Usually, there's no use commenting on Lance Storm's commentary because he talks about how much more average he is than say...Joe Average (don't get me wrong he's a god in the ring). But this weeks's (entitled "Too Over?") shed's some interesting light on a problem I've noticed. Here's a link if you haven't read it: http://www.stormwrestling.com/commentary/default.asp?aID=1192
Now, onto what I totally agree with, "What" is too damn over. Period. I normally don't have a problem with catchy catcphrases, but "What" unlike "Finally...the Rock...has come back to " or "Roody-Poo Candyass" or even "If Ya' Smell" ruins other people's promos. And it really blows when someone hasn't done "What" preparation (everyone but Austin, Vince or Angle). And doing it during the national anthem is just disrespectful, come on! I'm just hoping that WWF didn't take the whole "What" Storm/Lesnar fiasco as meaning Lesnar isn't over. I'd like to see this guy, personally.
Now onto my second problem with "What". it has ruined Austin for me. Instead of the ultimate heel who comes out and is orignal and witty everytime out he's the "What" guy. Period. I can't think of a promo he's cut latley that HASN'T centered around "What". Plus the original "What" wasn't as cool as the buildup to him saying. Now, he just his stupid "What" stance and then says it fifty times to a loud ovation or "Whats". Personally, I wish austin had made "Green Beans" (see: Cracker Barrel promo) his new catchphrase. Austin must eliminate "What" to relinquish his spot as best mic worker for me. Thank you for listening and I'm out.
Jerry Jones: So what's it gona' be Deion? Fifteen, or twenty? Deion: I'll take both! ME: PRIMETIME!
I've been watching the shows over the past few weeks wondering how pissed off some of these guys must be getting with the crowd shouting "WHAT?" at them during all their promos.
I personally still enjoy all of the "WHAT?" stuff when Austin does it or when the crowd does it to him, but it's deffinitely hurting everyone else (IMO). Too bad there isnt a way to keep the "WHAT?" chants to Austin and away from everyone/everything else.
Oh, and chanting "WHAT?" during the national anthem = TRASH.
No. Chanting "What!?" over the National Anthem at a baseball game would be un-American. At a wrestling event Chanting "What?!" over a Hackasaw Jim Duggan promo would be Un-American.
Put me down for "Can you dig it...Sucka?!" (or maybe just "Sucka") as being the next so-over-it's-annoying catchphrase.
Moe
"Excuse me, do you have any EuroDisney T-Shirts?" January 2nd, 2002. Paris, France. My proudest moment.
If they could let The Book get an angle and run with it for an extended time, he would get, "Can you dig ti, Sucka" over or "Tell me you did not just say that" over. When he was in his fued with The Rock, he was getting some pops for the Spinnerooni, but then the writers seemed to have lost interest in him. I am impatient when it comes to The Book, but he has gotten alot more exposure than I would have ever believed the WWF would have gave him so far.
January 4th 1999 - The day WCW injected itself with 10 gallons of Liquid Anthrax...AKA...The day Hogan "Defeated" Nash to win the WCW title in front of 40,000.
The worst case I've seen for it this far is when The Big Show tried to cut his serious promo against the Taker and the fans were shouting WHAT?!?
If the wrestler doesn't leave the long breaks in between sentences you can HEAR the fans struggle to get the WHAT?!? in. I have NO idea how the WWF are gonna shut 'em up, but not leaving them room to break in may be a start...
Man, you've got to give Lance some credit, if you ever read his commentaries he's not afraid to speak his mind, but in a classy way. And i'm sure he's more worried about this WHAT situation because it hurts the business in general, not just him getting heat. And like the original poster said, he's a god in the ring.
Too bad he'll probably be main event with all these other guys around, he really deserves better.
I know if I were singing the national anthem and the crowd was chanting "What?" that would just throw me off sooo bad...I wonder how Lillian gets through it...
Agreed RDZ. I really feel bad for her. It can be an incredibly emotional song for the performer and I can't imagine how she keeps from just flipping out and telling the people to shut the hell up.
I know its highly unlikely but since the anthem isn't televised anyhow, SCSA oughtta come out and very seriously, out of character, tell the audience to have some respect.
I can't believe this crap is coming out of New York of all places! It's mind boggling. Every time I begin to think there's some hope for our generation, I read about some $hit like this.
I always thought all these marketing catch phrases in the WWF are stupid, and so is this whole "What?!" phenomena. I mean when he first started doing it with his promo with Scotty 2 Hotty on Smackdown, it was kind of funny, now he has played it to death. Audience doesn't really seem to care though. It's sad that Austin seems to be just another walking catch phrase again like the Rock.
"It is a strange fate that we suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing...such a little thing." -Boromir
There is an interview on WWF.com that actually centers on 'What?' as well. Austin gives his thoughts on it.
In short he cannot believe it is this popular and seemingly gets a kick out of it being used during other man's promos. *shrug* I can see his point of view on that. Sure, it's can be funny but also very annoying. And, he too says the only way to counter it is not leaving any gaps in the promo..
Oh well..I am sure it will die out at some point.. Until then we have something to bitch about
Imagine this is some funny signature. Then I will imagine you compliment me on it.
---=---:---=--- [Look up a line] Wow, that belt looks like crap... I'll take it and carry it around for years and see if people can take it away from me... What? What was that? You mean even THIS belt doesn't matter! What? I'm insulted! Get away from me you... you... defiler!
The crowd will get tired of "What?" eventually. I think after the WWF makes a circuit through the US and every arena gets the chance to "What?" themselves out it will be over (no, not THAT kind of over. Jeez).
I mean, I'm tired of HEARING it, but I'd still love the chance to get a few "What's" in at a live show (I was away for the DC SmakDown! recently).
Moe
"Excuse me, do you have any EuroDisney T-Shirts?" January 2nd, 2002. Paris, France. My proudest moment.
The best way to kill off "What?" is to have someone that the fans can't stand start using it. Like Chuck and Billy talking to each other and saying "What?" at the end of each sentence. Then blatantly say that they're doing it to "be cool" and anyone else that does it are cool "just like them".
That'd kill it off quickly.
"HOROWITZ WINS! HOROWITZ WINS! HOROWITZ WINS!" Jim Ross
That, or like I've mentioned before, have Austin really ignore the damn thing, and turn him heel for real with the fans.
Problem there is that they'd probably still do it, and especially with him aronud, so I suppose that's no solution at all.
---=---:---=--- [Look up a line] Wow, that belt looks like crap... I'll take it and carry it around for years and see if people can take it away from me... What? What was that? You mean even THIS belt doesn't matter! What? I'm insulted! Get away from me you... you... defiler!
So far we know that the scheduled matches for no way out are Brock Lesnar vs. Eddie, Kurt Angle vs. John Cena vs. Big Show, Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero, and Jamie Noble vs. Nidia. Are there any rumors for some other matches?