This weeks
edition of the epitaph is a look at the tough enough
reality based program and what this all means to wrestling.
In large part the popularity of both professional wrestling
and reality based programming were in large part the reason
for the even attempting this. Just like any proposed angle
in the WWF, this to has both a positive and negative side
to it.
The program
will provide several fans an insight into the training and
dedication that goes along with being a pro wrestler. Although,
the "scripted" reality based program will do what it can to
maintain thee audiences interest, it must still follow the
formula of success that has made the WWF so popular.
Through
the different commercials that can be seen advertising the
contest and program on television it appears a little over
the top. When I say over the top I mean the aspiring wrestlers
appear timid, nervous and flat out afraid of the star trainers.
I can understand these people feeling this way, for goodness
sake they have little to no training what so ever. I am confused
with how comes across to the viewing audience. Is the program
intended to be used as a way for the stars themselves receive
additional exposure or to produce the next WWF star?
Allow
us to ponder a little..
Now think
about it athletes such as Al Snow and Tazz are just a couple
of the men who are so heavily involved with the one on one
training of each athlete yet have not been involved in a major
feud with someone in months. Is is because some fans have
come to realize that "head" really is not a person and can
not talk back? Is it because the head gimmick wore thin and
little interest came from it? Regardless, it seems that a
few questions concerning tough enough need to be asked.
Where
is the reality?
It is
already understood that the many stars of the WWF had to make
sacrifices when it comes to making it. The reality is suppose
to stem from how badly these men and women want it. I ask
it is this or simply how the WWF can use tough enough as another
vehicle to capitalize on the success of reality based programming
and having the WWF seen more as entertainment then a sport
in the mainstream media.
How
real is real?
The question
does not surround around the training regime of these athletes
as much as it does the actual responses of the WWF stars themselves.
Tazz, for example has always been know for his tough training
regimen. When he and Perry Saturn ran the house of hardcore
for ECW they had very few successful graduates so this does
not come into question. The question I ask is are these men
and women of the WWF in character because they know they are
on television or because this is genuinely acting on how they
feel.
Al Snow,
was introduced as one of the stars of MTV's "Tough Enough".
This may just go to prove my point that if the WWF is capitalizing
more on having the WWF in as many programming slots as possible,
they will increase the number of viewers in masses. After
realizing this there is no question that the WWF is always
looking after the business.
What
about the winner?
After
the program comes to an end and a winner is decided what happens
next. I know the WWF said it will grant one man and one women
a contract but for how long. Will the stigma of being a nobody
that has not accomplished anything and not paid their dues
travelling the independent circuit be received well? The men
and women that tried to make it and failed maybe the luckiest
people on the face of the earth.
This past
week two women quit because they felt that it was to difficult
and that is fine. However, so much is focussed on how the
WWF athletes are so warm and supportive when really they are
suppose to be. In this world where reality based programming
appears not to be scripted just in wrestling itself, it is.
Stephanie, Tazz, and Al Snow are all playing themselves but
are not as demanding when it comes to having everyone succeed.
Once again,
I ask the question where will these "want to be's" be in six
months when all the hype and dust has settled. Does the name
Ludvig Borga, or Brakkus ring a bell? These folks will be
in and out faster than the Giant Silva. All because the WWF
simply used them as a tool to gain attention for itself. Is
it all tough talk or really to the winner go the spoils? Time
will tell, but my mind is already made up.
Regardless,
of who is cut, quits or even voted off the fact remains these
select few will have achieved some form of popularity even
for a short while regardless of whether they make it to the
show. Does this sound like I am contradicting myself here?
Probably. I just do not want these guys to end up like Richard
on survivor, who is now left to co-host the after party of
every other survivor on Entertainment Tonight. then again,
Colleen did co-star in "The Animal". Pardon the rambling thoughts
they are now simply racing faster than burning forest fire.
Do
you believe the hype?????
Marcus
Madison...Can you read through the madness?
You
can check out Marcus Madison weekly on Joltin' Joe's Wrestling
Line at (416) 350-3000 ext. 2049. Long distance charges may
apply.
