wrestling / Columns
High Road/Low Road 01.01.10: RAW vs. Impact
Welcome back to the High Road/Low Road!
A brief explanation of the column: Sat takes the High Road (positive view) on angles, gimmicks, and other wrestling related “stuff” while Chad Nevett takes the Low Road (negative view).
Results for Hart Dynasty:
High Road: 76%
Low Road: 18%
Both Roads: 06%
Chad Nevett: I really like the Hart Dynasty, but probably would have chosen both roads because of the limitations of their matches to date and a lack of using Natalya to greater effect. The group has tons of potential, but it hasn’t been tapped yet.
Sat: I would say both roads for me too. They have a ton of potential, but it has not been properly utilized yet.
TNA and WWE Head to Head
High Road:
The head to head showdown has definitely created for an interesting day. I think that we are definitely going to see two good shows because both shows know what is on the line. And when you look at the two headliners for the RAW and Impact, you know it will be a huge day for wrestling.
Low Road:
No doubt a big day, but that by no means assures quality. Hogan and Hart returning is exciting, but each could be bungled rather easily, turning a big, exciting day in wrestling into the night where both companies churned out more crap. Competition does bring out the best in these situations, but neither company has been on fire lately quality-wise, so why expect either show to be a vast improvement?
High Road:
The one thing that will definitely be interesting to see is which show the fans chose to watch. It is a given that RAW will be more watched than Impact, but there are interesting questions to be asked. Will Impact get the same rating they got on Thursday? Will RAW be able to get the same rating that it got the previous week? How will the ratings break down for each segment? I am looking forward to how all of this breaks down.
Low Road:
These ratings aren’t quite meaningless, but aren’t far from it. Firstly, the Fiesta Bowl is happening at the same time, drawing away a certain amount of viewers. Secondly, these ratings are novelty ratings based on hype and spectacle that have nothing to do with quality or long-term success. We need to stop focusing on small, short-term victories when what happens over time is what actually matters.
High Road:
When news first broke of TNA challenging the WWE on January 4th, I was surprised with the fact that the WWE did not react. I was worried that the WWE was not going to worry about TNA and just air a normal show. Thankfully, the WWE has decided to make the January 4th edition of RAW into a huge event.
Low Road:
I actually liked that the WWE didn’t react and that Vince was shrugging off TNA’s stunt as not even worthy of his notice. That sent a strong statement about TNA’s place within North American wrestling. They may be the second largest promotion, but the distance between first and second is gigantic. The WWE not responding made TNA look smaller, while building an unusually strong RAW gives credibility to TNA as competition for the WWE.
High Road:
While we don’t know yet what matches TNA is planning on rolling out for the head to head showdown, they have still shown that they are going all out for the January 4th show. Obviously, we know about Hulk Hogan making his debut for TNA. Also, there are rumors out there for a nWo reunion. Plus, we will probably see Mick Foley confront Hulk Hogan.
Low Road:
All ideas that will get people to watch on Monday, but what about after that? That the only thing TNA has announced is Hogan appearing makes me worried that this episode won’t be strong, that it will revolve around Hogan, pushing everyone else to the side just as everyone fears will happen. If anything, this episode seems to suggest that TNA is focusing exclusively on short-term stunts, which is a mistake.
High Road:
As I wrote above, we have seen TNA go all out for this event. But not to be outdone, RAW has also gone all out for the head to head showdown. First, they have advertised Bret Hart as the Guest Host for RAW. Also, they have announced a huge rematch for the Unified Tag Team Titles with D-Generation X facing off against Chris Jericho and the Big Show.
Low Road:
Hart’s contract probably starts January 1 and has been in the making for a long time, so this RAW is the first chance to use him. Even the matches aren’t amazingly strong as they’re rematches from a recent pay-per-view. While big, the tag match and Kofi Kingston/Randy Orton are matches people have seen before and may not be as big of draws as you’re making them out to be.
High Road:
The thing that most fans are probably looking forward to is switching between the shows. The fact that both shows are live means that we have no idea what is going to happen, so we have to make a choice with what show we are going to watch. And if one show starts to struggle a bit, you can switch over to the other show. This is one of the things that I am definitely looking forward to this Monday.
Low Road:
Them going head-to-head proves why ratings are somewhat misleading/meaningless as many fans, like myself, will be taping or DVRing one of the shows (in my case, TNA) so they can watch each show completely, not wanting to miss anything. Since ratings don’t take that into account, each show could have a larger viewership than the numbers report.
Are you taking the High Road or the Low Road?
Simply write “High Road”, “Low Road”, or “Both Roads” in the comment section.
E-Mails:
These are all of the e-mails that we received this week. We do not respond to the actual e-mail, but the reply to your e-mail will be below.
Michael Klein Writes:
With all of the focus on Bret hart being either against HBK or Vince, do you think the E might might use a fresh angle and have Bret zero in on HHH instead? Since HHH has gone on the record and said it was basically his idea to screw Bret over, it would make sense for Bret to go after him(more than likely through the Hart Dynasty).
Plus it would be different than re-hashing HBK-Bret. Bret could always say that HBK has apologized and changed his life while HHH has never apologized thereby making him the villain.
Ideas?
Sat: I see Bret facing Vince at WrestleMania and I see it being a short match. Bret is at the point where the only thing that makes sense for him to do is to face Vince.
Chad Nevett: I find myself seeing a three-on-three match with the Harts taking on McMahon/DX, allowing Bret to not have a heavy load in the match.
Comments:
Below are the comments for last week’s columns and our responses. Every comment will not be included because it makes our lives a lot easier.
KanyonKreist Writes:
The “legacy” gimmick can be very beneficial to young talent, if it’s simply for the sake of name recognition — as with the Hart Dynasty and, well, Legacy — and doesn’t take the gimmick itself to desperate extremes (New Rockers, New Midnight Express, Paul “The Giant” Wight as Andre Jr.)
If the pink and black tights and the squealing guitar riff help Tyson, D.H. and Nattie grab some attention so that they can showcase their abilities, good for them. Personally, I think that if they were utilized with one iota of focus and meaningfulness, that would help a bit too. I’ve been impressed with them — specifically Kidd — on a handful of occasions now, and would love to see more of them. They could (and probably SHOULD) end up carrying WWE’s anemic tag team division in 2010. Let’s see how they do before we judge them with any kind of finality.
Until then, HIGH road.
Also, regarding their lack of promo magic: don’t forget that Bret Hart, for the longest time, was downright rotten on the stick. Even at his best, he was no master. Telling the story IN the ring was where he excelled. Let’s just hope a couple of these kids have learned how to do that… and will eventually get a chance to show it…
Sat: Good point about Bret Hart’s promo getting better with time. Also, I think both guys have the potential to be stars for the WWE.
Chad Nevett: My main problem was the content of their promo recently (presumably not written by them), which buried their fathers while trading on their names. Legacy has been good to put over their fathers, while simply suggesting they will be better.
Guest#3268 Writes:
as much as it pains me to say it i have to go low road for now but thats more the companies fault then there own.
i think the team has shown flashes of greatness but they just havnt been given a chance to really shine.
its not like there is an abundance of great tag teams for them to work against like the original hart foundation had would have been great to get the hardyz vs the hart dynasty or miz and morrison but the timing just wasnt there
Sat: I’ll buy this argument. The Hart Dynasty does not have good teams to feud with.
Chad Nevett: The negatives of the Hart Dynasty are mostly due to poor booking and a lack of strong competition. Tags are a good way to provide experience and exposure, but they do rely on having other good tag teams to go up against.
The Great Captain Smooth Writes:
High road. They each bring something different to the table. People know and respect the name. I must say that the WWE shouldn’t keep them heel AND team them up with Bret. Either turn them or have Bret confront them for talking about how much better they are than the previous generation. I still say a merge/war with Legacy could rock.
Sat: I see the WWE turning them and having them align with Bret. It just seems like it would be a mistake to not do this.
Chad Nevett: Them not working with Bret would be a mistake. A feud between the Dynasty and Bret doesn’t appeal to me at all.
CL1 Writes:
Im on the High Road. As a team at least all three are on TV as opposed to being apart. While Natalya isnt being used much as a Diva wrestler, at least she is at least on the better show and in a group, and the new additions on the Diva front can see her get more time. Being put together as a group now can only benefit them in getting screen time, but they nee another group to combat against OTHER than Cryme Tyme, and I dont think DX is the right group. With Bret Hart coming, perhaps a wise ear can FINALLY get them more recognition.
Plus, any excuse to hear the music is a good thing.
Sat: The one thing that did surprise me was Natalya’s showing in the triple threat match a few weeks ago. Though it might have been because they wanted to build her up so she can lose to Michelle McCool.
Chad Nevett: I’ve been a big fan of Natalya since she first arrived. Hey, everyone, remember when she took on Michelle McCool to determine the first Divas Champion? Wow, she just disappeared after that. Let’s hope that changes.
The Gold Standard Writes:
High Road.The team has the tools to be one of the best today and should win tag team gold with Natalya winning a Womens title.My only gripe his David Hart Smith needs a more convincing finisher than a Backdrop.Whats wrong with his old mans move?
Sat: David Hart Smith definitely needs a better move. And Natalya ain’t winning the Women’s title because you are going to have to kill Michelle McCool to get the title off of her.
Chad Nevett: I always loved the running powerslam and seeing Smith use it would be a great mark out moment.
dogpound7382 Writes:
High Road. Natalya adds a new dynamic that stands apart from the Foundation. The Dynasty doesnt need to follow the exact blueprint of the Foundation to succeed (bruiser and technician). They are using the past to pave themselves a new future and make their own legacy.
Sat: I’ll agree. Natalya adds a really interesting element to the team.
Chad Nevett: If they used Natalya more, I’d agree, but they barely play up the unique elements she brings to the group.
Eboney Writes:
I will be Debbie Downer and go with “Low Road”
A LOT of big stars in wrestling just have something about them that is so awesome you can’t ignore. Sometimes it’s promos (ala The Rock), undeniable power of drawing you in (ala Stone Cold), or a natural charisma that you can’t help but love (ala Trish Stratus). Okay, it was lame to use those three.. haha
But seriously, what exactly about the Hart Dynasty screams “WE ARE WORTH A DAMN!!” It is not like these guys aren’t have matches. It is not like one of them isn’t cutting a promo every week. It is not like they haven’t wrestled against tag teams worth a damn.
DH Smith still wrestles like a generic big man who isn’t athletic. Natalya is still a just another blond with bad promo skills and who likes to wear pink and has meaningless matches. Tyson Kidd is still some goofy lookin’ son of a gun who probably only stands out because Smith is so damn bad. It seems like people only want to see these guys pushed because they are whoring out one of the “sacred” names in wrestling.
Sat: I thought the same thing about David Hart Smith, but he has looked better in past weeks. I think the main problem for Natalya is her promos and the fact that every storyline on SmackDown involving the divas is about Michelle McCool. And Tyson Kidd’s main problem is that stupid haircut.
Chad Nevett: Natalya should be dominating the other Divas in the ring instead of slowing down to work at the pace many of them are accustomed to. Her work with Beth Phoenix in the triple threat match was rather good. Smith is improving and I’ve really liked Kidd’s work in the ring. He’s done some very smart things. One match stands out where he purposefully refused a tag early in the match to wait for the right moment to enter with maximum impact. It was different and worked very well. Playing up that sort of behavior would go a long way to making him (and the group) stand out.
JR Writes:
Unfortunately, low road, and it has nothing to do with them personally. I like their wrestling style and think they have a world of talent.
The low road is because of the WWE itself. The WWE has proven that unless you move merchandise or have a flashy gimmick, they have no concept on how to build up a team of this talent. They no longer care about tag team wrestling, and Natalya should’ve been a Women’s champion for a long time.
That said, it would’ve been nice if they were in TNA, at least they would be built properly.
Sat: This is an interesting point and I kind of buy it. Michelle McCool has totally become the dominate diva on SmackDown because of her association with the Undertaker and that means Natalya is not going to get close to the Women’s Title. And you look at a guy like Sheamus who is WWE Champion basically because he is friends with Triple H. I think the Hart Dynasty is not going to get a chance because of this and it is kind of sad.
Chad Nevett: I can’t disagree. But, it also took most of the greats a long time to build themselves up and I don’t see anything wrong with a slow build. Except in the case of Natalya who is better than most of the other Divas, but doesn’t get pushed because she isn’t a twig girl. Imagine that: being physically powerful in the ring means having some actually muscles… I am shocked.
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Your reasons for taking the High Road, Low Road, or Both Roads and suggestions for future High Road/Low Road are welcome at [email protected] or in the comment section. Your reply will be included in next week’s column.
