One of the greatest mangers and minds in this business has been quoted as saying "Where's there's chaos, there is opportunity". Such is very true in the world of pro wrestling. If you are tuned in exclusively to WWE, then you probably think that I am speaking of their "universe". But for the first time in nearly 20 years, there appears to be what plenty of us have been seeking for so long.
Options.
So where does Velvet start in the exploration of these options? Where else?
WWE
This should section should have specifically been titled WrestleMania. With a roster that is depleted of some of its biggest stars at possibly the worst time, this year's "Showcase of the Immortals" doesn't look all that good on paper. The main event is Triple H defending the World championship against Roman Reigns. Remember the last time Triple H tried to manufacture a highly personal feud with the end result being a Mania main event? I do. WrestleMania 25 versus Randy Orton. Two extraordinary athletes offering what was one of the weakest main events in the show's history. It wasn't entirely their fault because they had to follow The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Fast forward almost a decade later and Trips is in the main event with Reigns. Roman is great guy who deserves all the success he has and will have (pretty predictable finish for this one). However, WWE fans don't like him as a good guy and aren't afraid to say so.
The opportunity for success lies in the undercard and what better place to do it. I'm willing to bet the main event isn't making people wanna watch. The fact that Shane McMahon could actually win his match against The Undertaker makes me cringe. I'm not too familiar with the undercard and honestly don't care much at this point. Still, whoever is on it should put on a world-class performance. Simply because this is what the world is watching (an old WWF promo line).
TNA
Not sure what to say about TNA and opportunity. Consistency has never been a strong point for them. Recent reports that Eric Young and Bobby Roode being "done" with the company could give off a negative reaction. John Gamburick's statement following their leaving comes off as self-serving and promotional. The there is the bright side. TNA has a new home (again). Youth is the lifeblood of business. The opportunity lies in the fact that most of the guys who were in TNA when it first came to be are gone. There are a lot of young hungry wrestlers doing today what TNA has been doing for more than a decade of yesterdays: seeking to establish their identity. The POP Network may not be the most popular but people are still watching.
ROH
Ring of Honor is now owned but Sinclair Broadcasting Group - the largest conglomerate of syndicate channels in the United States. I liken this to NWA Wrestling for me in the 1980's growing up in New Jersey. When I got tired of the WWF, I'd seek out the NWA no matter what time it came on. Back then, it was different. It was fresh! It was.. ..not the WWF! And with potentially limitless exposure on a national scale, that's what ROH represents for the casual WWE fan. From the post-production After Effects overlays to the big screens at live events, their TV production has been upgraded. SBG is worth MILLIONS of dollars. It's a publicly-traded company. Further research also shows that SBG owns the Comet Network ROH is broadcast on. The opportunity for ROH lies in continuing to showcase their amazingly talented roster while not over-investing in their television presentation to the point of overkill like WWE. Unlike TNA, Ring of Honor has its own appealing identity. Yeah, the 55 finishers and 87 double-team moves in one match can sometimes border on the ridiculous but I don't speak for every fan. There is a market that this appeals to and NO ONE has cornered it like ROH.
LUCHA UNDERGROUND
So here is the new kid on the block. Everyone worth their salt will cry and whine about pro wrestling storylines. Well peeps, this fed is full of them They are elaborate and amazing to watch unfold with cinematic detail. It's been said that pro wrestling is a soap opera for men. You may agree with that once you watch this show. This has become my newest wrestling addiction. It is different from what wrestling fans for decades have been used to seeing and I absolutely love it. It has a true underground feel to it. It pays homage to Mexico's lucha libre tradition and takes it to another level with awesome characters and some the most amazing women in wrestling. The opportunity lies in this fed continuing to be itself and marketing the product. It represents the most different product out there and has been awesome for the El Rey network. I stay watching and tweeting about this on Wednesday nights. You should do the same in both instances.
So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The pro wrestling landscape is FULL of opportunities. I would strongly suggest to indy promoters and wrestlers to study and watch what happens next. It's gonna be fun to see. Because no matter what level you're on in the game, you never know who is watching......
Fin.
Options.
So where does Velvet start in the exploration of these options? Where else?
WWE
This should section should have specifically been titled WrestleMania. With a roster that is depleted of some of its biggest stars at possibly the worst time, this year's "Showcase of the Immortals" doesn't look all that good on paper. The main event is Triple H defending the World championship against Roman Reigns. Remember the last time Triple H tried to manufacture a highly personal feud with the end result being a Mania main event? I do. WrestleMania 25 versus Randy Orton. Two extraordinary athletes offering what was one of the weakest main events in the show's history. It wasn't entirely their fault because they had to follow The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Fast forward almost a decade later and Trips is in the main event with Reigns. Roman is great guy who deserves all the success he has and will have (pretty predictable finish for this one). However, WWE fans don't like him as a good guy and aren't afraid to say so. The opportunity for success lies in the undercard and what better place to do it. I'm willing to bet the main event isn't making people wanna watch. The fact that Shane McMahon could actually win his match against The Undertaker makes me cringe. I'm not too familiar with the undercard and honestly don't care much at this point. Still, whoever is on it should put on a world-class performance. Simply because this is what the world is watching (an old WWF promo line).
TNA
Not sure what to say about TNA and opportunity. Consistency has never been a strong point for them. Recent reports that Eric Young and Bobby Roode being "done" with the company could give off a negative reaction. John Gamburick's statement following their leaving comes off as self-serving and promotional. The there is the bright side. TNA has a new home (again). Youth is the lifeblood of business. The opportunity lies in the fact that most of the guys who were in TNA when it first came to be are gone. There are a lot of young hungry wrestlers doing today what TNA has been doing for more than a decade of yesterdays: seeking to establish their identity. The POP Network may not be the most popular but people are still watching.ROH
Ring of Honor is now owned but Sinclair Broadcasting Group - the largest conglomerate of syndicate channels in the United States. I liken this to NWA Wrestling for me in the 1980's growing up in New Jersey. When I got tired of the WWF, I'd seek out the NWA no matter what time it came on. Back then, it was different. It was fresh! It was.. ..not the WWF! And with potentially limitless exposure on a national scale, that's what ROH represents for the casual WWE fan. From the post-production After Effects overlays to the big screens at live events, their TV production has been upgraded. SBG is worth MILLIONS of dollars. It's a publicly-traded company. Further research also shows that SBG owns the Comet Network ROH is broadcast on. The opportunity for ROH lies in continuing to showcase their amazingly talented roster while not over-investing in their television presentation to the point of overkill like WWE. Unlike TNA, Ring of Honor has its own appealing identity. Yeah, the 55 finishers and 87 double-team moves in one match can sometimes border on the ridiculous but I don't speak for every fan. There is a market that this appeals to and NO ONE has cornered it like ROH.LUCHA UNDERGROUND
So here is the new kid on the block. Everyone worth their salt will cry and whine about pro wrestling storylines. Well peeps, this fed is full of them They are elaborate and amazing to watch unfold with cinematic detail. It's been said that pro wrestling is a soap opera for men. You may agree with that once you watch this show. This has become my newest wrestling addiction. It is different from what wrestling fans for decades have been used to seeing and I absolutely love it. It has a true underground feel to it. It pays homage to Mexico's lucha libre tradition and takes it to another level with awesome characters and some the most amazing women in wrestling. The opportunity lies in this fed continuing to be itself and marketing the product. It represents the most different product out there and has been awesome for the El Rey network. I stay watching and tweeting about this on Wednesday nights. You should do the same in both instances.So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The pro wrestling landscape is FULL of opportunities. I would strongly suggest to indy promoters and wrestlers to study and watch what happens next. It's gonna be fun to see. Because no matter what level you're on in the game, you never know who is watching......
Fin.
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