Quote:
Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins
Here's the problem: You don't have territories to build guys any more. There isn't any place for people to ply their craft. Furthermore, the territory system would teach guys to wrestle different styles, whether or not it was Strong Style (like the Harts) or the Southern style.
Imagine a pitcher who was able to learn 4 good pitches before being called up, and got to build up from 120 to 150 to 180 to then 200 innings. He'd be much better prepared than a guy who went straight from high school to high A, and then got called up in September and was thrust into a make-it-or-break-it role in the big leagues.
Of course, Vince destroyed the territories, so it's largely he who benefits and suffers from their decline (although not nearly as much suffering as we do).
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When I was deepest into wrestling, I enjoyed it because I could read up on what was happening in the WWF, NWA, AWA, Mid-South, the Deep South, and keep up on all the favorites there. I enjoyed it when Flair would cross over and put his title on the line against the Von Erichs, or Steve Williams, or any number of "heroes" of that particular organization. And you're right - it worked in keeping styles and identities "fresh", without being totally buried or foreign to the fan. The competition for the talent between organizations was a plus, as well. Ricky Steamboat made his name in the WWF, but made himself and the NWA a mint when he came over and beat Flair for the title. It's that kind of crossover that I miss, I guess. Going back and forth between Smackdown and Raw really doesn't do much for me, personally. It's just not interesting, especially knowing that any of these guys could turn up on the other show any given night.
Basically, you're saying Vince's desire to be the King of Wrestling has soured the product, and I agree. Like I said, I just poke my head in from time to time, but all I see are the same guys doing the same shit. The best thing that could happen for the WWE is to have the territories come back, and let some up and comers find their niche so the WWE could have some newness to it.