High Road/Low Road 08.25.06: SummerSlam
Posted by Sat on 08.25.2006
The WWE presented SummerSlam this past Sunday. Were the right decisions made or were the wrong decisions made? You decide in this week's High Road/Low Road.
Welcome to another loaded edition of the column for Gods—the High Road/Low Road! A brief explanation of the column for you High Road/Low Road virgins: Rajah takes the Low Road (negative view) on angles, gimmicks, and other wrestling related "stuff" while Sat takes the High Road (positive view).
The Results for the Diva Search:
High Road: 14%
Low Road: 86%
E-Mails:
Below are some of the e-mails that we received this week. We read every e-mail that we get, but we are unable to respond to all of them. That being said, keep the e-mails coming. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Mike LaFave Writes:
Hey guys, just wanted to say thanks for shouting me out in your column. Appreciate you guys giving it the High Road!!!
Don't worry about missing something Sat... any one w/ the balls to take on the Diva Search as a good thing is cool in my book!
And I'm still not buying that Stevie Richards could feud w/ Big Show in the main event. I don't care how good he is on a mic. Was he ever a min eventer in the old ECW? No, he's been off our TV for years and was a Heat jobber when he was on it. Plus, personally, I've never been impressed w/ him. JBL had some credibility when they main evented him out of nowhere. He was a multiple time tag champ and hardcore champ, including a feud w/ Scott Hall. He comes back from an injury, reforms the APA and then turns on his long time partner. Plus he's a big guy who is in a league of his own on the stick, so I don't think you can compare the two.
You're idea for Shelton is good. I didn't know if I was going to like it or not when I first read it, but the more I thought about it, the more I did. It would depend on how they ran it though. I think if they played it very seriously (yes still an inside joke, but w/ a straight face ya know) and only if they could get The Rock to come back and put Shelton over, then yeah, that would be a fun entertaining angle. But I still love mine...I was very proud of that one. I liked my stories for The Miz and Spirit Squad, but I loved the Shelton story.
Ok, that's enough...keep up the great work guy!!!
Sat: Not much for me to say except that it seems like I didn't miss anything for the Diva Search. I guess everybody is entitled to a bad week.
Rajah: Whatever Mike, you know I'm right. You know what you should tackle in your next column-how to get the Sylvan over because the WWE's been trying that for a couple of years now. To the High Road/Low Road peeps-please go check out Mike's spiffy column.
Manu Bumb Writes:
"The WWE could have found Divas like Candice Michelle, Maria, etc. without the Diva Search. "
Funny story...Candice wasn't in the diva search :) or at least, not one of the final 10 that made it onto raw ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diva_Search#2004 ). Out of those girls, the WWE hired Christy, Joy, Amy Weber, Maria, and Michelle McCool (I dont count Carmella since she was a one-shot). That's half of the finalists. That's ridiculous. If they were all going to pose at some point or another for a certain magazine, then at least they would serve some purpose.
Okay, it turns out Candice was in fact in the diva search, but like I said, wasnt in the final 10...so they took a girl who they didnt even like that much and hired her? Brilliant!
Then again, Stacy Keibler got into wrestling through a Nitro Girl search, but that was a) held live locally, and didnt waste time on nitro, and b) Stacy was freakin hot!
"I don't want crappy variety. I want interesting angles and feuds not musical fucking chairs. And the Diva Search is NOT entertaining. Maybe if it was, I wouldn't hate it as much, but Goddamn. "
HA! No crappy variety for me either, thank you. Although, you have to admit that when Jericho has his week as GM of Raw a couple years back, and he made people play musical chairs (including Flair and Stacy Keibler), that was hilarious! This year's musical chairs wouldve been better had Miz not jumped in between the last two girls, as one was ready to swing a chair at the other. And why wasn't ECW involved in all of this? I wouldnt mind seeing what Paul could come up with for "EXTREME Diva Search" ;-)
As far as Sat's argument that the diva search brings puppies to our tv....think back to Jillian Hall and Amy Weber - one was a trained wrestler, the other was a diva search loser. Both had very large puppies. Yet both were actually USED in some sort of wrestling capacity (coincidentally enough, as managers for JBL). Now compare that to the diva search, where we get useless women standing around doing nothing every week, twice a week. I'm assuming you have a computer. If you want useless, hot women to look at during raw, I'm sure I could recommend a few sites for you ;-)
Know what I love about this column? It accurately represents two very distinct types of wrestling fans. You have Rajah, who seems like a fan that watched wrestling back during the rise of the nwo and steve austin (mid-90s up to early 2000s when HHH really was that damn good), back when wrestling was great and entertaining, and remembers what the WWE is capable of when vince isnt exposing his bare ass, and refuses to bend over and take it like a man when WWE gives him crap to watch. Then you have Sat, who sounds like a fan that has also been watching for a while, and might have had hope for something great to come back to his tv at one point, but has since given up all hope, and accepted the fact that he can't change anything, not now that WWE IS wrestling in america, and there enough people with bad taste giving Vince their money that Vince will never change, since, after-all, it was HIS vision that survived the monday night war. So Sat just watches what he can, even if it is crap, and accepts it, and tries to justify it.
I dont know if that even remotely describes either of you, but that's the feeling I get, and I would know, since part of me fits into both categories. When I'm watching it, I try to justify stuff, but then a couple days later, I can shit all over it if it sucked compared to the good ol days.
And here's one thing I dont get about the diva search - does the WWE realize how many hotties are wrestling for independents right now? They might not be as good as trish, but at least they're out there trying to get into the business. THOSE are the women that should be hired. I, for one, was glad when Krissy Vaine got a developmental deal, because she's insanely f'n hot, and has been wrestling for some time now.
Sat: Rajah's been watching wrestling around the same time I started. The problem that he has is that he is just too negative. The only reason that I threw puppies in there was because it was an easy high road. The only answer that I would have for you on why the WWE doesn't hire women from the indy shows is that they will be probably make more money than the divas that they get from the diva search. Again, that is just a guess.
Rajah: Yeah women with large breasts that can't wrestle are cheaper than women with large breasts who can wrestle. I'm not negative, I just don't like wrestling. But yes, Sat is a broken man. Good work Manu. Keep it up.
Terra Writes:
What a joke. In the days leading to SS one of the big four PPVS and you guys do a entire column on the useless diva search….WHAT A WASTE!!!!!! Why not talk about some matches, possible outcomes, or what may be next for WWE angles. This crap just sucks. Next time, like before Survivor Series maybe you'll do a column on the history of the Diva Search contests or maybe you can write about what's happening on the coming weeks of General Hospital. You fools didn't at the very least even include any hot pics to look at. I'm out. Get back to wrestling please….. TROY
Sat: First off, it seemed to me like the WWE didn't care about SummerSlam because the build was nowhere near what it should have been. And the reason for doing the Diva Search was that it had ended that week. Also, the last three columns that we did had some type of SummerSlam build (Great Khali/Undertaker was supposed to be for SummerSlam, but it didn't work out that way).
Rajah: Hey THE BOSS CSONKA enjoyed writing the Diva Search report more than the SummerSlam one. That's some top-secret stuff but it's true. And he's the one we take cues from so, you know, blame him. And we're sorry you couldn't get your rocks off with the help of our column. Maybe you should get your girlfriend to help you with that. Or if you don't have a girlfriend, e-mail Manu, for, and I quote "If you want useless, hot women to look at during raw, I'm sure I could recommend a few sites for you"
Uncle Trunx Writes:
Hi Guys, Well done on another great column. I have to say, though, Sat really was on a hiding to nothing this time. Defending the Diva search was mission impossible! I'll keep it brief: I watch wrestling because I like wrestling. I don't want to see things like musical chairs; if I did, I'd go to my niece's 2nd birthday party. The women's division does need more talent, especially if Trish and Lita are leaving. But it needs women who can wrestle. There are a number of good female wrestlers out there who WWE could bring in, rather than giving an insultingly large payout to someone who isn't even trained to a basic level. Then perhaps they could actually wrestle a match worth watching, rather than cluttering up TV time with (un)entertainment nonsense, time which could feature wrestling. As for using the Diva search to give Miz something to do, I have a better idea; get rid of him and give some wrestlers something to do. Put together feuds featuring wrestlers, storylines featuring wrestlers, angles featuring wrestlers; put some of those together, build an entertaining midcard and get rid of him and the rest of the "talent" which has none. Then there won't be a need for crap like Diva searches stinking up the show. Sorry, that wasn't brief because I got into a rant! However, I think it's a justified rant. All too easy low road this week.
Sat: The only logical explanation for having the Diva Search is that it provides variety to the show. Rajah is always saying that he doesn't want to see the same old shit. Well, this is some different shit. And since the first Diva Search, Maria and Candice Michelle are miles ahead of were they were when they started, so it is progress. Also, Trish started out the same way and now the case could be made that she is the best women's wrestler ever.
Rajah: It's ALWAYS an easy low road with all the great arguments I make. Sorry you had to write about the Diva Search Uncle.
Natedogg Writes:
Do I even need to tell you that I went with the Low Road. It would be one thing if these bimbos were somewhat talented, but they arent and have no buisness being on TV. This year was the worst and most time wasting Diva Search yet. I dont understand why they have it if they are going to hire all the rejected ones anyways. How can management have watched that and thought it was a good idea. From Crappy dance offs, to talentless contests where they liked to talk shit, to water balloon fights which dont appeal to anyone but 13 year old pubescent boys. It really saddens me to see the womens division is just an excuse to get as much ass on tv now, which everyone needs to realize that sex appeal doesnt work like it did years ago. Remember the times when you were excited to watch a womens match or tag team match because they had great stories and great "superstars" now they are just worthless filler on Raw and Smackdown now for that matter. But in conclusion the Diva search is nothing more than a waste of time and money now.
Sat: You agreed with everybody else on the Diva Search. This was the highest amount that the low road ever had, so it means that people are sick of the Diva Search. The WWE's women's division was interesting for awhile, but injuries really slowed it down.
Rajah: I think sex appeal works but it has to be in context of feuds and whatnot for example the Mickie-Trish feud. Sex appeal for the sake of sex appeal is not going to work though.
This week's High Road/Low Road featuring...
SummerSlam
Rajah and Sat: We thought we'd do a History of The Diva Search but here's a High Road/Low Road of Summer Slam instead.
Chavo Guerrero versus Rey Mysterio
High Road:
The right decision was made to put Chavo Guerrero over here because the WWE could easily make Chavo Guerrero a star. Rey Mysterio benefited from the multiple times that he beat Eddie Guerrero and the same can be true for Chavo Guerrero. Sure, the Eddie & Vickie Guerrero stuff could be toned down a bit, but the feud did have to start from something. I am still optimistic that this feud can make Chavo Guerrero a star. With Chavo Guerrero winning at SummerSlam, the first step was taken to make Chavo Guerrero a star.
Low Road:
You know what? Fuck this feud, nothing good will come out of it. This is a sick display. Do you think if Stephanie's newborn died that Vince would allow it to be included in the DX/McMahon feud. Actually he probably would because he's a sick callous bastard. Fuck you Vince.
ECW Title: Big Show versus Sabu
High Road:
Sabu should not have won this match because he is older than all of the other contenders for the ECW title. Besides, he is also known to blow a few spots. With the Big Show still has champion, ECW can still throw two more main events out there. Kurt Angle can challenge the Big Show because he is mad at Paul Heyman for taking him out of the number one contenders match and Rob Van Dam can challenge the Big Show because he got screwed out of the title. If Sabu had won, there would have to be a build to Kurt Angle and Rob Van Dam. And it doesn't make sense to give Sabu the ECW title.
Low Road:
First off, what does this say of what WWE thinks of ECW? I personally feel that ECW shouldn't even be included with WWE pay-per-views but if it was why would you place it so low on the card? Why shouldn't Sabu hold the tile? He's 42 or something. How old is Batista? The same fucking age. Of course Sabu is worn down but that just adds to his mystique. I think the match could have been much better as well. So, maybe the final decision was correct but damn they blew the execution.
Hulk Hogan versus Randy Orton
High Road:
I don't agree with having Hulk Hogan win the match, but I will still try to defend it. First off, Randy Orton did beat Hulk Hogan. The only problem was that Hogan's foot was on the ropes. Randy Orton can still say that he had Hulk Hogan beat. Also, everyone is always saying that Randy Orton sucks in the ring and he should not be in the main event. Now, people are saying that there is no way Hogan should have won. And Hulk Hogan has way more support than Randy Orton does, so the right decision was made to send the fans home happy. Finally, if Randy Orton was able to survive the loss that he got from the Undertaker, then he will definitely be able to survive this.
Low Road:
Hogan knows best! Actually I find this amusing. Did anyone really think that Hogan was going to lose to Orton. Foley's hard work undone by the HULKSTER! Let's see how many more main events Orton is going to be able to compete in after this. He's nothing more than a mid-carder on RAW.
Mick Foley versus Ric Flair
High Road:
This match was one of the best matches on the card. First, Ric Flair should have won this match and he did. Ric Flair is the full-time performer and Mick Foley is not. Second, Mick Foley quit at the right time because that is what is character would have done. Mick Foley cares about Melina and when Ric Flair was about to hit her, Mick Foley decided to quit. Also, if the WWE wanted to they could have another match because Ric Flair will not be satisfied with the way he beat Mick Foley. Ric Flair wanted Mick Foley to quit, but not because he was about to hit Melina.
Low Road:
One of the best? Fuck it was the only reason to watch ShitterSlam. I think the idea for another match is an interesting one. Maybe a Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania! I don't have many problems with this match. Yeah, the ending sucked. But what are you going to do? Who would you have winning this match?
World Title: King Booker versus Batista
High Road:
First, I will give you the fact that the match was not that good, but there were a bunch of good decisions made by the WWE. First, this feud was not built well going into SummerSlam and it would have been a shame for the WWE to end this feud this quickly. Now, the feud can continue and the build can only get better. Second, this feud had to continue because SmackDown is short on viable contenders. By extending this feud, the WWE should try to elevate Chavo Guerrero, Lashley, and Mr. Kennedy into legitimate threats to the title. I am not saying that they have to win they title; they just have to be considered threats to win the title. Finally, this is one of the matches that I have been looking forward to since the Booker/Batista altercation and it would have been stupid to end this feud.
Low Road:
I don't understand why a heel is never allowed a clean victory. Is this some sort of rule? Why is there always some sort of interference/DQ/countout. Would it really have hurt Batista if Booker got a win to make him seem legitimate? I don't get it. We all know that Batista is going to win the title. Is the purpose of creative to make it difficult for us to know what's going to happen?
DX versus The McMahons
High Road:
The right outcome came out of this match. DX had to win this match because they were facing two guys that were not even wrestlers. The win by DX can also allow for the feud between the McMahons and DX to stop. Hey, who am I kidding? Another positive that came out of this match was that Kane has finally managed to get into a feud. This will help Kane because he has been mainly off of RAW since the Fake Kane debacle. Umaga will also benefit because it is important to put Umaga in a big feud following his defeat of both members of DX.
Low Road:
FUCK THIS, END THIS FEUD, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This shouldn't have been the second match on the card, maybe the ECW title match should have been here. I honestly do not care about this shit. WHY MUST WE BE TORTURED?
WWE Title: Edge versus John Cena
High Road:
Edge deserved to win this match because he has been a great heel. Edge and John Cena both gave a solid match and I would have no problems with this feud continuing. The WWE made a mistake during Edge's initial run as champion when he lost the title three weeks later and the WWE has learned from their mistake. Also, it would have been a mistake to put the title on John Cena because who is he going to feud with? The only two wrestlers left that Cena hasn't feuded with are Umaga and Randy Orton. Another possible scenario that could play out is that with John Cena losing twice to Edge, you could have John Cena turn heel. Kind of like how Steve Austin turned heel.
Low Road:
I have nothing bad to say. Isn't that something? Maybe you have a LOW ROAD on this match...e-mail it in!
Are you taking the High Road or the Low Road?
Plugs
We are taking the high road on these articles so you should read them...
