WWE: Bischoff and Heyman Can Save Smackdown and Raw

Feels strange blogging about pro wrestling, excuse me sports entertainment - sorry, Vince!, on a comics and gaming blog right after a "coverage" of WWE Stomping Grounds. However, you write what your excited over and the reaction toward Stomping Grounds is the genesis for some serious change.

While I felt Stomping Grounds was an enjoyable way to spend an evening, much of the lifeblood of the WWE (i.e. those who spend lots and lots of money) chose that moment to say nay.

Or at least the WWE realized a significant problem festers after Stomping Grounds. Reportedly, Vince McMahon accepted change is needed.

Shocking, right?

Despite Raw and Smackdown 'being separate brands', Vince McMahon runs both shows. As in, he personally directs each show. If you ever wonder why both Raw and Smackdown feel alike; and the boundaries aren't hardened, that's why. Honestly, Vince running both shows is the number one reason that despite arguably boasting the best roster today, the WWE roster lacks quality. Focusing too much on the top for two "brands" means the undercard does not receive the attention and development it deserves.

Fortunately, Vince McMahon has come to his senses. He can't run the flagship show, Raw, and run a high quality Smackdown show to the satisfaction of Fox executives. Smackdown could be the B show when it wasn't aired on a major network. Fox won't tolerate what Smackdown's current home considers adequate. Smackdown needs to become must-see. However, Raw is Vince's major creation. Raw is the show that shatters records. The show is Vince McMahon's television legacy. He isn't sacrificing it for Smackdown's sake.

Ergo, Paul Heyman will run Raw, while Eric Bischoff will run Smackdown. With the caveat, Vince will have final say.

Worst case, this status quo change is a paper tiger or endures as long as Heyman's first tenure within creative (or running WWE ECW). The Fox Deal should delay the worst case.

Best case, wrestling fans should expect a renaissance in WWE programming quality. Both Bischoff and Heyman are experienced old hands in the wrestling business. Bischoff, with the help of Ted Turner's money, led WCW to the top of the mountain. Heyman was the force propelling the small promotion ECW to national prominence. They both can run a televised wrestling program. Plus, unlike most of Creative, they're actually more than familiar with wrestling. They've written wrestling before. Lots of wrestling.

Yes, Heyman can be his own worst enemy.

Yes, Bischoff's time in TNA didn't propel that promotion to the top of the mountain.

Neither man has final say nor are they competing against another wrestling promotion. Unless, of course, they count the other or AEW as their competition. Otherwise, their sole task is running a high quality televised wrestling promotion.

Smackdown will be on Fox. As such, the show needs to be must see television. Bischoff loves twists and turns designed to draw viewers in. Plus, unlike Vince, Bischoff loves variety. Cruiserweights and lucha libre had regular installments on Nitro, the flagship WCW program. On WWE, maybe a small handful of performers a given a shot. 205 Live provides the rest a spot. The crowd treats them as after thoughts. Whether or not such wrestlers perform en masse on Smackdown is another matter. 205 Live DOES exist. Regardless, Smackdown will be ran as an A show. I do worry about the younger wrestlers though...

I do not worry about the younger wrestlers and undercard on Raw now. One did not watch Raw for the undercard. They were pretty much the castoffs. Under Heyman, they will become the strength and must-see portion of the show. On ECW, Heyman was a master of developing new talent and transforming them into stars by emphasizing the strengths and hiding their weaknesses. He had to. WWE and WCW kept hiring away his top talent. Furthermore, Heyman has remarked about the wrestling industry NEEDS new stars. Constantly. 

What should occur on both shows is more talent will get utilized, which will boost morale. Thus, elevating the quality of the product.

This should be a win-win.

Here's hoping.

Next time.