The SmarkTown Weekly
December 31, 2002
Alan Edwards
Hart Still Refusing to Get Over Self
According to various sources, Bret Hart continues to harbor anger toward Vince McMahon and his wrestling organization. Legend, whiner, and mark for himself Hart has been upset with the company since being set up for an unscripted loss over five years ago, and was even more troubled by the death of brother Owen years later. While one could not blame the superstar for his harsh feelings regarding his sibling, it is plausible for some people to realize that nobody in the entire freaking world cares anymore. Hart is not among that group of people.
The Hitman has allegedly made comments lately regarding the tenth anniversary edition of WWE Raw. There are rumors running rampant concerning the possibility of bringing back a large number, or perhaps all, of the talent which have performed on Raw over the past decade. Hart has allegedly stated that he has no interest in ever cooperating with the company again, apparently still concerned only with his own pride.
We here at SmarkTown Weekly aren't sure what OTHER nationally televised wrestling organization Bret is interested in promoting, but we're guessing that if Goldberg signs up in WWE as predicted, Hart's chances of showing up on TNN or UPN will go from the equivalent of "snowball's chance in hell" to "Undertaker selling Flair's chops."
Vince Frustrated, Can't Connect With Audience
It has finally occurred to WWE Chairman Vincent K McMahon, Jr. that he is not connecting with his audience. Word is out now that he has become frustrated, because he has always prided himself on knowing what the fans want. It seems that we've all lost our smiles, and Vinnie Mac just can't figure out why. Frustration is obvious, because we all know the fans love seeing HHH as the champ on one show, Big Show and Albert getting pushed to the main event on the other show, and everyone with even the slightest bit of in-ring talent being buried. Angle may be champ, but a manager's function is to help a character build heat, not instantly kill any steam he has for the manager's own personal gain. Heyman has went from genius heel commentator to genius heel manager to pain in the ass.
Oh, let's not get off track. The company's higher-ups have been noting the slump in ratings for a time now, but none have given any indication that they understand why. It seems the empire that brought down all other empires is bringing itself down now. It's only fitting...any form of entertainment needs competition to stay effective. Half of WWE's success was based on anti-WCW sentiment, and likewise the other way around. I know that I, as a fan, refused to watch Raw and SmackDown, even though Thunder had moved to Wednesday nights. I was absolutely loyal to the Turner product through the bitter end. Now, there is no competition, no rivalry, nothing to fight against. After a million articles about who to push, who to sign, who to release, and how to book, this is what it comes down to...competition brings ratings. Vince, you may have held this thing together for a long, long time and revolutionized the entire industry like no one else...but you dug your own grave. In the end, you killed your own product by killing all the others.
Alan Edwards, Alan Edwards, and Alan Edwards. alanpugh@sbcglobal.net to get in touch, and if you’re female, send a pic for a quick response. If you’re male, send a pic of your sister, and that will work just as well. As always, keep your shoulders off the mat, and keep reaching for the ropes…transmission complete…
*static*
