[Serious_frusting]

Interesting fact

WCW got a 2.6 ten weeks before it died and it was going up against the WWF.

Not saying that the WWE is about to die though, I just wanted to put things into perspective.

[Theproof]

lol this is great news and nobody should be mad about this. I'm surprised they even get this with the crap they've been putting out over the years.

[FIREW0LF]

Not suprised in the slightest. Put on a show that is utter shite, get utter shite ratings.

[Vyed]

Originally Posted by roadkill_

No ab-libbing is allowed under the current strict regimen. Steve Austin himself would have a hard time flourishing under such tight bullshit (My guess is he woulda walked, probably to TNA where f-bombs have been heard several times past few months).

I doubt that is true. Its one of those Internet myths with no proof. I was listening to a CM punk interview from 2009, where he said he does a lot of ad-libbing in his promos. I think the real problem is lack of drive among the superstars to make it to the absolute top, as JR has pointed out many times in his interviews and blogs.

[WrestlingforEverII]

lol I haven't sat down and fully watched this shit of a show since RAW 1000. Sad to see how far its fallen in recent weeks. Nothing meaningful is going on.

[Kabraxal]

Originally Posted by Vyed

I doubt that is true. Its one of those Internet myths with no proof. I was listening to a CM punk interview from 2009, where he said he does a lot of ad-libbing in his promos. I think the real problem is lack of drive among the superstars to make it to the absolute top, as JR has pointed out many times in his interviews and blogs.

I think that is more along the lines of the absolute top guys have some pull to do their thing. We've heard numerous reports about guys like Ziggler ad libbing then getting berated for not sticking to script enough times that I don't think it is far off from teh truth. McMahon has gone iron fisted on the product. And maybe that is the real reason it's decaying... there is no organic feel to anything. It's all so mechanical for any of the few feuds or stories we have while everything else is just... there.

[KO Bossy]

Originally Posted by Marv95

2.5 is at Nitro 1999 and 2000-levels before and after Russo was fired. In fact it's worse than what they did, and they had Raw to compete with. Anyone remember how BORING Nitro was throughout 1999 post nWo/pre Russo and 2000 during the Sullivan Era? But at least they had starpower.

Yes 3-hours are a huge problem but even if they went back to the regular 2 it wouldn't make THAT much of a difference. They've gotten 2s before the 3-hour switch. Despite some potential in one or 2 guys the rest of the show and product is a complete mess. Cena isn't gonna save it, JBL back full-time won't save it, TV-14 won't save it (see 2007). It needs a revamp. Trim the fat and get rid of the guys who aren't ready/waste space and bring in guys who clearly are and push them. Enforce the brand split or just abolish it already and have one world champ. Turn guys heel/face who are long overdue. Focus on a more serious product instead of pointless comedy. Give us a storyline that creates a buzz around the wrestling world(Nexus, Summer of Punk, Conspiracy) and follow through on it.

Oh I remember how boring Nitro was. During the Sullivan Era I think that the most unique concept invented was the Yappapi Indian Strap match.

I'll say this about Russo WCW-it was often illogical, stupid and poorly thought out, but it was never boring.

[Rock316AE]

Originally Posted by Serious_frusting

Interesting fact

WCW got a 2.6 ten weeks before it died and it was going up against the WWF.

Not saying that the WWE is about to die though, I just wanted to put things into perspective.

WCW even on its last legs had a much bigger overall TV audience than WWE now. In the last few months and in general, they were always doing the 3.5/3.9 quarters in the first hour and then the 2.5/3.0- against RAW(only 00). The downfall below 3.0 only started in late 99 and even then they had plenty of weeks above it. They had a RAW one time in 11pm because of Tennis, Nitro that night drew a 4.0+. That was the same night of the War Games on TV IIRC, which was a big success. Point is, Nitro with no competition at its peak on their neck, would have done at least a 4.0+ every week.

[Hank Scorpio]

Damn, TNA maintaining their core audience is looking pretty good now.

[RatedR10]

Originally Posted by Vyed

I doubt that is true. Its one of those Internet myths with no proof. I was listening to a CM punk interview from 2009, where he said he does a lot of ad-libbing in his promos. I think the real problem is lack of drive among the superstars to make it to the absolute top, as JR has pointed out many times in his interviews and blogs.

There's been tons of things out there that say only a few superstars get to ad-lib, and those are the top guys. Former creative writers have also noted that Dolph Ziggler's gone off script a few times and every time he has, he's been punished for it in someway.