Expectation vs. Execution: Why Being Spoiled Isn't a Big Deal for Me

So no, I don't think it's unreasonable for fans of Christian's to be so upset over this. A lot of fans, and I mean A LOT of fans, were ecstatic about the new World Heavyweight Champion, and now? Well, that goodwill was either pissed down the drain or it was AT BEST a lateral movement onto Orton.

--Me, 5/11/11

Spoiler alert: I AIN'T CARE BOUT SPOILERS
Photo Credit: WWE.com

That was part of my reaction to the news that Christian had lost his newly-won World Heavyweight Championship to Randy Orton. I was pissed. I wasn't the only one either. The Internet had a collective apoplexy over the decision to re-strap the Viper upon his immediate arrival to Smackdown. Then, the match happened, and you know what? It was one of the best WWE matches, free TV or not, of the year to date. I can't speak for everyone else, but if I watched it live, or if I was kept free of the spoiler, I don't think I would have reacted to it as harshly. Yeah, I would have been disappointed at the result, but at the same time, I can never feel bad after watching great wrestling. What followed has been one of the best angles/feuds in WWE all year long.

It's with that in mind that I went into RAW Monday knowing what would happen between John Cena and Vince McMahon. I read the spoilers. I knew going in that yes, they'd be putting Cena's job on the line a mere eight months after they had used it to no avail the first time. I didn't care though, because I've been pleasantly surprised at the execution of several questionable spoilers over the last couple of years. I think it speaks to the fact that I've evolved as a fan. I also think that a lot of fans have evolved, at least the ones that have stuck around.

I don't think I'm alone in the thought that plot twists are the most important thing. Yeah, I get that surprise is important, although I often wonder the wisdom of swerving on a taped show. That being said, I also think that if you don't want to be spoiled, you should be shielded from spoilers. People who post spoilers on Twitter without any kind of warnings? Yeah, they're fucking cocks. However, it doesn't bother me personally if I've been spoiled anymore because I've become more and more enjoyed by how a thing plays out rather than ZOMG plot development that I didn't see coming.

That's why I really enjoyed the McMahon/Cena confrontation at the end of RAW despite disapproving of them going for the whole "ZOMG FIRED" angle again. The execution was great. Yeah, the direction where they may be going could be bad, but at the same time, why let that get in the way of the performance on screen?

I'm not telling you how to watch wrestling. I'm really not. If spoilers ruin your enjoyment, they ruin your enjoyment, and that's why I try not to post them in public. However, I couldn't care any less than I do know if I know the entire program or not. Just give me a good performance, okay?

Quick Hits: On Stranger Quick Hits

- After RAW went off the air last night, the RAW GM announced that R-Truth, by virtue of his count out victory over John Cena, deserves another match with Cena for the title at Capitol Punishment under one condition - he has to apologize on the air next week for his "abhorrent behavior" (and given they show two replays of him throwing soda in the "fan's" face after, that's what they're referring to). That should be amusing to say the least.

- ROH has announced when that Eddie Edwards/Davey Richards World Championship match will take place June 26th at their iPPV event The Best in the World, to be held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. This will be the same event Jay Lethal makes his ROH return at, as well as promised title defenses from both the World's Greatest Tag Team as well as Christopher Daniels. My early feeling is that Edwards wins here to set up Davey chasing a "final" opportunity for the belt to cash in at Final Battle. But that's just me.

- WWE announced today that they're changing the name of their video game franchise from Smackdown vs. RAW to just WWE '(year), starting with WWE '12. You can see the trailer here.

- There was a big deal made of TNA cracking down on cell phone usage in the Impact Zone and spoiler reports, to the point where a correspondent from PW Insider (LOL) was thrown out of the building. In what can only be surmised as a big FUCK YOU to Universal Studios (since they're more the ones who are pushing this rather than TNA itself), F4W Online has spoilers for the next episode of Impact. I've been hard on Alvarez and Co. lately, but this is pretty awesome. Also, I don't usually like posting spoilers without extensive care to hide them, but at the same time? This just goes to show that no matter how hard you try, you're not going to totally prevent the leakage of pre-taped shows. Not at all.

Remember you can contact TH and ask him questions about wrestling, life or anything else. Please refer to this post for contact information. He always takes questions!

Universal Wants to Fight a Futile Battle, Re: Impact Wrestling Spoilers

Via Ringside XCess

Apparently, Universal Studios sent an edict to TNA/Impact about limiting the leaking of spoilers from tapings with threats of banning from the Impact Zone for anyone who uses a cellphone to tweet/leak spoilers as they happen. Apparently, TNA balked at this, but they were talked into accepting the punitive system, which includes a warning for first offenses, 30 day ban for second, 60 day ban for third, 90 day ban for fourth and for a fifth offense, a lifetime ban.

I can understand this issue from both sides, actually. Where TNA is coming from I don't know, but the possible reasons are a) it's impossible to police cell phone use, especially when smart phones are beginning to gain more and more of a market share, b) TNA loves its viral marketing, and what's more viral than spoiler dissemination and c) logistically, it's almost impossible to stop spoilers anyway because people can just tweet them when they leave Universal Studios. Conversely, spoilers can be the bane of any pre-taped program and if they sound bad (whether they play out badly or not can be regardless, but let's be real here, it's TNA), and bad press is bad press. Then again, where is Universal in the picture here? Are they affiliated with Spike? Do they get a cut of TNA's financials? I mean, I think I'd need to know how their relationship is with TNA if they're going to be this concerned about spoilers getting out.

From a realistic standpoint, there's no way this is going to deter spoilers from getting out. I understand the intent behind it, and I can definitely appreciate it. However, no matter what the reasoning TNA has for not wanting it, I think they're unusually prescient in their hesitance. Seriously, you're dealing with mutants who bitch about the product they see for free not being up to their standards. You don't need to give them even more ammunition. It's a logistical nightmare waiting to happen.

Remember you can contact TH and ask him questions about wrestling, life or anything else. Please refer to this post for contact information. He always takes questions!