Last weekend, Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions entered the world of mixed martial arts to promote the trilogy bout of Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz, a series that saw Liddell victorious on two prior occasions in the UFC. De La Hoya, a former gold medalist in the 1992 Olympics and six-division champion, has successfully promoted boxing since 2002, with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez as the top earner for the Golden Boy banner in recent years. Alvarez, who inked a mega five-year, $365 million dollar deal with the DAZN streaming service last month, is scheduled for a contest against Rocky Fielding in just a few weeks, another event promoted under the Golden Boy umbrella.
De La Hoya is a well-established promoter in boxing, but the world of MMA is a different genre and many were skeptical about an event headlined by two aging former stars. I penned an article a few months ago when this bout was initially announced and explained the potential pitfalls of a comeback for the 48-year-old Liddell. As of this writing, buy rates for the pay-per-view, a show that included some amateur bouts, aren't announced yet, but early speculation is that the PPV didn't have a solid advance because the original price of the broadcast was listed at $49.99 before it was reduced to $39.99 the week of the bout.
I'm not sure how the comeback fight for "The Iceman" would be a draw in 2018, and it's a risky fight to book since it could be a letdown for the viewing audience. Sadly, it wasn't a surprise when Liddell crashed to the canvas after one solid punch in the first round without virtually any notable offense during the contest. It was more than eight years ago since Chuck last competed in the cage, which saw him sustain a third consecutive KO loss and prompted calls for his retirement. A former two-time UFC Light Heavyweight champion, Chuck was the face of the organization during its surge in popularity in the early 2000s. His tenure in the UFC concluded in 2010 when he lost five of his last six bouts in the octagon.
Prior to this Golden Boy fight, Liddell looked slower when he sparred and had a noticeable limp as he entered the arena. Ultimately, Chuck didn't have the movement to avoid Ortiz's punches or the speed to counter them. It was very disappointing to see one of the legends and most important fighters in the history of the sport look like a shell of himself. As I said in the previous article, nobody wants to remember the Ali-Holmes fight. In some ways, it was almost irresponsible for the California State Athletic Commission to sanction this fight and for Golden Boy to promote it. There was no indication that Liddell was physically capable of being competitive in a mixed martial arts fight.
That's not meant as any disrespect to Liddell, he's an absolute legend, but he already suffered several KOs in his career and another vicious knockout at 48 years old could have many unknown consequences for him. With as much emphasis as there is on concussions in sports today, allowing Liddell to fight shouldn't have even been considered. "The Iceman's" longtime trainer, John Hackleman didn't work the corner for this bout, which is another indication that it was obvious that Chuck didn't have a realistic chance to be competitive against Ortiz.
Post-fight, the athletic commission announced an indefinite medical suspension for Liddel, which would require him to apply to have it lifted before he could attempt to fight again. All things considered, this wasn't a good start for Golden Boy in mixed martial arts, especially considering that the only other recognizable name of the card, Tom Lawlor lost via decision in a lackluster fight. What exactly was entertaining about this event? A less than stellar under card and a main event that saw a legend get knocked unconscious in a fight that there wasn't a demand to see and probably shouldn't have been sanctioned to happen.
Since the event, UFC president, Dana White and De La Hoya have traded verbal jabs, which isn't a surprise, considering that Oscar wants to attempt to take a piece of the pay-per-view pie from the UFC. However, you have to wonder if this attempt at MMA from Oscar was more of a response to the Conor McGregor/Floyd Mayweather bout last year that was put on PPV just two weeks before a Canelo bout than an attempt to start to promote regular MMA events. One of De La Hoya's main selling points of his MMA project was that fighters will make more money there, which is typical promoter spin of a narrative. If De La Hoya is serious about a long-term MMA project, why not invest the money to sign some of the notable fighters currently in their prime after their Bellator or UFC deals expire?
Hopefully, Liddell wasn't fighting for the money at his age and let's all hope that he doesn't fight again because it's not worth the risk to his health. If anything, the results of this trilogy fight should be a cautionary tale for other former stars of Chuck's generation that might consider a return to the sport for a big payday. Liddell should be remembered for his thrilling punches and tremendous wins, but this defeat tainted some of his legacy. More than anything, this was just a sad fight and it probably shouldn't have happened.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Thursday, November 29, 2018
The WWE UK expansion
With the expansion of the NXT UK brand recently, including its first live Takeover special early next year, WWE brass continues to put the pieces of the puzzle in place for its global network of affiliates. Management is smart enough to know that they will always need a feeder system to stock talent as their plans are expanded so within the past few years, the publicly-traded, global company made working agreements with a variety of independent companies. Evolve in the United States, as well as Progress and ICW in Europe are allowed to maintain the use of some of their homegrown stars that ink WWE deals. This is a very wise move and a win-win for everyone because it brings top talent into the WWE system to use as they promote in different locations, while keeping key independent groups around to provide a platform for talent to be discovered.
Could the WWE sign dozens of wrestlers to exclusive contracts and the indy groups fizzle out? Sure, but if those organizations shut down, that would make it much more difficult for new talent to be discovered. The WWE allows these groups to work under their umbrella and thus have a continuous pool of talent to choose from when they test the market in new areas.
Roughly a decade ago, there were rumblings about the WWE expanding into Mexico, Japan, and Europe. It was a concept that seemed very possible in theory because of WWE's global reach, but proved to be much more difficult in application because of the style and culture of some of those regions. For example, lucha libre has been wildly popular in its native country for many years. While its had downturns similar to wrestling anywhere, lucha has done consistent business south of the boarder for decades. Names like Santo, Blue Panther, Guerrero, Mysterio, Barr, and many others decorate its extensive history. That being said, lucha has a completely different approach than anything seen in main stream pro wrestling in the United States. More specifically, modern lucha has a complete lack of psychology that is used for most American wrestling. Another key point is that much of the popularity of lucha in Mexico is based on the traditional and cultural aspects of the country.
The WWE events that are held there usually yield mixed results, sometimes drawing well, but other events will only have moderate attendance. The WWE product is totally different product than the events that draw major crowds in Mexico so the American export just doesn't completely translate to that audience. The point being, because professional wrestling is already so well established in Mexico, it's doubtful that there's a market or a demand for a WWE promotion based in the country.
The same could be said for the Japanese market, on the surface, an expansion there would make sense because there's an established fan base, but much of that popularity was established decades ago. While there are similarities, the Japanese style is still different from what's presented on American TV, and much of that style is based on the Japanese culture. The WWE tours of Japan usually draw well, but that is for an annual tour, which might not necessarily draw if events ran on a regular basis. The downturn in the Japanese market was around 2005, which might've been a time period when a new product could've been introduced, but the point is moot because that wasn't an era when the WWE had the leverage for such an expansion. Another important consideration is that the Japanese landscape already has many different promotions that market towards different demographics so it's not as though there's a demand for a WWE Japan group. New Japan Pro Wrestling has done very well the past five years and draws the biggest crowds in the country. There are a few women's companies that run successfully and draw decent crowds. There are also death match groups like Big Japan that have done well in the past few years.
So, what made the UK expansion possible?
Most importantly, until a few years ago, the UK market didn't have any major companies with a noticeable buzz around them. However, more recently, the European scene boomed in popularity and many talented wrestlers had the chance to be discovered. Jimmy Havoc, Pete Dunne, Mark Andrews, Marty Scurll, and several others began to perform in front of diehard, sold out crowds. The UK saw its major homegrown wrestling disappear when the traditional World of Sport program was cancelled from TV in the early 90s so there was undoubtedly a demand for live wrestling in the country. Make no mistake about it, the WWE launched a UK-based brand because there was money to be made in the European market and they weren't going to leave that cash on that table. There was also the opportunity to cater to that fan base because while the World of Sport tradition is very well known, the style that was popularized in the modern era is more of a hybrid style often seen on the independent scene so the WWE has a chance to get a market share because it's a relatively new era of the sport in Europe. The opportunity is there, but such an expansion is a process and it remains to be seen if the project is successful on a long-term basis.
According to The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, management recently made changes to the UK talent contracts, prohibiting them from working for certain promotions that aren't affiliated with WWE. Reportedly, the move was made because an injury to Travis Banks at an event for a different group forced NXT television to be rewritten. It was said that those UK talents were given a raise to compensate for the shows that had to be eliminated from their schedule. Despite what some might think, I'd guess this decision was made more to protect their investment in the UK project than any attempt to harm smaller indy groups. Keep in mind, if WWE wanted to sign all the talents to an exclusive deal and take talent away from UK independent organizations, they certainly could've done that. Clearly, WWE brass knows the value of a system that allows talents to learn different styles, and thus there are the previously mentioned working agreements that keep talent around Evolve, Progress, etc.
What could be the plan for this expansion?
It can't be understated how much of a tedious process an expansion into other places around the world would be for the company. It's not as simple as putting the WWE logo on a product and expecting a major draw, which is why the NXT UK brand was built from the use of UK talent to test the market. As mentioned, the European market is probably the WWE's best chance for a full-time brand because of the demand for the hybrid style of the sport. That being said, I'd say it would be much more difficult for the company do to the same thing in Japan or Mexico because of the previously mentioned traditional and cultural aspects of the genre in those places. But, who knows what this could bring in other markets? PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported that German star, Walter recently signed a WWE deal, and there are plans for him to primarily work the UK brand and continue to work for his home promotion WXW. Could there be an eventual WWE expansion into Germany?
Aside from the actual new markets and the fresh talent that could be discovered there, this type of expansion really shows how much the WWE dominates the market share in the United States. If that's a good thing or not depends on the context, but the depth of the overall talent roster and the ability to sign so many talented athletes is possible because Vince McMahon completely owns the sport in the United States. If there was legitimate competition in America, it's possible some talents might've opted to sign elsewhere, but for the major money in this country, WWE is the place to go for majority of talented prospects. With the domination of the United States market, it makes sense for the company to expand overseas and it will be extremely interesting if the NXT UK brand becomes a full time project. Hopefully, with the WWE more willing now to work with smaller promotions than anytime in history, these working agreements will lead to more opportunities for the athletes on the roster and some unique matches for the brand.
Could the WWE sign dozens of wrestlers to exclusive contracts and the indy groups fizzle out? Sure, but if those organizations shut down, that would make it much more difficult for new talent to be discovered. The WWE allows these groups to work under their umbrella and thus have a continuous pool of talent to choose from when they test the market in new areas.
Roughly a decade ago, there were rumblings about the WWE expanding into Mexico, Japan, and Europe. It was a concept that seemed very possible in theory because of WWE's global reach, but proved to be much more difficult in application because of the style and culture of some of those regions. For example, lucha libre has been wildly popular in its native country for many years. While its had downturns similar to wrestling anywhere, lucha has done consistent business south of the boarder for decades. Names like Santo, Blue Panther, Guerrero, Mysterio, Barr, and many others decorate its extensive history. That being said, lucha has a completely different approach than anything seen in main stream pro wrestling in the United States. More specifically, modern lucha has a complete lack of psychology that is used for most American wrestling. Another key point is that much of the popularity of lucha in Mexico is based on the traditional and cultural aspects of the country.
The WWE events that are held there usually yield mixed results, sometimes drawing well, but other events will only have moderate attendance. The WWE product is totally different product than the events that draw major crowds in Mexico so the American export just doesn't completely translate to that audience. The point being, because professional wrestling is already so well established in Mexico, it's doubtful that there's a market or a demand for a WWE promotion based in the country.
The same could be said for the Japanese market, on the surface, an expansion there would make sense because there's an established fan base, but much of that popularity was established decades ago. While there are similarities, the Japanese style is still different from what's presented on American TV, and much of that style is based on the Japanese culture. The WWE tours of Japan usually draw well, but that is for an annual tour, which might not necessarily draw if events ran on a regular basis. The downturn in the Japanese market was around 2005, which might've been a time period when a new product could've been introduced, but the point is moot because that wasn't an era when the WWE had the leverage for such an expansion. Another important consideration is that the Japanese landscape already has many different promotions that market towards different demographics so it's not as though there's a demand for a WWE Japan group. New Japan Pro Wrestling has done very well the past five years and draws the biggest crowds in the country. There are a few women's companies that run successfully and draw decent crowds. There are also death match groups like Big Japan that have done well in the past few years.
So, what made the UK expansion possible?
Most importantly, until a few years ago, the UK market didn't have any major companies with a noticeable buzz around them. However, more recently, the European scene boomed in popularity and many talented wrestlers had the chance to be discovered. Jimmy Havoc, Pete Dunne, Mark Andrews, Marty Scurll, and several others began to perform in front of diehard, sold out crowds. The UK saw its major homegrown wrestling disappear when the traditional World of Sport program was cancelled from TV in the early 90s so there was undoubtedly a demand for live wrestling in the country. Make no mistake about it, the WWE launched a UK-based brand because there was money to be made in the European market and they weren't going to leave that cash on that table. There was also the opportunity to cater to that fan base because while the World of Sport tradition is very well known, the style that was popularized in the modern era is more of a hybrid style often seen on the independent scene so the WWE has a chance to get a market share because it's a relatively new era of the sport in Europe. The opportunity is there, but such an expansion is a process and it remains to be seen if the project is successful on a long-term basis.
According to The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, management recently made changes to the UK talent contracts, prohibiting them from working for certain promotions that aren't affiliated with WWE. Reportedly, the move was made because an injury to Travis Banks at an event for a different group forced NXT television to be rewritten. It was said that those UK talents were given a raise to compensate for the shows that had to be eliminated from their schedule. Despite what some might think, I'd guess this decision was made more to protect their investment in the UK project than any attempt to harm smaller indy groups. Keep in mind, if WWE wanted to sign all the talents to an exclusive deal and take talent away from UK independent organizations, they certainly could've done that. Clearly, WWE brass knows the value of a system that allows talents to learn different styles, and thus there are the previously mentioned working agreements that keep talent around Evolve, Progress, etc.
What could be the plan for this expansion?
It can't be understated how much of a tedious process an expansion into other places around the world would be for the company. It's not as simple as putting the WWE logo on a product and expecting a major draw, which is why the NXT UK brand was built from the use of UK talent to test the market. As mentioned, the European market is probably the WWE's best chance for a full-time brand because of the demand for the hybrid style of the sport. That being said, I'd say it would be much more difficult for the company do to the same thing in Japan or Mexico because of the previously mentioned traditional and cultural aspects of the genre in those places. But, who knows what this could bring in other markets? PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported that German star, Walter recently signed a WWE deal, and there are plans for him to primarily work the UK brand and continue to work for his home promotion WXW. Could there be an eventual WWE expansion into Germany?
Aside from the actual new markets and the fresh talent that could be discovered there, this type of expansion really shows how much the WWE dominates the market share in the United States. If that's a good thing or not depends on the context, but the depth of the overall talent roster and the ability to sign so many talented athletes is possible because Vince McMahon completely owns the sport in the United States. If there was legitimate competition in America, it's possible some talents might've opted to sign elsewhere, but for the major money in this country, WWE is the place to go for majority of talented prospects. With the domination of the United States market, it makes sense for the company to expand overseas and it will be extremely interesting if the NXT UK brand becomes a full time project. Hopefully, with the WWE more willing now to work with smaller promotions than anytime in history, these working agreements will lead to more opportunities for the athletes on the roster and some unique matches for the brand.
Monday, November 26, 2018
The VHS memoirs Volume 5
This month marks twenty one years since the Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart WWF title match at the Survivor Series, the site of the infamous Montreal incident that became one of the most controversial and most influential events in the history of the industry. Despite being one of the most discussed topics in the past two decades, there are still questions about what happened that night in Montreal. Who knew about the plan to end the match? Was Bret in on it? Was there a plan for him to go to WCW to cash-in on a Ted Turner contract?
The circumstances that led to the infamous incident are almost as controversial as the bout itself. Shawn Michaels has said himself that he was in a much different place with many problems in his life in 1997 before he became a born again Christian a few years later. Still, Michaels had a reputation at that time as one of the best in-ring workers of his generation, and would later add to his resume with an event better run when he returned from injury in 2002.
The late 90s were a boom period for the professional wrestling business, but the WWF had to weather the storm of Ted Turner's acquisition of several former WWF stars before McMahon took the lead in the Monday Night war for weekly ratings. Eric Bischoff, a former third-tier announcer for Verne Gagne's AWA, become the executive vice president for Turner's WCW in 1994, and took a different approach to running the organization than those that made decisions previously. Bischoff knew he needed star power and in the span of just a few years, he used the Turner resources to sign several of the performers that McMahon made stars. Hulk Hogan, who left the McMahon empire under less than stellar circumstances, signed an extremely lucrative contract with WCW in 1994. The terms of that deal would eventually be one of the many factors that contributed to the company's demise. Randy Savage, another top star for the WWF in the 80s, also inked a Turner contract shortly after that.
The debut of WCW Nitro, a Monday night show to compete against the WWF's flagship show Raw, added to the pressure of competition of the pro wrestling market. Those factors along with the slump of the industry in the early 90s made it very difficult for Vince McMahon to maintain the top spot in sports entertainment. When McMahon finished in the red for 1996, some of his top stars looked to maximize their market value, and that year both Scott Hall and Kevin Nash opted to jump to WCW when their WWF contracts expired. The Outsiders and the initial run of the New World Order, a stable that saw Hulk Hogan turn heel, gave WCW a drastic lead ahead of the WWF, a situation that put the future of the company in jeopardy.
By late 1997, McMahon had taken the gloves off and was ready to embark on a new philosophy of "Attitude" with programming that pushed the envelope further than the corporate structure of the Turner product. It was a move to attempt to maintain turf in the wrestling war and at the time, there were no guarantees for success. Bischoff, the only figure in the industry to put Vince on the ropes, looked to further expand the Turner acquisitions to try to overwhelm the WWF with the momentum of Nitro that was built throughout the previous year. Bret, the WWF's longtime champion, was offered a very lucrative deal from Turner, but initially turned it down, agreeing instead to 20-year contract with McMahon that would pay him more money in the later years of the deal. In theory, this gave the WWF a chance to avoid the financial pressure of WCW and keep Hart on the roster. Just months later, Vince realized he can't afford Bret's deal, and the future of the company is in doubt. McMahon allowed Bret the opportunity to negotiate with WCW while still under a WWF contract. Reportedly, Hart signed for an astounding $2.5 million a year and it was estimated that he made over $6.5 million during his WCW run, which concluded when he was released in October 2000 after an injury.
However, just three years before his WCW exit, Hart was still the WWF champion, which made it necessary for WWF management to make plans for the belt. It's well-documented that Michaels made a comment previously that he would refuse to lose to Bret so Hart refused to do the job in Montreal for their scheduled pay-per-view bout. Supposedly, the "scripted" finish to the match was set to be a DQ after outside interference. History showed that as Shawn had Bret in the sharpshooter, McMahon yelled for the time keeper to ring the bell, and in the ring, the referee Earl Hebner called for the bell on-screen. As soon as the music played, a stunned Hart realized the plan was changed without his knowledge and he spit at McMahon. Michaels looked visibly upset in the ring and was hustled backstage for his safety as an irate crowd pelted ringside with trash. Ironically, "Wrestling with Shadows," a documentary from Canadian filmmakers had chronicled Bret's journey for most of the previous year and were recording that night at the Survivor Series. After an infuriated Hart went backstage, he found McMahon, who told Bret he deserved a punch so Hart threw one punch that staggered McMahon, who was seen on the documentary as he shuffled down the hall.
Since that infamous night, many people, both fans and wrestlers, speculated that Montreal was a work designed to allow Bret to leave and generate heat for McMahon. While nobody outside of a select few from meetings in 1997 will actually know the real story, I would guess that Bret Hart was legitimately swerved that night.
The reasons for this guess are relatively simple and there's not some shocking revelation, but rather a look at the scenario at the time. It's much easier for conspiracy theorists to attempt to piece together a grand plan for Bret's mega deal to drain WCW's resources, but that assumption is only a possible theory because WCW folded, and in reality it shutdown for many reasons other than Hart's contract. Keep in mind, in 1997 WCW had all the momentum in the wrestling war and adding the former WWF champion would've theoretically added to that. There was no way to know that WCW would completely botch the use of Bret Hart during his run there, especially after the way it successfully used Hall and Nash in 1997.
There were also no guarantees when the decision was made at Survivor Series that it would contribute to the start of Mr. McMahon as one of the most successful heel personas in the history of the industry. The viewing audience could've interpreted the notorious title switch as an indication that the WWF was crumbling while the competition just signed their top star. Again, it can't be understated that there was no guarantee that the turbulent situation would eventually lead to the biggest feud of the era when Stone Cold vs. McMahon set TV ratings records. As I mentioned, there's no way to know the actual story, but it speaks volumes about the impact of the Montreal incident that is remained a topic of discussion for more than two decades.
The circumstances that led to the infamous incident are almost as controversial as the bout itself. Shawn Michaels has said himself that he was in a much different place with many problems in his life in 1997 before he became a born again Christian a few years later. Still, Michaels had a reputation at that time as one of the best in-ring workers of his generation, and would later add to his resume with an event better run when he returned from injury in 2002.
The late 90s were a boom period for the professional wrestling business, but the WWF had to weather the storm of Ted Turner's acquisition of several former WWF stars before McMahon took the lead in the Monday Night war for weekly ratings. Eric Bischoff, a former third-tier announcer for Verne Gagne's AWA, become the executive vice president for Turner's WCW in 1994, and took a different approach to running the organization than those that made decisions previously. Bischoff knew he needed star power and in the span of just a few years, he used the Turner resources to sign several of the performers that McMahon made stars. Hulk Hogan, who left the McMahon empire under less than stellar circumstances, signed an extremely lucrative contract with WCW in 1994. The terms of that deal would eventually be one of the many factors that contributed to the company's demise. Randy Savage, another top star for the WWF in the 80s, also inked a Turner contract shortly after that.
The debut of WCW Nitro, a Monday night show to compete against the WWF's flagship show Raw, added to the pressure of competition of the pro wrestling market. Those factors along with the slump of the industry in the early 90s made it very difficult for Vince McMahon to maintain the top spot in sports entertainment. When McMahon finished in the red for 1996, some of his top stars looked to maximize their market value, and that year both Scott Hall and Kevin Nash opted to jump to WCW when their WWF contracts expired. The Outsiders and the initial run of the New World Order, a stable that saw Hulk Hogan turn heel, gave WCW a drastic lead ahead of the WWF, a situation that put the future of the company in jeopardy.
By late 1997, McMahon had taken the gloves off and was ready to embark on a new philosophy of "Attitude" with programming that pushed the envelope further than the corporate structure of the Turner product. It was a move to attempt to maintain turf in the wrestling war and at the time, there were no guarantees for success. Bischoff, the only figure in the industry to put Vince on the ropes, looked to further expand the Turner acquisitions to try to overwhelm the WWF with the momentum of Nitro that was built throughout the previous year. Bret, the WWF's longtime champion, was offered a very lucrative deal from Turner, but initially turned it down, agreeing instead to 20-year contract with McMahon that would pay him more money in the later years of the deal. In theory, this gave the WWF a chance to avoid the financial pressure of WCW and keep Hart on the roster. Just months later, Vince realized he can't afford Bret's deal, and the future of the company is in doubt. McMahon allowed Bret the opportunity to negotiate with WCW while still under a WWF contract. Reportedly, Hart signed for an astounding $2.5 million a year and it was estimated that he made over $6.5 million during his WCW run, which concluded when he was released in October 2000 after an injury.
However, just three years before his WCW exit, Hart was still the WWF champion, which made it necessary for WWF management to make plans for the belt. It's well-documented that Michaels made a comment previously that he would refuse to lose to Bret so Hart refused to do the job in Montreal for their scheduled pay-per-view bout. Supposedly, the "scripted" finish to the match was set to be a DQ after outside interference. History showed that as Shawn had Bret in the sharpshooter, McMahon yelled for the time keeper to ring the bell, and in the ring, the referee Earl Hebner called for the bell on-screen. As soon as the music played, a stunned Hart realized the plan was changed without his knowledge and he spit at McMahon. Michaels looked visibly upset in the ring and was hustled backstage for his safety as an irate crowd pelted ringside with trash. Ironically, "Wrestling with Shadows," a documentary from Canadian filmmakers had chronicled Bret's journey for most of the previous year and were recording that night at the Survivor Series. After an infuriated Hart went backstage, he found McMahon, who told Bret he deserved a punch so Hart threw one punch that staggered McMahon, who was seen on the documentary as he shuffled down the hall.
Since that infamous night, many people, both fans and wrestlers, speculated that Montreal was a work designed to allow Bret to leave and generate heat for McMahon. While nobody outside of a select few from meetings in 1997 will actually know the real story, I would guess that Bret Hart was legitimately swerved that night.
The reasons for this guess are relatively simple and there's not some shocking revelation, but rather a look at the scenario at the time. It's much easier for conspiracy theorists to attempt to piece together a grand plan for Bret's mega deal to drain WCW's resources, but that assumption is only a possible theory because WCW folded, and in reality it shutdown for many reasons other than Hart's contract. Keep in mind, in 1997 WCW had all the momentum in the wrestling war and adding the former WWF champion would've theoretically added to that. There was no way to know that WCW would completely botch the use of Bret Hart during his run there, especially after the way it successfully used Hall and Nash in 1997.
There were also no guarantees when the decision was made at Survivor Series that it would contribute to the start of Mr. McMahon as one of the most successful heel personas in the history of the industry. The viewing audience could've interpreted the notorious title switch as an indication that the WWF was crumbling while the competition just signed their top star. Again, it can't be understated that there was no guarantee that the turbulent situation would eventually lead to the biggest feud of the era when Stone Cold vs. McMahon set TV ratings records. As I mentioned, there's no way to know the actual story, but it speaks volumes about the impact of the Montreal incident that is remained a topic of discussion for more than two decades.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
NXT Review
Last weekend, the NXT Takeover:War Games II event featured just five matches on the card, but showcased a tremendous amount of talent and made a statement about several of the performers booked on the show.
An impromptu Matt Riddle/Kassius Ohno match took place, with Riddle hitting a flying knee just seconds into the match for the flash KO win. I'd guess this will be used to set up a feud between the two, and I don't think it really took anything away from Ohno because of how it was presented. In many respects, Ohno has solidified his status in NXT as a very valuable asset in the player-coach role and can be a useful tool in the development of younger stars. Make no mistake about it, it's no coincidence that Riddle was paired with the former Chris Hero for his initial appearances under the NXT banner. Ohno doesn't appear to be on the radar of the main roster, and there's nothing wrong with that, considering that he can have a successful run in NXT as an in-ring mentor to others on the brand, which is an important piece of the puzzle to the development of new talent.
For Matt Riddle, I was initially skeptical when I heard that he began to pursue professional wrestling a few years ago after a career in mixed martial arts, mostly because you never know how an athlete will make the transition to taking bumps or their ability to sell. That said, Riddle is a natural in the squared circle and has made the transition to sports entertainment as seamlessly as anyone. Riddle has a unique charisma that can't be scripted or manufactured, which is another key to major success in the industry. Along with that, he has a genuine enthusiasm for the business that the audience can connect with, another aspect that allows for an athlete to get over with the crowd. While it's too early to truly predict specifics on his WWE career, the early indication is that Riddle has all the skills to be a major star in NXT.
The Shayna Baszler/Kairi Sane two out of three falls match was solid, but was too rushed based on the stipulation of the match. Perhaps the interference from Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir will be used to set up an eventual six person tag, but three falls weren't needed to lead to that. Duke and Shafir are newer recruits to the brand, and I'm sure their athletic backgrounds will be helpful in the training process, but their inexperience showed with the sloppy interference spots. Shayna retained the title, a decision that was probably the right call as to avoid the title being switched too often and thus hindering its importance. Despite only three years as a professional wrestler, the former UFC fighter is extremely skilled in the squared circle. In fact, it speaks volumes to her ability that she's already reached this level in a relatively short time in the sport. She brings an authenticity and believably to her persona that adds a lot to her matches. The only downside for Baszler is that at 38, she might have a shorter time frame to really maximize the peak of her wrestling career. It seems like an almost natural pairing that at some point, Baszler might transition to the main roster as a heel to feud with Ronda Rousey. Obviously, Ronda would need to get more experience before that, but it would be quite the contrast for a heel former MMA fighter to challenge Ronda for the Women's championship.
Kairi Sane is very talented and fits well within the NXT brand. On the flip side, I'm not sure the "Pirate Princess" persona would translate to the casual fans of the main roster. Perhaps, that means Sane will remain on the NXT roster, but at just 30, you would think that Raw or Smackdown is in her future at some point. However, considering the track record of most NXT successes after they debut on the main roster, Sane's unique character could get lost in the shuffle if a general audience doesn't understand the gimmick. While a lack of fluent English shouldn't be a major barrier, it's very possible the writing team wouldn't script a long-term angle for Sane on main stream television based on a perceived language barrier. It will be extremely interesting to see the path that Sane takes and if/how she eventually transitions to the main roster.
The Johnny Gargano/Aleister Black bout was tremendous and had the quality of a main event contest just about anywhere. The Gargano/Ciampa feud proved that Gargano can effectively sell and work as the classic babyface. On the surface, a heel turn for him might've been a questionable decision, but he again proved the caliber of the performer he is, and worked heel extremely well. Black got the victory here and when the time is right, he will undoubtedly be a great addition to the Raw or Smackdown roster. With as much as NXT transitions yield mixed results, Aleister Black has all the skills to be a major star on WWE TV. Aleister Black is a unique commodity and if booked correctly, he brings an incredible amount of potential to the table for the main roster.
The NXT title match showcased the ability of Velveteen Dream, but proved what a workhorse the champion is during this run. Tommaso Ciampa is superb in his role as a maniacal heel and the argument could be made that he's the best heel in the business right now. Despite his flashy and entertaining persona, Velveteen is just 23 with only a few years experience in the ring so make no mistake, part of the reason this NXT title bout was the best bout of his career so far is because he worked with a top notch athlete such as Ciampa. That being said, Velveteen Dream almost certainly has a bright future, especially considering that Raw and Smackdown would utilize his character ahead of his ring skills, at least for a possible debut on the brands. Ciampa is such a great heel that gets tremendous heat while still being very entertaining with his stellar wrestling ability that you almost want to suggest that he stays in NXT as long as possible because of the incredible run as champion.
There was too much action to review in the War Games match, but a very important general statement can be made about this contest. All of the participants in this match have the ability to be performers that the company can build around for any brand. With athletes like this under contract, the future of the WWE is very secure and it will be very interesting to see how their careers progress in the WWE. More specifically, while there will only be one Shawn Michaels, I've said it before and I will say it again, Adam Cole has the ability to be this generation's Shawn Michaels if he's given the chance on a major stage.
As great as this Takeover event was, the potential and progress of these stellar athletes could be moot if they aren't booked correctly in the next phase of their careers. The right presentation is an even more important key to success when such stellar athletes will work the peak of their careers on the WWE roster.
An impromptu Matt Riddle/Kassius Ohno match took place, with Riddle hitting a flying knee just seconds into the match for the flash KO win. I'd guess this will be used to set up a feud between the two, and I don't think it really took anything away from Ohno because of how it was presented. In many respects, Ohno has solidified his status in NXT as a very valuable asset in the player-coach role and can be a useful tool in the development of younger stars. Make no mistake about it, it's no coincidence that Riddle was paired with the former Chris Hero for his initial appearances under the NXT banner. Ohno doesn't appear to be on the radar of the main roster, and there's nothing wrong with that, considering that he can have a successful run in NXT as an in-ring mentor to others on the brand, which is an important piece of the puzzle to the development of new talent.
For Matt Riddle, I was initially skeptical when I heard that he began to pursue professional wrestling a few years ago after a career in mixed martial arts, mostly because you never know how an athlete will make the transition to taking bumps or their ability to sell. That said, Riddle is a natural in the squared circle and has made the transition to sports entertainment as seamlessly as anyone. Riddle has a unique charisma that can't be scripted or manufactured, which is another key to major success in the industry. Along with that, he has a genuine enthusiasm for the business that the audience can connect with, another aspect that allows for an athlete to get over with the crowd. While it's too early to truly predict specifics on his WWE career, the early indication is that Riddle has all the skills to be a major star in NXT.
The Shayna Baszler/Kairi Sane two out of three falls match was solid, but was too rushed based on the stipulation of the match. Perhaps the interference from Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir will be used to set up an eventual six person tag, but three falls weren't needed to lead to that. Duke and Shafir are newer recruits to the brand, and I'm sure their athletic backgrounds will be helpful in the training process, but their inexperience showed with the sloppy interference spots. Shayna retained the title, a decision that was probably the right call as to avoid the title being switched too often and thus hindering its importance. Despite only three years as a professional wrestler, the former UFC fighter is extremely skilled in the squared circle. In fact, it speaks volumes to her ability that she's already reached this level in a relatively short time in the sport. She brings an authenticity and believably to her persona that adds a lot to her matches. The only downside for Baszler is that at 38, she might have a shorter time frame to really maximize the peak of her wrestling career. It seems like an almost natural pairing that at some point, Baszler might transition to the main roster as a heel to feud with Ronda Rousey. Obviously, Ronda would need to get more experience before that, but it would be quite the contrast for a heel former MMA fighter to challenge Ronda for the Women's championship.
Kairi Sane is very talented and fits well within the NXT brand. On the flip side, I'm not sure the "Pirate Princess" persona would translate to the casual fans of the main roster. Perhaps, that means Sane will remain on the NXT roster, but at just 30, you would think that Raw or Smackdown is in her future at some point. However, considering the track record of most NXT successes after they debut on the main roster, Sane's unique character could get lost in the shuffle if a general audience doesn't understand the gimmick. While a lack of fluent English shouldn't be a major barrier, it's very possible the writing team wouldn't script a long-term angle for Sane on main stream television based on a perceived language barrier. It will be extremely interesting to see the path that Sane takes and if/how she eventually transitions to the main roster.
The Johnny Gargano/Aleister Black bout was tremendous and had the quality of a main event contest just about anywhere. The Gargano/Ciampa feud proved that Gargano can effectively sell and work as the classic babyface. On the surface, a heel turn for him might've been a questionable decision, but he again proved the caliber of the performer he is, and worked heel extremely well. Black got the victory here and when the time is right, he will undoubtedly be a great addition to the Raw or Smackdown roster. With as much as NXT transitions yield mixed results, Aleister Black has all the skills to be a major star on WWE TV. Aleister Black is a unique commodity and if booked correctly, he brings an incredible amount of potential to the table for the main roster.
The NXT title match showcased the ability of Velveteen Dream, but proved what a workhorse the champion is during this run. Tommaso Ciampa is superb in his role as a maniacal heel and the argument could be made that he's the best heel in the business right now. Despite his flashy and entertaining persona, Velveteen is just 23 with only a few years experience in the ring so make no mistake, part of the reason this NXT title bout was the best bout of his career so far is because he worked with a top notch athlete such as Ciampa. That being said, Velveteen Dream almost certainly has a bright future, especially considering that Raw and Smackdown would utilize his character ahead of his ring skills, at least for a possible debut on the brands. Ciampa is such a great heel that gets tremendous heat while still being very entertaining with his stellar wrestling ability that you almost want to suggest that he stays in NXT as long as possible because of the incredible run as champion.
There was too much action to review in the War Games match, but a very important general statement can be made about this contest. All of the participants in this match have the ability to be performers that the company can build around for any brand. With athletes like this under contract, the future of the WWE is very secure and it will be very interesting to see how their careers progress in the WWE. More specifically, while there will only be one Shawn Michaels, I've said it before and I will say it again, Adam Cole has the ability to be this generation's Shawn Michaels if he's given the chance on a major stage.
As great as this Takeover event was, the potential and progress of these stellar athletes could be moot if they aren't booked correctly in the next phase of their careers. The right presentation is an even more important key to success when such stellar athletes will work the peak of their careers on the WWE roster.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Daniel Bryan wins the title
Last night, Daniel Bryan was booked to challenge AJ Styles in an unadvertised WWE championship match, which saw Bryan turn heel and win the belt. The title switch further shuffles this weekend's Survivor Series card, adding Bryan vs. Lesnar to the event, a pay-per-view that will see Charlotte replace Becky Lynch after a concussion during a brawl on Raw.
A heel turn for Daniel Bryan, one of the most popular on the roster for the past several years, might seem like an odd decision on the surface, but a look at his tenure since his return to the ring earlier this year allows for a more complete view of the path of his persona. When Bryan Danielson was legitimately forced into retirement nearly three years ago from what was thought to be a career-ending neck injury, it was one of the most emotional segments in the history of the industry. In the few years prior to the announcement, Bryan had become the most over athlete in the company through his stellar in-ring skill and his ability to connect with the audience. His dedication to the sport and his genuine appreciation for the fan support made the crowd demand that he get the opportunity he deserved as a main event star.
WWE brass had other plans and despite the demand from the audience, management attempted to minimize Bryan's role ahead of WM 30. However, it wasn't until the writing team was forced to include Daniel Bryan in the main event that he was booked for the spot that he earned, celebrating as champion at the biggest event of the year in 2014. Unfortunately, an injury a short time later forced Bryan to vacate the belt. When he returned to the ring, he resumed his status as an extremely popular competitor on the roster and some assumed he would be back in the main event spot at WM in 2015. Not surprisingly, Roman Reigns was chosen for that match against Brock Lesnar at WM 31, and Bryan won the IC title instead at the event. Sadly, he suffered a concussion just weeks later and had to relinquish another championship. The status of his career was unknown for almost a year until the previously mentioned retirement in 2016, but he resurfaced on WWE programming as the Smackdown General Manager in July of that year. Keep in mind, an injury put Bryan on the sidelines, but he maintained his popularity.
When he was cleared to return to the squared circle this past March, it seemed obvious that the most logical option was for him to resume his spot as a top star on the Smackdown brand. Somehow (and not shockingly) management fumbled the opportunity and his career again. The underdog competitor that management didn't want made it to the top through the support of the fans only to be forced to retire from injury at the peak of his run. The comeback story could write itself, but that's not the path that the writing team took when they wrote the script.
The direction of his career almost minimized his star power and he was made to look secondary to The Miz for every major pay-per-view match of a rivalry that had years of history behind it. In fact, Bryan's only victory against the Miz on a major stage since his return was the Super Showdown event where Bryan won a fast bout with a fluke pin. At what point since his return to the ring at WM 34 did the WWE showcase Daniel Bryan as anything more than a mid-card talent? More importantly, when did the reaction to him decline? The point being, it hasn't and despite the lackluster booking since his return, Daniel Bryan is still a very popular character on the show.
That being said, management missed the boat on the opportunity to tell the ultimate comeback story. The chance to show his journey back to the championship after a career-threatening injury was fumbled. So, at this point, the best way to freshen up his persona is a heel turn that will allow him to vent his frustrations toward the WWE machine. He did everything by the rules and still wasn't given a chance so he did what he had to do to claim the WWE title again. Ironically, this is another scenario where the story could write itself. Make no mistake, Daniel Bryan can absolutely play the role of a vicious heel, with his run in Ring Of Honor as the "American Dragon" in 2006 as proof of it.
While the heel turn sets up for a renewed emphasis on the AJ Styles feud, it created an almost counterproductive situation for the newly-booked Bryan/Brock Lesnar match at Survivor Series. Prior to Smackdown on Tuesday, a Bryan/Lesnar bout had a compelling narrative that was relatively easy to tell, as the underdog tries to battle the monster challenger. What will the story be for two heels in the match?
Regardless, the most important aspect of this entire situation is that it gives Daniel Bryan a chance at a new chapter of his WWE career, and the ability to maximize his ability as a main event star on Smackdown. At this point, a heel turn is the best option to rejuvenate his run on Smackdown and there might be some cautious optimism around it, but it remains to be seen if management utilizes this chance to its fullest potential, especially considering that Daniel Bryan should've already had a major run as a baby face champion this year.
A heel turn for Daniel Bryan, one of the most popular on the roster for the past several years, might seem like an odd decision on the surface, but a look at his tenure since his return to the ring earlier this year allows for a more complete view of the path of his persona. When Bryan Danielson was legitimately forced into retirement nearly three years ago from what was thought to be a career-ending neck injury, it was one of the most emotional segments in the history of the industry. In the few years prior to the announcement, Bryan had become the most over athlete in the company through his stellar in-ring skill and his ability to connect with the audience. His dedication to the sport and his genuine appreciation for the fan support made the crowd demand that he get the opportunity he deserved as a main event star.
WWE brass had other plans and despite the demand from the audience, management attempted to minimize Bryan's role ahead of WM 30. However, it wasn't until the writing team was forced to include Daniel Bryan in the main event that he was booked for the spot that he earned, celebrating as champion at the biggest event of the year in 2014. Unfortunately, an injury a short time later forced Bryan to vacate the belt. When he returned to the ring, he resumed his status as an extremely popular competitor on the roster and some assumed he would be back in the main event spot at WM in 2015. Not surprisingly, Roman Reigns was chosen for that match against Brock Lesnar at WM 31, and Bryan won the IC title instead at the event. Sadly, he suffered a concussion just weeks later and had to relinquish another championship. The status of his career was unknown for almost a year until the previously mentioned retirement in 2016, but he resurfaced on WWE programming as the Smackdown General Manager in July of that year. Keep in mind, an injury put Bryan on the sidelines, but he maintained his popularity.
When he was cleared to return to the squared circle this past March, it seemed obvious that the most logical option was for him to resume his spot as a top star on the Smackdown brand. Somehow (and not shockingly) management fumbled the opportunity and his career again. The underdog competitor that management didn't want made it to the top through the support of the fans only to be forced to retire from injury at the peak of his run. The comeback story could write itself, but that's not the path that the writing team took when they wrote the script.
The direction of his career almost minimized his star power and he was made to look secondary to The Miz for every major pay-per-view match of a rivalry that had years of history behind it. In fact, Bryan's only victory against the Miz on a major stage since his return was the Super Showdown event where Bryan won a fast bout with a fluke pin. At what point since his return to the ring at WM 34 did the WWE showcase Daniel Bryan as anything more than a mid-card talent? More importantly, when did the reaction to him decline? The point being, it hasn't and despite the lackluster booking since his return, Daniel Bryan is still a very popular character on the show.
That being said, management missed the boat on the opportunity to tell the ultimate comeback story. The chance to show his journey back to the championship after a career-threatening injury was fumbled. So, at this point, the best way to freshen up his persona is a heel turn that will allow him to vent his frustrations toward the WWE machine. He did everything by the rules and still wasn't given a chance so he did what he had to do to claim the WWE title again. Ironically, this is another scenario where the story could write itself. Make no mistake, Daniel Bryan can absolutely play the role of a vicious heel, with his run in Ring Of Honor as the "American Dragon" in 2006 as proof of it.
While the heel turn sets up for a renewed emphasis on the AJ Styles feud, it created an almost counterproductive situation for the newly-booked Bryan/Brock Lesnar match at Survivor Series. Prior to Smackdown on Tuesday, a Bryan/Lesnar bout had a compelling narrative that was relatively easy to tell, as the underdog tries to battle the monster challenger. What will the story be for two heels in the match?
Regardless, the most important aspect of this entire situation is that it gives Daniel Bryan a chance at a new chapter of his WWE career, and the ability to maximize his ability as a main event star on Smackdown. At this point, a heel turn is the best option to rejuvenate his run on Smackdown and there might be some cautious optimism around it, but it remains to be seen if management utilizes this chance to its fullest potential, especially considering that Daniel Bryan should've already had a major run as a baby face champion this year.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Hogan announced for Saudi Arabia event
A few weeks ago, I penned an article and explained that despite the negative publicity of the Crown Jewel pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia, everyone's got a price, even the WWE. Since that column was posted, it was confirmed that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated just minutes after he entered the Saudi consulate last month. Regardless of the dictatorship style murder to silence a critic of the Saudi royal family, the WWE is not only still willing to accept the major cash from the Saudi government, but also be used by Mohammed bin Salman as a PR tool in an faux attempt to change the perception of the country, which is known for its harsh restrictions toward certain groups of its population. As I said previously, the WWE is a global, publicly-traded company and they signed $2 billion worth of TV contract that will start in 2019 so it's not as though the promotion needs the money. That said, is the Saudi money really worth it? Granted, business is business, but isn't there a line of decency somewhere?
The negative perception about this event taking place a month after Khashoggi's murder isn't just general discussion outside of the genre of professional wrestling. John Cena, the company's top star for more than a decade, declined to participate in the event. At 41, Cena was a workhorse for the organization for the past several years, but more recently took a lighter schedule to pursue an acting career. It makes sense because after such a grueling schedule for the majority of his WWE run, he obviously won't be in the ring on a full-time in the future. Even the hefty payday isn't worth the negative press and the effect it could have on his acting career. Plus, Cena has the status within the company that he can refuse the appearance without any repercussions.
Another star, Daniel Bryan, refused to work the show because of Saudi Arabia's restrictions toward women and other groups. Different from Cena in this situation, Bryan doesn't have a brand or an image to protect. Daniel Bryan is doing something that WWE brass isn't willing to do, he won't compromise his values for cash. That authenticity is one of the many that Daniel Bryan is one of the most over athletes of the modern era because the fans can identify with him and see the effort he displays in the ring.
It speaks volumes that two of the WWE's top stars refused to be associated with this event.
With the exit of Bryan and more specifically Cena, the WWE had to find a way to deliver the star power that the Saudi family is expecting for that huge payday. So, Hulk Hogan was quietly announced as the host of the event. The former WWF champion was fired in 2015 after a leaked tape surfaced that showed Hogan use several racist remarks. The racist rant was just one of many things that tainted the disgraced champion's legacy over the past decade. Prior to his run in TNA, Hulk was known as a tabloid circus. The racist comments made by Terry Bollea ruined much of the legacy of Hulk Hogan. Granted, there will always be naive fans that cheer for Hulkamania, but the reality is, Bollea doesn't seem like the most honorable person. Let's not forget, he made a career of using his creative control clause to maintain his status at the top of the card. There's no place in society for Hogan's narrow-minded view and he certainly doesn't deserved to be promoted by a global promotion.
Ironically, Hulk returned to the company for a backstage meeting prior to the Extreme Rules pay-per-view in July. Reportedly, Hogan's "explanation" was that he didn't know he was recorded when the leaked tape was filmed and apologized for it. Several wrestlers were dissatisfied with his apology and expressed discontent on social media. From a historical context, there's no realistic way to erase Hogan's wrestling career so let that stand on its own, but at the same time, that doesn't mean that the WWE should promote Terry Bollea. Remember, several lewd comments from Bollea surfaced, it wasn't a one-time incident so there's definitely a pattern as to who he is when he's not portraying Hulk Hogan on-screen. Since those comments went public in 2015, Hulk remains a polarizing figure, as some fans still support his accomplishments in sports entertainment, while others don't want to be associated with the comments he made in reality.
So, why would the WWE bring him back?
Again, the Saudi family is paying for name value more than anything else, and with Cena's refusal, management needed something to justify the major paycheck from the Saudi government. Obviously, since the Saudi government assassinated a journalist, they aren't concerned with Hulk's disgusting remarks from the leaked tape. I'd guess that even WWE management knows how terrible Hulk's involvement looks because his scheduled appearance wasn't advertised or promoted on TV this week.
Hopefully, Hulk's involvement with modern sports entertainment is contained to the Crown Jewel event, what else could he realistically do for the WWE? While he would probably be more than willing to drop the leg on younger talent to get another win at 65 years old, Hogan doesn't have much value from a PR perspective at this point. Unfortunately, with the shady situations around this event, Hulk's involvement almost seems suitable. More than anything, this Crown Jewel pay-per-view just makes the WWE, which represents professional wrestling on a main stream basis, look terrible. The major corporation takes money from the corrupt government, which is sadly common for business outside of sports entertainment. The most disappointing aspect of this whole situation is that the WWE is already extremely profitable without the Saudi contract and they could cancel the event.
The negative perception about this event taking place a month after Khashoggi's murder isn't just general discussion outside of the genre of professional wrestling. John Cena, the company's top star for more than a decade, declined to participate in the event. At 41, Cena was a workhorse for the organization for the past several years, but more recently took a lighter schedule to pursue an acting career. It makes sense because after such a grueling schedule for the majority of his WWE run, he obviously won't be in the ring on a full-time in the future. Even the hefty payday isn't worth the negative press and the effect it could have on his acting career. Plus, Cena has the status within the company that he can refuse the appearance without any repercussions.
Another star, Daniel Bryan, refused to work the show because of Saudi Arabia's restrictions toward women and other groups. Different from Cena in this situation, Bryan doesn't have a brand or an image to protect. Daniel Bryan is doing something that WWE brass isn't willing to do, he won't compromise his values for cash. That authenticity is one of the many that Daniel Bryan is one of the most over athletes of the modern era because the fans can identify with him and see the effort he displays in the ring.
It speaks volumes that two of the WWE's top stars refused to be associated with this event.
With the exit of Bryan and more specifically Cena, the WWE had to find a way to deliver the star power that the Saudi family is expecting for that huge payday. So, Hulk Hogan was quietly announced as the host of the event. The former WWF champion was fired in 2015 after a leaked tape surfaced that showed Hogan use several racist remarks. The racist rant was just one of many things that tainted the disgraced champion's legacy over the past decade. Prior to his run in TNA, Hulk was known as a tabloid circus. The racist comments made by Terry Bollea ruined much of the legacy of Hulk Hogan. Granted, there will always be naive fans that cheer for Hulkamania, but the reality is, Bollea doesn't seem like the most honorable person. Let's not forget, he made a career of using his creative control clause to maintain his status at the top of the card. There's no place in society for Hogan's narrow-minded view and he certainly doesn't deserved to be promoted by a global promotion.
Ironically, Hulk returned to the company for a backstage meeting prior to the Extreme Rules pay-per-view in July. Reportedly, Hogan's "explanation" was that he didn't know he was recorded when the leaked tape was filmed and apologized for it. Several wrestlers were dissatisfied with his apology and expressed discontent on social media. From a historical context, there's no realistic way to erase Hogan's wrestling career so let that stand on its own, but at the same time, that doesn't mean that the WWE should promote Terry Bollea. Remember, several lewd comments from Bollea surfaced, it wasn't a one-time incident so there's definitely a pattern as to who he is when he's not portraying Hulk Hogan on-screen. Since those comments went public in 2015, Hulk remains a polarizing figure, as some fans still support his accomplishments in sports entertainment, while others don't want to be associated with the comments he made in reality.
So, why would the WWE bring him back?
Again, the Saudi family is paying for name value more than anything else, and with Cena's refusal, management needed something to justify the major paycheck from the Saudi government. Obviously, since the Saudi government assassinated a journalist, they aren't concerned with Hulk's disgusting remarks from the leaked tape. I'd guess that even WWE management knows how terrible Hulk's involvement looks because his scheduled appearance wasn't advertised or promoted on TV this week.
Hopefully, Hulk's involvement with modern sports entertainment is contained to the Crown Jewel event, what else could he realistically do for the WWE? While he would probably be more than willing to drop the leg on younger talent to get another win at 65 years old, Hogan doesn't have much value from a PR perspective at this point. Unfortunately, with the shady situations around this event, Hulk's involvement almost seems suitable. More than anything, this Crown Jewel pay-per-view just makes the WWE, which represents professional wrestling on a main stream basis, look terrible. The major corporation takes money from the corrupt government, which is sadly common for business outside of sports entertainment. The most disappointing aspect of this whole situation is that the WWE is already extremely profitable without the Saudi contract and they could cancel the event.
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