The point is that they’ve literally slotted him into Cena’s spot. The debut by shutting up Miz since Cena wasn’t there, being the featured attraction in the dark match so fans sit through 205 Live, all of the PPV advertising being built around him, etc. And I totally see why Vince would buy into him when he didn’t…

Hmm?

WWE only covers airfare and international road expenses (hotel, bus or rental car, etc.). The wrestlers pay for all of their domestic hotel, rental car, food, etc. expenses.

I do?

In 2011, which, IIRC, was his last run as top babyface, he completely sank SmackDown attendance and ratings. Some of the house show photos that circulated online were embarrassing. It took Mark Henry(!) of all people winning the title from Orton to turn SmackDown business around.

I agree that Orton’s generally boring in the ring lately but I don’t see how you can dispute that he’s an incredibly smooth worker.

Lack of MOVEZ~! is not why Randy Orton is boring.

I would disagree with that. Randy is a better athlete. Bob was a better overall in ring wrestler, and I feel like we can comfortably say that even with a lot of Bob’s purported best work (in the late ‘70s teaming with Dick Slater).

For a certain kind of attraction, yes. But they’re the minority.

Because he’s more physically talented than all but a few wrestlers in the business but has never come close to living up to his potential. He was more entertaining as a rookie than he is now.

Because, at least theoretically, the idea is that your bosses still see you as the best and most valuable member of the roster.

No? I thought it was pretty clear he was agreeing with Rip. The snark referred to the tone, not saying he was snarking ON Rip.

Literally meant that from the POV of “he took on a lot of kids” and nothing more. Nothing to do with saving.

I did, too, until Bully Ray’s girlfriend (who, remember, is in the wrestling business) chimed in pissed off.

I can’t believe I forgot this, actually.

I haven’t but I’ve heard good things. Is there much to it for someone with a solid grasp of NJPW history?

Skull Murphy as in Brute Bernard’s tag team partner or a different Skull Murphy?

When wasn’t he?

Less “almost buying” and more “he took the meeting because he wanted to save ECW but not by paying $1 million for 10%.”

At least you wouldn’t want him to replace me, but I’m still offended that you like Shoemaker’s (post-Dead Wrestler of the Week) writing.