RINGSIDE or CHEAP SEATS 11.05.06: Wrestling TV 10/30 to 11/4

Posted by Joe Boo on 11.05.2006

This week we judge on the best vs. the worst of each show to determine where I would sit…

I am writing late on Saturday night this week kidz. Yes, I have no life this weekend and I haven't had a drop of alcohol. That means this column might make some sense for once. Anyways, I'm doing it up a little different this week as the teaser line stated. I feel we base many things on the best and worst in life. So why can't we do it for wrestling? Well here we go!

RAW

If you have been reading my column as of late, you know that I am not on the RAW bandwagon. In fact I think it has become pretty stale. The only real move I've seen is the feud with Orton and Edge vs. DX. With that being said, everything else is pretty much the same.

So the best thing I've seen on RAW this past week was the promo's cut by Ric Flair and company. When Ric Flair brought out Sgt. Slaughter, Roddy Piper, and Dusty Rhodes, I was happy. Those guys put in effort that most of these young guys can't even fathom. I am actually intrigued about there match with the spirit squad more than I am with the main event for Cyber Sunday.

Those guys can draw you into the storyline to the point where you forget wrestling is staged. Even though they are past their prime in the ring, they will still put on a good show and somehow you will remember what happens. Anyone remember the last Cena vs. Edge match? Didn't think so…

The worst part of RAW was the main event. The build up to the champion of champions match has been mediocre at best. I really don't give a shit whose title is on the line. The build up has done nothing for me to even begin to care. The one thing you must do before a PPV is to have a good cliffhanger leading into the PPV. RAW did not deliver and frankly it's sad that they let the show end the way it did.

You can probably take a guess that I am still sitting in the CHEAP SEATS for RAW. There is no development and when the legends are the bright spot of the show you can pretty much assume they are going backwards.


ECW

I'll start with the worst thing about ECW this past week actually every week. The divas are pretty much worthless on this show and they are putting way too much time into those segments. If this was a two hour program, then I would understand putting them on. However, people are watching ECW for the violent matches, not divas who can't dance, can't get naked, and can't speak. The only diva on the show that is somewhat interesting is Ariel. She is only interesting as a manager not as a character on her own. Take the divas off the air or keep them in smaller roles until this brand expands.

The best thing on ECW this past week was RVD. It is so refreshing to see this guy do what he wants to do in the ring again. He was "handcuffed" in WWE in terms of in ring work and promos. He is allowed to be himself and doesn't have to worry about forcing a character that isn't him. Anyone in the wrestling business will tell you that the best performers are the ones who take extensions of themselves and add to it. The Rock did it; Austin did it just to name a few. If RVD continues to flow with this we may be able to see his full potential.

So based on those two criteria, I will sit RING SIDE for this show still. Ratings do have to increase or I'll be buying these shows on WWE 24/7.


TNA

The best thing on this show was the segment with the James gang. For those that don't watch TNA that would be Billy Gunn and the Road dog. They cut a promo that actually made me wonder if they really are doing what they are doing. It brought me back to the days when people were jumping from WCW to WWE and vice versa. There would be talk and sometimes the talk would take place on the actual shows. They call this shoot, which is basically telling the truth instead of reading from a script.

The one thing I don't get is why TNA would do this with those two. It was basically a tease that they were leaving TNA to go back to WWE. First thing I thought of is how many people may tune into RAW this week to see if a full scale DX reunion will happen. I don't think that is the case but I bet some people will and perhaps some people will tune into RAW

Actually that is also the worst thing that happened on this show. By having that type of tease is dangerous. If it was with someone else that didn't have any association with WWE I would say fine. However, even though this is probably a work not sure where they are going with this and this would make us confused or not buy into the angle.

Either way I am still sitting RING SIDE. This show just simply kicks ass and I suggest you watch a replay of the Bound for Glory PPV if you get a chance.


SMACKDOWN

The worst thing on this show is the Batista vs. Finlay feud. Does anyone really give a shit? This has been dragged out way too long and I'm surprised Batista is still over with the fans. This is only benefiting Finlay in my opinion. However, it is bad booking and I hope this ends next week. These two just don't have the chemistry for this long of a feud.

The best thing on SMACKDOWN is the tag division and we can thank London and Kindrick for that. They are by far the best tag-team in 2 years. They may be the best tag-team since the Rockers and Hart Foundation days. They are a true team and the only thing that can slow them down is a lack of opponents. Therefore the WWE better start putting time into the tag division because people are behind this team and this is a great chance to build this division up around them.

A quick thought on Lashley if I may. That boy needs a story line ASAP or he is going to fall-out with the fans. He needs something soon….perhaps a move to RAW!


Well my friends that is all I have for this week. I'm trying to think of a new way to deliver this column so if you do read and have any suggestions please let me know. Now I must bow out tonight and continue my sober weekend (lots of jerking off). Lata Kidz!