bischoff or Paul Heyman the position. Then, once in a blue moon, someone like Freddie Prinze, Jr. can come in with Sarah Michelle Gellar, and it would be a moment casual fans might care more about. There are at least some celebrities with wrestling tie-ins, like Jay Leno, Dennis Rodman and David Arquette (although not for the best reasons).
Something like this could also be used as a way to debut a guy. They have that guy with the famous girlfriend in FCW playing the Dawson Alexander character. Apparently he can talk. Bring him up as RAW's Guest Host, and let him get involved in some capacity.
The idea itself has merit -- it does provide episodic television. It's just that there is no chain to connect the events, and as such, it is hard to build momentum. The same problem would probably exist with more wrestling orientated guests, because the RAW writers are shit (I'm looking at you, Ranjin Singh), but at least there's a chance for it to go places.
kareru
08-05-2009, 12:34 PM
I wish they would stick to guys who know wrestling and/or celebrities worth a damn. Isn't Adam Sandler a wrestling fan? He could be OK in the role. With the WWE being in Calgary next week, someone like Bret Hart or even Lance Storm would have been fantastic.
These guys are showing up, taking the position, and it's just a matter of why they are "RAW Guest Host." It's mainly just because they have shit to promote, and it just doesn't add up to much.
I'd take Hulk Hogan over Jeremy Piven, truthfully, because at least Hogan has got relevancy to the WWE product, and some kayfabe insight as to what is going down. Shawn Michaels is about to return, but he would have been a great one during his downtime. Ric Flair, too.
Hell, I'd even take current members of the WWE roster over some of the celebrities they are bringing in. Before he won the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship, it would have made sense for Vince McMahon to give Chris Jericho a spot as RAW Guest Host. It was pretty much Jericho's idea for the Title vs. Mask Match against Rey Mysterio, which impressed Vince McMahon. Plus, although this has been forgotten, Jericho was the kayfabe mind behind the Money in the Bank staple.
As the nephew of the former General Manager, Chavo Guerrero could be given the spot one week. It would be better than jobbing him to a leprechaun each week. With him now on ECW, William Regal would be fantastic. Abraham Washington could use the spot to help himself get over. Stuff like that might actually go somewhere for them. Hell, the World Champions of the other shows could be given extra focus by hosting RAW one week. And when they can't think of anything to advance storylines, just give Eric Bischoff or Paul Heyman the position. Then, once in a blue moon, someone like Freddie Prinze, Jr. can come in with Sarah Michelle Gellar, and it would be a moment casual fans might care more about. There are at least some celebrities with wrestling tie-ins, like Jay Leno, Dennis Rodman and David Arquette (although not for the best reasons).
Something like this could also be used as a way to debut a guy. They have that guy with the famous girlfriend in FCW playing the Dawson Alexander character. Apparently he can talk. Bring him up as RAW's Guest Host, and let him get involved in some capacity.
The idea itself has merit -- it does provide episodic television. It's just that there is no chain to connect the events, and as such, it is hard to build momentum. The same problem would probably exist with more wrestling orientated guests, because the RAW writers are shit (I'm looking at you, Ranjin Singh), but at least there's a chance for it to go places.
aww Adam Sandler would be fucking brilliant
Brock Lesnar I think would by my choice if I could pick just about anybody
Mr. Nerfect
08-05-2009, 12:53 PM
Brock Lesnar I think would by my choice if I could pick just about anybody
Brock Lesnar would be tremendous. The perfect candidate would be The Rock.
Splaya
08-05-2009, 01:19 PM
Brock Lesnar would be tremendous. The perfect candidate would be The Rock.
The only problem is that they would have to promote it. I would want it to be like total shock factor. Like have them leak clues throughout the week. On Sunday on WWE.com they say this weeks host is a former heavyweight champion. On Monday around 4pm, I would have WWE.com say the Great one is back or something. The shock value and the ratings at least for the first 15 minutes would be insane
Pardeep 619
08-05-2009, 01:21 PM
The problem with The Rock is that he would outshine every single person without trying, which would make everyone look bad and second rate in comparison.
kareru
08-05-2009, 01:24 PM
if the rock did it, everyone would expect him to wrestle or come back to the wwe for good
steve austin will be good, he officially retired (unlike the rock) and we could get to see some mass stone cold stunners *pop*
thedamndest
08-05-2009, 01:27 PM
Think about anyone you would love to see and then knock your expectations down four notches. That's who will actually show up.
Hanso Amore
08-05-2009, 01:28 PM
If they bring in Brock, they legitimize the whole wrestling is fake thing.
FourFifty
08-05-2009, 01:30 PM
I'm stoked to see The Sarge, and if they do this the next time they're in Memphis they could get The King without any prob. Same thing with Oklahoma and Jim Ross. Go to Texas and get either Terry Funk or Kevin VonErich. Go to Georgia, and get Micheal PS Hayes.
In towns with a limited wrestling history go ahead and use hollywood actors, rock stars, and other non-wrestlers. That'll give Vince the best of both worlds. He'll get press for the celebrities, wrestlers for the wrestling fans, plus I'm sure that putting wrestlers in their back yard will make for great tv.
Hanso Amore
08-05-2009, 01:32 PM
Instead of the Rock they get the guy that looks like him from Stomp the Yard
Pardeep 619
08-05-2009, 01:32 PM
But what connection does Sarge have with Calgary??
Batista03
08-05-2009, 03:10 PM
Hell, I would like to see them put both Stone Cold and The Rock for a 3-hour Raw. That would be the shit; since they have one of the greatest rivals and are good friends. Hell, they would make some great matches compared to the shit they are putting out now and would want to do less talking and more wrestling. The ratings would go through the roof with them two there for at least one night only. Damn, I miss seeing them. Even having RVD, Undertaker, Hall of Famers, or hell even Vince's grandchilds would do better then the shit that happened this past monday. Bring Trish, Chyna, Sable or even Lita back to host.
thedamndest
08-05-2009, 05:13 PM
I hope Al Sharpton gives Mark Henry the belt, no questions asked.
FourFifty
08-05-2009, 05:49 PM
But what connection does Sarge have with Calgary??
No connection, I'm just a Sarge mark. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy show.... AND THAT'S AN ORDERRRRRRR!!!!
Cool King
08-05-2009, 06:01 PM
Uh-oh....
Mike Adamle has mentioned on the Chicago News that WWE has called him with the offer to guest host Monday Night Raw. Adamle did not say if he had accepted or not. Adamle did have a stint as the Raw GM back in 2008 before being released from his WWE contract in 2009.
http://www.tpww.net/2009/08/mike-adamle-to-host-raw-hardywwe-update-bret-hart/
Mike Adamle ate Bret Hart?
DarKCentaur
08-05-2009, 06:58 PM
Adamle coming back for a week would be AWESOME.
I think the real question that needs to be answered is "How are the ratings?" That will determine what direction this heads. Seems that the ratings are going up, at least in the short term. Problem is, the show itself isn't getting any better.
Sharpton? Seriously?
They need to give someone a KKK gimmick for that.
kareru
08-05-2009, 09:54 PM
Sharpton? Seriously?
They need to give someone a KKK gimmick for that.
time for a Bulldog Bob Brower comeback
http://www.tvofyourlife.com/images/brower1.jpg
What Would Kevin Do?
08-05-2009, 10:15 PM
Jeff Jarrett needs to be a guest host.
Rob Van Dam would be great too.
I could see Bob Backlund doing it.
Celebrity wise, there are a few peeps who would probably be good. Seth Rogan for example. Mickey Rourke wouldn't be bad either.
FourFifty
08-05-2009, 10:19 PM
The Bisch should come back.
Rourke would be really interesting.
Evil Vito
08-05-2009, 10:27 PM
<font color=goldenrod>Bob Barker hosting would be epic amounts of win.</font>
DAMN iNATOR
08-05-2009, 10:36 PM
Bob Barker hosting would be epic amounts of win.
I could just see him with the "big wheel" in his office, and all the superstars are lining up for a spin, or some crazy shit like that...:lol:
Personally, I hate the whole 'guest' host of RAW thing.
What I really want is a new heel GM for RAW a la Bisch or Heyman.
Storer50
08-06-2009, 12:54 AM
Bobby the Brain Heenan
Dorkchop
08-06-2009, 12:58 AM
I hate the guest hosts, but I will admit that Bob barker would be pretty awesome.
I want a celebrity host to act like they don't know anyone or a single thing about pro wrestling (I'm sure everyone so far actually doesn't know a thing about wrestling). It would be great seeing them treat HHH and a camera man the same. "Who's this" "that's Mark, our main camera man" "Well Mark will have a match with that guy *points to a local jobber*. The vlueless host can ask HHH to get him some coffee. it would be great.
It's not like these celebrity hosts are used for long term booking with feuds. I think it would work.
RVDmark
08-06-2009, 08:43 AM
The Rock would be great, and as long as he says it only for one week, people should get it. I like the Stone Cold & Rock combo for a 3 hour special though.
If they stick to the celebrities it would be much better if they got people who are prepared to join in. Seth Green was great, at least he was prepared to join in a bit, and looked like he wanted to be there. The last few weeks have blatently been people there to promote shit and they couldnt even bothered to learn the word Summerslam. Although summerfest may have been the comedic moment of the night, I am torn.
Unfortunately though....
Think about anyone you would love to see and then knock your expectations down four notches. That's who will actually show up.
:wavesad:
Innovator
08-06-2009, 09:00 AM
Cmon, besides Ted DiBiase, Shaq was the best guest host
That isn't saying much, Inno.
Afterlife
08-06-2009, 09:30 AM
Bob Barker hosting would be epic amounts of win.
He better bring Plinko.
http://yepyep.gibbs12.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/screech9.jpg
Mr. Nerfect
08-06-2009, 12:28 PM
That isn't saying much, Inno.
I think that was sort of the point. ;)
Mr. Nerfect
08-06-2009, 12:33 PM
Yes, I am insane, but with this RAW Guest Host thing being completely ridiculous, I would mark out for several reasons if this happened:
1. TNA fires Vince Russo
2. The WWE brings in Vince Russo as a Guest Host
3. That show opens with every single RAW guy in the ring, and Russo says he's going to bring back a little "Attitude era" flare. He makes the opening contest a Battle Royal featuring every single RAW Superstar for the WWE Championship.
4. Randy Orton is ganged up on, and is the first man eliminated from the match. You have someone like Carlito go out and do commentary during the match, to try and come back in later, but Primo goes after him, and tosses him back in the ring, etc. During the chaos, Santino Marella actually manages to slip away.
5. The match sees the other main eventers all made targets because of their status, and a lot of them get tossed in surprising moments. Eventually, the match comes down to a random duo like Jack Swagger and Kofi Kingston -- Swagger (or maybe Ted DiBiase) tosses the face over, and thinks he has won the match and the WWE Title...until Santino Marella re-enters and wins the match!
6. Randy Orton bitches to Russo about how he lost the WWE Title, so Russo gives him his rematch in the main event.
7. Randy Orton wins the WWE Title back, I guess.
8. Vince Russo never gets hired in professional wrestling again.
thedamndest
08-06-2009, 02:47 PM
You forgot the "On a Pole" match.
Mr. Nerfect
08-07-2009, 09:28 AM
You forgot the "On a Pole" match.
That happens in the mid-card. The Miz gets a chance to earn his contract back...ON A POLE!
Afterlife
08-07-2009, 07:40 PM
You know who I want to host? Dr. Katz.
thecc
08-08-2009, 01:37 AM
August 7, 2009 - WWE RAW has recently begun using guest hosts for their weekly Monday night episodes, which has opened the door for some very amusing celebrity guests to show up on the popular wresting series – recent episodes have featured the likes of Seth Green, Shaquille O'Neal and Jeremy Piven, all of whom have gotten involved in some in-ring theatrics over the course of the two-hour show.
Last night, I spoke to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Glenn Howerton ("Dennis") about the upcoming season of the hysterical FX series, which returns on September 17th. Howerton told me about a wrestling-themed episode of Sunny in Season 5, in which Dennis, Mac (Rob McElhenney) and Charlie (Charlie Day) form "a triumvirate tag team called the Birds of War." Howerton revealed that for the episode they'd created Birds of War costumes and entrance music, and that none other than "Rowdy" Roddy Piper guest stars in the installment.
http://tvmedia.ign.com/tv/image/article/101/1011864/SunnyTrio_1249664070-000.jpg
Noting the obvious tie-in that Sunny episode seemed to offer, I asked Howerton if he'd heard about RAW's recent use of guest hosts. As it turned out, not only was the answer yes, but Howerton told me, "Yeah, they want us to do that, actually. There's a very good chance, if the dates work out, that we may be doing that sometime in September. We'll see. It's not definite."
Howerton added, "If we do [go on RAW], our plan is to come on as the Birds of War. We may have a little bit of beef with somebody. We'll see. "
Let me be the first to say a big "Hell yeah" to the idea of Mac, Charlie and Dennis getting to mix it up on RAW. And if it does happen, let's hope they can also somehow sing "Day Man" in the process
http://tv.ign.com/articles/101/1011864p1.html
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