The whole problem these days basically comes down to these guys not spending several years in the territories first and getting seasoned there. The big show/prime time isn't the place to still be having to learn but that has been what's happening. Today's new superstars, many of them at least, have not been as ready for prime time as wrestlers were back in the old days by the time they got to the big leagues.

aren't the "Indies" considered the new "Territories" though? or am I wrong? i just ask cause i've no idea and am curious

What is training, though? Preparation for the road ahead. Conditioning to be ready for challenges so you can respond adequately, and instinctively.

Crowds around the world are bigger, louder and nastier than Bill DeMott. They'll also leave the gym or arena and take it online etc. If name calling is a deal breaker at the training level, can you really consider that talent ready for the road ahead? The problem's two-fold: Can you ensure their well being as a person? As a booker or agent, can you trust that you'll be able to rely on them?

At a WWE level you're talking about the juggling act of a traveling road show and a global empire. You would hope WWE has support networks around these guys - even at the training level - but any pro is going to have to have the skills to be somewhat self-reliant. Tough, elite level guys. They've gotta deal with the year-round travel, the physical toll of wrestling, the mental toll of sometimes disgusting fans, the flexibility of booking and management, etc etc.

It's easy to view it through the prism of 'I wouldn't want to deal with that', or just a heel trainer in a shallow storyline - DeMott's never been a particularly likeable presence - but that's ignoring the fundamentals of the situation.

Name calling is gonna be low on the list, subject to review. Causing and/or aggravating injuries and concussions - a big concern. Naked stink faces from Luke Gallows - cruel and unusual.


When it comes down to attacking/questioning Bill DeMott's success rate - it's asking why he was in the position at all. When it comes to unpicking that, the absence of territories is quite likely why they tried. Put talent under intense pressure, try to produce a diamond. You're probably going to increase the misses, but when someone gets through, you can count on them. Which is a major reason the developmental system exists.

It's hard to know how much of this kinda stuff applies to 'the brass ring' and McMahon's issues with millennial talent. I'm sure there's an aspect of it, even if it's less about enduring a harsh training regiment, and more about the self-reliance and initiative it builds. Arm chair booking never takes into account the day-to-day failings a talent might have that undermine the company/booker's ability to trust they can rely on them.


It's the same thing, only on a much smaller scale. Which means you don't have the same benefits. The territories meant a network of promotions working at different levels, including multiple high standard companies. Which helped foster a high volume of established and young talent. Which meant, as talent moved around, they were exposed to many, many seasoned veterans. Instead of having one or two teachers, they had dozens, and significantly more experiences to draw upon, good and bad.

You could basically say instead of getting 12 grades of curriculum education, they're being home schooled, in a fraction of the time. There are going to be gaps.

That's probably the best description I've read of wwe's developmental system.

ah ok well thanks dude for the insight. and it's kinda funny, i know some wrestlers and they'd likely reiterate everything you just told me. in fact, one of them we've talked alot about his time as a wrestler

not too bad a RAW tonight. wasn't too impressed with the Smackdown rematches but the segments were decent and i loved the end! STINGER!!!

I ended up picking up TNA The Best Of Raven Nevermore. It was pretty good dvd. I got it mostly for the battle between Sandman and the battle between Sabu.

Overall was really good and I enjoyed the commentary by Raven on the 2 matches in the bonus features.

My 1st TNA dvd I've gotten. Thinking of picking up Hardcore Justice next.

that's cool dude. truth be told i kinda miss not being able to watch TNA every week! like i've no idea wtf is even going on there. fucking TNA so stupid for losing their national exposure and going on a channel virtually nobody has!

i know it's not entirely their fault alone here, but c'mon it's likely gonna be the end for them before long, and it's a goddamn shame to

I didn't realize not everyone has Destinaiton America. With my cable company, Destination America is part of the basic package. I have it. TNA right now is the best it's been since before Hogan and Bischoff came in back in early 2010. Really enjoying it. For that matter, WWE is the best it's been in several years, too.

well when it comes down to it, i think it's a US only channel. and from what i understand it's still not even available to everyone in the US market either. albeit i could be mistaken

i prefer following ROH lately. at least i get to see that.

also, reading that Samoa Joe and Jimmy Jacobs have both signed with WWE is kinda cool

I don't have it and I have direct tv

lol ok so that proves my point

"I'm here to say my legacy in The Octogon is over ... I re-signed last night with @WWE." - @BrockLesnar @SportsCenter

"I work a limited schedule; part-time with full-time pay.”


Stick that in your ppv bonus pipe and smoke it, full timers!

Seriously though, aside from the streak ending thing*, Lesnar has been amazing over the last year.

*still salty.

Bray Wyatt's promo from Raw this week is one of my favorites in a long time.

Aww Yeahh

Lesnar resigning definitely makes the main event more interesting. Reports that Vince is getting on board with the idea of Lesnar retaining definitely shakes it up a bit too.

Besides sting losing to triple h not a bad wrestlemania

overall minus a few things, i was impressed by Mania last night! not better than last years but pretty damn good nonetheless

exciting news that The Fight Network in Canada is going to start broadcasting TNA programming, starting with Impact this Friday! get to once again watch TNA! kind of happy

Lesnar vs rollins on Raw

The first live murder on tv in a long time

Sheamus looks horrible.

Lesnar F5-ing Michael Cole was the things dreams are made of.

That Neville guy is pretty cool but I was kind of hoping Adrian Neville would debut on Raw.

The name that will send a chill down every spine: Neville.