SEScoops Mailbag for February 17th
(please submit YOUR questions to sescoops@gmail.com)
Q: What are the odds that the WWE writers have completely gone off the deep end and we’ll start to see Zack Ryder tied to a set of train tracks while covered in dynamite and Kane sitting behind the engine of a 15 car locomotive? I sort of feel like this is where the natural progression of this story line is headed. – Seth from Parts Unknown
A: Only if he’s tied to the train tracks while wearing his neck and back brace. If that doesn’t work, perhaps Kane can drop an anvil on his head.
Q: What actually happened with Goldberg wrestling one more match ? I remember he wanted to wrestle somewhere in Africa late last year, but did that ever happen? – Tom from Germany
A: He had been scheduled to wrestle at the “Rumble in the Jungle II” on October 12th in Kinshasa at Martyrs Stadium, but I don’t believe that ever happened. Goldberg has teased returning for a WrestleMania match many times in the past, expressing an interest in wrestling Brock Lesnar or The Undertaker. Either way, it’s not going to happen.
Q: Do you think WWE will move CM Punk to Smackdown because, in my opinion, they don’t trust him with ratings? The only reason I couldn’t see them doing it is because Smackdown has Orton and Sheamus and Raw has always been the number one show. – Josh M.
A: I would argue that Raw was the #2 show when Smackdown was at its peak during that 2002-2003 period. Anyway, I can’t see them moving Punk to Smackdown without moving Orton, and WWE does not want Orton and John Cena on the same brand right now. Of course, this is comical seeing as how every Raw is considered a Supershow, which means they’re all on the same show anyway. If there’s any chance of doing Punk and Steve Austin for next year’s WrestleMania, rest assured, Punk will be a Raw superstar.
Q: Why is it acceptable for Jerry Lawler to wrestle on a semi-regular basis and be on TV every week, but the general consensus is Ric Flair should just go? [While pretty much identical in age], why, is the King seen as a legend and Ric Flair as a sad story? This is about what they bring to the business, not anything to do with their personal lives. – Stuart B.
A: I think at its core, Ric Flair was always held to a different standard when it came to his performance. He was known for his mouth, sure, and he can still talk as good as anybody. But as a worker, he could bring the best out of an average worker, and with a great worker, he could have a five-star classic. Obviously, Flair can no longer “go” like that in the ring. I would argue that right now, Lawler is a much better in-ring performer than Flair. That’s one reason people give him a pass. Then you have the issue of Flair getting the greatest retirement ceremony of any pro wrestler in modern history, only to return to the ring. Most people figured he probably would, but that still rubs some people the wrong way. Lawler never said he was retired. In fact, he has said that if given the choice, he would prefer to wrestle rather than announce, and he still works independent shows on the weekend.
Q: Would someone have been fired if they made the mistake similar to Michael Cole during WrestleMania 15 when he inadvertently revealed that he would have an interview after the main event with “the new champion”? With social media being prevalent now, what kind of punishment would [they likely face] for spoiling the main event before it happened? – Luis from Illinois
A: Bobby Heenan got a ton of heat, but wasn’t fired for basically spoiling the famous “Bash at the Beach” finish when Hulk Hogan turned heel and joined the nWo. These things happen, but they’re honest mistakes and don’t happen frequently enough to warrant firing someone. Social media has nothing to do with it.
Q: Can you please explain why these ungrateful people continue to sound like little girls that dont get their way? The state of New Jersey is the host of next year’s WrestleMania and so far, I’ve seen nothing but negative feedback from people about this. Also, why do people continue to complain about the promos knowing that almost everything these guys say is scripted? – Jonathan F. from New Jersey
A: I see you are from New Jersey, so I assume you’re taking this criticism personally. Don’t fret, I think most people are upset that Mania is once again coming to an east coast city. And really, I can understand that frustration with the show having been in Atlanta last year and still rumored for NYC in 2014 (which I think is unlikely). Also, some people are not thrilled at the prospect of attending Mania outdoors in April and having to dress in layers. I, for one, am happy that NJ will now be known for something besides Tony Soprano and Snooki. As for why people complain about promos, the fact that they are horribly scripted likely has something to do with that. Just a wild guess.
Q: Do you think WWE should bring back the Tables, Ladders and Chairs match? – Cordell M.
A: I didn’t know it ever left.
Keep those questions coming to sescoops@gmail.com and remember to include your name!
