Board 8 > All-Purpose Wrestling Topic 490: 16 Weeks with Eric Bischoff

(+) Yeah! (+)

bisch is a legend for getting that bag for 4 months to do absolutely nothing but "observe".
---

undisputed king of catering

Say what now?
---

I did more wrestling-related work in opening Paint and mocking up a new AEW W/L box for their website a half hour ago than Bischoff did in four months.
---

Well I guess Bischoff showed Dave once and for all who the real observer is
---

NBIceman posted...

I did more wrestling-related work in opening Paint and mocking up a new AEW W/L box for their website a half hour ago than Bischoff did in four months.

every one of us that did a draft has done more work than eric bischoff
---

Hell, every one of us that's posted in this topic or on the Discord has done more work than Eric Bischoff.
---

I helped!
---

Saudi Money IV card
Lesnar vs Velasquez for WWE title
Rollins vs Fiend in a Falls Count Anywhere match for Universal title
Vikings vs Revival vs New Day vs Roode/Ziggler vs OC vs Ryder/Hawkins vs Luchas vs Heavy Machinery vs B Team in a World Cup Tag Team turmoil match
Team Hogan (Rollins, Rusev, Ricochet, 2 others) vs Team Flair (Orton, Corbin, Lashley, Nakamura, 1 other)
Strowman vs Fury
Cesaro vs Mansoor Al-Shehail
Reigns vs ?????

...surely Rollins gets pulled out of the 5 on 5
---

or the fiend is added!
---

I hope it's Rollins, Rusev, Ricochet, The Fiend, and The Fiend vs Orton, Corbin, Lashley, Nakamura, and The Fiend
---

swap one of those for Bray Wyatt and you have a deal

---

Bray Wyatt on the heel team helping to take down 2 Fiends seems more compelling.
I expect a complete team double turn because Sami hyping Nakamura taking down The Fiend with over the top ringside commentary and RKO out of nowhere to take down The Fiend are definitely hype. Rollins teaming with The Fiend is very heel behavior too.

The Fiend could be the new Aces & Eights, with everyone wearing Fiend masks, with the swerve being that Bray Wyatt was the leader all along!!!
---

The story DLC for WWE 2k20 is centered around The Fiend and that might actually be what happens for all I know
---

Jakyl25 posted...

The story DLC for WWE 2k20 is centered around The Fiend and that might actually be what happens for all I know

Is that before or after Red gives someone's grandma some bedsores and gets tapped out by the wrestling team captain
---

Tag

---

For the new topic, too:

2.52
2.32
2.00

Predetermined NFL games > Predetermined wrestling show.
---

On the subject of working harder than Bischoff, I've spent a good part of the last week or so re-familiarizing myself with the current landscape in women's wrestling. A while back, when AEW was just starting to take shape and they were still in the process of announcing their roster, I remember throwing out like a dozen names that I thought they should bring in for their women's division, but I wasn't thinking too hard about it and probably half of them were veterans that are practically done with their career. Of the other half, some have signed with WWE and one (Kylie Rae) was indeed signed to AEW before being released under vague and frankly strange circumstances.

So, in response to the lackluster start for the AEW women's division and their apparent commitment to pushing Dr. Britt Baker, DMD, as one of the stars, as well as to some opinions I've seen that "yeah, maybe Britt Baker The Dentist isn't great, but who else is really out there at this point?", I decided I'd actually put in a little effort and take a hard look into the talent that's around these days. I actually found more than I expected to. So what started as a vaguely facetious attack on Practicing Dental Surgeon Britt Baker has now become something of an indictment on AEW's roster as a whole.

These are all free agents. I didn't even include some of the big possibilities like Rosemary or Tessa Blanchard who might be available soon as well. And, for the sake of simplicity (and because the list would be stupid long otherwise), I didn't include joshi either, since free agency is a little weird considering the general ideas of loyalty for those promotions.

Veterans Tier: Some of the older stars of yesteryear that probably can't be counted on as huge pieces going forward but could be invaluable for letting some younger women learn from the best.
Madison Eagles: She's had some injury issues and my speculation is that she's too involved in the Aussie wrestling scene to commit to a full-time gig, but even so, she'd instantly be the best female worker in the company and probably in the top 10 overall.
Cheerleader Melissa: Her best days are behind her, but she still brings size and experience. I will always be baffled as to why she never got a legit shot with a big company.
Ayako Hamada: For some reason I thought she was retired. But nope, she's still working. Of particular interest is some recent bookings with AAA that seem like they could be a natural stepping stone given AEW's partnership with them. (It's because of these AAA dates that I'm not considering her technically a joshi.)
Nicole Savoy: Whatever relevance SHIMMER has maintained in the last few years has really come mostly on the back of Savoy. She was in the Battle Royal at All Out and she's got the talent (and honestly, she's right on the edge of being young enough to conceivably be placed in the next tier), so I'm not sure what the hangup is here.
LuFisto: She's got a lot of miles and years on her, but she doesn't seem to be slowing down much. It'd be a feel-good story to see her finally get some shine on a big stage after her long and hard career, but it's not like she wouldn't back it up with good work. Even just a one-off with Nyla could do wonders.
Nicole Matthews would be here if she werent banned from the country.
---

Mercedes Martinez Tier
Mercedes Martinez: I didn't think she really fit in either of the categories she's between. She's crowding 40, but she's still so good that AEW could lean on her for a couple of years if they really wanted to. She's got the skill, she's got the presence, and she's got the ability to make whoever she's in the ring with look better. Some of the women on this list got jumped up a whole tier (or made the list at all) because I saw them have a match with Martinez where their potential came through. She got a star reaction as the All Out Battle Royal Joker entrant, so I'm completely lost as to why she's not on the roster yet.

Current Stars: You could plug these wrestlers into the main event level tomorrow and they'd be just fine. And then you could rely on them being over for years afterwards.
Keyra: I understand she wasn't booked on Triplemania, but Cody coming back from that trip talking about how great Big Mami is was a little disturbing. You've got a 23-year-old luchadora here who's already awesome and is still getting better that's working with a partner promotion and you're more interested in a comedy act than her? My man, you're set for comedy. Get some girls who can actually go.
Kellyanne: Maybe she can come in a package deal with Eagles. She's got the cool punk/grunge/alternative look that Bea Priestley does, except she's actually a good wrestler and not a nightmare to work with. And she's 25.
Ivelisse: 31 is basically just young enough for her to qualify for this tier. I know she's a head case and all, but she keeps getting hired despite that reputation for a reason. She could be a great heel for a good long time.
AQA: Book her against Mercedes and she'll get over the way Private Party did against the Bucks. Straight out of Booker T's Reality of Wrestling promotion in my old neck of the woods in Texas. She's young, she's athletic, she's got swagger, and she can work. She also has one of the prettiest Shooting Star Presses of any wrestler going today, male or female. https://www.instagram.com/p/Buxed6lArui/

Could be Current Stars but are probably more like Future Stars Tier: They've got talent, but they're not finished products yet for one reason or another.
Kris Statlander: I have no earthly idea how she hasn't been scooped up by a big company yet. She's 6 feet or damn near but moves around like she's nowhere near it. She's still a little raw, but with the right opponent she can do great things, and she's got the highest ceiling of anyone on this list.
Millie McKenzie: I don't know if she turned down the WWE offer because she really values being a freelancer right now or because it was insulting dollars-wise. If it's the latter, AEW should be going after her hard. She's as close to a prodigy at 19 years old as you're gonna get these days, and she's only going to get better with experience.
Ashley Vox: I'm not clear on what kind of obligations the NWA is demanding from their talent right now, but under the assumption that it's probably nothing super solid, Vox should be waaay on the radar. She brings an aura of intensity that would really be welcome in that division right now, with the potential to be a real cornerstone later on.

Valuable Current Assets with Big Potential
Jessica Troy: As big a blow as losing Kylie Rae was, Troy could conceivably be what they wanted Kylie to be. She's cute, she's likable, she's got energy and some technical skill, and she's even 5 years younger than Kylie.
Jamie Hayter: Hasn't quite put it together in-ring yet, except against the very top tier talent, but she's a hell of a trash talker and plays her character well. Perfect midcard heel with the potential to be more if she really connects.
Avary: A more serious version of Session Moth Martina. One of the more charismatic prospects on the list, and she's starting to improve in the ring as well. Also has the benefit of working well as a face and heel.
---

Valuable Current Assets continued
Leyla Hirsch: Shoot-style worker, which would immediately make her stand out in AEW, but the thing that's gonna make or break her is whether she can present that in a believable enough way that it makes up for her small size. I like her upside a lot, but I have no idea if it'll translate on a big stage considering some folks already seem to be having a bit of an issue with Riho.
Hyan: Another ROW product, and I'm just never 100% sure where I come out on her. She's got all the pieces - good size, attractive, solid work, deceptive athleticism, and damn does she throw a hell of a running corner knee. But she can be inconsistent, and there's times when it really looks like she's having to think her way through a match. I've seen it live. I'm also not sure if she has that intangible IT factor. If she can put the pieces together, though, she could be huge. Check out this 450: https://twitter.com/_thehyan/status/1099562722918838272

Women with some potential and could at least be Upper Midcarders
Christi Jaynes: This borders on a vanity pick since I've seen her so much in Texas, but I do think there's something there. Very rough around the edges but there's flashes of athleticism and skill that come out now and again, especially since the couple of runs she's had in Mexico. She's got some decent size, too. Most importantly, she's developed some awesome crowd connections in the promotions she works often. Gets some real fantastic reactions. That's always a valuable trait.
Sonya Strong: If you like stiff kicks and big suplexes, you'll like Sonya Strong. I don't know if she has a star aura, but she's good enough that I could see her developing into something valuable in her own right. And she was trained by Amazing Red, so, you know, I'll always appreciate that.
Erika Reid: Fantastic look. I like to think of her as Shotzi Blackheart if she was better and didn't sell pictures of her shit online. In-ring is rough, but she's got time to figure that out. And if she doesn't, she's at least an excellent manager.
Alex Gracia: The third and final ROW product on the list, and the least experienced of anyone, with only one year under her belt. She's made a lot of noise in that year, though. She's very athletic and already fairly smooth in the ring. Her biggest asset is her look, though. She's incredibly attractive and has the sort of appearance that just naturally makes people want to root for her. Provided she's not held back by her small stature, she could turn into a huge face.

Are at least better than Britt Baker, who is a dentist, Tier: The "good hands" of the list, who don't have a lot of upside but could still contribute.
Shazza McKenzie: I've never seen her have a great match, but I also can't remember seeing her have an actively bad one. She's likable, she was in the All Out Battle Royal, and she's been trying on social media to get AEW to hire her for a while now. She'd be a very useful wrestler to have around.
Shanna: Portuguese veteran who can have some excellent performances with the right opponent. I swear at one point I saw a rumor saying she was signed already, but that was a while ago.
Katey Harvey: AKA the "Shit Winter Soldier." In-ring is nothing special, but it's fine, and she's a great character that can cut a hell of a promo.
Allysin Kay: The very definition of "solid but unremarkable." At least her look is good.
Samantha Heights: Kind of a failed prospect that never reached the heights (heh) some people expected, but she can do some good traditional heel work and that wouldn't go amiss in this division.
Zoey Skye: I really like her, but she's kind of missed her window and at this point probably just isn't gonna get that much better. She has the same size problems of some other names here without the upside.

Okay, I'm done. I did your job for you, Brandi. Stop pushing the dentist.
---

But dentistry is how Kane got his start!
---

I just want the stardom three to get there somehow

Maybe not kairi now that she exists

---

Love the sports-like news ticker on WWE Backstage

SmackDown Womens Champion Bayley set to begin title reign after destroying inflatable buddies, using explicit language to deliver hateful message towards fans
---

Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross traded to SmackDown for future picks and considerations

This company fucking sucks at trying to be like real sports
---

Roman on the HiaC finish:

I think you should express your opinions, but it doesnt hurt anybody if you have a shred of respect. Have a little respect for the performers who were out there killing themselves for you. I didnt like the Hell in a Cell finish either, but I wasnt about to cuss some guys out who got hit in the head over and over. Bray Wyatt put his health on the line to entertain some fans to the best of his ability. I didnt like it, but I respect Brays effort and willingness to go out there and do what you have to do. So, if you can, just a little bit of respect.

Why is Roman so much better at being a corporate mouthpiece than Seth?

Were we all wrong back in 2016 when Seth returned while Roman was holding the title?
---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4e_EeDx99U" data-time="

Alvarez destroying WWE's incompetence like they deserve.

---

TheRock1525 posted...

Roman on the HiaC finish:

I think you should express your opinions, but it doesnt hurt anybody if you have a shred of respect. Have a little respect for the performers who were out there killing themselves for you. I didnt like the Hell in a Cell finish either, but I wasnt about to cuss some guys out who got hit in the head over and over. Bray Wyatt put his health on the line to entertain some fans to the best of his ability. I didnt like it, but I respect Brays effort and willingness to go out there and do what you have to do. So, if you can, just a little bit of respect.

Why is Roman so much better at being a corporate mouthpiece than Seth?

Were we all wrong back in 2016 when Seth returned while Roman was holding the title?

I think the fans WERE respecting the performers when the loudest chant was RESTART THE MATCH

They wanted to see more of them. It was purely creative they were booing
---

There was a segment on WWE Backstage that defies explanation

It was a skit where Seth Rollins went to a psychiatrist, in his wrestling gear

The unprofessional psychiatrist was in love with Seth and scribbling in her notebook about how much she loved him while he was talking.

Then your time is up and Seth left and she cuddled the empty couch.

The end.
---

Next week, George Steele is shrunk.
---

Big implications online that NJPW is buying STARDOM
---

Jakyl25 posted...

Big implications online that NJPW is buying STARDOM

This sounds like a big get for New Japan if true.
---

heard that wwe is close to launching nxt japan, with meiko satomura and daisuke sekimoto rumored as trainers

TheRock1525 posted...

Were we all wrong back in 2016 when Seth returned while Roman was holding the title?

Neither of them are very compelling performers.
---

NBIceman posted...

Kris Statlander: I have no earthly idea how she hasn't been scooped up by a big company yet. She's 6 feet or damn near but moves around like she's nowhere near it. She's still a little raw, but with the right opponent she can do great things, and she's got the highest ceiling of anyone on this list.

there is zero chance statlander remains unsigned through 2020
---

Eddv posted...

TheRock1525 posted...

Were we all wrong back in 2016 when Seth returned while Roman was holding the title?

Neither of them are very compelling performers.

Eh. Feels like revisionist history. 2016 Rollins was pretty compelling I thought. He had an amazing Rumble match against Lesnar and Cena and his match with Orton at that Mania was great too. He was on a roll around then.

Some combination of
heel Rollins > face Rollins
J&J Security adding a lot to the act and him not having enough depth without a manager
Rollins being corrupted by complacently working in WWE too long (he's added a lot of bad signature moves and mannerisms and such over the years which has made his character and matches worse) or just plain aging out of his skill

Ruined him. He used to be legit fun though. Roman on the other hand hasn't fallen off a cliff and probably is slightly better than 2016, and I'd call him the better of the two nowadays

Neither one is really face of the company level but 2016 Rollins was a lot closer than either one at least
---

I mean speak for yourselves. Yeah the match with Brock and Cena was fun but it featured Brock. And Cena.

I've never really thought there was very much there there with Rollins and history has borne that out.
---

Rollins added a lot to that match and it'd be dishonest to imply he was carried there.

Heck I'd find it closer to the truth to say J&J carried him more than Brock or Cena did because I do think they added a lot and part of me feels like say Miz with The B-Team could have done something similar there. Like how much was Rollins and how much was it generic scummy heel with two crash test dummy managers for Brock and Cena to demolish.

But still. Whatever the cause Rollins had a lot of good matches around that time.
---

I don't disagree with the notion that Joey Mercury and Jaime Noble are underappreciated talents
---

Rollins is one of those guys I think that I thought I liked and then one day I had trouble of thinking of anything he'd done to garner that

---

I mean I agree Rollins sucks now and has for a long time I'm just saying he was good for a while there and just got worse over time. Guys getting worse is a thing that happens. It's just harder to say exactly why Rollins did cause you can't cite a specific injury or anything, but that doesn't mean he was always bad.
---

Well he did have that nasty knee injury but his problem really isn't in ring performance for the most part - though he doesn't do as many phoenix splashes these days.
---

I was legit thinking when was the last time Rollins did a Phoenix Splash.
---

Like I said I think it's a combination of the factors I mentioned earlier.

Even when he was in the Shield he had distracting elements in Ambrose and Reigns to conceal missing pieces of his game. J&J did that as a heel singles guy.

Mostly I'm thinking his move set lacks impact and he doesn't have a very strong character to show. And these have both gotten worse over time because WWE encourages you to add this stuff and he's added bad stuff, and he's just not as convincing as a face and is a more natural as a heel.

But yeah now he has neither a manager nor tag partners and the wrong alignment so it's more glaring
---

Rollins comes across as a top guy who can't carry himself as one, but is good enough that people don't QUESTION he belongs there in the main event. The issue is his mentality doesn't inspire any confidence, and is actively turning people off now. It's pretty sad that you have to be THIS bad for people to clamor for Roman back as a focal point. He's very thin-skinned, and the issue is we'd never know it if he'd just shut up.

He's his own worst enemy.

---

People dont question that he belongs there almost by default
---

Also, is it strange that all three members of the Shield, despite being the only main event guys other than AJ and Daniel Bryan to be made the past 4-5 years, all seem to be kneecapped by WWE in some fashion?

Roman: Pushed too fast, too soon
Seth: Unlikeable off camera, and now miscast while ON it
Dean: Always given 3rd wheel status, and "SUCH GOOD SHIT" to work with

I mean, you'd think WWE would be capable of making all three of them super interesting in different ways, and they just...can't.

---

Thats kind of the point a lot of people have made

It isnt that WWE needs competition to spur them to do better. They ALREADY ARE doing their best. They just forgot how to do it.
---

If this is their best...then good lord.

---

Lopen posted...

Mostly I'm thinking his move set lacks impact

I never thought about this but it's so true. And so odd considering he had one of the higher impact offenses around during his ROH days.
---

Youve gotta love the idea that Rollins is such a bad top face that weve got to turn the horrifying psychopath who talks to bunny puppets and carries around his own head as a lantern into a hero.
---