The Official WWE Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

[Fantabulous]

if Cena or Triple H win I am going to puke, I want to see Cena in a match at Mania this year that has nothing to do with the title. Ever since WM 21 he has been in the main event, except for one year when he was injured.

Cena has been in the WWE title match every WM since 21.

I think Cena/Punk is the obvious WM match for Cena this year and I would not rule out Punk eliminating Cena from the Rumble.

[20LEgend]

Cena has been in the WWE title match every WM since 21.

I think Cena/Punk is the obvious WM match for Cena this year and I would not rule out Punk eliminating Cena from the Rumble.

I can see them eliminating each other at the same time so to make neither look weak, and them to look evenly matched... or Punk eliminates Cena and then is gloating and Wade Barret eliminates him,

[Jaysin]

I'm still pulling for Punk and Wade to both win ala Luger/Bret in 94. Makes perfect sense now that there is two brands.

Then at mania when Punk and Wade both reign supreme they announce that Nexus/Corre are united.

[LoganRodzen]

First PPV I've ordered in years and I'm glad I did. My girlfriends 42" HDTV is coming in handy right now. I even spent the EXTRA $5 to get the HD PPV... Having a job that pays decent (for once) is burning a hole in the ol' pocket already. :o She's regretting letting me order it and allowing me to play TEW at the same time. I don't think she realized it was three hours instead of the usual two. :p

[jwt13]

I pick Christian to win and feud with edge

[Jaysin]

I was about to post the same thing, Christian vs Edge would be sweet!

[jwt13]

And another thing I hope happens is Kevin Nash or Booker T will replace Vickie as GM of Smackdown

[Teh_Showtime]

that finish has to foreshadow E&C for Mania

and the crowd is HOTTTT

[TheEdgeOfReason]

How does that mean E&C are gonna feud?

Don't make that connection at all.

[Waghlon]

I have to ask a question about the show so far (in amazing white text): Did they implement a rule against clean finishes since the last time i watched WWE?

[Jaysin]

I was so excited when the GM announced it was going to be a fatal fourway. I was expecting Kong...but we got Eve...ugh

What's wrong with Nattie keeping the belt? Seriously.

[Astil]

That chant made my night.

[jwt13]

Morrison is awesome

[LoganRodzen]

Morrison is awesome

What a spot. :eek:

[Jaysin]

Since when do Yoshi and Steamboat get the same seamstress?

[Candyman]

Trips is gonna win it. The returning main eventer usually does.

Lol, it's happened twice in the history of the Rumble, FFS. I realize two of those were in the last three years, but that hardly makes a trend. Trips is going to fued with Sheamus when he gets back, and since neither has the title, I highly doubt either wins.

[Candyman]

We have our first 'surprise' entrant...well, a guy that wasn't listed on the WWE website anyway...Chavo. And of course he's eliminated by the time I post this. Five more mystery entrants left.

[Jaysin]

Chavo was awesome in his short time.

[Astil]

Loving this

[Candyman]

Kind of disappointed CM Punk isn't preaching like the last time he was alone in the ring...wondered how many guys they're going to go through before Cena stops them.

[Waghlon]

He came, he danced, he got eliminated...

[Slagaholic]

This has been a really well booked Rumble match so far. Hornswoggle's Attitude Adjustment was awesome.

[jwt13]

This has been a really well booked Rumble match so far. Hornswoggle's Attitude Adjustment was awesome.

Agreed except for the treatment of Booker T

[Jaysin]

What a ****ing joke...

[Slagaholic]

I want Hornswoggle to be a prop in every Royal Rumble until he dies...so for the next year or so.

[LoganRodzen]

Haven't seen this character since '95... amazing. :D

[jwt13]

Well....:mad:

[Candyman]

No appearance by Triple H, not even to eliminate Sheamus.

My money's on Cena.

EDIT: Well, there goes that...looks like Barrett or maybe Del Rio.

EDIT 2: So Del Rio vs. Edge, Orton vs. Punk, and Cena vs. Miz at Wrestlemania. Maybe Barrett vs. Taker? Maybe Diesel vs. Big Show?

[jwt13]

I feel like im watching a Russo booked show

[Astil]

Ho.ly. ****!

[Linsolv]

I feel like im watching a Russo booked show

I didn't buy the PPV, but I've been following a live blog—what makes you say that?

[Waghlon]

I had my money on Santino of course.

[Slagaholic]

They made the right choice.

[jwt13]

I didn't buy the PPV, but I've been following a live blog—what makes you say that?

All the run in/dirty finishes but I liked the show. However i dont like Del Rio winning he hasn't been there a year yet I guess you dont have to earn your spot anymore:rolleyes:

[Jaysin]

There is a wrestling god after all, Cena and Orton BOTH LOST! WOOO!!

[Linsolv]

All the run in/dirty finishes but I liked the show. However i dont like [snip]:rolleyes:

I, personally, was dying for some spoilers, but you should white that out before someone who didn't want any gets mad.

[LoganRodzen]

I enjoyed the rumble match because of the two surprises. Would have liked to see HHH return, but you can't have your cake and eat it too.

[jwt13]

I, personally, was dying for some spoilers, but you should white that out before someone who didn't want any gets mad.

Done

[b0shey]

I feel like im watching a Russo booked show

i was saying the same thing, this has the russo smell a long way, horrible booking... it did pick up near the end thank god.

[Linsolv]

That said, I don't know how to feel about the winner. On one hand, I have really liked what I've seen of him: I like his look, I like how charismatic he is, and he's not terribly boring in the ring (I can't judge because I get burned out really fast watching matches closely, so I tend to watch while doing other things).

On the other hand, I only watch RAW, and that means the storyline followup is gonna be completely irrelevant to me.

[Astil]

Great Rumble, loved the Nexus parts, loved the number 1 and number 2 and loved the winner.

[Slagaholic]

All the run in/dirty finishes but I liked the show. However i dont like Del Rio winning he hasn't been there a year yet I guess you dont have to earn your spot anymore:rolleyes:
What are you on about?

He was a megastar in Mexico. I suppose previous work shouldn't count tho. Brock Lesnar won the title less than 6 months into his WWE career fyi.

[xspudx]

Starts as the most awesome smark rumble ever. Goes into Cenation Hornswoggle funtime. Builds you up with a big moment and then... Orton. Orton comes along, Cena staredown, waiting for that final entry while the camera zooms in...

Kane.

All the while, Del Rio has already entered and it's just so boring. The ending was fantastic, I smiled. But I believe they made a real mistake putting Orton there. there was no point whatsoever. If Miz eliminated Cena, okay you've got something going there, but what's the point if you're going to put Orton there? Just so upsetting.

No Haitch, Jericho or Undertaker really made the show go out with a wimper. Taker's probably injured (I don't follow it much these days) but I think the whole thing shifted on one boring pick. I cannot get behind Orton whatsoever and I definitely cannot get behind Orton/Cena. The popularity of the feud is clearly dwindling too. Admittedly the crowd is Boston so it was obviously more smarky but it just died on the spot.

[The Final Countdown]

Pretty blah Rumble for the most part...but I LOVED the ending. I can't remember the last time I was genuinely surprised by a RR finish.

[jwt13]

What are you on about?

He was a megastar in Mexico. I suppose previous work shouldn't count tho. He has to spend a few years working up the card to prove that he's worthy of his spot. Nevermind that by the time you'd think he's worthy he'd already be in his late-30s and his main eventing days would be very short. Brock Lesnar won the title less than 6 months into his WWE career fyi.

Brock had that it factor a great monster look and skill. Del Rio to me is boring and bland like much of WWE's newer "Stars"

[Slagaholic]

Edit your post. Don't wanna spoil anything.

If you believe that he's boring and bland no amount of "proving himself" will make him less boring or bland unless it's a complete change of character you're looking for.

[Astil]

jwt, spoiler tags please.

[lazorbeak]

I don't know, if I were Vegas, my favorite has to be CM Punk. He's got a lot of momentum, he's an established name that hasn't won it and he has a stable to help him out in the match (see Randy Orton in 2008). I'd say he's my pick for most likely. Other favorites: John Cena. He's been operating at a very high level as he's essentially replaced HBK as the guy on Raw who doesn't need to be in the title picture to be in a great feud, but he's still WWE's guy and they'd love to put him vs. Punk or him vs. Miz as their headliner. John Morrison: somewhat of an outside chance, but they've been pretty high on him lately, he's got a great feud with the Miz built in, and it's a show that should sell itself so you don't have to worry if Morrison/Miz doesn't go on last (although frankly it could, considering their match a couple weeks ago). Smackdown favorites: Alberto Del Rio. If your Raw feud is Cena/Punk, you can do Del Rio/Edge as your Smackdown feud and put it lower down the card.

Outside chances: Triple H. Doubtful, considering he's almost guaranteed to work a program with Sheamus in the near future.

Wade Barrett. He is leading the Smackdown Nexus, and could work against Edge, but considering Undertaker wants to work with him, I see him vs. 'Taker in a gimmick match being far more likely. Plus they still haven't explained the Nexus run-in on 'Taker from months ago.

I have a hard time of thinking of anybody else with a real shot.

The prophecy has been fulfilled. :cool:

[masterded]

When is something no longer a spoiler? If the topic is about it and it has already happened then wouldn’t someone who doesn’t want to be spoiled just stay away, I would think that is common sense. Though I could kind of see how having all the WWE stuff in one thread complicates it a bit, still it seems pointless to worry about spoilers after an event has been broadcasted.

[Prophet]

I think the thing we all learned from this Rumble is that the `E needs to do what they did with Perfect a few years back, and bring back the big man. The fact that Rey Mysterio got booed for hitting him with a 619 is insane. lol

Overall, I thought the Rumble match was pretty good. Not stellar, but definitely not bland. My biggest issue was the two championship losers being in. Maybe it's just me, but that whole concept of losing your shot at the gold, just to get a second chance at it, and not in a sneaky conspiracy way, just seems awkward.

[Astil]

I think the thing we all learned from this Rumble is that the `E needs to do what they did with Perfect a few years back, and bring back the big man. The fact that Rey Mysterio got booed for hitting him with a 619 is insane. lol

Overall, I thought the Rumble match was pretty good. Not stellar, but definitely not bland. My biggest issue was the two championship losers being in. Maybe it's just me, but that whole concept of losing your shot at the gold, just to get a second chance at it, and not in a sneaky conspiracy way, just seems awkward.

/nod. I was confused.

[SeanMcFly]

Brock had that it factor a great monster look and skill. *Snip* to me is boring and bland like much of WWE's newer "Stars"

Considering you were the one crying and ranting about the WWE not pushing newer stars, you should be happy about who won the match. If you don't think he has an 'It' factor, then you obviously have been brainwashed by TNA. Honestly, who do you think in TNA could out-wrestle and out-talk *Spoiler*. Mr Kennedy is probably the only one. Angle sucks (Last I recall, granted I didn't see much of his work), Hardy sucks (Both of em'), Jarrett Sucks, Joe Sucks, hell, even *Spoiler* and *Spoiler* ditched TNA for this match. I don't think RVD could out-talk him, as much as I like RVD.

[Teh_Showtime]

why did Cena just bury the Nexus is 3 minutes? That was my only gripe besides WTF at that divas match

I read somewhere that Trips did not want to be in the RR if he wasn't gonna come back, so maybe they had Orton in there as his replacement. The entire Rumble was above average but the storylines within the RR is just what needed to happen to further most of these feuds.

bleacherreport.com/articles/585872-ten-wrestlers-that-could-win-the-2011-royal-rumble

pretty prophetic article I read earlier this week that was spot on with a few guys.

[jwt13]

Considering you were the one crying and ranting about the WWE not pushing newer stars, you should be happy about who won the match. If you don't think he has an 'It' factor, then you obviously have been brainwashed by TNA. Honestly, who do you think in TNA could out-wrestle and out-talk *Spoiler*. Mr Kennedy is probably the only one. Angle sucks (Last I recall, granted I didn't see much of his work), Hardy sucks (Both of em'), Jarrett Sucks, Joe Sucks, hell, even *Spoiler* and *Spoiler* ditched TNA for this match. I don't think RVD could out-talk him, as much as I like RVD.

Anderson Joe and angle can out talk and out wrestle him. And I said nothing about TNA there are talents that are young that I wouldn't mind Punk, Morrison, Swagger, Sheamas, and I wouldn't even mind Riley

[TakerNGN74]

Cena has been in the WWE title match every WM since 21.

Yeah that is what I meant to say, I am glad that Del Rio won the Royal Rumble Match it was good to see someone different win it. Now my only hope is that Mysterio wins the elimination chamber match for the World Title and Del Rio goes after Mysterio at Mania it would be the perfect ending to a great feud.

[The Final Countdown]

Fair warning: I'm not going to hide my spoiler here. It's not like the show was taped to be aired later; it was broadcast live for anyone and everyone to see.

Anderson Joe and angle can out talk and out wrestle him. And I said nothing about TNA there are talents that are young that I wouldn't mind Punk, Morrison, Swagger, Sheamas, and I wouldn't even mind Riley
I'll have to disagree there. Anderson can out talk him, but I think Alberto's got him beat inside the ring. Joe (at his best, at least) can outwrestle him, but Alberto's a better talker. Angle's the only guy of the three that can do both things better than Del Rio, at least in my opinion.

You aren't seriously suggesting that Alex Riley winning the Rumble would've been better than Del Rio, are you? Please tell me I misinterpreted what you typed, because that is just crazy to me.

[TakerNGN74]

Glad to see someone finally win who hasn't before. I could easily see Rey winning the World Title at Elimination Chamber and Del Rio challenge him for the belt. It would be a perfect end to a great feud and my only hope for that would be that Del Rio would win the Royal Rumble. Plus if it was Mysterio vs. Del Rio in the main event at Mania Mexican Fans would love it.

The only thing I don't like about the idea is that if this were to happen Mysterio would only hold the belt for a month but I think it would be well worth it.

[lazorbeak]

Haters gonna hate, I guess. Good for WWE for taking a risk with a new guy that has all the tools to be a huge deal.

[jwt13]

Fair warning: I'm not going to hide my spoiler here. It's not like the show was taped to be aired later; it was broadcast live for anyone and everyone to see.


I'll have to disagree there. Anderson can out talk him, but I think Alberto's got him beat inside the ring. Joe (at his best, at least) can outwrestle him, but Alberto's a better talker. Angle's the only guy of the three that can do both things better than Del Rio, at least in my opinion.

You aren't seriously suggesting that Alex Riley winning the Rumble would've been better than Del Rio, are you? Please tell me I misinterpreted what you typed, because that is just crazy to me.

I think a Riley/Miz program would be nice

[Slagaholic]

I think a Riley/Miz program would be nice
Not to buyrates.

[jwt13]

Not to buyrates.

Your right, but if booked right could be good for buyrates.

So with the way Nash and Booker were booked in the rumble how long do you thinkthey are under contract? I would love to see Nash as a GM for Raw or Smackdown. Booker can still go, I think he should be on smackdown for more starpower.

[Wrestling Century]

That might have been the best Royal Rumble ever. I'm curious to see who Del Rio will face at WrestleMania.

[The Final Countdown]

I think a Riley/Miz program would be nice
I don't disagree. I think Riley has potential, and maybe he'll be ready for that kind of spotlight eventually. But now's not the time. He's nowhere near ready to win the Rumble or be put into a feature match at Wrestlemania, aside from MAYBE Money in the Bank (if they're still going to run it at Mania now that there's a MITB PPV.)

[BHK1978]

Haters gonna hate, I guess. Good for WWE for taking a risk with a new guy that has all the tools to be a huge deal.

Anyone that disagrees with you is now going to be called a hater. Okay got it...:rolleyes:

I like this move, I am glad they are giving this to someone new who I find to be very entertaining. I wonder if this is Vince trying to make further inroads into the Hispanic marketplace. If so I think TakerNGN might be right and we could see Rey vs. Del Rio. Not a bad idea at all, it worked in the 70's for Vince Sr. when he had Pedro Morales as the champion. I could see it working now.

That being said, I do not think Del Rio will be in the main event, that is unless he goes for the RAW title, which I just do not see that happening.

[Gouge]

First Rumble in awhile that I really, really enjoyed to be honest. Nash & Booker were very welcome surprises and it was nice to see the crowd behind them. Some really cool spots, especially JoMo and Chavo's. Danielson's kicks to Regal during his entire stay were pretty sick, too. Good booking for the most part, even with the Nexus and Hornswoggle/Cena squashfests, they bumped it to 40 afterall. Del Rio winning was great and highly unexpected for me. And I was going nuts during the Santino spot too and was thinking for a split second he was going to actually win!

I, too, kinda scratched my head at Dolph & Orton's additions to the match. While it didn't really advance much storyline wise, it still played a big part in the match as I figured they'd be serious contenders to win. Once Cena was dumped out by Miz, I thought Orton had it in the bag. Highly disappointing it would have been, but that made Del Rio's win all the more sweeter.

All in all, one of my favorite Rumble matches ever, which is saying a lot considering my usual view of current WWE.

[ampulator]

I think there is a more selfish, but nonetheless, valid reason why they are pushing Del Rio - Rey Mysterio Jr. may or may not leave the WWE, either from injury, of rom choice. Mysterio is pretty banged up, but Del Rio is pretty fresh. They need someone from the Hispanic market, and Del Rio is their man.

[Candyman]

When is something no longer a spoiler? If the topic is about it and it has already happened then wouldn’t someone who doesn’t want to be spoiled just stay away, I would think that is common sense. Though I could kind of see how having all the WWE stuff in one thread complicates it a bit, still it seems pointless to worry about spoilers after an event has been broadcasted.

Yeah, exactly. When I don't want to know what happened on a show that already aired, I don't read this thread. You can't spoil something that already aired.

So with the way Nash and Booker were booked in the rumble how long do you thinkthey are under contract? I would love to see Nash as a GM for Raw or Smackdown. Booker can still go, I think he should be on smackdown for more starpower.

I think Diesel's around for awhile. He got a massive crowd reaction, and there was that little thing with him and Big Show...I think they're going to build on that.

why did Cena just bury the Nexus is 3 minutes? That was my only gripe besides WTF at that divas match

I read somewhere that Trips did not want to be in the RR if he wasn't gonna come back, so maybe they had Orton in there as his replacement. The entire Rumble was above average but the storylines within the RR is just what needed to happen to further most of these feuds.

I disagree about Cena burying the Nexus. Nexus had already had to deal with, among other, Booker T and The Great Khali. They were pretty well worn out by the time Cena got in there, and he was completely fresh. Besides, somebody had to do it.

They had three guys listed on their website as in the match that weren't (Darren Young, DH Smith, and Primo), so it's not like they were short of wrestlers. My theory on Trips not returning is that his fued with Sheamus doesn't need to be built up. IF they are planning a match between the two at Wrestlemania, how much more can they really do? I don't think they have two months worth of fueding left there. He can come back at the Elimination Chamber and still have plenty of time to build that match.

[QFresh]

Definitely don't agree with the Orton/Ziggler entrances. They had their title matches, and shouldn't have been in the Rumble.

And why can't Nattie hold the belt... Zero sense. Who is Eve Torres? (I know who she is, but in what universe is she a better caliber of athlete then Nattie.) And they really missed on a Kong debut here.

Didn't care for either title match, although Edge using the Unprettier was a nice touch.

And for Christ sakes, can they please stop with Michael Cole. He's actually becoming the reason I don't want to watch any WWE programming anymore.

Best Quotes from the show.

King
"and now we have Michael Cole's opinion..."

Striker
"Was that e-mail typed all in caps, cause you yelled that whole thing."

[Self]

Have Rumble DVR'd. Furious that someone emailed me the results. Might not even watch it now.

[sebsplex]

Last night's RR was the first WWE ppv I've bought for about 3+ years, more due to the fact I don't have work today than being majorly sold on the card.

I enjoyed both the title matches, although I still just have no interest in Edge with the gold, but that's just something that the WWE can't change for me. Still, his match with Dolph was solid and nicely booked to incorporate the spear being banned. I also enjoyed the Impaler/Unprettier nod to Christian, although sadly it wasn't foreshadowing a Rumble appearance.

The divas match was what it needed to be I guess. Pretty much eh and beyond Eve's athletic spots, I don't see a whole lot to her.

I loved the Rumble itself. The smark's dream opening sequences and the nod from the announcers to the internet loving it was great, infact I haven't watched a ton of WWE in recent months/years, but I really enjoyed the combo of Cole, Lawler and Striker. The Nexus domination was a great bit of booking and really hooked the crowd... I've never heard Khali get that sort of pop before, it's just a shame Cena completely squashed it. That's not an anti-Cena comment, it just would have been nice if someone else could have got a bit of a rub from fighting back/or aiding Cena. I would have liked to see Punk last longer without the Nexus, but oh well. The Hornswoggle moments were alright as a little sideshow during the lull, JoMo' sequence was awesome as was Chavo's Eddie tribute and even Zack Ryder got in some offence. Kinda meh on Booker T and Nash's involvement. It was good to see them and see Book bust out his trademarks during his cameo, but Nash entering as Diesel just made him seem old as hell, especially with the Just For Men black hair. Having said that, the crowd pretty much died after Diesel hit the bricks, until Santino's reappearance of course.

I don't know whether it was the 40 man stip, but the latter stages of the match seemed almost like an afterthought. I'll echo those who didn't really like the inclusion of Dolph and Orton as neither had any sort of meaningful moment or elimination, beyond the crowd reacting in an explosion of silence and Cena and Orton posed off. I've also never experienced a Rumble match where the crowd seemed so uninvolved with the lead-up to the finale (beyond the pop for Miz dumping out Cena, which was awesome). So yeah, Santino's last minute return really saved what was otherwise a complete anti-climax of a finish.

Overall though, whilst Del Rio doesn't entirely float my boat, kudos to the WWE for running with a new face instead of sticking to the tried and tested candidates.

[Tha Black Phenom]

why did Cena just bury the Nexus is 3 minutes? That was my only gripe besides WTF at that divas match


You use the term "burying" very loosely, and honestly, who did you except to do it? Khali? At best, it could've been someone like Big Show but Cena would've made for the better Rumble highlight.

By the way, the Santino moment - THAT is what I mean about suspending belief. Imagining something completely ridiculous and outlandish happening for a matter of seconds through your mind, even though by now we can easily sit and say it would've never happened. But who didn't have their mind running at 100 mph about the possibility of Santino getting a huge face push against The Miz or another big heel at Mania, despite the fact it would be appalling for buyrates and a myriad of other aspects that would make this move foolish? Santino being so over with the crowd helped it become a surreal moment.

I saw the PPV in a movie theater, and I can tell you one thing: Michael Cole is an effective heel. The reactions I've heard throughout the theater were something - there were laughter, groans, laughing at every of King and Striker's comebacks towards Cole... really changed my perspective on Cole overall. The butt monkey thing could actually work... I guess this is his only way of him redeeming himself. Still, for now he annoys me still. :D

As for the Rumble itself, looks like they tried to do with the best they could - no HHH, Christian and more, and having the two surprise appearances ruined by stupid spoilers harmed the event but they made up for it with little things and overall it was great. Maybe not an iconic Rumble I'll re-watch again in later years, but satisfactory.

[Hashasheen]

Coming out of this, I see:

Miz versus John Cena
Orton versus CM Punk
Dolph Ziggler versus Edge continuing
Daniel Bryan/Gail Kim versus Bellas continuing (shoot me now)
Ezekial Jackson versus Big Show

and ...

Eve versus Lay-cool versus Natalya (unless they made the title switch so Eve could get destroyed by Kong on her debut)

[mistaken]

That might have been the best Royal Rumble ever. I'm curious to see who Del Rio will face at WrestleMania.

first ppv I ever bout, waste of money. they spent so long hyping how hall of famers win the rumble, how winning it is a huge deal, then put some guy that was cleaning the stands a year ago over as winner.

at least if santino had thrown him out, I could have seen a sudden character shift, and Santina suddenly getting a push he sure as heck has earned.

glad I had friends over to watch it, that was worth the money. The PPV's first two matches, ok the rumble on the whole good. but the finish soured the whole night.

[Hashasheen]

first ppv I ever bout, waste of money. they spent so long hyping how hall of famers win the rumble, how winning it is a huge deal, then put some guy that was cleaning the stands a year ago over as winner.

at least if santino had thrown him out, I could have seen a sudden character shift, and Santina suddenly getting a push he sure as heck has earned.

glad I had friends over to watch it, that was worth the money. The PPV's first two matches, ok the rumble on the whole good. but the finish soured the whole night.

... You feel like explaining that remark? Because it comes off as more than a little racist.

[Slim Jim]

Not to mention his pedigree in amateur wrestling and MMA, and his ten years wrestling in Mexico, where he became a huge star and a World Champion so even moving beyond any potentially racist undertone there, you're severely underselling the quality of Del Rio.

And Santino has earned it more than him? He's been wrestling half as long, at a lower standard and without the same quality of background.

[juggaloninjalee]

Anyone who says Del Rio was nothing a year ago knows nothing about pro wrestling. Del Rio is one of the top wrestlers in Mexico and has been for some time. Plus in WWE he is one of the most over heels in the company. People love the guy!

As for Nash and Booker T I think they will only be around to be HOF inductees since they played big parts in WCW. Nash was part of turning around the ratings in favor of WCW and Booker T held a lot of tag titles in WCW.

Who will be on what brand though?

[TheLeviticalLawKid3]

Just read the Rumble results. Haven't been a huge fan of the WWE since I was a kid, but recently I have been watching RAW from time to time. Easing my pain of losing ROH on HDNet in the near future. Between that and CHIKARA podcasts, I didn't need to watch WWE. And Lord knows I'm not watching TNA anymore...

I love Alberto del Rio as the Rumble winner. Guy is a wrestling phenom, and I like his wrestling heritage, being a Lucha Libre fan. Also, Booker T and Kevin Nash returning? Like that too.

Hey, who knows? Maybe I'll tune in to RAW tonight.

[Teh_Showtime]

my whole thing about Cena killing off the Nexus was that while it had to be done, I think it should have happened gradually and not all at once. Nexus went from major problem (10 eliminations I read somewhere) to afterthought in about 4 minutes.

If it was more of a battle that ended in Cena winning and downing Nexus I'm all for it but it was more of a how the hell was it that easy.

Still another great showing for Punk, and when Rey gave Nash the 619 he got tremendous heat which was amazing in itself

[Tha Black Phenom]

It did happen gradually in a way, because once Khali came into the ring, he dominated the Nexus for a few seconds and actually threw Harris out. So you thought it was gonna be the end of their ride until Khali started acting a fool and didn't capitalize, Mason Ryan comes in and Khali gets eliminated - they end up right back on top. Cue Booker T, and then finally Cena; end of the line. Small rollercoaster momentum for what it was worth. Or maybe you just wish it had lasted longer, if so fair enough.

[sebsplex]

You use the term "burying" very loosely, and honestly, who did you except to do it? Khali? At best, it could've been someone like Big Show but Cena would've made for the better Rumble highlight.

I'd have liked to have seen a combo of Cena and Barrett being forced to work together to dismiss the Nexus, leading to a 3-way face of between Cena, Punk and Barrett with the latter two recognising Cena as the greater threat and turning on him until the next entrant rocked out. Although it'd have been a bit of a waste of starpower, you could have had Orton come out next and do a double elimination spot with him and Punk taking one another out since Orton didn't really achieve any storyline benefit from entering later on. Again, just a personal preference.

By the way, the Santino moment - THAT is what I mean about suspending belief. Imagining something completely ridiculous and outlandish happening for a matter of seconds through your mind, even though by now we can easily sit and say it would've never happened. But who didn't have their mind running at 100 mph about the possibility of Santino getting a huge face push against The Miz or another big heel at Mania, despite the fact it would be appalling for buyrates and a myriad of other aspects that would make this move foolish? Santino being so over with the crowd helped it become a surreal moment.

Totally agree. It was one of those magical moments were I found myself getting swept up in it all. The crowd going wild, followed by the Cobra~! anything seemed possible, if only for the briefest of moments. The fact that Del Rio was in there rather than Cena, Orton, etc just added to that.

[lazorbeak]

Anyone that disagrees with you is now going to be called a hater. Okay got it...:rolleyes:


Um, what? It's a simple observation that you can't please everyone all the time. There will always be a contingent that isn't pleased no matter what. "Oh, you're pushing new guys, well it's the wrong new guy," etc. It's not some personal attack or labeling anyone. In fact, it's me going out of my way not to argue with anyone. I think you completely misunderstood my point.

[Fantabulous]

Good luck to Mistico. Even with Rey falling out of favour/falling apart, he is going to get knocked something fierce from the moment he steps into a ring.

[Purple Cowboy]

And why can't Nattie hold the belt... Zero sense. Who is Eve Torres? (I know who she is, but in what universe is she a better caliber of athlete then Nattie.) And they really missed on a Kong debut here.


I agree with you I thought for sure it was going to be Kong announced there in the 4-Way and then it was Eve and I was confused. Missed chance (they couldn't put her in the Rumble with the Hornswoggle & Santino stuff too, that would have been too much).

I don't know what's up with Edge... having a face champion "cheat" (due to the match stipulation) to win on a PPV seemed quite out of place. But if Vickie stips Edge of the belt on Friday that might be an interesting way to go... she'll of course name Dolph the new champ and then the GM will text in with a tourney announcement! ;)

[lazorbeak]

People on other forums have pointed out that if they want to introduce Kong, it makes more sense for her to steamroll Eve first, then feud with Natalya and/or Beth. Hopefully that's where this is going, because I can't see them seriously devoting time to a program between Eve and anyone.

[Linsolv]

Natalya v. Beth v. Kong for the Diva's title.

Preferably with Beth winning. I like Beth so darn much. Only woman I wouldn't fast-forward. (Actually Natty is a close second)

Well, okay, I don't actually fast-forward. I just pay more attention to the computer.

[crownsy]

first ppv I ever bout, waste of money. they spent so long hyping how hall of famers win the rumble, how winning it is a huge deal, then put some guy that was cleaning the stands a year ago over as winner.

.

I really enjoy when people lead off with absolutely baseless comments, it lets me know I don't have to give the rest of the post any time.

Del Rio cleaning the stands a year ago, lmao :rolleyes:

Good on the WWE, liked the whole rumble. edge v. Dolph was pretty good, liked it. Orton v. Miz was acceptable, told a good story and combined with Miz screwing Cena later in the night moves the "Heel guy who everyone hates but no one can outsmart" gimmick along nicely.

People will pay to see Miz get destroyed at WM, and thats what a good heel champion should do.

[crownsy]

my whole thing about Cena killing off the Nexus was that while it had to be done, I think it should have happened gradually and not all at once. Nexus went from major problem (10 eliminations I read somewhere) to afterthought in about 4 minutes.

If it was more of a battle that ended in Cena winning and downing Nexus I'm all for it but it was more of a how the hell was it that easy.

Still another great showing for Punk, and when Rey gave Nash the 619 he got tremendous heat which was amazing in itself

Right, but they worte that correctly.

They looked dominate early, but as fresher, more high powered guys came down they started to slowly get worn down. lose a guy here or there, ect.

I even thought the normally atrocious commentary was good setting up that story that they entered too early to sustain their dominance (lot of "have they peaked to early? comments)

Really, to me, made them look strong, just unlucky to be in the first 1/3rd of the rumble.

[Tha Black Phenom]

I don't know what's up with Edge... having a face champion "cheat" (due to the match stipulation) to win on a PPV seemed quite out of place. But if Vickie stips Edge of the belt on Friday that might be an interesting way to go... she'll of course name Dolph the new champ and then the GM will text in with a tourney announcement! ;)

He's the "ultimate opportunist"... living up to his name. Eddie and Flair did it, now it's Edge's turn.

[juggaloninjalee]

I think Miz is exceeding my expectations by far. I liked him becoming champion and I am liking it more than I thought I would. I just wonder if he can retain at Wrestlemania... assuming he still is Champion then.

[Teh_Showtime]

he has all of the mainstream appeal, and he is no slouch in the ring and he is still improving

[jbergey_2005]

This is exciting news. Perhaps the WWE is serious about getting their ratings back up. Very pleased that Del Rio won and we didnt have the so predictable ______ returns to win the rumble angle that they use so often.

[Prophet]

I have to admit, when Edge purposely went out of his way to hit the Unprettier/Killswitch/whatever name it gets upon Christian's return, I got a little giddy at the prospect of those two headlining Mania. Rumble's usually do a touch of foreshadowing during the early part of the show, and I thought that was the moment.

Also say that I'm in the boat with most, that I'm glad to see a fresh face on the marquee. Roberto Del Rio (so named by the Miz) was kind of a surprise, since I figured Orton would get the nod, being the "established" name. So I'm rather happy to see a shake up in the order of things.

And while I loved JoMo spider walking, and Chavo's tribute, my biggest question coming into tonight is how in the blue hell can William Regal be standing? He should have a 17" neck, and a concave chest. That was brutal!

[LoNdOn]

Absolutely loved the rumble with the internet fan start, gimmicky middle, great returns and then......oh, Randy Orton? Lost interest. I was praying Santino would win at the end.

[PoisonedSuperman]

Didn't watch the show so I clearly don't know everything that went on but piecing together what some other people have said plus my own opinion, what is stopping Christian from coming in and costing Edge the title? Setting up their fued going into Mania, maybe during the elimination chamber.

And although unlikely what if Del Rio turned face and chose Miz because he felt Miz was a weaker champion? This would cause him to turn face and be "the new Rey Mistero" as someone pointed out about keeping the hispanic viewers involved. Hell this could even make Edge and Christian fued at WM as well.

Of course the reason Christian turns bad would be the use of his finisher... who likes to see their move stolen?

[TheEdgeOfReason]

I disagree about Cena burying the Nexus. Nexus had already had to deal with, among other, Booker T and The Great Khali. They were pretty well worn out by the time Cena got in there, and he was completely fresh. Besides, somebody had to do it.

How is coming in and being 4 against 1 and eliminating all 4 in 3 minutes not burying them?

[Fantabulous]

Alberto hasn't peaked as a heel so they won't be turning him face any time soon.

Wrestlemania looks to have Cena/Miz and Orton/Punk based on last night. Big Show/Nash was teased but that match would need to be kept short. Alberto will presumably be in the World title match, which means he'll probably be facing Edge who, as the top face on Smackdown, is a good bet to be either champion or challenger. Edge using the Unprettier could lead to a Christian heel turn so maybe Christian costs Edge the title at Wrestlemania? Or the month before so they get to have their Wrestlemania singles match, though that leaves Alberto needing an opponent.

With other matches known or ones that make sense on the surface, we could be getting this at Wrestlemania?

Cena/Miz
Orton/Punk
Show/Diesel (?)
Alberto/Edge
Undertaker/Barrett
Nexus/Corre

[TheKenwyne]

Just seen the Rumble match... and hey, I liked it. A big improvement over last years that was very underwhelming take Punk's in match promo and Michaels' backstabbing. Just an alround fun match - my only complaint would be that Gabriel and Slater got rather... buried. Compared to the Nexus guys, Zeke and Barrett, they just turned up and got chucked out the ring. Lots of nostalgic/cool spots and a well worked match throughout. Forty men didn't drag as I expected it too - though the point that the Nexus are dominant OMGZ could've been done in a little less time. My main question now is WTF Cena's gonna do for Wrestlemania - that tossing all of Nexus including Punk looked a little like a blowoff, and him muttering 'he's done' concerning the Miz after that elmination... I'm a little sad to admit it, but that supports Cena facing Miz at WM for the WWE title instead of the Cena-Punk Nexus blow off. :( I hope that's not the case, though.

On the returns - if they don't follow up on Diesel's and give him a throwaway title match on free TV soon they'll be fools - the crowd went absolutely nuts for him. And that's the first time I've heard Rey booed for years - clearly over despite his sins in TNA and the fact that he was largely used as a heel in his WWE run. The fact that beyond the big boot he didn't hit any big moves suggests that he could be here for a while. Conversely, Booker's return looked like a Legend getting his last run out - run in, hit signature moves, do a spinarooney, get tossed. Nice having you Booker, and I was grinning like a chump when the 'Can you dig it?!' hit, but I think we only see him again when he's inducted into the Hall of Fame. I hope I'm wrong, though.

EDIT: Fantabulous, where'd you get Punk-Orton from?

[20LEgend]

=
EDIT: Fantabulous, where'd you get Punk-Orton from?

Punk and The New Nexus cost him the World Title Match with a G2S

[TheKenwyne]

Punk and The New Nexus cost him the World Title Match with a G2S

Whoops. That'll teach me to go to a friends to just watch the Rumble. Ok, that's plausable. I'd still rather have Cena-Punk to blow off this year long Nexus angle they've been building.

[Fantabulous]

I would have loved to have seen Punk eliminate Cena, in his hometown, to build to a Wrestlemania match between them. It would have been a fresh match and seen Cena not involve in the WWE title scene at Wrestlemania for the first time in six-years. The problem with Punk eliminating Cena for heat is that the crowd last night didn't seem to be super into Cena or the Cena-Orton staredowns, so Punk getting rid of Cena might have gotten a positive response.

Nash not doing big moves is most likely because he can't rather than because they're saving them. Nash is pretty much shot physically and it was for the best he wasn't in for long or it would have been very obvious just how limited he is and the crowd would have been sad rather than mad. I don't think we'll see much out of Nash, ring wise, although the face-off of sorts with Show indicates they have some thought of going in that direction.

[Purple Cowboy]

He's the "ultimate opportunist"... living up to his name. Eddie and Flair did it, now it's Edge's turn.

Good point... and the announce crew did a good job hyping the opportunist angle too. And I suppose in a way it elevates Dolph a bit too the fact that Edge felt "the need" to take that opportunity.

[angeldelayette]

They have an interview up with Diesel on wwe.com. Apparently, he does plan on sticking around, which I see no problems with. Though he said that he has more days behind him than in front of him so maybe one more big match at WrestleMania before he retires?

[jhd1]

I may be in the minority (I don't fancy reading four pages of this thread to find out) but in my opinion by far the greatest thing about Nash's WWE return is that he is playing Diesel again! :D

Nash I couldn't care less about, but Diesel - that's another matter entirely.

[Self]

Just finished watching the Rumble match. For a long time, I was LOVING it. Then Hornswaggle got eliminated. It wasn't that I was rooting for the little bugger, and I dug how Sheamus took him out, it's just that after that point nothing particularly exciting happened (with the exception of Diesel). It was just a bunch of brawlers I have no interest in, throwing punches and pretending to lift people. So even though I loved the first 2/3, that last stretch really dragged. I was bored.

Fun fact, I got Number 4 in a Rumble pool on another forum. I eagerly awaited my new favourite wrestler, and it was... Zack Ryder. Who is already my favourite WWE wrestler. Fate.

[LoNdOn]

Just finished watching the Rumble match. For a long time, I was LOVING it. Then Hornswaggle got eliminated. It wasn't that I was rooting for the little bugger, and I dug how Sheamus took him out, it's just that after that point nothing particularly exciting happened (with the exception of Diesel). It was just a bunch of brawlers I have no interest in, throwing punches and pretending to lift people. So even though I loved the first 2/3, that last stretch really dragged. I was bored.

Fun fact, I got Number 4 in a Rumble pool on another forum. I eagerly awaited my new favourite wrestler, and it was... Zack Ryder. Who is already my favourite WWE wrestler. Fate.

I picked Punk to win and I also predicted he would come out either 1st or 2nd. Got half of the prediction right at least. :)

[Self]

I will add that I enjoyed the Celtic Connection. I'm a big fan of teamwork, so seeing two guys who (to my knowledge) have never met in WWE canon, and have them work together... Loved it.

Also, the Kofi-Cena stand off was a million times better than Orton-Cena. Might have been Hornswaggle's presence that sold it. I really did love Hornswaggles involvement in the match.

[ampulator]

I may be in the minority (I don't fancy reading four pages of this thread to find out) but in my opinion by far the greatest thing about Nash's WWE return is that he is playing Diesel again! :D

Nash I couldn't care less about, but Diesel - that's another matter entirely.
He even dyed his hair for it. :D

[masterded]

I just watched he Royal Rumble and I got to say I loved the Boston audience. Any time Diesel gets the best reaction of the night and Ray gets booed for hitting the 619 is just perfect.

[angeldelayette]

Please book Jerry Lawler against Michael Cole at WrestleMania! I'd love to see Michael Cole get what is coming to him!

[The Final Countdown]

Please book Jerry Lawler against Michael Cole at WrestleMania! I'd love to see Michael Cole get what is coming to him!
I thought putting the two of them in the Rumble match as surprise entrants would've been interesting. Cole getting tossed out would've gotten a pretty big reaction.

[TracyBrooksFan]

2-21-11 Sting WWE Debut?

[Johnny Fenoli]

2-21-11 Sting WWE Debut?

No.

I bet it's "They"...

[TracyBrooksFan]

No.

I bet it's "They"...

LOL no its THEM

[PoisonedSuperman]

My prediction: It comes down to Cena, Orton and Lawler, Nexus come out and distracts Orton and Miz distracts Cena allowing Jerry to get the victory.

[angeldelayette]

2-21-11 Sting WWE Debut?

That would be...odd. Sting is quite possibly the biggest wrestler to never wrestle for Vince and the WWE ever. That has been part of his legacy.

[masterded]

LOL no its THEM

So The Colony! :D

[Genadi]

first ppv I ever bout, waste of money. they spent so long hyping how hall of famers win the rumble, how winning it is a huge deal, then put some guy that was cleaning the stands a year ago over as winner.

at least if santino had thrown him out, I could have seen a sudden character shift, and Santina suddenly getting a push he sure as heck has earned.

glad I had friends over to watch it, that was worth the money. The PPV's first two matches, ok the rumble on the whole good. but the finish soured the whole night.

That's like saying Rey Mysterio was a rookie when he started with WWE. Seriously wrestling exists outside of the WWE, strange I know but it does :p To say a guy like Santina deserves it and Del Rio doesn't is borderline funny. One guy worked his way through OVW and the most heat he saw was an unscripted face slap from his head booker. The other was nearly an Olympic athlete, worked his way up two of the most talented rosters in the world, toured Japan and on jumping to WWE improved at a rate most thought impossible. If anyone in that ring deserved that win it was Del Rio, I marked for it :o

FTR - Fenoli called the Dos Caras, Jr win a year ago :eek:

[angeldelayette]

The only other person I could see it being is the Undertaker.

[StudioStu]

That would be...odd. Sting is quite possibly the biggest wrestler to never wrestle for Vince and the WWE ever. That has been part of his legacy.

My thoughts as well. I think it would be awesome to retire with that legacy, but after seeing that promo I don't see who else it could be.

[Johnny Fenoli]

That's like saying Rey Mysterio was a rookie when he started with WWE. Seriously wrestling exists outside of the WWE, strange I know but it does :p To say a guy like Santina deserves it and Del Rio doesn't is borderline funny. One guy worked his way through OVW and the most heat he saw was an unscripted face slap from his head booker. The other was nearly an Olympic athlete, worked his way up two of the most talented rosters in the world, toured Japan and on jumping to WWE improved at a rate most thought impossible. If anyone in that ring deserved that win it was Del Rio, I marked for it :o

FTR - Fenoli called the Dos Caras, Jr win a year ago :eek:



I did?...

[TracyBrooksFan]

One reason i see it being Sting is the Hall of Fame.

Why would it be Undertaker when he on Smackdown and rumored to face Barrett at Mania.

[angeldelayette]

One reason i see it being Sting is the Hall of Fame.

Why would it be Undertaker when he on Smackdown and rumored to face Barrett at Mania.

I was just coming up with any other person I can think of that it might be. Is Vampiro still around? lol.

[Genadi]

I did?...

Yes, I was hoping for Mistico but you were all behind your man there. You remember now :p

[angeldelayette]

That was Beautiful! Absolutely Beautiful! The end of Raw puts a big smile on my face!

[b0shey]

Mysterious 2.21.11 video if anyone missed it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEWzkeVUnfM&feature=player_embedded

look in the end the 2 shapes like an S there is also a N in there
2.2 1. 1 1
S T I N G <- see the pattern :p

[Genadi]

Mysterious 2.21.11 video if someone missed it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEWzkeVUnfM&feature=player_embedded

After watching that video I'd say it's a 99% sure bet it's Sting. Only 10 years too late, still will be fun to see.

[PoisonedSuperman]

An even better WWE(f) Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mraw0OwkDwo&feature=related

[Prophet]

Mysterious 2.21.11 video if someone missed it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEWzkeVUnfM&feature=player_embedded

look in the end the 2 shapes like an S there is also a N in there
2.2 1. 1 1
S T I N G <- see the pattern :p

Wasn't his old WCW entrance like that? Dark with the lightning strobe effect? So it looked all dark and stormy?

[Genadi]

Wasn't his old WCW entrance like that? Dark with the lightning strobe effect? So it looked all dark and stormy?

Yes it was exactly like that, the trenchcoat sealed the deal for me. I've always said just the vignettes alone for a Taker vs Sting match would be awesome. Hopefully they will be, looks like a job for James Earl Jones.

[jwt13]

If it is Sting than I want a WCW One Night Stand Nash,Booker,Sting, Flair looks to be on the way out of TNA

[Genadi]

If it is Sting than I want a WCW One Night Stand

WCW deserves more than a one off bingo hall show. :p Probably lucky to get that though.

[jwt13]

Wasn't his old WCW entrance like that? Dark with the lightning strobe effect? So it looked all dark and stormy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4k4FYzV8UU Heres one of is WCW videos

[Johnny Fenoli]

WCW deserves more than a one off bingo hall show. :p Probably lucky to get that though.

thought you was getting offline....

We could be talking about how to book Sting into the WWE right now....

[Genadi]

thought you was getting offline....

We could be talking about how to book Sting into the WWE right now....

Haha, I got a PM about Mistico signing and had a mark out moment :o I'll jump back on in an hour if you're still up I got the date of when I'm getting those presents from DM..... WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! A lil excited :D

[jwt13]

I fear that if they sign Sting they will just job him out to Taker at Mania

[Genadi]

I fear that if they sign Sting they will just job him out to Taker at Mania

Depends. If he asks and expects the type of contract he wanted years back it probably will go down like that. What else can you do with a guy that wanta a Taker type contract but hasn't proved himself in the company. I like Sting (alot always have) but he needs to lower his expectations and realise all of that success he's had means very little inside the WWE bubble. If he can swallow his pride, work hard and commit to a long term deal where he's on the road the sky's the limit imo.

[jwt13]

Depends. If he asks and expects the type of contract he wanted years back it probably will go down like that. What else can you do with a guy that wanta a Taker type contract but hasn't proved himself in the company. I like Sting (alot always have) but he needs to lower his expectations and realise all of that success he's had means very little inside the WWE bubble. If he can swallow his pride, work hard and commit to a long term deal where he's on the road the sky's the limit imo.

Your right, but Sting has more draw power than AJ but I get your point:).

WWE will probaly screw us and it will be Kong :o

[jwt13]

Starrcade 97 promo thats has some good similarities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my9QDwj8Qgs

[Save_Us.Necro]

Would love it to be Sting, but I dunno. Theres ALOT of money to be made in a Sting/Taker at WM, like a ridic amount. But what are the odds Stings gets jobbed out in his first WM apperance? Pretty low. I wouldnt mind seeing a Sting/Miz match, but that puts the kabosh on the impending Cena/Miz title match.

Knowing the WWE it'll end up being Trips, Taker (which I heavly doubt) or Tyler Black

[Genadi]

Would love it to be Sting, but I dunno. Theres ALOT of money to be made in a Sting/Taker at WM, like a ridic amount. But what are the odds Stings gets jobbed out in his first WM apperance? Pretty low.

Shawn Michaels lost two years in a row to Taker at Mania, it didn't exactly hurt his status as a legend or anything. Losing to Taker at Mania is not exactly being jobbed out is my point. In fact there's an argument to make that it's more of a push, factoring in of course how the loss takes place.

I can see them booking it as Sting pushing Taker further than anyone in history has, including Michaels. If there's one time where WWE seems to get the booking spot on it's Mania, hopefully they do it right.

[ampulator]

What kind of pop will Sting get? He's never been in the WWF before (as we all know).

[BHK1978]

I do not want Sting to come to the WWF at all. He was the poster boy for WCW, which despite the fact that Vince has owned that company for nearly ten years now, a company Vince still views as the enemy. I for one do not see any upside for Sting going there.

[Save_Us.Necro]

Sting's one of those guys that I think will get a huge pop if he decides to show up. Espically if he ends up participating at Mania in Atlanta, 10 years after the end of WCW.

[Genadi]

What kind of pop will Sting get? He's never been in the WWF before (as we all know).

Again depends on how they debut him. Jericho's WWF debut is still talked about as being one of the greatest of all time. He was hardly known to alot of WWF fans and to the ones who knew him had seen him being jobbed out weekly on Nitro. If WWE remind old viewers and introduce new ones to Sting well I'd say he'll get a huge pop. WWE fans for the large part pop at what they're made to pop at, the company has been doing it well for 20+ years now. If Vince wants Sting's debut to be a big deal, they'll debut him in WCW territory and he'll pop the roof off. One big question no one's asked yet is how or if they'll handle the whole coming down from the rafters deal. I really hope this doesn't sound disrespectful to Owen but I would love to see him up there one more time.


I for one do not see any upside for Sting going there.

Well there's $, then there's $.... oh and more $ :p I know what you mean as a Sting fan but I feel the opposite. We all know he's very careful of how his character is used and the WWE seem to need him more than he needs them for the first time in well ever I think.

[ampulator]

Sting's not going to go to the WWE for money... he might go there for last shot, at Wrestlemania. Even a guy like Sting has to be attracted to that.

[BHK1978]

I guess the biggest question is if he does decide to go there will the rest of The Police go with him?

Sorry for the bad joke. Anyway, there is money to be made but I just do not want to see him up here.

[Basmat01]

Shawn Michaels lost two years in a row to Taker at Mania, it didn't exactly hurt his status as a legend or anything. Losing to Taker at Mania is not exactly being jobbed out is my point. In fact there's an argument to make that it's more of a push, factoring in of course how the loss takes place.

I can see them booking it as Sting pushing Taker further than anyone in history has, including Michaels. If there's one time where WWE seems to get the booking spot on it's Mania, hopefully they do it right.

That is true by now most would know that Taker would win. Its more about the match anyways than who wins or losses these days.

I would be disappointed if its anyone but Sting that shows.

[ampulator]

I can understand that sentiment... the only National-level star that has never been to the WWE. Ever.

Still, think about it... the Ultimate Warrior was in the WWE while Sting headed to WCW eventually. What happened if the situation was switched? Sting would have been a champion for a long time in WWF... ah... the what-if's....

[BHK1978]

Also, who is to say that it is going to be Sting? Until I logged onto this site I was thinking that it was a video to hype the return of the Undertaker.

[Genadi]

Sting's not going to go to the WWE for money... he might go there for last shot, at Wrestlemania. Even a guy like Sting has to be attracted to that.

I don't know why you say that considering none of the contract details (if there is a contract) have been made known. If he isn't motivated by money why has he continued to squeeze 500k a year from a company that's been bleeding money for years. I'm not saying it's all about the money but to say it doesn't play at least a part I think is naive.

I know he's said openly on a few occasions he'd love to do a Mania before he retires but I don't think a place on the card alone would do it.

[Genadi]

I can understand that sentiment... the only National-level star that has never been to the WWE. Ever.

Still, think about it... the Ultimate Warrior was in the WWE while Sting headed to WCW eventually. What happened if the situation was switched? Sting would have been a champion for a long time in WWF... ah... the what-if's....

Or maybe we'd be talking about what a washed up has been loon Sting is and hoping Warrior returns to face Taker at Mania. Both were pretty hard on the juice back then you never know, they could've traded history's :D

I smell a mod :p

[Genadi]

Also, who is to say that it is going to be Sting? Until I logged onto this site I was thinking that it was a video to hype the return of the Undertaker.

You know that's a good point, I completely forgot Taker's out and returning soon. Now I'm about 30% sure that's gonna be Sting :o

[ampulator]

Everyone thinks it's Stinb because of what happened with Booker T and Nash.

[1234]

Also, who is to say that it is going to be Sting? Until I logged onto this site I was thinking that it was a video to hype the return of the Undertaker.

For me it's the fact that I can't remember a really secretive 'Taker return like this would be. The date being announced, no obvious graveyard/deadman reference, no gong...just seems very different to an Undertaker hype video to me.

And clutching at straws the 21/2/11 Raw show is in Cali. Where is Sting always billed from?

[milamber]

Exciting PPV!

Highlights:

Ziggler/Edge - This match built up to a good finish. Way better than Kane/Edge.

Orton/Miz - Not as good as the first match but still solid.

Rumble - Bryan & Punk going at it for the first 1/3 of the Rumble. Morrison hitting the C4 on Bryan and playing Spiderman. New Nexus acting as a gauntlet. The big guys not clearing house like I expected. Didn't watch wrestling seriously until 2 years ago so don't really know Booker T and Diesel, but still nice to see the 2 cameos. Chavo trying the 3 Amigos on everyone. Riley's disappearing act. Almost having a heart attack when Santino popped up. Happy Del Rio won.

I don't mind Eve winning the Diva title. They should have Layla beat McCool in a contenders match. Layla beats Eve. Beth Phoenix beats Layla. Meanwhile Awesome Kong is smashing up all the other Divas on her way to meeting Beth at Wrestlemania.

I'd also like Del Rio to try to win the Heavyweight Title and then go for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania. When was the last time someone tried to win both titles at once?

Cons: McIntyre & DiBiase not getting a push in the Rumble. I agree that any wrestler in a title match shouldn't also be in the Rumble.

[Save_Us.Necro]

See I only think it's Sting cause of 3 reasons.

1. Taker's return vingettes are usually pretty similar, this seems somewhat out of the ordinary.
2. It's very similar to the Starcade 97 vingettes for Sting
3. Takers' returns are usually on the go type deals with random lights going outs and the bell ringing and stuff.

And count in the fact that Taker's rumored to be facing Barrett into that as well.

I mean I honestly doubt it's for Triple H and Kong (espically as the last time they put alot behind a woman wrestler's vingettes it tanked hardcore). I honestly think it's either Sting or Taker, with the later not that much

[Woodsmeister]

http://i53.tinypic.com/zkloya.jpg

[Waghlon]

Screw Sting. Clearly they are hyping Lawler winning the WWE Championship!

[1234]

http://i53.tinypic.com/zkloya.jpg

EPIC.

[QFresh]

So I read some Impact spoilers... And um, well... I'm gonna go ahead and throw my 2/21/11 vote into the Sting pile.

[Eigan]

http://i53.tinypic.com/zkloya.jpg

I don't know where this originated, but I've seen it on various places. Really good stuff.

I wouldn't even call myself a huge Sting fan, thought that he was boring towards the end of WCW, his run on TNA was just bleh and that he was way past his prime, but I'm pumped for 2/21/11. I will mark out, big, if it's the debut of Sting in the WWE. I may mark out similarly to when Jericho arrived.

Hope they don't blow this.

Also, I thought that latest Raw was one of the strongest in a good while. Kudos to a job well done. Cole continues to annoy, however. He needs to just go away.

[LoNdOn]

I don't know where this originated, but I've seen it on various places. Really good stuff.

I wouldn't even call myself a huge Sting fan, thought that he was boring towards the end of WCW, his run on TNA was just bleh and that he was way past his prime, but I'm pumped for 2/21/11. I will mark out, big, if it's the debut of Sting in the WWE. I may mark out similarly to when Jericho arrived.

Hope they don't blow this.

Also, I thought that latest Raw was one of the strongest in a good while. Kudos to a job well done. Cole continues to annoy, however. He needs to just go away.

It was a good RAW that was spoiled with the worst ending I have ever seen. What I am about to say is going to make me sound like a doosh, but I am almost hoping that Lawler injures himself so he doesn't get involved every damn week. I have had more than enough of The King.

[LoNdOn]

http://i53.tinypic.com/zkloya.jpg

Holy crap! I hope this is true.

[eayragt]

I'll be honest, I don't mind at all if Sting loses to Undertaker at Mania if he joins. He'll be about 4-0 at that point, looking strong, and we have an even, open match with 'Taker, that'll hopefully be great. I'd rather see that match with Sting losing than not seeing the match at all.

[juggaloninjalee]

What if it is Sting? Why not build up to a Sting vs Taker match next year? Give Sting a match with someone else and allow him to win his 1st one? If he debuts and faces Undertaker he won't have any more high profile match in the WWE. They don't usually blow big matches right away like that. I want to see Sting vs Taker but not his 1st major match in a WWE ring.

[Linsolv]

There are ways, IMO, you can give him a monster push and have him ready to push Taker to the limit and not look like a fool.

But who knows. Also, that poster is EPIC.

[TheKenwyne]

Diesel's return is currently the Most Popular 'Sports' video on youtube.

[Self]

I figure Sting has limited drawing power on top. The longer he's in WWE, the more his weaknesses will be exposed (dude's not getting any younger) and the more he becomes just another guy. Sting will never be more over than he is right now. You just have to make him relevant again. Which takes a month, not a year. Sting vs 'Taker will mean very little if we've already seen Sting feud with Miz/Orton/Cena et al. He's essentially a novelty, but a potentially super powerful novelty that can really sell Wrestlemania.

[Basmat01]

What if it is Sting? Why not build up to a Sting vs Taker match next year? Give Sting a match with someone else and allow him to win his 1st one? If he debuts and faces Undertaker he won't have any more high profile match in the WWE. They don't usually blow big matches right away like that. I want to see Sting vs Taker but not his 1st major match in a WWE ring.

Well the guy is 51 years old and I doubt he would be willing to go on the road again for the next year even if he doesnt do house shows. The guy has been looking to retire for the last 3-4 years now but has always been talked out of it by TNA. Hence why he would sign 1 year deals with TNA

Besides there is no guarantee that Undertaker will be healed by WM

[juggaloninjalee]

Well the guy is 51 years old and I doubt he would be willing to go on the road again for the next year even if he doesnt do house shows. The guy has been looking to retire for the last 3-4 years now but has always been talked out of it by TNA. Hence why he would sign 1 year deals with TNA

Besides there is no guarantee that Undertaker will be healed by WM

I don't mean he should work a full schedule or anything. Just occasional appearances. Maybe some squash matches against midcarders or something. Once he faces Taker that's it. You can't top it with Sting in the WWE right now unless HBK comes out of retirement to face him as Survivor Series/Summer Slam or something.

[Basmat01]

I don't mean he should work a full schedule or anything. Just occasional appearances. Maybe some squash matches against midcarders or something. Once he faces Taker that's it. You can't top it with Sting in the WWE right now unless HBK comes out of retirement to face him as Survivor Series/Summer Slam or something.

I know what you mean I just think if he was going to stick around WWE would expect him to do oversea tours and stuff like that something I doubt he would do. but really how much pull would you think he would have backstage? he has never worked for the company. Its not TNA or WCW

DDP had abit of say backstage in WCW he went to WWE and had none

[juggaloninjalee]

I know what you mean I just think if he was going to stick around WWE would expect him to do oversea tours and stuff like that something I doubt he would do. but really how much pull would you think he would have backstage? he has never worked for the company. Its not TNA or WCW

DDP had abit of say backstage in WCW he went to WWE and had none

I understand and don't get me wrong. Sting vs Undertake on my birthday at Wrestlemania this year! That would be amazing. I would be excited. I just want more than a 1 month build up. I want the most epic feud ever. It's ok though either way.

[Self]

There's plenty Sting can do post-Taker match. Granted, perhaps no 'money feud' or 'dream matches', but I'm sure the WWE roster is full of ex-Sting fans who would love to get into the ring with their childhood hero. He won't be main eventing PPV's, but there would be enough to do to keep him on television while you promote a DVD or a book or whathaveyou.

It's like Bret Hart. Bret came back and was special, but the longer he was back, and the more appearances he made, the less special he was. I expect Sting would be super over to begin with, and you can ride that flame for a month or two. However, like Bret, the more he appears (and the more he's involved in WWE storylines) the less special he becomes. I'd strike while the iron is hottest.

Or maybe I'm not giving Sting enough credit as a performer. Perhaps he can come in and be awesome and interesting and start special for a year, and slow build that match to perfection.

[TheKenwyne]

More news on Booker T and Nash - Booker has been signed to a long term contract. Initially the plan was to have him train workers and act as a manager, but after his spots (and the quality thereof) in the Rumble the high ups at the E are apparently considering using him in a full term capacity.

Nash is on a short term contract, but has an option to stay for longer. So basically they could both be around for a while longer :)

[juggaloninjalee]

I didn't see the Rumble but did Booker T and Kevin Nash look impressive?

[TheKenwyne]

I didn't see the Rumble but did Booker T and Kevin Nash look impressive?

Booker T - YES! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2hEANVeGDE)

Nash... less so. Came in during a busy time, got a massive pop but only hit a couple of punches and a big boot before being 619'd out by Rey Mysterio. Mysterio got heat for it - he's verrry over. Also engaged in a staredown with Big Show on his way back up the ramp.

[juggaloninjalee]

Are both guys going to be on Smackdown? I didn't see either one on Raw but I didn't watch the first 30 minutes either.

[PeterHilton]

Just kind of catching up on the last few days of news after watching Rumble online etc and had some thoughts along the lines of the current discussion:

--Del Rio was a really good choice to win the Rumble. Tons of talent. I think the only thing that has stopped me from buying into the character is that I feel the name is a little ..bland..unoriginal...flat? I just can't see that name at the top of a PPV. Picking nits mainly

--Nash and Booker's return & the possibility of Sting: like someone else, I didnt really think of Sting until after reading the thread, but after seeing that and re-watching that video I'd be surprised if it wasn't Sting.

Sting DESERVES a big send off. If this is really his last run, he deserves to do it on the biggest stage in the industry with the biggest company. It would be kind of a joke for someone his caliber to really retire by headlining a TNA show in front of a few dozen fans ...

All of his past complaint about the WWE's product no longer make sense because TNA is actually far more 'adult' than the WWE

The Money would probably be fairly spectacular

He'd cement his legacy by reaching a new audience because there are probably quite a few fans in the WWe that have no clue who he is or what he did

And he saw how the E treated Flair; fans who never saw Flair in his prime treated Ric like a god because the E worked so hard to put him over as such. Anything close to that treatment - along with a HOF induction - turns Sting into a 'name' in the business forever. Retiring in TNA makes him a sidenote.

I think it's pretty obvious Sting vs Taker would be epic and could conceivably be part of the WM main event and main event a couple PPVs after that. Why not do it?

Throw in the WCW/Atlanta/WM connection and you could have a very fun theme fr the evening (Diesel/Nash vs Big Show would definitely bring back WCW memories, and Booker could be pushed into a program with Bryan Danielsonthat would evoke memories of Benoit/Booker)

[b0shey]

Well so much for Sting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ySnmSdrEE&feature=player_embedded

that was dissapointing :mad:

[-laz-]

Well so much for Sting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ySnmSdrEE&feature=player_embedded

that was dissapointing :mad:
Oh Noes!

I was really hoping for the Stinger

[MichiganHero]

Well so much for Sting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ySnmSdrEE&feature=player_embedded

that was dissapointing :mad:

Oh Noes!

I was really hoping for the Stinger

Why does Taker get all these hype videos?!? It makes no sense.

[-laz-]

His return will get the same reaction as Kane at the Royal Rumble, nothing but disapointment

[PoisonedSuperman]

What do you mean why the hype? He's back!! As a heel deadman again! He was burried and is only a shell of his former self, under the power and control of the Nexus. Will he be able to break out of the spell before wrestlemania?

[PeterHilton]

Not a great sign...but it doesn't necessarily kill the Sting possibility. If he's working a program with Taker, then Taker has to be there obviously.

And the E would be pretty foolish to give away their secret in some local hype video. (not that them 'being foolsih' would be a big shock either)

[Fantabulous]

If Sting were to go to WWE, the smart move is one-off matches against select names. Putting Sting against anyone but top-shelf names would be a waste of time and a risk of exposing Sting where the payoff wouldn't be worth it. The big money would be Sting/Undertaker, which you would probably need to do first because keeping Sting around any longer makes him less special and anything else would, as mentioned, risk making him look less than the legend people want him to be. Thankfully, you don't need to do anything physical with Sting and Undertaker for this theoretical match: one staredown angle is all you needed and the rest of the build can be simple videos with Sting explaining his need to face one of the few icon's he yet to wrestle. In fact, anything physical would probably do more harm than good.

[sabataged]

Well I think Sting is a lock
http://cdn.springboard.gorillanation.com/storage/wrestlezone.com/upl_images/IMAG0083.jpg


Ny Daily News is reporting that he has signed a 1 year deal. I think this is really epic.

This WM is haping up to be awesome in ym eyes.

Miz vs Cena
Edge vs Del Rio
Orton vs Punk
Undertaker vs Sting
Sheamus vs HHH
Nash vs Big Show
Corre vs Nexus
MITB with Morrison, Kofi, Ziggler, Mcintyre amongst others

[juggaloninjalee]

Well I think Sting is a lock
http://cdn.springboard.gorillanation.com/storage/wrestlezone.com/upl_images/IMAG0083.jpg


Ny Daily News is reporting that he has signed a 1 year deal. I think this is really epic.

This WM is haping up to be awesome in ym eyes.

Miz vs Cena
Edge vs Del Rio
Orton vs Punk
Undertaker vs Sting
Sheamus vs HHH
Nash vs Big Show
Corre vs Nexus
MITB with Morrison, Kofi, Ziggler, Mcintyre amongst others

Is that a reliable source?

[b0shey]

But again, the 2.21.11 promo doesnt look like your typical Undertakerreturn promo, looking at a few of them from the past, i never remember taker having rain promo, it has more the Sting feeling... even in his entrance video Sting is standing alone in the dark with falling rain.. really hope its Sting.

[PeterHilton]

Well I think Sting is a lock
http://cdn.springboard.gorillanation.com/storage/wrestlezone.com/upl_images/IMAG0083.jpg


Ny Daily News is reporting that he has signed a 1 year deal. I think this is really epic.

This WM is haping up to be awesome in ym eyes.

Miz vs Cena
Edge vs Del Rio
Orton vs Punk
Undertaker vs Sting
Sheamus vs HHH
Nash vs Big Show
Corre vs Nexus
MITB with Morrison, Kofi, Ziggler, Mcintyre amongst others

That's great news, but honestly other than Stng/Taker there's nothing on that card I'd pay to see :p

[-laz-]

im still hopefull it had the feel of other Sting promo vids

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwcUn8Ik3QQ

especialy this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exS_djjs3WA&feature=related

come on stinger!

Edit:

Besides if it was the undertaker wouldnt the promo be in a graveyard instead of a creepy cabin

[sabataged]

Is that a reliable source?


http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/even-more-on-22111-ny-daily-news-reports-sting-to-wwe-122681

[-laz-]

if its true TNA is screwed who is gonna be in the MEM now Kurt, Steiner, Joe and Morgan it will teach them a lesson to not book storylines before signing people

[PeterHilton]

http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/even-more-on-22111-ny-daily-news-reports-sting-to-wwe-122681

that doesn't exactly answer the question. zone is just re-reporting the same report from the Daily News.

To juggalo: the Daily News is considered the most tabloid of the papers in NY. It doesn't mean they haven't scooped people before, but they have also made tons of errors and printed tons of stories that ended up being nothing but gossip (esp when it comes to sports)

So I'd take it with a grain of salt for now.

if its true TNA is screwed who is gonna be in the MEM now Kurt, Steiner, Joe and Morgan it will teach them a lesson to not book storylines before signing people

If you read the recent spoilers, it's a non-issue. Because the THEY/THEM/MEM story has gone sideways

[Fantabulous]

Let's presume it's Sting. I wouldn't even have him appear on TV before Wrestlemania. Undertaker can be doing a promo in the ring and the lights can go out. Cue flashing white light (it has to be white) and some eerie music, something violin-esque which suddenly stops and a scorpion symbol is projected onto the ring. You get a taste of the supernatural stuff that plays into the Undertaker gimmick without it being too hokey that it strays from the sort of thing they used to with Sting, and it ends with Undertaker being 'covered' in the symbol of Sting.

[-laz-]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJOp6OO-cG4

ok whoever this is they look to thin to be the undertaker

[-laz-]

TNA sources have indicated that Sting did not sign a new contract for 2011, and many in the company have discussed that he may be heading to WWE.

source http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/headlines/Breaking_News_Sting_Headed_To_WWE.php

Hell Yes!

[PeterHilton]

Let's presume it's Sting. I wouldn't even have him appear on TV before Wrestlemania. Undertaker can be doing a promo in the ring and the lights can go out. Cue flashing white light (it has to be white) and some eerie music, something violin-esque which suddenly stops and a scorpion symbol is projected onto the ring. You get a taste of the supernatural stuff that plays into the Undertaker gimmick without it being too hokey that it strays from the sort of thing they used to with Sting, and it ends with Undertaker being 'covered' in the symbol of Sting.

So you would have the WWE promote the biggest PPV of the year - a PPV they desperately need to be a huge financial success based on their recent quarterly numbers - by having what might be the top draw NOT appear on TV???

Thats a pretty huge gamble

source http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/headlines/Breaking_News_Sting_Headed_To_WWE.php

Hell Yes!

:rolleyes:

c'mon man...you're posting another news site referencing the same original report.

Until someone besides the Daily News is sourced this is just blind internet news repetition

[eayragt]

If Sting signs, that makes it:

Cena vs Miz
Edge vs Del Rio
Orton vs Punk
'Taker vs Sting
possible Corre vs Nexus

You could have Triple H vs Sheamus, but I wouldn't want a repeat of that and you don't need it. You could also had Diesel vs Big Show, but assuming Show stays face and Diesel just proved himself to be a face, not so good.

So... in the land of fantasy booking, something I would like to see. Which wont happen, as there's a bit too much cross-brand action that doesn't make sense:

Big Show / Diesel show mutual respect, working together
Sheamus targets Show and Diesel, eager to show he is top dog - regular fights between them
Sheamus vs Diesel ends in DQ with Sheamus illegally attacking Diesel. Beatdown is interrupted by...
Triple H returns!!! Attacking Sheamus
Next week Diesel welcomes back Triple H, but says that he didn't need the back up.
Triple H vs Sheamus goes to some Sports Entertainment finish, ends up being a huge scrap with both Big Show and Diesel ending up involved... with an accidental Big Boot from Diesel to Triple H
Queue arguing, with Shawn Michaels making an appearance to try and patch things up between Diesel and Triple H
E-mail alert - the RAW GM makes Big Show & Diesel vs Triple H and Sheamus with Shawn Michaels as special referee at WrestleMania. No-one is happy with this
Come WrestleMania, we get a full blown heel turn by Triple H, after attacking Shawn Michaels

Pros:
No Triple H vs Sheamus at 'Mania
We get a heel Triple H
If Michaels wants another match, booking it would be very simple

Cons:
It doesn't work due to Big Show (and presumably Diesel) being on Smackdown with no reason to appear on RAW... and Triple H isn't returning on a pre-recorded Smackdown show

So, won't happen. Could happen. Won't.

[Teh_Showtime]

that same site says the fresno arena website promoted a 'taker return that night and has since took the vid down, which was also on pwtorch (one of the most reliable sites around)

[Fantabulous]

So you would have the WWE promote the biggest PPV of the year - a PPV they desperately need to be a huge financial success based on their recent quarterly numbers - by having what might be the top draw NOT appear on TV???

Thats a pretty huge gamble


The big 'wow' moment is when Sting finally appears on WWE TV and steps foot in a WWE ring. Fans have been wanting this for years. Why waste that on TV when you can, quite easily, build towards it happening at Wrestlemania and get them increasingly hyped up for something they have to pay to see. It would make a big deal, the debut of Sting in WWE, so much bigger and possibly even iconic if it happens on the biggest stage of them all.

[PeterHilton]

The big 'wow' moment is when Sting finally appears on WWE TV and steps foot in a WWE ring. Fans have been wanting this for years. Why waste that on TV when you can, quite easily, build towards it happening at Wrestlemania and get them increasingly hyped up for something they have to pay to see. It would make a big deal, the debut of Sting in WWE, so much bigger and possibly even iconic if it happens on the biggest stage of them all.

I don't disagree. I just think it's a gamble. You're trying to drive up PPV numbers. Even when they had celebrities involved (Trump, Mayweather) or the return of an iconic name (Bret Hart) they still spent weeks and weeks using live appearances to promote them. And those WMs ended up doing huge numbers.

I just don't see the E doing something different for Sting.

Wow moment aside, you need to give consumers a reason to pay the exorbiatant amount the WM charges. IMO a Sting/Taker staredown on live TV does more than video promos and special effects.

[jhd1]

Having seen the video, it would never have actually crossed my mind that it was Sting - I thought of the Undertaker and Kane and the house that burned down.

That said, in my opinion if Sting wants to be remembered along with the likes of Hogan then he needs to finish his career in the WWE. He signs for one last, short run and Sting will be the legend in every SvR, he'll have the DVDs, the articles on WWE.com. If he stays with TNA, then he won't get that. I can't for the life of me imagine a Sting Retirement on iMPACT being particularly memorable...

As for the appearance of Sting, I'm with Peter. You'd need to see him to believe it, and a staredown for a couple of weeks would guarantee the build. Hey, just stick him in the rafters every week, worked for everyone else :D

[angeldelayette]

Everyone talks about Sting/Taker and even I admit that would be iconic. However, how about if Shawn Michaels takes one last step out of retirement and we have the face of WCW versus arguably the face of the WWF/E? Sting was the one performer that never left WCW for WWF/E. Shawn Michaels is the rare long-time performer that never left WWF/E for WCW. I think that could have some great build-up.

[Fantabulous]

Wow moment aside, you need to give consumers a reason to pay the exorbiatant amount the WM charges. IMO a Sting/Taker staredown on live TV does more than video promos and special effects.

You're giving them a reason. A moment they've all been waiting years to see. Sting stepping foot into a WWE ring and not only that, Sting facing The Undertaker. You don't need to do any more than promise the fans that that is exactly what they'll see at Wrestlemania. As for what it can add a Wrestlemania number, I think it will add a good size number. Maybe not huge numbers, but I think there are a good many people who would buy Wrestlemania solely because they know they'll see Sting debut and face off against The Undertaker. And I wouldn't want Sting's debut in WWE to be on TV. Frankly, I think it would cheapen the whole notion of Sting coming to WWE if he made his first apperance for WWE on TV. Sting's WWE debut is a Wrestlemania Moment if ever there was one.

[PeterHilton]

You're giving them a reason. A moment they've all been waiting years to see. Sting stepping foot into a WWE ring and not only that, Sting facing The Undertaker. You don't need to do any more than promise the fans that that is exactly what they'll see at Wrestlemania. As for what it can add a Wrestlemania number, I think it will add a good size number. Maybe not huge numbers, but I think there are a good many people who would buy Wrestlemania solely because they know they'll see Sting debut and face off against The Undertaker. And I wouldn't want Sting's debut in WWE to be on TV. Frankly, I think it would cheapen the whole notion of Sting coming to WWE if he made his first apperance for WWE on TV. Sting's WWE debut is a Wrestlemania Moment if ever there was one.

Meh. Agree to disagree. I see your point but I don't think it cheapens anything.

You're right that there'd be a lot of people who'd buy WM just to see Sting (myself included) but I still think weeks of build up and live appearances would be better than the video/SE approach.

And - by the same token - would probably result in some good numbers for Raw & SD which never hurts.

Just MO

[PeterHilton]

Everyone talks about Sting/Taker and even I admit that would be iconic. However, how about if Shawn Michaels takes one last step out of retirement and we have the face of WCW versus arguably the face of the WWF/E? Sting was the one performer that never left WCW for WWF/E. Shawn Michaels is the rare long-time performer that never left WWF/E for WCW. I think that could have some great build-up.

yeah..lots of fantasy booking scenarios out there. I'd love Sting/HBK and I'm sure Sting/HHH or Sting /Cena (especially) would be on a PPV in short order.

[lazorbeak]

I agree, Pete. While I wouldn't debut Sting by having him wrestle the Usos or whatever, I don't see how putting the guy on TV "cheapens" anything. If anything, it strengthens the feud because it tells you "hey, this guy is in shape to compete!" It tells the audience what they're getting without relying exclusively on special effects gimmickry.

[Fantabulous]

I can see the merits in the argument of putting Sting on TV to build the match. And if this was six months from now or any other time of the year, well, I'd still want his debut on PPV but I wouldn't be totally against something on Raw.

But if I'm given the choice of where to debut Sting, Raw or Wrestlemania, I don't really see how you can have it anywhere but Wrestlemania. The chance to debut a genuine icon of wrestling in WWE on the biggest stage of them all is one that will never happen again. I'd take the chance in a heartbeat.

[PeterHilton]

.But if I'm given the choice of where to debut Sting, Raw or Wrestlemania, I don't really see how you can have it anywhere but Wrestlemania. The chance to debut a genuine icon of wrestling in WWE on the biggest stage of them all is one that will never happen again. I'd take the chance in a heartbeat.

From strictly a fan's perspective? Sure.

BUt again - I'm just pointing out that from a business perspective -where you're trying to generate as much revenue as possible from this signing, before the impact (no pun intended) of Sting wears off - TV wouldn't be a bad thing.

I'm just sayin...totally see your point though

[denzil85]

Having him appear on TV but not wrestle until WM would work I think - a staredown here, a staredown there, maybe another couple of angles would build up anticipation for what the match would be like.

[LoNdOn]

How utterly disappointed will I be if it isn't Sting now......

[Fantabulous]

How utterly disappointed will I be if it isn't Sting now......

You can tell us in a couple of weeks. :p

[Slagaholic]

Sorry to disappoint you guys, it's not Sting. It's...
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/475/635/se7en0_display_image.jpg
Se7en

[LoNdOn]

Sorry to disappoint you guys, it's not Sting. It's...
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/475/635/se7en0_display_image.jpg
Se7en

:D Excellent

[dvdWarrior]

I'm almost desperately hoping it is in fact The Stinger. I was a Little Stinger as a lad, and seeing him in WWE would be cool, yeah, and a match with Taker at WrestleMania would be historic as well, but....

More than anything, I just really, really, really want a Sting 3-disc DVD set.

:o

[Hive]

From ewrestlingnews.com:

TNA sources have indicated that Sting did not sign a new contract for 2011, and many in the company have discussed that he may be heading to WWE.

This morning, the New York Daily news reported that Sting had signed a one-year deal with WWE. That is NOT confirmed though.

[PeterHilton]

From ewrestlingnews.com:

Thats EXACTLY the same report as this one..

source http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/headlines/Breaking_News_Sting_Headed_To_WWE.php

Hell Yes!

..which is just re-reporting a blurb from the NY Daily News.

Seriously, most net 'news' sites are filled with such BS

[Linsolv]

I want surfer Sting in SvR. If I can get that without having to play around with CAW, then I will... I dunno what I'll do but it will be a definitely positive reaction.

If I were booking it (mind that I'm not a great booker) I would not put Sting in a match before WM. I'd have something like... having Miz or Nexus open RAW with some whiny speech, then BAM! Lights out, and everyone's knocked out as Taker shows up to call everyone on the planet a whimp, or something. Taker apparently likes to have a hand in that sort of thing, so go crazy. After a minute or two of that, again, lights out, and then have Sting be... wherever. On top of the Tron, on the stage, in the rafters, in the ring, whatever. Then you have a brief promo ("I want the streak, Mark!" or something), and he stalks off.

Then, the next week, Nexus is up to their old tricks and Sting starts to intervene. Then they decide to turn on him and he cleans up shop before walking off again. This somewhat has a few unintended effects—namely, that it sets up for a Nexus-Sting feud rather than a Taker-Sting feud—but there are few other groups who indiscriminantly attack people, and we want Sting to clean up 4-5 guys in a matter of seconds.

From that point on you have him show his face once or twice a show, not talking, and maybe have his music hit at convenient times with nothing really happening except the announcers going "OH MY GOD IS IT STING?!" Jerry Lawler can do that pretty well, I'd think.

Then I guess that actually gives Stinger something to do for the rest of the year, come to think of it.

[ShaunGBD]

Sorry to disappoint you guys, it's not Sting. It's...
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/475/635/se7en0_display_image.jpg
Se7en

OMFG!!! I told my friend its not sting its Se7en, too!!

[TakerNGN74]

I heard that they were going to do a Barrett vs. Taker Match at Mania but thinking about it now Barrett is in the Corre so it wouldn't make much sense. I desperately want to see Taker vs. Sting at Mania so I am all for it.

[Wrestling Century]

One reason i see it being Sting is the Hall of Fame.

Why would it be Undertaker when he on Smackdown and rumored to face Barrett at Mania.

It's obviously The Undertaker. He's probably going to return at the Elimination Chamber. Why would you assume that its Sting?

[Candyman]

You're giving them a reason. A moment they've all been waiting years to see. Sting stepping foot into a WWE ring and not only that, Sting facing The Undertaker. You don't need to do any more than promise the fans that that is exactly what they'll see at Wrestlemania. As for what it can add a Wrestlemania number, I think it will add a good size number. Maybe not huge numbers, but I think there are a good many people who would buy Wrestlemania solely because they know they'll see Sting debut and face off against The Undertaker. And I wouldn't want Sting's debut in WWE to be on TV. Frankly, I think it would cheapen the whole notion of Sting coming to WWE if he made his first apperance for WWE on TV. Sting's WWE debut is a Wrestlemania Moment if ever there was one.

No, Peter's right. IMO, you can't promise fans something without having Sting on TV. They won't know they'll see him just because his logo showed up on the ring. The scenario you laid out would be fantastic for any other PPV, but Wrestlemania is the exception. It's the one PPV the whole year where you can't rely on fans to decide to buy to see IF something happens. They have to know it WILL happen. Sting absolutely should not wrestle. But he needs to be on TV.

I heard that they were going to do a Barrett vs. Taker Match at Mania but thinking about it now Barrett is in the Corre so it wouldn't make much sense. I desperately want to see Taker vs. Sting at Mania so I am all for it.

Why do you say it wouldn't make much sense? Barrett (along with two other Corre members, Slater and Gabriel) is still the that cost him his match with Kane and buried him. As much as I would love to see that match, there's an awful lot of hurdles to jump to get there...

[SeanMcFly]

It's obviously The Undertaker. He's probably going to return at the Elimination Chamber. Why would you assume that its Sting?

But this isn't for a return AT Elimination Chamber is it? It's the Night AFTER Elimination Chamber. Besides, why is it OBVIOUSLY The Undertaker?

[Teh_Showtime]

the arena for the 2/21 show was advertising the return of taker that night and took it down though

[Linsolv]

It's a point for debate, sure.

But if it's gonna be Sting vs. Taker at WM, why would you have Sting running around without Taker?

Just a thought. Obviously there's always the chance that we've wildly misinterpreted.

[liontamer]

Sorry to disappoint you guys, it's not Sting. It's...
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/475/635/se7en0_display_image.jpg
Se7en

You almost gave me a heart attack with this one, I forgot that whole akward moment in WCW history (speaking of which TNA had their equally akward moment with some guy named titan or trytan or something like that. What ever hapened to that guy?). Especially when I realized that 2/21/11 breaks down to 2 2 1 1 1, the sum of which is 7 and he did where western boots if I recall correctly.

And why does everyone think Sting is washed up? His actual wrestling doesn't look that much different to me and I think the last 2 yrs have been among the best on the mic in his career. He's not in as good of shape, but he's 51 and has other priorities and it's not like he's in bad shape.

And if it is sting, do you think he, booker and deisel returning at the same time is part of a storyline?

also JR's blog shot down the idea of it being sting, so who knows, maybe it is 7. Or maybe Moredcai is back to end the streak as Taker's polar opposite.

[ampulator]

Let's face it... if it wasn' Sting, and it was Undertaker... what can it be?

[TakerNGN74]

It has to be Sting it just has to be.

[Waghlon]

Let's face it... if it wasn' Sting, and it was Undertaker... what can it be?


Black Scorpion.

[BHK1978]

Black Scorpion.

Can Ole Anderson still wrestle at his advance age? Yes I know the Black Scorpion ended up being Ric Flair but Ole did the voice.

[Fantabulous]

No, Peter's right. IMO, you can't promise fans something without having Sting on TV. They won't know they'll see him just because his logo showed up on the ring. The scenario you laid out would be fantastic for any other PPV, but Wrestlemania is the exception. It's the one PPV the whole year where you can't rely on fans to decide to buy to see IF something happens. They have to know it WILL happen. Sting absolutely should not wrestle. But he needs to be on TV.

You can still make it clear, and pretty obvious, that Sting will show up without having him on TV. Heck, why not really rub it in TNA's face and redo the angle from when Sting returned in 2006; have the lights go off when Undertaker's talking and when they go back on, a black coat and black baseball bat are in the ring at Undertaker's feet. If Sting were to come in and the idea is to keep him off of TV and he first shows himself at Wrestlemania, there are tons of angles they can do where it's pretty damn obvious Sting will be there without him having to show up. Make the hints a little more obvious each week so it builds up that way.

Like I've already said, I can see the merit in having Sting show up before Wrestlemania, it's just not something I'd go with.

Of course, this is dependant on Sting signing (possible but gets less likely with each year) and Undertaker being physically up to working a singles match at Wrestlemania, which still might not be the case.

Speaking of Undertaker-related vignettes, does anyone else remember this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGlvsG8ab0w

[Teh_Showtime]

I wouldn't consider this a huge spoiler, but on SD: booker was an announcer

[Moe Hunter]

I guess the biggest question is if he does decide to go there will the rest of The Police go with him?

Sorry for the bad joke. Anyway, there is money to be made but I just do not want to see him up here.

I want to see Sting vs The Edge at WM!

[Woodsmeister]

The only few Taker matches at Wrestlemania I want to see are:

Taker vs Sting (because its one of the only WWF/WCW fueds i wanted to see)
Taker vs Goldberg (mania streak vs one of the longest streaks)
Taker vs Cena (just because its one where you couldnt call it)
Taker vs Lesnar (they had some brutal matches but i want to see what they would do on the biggest stage of them all - would we see another SSP attempt).

Cant really think of any others, as far as breaking the streak im not sure i want it broken :(

[Teh_Showtime]

Taker vs Lesnar (they had some brutal matches but i want to see what they would do on the biggest stage of them all - would we see another SSP attempt).


That might turn into a shoot fight lol. But I dobut Taker would be that unprofessional at WM

[PeterHilton]

It's obviously The Undertaker. He's probably going to return at the Elimination Chamber. Why would you assume that its Sting?

thanks for keeping up with the discussion :rolleyes:

[cappyboy]

You know, guys, if I hadn't seen all this talk about it before watching the promo on Youtube last night, I don't think I'd even be trying to guess who it was at all. I'd be totally lost as to what it was even about. All I could tell about the scene was the cabin and the storm. The only way I even saw the human figure was because I was conditioned to look for it from all this chatter. In a way, I consider this a botched segment. It was so rainy and whomever was so obscured it would have been easy to miss the point entirely.

[denzil85]

You know, guys, if I hadn't seen all this talk about it before watching the promo on Youtube last night, I don't think I'd even be trying to guess who it was at all. I'd be totally lost as to what it was even about. All I could tell about the scene was the cabin and the storm. The only way I even saw the human figure was because I was conditioned to look for it from all this chatter. In a way, I consider this a botched segment. It was so rainy and whomever was so obscured it would have been easy to miss the point entirely.

The beauty about speculation is that we don't know what is to come - perhaps the point was that the segment was supposed to be totally ambiguous so that we all miss the point. We'll find out when we're supposed to find out!

[PeterHilton]

The beauty about speculation is that we don't know what is to come - perhaps the point was that the segment was supposed to be totally ambiguous so that we all miss the point. We'll find out when we're supposed to find out!

Right..just like the 'SAVE_US" stuff..the specualation will play into the hype.

[shawn michaels 82]

Right..just like the 'SAVE_US" stuff..the specualation will play into the hype.

That's exactly what they want, speculation. Mistery sells.

[Linsolv]

also JR's blog shot down the idea of it being sting, so who knows, maybe it is 7. Or maybe Moredcai is back to end the streak as Taker's polar opposite.

(cut for emphasis)

JR is almost certainly under an NDA, so if Sting had signed a contract he would not be able to take that into account in his blog—come to think of it, if he brought up the rumor that would probably be seen as disclosure as well—and to the best of my knowledge the fact that he's no longer under contract at TNA is essentially speculation.

Now, on the other hand, as a viewer, I can take both those rumors into account.

[-laz-]

if this music hits on 21 of feb il go nuts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9PHf9DTfyc

or even this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRqLNARw5jw&feature=related

[Teh_Showtime]

but it will be this youtube.com/watch?desktop_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fw atch%3Fv%3DB_XOVh-cDtk&v=B_XOVh-cDtk&gl=US

[-laz-]

can you imagine how huge a pop an entrance like this would be on RAW they will need to be in a open air arena other wise the roof will blow off

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQUXQCAprpw

[Teh_Showtime]

pretty good Orton vid here. Would best be classifed as highlights from 09-10 with a little evolution in there? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGGGEanQH9U&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[LoNdOn]

pretty good Orton vid here. Would best be classifed as highlights from 09-10 with a little evolution in there? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGGGEanQH9U&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Excuse me, but who the hell gave you permission to talk about Randy Orton in the Sting thread??? :p

[-laz-]

Excuse me, but who the hell gave you permission to talk about Randy Orton in the Sting thread??? :p
well said who cares about Randy Snore-ton :D

[Teh_Showtime]

it will be hard for a Sting/Taker match to be better than Orton's with Taker.

WM21 was UTs best Mania match since x7 against HHH and it may be better than that one.

One of my all time favorite WM matches for sure

young, brash Orton is what I miss so much

[LoNdOn]

it will be hard for a Sting/Taker match to be better than Orton's with Taker.

WM21 was UTs best Mania match since x7 against HHH and it may be better than that one.

One of my all time favorite WM matches for sure

I would argue that the Undertaker's matches against Michaels, Edge and Batista were better than his mania encounter with Orton.

[-laz-]

whos this orton all i know is snore-ton, but my fave Mania match is the main event of my first Mania Ultimate Warrior vs Hulk Hogan title vs title i was a huge warrior fan and ate that **** up i was hyper for a month after that, good memories