| Subject: Re: Serious 'Light Heavyweight' Division |
Author:
Pat
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Date Posted: 06:39:23 02/20/02 Wed
In reply to:
Mark L
's message, "Re: Serious 'Light Heavyweight' Division" on 15:43:31 02/13/02 Wed
I couldn't agree more - in hindsight, when I spoke of Vince McMahon I mean him to personify the upper tier of WWF management. It angers me most when Ross speaks of the need to "adapt to the WWF style"; tentative and dull seem fitting?. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for telling a story in the ring, an aspect which JR stresses week after week, but my idea of a story is not lugging it out in the corner for half an hour before a random spot is called. That's not a story, that's just plain lazy - it's not entirely the wrestlers' fault - after all, they've just been moulded into the "WWF style".
Of course with the big guys, the Austins et al, you won't see Muta-locks and tiger drivers - they just don't have the technical ability - so why is such little attention paid to psychology in the WWF? I just don't understand it. What happened to focusing on the weak area of your opponent with holds and chain spots so that when the impact moves and ultimately the finisher do come, you're left to wonder "Geez, his neck is dead - stone cold stunner, put a fork in him, he's done". Then, of course, if by some miracle the man kicks out, you sell it as resiliance or desire to win gold, and the inflictor plays the frustrated role and goes back to work, setting up the next impact move. You don't need a spotfest to create excitement; leave the high-flying and mat innovation to those who can. The heavyweights of the WWF need to maximise what they can of their limited repertoires and accentuate their impact. Notice how Kawada works brutally over the neck of his opponent before the DBD, which in turn sets up the high-angle powerbomb? The eventual pin is no fluke, just watch the All Japan classics... Admittedly, in 4 hours of tv a week I guess there just isn't any ring time, but you don't need half an hour to introduce a smidgeon of psychology. If the art of pro wrestling surrounds the ability to suspend belief, you have to look at things in perspective. Heavyweights are there for a reason - to be sold as hard-hitting and respected warriors, and the only way they'll forge this believable reputation is through believable wrestling.
Anyway, I've somehow strayed from the topic but there we go. Let's hope when the rosters are split we will see more cruiserweights, and that they will be marketed like cruisers - flambuoyant, accomplished and creative, with strong loyalties and deep rivalries. I'm afraid I just can't see it.
When does Benoit return...(!?)
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