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Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 15th, '19, 21:31
by cero2k
Source: f4wonline.com

Ronda Rousey's storyline heading into WrestleMania 35 was furthered today as WWE announced that she's been "fined" an undisclosed amount.

WWE.com wrote: "Ronda Rousey has been fined by WWE as a result of her unprofessional actions last Monday night on Raw. Due to the confidentiality of Rousey’s contract, the amount of the fine will not be disclosed. Appropriate action has been taken."

Rousey continued her heel turn with a promo on this week's Raw, calling Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair jokes and saying anyone "who believes in this whole charade" is a joke. Dana Brooke came down to the ring and wanted Rousey to issue an open challenge. Rousey attacked her, and the angle ended with Rousey slapping one of the referees who came out to break things up.

Rousey will defend her Raw Women's Championship against Lynch and Charlotte in a triple threat match at WrestleMania, which is taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 7.

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 15th, '19, 21:39
by KILLdozer
Sure thing!

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 16th, '19, 22:10
by Big Red Machine
Someone in a Wade Keller mailbag segment made an excellent point on this whole stupid thing: If WWE is all fake then why does Ronda care about being the fake champion so much?

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 17th, '19, 10:17
by cero2k
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 16th, '19, 22:10 Someone in a Wade Keller mailbag segment made an excellent point on this whole stupid thing: If WWE is all fake then why does Ronda care about being the fake champion so much?
i brought it up in another topic along with Ronda not completely taking out Becky from the main event. I think the consensus was to get the most bang for her buck at WM money wise.

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 17th, '19, 10:23
by Big Red Machine
cero2k wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 10:17
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 16th, '19, 22:10 Someone in a Wade Keller mailbag segment made an excellent point on this whole stupid thing: If WWE is all fake then why does Ronda care about being the fake champion so much?
i brought it up in another topic along with Ronda not completely taking out Becky from the main event. I think the consensus was to get the most bang for her buck at WM money wise.
But she has always made such a big deal out of what it means to be a champion in the past. I don't think in WWE's mindset any of that was supposed to have been lying. So unless Ronda just found out that wrestling is a work right before she went on her big rant, it makes this whole thing even stupider.

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 17th, '19, 10:36
by cero2k
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 10:23
But she has always made such a big deal out of what it means to be a champion in the past. I don't think in WWE's mindset any of that was supposed to have been lying. So unless Ronda just found out that wrestling is a work right before she went on her big rant, it makes this whole thing even stupider.
well, the story is that she had been playing the game until the WWE Universe turned on her and Becky pushed her off her reigns, right?

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 17th, '19, 12:07
by Big Red Machine
cero2k wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 10:36
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 10:23
But she has always made such a big deal out of what it means to be a champion in the past. I don't think in WWE's mindset any of that was supposed to have been lying. So unless Ronda just found out that wrestling is a work right before she went on her big rant, it makes this whole thing even stupider.
well, the story is that she had been playing the game until the WWE Universe turned on her and Becky pushed her off her reigns, right?
That's what it seems like the story is supposed to be, but that makes Becky and Kofi and AJ just as much heels as the McMahons because it's all a carny con-game. In fact... doesn't that make Ronda a hero because she's the whistle-blower telling the public that the fights in this professional sport are fixed and she is going to take her title and make it legit?

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 17th, '19, 18:55
by cero2k
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 12:07

That's what it seems like the story is supposed to be, but that makes Becky and Kofi and AJ just as much heels as the McMahons because it's all a carny con-game. In fact... doesn't that make Ronda a hero because she's the whistle-blower telling the public that the fights in this professional sport are fixed and she is going to take her title and make it legit?
depends who you're targeting, if you only have WWE fans, they'll defend the sanctity of kayfabe, but if they're trying to bring in the UFC crowd, then yeah, she's the hero

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 17th, '19, 20:23
by Big Red Machine
cero2k wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 18:55
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 12:07

That's what it seems like the story is supposed to be, but that makes Becky and Kofi and AJ just as much heels as the McMahons because it's all a carny con-game. In fact... doesn't that make Ronda a hero because she's the whistle-blower telling the public that the fights in this professional sport are fixed and she is going to take her title and make it legit?
depends who you're targeting, if you only have WWE fans, they'll defend the sanctity of kayfabe, but if they're trying to bring in the UFC crowd, then yeah, she's the hero
But that requires UFC fans to not realize that it's a work. And ditto for the wrestling fans. This whole thing is a perfect example of why worked shoots are dumb... and yet they're doing it anyway! GAHHHHHHH!

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 17th, '19, 21:01
by cero2k
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 20:23 But that requires UFC fans to not realize that it's a work. And ditto for the wrestling fans. This whole thing is a perfect example of why worked shoots are dumb... and yet they're doing it anyway! GAHHHHHHH!
it takes a lot to really work fans in 2019. I think it can be done, but like i mentioned in your other topic that became about ringtones, they're just not doing it well.

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 17th, '19, 22:20
by Big Red Machine
cero2k wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 21:01
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 20:23 But that requires UFC fans to not realize that it's a work. And ditto for the wrestling fans. This whole thing is a perfect example of why worked shoots are dumb... and yet they're doing it anyway! GAHHHHHHH!
it takes a lot to really work fans in 2019. I think it can be done, but like i mentioned in your other topic that became about ringtones, they're just not doing it well.
But is working the fans really worth it when they'll just go along with sort of competently-told story that they know is a work?

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 18th, '19, 08:30
by cero2k
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 22:20

But is working the fans really worth it when they'll just go along with sort of competently-told story that they know is a work?
yes, keep it in the air every now and then, not overdoing it. Punk's worked shoot brought a lot of people back

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 18th, '19, 11:39
by Big Red Machine
cero2k wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 08:30
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 17th, '19, 22:20

But is working the fans really worth it when they'll just go along with sort of competently-told story that they know is a work?
yes, keep it in the air every now and then, not overdoing it. Punk's worked shoot brought a lot of people back
Punk's "worked shoot" was a different kind of worked shoot. It was more akin to the AJ/Orton segment on SD. Shoot comments were made, but they all made sense within kayfabe universe of pro wrestling. This Ronda thing is straight-up WCW/Russo bullsh*t where they tell you that everything else is fake aside from this, which is totally definitely real, even though no one is acting the way they would if it actually were real.

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 18th, '19, 11:52
by cero2k
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 11:39
Punk's "worked shoot" was a different kind of worked shoot. It was more akin to the AJ/Orton segment on SD. Shoot comments were made, but they all made sense within kayfabe universe of pro wrestling. This Ronda thing is straight-up WCW/Russo bullsh*t where they tell you that everything else is fake aside from this, which is totally definitely real, even though no one is acting the way they would if it actually were real.
well, the difference in doing it well and not, but the thing about Punk's was the uncertainty of now knowing if Punk had re-signed or not, so we went into MITB not knowing what would happen, that is the ultimate reason you do 'shoots', so the fans don't know what is going to happen.

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 18th, '19, 12:01
by Big Red Machine
cero2k wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 11:52
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 11:39
Punk's "worked shoot" was a different kind of worked shoot. It was more akin to the AJ/Orton segment on SD. Shoot comments were made, but they all made sense within kayfabe universe of pro wrestling. This Ronda thing is straight-up WCW/Russo bullsh*t where they tell you that everything else is fake aside from this, which is totally definitely real, even though no one is acting the way they would if it actually were real.
well, the difference in doing it well and not, but the thing about Punk's was the uncertainty of now knowing if Punk had re-signed or not, so we went into MITB not knowing what would happen, that is the ultimate reason you do 'shoots', so the fans don't know what is going to happen.
Correct. But merely adding Charlotte into this match meant fans didn't know what was going to happen (Becky is probably going over, but are they going to chicken out of having her beat Ronda like she should). I highly doubt anyone things Ronda is going to shoot on Charlotte and Becky at Mania.
Or they could just tell their regular "worked" stories in a competent manner where the build is such that four times out of five we're not more than 75% certain who is going to win. This worked shoot crap they're doing is essentially just another version of hot-shotting and it's been proven many times over by now that hot-shotting only makes things worse in the long and even medium term.

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 18th, '19, 15:17
by Bob-O
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 12:01 four times out of five we're not more than 75% certain who is going to win.
...and then you add Kur Dangle to the mix...

I guess I'm just getting something completely different out of the whole thing.

-Rhonda's feud with Becky is personal. They were trying to portray that while being Raw Women's Champion is Rhonda's life, she hates Becky so much that she was willing to throw it away to have her chance to beat her at the biggest show of the year. It's THAT personal. They screwed that up, of course, by actually having her vacate her title, but I at least get what they're going for. Rhonda's new attitude got them a lot of attention, and they're going to run with that. We ALL hate it and what it's all about and what it's doing to such a great simple feud... but LOOK! Here we are talking about it! In their eyes, this is it "working".

-Becky just wants to prove herself.

-Charlotte is a fun (completely unnecessary) wild card, that while being "corporate", could very well swoop in and take the title while these two are settling the personal side of it.

It is what it is. The damage has been done, might as well roll with what's left. If the plan all along was to turn Rhonda heel, I can't think of a better way to get her universally boo'd by the ENTIRE wrestling community.

OBVIOUSLY they're going to WORK their match. Rhonda spewing all this stuff about it being fake... yes, will make her look like an idiot. But she's the heel. She can look like an idiot, it'll be ok. By working a strong style, they can absolutely make it look like Rhonda is shooting on those two, and those two are good enough athletes and performers that they can sell it... and can also sell fighting back... if done right, Becky and Charlotte could gain some credibility out of this while things simmer down back to Kayfabe Country.

Believe me, I wish things were different too... but c'mon guys! Cup half full...?

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 18th, '19, 16:08
by Big Red Machine
Bob-O wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 15:17
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 12:01 four times out of five we're not more than 75% certain who is going to win.
...and then you add Kur Dangle to the mix...

I guess I'm just getting something completely different out of the whole thing.

-Rhonda's feud with Becky is personal. They were trying to portray that while being Raw Women's Champion is Rhonda's life, she hates Becky so much that she was willing to throw it away to have her chance to beat her at the biggest show of the year. It's THAT personal. They screwed that up, of course, by actually having her vacate her title, but I at least get what they're going for. Rhonda's new attitude got them a lot of attention, and they're going to run with that. We ALL hate it and what it's all about and what it's doing to such a great simple feud... but LOOK! Here we are talking about it! In their eyes, this is it "working".

-Becky just wants to prove herself.

-Charlotte is a fun (completely unnecessary) wild card, that while being "corporate", could very well swoop in and take the title while these two are settling the personal side of it.

It is what it is. The damage has been done, might as well roll with what's left. If the plan all along was to turn Rhonda heel, I can't think of a better way to get her universally boo'd by the ENTIRE wrestling community.

OBVIOUSLY they're going to WORK their match. Rhonda spewing all this stuff about it being fake... yes, will make her look like an idiot. But she's the heel. She can look like an idiot, it'll be ok. By working a strong style, they can absolutely make it look like Rhonda is shooting on those two, and those two are good enough athletes and performers that they can sell it... and can also sell fighting back... if done right, Becky and Charlotte could gain some credibility out of this while things simmer down back to Kayfabe Country.

Believe me, I wish things were different too... but c'mon guys! Cup half full...?
Did it get them attention? Maybe. The rating for last week's show was one of the best they've done in six months, but it actually started lower than the past two weeks have (shows after the PPV usually get a bump). The high rating was due to viewer retention throughout the show more than anything else, and that mostly suggests that it was the main event (i.e. the draw of Roman's first match back) that kept people interested. We won't know how much credit to give to what until this week's ratings come out, but the fact that they started with fewer people than last week (and especially on a post-PPV night, with the Hunter/Batista segment announced in advance and everyone knowing we would get follow-up to the Ronda thing) seems to be a strong indication that it didn't get them any more attention.
But the important question is not whether it got them attention but rather whether or not it got them useful attention. As Lance Storm pointed out (and I have parroted several times), someone who gets interested in this feud and subscribes to the WWE Network to see Mania because of it gets his/her first month free... so if he/she just cancels right after Mania, then this has made WWE a grand total of $0.

The problem with your interpretation is that personal issues also exist between Ronda and Charlotte and between Charlotte and Becky.

She was already getting booed, so who cares if more people boo her. Turning her heel was silly and pointless; a knee-jerk reaction so that they don't look like they have YET ANOTHER situation where most of the fans are booing the person they want to be the top babyface.

No one will gain any credibility because we all know it's a f*cking work

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 18th, '19, 21:24
by Bob-O
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 16:08 As Lance Storm pointed out (and I have parroted several times), someone who gets interested in this feud and subscribes to the WWE Network to see Mania because of it gets his/her first month free... so if he/she just cancels right after Mania, then this has made WWE a grand total of $0.
Oh... I do love Lance Storm... but that logic is ridiculous.

They offer the free month year round! So by that logic, why bother doing anything ever!? You're not going to make any money! Good? Bad? Expensive? It makes sense that they rolled the dice on that All Women's somethingoruther... nothing to lose, right? Meh, F the Revival! Not making them any money anyway, right? GIVING AWAY a FREE MONTH of their streaming service!? How in the world are these guys still in business!???

C'mon now...

The idea is to retain new subscribers, Wrestlemania is their way of getting that free month out of the way. If their average retention rate is 10%, I'd much rather have 10% of 125,000 than 10% of 50,000. Lance of all people should know better...

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 18th, '19, 21:55
by Big Red Machine
Bob-O wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 21:24
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 16:08 As Lance Storm pointed out (and I have parroted several times), someone who gets interested in this feud and subscribes to the WWE Network to see Mania because of it gets his/her first month free... so if he/she just cancels right after Mania, then this has made WWE a grand total of $0.
Oh... I do love Lance Storm... but that logic is ridiculous.

They offer the free month year round! So by that logic, why bother doing anything ever!? You're not going to make any money! Good? Bad? Expensive? It makes sense that they rolled the dice on that All Women's somethingoruther... nothing to lose, right? Meh, F the Revival! Not making them any money anyway, right? GIVING AWAY a FREE MONTH of their streaming service!? How in the world are these guys still in business!???

C'mon now...

The idea is to retain new subscribers, Wrestlemania is their way of getting that free month out of the way. If their average retention rate is 10%, I'd much rather have 10% of 125,000 than 10% of 50,000. Lance of all people should know better...
But if someone is only subscribing for the Ronda/Becky match and the idea that Ronda might start shooting, then why would they keep their subscription after Mania? I'm sure WWE will make some money off of some of them forgetting to unsubscribe, but should the goal really be to make money off of people forgetting to unsubscribe after their free month? Lance wants them to make money by putting on a product that is good enough that it compels people to sign up for the WWE Network to see the big payoff matches on PPV.

Re: Ronda Rousey given storyline fine after WWE Raw angle

Posted: Mar 18th, '19, 22:11
by KILLdozer
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 21:55
Bob-O wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 21:24
Big Red Machine wrote: Mar 18th, '19, 16:08 As Lance Storm pointed out (and I have parroted several times), someone who gets interested in this feud and subscribes to the WWE Network to see Mania because of it gets his/her first month free... so if he/she just cancels right after Mania, then this has made WWE a grand total of $0.
Oh... I do love Lance Storm... but that logic is ridiculous.

They offer the free month year round! So by that logic, why bother doing anything ever!? You're not going to make any money! Good? Bad? Expensive? It makes sense that they rolled the dice on that All Women's somethingoruther... nothing to lose, right? Meh, F the Revival! Not making them any money anyway, right? GIVING AWAY a FREE MONTH of their streaming service!? How in the world are these guys still in business!???

C'mon now...

The idea is to retain new subscribers, Wrestlemania is their way of getting that free month out of the way. If their average retention rate is 10%, I'd much rather have 10% of 125,000 than 10% of 50,000. Lance of all people should know better...
But if someone is only subscribing for the Ronda/Becky match and the idea that Ronda might start shooting, then why would they keep their subscription after Mania? I'm sure WWE will make some money off of some of them forgetting to unsubscribe, but should the goal really be to make money off of people forgetting to unsubscribe after their free month? Lance wants them to make money by putting on a product that is good enough that it compels people to sign up for the WWE Network to see the big payoff matches on PPV.
None of that matters. People will sign up and they'll keep doing what they do and make billions regardless. Sorry, but you're way too hung up on Ronda Rousey. Yeah-coming from me.