Well, I usually focus my columns about the WWF and where they are going, but after Monday’s earth-shattering jackhammer, I thought that I’d take a look down there.
The WCW has been the number one promotion for most of the past two years. Ever since Hall stepped out of the crowd that fateful Memorial Day, the WCW has been on top. True, they have been bumped back down to number two again (at least for the past two months or so) with sub-par NITROs, horrible Thunders, and lackluster pay per views, but they are working their way back up. The crowning of Goldberg as the champion has created a fire in the WCW that hasn’t been there since Flair walked the Horsemen through the hallowed halls of many a SuperBrawl and Starrcade. There are questions in every fans minds, doubts in the minds of others, and a disbelief all around. A bad thing? Hell no! This has created that interest in the WCW that it has been lacking for the past few months.
Until now, NITRO would start and everyone knew that they would see Hogan eventually strut out to the some Jimmy Hendrix and tell everyone how much of the man that he is with Bischoff echoing behind him. Then we would be treated to a Benoit/Booker match and some Chris Jericho and Dean Malenko crap. We would then sit back and watch the Flock destroy Kanyon and Saturn and then look on as the nWo Wolfpack played the crowd to a T. Not that this past Monday was any different, but there was something else there after Goldberg won the title. He invigorated the whole company with one jack hammer. No, I am not saying that Hogan is a washed up old hag, but he is no longer championship material. Hey, don’t get used to Goldberg with the belt because Hogan has to defend it against Hart eventually…
Now that the World Title scene is in place, the US title should be placed in a tournament. Let’s get about 32 of the toughest guys in the WCW and get them in this tournament. How about… Benoit, Malenko, Raven, Saturn, DDP, Finley, Psychosis, Ultimo Dragon, Norton, Hennig, Hall, HOGAN, Disciple, Reese, Giant, Morrus, Warrior, Konnan, Luger, Steiner, Hart, Bulldog, Anvil, Kanyon, Adams, Mongo, Eddie, Chavo, Booker T, Stevie Ray, and the Barbarian. These are a few of the toughest men in the sport. Obviously guys like Hall, Hennig, Hogan, Hart, DDP, Giant, Warrior, and Luger should all be considered for the title itself. In my opinion, it should go to Luger to give him some more personality and then have him and Hennig feud over it. That is how the WCW can elevate that element of their product.
The final way that they can elevate their product may seem dumb to you, but I feel that it has a big impact on the overall show. They need to change that NITRO set. It is too damn bland. The first thing that has to be moved and shaken up is the announcers. Many fans feel that Schiavonne is one of the best guys out there. This is true if you are talking about over exaggeration and not paying attention to the match at hand. What they need is to have hour one with Hudson and Marshall, hour two with Tenay and Mean Gene, and hour three with Schiavonne, Heenan, and Zybsyco. Yes this means that Gene wouldn’t be able to do interviews during hour two. Good. Let’s have one hour of pure action with some of the world’s greatest athletes. Next is the set. I’ll admit that when NITRO first hit the air, that grey/black set was cool. This was also three years ago. NITRO’s colors are red, black, and yellow (a type of fire color), well let’s get a new damn ring apron to match those cool mats on the floor! The entranceway is cool, but it needs a facelift. A little tweaking here and there and BAM you have a more attractive set. This could possibly raise the ratings .1 or .2 which we know is a lot in the overall scheme.
That’s enough for this week. I’ll be back next week.
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