Rasslin’ (WWE, AEW, etc…)

[Turbo Kid]

I don't know. I do respect the guy for getting out there and making a name for himself after leaving WWE in 2016. But yeah, there's an air of "artificial" to him at the very least.

I liked and respected him too when he left WWE and helped get AEW off the ground, but then he kind of stabbed them in the back and he sort of feels like a sell out to me now. It's similar to how I feel about Punk. There was a notable downturn in AEW's fortunes when Cody left, and Punk kind of made things even worse with all the backstage drama he had there. AEW never really fully recovered from the combined damage of Punk's backstage wars and the departure of Cody

The other thing about Cody, I feel like he is slightly narcissistic. When the AEW fans turned on him, he refused to turn heel. The guy wants people to love him and I think that really limits him. Many people have said that the most exciting thing he could do now in WWE is go heel, but he won't.

I don't know, that's just how I feel. WWE fans are different now. Years ago I think he would have gotten some hate from some fans similar to Cena or the early big push Roman Reigns got under Vince McMahon but WWE fans today seem to just go along with anything.

 

[bjork]

I remember when Cody was new and he didn't wear kneepads (does he now?), a conversation with my dad
Dad: Why doesn't this guy wear kneepads
Me: I don't know, it's weird looking through
Dad: Look at him. There's nothing there, what is his name? Create-a-wrestler?
Me: That's Cody Rhodes, he's Goldust's brother and Dusty's son
Dad: Dusty like the big fat guy?
Me: mhmm
Dad; I'll be damned. What happened?

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

I remember when Cody was new and he didn't wear kneepads (does he now?), a conversation with my dad
Dad: Why doesn't this guy wear kneepads
Me: I don't know, it's weird looking through
Dad: Look at him. There's nothing there, what is his name? Create-a-wrestler?
Me: That's Cody Rhodes, he's Goldust's brother and Dusty's son
Dad: Dusty like the big fat guy?
Me: mhmm
Dad; I'll be damned. What happened?

You know, I don't think he does now that you mention it. Much less noticeable when he's wearing full length tights

 

[Turbo Kid]

I think part of it too is the camera work. I didn't watch for a long time so I don't know exactly when it shifted, but they used to be able to hide almost every big whiff or botch. Going live also likely didn't help, because there's something to be said for editing. I really remember everything looking pretty tight and snug, but you know that even in the golden era, there were guys who threw punches like Shane McMahon, heh.

Lucha Underground used to edit their shows. Some of their matches were amazing but I think Dave Meltzer once said he wouldn't rate any of them because they were edited. Sometimes they even cut out parts of matches for time since the shows were only one hour. Still, some of those matches were utterly fantastic and like you said maybe the editing made them better.

It's a great point really. Sometimes I get really annoyed by sloppy camera work. It ruins what would otherwise have been a great spot in a match. Unfortunately, WWE and sometimes AEW as well try and get fancy with the camera work and sometimes it exposes stuff. Also, sometimes something will look great...until they do three instant replays from different angles LOL

Pro wrestling is a team effort. The wrestlers need to be on their game, the camera guys need to be on their game, the commentary needs to be on their game, and ideally the crowd should be giving you the reactions that you want.

 

[bjork]

Dave Meltzer once said he wouldn't rate any of them because they were edited.

Not to be mean to the guy because I know he's got decades of knowledge, but his ratings system went off the rails years ago, so that's a big "oh well" from me, heh. But I get where he's coming from, it hides botches and whatnot so you can't gauge it as properly as live.

 

[Yousef Yousef]

don't know exactly when it shifted

Y’know what yeah I’m not really sure when it happened either, because I remember as late as the mark henry breaking the cage chains incident that got edited and even vaguely recall PG era being described as being televised with the connotation of it not being live yet. It probably happened somewhere around the late 2010s which feels odd to say.
Although I’m speaking raw/smackdown in this regard. Not sure about ppvs.

 

[Yousef Yousef]

Not to be mean to the guy because I know he's got decades of knowledge, but his ratings system went off the rails years ago, so that's a big "oh well" from me, heh. But I get where he's coming from, it hides botches and whatnot so you can't gauge it as properly as live.

I like Meltzer a lot but he’s definitely not impalpable or anything (and I don’t think that’s what he wants to come off as, unlike what his tweets may imply). He seems well-conducted in his shoot interviews. I think he shares a lot of interesting trivias and debunks but some of his Twitter rants border a bit on self-parody, haha.

 

[bjork]

I like Meltzer a lot but he’s definitely not impalpable or anything (and I don’t think that’s what he wants to come off as, unlike what his tweets may imply). He seems well-conducted in his shoot interviews. I think he shares a lot of interesting trivias and debunks but some of his Twitter rants border a bit on self-parody, haha.

Years ago, hearing him and Cornette talk about a subject they both know about it like watching two angry dogs get calm when they see each other, then they both know such miniscule details that it was always a good listen.

 

[kuroninneko]

Just wanted to share something Im working on in 3D (Blender)
I want to create lots of lowpoly wrestlers starting with my current favorite
Got good memories with those n64 games

 

[Yousef Yousef]

View attachment 113544
Just wanted to share something Im working on in 3D (Blender)
I want to create lots of lowpoly wrestlers starting with my current favorite
Got good memories with those n64 games

Hell yeah
No mercy was pretty cool
Always love seeing your stuff

 

[kuroninneko]

Hell yeah
No mercy was pretty cool
Always love seeing your stuff

Thanks! Yeah the AKI series is still my favorite. The newer games of today got improved graphics but nothing seems to match those n64 wrestling games

 

[Yousef Yousef]

Thanks! Yeah the AKI series is still my favorite. The newer games of today got improved graphics but nothing seems to match those n64 wrestling games

They’re still pretty fun, if they were cheaper it wouldn’t be an issue but yeah agreed otherwise

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

They’re still pretty fun, if they were cheaper it wouldn’t be an issue but yeah agreed otherwise

Yeah, throwing weapons was a small, but insanely fun, thing they added in 2k24. Plus MyGM is my jam. The best time to pick up the latest one is usually when they're gearing up to release the next one

Thanks! Yeah the AKI series is still my favorite. The newer games of today got improved graphics but nothing seems to match those n64 wrestling games

It is hard to top how fast-paced and snappy everything felt back in that era. Even the PS1-PS2 ones were great. Love the move animations combined with the crunchy sound effects in Here Comes The Pain

 

[kuroninneko]

They are really expensive. Im seeing wrestlers like Undertaker require extra $ to unlock. In my oldschool mind I expect him to be automatically in the game. Another thing i cant get used to is the sports game like feel the menus got with music I get tired of fast. I got 2K22 but dont play it much. Would rather play rom hacks of the n64 games. As much as I complain I do want the newest WWE game on my pc for fast loading times.

Post automatically merged: Sep 24, 2025

I liked and respected him too when he left WWE and helped get AEW off the ground, but then he kind of stabbed them in the back and he sort of feels like a sell out to me now. It's similar to how I feel about Punk. There was a notable downturn in AEW's fortunes when Cody left, and Punk kind of made things even worse with all the backstage drama he had there. AEW never really fully recovered from the combined damage of Punk's backstage wars and the departure of Cody

The other thing about Cody, I feel like he is slightly narcissistic. When the AEW fans turned on him, he refused to turn heel. The guy wants people to love him and I think that really limits him. Many people have said that the most exciting thing he could do now in WWE is go heel, but he won't.

I don't know, that's just how I feel. WWE fans are different now. Years ago I think he would have gotten some hate from some fans similar to Cena or the early big push Roman Reigns got under Vince McMahon but WWE fans today seem to just go along with anything.

I would like if Cody went heel. He just seems so smiley and buttoned up with his suit. Its kinda cheesy after awhile. If I was the writer I would have him still smile but have him act unpredictable and a bit psycho. Kind of like old school Sting where the audience is always guessing if hes going to be good or bad. Attack Jay Uso and other good guys for no reason at all but also attack bad guys like Dom Mysterio. Have the same ring attire he has now but put on battle face paint. Hit people with chairs. All the fun stuff. Just dont do the stardust thing again.

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

They are really expensive. Im seeing wrestlers like Undertaker require extra $ to unlock. In my oldschool mind I expect him to be automatically in the game. Another thing i cant get used to is the sports game like feel the menus got with music I get tired of fast. I got 2K22 but dont play it much. Would rather play rom hacks of the n64 games. As much as I complain I do want the newest WWE game on my pc for fast loading times.

I mean, I also complain about the newer games from time to time. I think they have two different modes now that rely on microtransactions? but I do genuinely want a portable PC/console just so I can play the MyGM mode portably.

I don't mind the "simulated sport" aspect of them, but there need to be more alternatives to balance that out. There aren't that many good non-WWE wrestling games.

 

[kuroninneko]

I mean, I also complain about the newer games from time to time. I think they have two different modes now that rely on microtransactions? but I do genuinely want a portable PC/console just so I can play the MyGM mode portably.

I don't mind the "simulated sport" aspect of them, but there need to be more alternatives to balance that out. There aren't that many good non-WWE wrestling games.

I seen some promising stuff in the indie space but some of them are so janky its comical. Retromania Wrestling looks kinda cool but havent tried it myself yet

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

I seen some promising stuff in the indie space but some of them are so janky its comical. Retromania Wrestling looks kinda cool but havent tried it myself yet

True. I hope "The Wrestling Code" is good. It's taking forever to come out, but it looks like they are getting the actual wrestlers featured in the game to mocap their own moves.

Retromania does look fun, and I think it got some updates recently.

Don't know if you've seen Wrestling Empire, but that gets my recommendation. It is janky, but I find that part of its charm and I have a lot of fun with it.

 

[Yousef Yousef]

As much as I’d openly welcome wrestling games with either non-WWE stars or straight to fictional characters, I can’t deny my inherent biases about wanting either legacy or current wrestlers I recognize, even if it’s ROH. I tried really hard to get interested in otherwise but i just can’t jam with them. Am I odd?

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

As much as I’d openly welcome wrestling games with either non-WWE stars or straight to fictional characters, I can’t deny my inherent biases about wanting either legacy or current wrestlers I recognize, even if it’s ROH. I tried really hard to get interested in otherwise but i just can’t jam with them. Am I odd?

No, I don't think so. I'm not much of a sports gamer, but I assume most people pick up Madden or NBA to play as their favourite players. I play wrestling games to play as my favourite wrestlers, even if I have to make them or download them as a custom character.

Wrestling Empire is a weird case. It has "look-alikes" of popular wrestlers, but with legally distinct names. You can rename everyone to be the actual wrestler if you want to, or get a mod for the PC version that renames them for you.

 

[Yousef Yousef]

No, I don't think so. I'm not much of a sports gamer, but I assume most people pick up Madden or NBA to play as their favourite players. I play wrestling games to play as my favourite wrestlers, even if I have to make them or download them as a custom character.

Wrestling Empire is a weird case. It has "look-alikes" of popular wrestlers, but with legally distinct names. You can rename everyone to be the actual wrestler if you want to, or get a mod for the PC version that renames them for you.

That sounds sick. I’ll google it when I leave work.

 

[kuroninneko]

I haven seen wrestling empire. Looks promising.

I like when games use look alike wrestlers with funny names.

 

[Turbo Kid]

They are really expensive. Im seeing wrestlers like Undertaker require extra $ to unlock. In my oldschool mind I expect him to be automatically in the game. Another thing i cant get used to is the sports game like feel the menus got with music I get tired of fast. I got 2K22 but dont play it much. Would rather play rom hacks of the n64 games. As much as I complain I do want the newest WWE game on my pc for fast loading times.

Post automatically merged: Sep 24, 2025

I would like if Cody went heel. He just seems so smiley and buttoned up with his suit. Its kinda cheesy after awhile. If I was the writer I would have him still smile but have him act unpredictable and a bit psycho. Kind of like old school Sting where the audience is always guessing if hes going to be good or bad. Attack Jay Uso and other good guys for no reason at all but also attack bad guys like Dom Mysterio. Have the same ring attire he has now but put on battle face paint. Hit people with chairs. All the fun stuff. Just dont do the stardust thing again.
View attachment 113550

What's interesting about Cody is that I actually find him most entertaining when he isn't taking himself seriously. He's actually entertaining with midcard or jobber gimmicks. I don't really like him as a main eventer.

 

[DjQuick2008]

Watching this today for me this was the official end of the attitude era.

Post automatically merged: Sep 25, 2025

I have so many issues with Cody. He politics both in real life and in kayfabe. He literally politicked in kayfabe to get Jey Uso on Raw once. Drew McIntyre even said this on TV once (McIntyre is awesome by the way). Everything about Cody screams rich, dbag, politician. Just look at how he dresses. He's the complete opposite of blue collar, every man Dusty Rhodes. He's never struggled at all since coming to WWE. They've given him the biggest push of possibly any WWE wrestler ever and he's extremely protected by his booking. How is he an underdog babyface? He wins 90% of his matches. He has a stupid catchphrase. "What do you wanna talk about?"

THIS is a catchphrase

He's not the greatest promo. He certainly can't keep up on the mic with people like The Rock, Cena, or Punk (and I don't even like Punk). He only gotten this massive push from WWE because he's one of the founders of the competition and also the FIRST guy they lured away from AEW. They basically wanted to say, "See what we can offer you if you leave AEW"

Take away his AEW status and his last name and they would have just had him be this guy again

Post automatically merged: Sep 24, 2025

Oh, and I can't forget. He came into WWE and STOLE SAMI ZAYN'S STORYLINE.

"Finish the story?"

You mean Sami Zayn's story?

Staaaaaaaaaaardust

Post automatically merged: Sep 25, 2025

WEEEEEEOOOWWWWAAIIIIWWWOOOOOOO These eventz must be documented.

Post automatically merged: Sep 25, 2025

Good upload i started going to live events that year.

 

[Jayonnaise6105 Jayonnaise6105]

View attachment 113825

Watching this today for me this was the official end of the attitude era.

Post automatically merged: Sep 25, 2025

Staaaaaaaaaaardust

Post automatically merged: Sep 25, 2025

View attachment 113827

WEEEEEEOOOWWWWAAIIIIWWWOOOOOOO These eventz must be documented.

Post automatically merged: Sep 25, 2025

Good upload i started going to live events that year.

My first live wrestling show was an indie show in 2007. I went to a few other indie shows from 2008-2010, all pretty much held at high school gyms, local sports centres or anime conventions, but I never went to see a major promotion until 2016, when WWE had a Raw house show and an NXT taping in a nearby city.

The Raw house show sucked mainly because I had nosebleed seats and you couldn't really hear or see what was happening in the ring. They must not have set up the microphones very well

The NXT taping was much better! It was in a smaller building, so you would've had a good view no matter where you were sat in the crowd. On a show that had both Bobby Rhoode & Shinsuke Nakamura, it was the most fun crowd I've ever been a part of!

 

[eyixon]

I miss the WWF days. They would broadcast recordings of those fights and we would watch them every Sunday afternoon. At that time, we didnt really have live shows from abroad so we had to watch things that were already past. Still, good times kept things going.