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#Post#: 8584--------------------------------------------------
What's think about rock star spud winning British boot camp and
the rest of them
By: 01332tnafan Date: January 28, 2013, 4:29 pm
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Rockstar Spud was my pick to win British Bootcamp from the
beginning. Some may be surprised to hear that, given my fondness
for the Blossom Twins, but he was always the guy I saw winning
and the one I thought should win. Out of all four contestants,
Spud had simultaneously the biggest upside and the biggest
negatives. He had the most clearly defined character, the best
mic skills, was the best at drawing heat, but is small even by
X-division standards and his attitude and behavior are pretty
questionable (this is assuming his antics on the show were not
completely worked).
That said, I believe the good outweighed the bad in this case,
and Spud's personality was the deciding factor for me. I imagine
he'll be put in the X-division now; well, what's one complaint
so many people always seem to have about the X-division? 'It's
just a bunch of generic spot monkeys, no one has any mic skills,
there are no characters, blah, blah, blah!' Well, here's a cure
for what ales you people.
Rockstar Spud is nothing but character. It's no coincidence that
he was the one who got the lion's share of the attention on the
show -- it's because he was the one who was doing all the
interesting stuff, and love him or hate him, he was the one you
were paying attention to most of the time because of his
character and the way he carried himself. Hell, back when
British Bootcamp was first announced, I tried to familiarize
myself with the contestants and was so entertained by Spud's
promos on youtube that I nearly forgot to watch his matches and
ended up not even bothering with them. Trust me, if you wanted
more character in the X-division, you just got it.
As for the others... they all had their pros and cons. I said in
a previous column that while Spud was the best talker, the
Blossoms were the most marketable and Marty Scurll was the best
wrestler, and that still holds up.
The Blossoms are gorgeous and probably more solid in the ring
than several of the current Knockouts (not naming names, but I
think we all know who I'm talking about), but were perhaps a bit
lacking on the mic. That didn't seem to hurt them where it
counted, however, if their popularity with the fans during the
BFG fanfest episode is any indication. They can certainly draw a
crowd, and their characters might be a bit too cute and sweet
for some people, but at least they have characters that are
unique to them.
This, ultimately, is what killed Marty Scurll's chances in my
mind. Scurll was the one I would have cut first from the
competition as I saw him as the most generic of the lot. He was
the only one with nothing unique about him. I look at Spud and I
think he's the only person in the business who could play that
character in that way. Same thing with the Blossoms; no one else
is going to be able to do what they do (don't talk to me about
the Bella Twins. Just don't). But I look at Marty Scurll and see
a guy with a gimmick that could just as easily be performed by a
thousand other wrestlers. He might be great in between the
ropes, but just ask Tony Nese how much that does for you in TNA
these days if you're not bringing something else to the table on
top of it.
However, all 4 contestants made a good impression and I think
have something to offer TNA. And this is the part that a lot of
folks need to calm down about. I've seen a lot of angry comments
from people about how the Blossoms should've won or Marty
should've won. Try to relax, people. I've said this before and
I'll say it again: the winner of the competition does not, I
repeat, DOES NOT MATTER. It never mattered who won the contract
on the show because at the end of the day TNA is just going to
sign all the contestants they like. And they liked all of them!
Hogan was gushing in the finale about how he didn't want to get
rid of any of them. Dixie couldn't wait to tell them that they
were all going on the UK tour, and Marty and the Blossoms were
going to get another chance to earn contracts. And if they were
as high on the them as they appeared to be, why wouldn't Marty
and the twins get hired?
The winner of the contract was a formality, something done for
PR reasons. Even in terms of story-telling in the editing room,
Spud getting the nod just seemed like the most compelling way to
end the show given everything that we'd seen up to that point.
And considering the buzz surrounding the show in the UK, the
winner was going to get a lot of publicity, be doing a lot of
interviews and so on. That being the case, Spud was the logical
choice because he's the best talker, draws the most attention to
himself, etc.
So if you're pissed off and hurling obscenities because your
favorite didn't win, please cease your bitching, have some decaf
coffee and take a deep breath. Not winning this reality show
doesn't mean we're never going to see them again. In fact, I'd
bet money that all four of them will be on the main roster by
the end of 2013 at the latest.
And the next to leave will be...
All right, people, I know you want to say it. I know it's
building even as I speak. I know you're fighting the urge not
to, so just get it over with already. Let me hear it! All
together now! On three... 1...... 2...... 3......
"Bro-ken re-cord! *clapclapclapclapclap* Bro-ken re-cord!
*clapclapclapclapclap*"
There. Now that you've got that out of your system, please sit
back down and be quiet while I talk about the Knockouts again.
In my Rise and Fall and Rise of the Knockout Division series, I
discussed the process by which many of the current generation of
Knockouts have been gradually phased out under the Prichard
regime over the last year or so. This process has whittled the
Knockout roster down to seven remaining women, and you'd think
that would have been taking it far enough, but I have a nagging
suspicion that Prichard isn't quite done just yet. This is just
an educated guess, mind you, but I believe there are two women
still in line for the chopping block.
Let me preface this by saying that this has nothing to do with
my personal feelings about these women. It's true that I'm not a
fan of either of them, but this is nothing more than me looking
at the facts. And the fact is, outside of her mini-feuds with
Gail Kim and Brooke Tessmacher (which lasted about two months
combined), Madison Rayne did essentially nothing in 2012. What's
more, she was the only Knockout on the roster not involved in
the Genesis battle royal match for the #1 contendership, AND by
her own admission, this is the first year she's been with the
company that she wasn't booked on the annual UK tour. Things
aren't looking too good for Madison right now if you ask me.
Prichard might not think she's 100% worthless, but he's
obviously nowhere near as high on her as Russo was. He seems to
view her as a midcard utility player and not much else. The
problem for talents like that is they're easily disposable.
And if Madison is the next in line to be cut, the woman standing
right behind her is ODB. ODB is the last remaining Knockout that
Prichard seems to have little to no use for. Even after the
previous creative regime brought her back, the company appeared
to have grown bored with her to a large extant. And aside from
screwing around with the often-absent Eric Young, she didn't do
a single thing all last year. Prichard seems to think less is
more where ODB is concerned -- good for occasional comic relief,
but nothing else. The days of her being pushed as a central
figure are long gone and under Prichard's direction she's been
relegated to "wacky neighbor" status at best.
In fact, it seems as if Prichard has zero plans for her outside
of the angle with Eric Young, who, thanks to the success of his
Animal Planet show, is only a part-timer these days, which
basically makes ODB a part-timer as well. They haven't done
anything meaningful with her in ages and, quite frankly, her
work (what little we've seen of it) has been uninspired. She
looks like she's just going through the motions out there, not
trying too hard, just doing enough to get by.
That being the case, is there really much point in her sticking
around? Does she really add that much to Eric Young's act when
his fishing show is on hiatus that it makes her worth keeping on
the payroll? How much longer can she last before company
officials throw up their hands and decide that they've milked
this character for all it's worth, so maybe they should cut the
cord and replace her with someone they can get more use out of?
Don't quote me on this just yet, but I wouldn't expect to see
too much more of Madison Rayne and ODB in TNA if I were you. I'm
not saying they'll be leaving immediately, but when the day
comes that their contracts expire, can you honestly tell
yourself that you're expecting them to be renewed? I can't. If
new female talent is on the way -- and signs do point to that
being the case -- these two look like the last ones from the
current generation that will be sacrificed to make room for
them.
And leads me to...
#SignAllThree
I've watched for over a year now as one of my favorite aspects
of the TNA product has taken a backseat, had its TV time
reduced, had its storylines/feuds become increasingly bland and
uninteresting as less and less thought was clearly being paid to
them, and most disturbingly, saw many notable departures with no
one brought in to fill the void.
And what baffles me so much about that last part is that over
the last few years, TNA have tried out innumerable independent
female talents -- either in dark matches or Gutcheck seminars --
who would have been terrific singings and could have been big
stars if given the chance, and for one reason or another, passed
on every single one of them. Even now with the women's roster in
probably the most stale and depleted state it's ever been in,
nothing has been done to rectify this issue.
It seems the pretty unanimous opinion that the Knockout division
has done as much as it can with the current limited roster and
is in serious need of a new talent infusion, but so far we
haven't gotten one. The Blossom Twins may yet earn themselves
contracts and Taeler Hendrix may get called up from
developmental at some point, but in the meantime we're stuck
watching the same women in the same spots rehashing the same
tired old feuds over and over and over again.
#Post#: 8599--------------------------------------------------
Re: What's think about rock star spud winning British boot camp
and the rest of them
By: SheriffLonestar Date: January 28, 2013, 5:59 pm
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The perfect explanation of everything ever well done sir.
#Post#: 8603--------------------------------------------------
Re: What's think about rock star spud winning British boot camp
and the rest of them
By: tnafanforum Date: January 28, 2013, 6:08 pm
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Very good poster pal. And I bet tna will give them all a deal
#Post#: 8612--------------------------------------------------
Re: What's think about rock star spud winning British boot camp
and the rest of them
By: ChrissiCalvert Date: January 28, 2013, 7:45 pm
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Just skimming over what has been said and i'll start with BBC:
I LOVE ROCKSTAR SPUD. Hes an amazing wrestler, can see him being
x division champ by the end of 2013. Really didnt care for the
Blossoms, yes they have the unique twin thing, but all i could
think was "Bellas"
Marty was too much like Robbie E mixed with Jesse for me. Good
Physique but still quite clumsy in ring. But it does look like
Dixie has signed them all.
Now for the KOs.
Madison & Gail need to start teaming up again ASAP!!!!! I miss
their (sometimes) annoying bitchiness. Madison must be very
close to leaving, she pretty much did nothing in 2012 after
losing the Tag Title. She had a short story with Earl Hebner
(thank GOD that was dropped)held the title for 4 days, had a
mini fued with Brooke Hogan & hasnt been seen since. Wasnt in
the elimination match to determine who Tara would face at Final
Resolution and wasnt in the match at Genesis. Although she DID
have a match with Gail Kim against the Blossoms for BBC. Madison
needs to be back in a KO title picture.
ODB. What can i say about ODB but HOW MUCH DO I FREAKING LOVE
HER!!!! Shes not like any of the other KOs, shes not afraid to
mix it up with the men & women. One of the best & worst things
TNA did was pair her with ODB. Yes they've giving us some
brilliant comedy over the last year but they've stuck them with
the Tag Titles with no one to defend them to. Either scrap the
belts, or seperate EY & ODB and give her something credible to
do. Seeing as she loves her boobs so much, I would pair her
with Brooke Tessmacher and create Team TnA, fueding with
Gail/Madison for the vacant Tag Titles, or have her fueding with
Tara again like they did a few months ago.
Velvet Sky. What can i say about VelVel? Poster girl for TNA and
the KOs, but can she actually bring to the company & division?
Original KO, worked her ass off to get to where she is, greatly
pushed to be KOs champ for a month. Dropped in favour of the
returning Gail Kim. Controversy when she left, the fans in
uproar. Dixie & Velvet had better not let the fans down again.
Give Velvet the belt & the chance to show what shes made of,
give her a chance to shine. Can she be a worthy champ again?
Only 2013 will tell.
Tara: I only have a 3 words for her: DITCH JESSIE
IMMEDIATLY!!!!!
Mickie James: Overhyped, constantly pushed for title shots and
starting to look sloppy in the ring. She returned at the end of
last year from a rib injury & recording her 2nd album to a title
shot, over people who were probably more deserving of her. I
would maybes pair her with Taelor, when she makes her official
debut, because i believe she can teach her alot.
But lets be honest, after the shock departures last year of
Angelina, Winter, Sarita & Rosita does anyone hold out any hope
for the current KOs division? It seems to be going the same way
as the Divas division, greatly misused and underappreciated by
the creative & writing staff. But as long as Bruce Pritchard is
around, then things dont look too hopeful
#Post#: 8620--------------------------------------------------
Re: What's think about rock star spud winning British boot camp
and the rest of them
By: SheriffLonestar Date: January 29, 2013, 2:09 am
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I couldn't agree more, especially when you see Mickie on an
Indie show, its like watching a different person. She seems
happy, can go for as long as she wants and doesn't have the
pressure to get things done. If they wanted to develop the
product maybe this is one option, spin off the Knockouts
division to its own show. give time for the matches, thus
letting the X Division have more time on Impact. Whether they
could find an outlet for it I am not sure though.
#Post#: 8623--------------------------------------------------
Re: What's think about rock star spud winning British boot camp
and the rest of them
By: tnafanforum Date: January 29, 2013, 5:45 am
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I think tna should use the girls better.
As for rock star spud I hated him. To start. With but now I can
see why tna wanted him. He will be a good heel.
#Post#: 8624--------------------------------------------------
Re: What's think about rock star spud winning British boot camp
and the rest of them
By: tnafanforum Date: January 29, 2013, 5:49 am
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I think tna should use the girls better.
As for rock star spud I hated him. To start. With but now I can
see why tna wanted him. He will be a good heel.
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