In 1999, Bill Banks decided to stick with Vince Russo & Ed Ferrara and jump from the McMahons. Eight years ago TODAY, this column by Banks appeared on the WCW website.
After WCW went belly up, Banks ... well, he has a blank spot in his resume until 2003, when he came on board with TNA. If his Myspace page is accurate, he's still employed with TNA and living in Nashville. I wonder if he ever second guesses himself. Maybe after reading this column, YOU'LL wonder, too!
Looking Back...And Ahead by Bill Banks
It feels like an eternity since I've written something for the Internet. After more than three years of non-stop writing for the WWF publications and online area, I've definitely missed doing this. It's Sunday, my favorite team the Jets (go ahead and laugh ? I'm used to it) aren't on for another 20 minutes, and I'm still waiting for Russo to give the OK on the Thunder shows so I can start writing some promos for it. So, with a few minutes to spare, I'd figured I would take digits to keyboard and get some kind of point across about what's been going on.
It's been an interesting past two months for me. Basically, to sum it up in a nutshell:
1. Russo and Ed leave the WWF. 2. Vince and Shane McMahon offer me a golden opportunity to step up to the plate in their departure. 3. Russo, a man whom I've worked with since 1996 when I started with the company, calls me and says there's a job waiting for me in WCW if I want it. 4. That was on a Thursday. Monday I was working backstage at Nitro in Philadelphia ? the night Jeff Jarrett returned as well.
Why did I leave? In the months prior to Russo and Ed's departure, I saw how the pressure of working with Vince McMahon was getting to them. I won't go into detail, but I'll explain it by saying this: Vince is the successful businessman he is because of how hard he works morning, noon and night. No one will ever outwork Vince McMahon. You have to respect that.
But, it wasn't just the pressure. Everyone from the superstars to the office people have families, and devoting your life to the WWF sometimes meant your loved ones came second. That bothered me. I remember at the 1996 WWF Hall of Fame, McMahon spoke of the respect the legendary inductees deserved because many of them had nearly sacrificed their families for the business. I couldn't understand that. Some longtime competitors say it's the nature of the business. I still don't respect it.
So, seeing the effect the schedule had on Vince and Ed, I didn't want to put myself in that position. I'm 23 years old, and I didn't want to be burned out in a year. Could I have discussed my concerns with Shane? Of course. But on the other hand, I had an opportunity presented to me by WCW. At my age, I could afford to take it and experience something new. It was nothing personal against the McMahons, just an opportunity I was willing to take.
First and foremost, I want to thank Shane McMahon for everything he did for me in the WWF. I'm sorry things didn't work out, but I'll always have a tremendous amount of respect for Shane. Not only has he become his own man out of his father's shadow, but he's damn entertaining to watch on television, as well.
There's plenty of people from the WWF that I'll miss, both superstars and front-office people. Mick Foley, The Rock, Stevie Richards, Paul Bearer, the Blue Meanie, Triple H, Chyna, X-Pac, D'Lo Brown, Kane, Al Snow, Ivory, Brisco, Chris Jericho, Terri Runnels, Tom Prichard, Edge and the Hardy Boyz are just a few. From the office, it's people like Lucas, Laura, the Matrat, Noelle and Noah in photo, Lou G, the jabronies in .com, Dennis and Lynn Brent, Barry Werner, Kevin Kelly, Mark Yeaton, Linda and Stephanie McMahon, Beth Z, Rich Freeda, Mike Evanko and too many others to list.
What, am I accepting an Academy Award or something? Enough with this ass kissing.
Now... on to what lies ahead in WCW.
In WCW, the talent pool is so vast that the number of possible storylines and matches is unreal. It's almost too good to be true. It wasn't that way in the WWF, where the roster was relatively small ? although they have made moves in the past year to correct that. Everyone has been great to work with thus far in WCW, and I can see laughter and smiles becoming increasingly contagious week by week ? something I'm told hasn't been the case in some time. Veterans like Bret Hart and Curt Hennig look rejuvenated in and out of the ring, while younger guys like Chris Benoit, the Filthy Animals, Vampiro and Evan Karagias can't wait to run that ball in for the touchdown. Who has impressed me the most? The Total Package and David Flair, because you can't help but enjoy their new personas. Who would have ever thought they had that ability inside them?
Slowly but surely, WCW is starting to turn around. The happier the competitors become, the more their enthusiasm will show on television, which will result in better matches and storylines. Once that happens, it will only be a matter of time before more fans take notice. The product will improve, arenas will be packed again, the ratings will grow and everyone will be having fun. Isn't that what it's all about?
But, we still have a lot of work ahead of us.
Once Russo, Ed and I get situated in Atlanta, we'll be able to concentrate more of our time to continue the improvement. In what spare time I get, I'll be helping out with the WCW website. Personally, after helping WWF.com grow into such a major online force, it will be a welcome challenge to see what I can do for the WCW site.
Earlier today, I read an online article by Chad Damiani in which he brought up several observations concerning the current angle with Buff Bagwell, all of which are very valid. In it, he writes:
"If our writers want to run an angle involving appearance vs. reality, they have to be very clear about defining the parameters of what's actually real. Example: If Bagwell is working or ignoring an existent script, then ? unless we are told otherwise ? the reality must be that all the contracted wrestlers are a part of that script, told who they are fighting and how their matches will end. Why should I think that only Bagwell must play be these rules? Buff Daddy may be the stuff du jour, but he's still a wrestler ? just like Norman Smiley, Bam Bam, Kidman and the Luchadores. Are these men being instructed as well? And, if they are just playing out pre-written scenes, why should I care who wins and loses?"
Good point. But here's my own two cents...
As far as caring who wins and loses, I say you're right ? who cares! I pop like hell every time Goldberg hits the ring for a match, BUT, if my life depended on remembering how he beat every opponent in the past two months, I wouldn't be around. The intrigue comes with the storyline going into and coming away from each bout.
Let's put it this way: Back in 1996 in the WWF, I saw matches pitting a toilet plumber and a garbage man taking place on RAW. No story ? just two guys hitting each other with a plunger and trash can. Personally, I didn't care one way or another. It was so far absurd I couldn't stomach it. But, what I did enjoy watching were shows like "COPS," HBO's "Oz" and MTV's "The Real World" (while I'm on it, why does that Amaya girl quit crying about EVERY damn thing?!). These shows intrigue me and millions of others because they incorporate real-life situations. The same goes for shows like "ER," "Ally McBeal," "Friends," etc. I can connect with the characters. I can enjoy the storylines. I love the controversy.
The Bagwell angle is just one of many currently developing in WCW that cause intrigue, and yes, controversy. Put Bagwell in there against La Parka in a traditional "wrestling match," and I say "eh." But, add that twist of Bagwell not following the "script," and I'm interested. Does that break a longheld "kayfabe" tradition in the sport? You bet. Is it controversial? You bet. Will some hate it, while others love it? You bet. Will people continue to talk about and tune in to see what happens next?
EXACTLY...
If someone just wants good ol' rasslin' and "none of this Vaudeville @#$%" as one higher-up in Connecticut labeled it, then I suggest they find some little independent Ohio promotion on their cable access channel. Personally, I stopped popping for a headlock takeover when I was 8 years old. Yes, I realize there was a time when the matches themselves were enough to put the crowd on their feet and send them home happy, but the business is a different animal today. Even guys like Mike Graham and Kevin Sullivan, longtime veterans whom I've developed the utmost respect for in recent weeks, will tell you the same. Years from now, who knows... maybe we can get rid of that ring and start having some real fun.
You can't insult the fans anymore. They know what goes on behind the curtain. They know all the writing and work that goes into a show. Most of this is thanks to the impact the Internet has had on the business in the last decade. So, I don't think having an story where a wrestler doesn't follow the "script" isn't that far-fetched or damaging at all. Will it be confusing to new and younger viewers? Yes ? at first. But they'll get it in time. Guys like Sting, Goldberg, Lex and Benoit aren't just "wrestlers" anymore ? they're entertainers. And you know what? The better they can entertain the fans, the more money they can earn. Think about it. How do you think a guy like Steve Austin got a starring role on "Nash Bridges?" Because he's entertaining and can act. The more WCW's competitors do the same, the more opportunities will come for them in movies, television, commercials and music. It's in their best interests to do so. Besides Hulk Hogan and Jesse Ventura, name me one wrestler that garnered major movie or television roles in the '80s? At a loss? Now, look at all the guys today that have done it. I could run off a list of about 100.
Like I said, things are starting to turn around... but there's still more work to be done. Regardless, the next few months are going to be very interesting.
Originally posted by Bill BanksAs far as caring who wins and loses, I say you're right ? who cares! I pop like hell every time Goldberg hits the ring for a match, BUT, if my life depended on remembering how he beat every opponent in the past two months, I wouldn't be around.
1. Spear. 2. Grab top rope and mug for the crowd. 3. Point toward Sting to signify it's time for your move. 4. Jackhammer!
If I can remember this eight years later, how hard was it to figure out Bill Goldberg's two moves of doom while he was doing it??
If this is an example of what he could do, I think he was probably right to stick to a supporting role.
In all fairness, I remember being pretty excited to watch the new Nitro, and for a while things seemed to have the kind of promise that Banks is talking about here.
But if you're going to write a wrestling show and you don't like wrestling maybe you should just write a show that isn't a wrestling show!
The promise of the new show was really wasted when Brian Knobbs was sitting front and center of the New Blood or whatever it was they were calling it.
Add to the fact there was 5 hours of television to fill, rip off main events and Cruiserweights still lighting up the show, but getting ignored to get the latest Hogan angle over and the company never really stood much of a chance.
The roster really needed to be cut in half and an hour of Nitro needed to be flushed to really get rid that not so fresh feeling.
Originally posted by Bill BanksThe Bagwell angle is just one of many currently developing in WCW that cause intrigue, and yes, controversy. Put Bagwell in there against La Parka in a traditional "wrestling match," and I say "eh." But, add that twist of Bagwell not following the "script," and I'm interested. Does that break a longheld "kayfabe" tradition in the sport? You bet. Is it controversial? You bet. Will some hate it, while others love it? You bet. Will people continue to talk about and tune in to see what happens next?
EXACTLY...
I think the thing that always annoyed me about this philosophy in wrestling was how its proponents would assume that if it upsets old-school thinking then it must automatically be successful.
Why was I ever supposed to stay riveted to Buff Bagwell not sticking to the script? Where could that engaging storyline possibly go? The same direction all of Russo's worked shoots in WCW went: First the wrestler pretends to refuse to cooperate for a couple of weeks. Then he's punished with a wrestling match, something the wrestler has already admitted isn't real. Finally the wrestler either does a shocking turn when he inexplicably starts cooperating with the authority figures, or he's shuffled down the card and resumes acting like nothing happened, so that the next guy who does a worked shoot will stand out.
What the wrestling industry has never completely figured out is that in the most celebrated actual shoots (Pillman vs. Sullivan, Bret vs. Vince, Matt vs. Edge), all the intrigue is about what company the central figure is going to be working for the next day. Even assuming they could have convinced anyone Bagwell was really breaking the script on Nitro, the next logical chapter of the story would have been Bagwell cutting a scathing promo on Raw. Failing that, there is no story--it's just another wrestler whose gimmick is to announce that wrestling's all fake.
At least where WWE succeeded with Matt Hardy was in letting him fulfil his indy dates after they rehired him, but even then that worked shoot only worked as well as it did because it started as a real one, and the appreciation of the angle was based on how well WWE simulated a shoot, not on how well WWE worked anyone.
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