Yeah, You Can Go With RAW's Way or Get With SmackDown's Plan...

A Good Tuesday to You, Enthusiasts!

So, I’ve been hearing that the ratings for both RAW and SmackDown are generally down but I have to say it shouldn’t be because of the fare.  Last night, though hard to call was quite entertaining.  Exactly what it should be for being 2 weeks out from a PPV.  This could just be a greater indicator of this being a sign of the times.  Not to say that the genre will ever fall into obscurity but I think what we must understand is that this genre is Cult by definition.  It draws people who are generally “different” in some way.  We are not the typical consumer.  We like things rough and tumble to a certain degree and let’s face it, that’s becoming decidedly frowned upon in this day and age.  This should be more a marker for going back to basics.  The genre has always been on the fringe.  I think though the WWE is the mainstream incarnation, they above all should remember its grittier, niche origins.  It should never try to be something it’s not.  So, by that philosophy, though the WWE serves as example, it should always lead with a sort, “this isn’t for everyone” sort of tone.  They should revel in themselves.  It is its own Universe after all.  They should probably double-down on that.  Not that it should refrain from considering feedback and fan trends but it should relish in what it is.  Embrace it.  I feel that is the key to a “New Era”.

People keep the memory of the Attitude Era alive but we must all admit that its time has passed and we shouldn’t necessarily try to recreate it.  What should be aimed for is providing the space for other, just as substantial eras to come into being.  I believe they are close to doing that.  I really think WWE Management/Creative is really ready to rethink this whole franchise and that’s great.  It will take that sort of openness to make it all work again.  With the SmackDown move to FOX pending, they are going to have to come up with stuff that not only works but is quintessentially WWE.  I suggest sticking to the more palatable sides of it, the great wrestlers and solid matches with sides of comedy or blazing promos all wrapped up in plausible “Drama”. Try to keep the less savory stuff in the background as you would with any pitch.  Focus on the positives.  Demonstrate why the misfits, the outcasts, the brawlers, the rough edges, the divas and the jocks find a place here.  That is what makes up “We the Audience” at the core.  Keep to that, and someone will always be watching.  We’ll always be out there.

Now, as for tonight’s SmackDown agenda, there’s not much circulating.  Daniel Bryan is supposed to go round with Jeff Hardy.  Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev may pair up to face off against Anderson & Gallows. And Mustafa Ali has to hold his own against Randy Orton.  That should be interesting.  Besides that, we have to wait for it.  Sure we’ll see more of the new belt that Daniel Bryan has.  Perhaps Mandy Rose will continue to hate on Naomi for no real reason.  And I’m sure Samoa Joe will come out to bust up someone’s party.  Only time will tell.  Funny tweets get retweeted and as for Likes/Favorites, let’s see if SmackDown keeps the pace.  They usually do.

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)