<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>Keith's Web Blog RSS Feed</title>
<language>en-us</language>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/index.php</link>
<description>Keith Watanabe's Website</description>
<item>
<title>WWE releasing wrestlers</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/2/12/bcc799a7800434b6a5afe2dd99dc23e7.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Saw some releases by the WWE.  Don't think they were too drastic.  I think the WWE is just too top heavy at the moment.  You really don't want that many people who are (or think they are) top calibre in a single promotion.  It's like having twenty directors and two workers in a company.

For Chris Kanyon, if he's still interested in pro-wrestling, my suggestion is for him to move towards NWA-TNA.  The US scene really needs a secondary strong federation.  NWA-TNA isn't a bad place and has some good foundation.  They do focus a good portion of their product on the wrestling itself and it shows when Mike Tenay is allowed to call the shots.  But I hope to see more full time people for them where they take on released WWE wrestlers and see what roles they can give them.

I can see Kanyon doing fairly well in NWA-TNA.  He can fit into the X-Division because of his unique style.  His concern should be his health since it's been on a gradual slide that's affected his performance and viewability by the US audience.  But it would be good for him to mix it up a little with guys he's familiar with like Raven and Saturn (if he ever comes back) as well as some other potentials like D-Lo Brown and AJ Styles.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2004 14:00:56 -0700</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/2/12/bcc799a7800434b6a5afe2dd99dc23e7.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>HHH vs Brock Lesner?</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/2/12/d808d127ec1c2f8eddf763b4e788ea61.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I was just reading that the WWE may plan for a HHH vs Brock Lesner "Dream Match" at WMXXI.  How is this a "dream match?"  At this point, I don't see how HHH can be in any "dream matches" due to his (immature) handling of his career.  He has been able to dispose of all his competitors by sheer political force, which leaves him invunerable so long as he's married to a certain someone.  In his position, should he even be wrestling, I wonder.  I think someone like him should focus more on a different career because of his position in the company and in the McMahon family.  I mean, just from a "challenge" perspective, where does this guy have to climb next?  He doesn't need to prove anything because there really isn't anything that stands in his way these days.

Sure, HHH is still in relatively good health and has a fair age on his side.  But his positioning and rather (boring) tactics don't really engender any excitement for myself nor (I believe) many others.  His legacy now mainly is his ring entrance.  Besides that, he doesn't really contribute anything more to the WWE from my perspective.

Perhaps his argument could be that he's made himself dominant by his strategies that he's in a good position to put over people when the time is right.  But that is the question.  The time is, indeed, and has been right.  Others have been waiting in line for this opportunity. People who are getting injured on a nightly basis and lack the same political footing to be able to rise in the WWE and give the fans something to look forward to.  Do the fans a favorite HHH: either retire gracefully now with your career and health intact, or start elevating people *cleanly*.  You've proven your points, now help the business for what it's given you.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2004 16:59:05 -0700</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/2/12/d808d127ec1c2f8eddf763b4e788ea61.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Eddie Guerrero</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/2/18/fc513ed0b8b4536a8f92acee4f8da2cb.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I just had the opportunity to see Eddie Guerrero defeating Brock Lesnar to become the WWE Smackdown Champion.  First of all, the match was quite good.  They didn't throw everything out there in the first match, but it seems like there's the basis of some very good chemistry between these two.  I read on another board about how this was kinda like the modern Sting vs Vader (i.e. small man vs big man) type of match.  The formula was really good from the start.  Basically, Brock dominated as a powerful monster with Eddy sneaking in offense whenever possible.  Brock demonstrated a solid variety of power moves that a smaller guy like Guerrero can pull off making Brock look like a bulldozer.  But the amazing part is watching Brock bump and sell for Eddie.  Bump of the night was definitely Brock missing a high knee lift over the top turnbuckle onto the floor.  I don't recall Vader being a bump type, but Brock has low body fat and much more agility that allows him to perform such feats.  Just makes you salivate for a rematch down the road.

Next this leaves us with the potential of Eddie vs Kurt Angle at Wrestlemania.  They teased us with a bit of the two at the Smackdown Royal Rumble, showing there's going to be some greatness heading at Wrestlemania given the proper time.  We all know what Kurt and Benoit did at last year's Royal Rumble with 20+ minutes.  Now with Eddie as the champ, can we see a 30 minute match at a rumored 5 hours PPV?  Just mind blowing potential for a good wrestling PPV.

Finally, gotta give it to the man himself, Eddie Guerrero.  When I first heard about him, I received very high marks for him.  However, the initial time I witnessed him wasn't in his best spot.  Malenko and Benoit at the time just looked better (this is during their WCW stint; I hadn't known about their history in NJPW at the time).  So I wasn't very up on Guerrero until I saw him and Benoit collide.  Although I've always been partial to Benoit and Malenko, I've recently become an overall supporter for Eddie's career.  I heard about his story with the car crash, his personal demons and such.  Now, we get to see someone overcoming these obstacles as a positive figure in the latino community who praises the Lord as someone who provides him with strength.  Well, I just would like to say, congradulations.  You're an inspiration to everyone and I think you make many people proud of your accomplishments.  Go Eddie!]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2004 00:49:20 -0700</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/2/18/fc513ed0b8b4536a8f92acee4f8da2cb.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Wrestlemania Weekend</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/3/13/ee4a8161fcc625b7eead22ec9e48fd4b.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Wrestlemania is this weekend (Monday for us people ahead in the globe).  The card has an interesting mix, I guess, depending on what you look for in a card.  But then again in my interpretation of what the WWE's goals are, that is the precise area that they're moving in.  Here's my 1-en take:

Kane vs. The Undertaker

this supposedly marks the return of the Undertaker of old.  Primarily a throwback for fans and mostly a mark-type, story-oriented kind of match.  Work-wise, don't expect much. 

Chris Jericho vs. Christian

I haven't kept up with this storyline but basically it's a waste of Jericho's time, imo.  My guess is that Christian goes over so that they can try to move him into a higher tier while Jericho, in turn, gets a bigger push again in the main event.  WWE tends to have this pattern of what I call "star bargaining."  That means, some guy who is over will put over someone who really isn't in that position or got lost along the way and later return them a favor.  For most so-called hardcore types, they get pissed because there's no continuous flow for the wrestler's long term push to gather steam (except in a few exceptions).  But in my view it's the WWE's way of balancing things out and getting more people to an equitable level.

Regardless, matchwise this could be decent depending on how motivated Jericho is.  But more than likely interference by Trish or something else will muck up the ending to what could be a solid match.

The Rock & Mick Foley vs. Ric Flair, Randy Orton, & Batista

This match is another one of those "give the rub to the younger kids" situations.  At Mick's age and condition, he's basically only useful at taking a few sick bumps and hits while Flair generates cheap heat for his team.  Rock obviously is there to garner main event interests, but the WWE's goal is to enhance Orton in this group.  They'll continue to experiment with Batista since he's young and "has the look" but it really depends on his motivation.  The real situation is seeing him in one year and seeing how much he can progress on his own.  What counts is just him getting confidence in what his role is and what his limitations and uses are.  He's still in a major growth position.  So kinda hard to judge just based on work alone.  Match-wise, Batista will mostly be in it for power and isolation.  Gotta keep him impressive.  I see Foley as the mate in peril where the Rock will be the guy people are massively cheering at the hot tag point.  But who knows?

Playboy Evening Gown Match
Torrie Wilson & Sable vs. Stacy Keibler & Miss Jackie
WWE Women's Title Match
Victoria vs. Molly Holly

Neither of these matches poses any interest to me.  I liked Molly Holly at one point in time but I'm simply not interested in women's wrestling in America.

WWE Tag Team Titles Match
Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi vs. The APA vs. The Basham Brothers vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team

Ugh.  They're just throwing people together for a payday.  Supposedly Simmons is going to retire soon, so perhaps this will be the APA's last hurrah together.  Scotty and Rikishi's act are four years too old already.  Just a mess.  Serves no purpose for anyone involved here.

World Tag Team Titles Match
Booker T & RVD vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade vs. La Resistance

See above.  Knowing the WWE Jindrak and Cade will win so they can create more "stars."  However, the tag team scene in the WWE is pretty sad right now so there's not much to look forward to.


WWE Cruiserweight Title Match
Cruiserweight Open

This ought to be the opener.  Cruiserweight matches are great for openers.  Get some flash in to pump the audience up with high moves and little guys that the audience can gradually become familiar with.  In the WCW from 96-97, that formula was right on.  Don't know what this will setup since there isn't enough focus on the cruiserweight division from the WWE.

WWE US Title Match
The Big Show vs. John Cena

Cena gets the duke.  They'll probably experiment with a few PPVs for Cena just to see if he can keep his head cool.  The real factor is having a contingency plan for this guy.  My theory is to defend him against Guerrero in a title-vs-title type of match just so that Cena can show his stuff.  But that's for later....

Special Ref: Steve Austin
Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg

With the current situation, the WWE will be mad having this match anywhere but the third match on the card.  Both guys are supposedly leaving so there's no point having them at the top of the card.  Hard to say how this match will go since neither have met and both are on their way out.  Worse yet, both are far too selfish so they won't care about how the fans see them on their last match.  Double DQ, fans get pissed, Austin stunners both guys, they leave and Austin drinks beers so the fans get some redemption from their egos.

WWE Title Match
Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle

This is the match everyone is waiting for.  The real thing this needs is patience.  Give them time, don't rush the match so an injury won't occur early on, and save the major spots for last to really kick the match into a memorable mode.  Since Brock and Goldberg are leaving, the key for the WWE is to realize that their top players (for Smackdown) are their hardest working and most loyal in Angle and Guerrero (not that others aren't hard working, but in terms of acceptability).  There's enough bad stuff where this becomes a deciding point in the PPV for the fans going home happy in terms of work.  It will be the measuring point for the PPV.  Fortunately, it's these two and hopefully they get to make that statement last in the minds of the fans.

World Title Match
Triple H vs. Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels

There's a lot going on here including rumors floating around that HHH will walk away champion.  This one is going to be heavily story driven since will more than likely be the main event (it's HHH and Wrestlemania so go figure).  One possibility is that some of those rumors might be started so to make people very doubtful of Benoit's ability to win.  You never want to give results away.  But Benoit is coming off a major victory and in all honesty, it's in the WWE's best interest to push this guy while he still has his health and can work.  The other two have nothing to gain by winning.  HHH already holds one major victory from 2000 over Benoit.  A second one won't give him anything and definitely doesn't set much up except for false expectations in Benoit's push later on.  There isn't anything Benoit can bargain for by losing at this point.  This is the one where he needs the win to make the statement of his career.  He can lose later on back to HHH, but he at least needs to win the title here and perform a few major defenses just so he becomes a key player that more people can identify with.

If i were writing a storyline for this (given the material that's been played out thus far), my vision is to have Michaels and Benoit try to eliminate HHH early on by incapiticating him.  This serves a major benefit because HHH isn't at the level of performance when he's in a long match and it makes him look "smart" which is supposedly his character type.  I wouldn't do the thing where they colloborate just to eliminate him and do the "who's going to pin whom?" routine.  That's a midcard wrestling storyline that has played itself out far too much.  Michaels, HHH and Benoit (in terms of wrestling) are smarter than this for a storyline at this level.  Instead what they do is team up early on and pulverize him with some kind of power move/sick bump that generates a "holy shit" type of chant from the audience.  HHH is out for a portion of the match.  Michaels and Benoit then say that they've accomplished their primary mission at this stage in the match and then proceed to compete.  They shit talk each other as the heat swells and the focus now goes onto them.  This gives them a good 10 minutes of work together where they give the audience the work they expect to see.  Michaels will keep up to Benoit's huge lore of offense.  You don't want to get silly with HHH coming in and both knocking him out again.  That kills the intensity of the match.  However, he has to be revitalized.  Naturally, one is inclined to think that Evolution plays a part.  And if the Rumble is any indication, Orton will get involved.  Orton should be made into a dominant figure in that match.  Leave Batista and Flair out of this match, let it be Flair's last hurrah so he can serve more as a pure managerial role.  Batista has no business at this point with Benoit except as cannon fodder for his push against HHH.  

Something I would do though is have Orton involved.  He doesn't have to provide for much.  One idea would be to have him try to revitalize HHH.  Benoit goes for a suicide dive and HHH manages to throw Orton into Benoit.  That small segment will provide an impetus for two things: one is a match against Benoit for a title defense (ala Cena vs Guerrero) and two it'll start the Evolution split with Orton going after HHH in the long term.  Orton should be completely KO'd, even bleeding from such a move.  At this point, HHH should be in good enough condition to take on Michaels.  You can get five minutes while Benoit rests as Michaels and HHH battle it out.  

Eventually, Benoit begins making it back into the ring with Orton (more than likely) attempting to prevent him from coming in.  Benoit needs a serious-comedy spot where he just knocks Orton out in a pissed off manner.  That'll get the crowd on his side for his type of character.  Michaels should be selling big time by now with HHH dominating.  Benoit gets back into the mix and manages to save Michaels.  We need another holy shit spot.  The only two ways I can think of this is having Michaels take a stupid dive that makes him look cool in front of the fans.  This is where a complex ending can work very well.  My idea is to get Orton to coordinate with HHH in ending Benoit.  Michaels sees Orton with HHH pulling out his trusty sledgehammer, thinking Benoit might be knocked out.  Some miscoordination ensues where Benoit launches Michaels inadvertently at Orton  which causes him to knock HHH out with the sledgehammer.  The ring is a mess so Benoit goes for his own holy shit move.  Could be anything.  Crossface is meaningless.  Dragon Suplex hold by itself is meaningless.  Top rope powerbomb?  Needs to make a major statement.  Benoit wins the title.  Michaels is pissed but he respects Benoit because he's able to outsmart him this time (and eventually wants his own title shot).  HHH is mad overall and goes after Orton but Orton walks out.  Benoit celebrates and the locker room comes out.  Guerrero should be there to congradulate Benoit as two champions from a certain wrestling era have established their dreams.]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2004 01:42:27 -0700</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/3/13/ee4a8161fcc625b7eead22ec9e48fd4b.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Wrestlemania XX Aftermath</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/3/18/7283dbd337db9737079d66798b44f77a.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Wrestlemania XX has come and gone with Raw and Smackdown already moving things forward.  Without going into the whole reshuffle, the first thing to do is address the show.  I haven't seen it yet but the results on first glance to be, imo, what I felt was good for the company.  Then again if you compare what I've written here with the results, I think maybe my visio is aligned with the company (unless of course people are reading this website :)

Let's look at a few results:

Christian over Jericho: Christian needs to step up somehow.  Haven't kept up the recent happenings but the swerve on top of him beating Jericho might help his career.  His work is inoffensive and can be good at times.  What should his goals be?  Hard to say.  Some people are calling for Edge to return to Raw.  However, I see these two being separate so to continue having distinct personalities.  Not sure where to put someone like Christian at the moment.  I'd consider a "young lions" stable.  Maybe have Orton, Christian and Batista involved.  Evolution doesn't seem to serve much of a purpose any longer.  But perhaps pair Christian with Orton as a tag team.  Feud-wise, that depends on who's on the roster.  My choice would be to involve Van Dam against Christian.  Not a fantastic match but Christian would need more singles wins against mid level people to strengthen his position in the company.  Van Dam is a big question mark, so a win over him would add a feather in Christian's cap.  Then perhaps a Raw single title loss against Benoit.

As for Jericho, his flexible enough to port him to Smackdown.  No sense in killing off the title wins.  The two new people are good enough to carry the shows and add variety to the stagnate upper areas.  WWE shouldn't be concerned about making "mega" stars, but rather recognizeable and believable ones that the fans can rally behind.  Jericho has established himself but he needs to get back in the upper card loop.  Two ways to handle that are to have him feud with either champion.  Perhaps a singles title at the upcoming PPV would be a good start, although it seems that Michaels and HHH will be involved in that instead.  More on that issue later.

The Rock & Mick Foley vs. Ric Flair, Randy Orton, & Batista: Orton wins.  What else is expected here?  I would have Orton play a growing conceded heel character against HHH if, indeed, HHH wants to begin a feud with him.  I'd say a minor title defense against Benoit in the near future where he loses due to HHH.  Or something like that.  Batista should stay in the corner and keep quiet while he develops.

Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi vs. The APA vs. The Basham Brothers vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team - Rikishi/Scotty win.  Didn't seem like much.  Simmons seems to have "retired" the following night, so the APA seems dismantled.  No loss since they weren't in line for a push.  Bradshaw adds no value at this point.  He should be like a Diesel/Big Bubba guard character for some cocky heel like Orton, Christian, etc.  Fits his character anyway.  Either way, this match did nothing.  As expected, Rikishi/Scotty's act is old.  Time to move on.  Unfortunately, there aren't enough people that are pushable or that the WWE seem to want to push to really merit much emphasis right now.

World Tag Team Titles Match:  Booker T/RVD retain.  This is the same situation as above.  But there aren't any dream teams at the moment to make the situation more interesting.  My suggestion would be to move Jindrak to Raw and re-pair him with his old partner Sean O'Haire.  Not too familiar with that era, but I'm less familiar with Jindrak's current partner.

Cruiserweight open- too short i heard.  Could've been a mind blowing match considering the talent involved, but WWE isn't concerned about this division as i mentioned.  They need more emphasis for break out stars here.  Even pairing people like Misterio and Kidman for tag team gold is a better idea than just letting them rot here.

Cena vs Big Show- Like Benoit and Guerrero, this guy has to do more defenses.  But he needs believable wins to build him up.  Maybe someone like Chuck Palumbo?  But I see the future as being Eddy vs Cena.

Lesnar vs Goldberg.  The losers - the fans.  Honestly, I'm not sorry to see Goldberg go.  He had value in 1998, but now he's worthless because unwilling to grow.  Lesnar, despite any internet stories, is a sad loss.  He seemed to be willing to improve and did his share of work to the point of capturing interest.  He departure will allow someone like Guerrero to remain on top while the WWE reorganizes its roster.

Guerrero vs Angle - the right guy went over.  Angle looks to be shelved so Eddy pretty much has it made.  he's a good champion though so i hope they provide him with some opponents that he can build, much in the way Bret Hart would during his heyday.  Unfortunately, the Smackdown roster seems a little light on talent especially with so many injuries and departures.  Personally, I'd move HBK over and start a feud with him.  Or send Jericho back to stimulate interest in the situation.

Benoit vs HHH vs HBK - Right person went over again.  Benoit should retain the title for at least six months.  His presence adds a great deal of freshness where the WWE can try different feuds from lower areas like Orton, Edge, etc. Keep HBK on for now just for that "dream singles" match.  ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2004 01:19:11 -0700</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/3/18/7283dbd337db9737079d66798b44f77a.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Reshuffle</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/4/6/ee9282099a7b4467d1f67eaecc3508d2.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The reorganization, imo, is a really good move for the WWE.  they shouldn't arbitrarily move people around, but they needed something to keep both products fresh.  Making it an annual event is another good idea; this allows things to keep moving, but at the same time freshens things up at a consistent pace.  On the one hand, they are allowed to develop talent in one area if perhaps another side of the roster becomes too full.  Then when they're ready, they can switch them.  Also, if someone's role becomes stale with one brand, changing them provides a variety of new opportunities.

One thing that I noticed in this situation was the coincidence in timing with top people being shelved for injuries, movies, etc.  Having this while top people are out provides this opportunity for younger talent to grow.  The WWE has to be constantly aware of the need for growth, not just in revenue but in the main extension of their revenue which, indeed, is their talent pool.   Fans like seeing growth as they like seeing freshness and novelty in a product.  You don't want to throw a bomb everyday and spoil the richness of novelty, but you do you something consistent to look forward to and a new product to broaden interest.

Now lets look quickly at the current roster changes and perhaps a few of the more notable moves with the results presented:

Smackdown:

Shelton Benjamin: Obviously, this guy got the best deal thus far.  He's got good in ring talent, a background in amateur wrestling, and has improved with Haas as a tag team (taking on some of the best like the Guerreros, Kidman/Misterio, etc. has helped too)  My pick would've been to have him go after Orton's IC title since Benjamin pinned HHH.  However, since they're concentrating with Foley-Orton, I'd go with Ric Flair vs. Benjamin.  Of course, this severely depends on Flair's neck since it's been said he's experienced some problems.  But there really isn't anyone in the upper tier you can keep Benjamin in at the moment who will put the guy over where he needs to be.  I don't think it's a wise idea to immediately have him wrestle former Smackdown stars because that eliminates the point of moving people to Raw.  Also, putting him against other newer guys like Batista is risky since he probably won't be able to carry at this point.  That's why I said Flair might be a good opponent to school this guy.

Chuck Palumbo: Haven't seen much of his work thus far neither in WWE nor WCW.  He would be one guy I'd use against Benjamin, except he seems to lack experience.  If you break Evolution up down the road, I'd stick Batista with Palumbo to form a kind of concept "power tag team" with this guy's height and physique.  His strength might be tag team wrestling so I'd continue on that mode.  He and Batista could be a kind of "Powers of Pain" or "Twin Towers" tag team in the future.  For the moment, he still needs to develop his character and wrestling ability before moving into singles competition.  Still though they need to put him on PPV for the moment.  Putting him against Batista would've been my idea, but it's a bad idea considering the inexperience of both guys.  However, they seem to "match up" well, despite the fact that the wrestling component won't be very good.

A-Train: I've never cared one way or another for this guy.  There was a rumor about him and Palumbo being together but I don't really think they have a good look compared to Batista and Palumbo.  A terrible but logical match would be to have him face Mark Henry.  Again the two big men idea.  No need to push either too hard at the moment.

Edge: This guy is due and with the roster positioned as is, it's a good time for him with his return.  Not a great worker, but he has a few cool moves, generally a good look, not so-shabby mic skills so he's more pushable than most of the other guys thus far.  Setting him up against Kane I think is a bad idea for his initial push, but I can see, in a perverse manner, the WWE's decision.  Kane is viewed as "upper tier" due to seniority and general pushes so it's natural to use him as a stepping stone for Edge.  Edge has that "sleek" quality that will prevent him from being totally squashed; and even if he gets hammered, the "smarts" won't shit on the WWE since he isn't Benoit, Guerrero, etc.  They should keep this guy fresh.  Orton, Jericho, Benjamin, and Benoit at some point are good people to keep Edge going.  I don't see him as the "carrying" type but he can hold his own when put in with a decent opponent.  Keep his match against HHH down the road.  HBK should be another eventual opponent.

Tajiri: Simply no role at this point and will probably get squashed in a series of comedy matches as reported on the net.  I'd give him a gratuitous title shot against Benoit when Smackdown is going for their PPV of the month.  Taijiri can be used by some group like Evolution as a hitman type.  If the WWE does utilize him, the opponents he should be going against are Edge, Lance Storm, Benoit, Benjamin, and Orton.  I wouldn't mind the idea of an IC title shot against Orton even if Taijiri loses since it'll increase Orton's opponent and style base.

Rhyno: Again really doesn't have much of a role at this point.  He'll get a few gratuitous shots against Benoit, imo, just on the basis that he's wrestled and partnered with the guy.  As a personality, it seems his best years in the WWE are behind him.  Put him in the Taijiri mid-card type of feud with Lance Storm and a few others.  Or perhaps even have him tag with Storm, Taijiri, etc. since the tag scene is quite stale and as a singles player, he doesn't seem to have much going at the moment.

Smackdown:

Rob Van Dam: Good choice since he really didn't have much going on Raw anymore.  I wouldn't keep him with Booker T anymore.  However, he's a good opponent against John Cena not because the matches will be guaranteed to be 5* (which I doubt since RVD isn't a carry type either), but because he's got that in ring charisma that can be elevated when put against someone else with an outrageous personality.  Call me crazy but one of the attributes RVD has is working against stiffs.  He's kinda like HBK where his spots are so outrageous that he can get a crowd behind him on energy alone.  Again, not a carry type but I can see him against an Undertaker in a Hell of the Cell setting where he just bumps his ass off or does some silly high risk move that makes his career shoot through the roof.  Some say that he won't have much on Smackdown.  However, with HHH out of the way, and there not being much of an upper tier, I think the way is clear for a possible world title reign for RVD, more than anyone at this point.  Part of the thing I think though is to keep RVD away from the Cruiserweights.  While he is a high flyer, I think RVD excels more when there are low expectations for a match, such that he can "carry it" on the basis of shocking, high risk moves.  I would not mind RVD vs Guerrero down the road though since Eddie is capable of carrying and has wrestled against RVD in the past.

Rene Dupree: Have seen little of him or his personality to judge.  Him vs Cena is mostly a "personality" type of match up.  Not sure if that's right, but Cena's character will carry him through.

Spike Dudley: People will emphasize cruiserweights with this guy.  Him vs Chavo will be good since Spike seems more like a face type anyway with Chavo being a psycho, heel type.

The Dudley Boys: Pretty sad when you say these will be the top tag team.  They aren't a Road Warrior type, but they are consistent and recognizeable.  Their act though is just too one sided.  I'm not exactly excited about the Bashams vs the Dudleys.  If Kidman and Rey are crazy enough though, they could be the equivalent of a more talented Hardy Brothers combo against these guys in ladders and tables type matches.  But I think those situations work heavily against them than with them since it'll merely put them out than anything else.

Booker T: This move should've been made a long time ago.  The WWE is becoming more balanced on both their sides to create personalities and wrestling rather than focusing on one or the other.  However, if they did the whole pure "Sports Entertainment" vs "Wrestling" thing in Raw vs Smackdown, I would've added RVD, Booker T, and Jericho to Smackdown a long time ago and moved UT, A-Train, Big Show, etc. away before this point.  That aside, Booker T has some good opportunities here, depending on the rumors of his back and his retirement plans.  Throwing him against Guerrero is good although they won't produce "great" matches without really pumping things up several notches.  They have worked in the past, with the notable situation being Guerrero vs Booker T in a TV title match on WCW in '98 during Booker T's major singles push.  However, that was during a more game Booker T and with both being less injured.  Still though, both seem motivated as ever with this coming up and Guerrero as the top dog can bring out the best in his opponents, especially someone game like Booker T.  Booker T needs to pump his offense up and increase what he can do on the mat rather than being another "5 move" wrestler.  If can't conquer Eddie, then he can easily go after Cena.  Either way, this is a good move for him.  Hopefully, it's not 3 years too late.

Rico & Jackie Gayda: I don't know nor care about Jackie.  Rico is undervalued and destroyed in my eyes.  He needs a new character before people can evaluate him.  Perhaps a psycho barber?]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Apr 2004 01:26:53 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/4/6/ee9282099a7b4467d1f67eaecc3508d2.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Backlash 2004</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/4/6/138a3251bbfee94df1396dd1cee99e90.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The next PPV is Backlash on April 18.  This PPV is significant because it'll be Chris Benoit's home coming in Edmonton, Canada with Benoit being on top for once.  The obvious thing is for Benoit to retain.  But the not-so-obvious thing is an additional step that the WWE needs to do: heal itself and their Canadian fans of 1997.

People don't forget traumatic incidents like 1997's Survivor Series with Bret Hart, and it's unlikely that the WWE fans will let the WWE forget what will happen.  So the WWE can really use that to it's advantage in it's quest to renew it's relationship with their Canadian brethren as well as a distinct possibility of healing that part with someone else: Bret Hart.

Let's look at the current card:

Edge vs. Kane- I think the WWE is really intent on rebuilding itself since they've lost a lot of good people to injuries, Hollywood and whatnot.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, I think Kane is the wrong person for Edge to focus on, but it is a demonstration of the WWE's intent on moving him upwards with a bigger, more recognizeable opponent.  The key for Edge is more on getting across to the fans that he is capable of handling a larger role.  Having him against Kane really shouldn't just mean that he's taking on a more senior person in the company.  It should be about him taking a-not-so-great wrestler and making the match make a statement about himself as a potential star.  But it's not going to be a star making match at this point.

Chris Jericho vs. Christian: The main event is the obvious show stealer, but this one should be very good based on what they did at Wrestlemania.  Jericho has enough offense and psychology to carry at this point, but now it's going to be Christian that really is going to make a statement.  This match should be Christian's turning point where he develops into a more complete wrestler.  He did the bump-athon during the ladder and tables matches.  But those grow stale.  Now with a veteran wrestler like Jericho, he needs to round out his skills by deploying more offense, work on the selling and story telling as well as his in ring character.  The card thus far isn't very big nor does it have anything worth mentioning.  So giving these two guys 20-25 minutes is a way to help propel some guy like Christian into a higher level of work.  It should be a point where he gets that opportunity and thinks what else he can do to fill that time outside of restholds and repeating what he knows.  There were some glimpses of interests in the Wrestlemania match which probably is why this is here.  Now, let's see a little more.

Mick Foley vs. Randy Orton Intercontinental Championship: They're obviously going with Orton for the long haul, so there's no point in holding him back.  I don't want this to be a Mick Foley pinball match.  He's out of condition, not a consistent wrestler and a father.  We don't want to see Mick Foley cripple himself any further; he's proven his point and has enough fan support that he can do without the sick bumps.  Unfortunately, I fear that Foley and the WWE might be crazy enough to push the envelope to make Orton's career brighter.  While in all probability Mick will survive such an onslaught, I think it's just not necessary at this point to do something off the wall to build someone else's career.  I'd prefer just a regular brawl with Orton bumping.  But then have Orton give Mick an RKO off the top rope or through a table for the pin.  Afterwards have Mick shake Orton's hand and call him the better man.  That should be enough.  There's no need for Mick to get elaborate on his bumps.  They haven't had wild brawls through crowds for a while, so there's no real need to do a crazy bump to make a statement about this match.  And traditionally when a veteran beats the shit out of a younger guy, sometimes the younger guy can hit their few moves to get the win and it'll be enough to put them over and not make the veteran look foolish.

Finally Benoit vs HBK vs HHH.  Benoit losing has no sense here.  It'll just infuriate the fans.  I would've preferred just Benoit vs HBK based on the Raw match that was considered very good.  If they go with a pin here, I'd have HBK doing the job.  My reasoning is simple: pay homage to the Canadian fans.  They can go for an attempted screwjob to play up to the 1997 Survivor Series match.  But one card I would pull is just to have Bret Hart come out and whack HHH and HBK so that Benoit gets the pin in his hometown and then Hart getting his "in ring" revenge against Michaels and perhaps even shaking McMahon's hand and having McMahon apologize.  That's probably asking for too much, but if you can manage that kind of storyline, it would be the place to do it.  Besides it would be a good way to sell Bret Hart's upcoming DVD :)

Outside of these matches, there aren't any mentioned.  However as this is a Raw brand, there's a few potential matches I think are capable:

Ric Flair vs Shelton Benjamin
Chuck Palumbo vs Batista (bad idea but I'm looking towards getting them together as a team eventually)

Alternatively, you could get Shelton and Palumbo as a tag team.  The main thing is that I'd want to keep Shelton in the spotlight as a singles competitor.  But with Raw's tag situation looking weak, having a new team that makes an impact might be good.  But there really isn't anyone else that Shelton is good for if HHH goes against Benoit in that triple threat main event.  And you do want the tag team titles defended so perhaps this might be a better solution, unless another partner can be found for Shelton (or Palumbo)
Taijiri vs. Lance Storm vs. Rhyno: I feel like I'm watching ECW, but really.  What can you do with these guys?  One suggestion would be to take Storm and have him as a tag partner with a guy like Shelton.  Not a bad idea since Storm is a decent wrestler as is Shelton and that Storm isn't doing much.  It's a risk that no one is looking at, but where else can you put these guys right now?  I'd honestly hate having this triple threat match because it looks thrown together.  Instead, taking that risk and putting Storm or Rhyno with either Palumbo or Benjamin against Flair/Batista is a better plan because no one is expecting it and that there's a lot of expectations riding on Benjamin.  Now you can double that momentum by saddling him with someone else who needs some well earned focus.  Storm or Palumbo would be a good choice for Benjamin.  Storm supplements Benjamin's mat wrestling with his own veteran experience while Palumbo can act as a power house.  And Palumbo has been tag team champions before so that's another natural choice and reason to pair these two.  
I want to do something with Taijiri, Rhyno and a few others, but I don't know what yet.  Maybe making Taijiri a Japanese pimp with Val Venis and getting Gail Kim to be their sex slave?  Terrible idea on paper, but hey, it's a free world out there.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Apr 2004 02:05:51 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/4/6/138a3251bbfee94df1396dd1cee99e90.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Backlash 2004 Results</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/4/29/f8a6fbb7227b1859a7c7b4f8ea9efe29.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I've only caught a few of the matches and read the important results.  From what I've seen, this PPV was a good one.  Not spectacular, but what was done pretty much had purpose and was used effectively.  There were some matches that were thrown at the end but I ended up ignoring those since they really didn't serve a purpose.  Fortunately, for the bulk of the PPV, things went quite well, imo.

Tajiri vs. Jonathan Coachman: I haven't seen this match yet and heard that it was a wrestling match rather than comedy.  The run-in by Garrison Cade is still a mystery to me.  I don't see where they're trying to take Taijiri although he's been getting more television time lately.  His loss on top of things isn't something I see as productive either.  I suppose down the line this will get him over in this feud against the Coach, but I still don't really see any point right now.  He would make good fodder against Randy Orton however.  

Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair - I actually called this match before it was designed.  Now, I think this was a good match for the purpose it intended to serve.  Get Benjamin more exposure by having a veteran just proverbially "take him to school."  Flair is in a great position in the company where he knows his role and the company respects him enough to maintain his "legacy" title in the eyes of the fans.  Thus, for someone like Benjamin, this win gives him that extra boost while they work on him getting over.  The match worked for me where Benjamin carried the work and Flair carried the structure.  Not a beautiful or graceful match by any stretch of the imagination, but it showed good purpose.  Now, Benjamin is looking to go against Orton.  I wouldn't put him over at that point since Orton is over, but instead have Benjamin "fall short."  Even something small like having Flair extra a measure of revenge by helping Orton pin Benjamin would bring things in circle as they continue to propel both guys upwards.

Edge vs. Kane - Haven't seen this match either, but the main thing is that Edge won.  Also, they're intent on giving the guy the main event push as they already have him paired with Benoit and had both win the titles via Edge on both Raws.  Edge shouldn't be positioned against Benoit at this point since both are face and that Benoit's title reign just began.  But I'm not sure if the tag titles is where they should be.  However, something to consider is an HBK heel (which seems to be the general direction, imo).  He can lose to Benoit and then face Edge later on.  Doesn't have to lose to Edge, but Edge needs those top talents to keep him near HHH, which is the rumored goal.

Chris Jericho vs. Christian & Trish Stratus - Good midcard feud with an interesting storyline.  The work both are producing demonstrates to be quite acceptable and worth continuing (as indicated by this undying feud).  If they do continue to push this feud, they need a bigger match.  So far, they've only gone 12-15 minutes.  Not great as they seem to be holding stuff back.  Christian needs that breakout singles match.  He's already noted in tag and ladder matches.  But singles is something he needs to prove himself.  Perhaps a Trish Stratus in a cage suspended above a ladder match?

Cactus Jack vs. Randy Orton - Not the best brawl I've seen of this type of nature, nor the whackiest, but again this type of match was effective.  Surprisingly (for me) it wasn't the Mick Foley pinball match but the Randy Orton pinball match of the veteran beating the crap out of the youngster.  They didn't throw a billion spots out, but the ones they did looked effective, especially where Orton took a great deal of punishment.  And quite frankly after seeing him take that slam into the thumbtacks, I think many people will remember that image above others.  

What's interesting is what seems to be the WWE's view on heeldom here.  Orton took more damage and sold more here, rather than display a great deal of offense.  I recall reading something where a wrestler mentioned how heels often are more defensive minded than offensive.  Here, that theory seems generally true as Orton took a tremendous beating before delivering an RKO.  He still needs to round himself out more though.  More offensive and just filler spots where he keeps working to make the match more realistic.  He's seems quite focused on his in-ring character at this point, which is fine.  But I think he just needs more offense to seem slicker and to really be a main eventer.  He reminds me a bit of a younger HHH, who did the bumping and selling routine but kept his offense to a minimum and used it effectively.  

HHH vs Benoit vs HBK - This match had a sleuth of purposes and the WWE utilized all the tools they could to get everything out of it they could.  Locating the PPV in Edmonton really gave the WWE the opportunity to rally the Canadian fans to Benoit's cause. I mean, there really wasn't much doubt that Benoit would lose, but having it there made the win so much more effective.

Next was the whole replay of Montreal where the Canadian fans let HBK (and the WWE) know EXTREMELY loudly that they wouldn't forget Bret Hart's case.  The WWE seemed to not mind and obviously utlized that to what I believe heal itself and it's reputation in the eyes of the Canadian fans.  The replay of the Survivor Series 1997 finish clearly demonstrated this and everyone recognized this.  What I don't think was so obvious was perhaps what I saw as HBK asking for personal forgiveness, not necessarily from the fans, but perhaps from God himself.  He heard the fans chant "You screwed Bret!" and seemed to acknowledge that he did something in his life that he perhaps regretted, not from a business or professional viewpoint, but from a personal one.  The dive through the table after hearing a loud chant to me was part of the self-vindication for HBK.  He needed to "exercise his personal demons" which I think he was able to accomplish.  And of course his loss to the Sharpshooter.  It's clear that Bret Hart will not be able to exonerate himself in this type of fashion, but the WWE, I believe, tried to wipe that blemish and move on.  So for the WWE, this was a good moment and a real chance to close the chapter of a dark moment on its history.

If there's one more thing that the WWE would need to do, it's to just have Bret Hart appear one time to shake Benoit's hands and have McMahon give a "public apology" to Benoit (because of how McMahon cast himself in some ways as a bad guy in all of this) and let things be permanently settled.  It's something from a personal perspective I think McMahon needs to do for himself on a public level.

The interesting thing from this is that we're going to see another HBK vs Benoit match in singles competition.  This sounds good as they're keeping things fresh and letting them build more chemistry with each other.  From a professional viewpoint, I think this is great for HBK as he's in with a very talented wrestler that can do more than hold his end of the bargain.  And it's a good thing for the fans since HBK seems very willing to go still.  Now, this match wasn't technically great, but from a storyline and emotional perspective, things was excellent.  As I mentioned, they can move on from the Montreal incident and really deliver something fresh.  Let these two have a technical classic that'll add another feather in both's legacies.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2004 10:59:04 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/4/29/f8a6fbb7227b1859a7c7b4f8ea9efe29.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>RAW 05/04/2004 Results</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/5/16b4d1f4113498681139b13f2a001196.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Looks like RAW, wrestling-wise, is starting to get interesting.  The HBK vs Chris Benoit match looked to have been pretty hot.  While some people may complain that the finish is another "screwjob," you still don't want to give away a clean finish on free TV.  I'm happy that Jericho mentioned a challenge for the winner of this because he's, indeed, been out of the world title scene too long.  And with HBK defeated in singles that leaves the door open for Benoit vs. Jericho.  And although the singles matches between Benoit, HHH and HBK have been good to very good (American style for all those puroresu lovers out there :p), Benoit needs fresh competitors to keep his momentum alive.  Jericho is definitely one of my first choices.  Personally, I'd love them to do the feud that leads to Wrestlemania where they get their big singles match for us fans of their matches.  At the same time though, I wouldn't mind seeing them in singles too on a regular PPV.

You can put HHH in a major feud with other guys like Benjamin, Edge, etc. to keep him occupied while Benoit builds his singles wins.  If you take a look at guys like Bret Hart and HBK in their prime during their major title runs, they'd breeze through numerous competitors so their winning streak and credibility as a *wrestling* champion built.  So you can take "normal" guys like Christian or Randy Orton and give them a bit of rub here and there.  Outside of Jericho, I'd select Christian, Orton, and even the Rock for Benoit's next series of title defenses.  

Potential schedule:
* Bad Blood - Jericho vs Benoit
* Vengeance - Benoit vs Christian
* Summerslam - The Rock vs Benoit (this is where Benoit should be getting a major rub himself)
* Unforgiven - Benoit vs Orton

The key is for Benoit to go *at least* half a year with the title.  They need to do this to build Benoit into a credible champion.  The fans are willing to accept him as a top guy as his matches can deliver.  However, for sustainability he needs that momentum ad naseum.

Other matches on RAW.  Christian vs Jericho in the cage.  Obviously far from over in terms of this feud (this isn't occurring on PPV).  Even if this is a cage match, since this is on free TV, I don't expect a clean win.  On the other hand, these guys should stop wrestling each other on free TV and diversify themselves by wrestling other people (as noted with Jericho vs Benoit....but not on free tv!!!!)  These guys can still assault each other through promos or occasional run-ins.  One of the great things about the older wrestling shows was how feuds ran.  You'd have two guys with an issue with each other fighting smaller guys leading up to the big match.  In between they cut promos on each other.  These days they fight each other almost every week on free TV.  One or two matches on free TV with each other is acceptable.  But spice it up!  Have Christian take on a Taijiri in the interim and then get spoiled by Jericho.  There's many combos you can do while getting the wrestlers keyed up for potential future feuds.

Then Evolution vs Benjamin, Edge and Taijiri.  Taijiri vs Batista doesn't sound enticing but Batista shouldn't be getting small wins like this, imo, whereas they seemingly are at least putting Taijiri in some kind of major angle (Evolution) at this point.  Batista should be used as a clumsy heel.  Basically, his inexperience and arrogance by being with Evolution should be counterproductive to him winning in singles.  Where he's effective is in tag situations backing up guys like Flair and Orton.  

Edge vs Orton.  Edge definitely should not get the win here if it's a title match.  Should end in a DQ, or count out.  Both these guys are still being groomed.  Edge can't carry matches as of yet (his return match with Kane clearly demonstrates this).  Now, I don't want to blame the guy since he's wrestling with an injured hand, but he lacks something.  I think it's "filler" moves where he's able to transition and come up with new moves out of nowhere like Benoit, Jericho, Guerrero, etc.  He's too reliant on "safe" offense like clotheslines, punches and standard restholds for filler.  This kind of a match reminds me a bit of the HHH vs the Rock feud when it was starting out.  In their cases, rather than relying on pure offense, they went for showmanship.  Edge and Orton need to be wrestling guys like Benoit, Jericho, Guerrero, etc. to get that middle stuff filled in somehow without relying on their finishers to get heat.

Benjamin vs HHH.  Hmmmm.....three in a row.  I wanna say that Benjamin will go over just for HHH to continue getting respect from his peers and the insiders. But the most likely scenario is a HBK run in against HHH leading to another singles match between these two.  I don't really mind.  It keeps both HHH and HBK away from Benoit and gives them a main event status match.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 May 2004 12:04:09 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/5/16b4d1f4113498681139b13f2a001196.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bret Hart Return?</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/11/73f9f5b63c644e0fa12eeda1f915aa2b.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I read that there is a (good) chance of Bret Hart returning to the WWE.  The main thing probably will be for the WWE to promote the heavily rumored Bret Hart DVD.  However, there's an obvious money maker with Hart "getting revenge" against HBK and Vince McMahon for the infamous Survivor Series 1997 screwjob.  Most likely the negotiations are there to find out how to appease both parties (with a great deal coming from the commentary).

I find it impossible for the Hitman to return to the WWE in his prior capacity.  But the simple and excellent use would be to place him with Benoit.  Although I think they should stop the whole screwjob finish from the Survivor Series thing, if they are going this route just to absolutely clear the WWE's name from this scandalous event, then the best option would be to have HBK w/McMahon vs Benoit w/Bret Hart.  Hart can deck McMahon anyway he feels and Benoit can go clean over HBK.  That's about as good as you can ask in this situation.  Then hopefully, HBK and McMahon can permanently put this situation to rest.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2004 20:43:01 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/11/73f9f5b63c644e0fa12eeda1f915aa2b.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Badd Blood</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/11/8351c060e836977cfc48b3a3b450922b.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[There's some rumors spreading about the upcoming Badd Blood card.  It looks like this at the moment:

Chris Benoit vs Kane (WWE title match)
HHH vs HBK (Hell in a Cell)
Randy Orton vs. Shelton Benjamin (IC Title match)

While I don't really mind Kane going against Benoit (if it means Benoit eventually goes over Kane in a PPV main event for the title), I don't see how they're lining this up.  It seems that the direction is to have Jericho challenge (finally!) after this week's edition of Raw.  Kane doesn't even look to be in this situation, so I think this is just a misguided rumor.

While HHH is getting (yet another) title shot next week, I doubt he'll win that.  I do believe, however, that we will be seeing HHH vs HBK in Hell of the Cell.  I don't think it's a bad idea and it keeps HHH (and HBK) occupied.  Everything is indicated in a HBK screwjob over HHH next week.  They can feed Jericho someone else if they like.  Maybe Garrison Cade, Rob Conway, or Batista even.  Give him some clean wins in the next few weeks against some heels.  If you are going to do Benoit vs Jericho, have Jericho be the smartass against Benoit the badass.  No need to have either be face nor heel.  In fact, let Jericho be a badass as well.  Let him show his offensive repetoire to really make the match stand out when it happens.  That'll keep both men as fan favorites in the end which should be the point after the Christian vs Jericho feud.

The Benjamin vs Orton match.  Edge lost his match against Orton, but I don't think they need to linger here at the moment.  This is a good time to make Benjamin a major contender against Orton without making Benjamin a champion.  Let Orton win it and keep moving on.

Other possible matches:

Batista vs Edge.  Not a good match in any stretch of the imagination, but it keeps the Evolution vs Edge/Taijiri/Benjamin/Benoit theme going.  Flair is practically out for the moment because of injuries.  He'll probably be used in the capacity of a manager instead, which is good for his age.  However, they are missing another person.  I'd say that in the long term HBK should join Evolution despite his year long feud.  My interpretation is that HBK wins over HHH and gets in Evolution, becoming a heel finally, thus letting him go after Benoit/Hart if that moment comes to fruition.  Later Edge can wrestle HBK, which might be a good match and further opens up more potential matches.  Raw needs more top line heels.  HBK would be a good one considering the number of faces coming up.  Probably though rather than Edge vs Batista, we'll see Taijiri vs Batista.  Taijiri got squashed this time (pretty clean) so I don't know where'd they stick him from here on out.  If he does face Taijiri, then who would Edge face?

I wouldn't put Edge vs Christian at this point in time.  They already did the whole "brother vs brother" feud and Christian finished his feud against Jericho.  But at the moment, I wouldn't put it passed me to see the WWE have these two pair up just to keep them going.  I would've preferred seeing Flair vs Edge, but with Flair out, I don't think that's possible.  You could do a three way of Edge vs Benjamin vs Orton, but there's too many three ways that it's not healthy at this point.

The other issue is that the tag belts are around Benoit and Edge.  I really dislike it when the company puts multiple belts around the main champion.  Although in Benoit's case, I think it's okay because he's long due for a good push on ability, it really hampers being able to solidify more champions in the fold.  Not to mention, you can't have a big tag match without depushing these guys.  So they don't really get anything out of this since you can't do anything long/short term.  Then again WWE's tag scene isn't exactly bright at the moment, so having them with the belts is just a placeholder until the next big tag team comes along.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2004 21:10:41 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/11/8351c060e836977cfc48b3a3b450922b.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>WWE Judgment Day</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/15/551b54c0d5793dbe1b8fb15a19612685.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[If anyone wonders why I don't put much thought into the Smackdown stuff, it's because there really isn't much thought in the Smackdown shows.  I don't really blame truly talented guys like Eddie Guerrero, Rey Misterio Jr., Chavo Guerrero, etc.  However, the general feeling is that this show has been plumetting....and if you look at this PPV you can't help but wonder why!

Quickie:

Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam vs. The Dudleyz: A very oddball tag team match up.  Misterio should be in against Chavo, even if they've wrestled a million times.  It's obvious they piled Misterio and Van Dam together at the last second; both are better in singles.  Actually, I would've preferred seeing Van Dam against the Undertaker or Booker T at this point.  But he's really not a tag team wrestler, even if he had a spot with Booker T on Raw.  That's more due to just another oddball pairing.  Either way, I don't see who should win this match.  I pick the Dudleys because it seems the WWE want to push them as a monster tag team.  They really don't have any solid teams on either roster at this point though.

Mordecai vs. ?  Squash match on the way with this new guy on PPV trying to make an impact.  Don't know him, don't care.

Torrie vs. Dawn Marie.  Who cares?

Undertaker vs. Booker T. This match serves no purpose.  Booker T would've been a far better challenger to Eddie Guerrero, despite any rumors of retirement.  If anything, Booker T might get a cheap victory if JLB makes a run in.  Don't count that out!  I can see a Booker T/Bradshaw vs Eddie Guerrero/Undertaker tag team match.  Long term would dictate that Eddie Guerrero eventually face with the Undertaker since he really hasn't any other main eventers to "build his credibility" (although history also demonstrates that UT isn't one good at that :p)

Tag Title Match: Rico & Charlie Haas vs. the Over-the-Hill Gang Bob Holly & Billy Gunn.  Despite the oddball gay gimmick given to Rico and Haas, I'd prefer them retaining against these other two.  Holly and Gunn must be the least interesting pairing in a while and that's saying something!  Even if they are perpetual favorites of the company, I don't see any point of giving them a win here.  Rico and Haas will probably face the Dudleys down the road since they're heel.

Cruiserweight Title Match: Jacqueline vs. Chavo Guerrero (with one hand tied behind his back).  Giving Jacqueline the cruiserweight title was as big of a mistake as that fake JR and David Arquette receiving any titles at all.  Jacqueline isn't a cruiserweight.  This has nothing about mesogeny.  This is just a clear indication that she's old and cannot work against the far superior Chavo Guerrero.  Chavo could've been squashing guys like Paul London, Billy Kidman, etc. rather than this waste of energy.  Or at least have her take on someone like Victoria who at least is somewhat interesting.  But I think the WWE will realize their mistakes when they can't find any opponents to have Jackie face without completely defacing the cruiserweight division anymore than it has.  In terms of statistics, Chavo will get humiliated and then his uncle Chavo Sr. will get involved to take her out.  If she wants to wrestle a guy, take on Chavo Sr.  He's good for comedy which is what she should get at this point in her career.

U.S. Title Match: John Cena vs. Rene Dupree.  Haven't seen much of Dupree, but this is more of a gimmick match than anything.  I like Cena more than I did before, but Rene isn't really a serious contender at this point.  He's good as a reflection of Cena's rap gimmick, but I don't have much confidence in his wrestling ability.  It's basically for building Cena up a bit more.  I think Cena should eventually be challenged by guys like Misterio, Van Dam, Booker T as solid midcard challengers to the title.

WWE Title: Eddie Guerrero vs. John Bradshaw Layfield. Where to begin?  Despite the general rumors of this being McMahon's favoritism for JBL, I think it's really either a test for Eddie Guerrero or a way to demonstrate his failure as a champion.  The main problem exist in that JBL is a big guy and really is BAD.  I mean, he's got the Jeff Jarrett/X-Pac "you suck!" type of heat. Someone like him is better for cannon fodder for the likes of UT, John Cena, etc.  But that's why I believe in reality this is a major test of Eddie Guerrero's ring prowess.  He's used to wrestling juniors and lucha.  Now, he has to do what HBK and Bret Hart have done, which is carry the uncarryable.  So how can he succeed against someone who refuses to sell for anyone and just comes off as awful?  The answer: a nasty brawl.

Bradshaw is incapable of wrestling a technical match, so Eddie's got his own challenge.  But this is what he needs at this point.  There was a bunch of moans where Chris Benoit is/was going to face Kane at an upcoming PPV.  However, he ain't always going to be spoiled with Guerreros, HBKs, Jericho's, etc.  This is their proving ground as a champion.  Can they pull off the unthinkable?  This is where those 10-15+ years wrestling around the globe will pay off.  It's not just hitting a ton of spots, but diversifying to be able to work against a variety of opponents in a variety of styles. 

Most people want to see Eddie do his technical match because that's what he's good at.  But admittedly is it that fascinating after a while?  He needs to show that he can do more than that.  That's the mark of a real draw; someone you can rely on to pull out the impossible under almost any circumstance.

I don't expect this match to be pretty.  What Eddie has to go in thinking is something like a dumbed down (MUCH dumbed down) Stan Hansen taking on a smaller, less credible Misawa.  Bradshaw ain't gonna win on his best day because it'll just drop Smackdown too far into the dirt, worse than Jacquelyn getting the cruiserweight belt.  Still this is a proving point for Eddie.  He needs to be on defensive to make Bradshaw's limits look good.  But what he has to also pull out is solid offense to get people to believe in his ability to win.  Against Brock we had a different situation where Brock could bump.  Bradshaw can't.  So Eddie has to dig down and go to Bradshaw's level: brawling.

Eddie isn't a brawler.  But I think he's more than capable of showing a good brawl.  More than that, people aren't expecting a brawl from Eddie.  So what if Eddie pulls what Benoit miraculously had done against Kevin Sullivan at the Great American Bash '96?  Show intensity, show inventiveness, show his character as the lie/cheat/steal mastermind who's able to outsmart a larger opponent.  People won't expect that.  And when people's expectations are already low, miracles can happen just through ingenuity and story telling.  Eddie Guerrero has it in him to tell that story with his experience.  

Something Eddie can do is use his heritage/cultural background to his advantage.  Not the lucha stuff, but the more gangsta image of being a thug.  Go low and hit hard and merciless.  Break a bottle over Bradshaw, do the aisle brawl, break out with the time keeper's bell.  Do everything as long as the action keeps moving and everything remains intense.  This could be one of those nights where Eddie tells management, "I'm totally game for this."  And when he does, people will revere him ever more.]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 May 2004 21:54:55 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/15/551b54c0d5793dbe1b8fb15a19612685.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>TNA Impact!</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/16/41904daac0ad590d4f14d11110fe8399.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Looks like NWA/TNA will be getting a new TV show shortly.  Congradulations!  American wrestling truly needs a competitor to WWE.  The expectations shouldn't be big at this point, but it should be a slow growth process for them to survive.  I think a few keys for NWA/TNA to survive is not to overspend and allow political problems to destroy the product, while maintaining enough control over their people and keeping good, professional relationships inside the company.

They already distinguished their business plan: move away from the entertainment part associated with the WWE and focus on the athletic content.  Of course, they're doing storylines, but the focus is on wrestling.  That alone implies a good alternative for their survival.  

However, the bigger situation is that they need something to push them into the bigger leagues.  I read somewhere that they were looking to bring Scott Hall and Kevin Nash in.  I don't really see a point of bringing in these two.  I think they're passed their usefulness in terms of dollar/return value.  The best people to bring in for this situation are guys like Austin, Goldberg (really!), and Hogan.  Austin, imo, is the best choice of the three because he's still a highly recognized and valued name and probably can do special outtings.  Goldberg with Austin is money.  Unfortunately, Goldberg is about money so TNA would be forced into making a near suicidal deal that has high risk.  What's really needed here is for Austin and Goldberg to work together in helping to improve the brand recognition of TNA.  I think these guys already made their money.  Now it's time to use their status and money to help another group.  Hogan is similar.  The thing with Hogan is that his name is still highly recognized and valued by the media.  But when you're at a top point like him, where can you go from there?  I still think though that these three are key elements to taking an organization like TNA and elevating it, depending on if they are willing to put their personal values aside and look towards the future of competition against the WWE.  Just look at the fan perception value for matches for the combinations that they could do together: Hogan - Austin, Austin - Goldberg, Goldberg - Hogan (return match).  TNA doesn't need to hit huge mainstream levels but they can book some bigger arenas around the country to begin giving themselves more national exposure and brand recognition....the things that it needs to make the next step of growth.]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 May 2004 11:37:46 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/16/41904daac0ad590d4f14d11110fe8399.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>WWE Judgment Day 2004</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/18/cca8a830882731d7baa5da9e210b6e77.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Whelp, this PPV is over.  Didn't seem like much going in and from the reports, there really wasn't much after all.  However, a few points to make:

1) Dudleys lost.  Not sure what will happen but I don't know about Rey/Van Dam as a tag team.  I think a better, more interesting use of a tag team would be Big Show and Misterio.  Van Dam should be in singles going after Cena.
2) Chavo regained the cruiserweight title.  This was the right result, but the reality is that hopefully the WWE creative realizes what a mistake it was to switch this belt in the first place.  They killed a potential uplifting position on the card to bring up the level of work by negating the value of this belt.  Hopefully, they quickly forget about this and never make mention of it again in one of the better uses of WWE revisionist history.
3) Booker T lost to UT.  Did anyone realize anything different could happen?  UT's only major challenger at this point is Eddie Guerrero and a victory down the road for Eddie over UT might put him over.  But now is not the time.  I say give Bradshaw to UT.  Seems like the general direction.
4) Cena retained over Dupree.  Dupree isn't ready as a wrestler from the short match indication.  He's a gimmick type like Cena.  However, Cena should be working against more solid competition like Van Dam, Booker T, or even Bradshaw so he can continue to build his credibility towards a world title shot.
5) Eddie Guerrero vs Bradshaw.  Bradshaw won by DQ.  I saw the purpose the story served, but I saw the win as being silly.  Bradshaw has no business at this point of going over Eddie, even in a DQ win.  Eddie needs a clean win over some guy like to continue establishing his credibility in the eyes of his fans.  The LA Staples center fans demonstrated to the WWE what they thought the finish was appropriately.  And the WWE should know better to listen to their fans from time to time than listen to favoritisms, etc.  This is a definite case where people know better.

From here?  The next PPV is a RAW one, so where do we put Smackdown?  Eddie needs a defense so a TV defense where he cleanly pins Bradshaw should come down the road before the next Smackdown PPV.  However, his real contenders should be RVD, Booker T (big pick), Rey Misterio Jr, and Big Show (to get back his win).  Besides UT, there's no one on Smackdown that the fans will buy as the current champion.  So instead, feeding Eddie more wins is better than switching the title.  Chavo Guerrero should be a contender down the line as well since they could do the Owen-Bret Hart storyline.  I think Chavo will be up for that.  He needs to lose the cruiserweight title though to someone like Paul London and start chasing either Eddie, a tag title or the US title.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2004 00:34:11 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/18/cca8a830882731d7baa5da9e210b6e77.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Being A Manager</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/20/3e907fca59a94589014f7b5583a7bc4e.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I've always wanted to be in wrestling somehow.  Although I never could be an actual wrestler (too small and I can't bump!), I thought that being a manager would be just as cool if not cooler.  

For me I'd definitely play the heel manager.  I can't do the stereotypical evil Japanese manager (a la Mr. Fuji), but I'd play a good asshole (oxymoron?)  I'd envision myself as this type who would just use all my frustrations to berate crowds, town after town.  I think that part would be cool.  Probably the one line I'd love to use would be: "The best thing about my job is that I get to tell you people how much you suck and still get a fat paycheck!"

If I were a manager, I'd like to manage Japanese female wrestlers in the WWE.  Probably the angle I'd portray as being a verbally abusive, obnoxious control freak.  I'd love to wear that pointy haired manager from Dilbert as a Tshirt to the ring.  I'd have a special logo that would read, "My idol!"

The thing that inspired me to write this was reading how Takako Inoue was getting a try out with the WWE.  I'd love to manage someone like that.  Basically, I'd tell all the women how obese they are and that Japanese women had better bodies these days because they realized the value of a diet (as compared to the McDonald/KFC eating porkchops in the audience)  Then I'd compare her to them and describe her as a "real" woman.  Any opponents would be marked as silicone tubbies ready to explode on a bodyslam.  That should generate great heat!

The other thing is that I wouldn't mind having the audience hate me so badly.  I think it would be fun actually to get a negative reaction/stir from the crowd.  My face is the type that people naturally hate or want to pick on.  And with my rhetoric that would just eat people alive!

My only weakness is that I couldn't bump.  I'm just too scared and afraid of damaging my body.  As compensation people could ridicule me as much as they'd like.  Also, they could do bizarre gimmicks like tying me up or shaving my head bald.  Just as long as I don't have to be crushed by some falling body or knocked out.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2004 00:07:35 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/20/3e907fca59a94589014f7b5583a7bc4e.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Kane vs Benoit, etc.</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/29/e25828a7234bf08fdfefd4cf8676c99e.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[So far we've got two matches:

Kane vs Benoit
HHH vs HBK

I see a parallel in the Benoit vs Kane match.  I think it's somewhat idiotic that they decided to push Jericho as a title contender and then have Kane step up before him.  But perhaps the real reason (outside of the reported injury Jericho suffered recently) is that they want to keep Jericho off from Benoit until a bigger PPV like Summerslam.  I see Kane as upper card fodder for Benoit.  They used him that way against Edge recently and, imo, they'll do the same here.  I think in a way he's kinda like a test of a wrestler's capabilities.  Can someone like Benoit exceed expectations with this guy?  

The thing is that wrestling is a team effort: you're as good as the guy across the ring from you.  Meaning that you're limited to what both of you can do.  In this case, the challenge here, like for Guerrero against Bradshaw, is to hit a note higher and see how far Benoit can push himself as a champion.  

My idea of the match should be Benoit constantly forcing Kane into a submission style since it'll throw Kane off.   Kane relies on power, intimidation, size, and some brawling as well as short, yet deadly offensive shots that pin opponents.  Benoit should try to wear Kane out through using his endurance.  However, every five-six moves Benoit pulls out is countered by one of Kane's power moves.  That slows Benoit down (and relieves Kane from slushing through his moveset).  However, what Kane isn't prepared for is Benoit's tenacity as a brawler.  When Benoit's technical prowess doesn't put Kane away immediately, he'll charge in with a brawl in the crowd that shocks Kane since he's expecting Benoit as being more of a pure mat type.


Essentially, the match should show Benoit's diversity and the fact that he can rely on other facets of his wrestling repetoire.  It should demonstrate that he's on the level of Shawn Michaels (in the eyes of the general fans) in terms of handling "carry matches".  He should try to steal the show with this type of match just like the Sullivan vs. Benoit match surprised everyone at GAB96.  

Not much more noise when it comes from the other side.  The usual suspects at this time are HHH vs HBK (HitC), Orton vs Benjamin, and probably Cade/Coach vs Eugene.  Edge is in there some place.  I mentioned it would be him vs Batista.  It could also be Jericho vs Batista.  Christian looks off for a while so I don't know what his story will be.]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2004 16:08:58 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/5/29/e25828a7234bf08fdfefd4cf8676c99e.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bad Blood</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/6/5/0800569c5ed978f1cb3a5963d03cff73.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[This week's edition of RAW seemed solid but was motivated by one main factor: Benoit and Edge lost the tag championships.  I don't think they should've received it in the first place, but the purpose seemed for rubbing the new champs, the New La Resistance (Conway/Grenier) (or rather rubbing someone).  The problem is that the tag championship reign was far too short to really mean much.  But I'm guessing that in the long term these two will feud (which is a *good* thing).

As it stands, the card now consists of:

Kane vs Benoit
HHH vs HBK
Victoria vs Gail Kim
Randy Orton vs Shelton Benjamin

I suspect that Jericho will face Tomko Tyson as well considering the current build up.  Not sure if Christian will be involved in that still with him being out a bit.  Haven't seen Tomko yet, but the stories thus far have not been good. Jericho is good enough where he can make someone interesting, but Tomko shouldn't receive a win at this point, even a tainted one against Jericho.  This should just be a stepping stone for Jericho to be launched back into the singles title picture against Benoit.

The current rumor is for Benoit to face Edge in the main event at Vengeance. My guess is that Edge will turn heel here.  Either could be heel, but at the moment Benoit is being displayed as an honorable champion, and a hero to Canada.  This should be a good match up, which promotes Edge into the main event, yet not slating him to go over.  More importantly, it gives Benoit another chance to get another win as he heads into the home stretch as the title champion for a year.  

Eugene at the moment has no real opponent, but the angle seems like they want him to face more competition and will probably end up giving him some "mystery" opponent.  If they continue the "tough love" angle, give him Batista.  Not a pretty match, but that's not the real point, is it?  Or maybe Mark Henry.  

Edge is not really on the card yet, which is a mystery to me.  I hope they don't do a "he's off the card so he can make a main event run in against Benoit" type of angle.  Give this guy something to do.  

With the tag team title change, at least there's a "concept" tag team on top, rather than two singles guys placed to together.  They need to bring a few more teams together as contenders since there really aren't any at the moment.  At least four teams should suffice.  Christian + Tomko, Batista + Chuck Palumbo (power team), just to name a few.  Not much that looks appealing.  Depends on how the upper management views things.]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2004 13:38:56 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/6/5/0800569c5ed978f1cb3a5963d03cff73.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>What's In Store for Eddie Next?</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/6/6/5db3b1374886923a44a0136e4933bd30.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[With the low buyrate for Judgment Day, I think that's a clear indicator that Bradshaw should be left on the undercard as fodder for someone else.  This "feud" is like the nonsense Holly-Brock feud; it's done for a veteran worker who gets his due from company loyalty.  Come on.  There's a ton of other guys people probably are more willing to watch than this guy on screen.  It's bad enough certain people on the net are rationalizing this guy as a "success" story when he's not bringing in the bacon.  He's not even an entertaining heel; his rants consists of "Cheap Heat 101 for Dummies".  Get some originals going, guy!

Still once Bradshaw's is out of the way, who can Eddie turn to as a contender?  My two picks are RVD and Booker T.  RVD is a decent opponent who is over.  He's worked with Eddie in the past, but the feud really didn't have much of a spark.  And the match didn't have much flair.  Perhaps with Eddie on top, the situation might differ where they get more time to prepare for a killer match.  And this time, they'll have some chemistry together since they've already feuded in the past.  Booker T is another favor of mine, although it's been said he might retire soon, etc.  Still I think a good use for him is to be a killer heel opponent for Eddie.  They worked in the past briefly in SuperBrawl '98, where Booker T went over.  Back then he was growing since he was working with more cruiserweights.  This time though, Eddie is working more with heavyweights, so there might be more emphasis on storylines than raw spots.  This type of match is one where I'd like to see Booker T push himself to the limit since he's in with a world class talent again and more importantly, a high profile match.  Before it was just the TV title, but with the world title on the line, you'd think that Booker T would bring a lot more to the ballpark.

Other people I'd nominate are Rey Misterio Jr. and Chavo Guerrero Jr.  Chavo Classic is a possibility too, but it might be better to keep a guy like this on TV for a title shot.  Chavo Guerrero Jr. could play Owen Hart while Eddie does Bret Hart in that type of feud.  They need for Eddie to be in that Wrestlemania X situation where Chavo Jr goes over but Eddie scores the big one, thus promoting both in the minds of the fans.  With Misterio Jr., the match would be very good at least.  I'd like them to get 30 minutes of time.  However, if this were to happen, I think Guerrero should go full heel so he can show his rudo side again.  The thing that made the HH'97 match a classic was their roles that complemented what they did in the ring.  Eddie just seems more aggressive with cooler moves as a heel than he does as a face.  And I just can't see Rey as a heel no matter what.  

Allowing Eddie to go heel (which shouldn't be in the near term future if it were to occur) would allow him to face more opposition like UT and John Cena down the line.  I think Cena's popularity is growing quite nicely, but that still doesn't justify a world title push as of yet.  UT would be good as someone Eddie should beat just to cement his title reign.  I think it would work out if Eddie was heel and UT face for this type of match; just think of HBK vs UT Hell in the Cell '97.  I don't think it might be able to live up to that, but who knows?  Eddie is diversifying himself as a champion.  His blood bath was one of those matches that just stands out.  He's got a lot of road that he can pave for himself as the champion. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 06 Jun 2004 16:02:41 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/6/6/5db3b1374886923a44a0136e4933bd30.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bradshaw and Eddie</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/6/9/3ac35371b2bd39511c225fc1b19079fc.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[When I said be original in terms of getting heat, I didn't say be stupid.  Bradshaw doing a nazi salute and then supposedly explaining these actions as being part of a "bad guy" image is inexcuseable.  There needs to be boundaries on how far a guy goes out there and a certain level of responsibility they should take in getting heat.  It should be understandable, fun, but not too offensive.  Although the WWE has been doing some "extreme" stuff in the past few years, they still should be careful not to push themselves over and emphasize the fact that doing things like a nazi salute is just crossing the boundaries.  I mean, just think about how some people take this stuff too seriously.  By taking extreme actions just to get heat, you're essentially risking your wrestlers' lives.  Afterwards, someone might try to stab them or shoot them.  You still need to be sensitive to how people feel about things.

A guy like Bradshaw is just an example of someone you don't want to push.  He's very offensive and doesn't really care about how others feel in terms of his political views.  Now, obviously the WWE is trying to take his basic values and push them, but maybe this isn't the right person.  He's not the guy that people can relate to.  It's nice to see a company like the WWE attempt to reward someone for their loyalty by letting them do their own thing, but you have to look at the whole picture with someone.  These people ought to be heroes.  If they're archtyped as villains, then that archtype still needs a level of responsibility that doesn't go too far.  Politics are extremely sensitive.  It's bad enough the WWE tries to cast certain people like Japanese in a nearly exclusive negative light, but don't try to push someone who's just going to tarnish the reputation of a company.

Now Eddie on the other hand has been showing a different side; the side of pressure reportedly.  I think Eddie is a good guy.  His life story is more of one people should relate to because it's about conquering their personal problems.  Obviously, he's still dealing with them.  But I think they should be more encouraging and patient with him so he doesn't combust.  It seems he wants to do so well as a good guy character but if things don't go well, then he explodes.  After the Bradshaw match, perhaps it's time to change him heel again so he can utilize that negative energy and turn it into a positive for himself before really snapping and going over the edge.  It could be an excellent story that takes his real life pressure and demonstrates it on stage where he does crack in the front of the fans.  It would be a good lead up to a match of say John Cena vs Eddie Guerrero next year where perhaps there's a passing of the torch.  But the end story would be far more interesting as perhaps he loses the title because he can't handle the pressure and tries so much but can't beat the guy.

If you could take a story like that and then show how friends help him recover through a dark period in his life, that could be one of the best stories the WWE could come up with.  It's real and has a full circle.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2004 12:54:05 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/6/9/3ac35371b2bd39511c225fc1b19079fc.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bradshaw Champ?  Oh God</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/1/c452ae3179d937f1ae354c15949a9371.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Bradshaw reminds me of the typical person at my work: does nothing, got fatter and lazier, makes a big fart, causes problems, and gets promoted.  hey, maybe if i ate a lot, got fat, did nothing, sat on my ass, and jerked off, i might become CEO one day!  this is so disgusting because it shows that people in general prefer no talent inside of a company when it comes to promoting people.  if you work hard, you'll get nowhere.  poor eddie guerrero and chris benoit.  they've worked so hard for their titles and yet they're treated like last night's hangover.  why even bother giving them the championships if they're embarrassed and not properly portrayed in the company?  why give people like myself hope in this world that someone who dedicates themselves to what they love, gets screwed over by silly internal politics?

wrestling just shows the embarrassing politics of how companies handle their talent; rather than focusing on growing their talent, they'd prefer to focus on the useless, most banal people until they fuck up somehow and their bottom line drops.  of course, the real talent gets blamed, is forced to work harder at their own expense, and some shit happens.  pretty disgusting though.

but i guess bradshaw just fits in the WWE scheme of things and merely demonstrates further that McMahon is a follower of Hitler (excusing the pun).]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2004 00:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/1/c452ae3179d937f1ae354c15949a9371.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Benoit vs Orton</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/27/b144da77623d90dec2c47c9d5d1496a0.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Just caught word that Orton won the battle royal on RAW while Benoit beat HHH in the Iron Man match.  Some thoughts on the current situation.

First, Orton is a very good logical choice for Benoit's next opponent.  I'm glad they've stopped cycling through HHH/HBK vs Benoit so that he can start main eventing against others (although him against HHH at Vengeance was more "thrown" together because of how they did the lame finish).  Benoit has worked against all the "upper tier" RAW workers in his immediate title defenses, so it looks like they'll use him to begin building other wrestlers as main eventers.  This is a VERY good thing since they haven't really done something like this in years, like when HBK would defend against Vader, Mankind, Davey Boy Smith, Sid Vicious, etc.  Orton isn't title material, but people are beginning to buy him as someone for the future.  He doesn't need to win this one but the seeds just need to be planted.  Also, working with Benoit should be great for him since the tease at the Royal Rumble 2004 demonstrated some potential chemistry.

In terms of Benoit winning, I'm, of course, in favor of that decision, even the way he won.  My feeling is that the WWE doesn't want to push him too strongly and place a few doubtful points in people's minds as he's being showcased as the WWE champion.  He'll get the key wins, but not always cleanly.  This is his first title run so  I think they're assessing how he's handling.  

But Benoit is basically the Bret Hart, Ric Flair, etc. type of champion.  That is, he's the type the company can rely on to put out good matches in the main event and that he's not going to go postal (except for WCW but that's their fault)  The most important thing is that he's reliable and you don't get that very often in a wrestler.  IMO, that's why I think he'll last longer than some people believe.  And he'll make people look good in the process which is why he'll last longer than others, imo.

One thing I'm surprised few people are picking up is the reputation that HHH is getting as someone who's able to compete in one hour matches.  Okay, so workaholic fans don't really feel he's up to par when it comes to filling in spots.  But let's face one thing: in terms of PR, he's got on his resume quite a few long matches.  The WWE are going to utilize that as a major credit for him.  Meanwhile, Benoit too is becoming like that.  Not to mention in the background he's actually one of the most diverse workers around.  I'm not a big fan of his finishes (I think he lets people push bad finishes on his matches), but it's the fact that he's willing to work any type of match which demonstrates his utility to the company.  I think WCW and Kevin Sullivan stigmatized Benoit with those long periods of jobbing such that his tenure in the WWE has been filled with doubt.  But all things considered, he's done quite well this past year, at least way past my expectation in accomplishments.

In relation to all of this, some people are talking about when Orton will take the title.  Some say Survivor Series, others assume Wrestlemania.  My belief is that they shouldn't use next year's Wrestlemania to change titles through having the Royal Rumble acting as a catapult.  It's cliche for them.  It worked very well this year because they had a perfect storyline with Benoit and even Guerrero.  But I would save that Royal Rumble win for someone else (I wouldn't pick Orton; too obvious of a choice).

Honestly, if I was going to setup the Wrestlemania main event, it would be Jericho vs Benoit.  I think they should have a long feud (a few months) that lead into Wrestlemania.  I'd have Jericho be this guy who keeps getting his challenges thwarted by other guys (like how Kane killed his shot after Jericho beat Christian) which leads him to ask to finally get his shot.  They could do the old Terry Funk vs Ric Flair angle where Jericho goes postal on Benoit, despite having a good relationship with him.  Then like Funk vs Flair, I'd have it end where if Jericho lost, he'd shake Benoit's hand.  In this scenario, we get a killer main event that really gives Benoit and Jericho their chance to shine.  But I'd have Benoit go over at Wrestlemania very strong.  Shortly thereafter (on the assumption that the roster doesn't change), I might have him drop the title to someone else due to "burnout" and might send him back to Smackdown.  We'll see.  But I think that's a good storyline that hasn't been done often.

Right now the WWE is in a very good position to make a few new main eventers in guys like Edge, Orton and even Benjamin and Christian (when he returns) through a guy like Benoit.  By having those good main events, where the challenger is elevated just into a challenging position for the title, that can give a taste for the public for that person to get their push.  Benoit is definitely one of those guys capable of doing that task.

The thing is that there's a few good matches he can get without cycling back through old challengers or resorting to gimmick matches.  I think Christian, Edge and Orton should be given title matches on PPVs.  Also, Regal and Jericho are definite choices in my book. Although Regal has been far out of any title shot range for a while, one has to recall the memorable fights he had with Benoit.  I wouldn't mind seeing a match where Benoit does something to Eugene and Regal tries to stick up for him leading to Regal vs Benoit for the title.  Doesn't have to be on PPV either, but it would be cool since it'll elevate Regal and they would definitely have a good, stiff match.

So where would I have Benoit drop the title and to whom?  Well with all the jobs Benoit has done to HHH, he seems like the #1 candidate.  It would be after Wrestlemania.  I'd even do a burnout angle where Benoit just burns out after a year of title defenses and HHH just gets one up on him.  Then the supposed HHH vs Orton feud can happen over the title.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2004 23:03:05 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/27/b144da77623d90dec2c47c9d5d1496a0.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hiroko the Diva</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/27/d3d037c818b197c152b3c29f00a97cb1.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Okay, the WWE is just plain insane for having Hiroko dress up like a "geisha."  If I have one major pet peeve against the WWE, it's their treatment and belittlement of Japanese culture.  Geishas are typically older women, those that have entered a special service and go into long years of specialized training.  Typically, geisha don't endure themselves except for those that can show them the highest bid.

Now, having this young girl dress up as an older woman is just stupid.  Have they not seen what a real hottie she is?  If they have her dress in "typical" Japanese girl fashion, the fans would eat it up!  I mean by the time she hits 40, the rest of the divas would end up looking like they worked for that old ranch in Vegas!  They've got a real freakin' doll on their hands, and the best outfit they give is a geisha outfit???!?!!?  Has McMahon ever been to Shibuya and checked out all the hot girls?  I mean, my fucking gym has better looking girls than their so-called divas.  Come on guys!  Hand us a bone and do better than this!]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2004 23:26:42 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/27/d3d037c818b197c152b3c29f00a97cb1.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Vengeance 2004</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/31/c96396103cfd333beb41f04ce6c0160b.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Caught bits of Vengeance 2004.  Not a great PPV, but there were intriguing moments.  The wrestling was average at best without any real standout matches (at least from what I saw), but there weren't any extremely horrible matches.  Most seemed like last minute setup without enough build.  But there weren't many matches allowing a few matches to go long.

From the ones I've seen, here's a few thoughts:

Chris Jericho vs Batista.  I'm unwilling to give Batista the credit I would towards Brock Lesnar.  He's definitely better than Sid Vicious, but I find him to be modeled in the "same five moves!" category that seems to stigmatize most WWE wrestlers.  I don't think Jericho losing here is really something to get upset about, but I would have a re-match sometime just to give Jericho the win back down the road.  A minifeud might not be a bad idea, although if they don't go that route (which honestly I can't see a point), they're really better off having him go through various opponents so that he improves.  Guys like Taijiri (again), Shelton Benjamin, Edge (while he's face), Jericho and Benoit on RAW are good opponents for him.  I wouldn't bother pushing him yet.  My estimate is that he needs more polish before even looking at things where he's in singles.  But his matches on PPV should go no longer than 10 minutes at the moment, unless somehow he magically develops more offense and relies on how to transition and fill in spots better.

Eugene/Flair vs La Resistance.  Was more story driven to help Eugene than anything.  I like the character and would eventually have him feud against Orton or HHH.  That keeps the World Title on Benoit and Orton on the upper-mid level with Eugene.

Victoria vs. Molly.  I'm not a real big fan of the women's stuff in the WWE.  These two are the better ones I've seen thus far, but it's hard to credit them when they're given little.  

Randy Orton vs Edge.  I liked Benjamin vs Orton far better.  Edge doesn't bring in enough offense to fill 25 minutes, but Benjamin can fill up 17-20 minutes.  Orton really has no offense.  He has mannerisms and knows the heel tactics, but he's sub-mediocre when he's not in a brawling match.  He's definitely not a scientific wrestler type, but seems to handle brawls better.  And he's definitely better on defense (just like HHH).  With Edge, I absolutely like him as a heel, especially as a sharp mouthed punk.  He seems better as a bump machine, which probably qualifies him as a good opponent for someone like Benoit.  So together Orton and Edge just do not make good opponents at the moment.  Orton reminds me of a less ring saavy Arn Anderson while Edge is like a modernized Marcus Bagwell.  Bagwell was better as a character since his offense was pedestrian.  Edge has a few decent moves, but his general offense at most is like 10 moves.  He relies far too much on clotheslines just like Bagwell and can pull out some basic moves like chinlocks, armdrags, etc.  Yet, he seems better in positions where he's falling off ladders, etc.  

Similarly Orton is in that mode.  He's got the basic heel tactics down, but he's not really brutal.  Arn would just be plain mean in the ring and would mix it up with basic submission moves.  On the other hand, Orton relies too much, as some online editor pointed out, on headlocks.  These days the WWE is trying to emphasize more mat based work, but guys like Orton don't have enough mat moves to really elevate that style.  The guys who have pushed it are more like Benoit, Guerrero, Angle, Chavo, and Misterio (to a degree).  The rest have to really play catch up.

Benoit vs HHH.  Their first match up was decent, but it was before Benoit was getting his major push.  But the technical match up was far superior then (with HHH doing more stuff including a Razor's Edge).  Here, the crappy ending with Eugene coming in hurt the match up, which was fine technically for the bulk, but lost out overall.  They had the time and space to really make something up to that point, so the ending hurt the quality.  Don't know how the Iron Man Match compares though.  I know I wasn't a fan of HHH vs HBK in the Hell in a Cell match.  They emphasize selling these days, but the psychology is way down and only bothers on elementary storylines (wrestling-wise).  Usually, it ends up being work on one body part and try to sell it.  HHH vs HBK would allow the selling to be the key point, but the length and level of offense shown in the match was pretty down.  I would've preferred seeing HBK vs Benoit in Hell in a Cell just to see what kind of bumping and innovation they could pull off.  For now, I'd keep HHH against someone like Eugene.  I can't imagine a feud between HHH vs Orton to be any good, although the storyline might be decent at best.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jul 2004 01:09:45 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/31/c96396103cfd333beb41f04ce6c0160b.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Summar Slam 2004</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/31/a92ce997dbd2973d9da4008a93b29204.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[This PPV has a few decent matches so far:

Benoit vs Orton: This is definitely a fresh match with Orton hopefully branching out and attempting to work a more diverse match.  As I mentioned, Orton is more defense oriented, but he's got some brawling ability.  While they're advertising Benoit as mostly a technical wrestler, that's not the match they should wrestle here.  I'd do a brawl that just diversifies the Benoit vs Sullivan and Orton vs Foley matches.  They have another opportunity for Orton to set a precedent here by having a killer brawl that no one is really expecting.  With Foley vs Orton, there was a lot of expectation.  But Benoit vs Orton has more freedom.

Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle.  This should be a very good rematch from Wrestlemania.  But Kurt has been out for a while, so it's hard to say how good this can be.  I would definitely avoid repeating what they've accomplished at Wrestlemania, especially with the cheating.  Since they're doing this intense rival angle with some comedy added, I'd say throw out the cheating and go more intense like Benoit's match with Kurt at the Unforgiven 2002.  Eddie's title reign was far too short, so hopefully they use Kurt to get Eddie over even more.

Undertaker vs Bradshaw.  I think I would be more interested in UT vs Eddie.  Bradshaw just can't deliver the goods, even if he's getting heat.  UT vs Eddie probably wouldn't deliver technically either, but UT is a fresh opponent for Eddie in his elevated role.  Regardless, I'm not looking forward to this match.

Other potential matches:

Edge vs Jericho.  This seems to be in the works.  Jericho would be a very good opponent against a heel edge.  This could be a good feud with some decent matches as with Jericho's feud against Christian.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jul 2004 01:20:40 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/7/31/a92ce997dbd2973d9da4008a93b29204.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Farewell Wrestling</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/8/17/e0d15586c317b762751a1bda0060dcc8.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Whelp, after reading tonight's Summerslam results, I decided to put wrestling on the backburner....indefinitely.  I think the whole scene is absolute shit with the wrong emphasis being given and the primary industry becoming a political playground (both on and off stage).  Obviously, they're current MO is to push all their young talent hard, but as with everything, I don't think they're maturing as necessary.  Orton being on top was too early as I suggested.  I don't mind Benoit putting someone, even Orton, over for the belt.  I do mind about timing.  

But this move on top of the short match lengths and the dodge ball crap just further illustrates that McMahon and co. must be on every single drug on the planet.  And they're wondering why their ratings are low.  Well, honestly I don't care anymore.  Benoit was about the last thing in wrestling that I cared about since he got the title.  Since he and Guerrero lost their titles, there really isn't any purpose to watch wrestling anywhere.

I'm not saying that the people who they're pushing don't have potential, but the booking is just stupid and I'm tired of it.  I'm going to spend my money and time for some new hobby like Vegas....maybe I can actually get a return out of it.

I'm out....later everyone (well in terms of wrestling)]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2004 00:08:51 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/8/17/e0d15586c317b762751a1bda0060dcc8.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Thoughts on WWE's positioning</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/8/17/5ce58de46aed4cd588ed5b4b61203d57.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Although I've stated that I do not intend to watch wrestling anymore, the recent PPV made me ponder the WWE's strategy in terms  of why they made certain moves.  I vaguely referred to the "political" playground occurring.  But there could be a few more reasons involved.

First, let's examine some trends in who are being pushed and possible reasons for the situation.  The obvious are homegrown, younger talent like Orton, Edge, Batista, and John Cena.  I like to consider WWE homegrown talent as "5 move wonders" akin to the old one hit wonders in pop music.  I think from a business viewpoint in entertainment, there's a huge appeal of pushing young people.  They come off as fresh and more energetic.  Also, because of their age, they heal faster and can endure more.  However, they're also, imo, more ignorant of the business and politics that surround them.  Instead, their eagerness to penetrate the business overshadows their ability to protect themselves.  The business only protects them so-far as they're earning money for the business at large.  Furthermore, the older talent and managers can manipulate them behind the scenes to get them to think in a "certain" way.  It's hard to dispute something when you're taught from a certain vantage point and are enclosed in that environment.

Another major issue that I don't think is as apparent is money.  Younger talent typically will have a harder time earning money because they simply don't have the bargaining power.  Since WCW is gone, there is no other major player that allows people to be shuffled back and forth and for the workers to be able to bargain between companies.  This allows a company like the WWE to cut the legs out of both the younger and more established talent simultaneously.  Only the real top ranked veterans with political pull can benefit in this situation.  And those top ranked people can utilize (manipulate) whomever they want to increase their value on paper to the company.

So this part begs the question, "Why go through with this?"  The WWE has a long history of building up these homegrown/established champions that eventually devour themselves up at some point.  You can look at people from Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, the Rock, Austin, etc.  Why generate this mentally where you're basically creating an unstable champion?  My theory is that this situation is a short/long term bet that the WWE has in developing talent.  The WWE realizes that they can develop as many people as possible, so they don't necessarily stick all their eggs in one basket.  Some might argue well you had Brock who turned around and flipped them the bird and went to the NFL.  He was a big egg they dropped.  I don't exactly agree with that argument.  Instead, I think the WWE believes that he's not really something long term to begin with.  In fact, him leaving in a down turn is good because they end up saving on the bottom line.

Take for instance Bret Hart in his last days.  Hart had a so-called guaranteed contract.  Something like 20 million dollars for a long term period.  WCW was willing to offer more at that time, which the WWE wasn't willing to match.  Was McMahon really scared?  Obviously not because he has faith in his product.  What's more important to realize is the money factor here, not the flashy screwjob that everyone talks about.  Essentially, McMahon saved on the bottom line when Hart quit.  Hart was pretty egotistical in his own right when it came to the definition of pro-wrestling, which obviously McMahon would disagree with.  You're basically going to get an employee who you're paying shit loads of money who's going to disagree with your vision.  Why do that?

It's much easier to get some young seemingly upstart like Rocky and invest in him for a short period.  Rocky made good money and a better career afterwards.  But the thing is that the WWE made MORE money because of that small investment.  And they could do it in their own way since Rocky never really was interested in the WCW.

Now compare Benoit and Orton.  Benoit obviously is like Bret Hart.  He's got the experience, he's very capable, he's likeable and he's reliable.  But the thing is that he's not homegrown.  He has the mentality instilled in him from all around the world.  Sure he boosts the WWE's game plan by showing his style, but really his style is dumbed down so other people can keep up.  Basically, his strength becomes a non-factor in contract negotiations because in the end he has nowhere else to go to negotiate that point.  So that title reign was just a token, imo, from an early contract he signed when WCW was still around.  Now, he's simply going to be used as "talent enhancement" (i.e. jobber) just as Guerrero is.  In doing this, he cannot use what he's established over the years to increase his value nor his political mobility in the company.

So we looked at young people.  However, there are those who manage to carve their niches.  The obvious ones are HBK, HHH and the Undertaker (and even to some extent JBL....but more on him).  HHH is obvious.  UT is basically like a managing director as a banking institution; he practically governs one section of the WWE as if he were some MD in equities who's been around for some time.  In his position, he can pretty much command his own bonuses since he's a long standing veteran who apparently has good relations with other people inside the company.  There really aren't many key veterans left.  Only HHH, Undertaker and HBK if you look at the current roster.  I think when you're at that level of seniority in the company, you're able to write your own laws down.  That's what a guy like UT has done.  And like an MD in equities, when business is bad, they know who to blame (the younger guys!)  You have more connections in that type of company and so you know how to play the internal game of survival (which is probably how he managed to survive so long).

Bradshaw is like that in some ways, except he got in a little after the bubble burst.  If McMahon was attempting to push all his remaining veterans left, then Bradshaw would've been one of the last.  The only thing he really has is seniority and apparently the right elbow power with McMahon.  And probably his political beliefs match up well with McMahon (on interviews it seems that way).  But it's hard to say when this "infatuation" will end; I think it'll be more of a business situation when the WWE's earnings start really dropping.  Hopefully, it won't be too late by then.

So what happened to guys like Billy Gunn and Hardcore Holly?  These guys remind me of some of the middle management VPs we get at my company.  They've been around for a while and earned their positions mainly through seniority and political positioning.  But in general they don't really contribute a thing to the overall bottom line, nor cause too much detriment.  They're just "there."  Or as my friend Gavin would say "useless."  Call me cold and callous but it's true.  Through masquerading, hunting, ducking, blaming and politicking these types are able to retain their positions (or in some cases move up on occasion).  But like most middle managers, these types are better left in the basement of a company as a historical artifact.

Truthfully, the WWE is just like my company in many ways.  Far too corporate.  Some of the guys in the WWE seem to make excuses that the WWE is more "professional."  Maybe in some cases like the day-to-day, BAU, they're better organized.  But in terms of growth of the current live product, how can they move on with the current situation?  

Many people believe that there needs to be at least one additional company to compete against the WWE.  But the real competition, imo, is in the contract negotiations for the talent.  There's nothing there to attract talent and allow for people to bargain with the companies.  

What about TNA?  They have no monetary bargaining power.  That type of place is only for the lower end guys who are "desparate."  Sorry that's just a fact.  They should be making active attempts to recruit some big names that people recognize.  Getting a guy like Benoit or Guerrero and making them a franchise while they're still hot is a much needed move.  Who cares about the copying issues, a la WCW in the past?  

If I were TNA and I had the money, I'd make some real attempts to get some good, but misused talent from the WWE.  I'd immediately go for Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Misterio Jr., Matt Hardy, Booker T, Taijiri, and Rhyno.  These people have talent but they're talent is to enhance other people's talent.  They're still capable though so I would try to hit them asap.  TNA, imo, needs five more years before it can establish itself.  They have to go through several iterations of talent and demonstrate that they can survive as well as increase their audience size.  Consolidate their fan base in certain regions.  Really show they are the alternative but don't burn their talent out with crazy matches.  
]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2004 01:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/8/17/5ce58de46aed4cd588ed5b4b61203d57.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Managers....</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/8/17/8678e1a4ec82ac0f7284087a02dd2f3f.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[There was an interesting tidbit about how McMahon was asking wrestlers not to take time off and work harder in order to help the business turn around.  Gee where did we hear that one before?  

For me this tidbit was more interesting than others as it reminds me of the old trick that companies use in down economies: make the workers push themselves since there are no alternatives.  Look at the fall of the dotcoms and tech industry.  Supposedly, you had people working insane hours or being threatened with pink slips because of the job shortage.  I think people should have the right to sue, have the government intervene, or at least be compensated by the government somehow in those situations.  

It's really unfair for the workers in these cases as I can completely sympathize.  The last year or so, my company has been on a downward spiral and the general economy, although picking up, still was relatively stagnant.  In turn, management would hideously use dirty tactics to force us to work longer hours.  Did we get compensated in the end?  Only if you were friends or kissed ass.  Only the managers themselves got compensated since they practically get to rate themselves.

For those people in the WWE who are getting screwed in this down economy, and for the fans, I suggest endorsing another product.  Take the bullet and shell out some money for someone like TNA.  Or in the workers' cases take a long term risk and take a cut in pay to try helping another promotion get elevated.  

The thing to realize here is that the WWE implied monopoly really has hurt the pro-wrestling industry overall.  They themselves need the competition to boost what they can do and so that things aren't so top heavy.  Also, there needs to be a strong alternative for the workers to go to when things get bad.  I come from a field where there's enough opportunities that it's not that difficult to find another job.  But in this field there really is only one place to go.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2004 23:16:10 -0600</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2004/8/17/8678e1a4ec82ac0f7284087a02dd2f3f.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Current Events</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2005/1/23/9c380db38ca02f0e03d3b0998cf0085e.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Got Cable recently so I've been getting a chance to check RAW out.  This past week's show was pretty boring; the only point of interest has been the continued elevation of Batista.  Many people are saying he's big money.  However, his match with Viscera was pretty bland.  Fortunately, it ended early.  You can't entirely blame Viscera for that either.  Batista is still inexperienced even though he no longer just looks green.  Don't know if he has the same level of potential as Brock did.

On the other hand, I've been enjoying Smackdown.  Not many people have mentioned that Booker T and Eddy Guerrero have some very good chemistry together.  They actually have managed to pull together some tag team moves that looked really good.  I actually think that they should keep these two together for the moment since the tag scene is weak.  Don't do the Goldust/Booker T that ended up in a title run that was past its point of redemption, but keep them together just for now.  People are yelling for Eddy to turn but I think they should hold off and let these two evolve.

The guy who's been busting me up though has been Kenzo Suzuki.  He's not a great worker, but damn he's hillarious.  The feud with John Cena is something I perversely have been enjoying.  Cena has been getting on my nerves lately but Suzuki's sad attempt at being "American" makes it great.  I think this coming week we'll be seeing Suzuki with the title.  BTW, Hiroko without the horribly dated makeup is the cutest, little Onaragirl around.  They need to do an angle where Cena turns her into an Americanized slut.  That'll be fun to watch.

Glad to see Chavo back.  He had a nice outting with Rey.  The ending stunk with Rey doing a two move finisher.  Chavo looked to have won with the reverse powerbomb, but Rey simple jumped on him for the win.  Needed a flashier win considering these two have been at it for a while.

Not much else going on.  The Royal Rumble looks like a sleeper.  Some people say Cena will win.  Some people say Batista will win.  I think it should just be someone that isn't so obvious that needs the build.  I doubt it'll be Puder; he's too green even though he's got a good look and natural charisma that make people automatically like him.  I'd like to see someone like Jericho or Guerrero win it, but I think Jericho's time for the big title picture is up, unless he moves to Smackdown.  The obvious title picture on RAW involves HHH, Orton and Batista.  I think they should trade Orton to Smackdown and have him team/feud with Cena.  That team might be a weaker version of the Rock/HHH feud where the WWE was attempting to build chemistry between the two.]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:46:39 -0700</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2005/1/23/9c380db38ca02f0e03d3b0998cf0085e.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Survivor Series 2004</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2005/1/24/4df0ab5b3d2893a618d478a8eb55e00b.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Checked out this from Netflix.  Not a bad PPV.  They had a decent undercard (namely the first two matches).  Barely caught the two traditional SS style matches though.  I've never been a fan of those nor this PPV.  But it's quite clear from their booking what they want: Cena and Orton.  What isn't so clear is the RAW World title scene.  It seems strange that the booking took the belt off Benoit, moved it to Orton, potatoed it back to HHH only to have him vacate it after a double pin in Edge and Benoit, then winning it in the Elimination Chamber only to have Orton challenge again.  Sounds confusing?  Not to me exactly.

Logical booking would have Benoit retain back against Orton.  It was painfully obvious that Orton wasn't ready for the title victory.  People naturally clamored at having him because he had a few expressions to give them cheap chuckles.  However, they failed to see that his matches lacked interest.  His only good match to date was against Mick Foley and that's only because Foley beat the crap out of him to demonstrate his "toughness."  That should've clued someone in the booking committee that he was a better pinball (i.e. heel) than face.

Having Benoit retain you'd have him lose say before Wrestlemania against HHH where HHH would pick up his win to face Orton who would seem by that point slated to win the Rumble.  In the meantime, Benoit could've elevated the belt and himself by going the rounds against Jericho, Edge, maybe Shelton, a singles match against HBK and perhaps Christian to fill the gap until that point.

But here's a subtle point: if he went through those challengers and retained until Mania (or wherever), his credibility would've shot up and his value as a champion would've skyrocketed.  I'm not talking about him being a draw, but his real paycheck.  If the WWE is structured like a typical corporate environment, then one's salary would go up after time. Him retaining the belt for a long period would be like one receiving a major promotion say from VP to Senior VP.  Instead, someone cut his legs from under him to reduce his value, especially considering his age and number of years of experience.

So why even bother placing the belt on Orton for that short period?  I think part of it was to reduce his value as well.  The whole handling of Orton since his title win has been a farce.  Fans haven't taken to him as expected, but many are rejecting him in a Jeff Jarrett way (not the Kurt Angle or Rock manner).  But moving the title to him would satisfy people's tendency to desire to want something new.  Having the title on a young champion allows the company to not fully pay him as opposed to a veteran who could theoretically command a higher salary.  That's why, imo, we won't be seeing Jericho, Benoit, or even Edge receive another title reign (in Edge's case he was on the injury list too long and at the worst moments).

What about Bradshaw on the other channel?  He's a veteran but his ideals somehow mix with McMahon's; more importantly, he's not a big money maker type.  People on the net give him far too much credit when it comes to being a top guy.  He's there so HHH and a few others aren't overshadowed.  But it still helps disguise the structuring of the company, imo.

I think the one thing I just don't get is what HHH gets in all of this.  He's the son-in-law of McMahon; he shouldn't have to worry about himself.  Instead, it seems that he's using his influence to setup what looks like a fantasy world for himself.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2005 11:50:33 -0700</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2005/1/24/4df0ab5b3d2893a618d478a8eb55e00b.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Avoided RAW Last Night</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2005/1/25/b8569e418cd1e07df784def0e2b36b9e.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Sounded like a fiasco with the exception of Batista's current push.  But the rest of the RAW roster (minus HHH) has been steadily devalued.  Take a look at the returning Taijiri.  Losing to Viscera?  Also Regal?  Both guys potentially can work very good matches, but neither have received steady pushes since coming to the WWE.  You might say that they probably did the job to get inline for a different push (probably against the tag belts which have no meaning whatsoever on RAW).  Still every year their value steadily decreases.

I predict Orton will lose against HHH in the Rumble.  This will probably be his last big singles push for a while as the real focus moves towards Batista.  I ponder whether or not HHH is going to pump up against like he did for his feud against Scott Steiner.  Still watch Orton move in the upper middle card while the main focus shifts purely towards Batista.

Now there's this buzz about Austin making his return in the form of several movies in the WWE.  Already there are comparisons between WWE's motion towards the movie industry and their failed attempts with the XFL and WBA.  This potentially is going to be another failed result.  While there are no better companies for pro-wrestling in terms of sheer business acumen, the WWE just hasn't proven itself to be able to move into new markets.  Not global markets, but markets outside of wrestling.  I have serious doubts about the WWE in the movie market; now some say that there's a natural tendency to place their talent in Hollywood.  However, I'm still waiting for the big breakout moment of one of these stars.  Hogan was an abyssmal failure.  Austin never made it beyond Nash Bridges.  Piper had only one good film before being relegated to the bottom end of the B industry.  Jesse Ventura has been associated with big name stars (namely the Governator), but he's never headlined outside of his becoming the governor of Minnesota.  And the Rock, despite what critics have said, has not truly broken out.  More on him in a minute.  In all of these cases, the truth is that these wrestlers' success in Hollywood is a function of their popularity in the WWE.  Their is a definite symbiotic relationship between the two.

Going back to the Rock though, I'd like to say that his career probably will be taking a major tumble from here on out. It seems that his relationship with the WWE is quickly souring.  I see that he has a few movies coming up, but I think he's going to be relegated to becoming a kind of cult action actor.  But I firmly believe that despite his charisma a good part of his following has been a function of his relationship with the WWE.  At this point though, I think that relationship is dead in the water because the WWE doesn't want to pay him the high salary.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2005 10:21:22 -0700</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2005/1/25/b8569e418cd1e07df784def0e2b36b9e.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Dream Roster</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2005/1/27/70859461cb333c5a659529205656f567.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Now, everyone does fantasy booking.  In my case, if I were to have my fantasy roster, here would be my list, set in 1994 when many of these guys were in their peak:

1) Bret Hart
2) Ric Flair
3) Chris Benoit
4) Dean Malenko
5) Eddy Guerrero
6) Chris Jericho
7) Al Snow
8) 2 Cold Scorpio
9) Rey Misterio Jr.
10) Juventud Guerrera
11) Psicosis
12) Ultimo Dragon
13) Shinjiro Ohtani
14) Koji Kanemoto
15) Great Sasuke
16) Taka Michinoku
17) Doug Furnas
18) Phil Lafon
19) Scott Steiner
20) Rick Steiner
21) Vader
22) Steve Williams
23) Fit Finlay
24) Steve Regal
25) Owen Hart
26) Lance Storm
27) Barry Windham
28) Ricky Steamboat
29) Jushin Thunder Liger
30) Cactus Jack
31) Perry Saturn
32) Raven
33) Rob Van Dam
34) Sabu
35) Bam Bam Bigelow
36) Mike Awesome
37) Arn Anderson
38) Tazz
39) Booker T
40) Hayabusa]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2005 02:40:08 -0700</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2005/1/27/70859461cb333c5a659529205656f567.html</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Royal Rumble 2005</title>
<link>http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2005/1/30/f634d35da080e61f1cda156faef9acbe.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[I'm completely underwhelmed by this year's Rumble.  I think the only match worth watching is Edge vs HBK; this match really should be Edge making a statement and is going to be the true make-it-or-break-it point in his career.  He's been given good opportunities but thus far I've been underwhelmed by his singles career.  For him to do well, I think he needs to add about 15 new moves to his arsenal against Michaels and branch out and try something like brawling.  My feeling is that he's mostly a TLC type, but those days seem to be long gone.  If he was able to push forward here, then I'd actually put him as the winner.

Maybe the next *interesting* booking-wise match is the triple threat title match with JBL vs Big Show vs Kurt Angle.  Actually, they've done quite well in leading up to this match with a lot of work done on the character side with each guy trying to outsmart the other.  Wrestling-wise, Kurt is going to be carrying it.  But storyline-wise this is actually pretty good.

HHH vs 