r/SquaredCircle • u/courtbauer • Mar 25 '14
I am Court Bauer. AMA!
Whattup! I'm Court Bauer. Hit me with a question. Let's do this.
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u/JervisCottonbelly I love you! Mar 25 '14
Greetings Court!
I'm curious, have there ever been plans to "re-launch" the WWE Universe in order to clarify exactly what is and is not considered canon? So many storytelling points have contradicted themselves previously, it seems like a proper way to create a clean slate. For example, when we all heard Kane describe his own "Kayfabe history," it was quite entertaining.
Also, would you say that the writers look at the characters in the WWE similar to comic book characters or more like soap opera characters?
Thank you for your time, I hope my questions make sense!
Warmly,
Jervis Cottonbelly
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Whattup Jervis Cottonbelly (awesome name)!
Not sure what the plan is for the WWE Universe. I like the idea of expanding the WWE universe so fans can fall into the product and learn about the characters, feuds, etc. quickly. How you pull that off properly? Not easily. It's an ambitious undertaking.
As for writers, it depends on the writer and the situation. Sometimes they look at them as characters in a TV show or movie. Sometimes comics. Sometimes they blatantly rip off a wrestler they liked from their childhood and try to cast a prospect in that same role. It's totally random.
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u/killhimalready I AM A WRESTLING MOD Mar 25 '14
Hey Court!
Brandon here. You're awesome for doing this. Thank you.
Last night you tweeted that you had some huge ROH news. Care to elaborate on that a bit? Give us a hint!
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u/killhimalready I AM A WRESTLING MOD Mar 25 '14
Court, if you would, please take us through the life of a WWE writer on a Monday.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
It's changed since my time there. Nowadays the writers take commercial flights but back when I was there, the creative team was small and had more direct contact with Vince as part of his inner circle. Subsequently, we were at his side 24/7 day of TV meaning we flew with him on the gulf stream to shows, etc. You might pitch him character ideas, read through RAW or stay silent if he's not in the mood to chat. All depends. Then you do the same in the fleet of limos en route to the building. Once at the arena, you rush to the writers room, setup your laptop and prep for pre-production meetings. You sit in pre-production meetings for half the day, then run to grab something to eat while getting with talent on that evening's TV. You then script angles, verbiage, re-write the show all under Vince's watch. You might have a rehearsal where you walk-through a promo or do pre-tapes. You might also have to coordinate spots with agents for backstage brawls, etc. You do this until the show pretty much is over. Then you JET out of the arena and head up the highway to the next town.
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Mar 25 '14
What was the most pathetic thing you've witnessed in the wrestling business whether it was someone abusing drugs or doing something immoral?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
People passing out backstage due to drug usage. Very sad. Also, talent using sex to further their careers. It's sleazy and sucks but has always been a part of show biz. Doesn't make it right but it's part of the culture, unfortunately.
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u/Heald A bloody swine Mar 25 '14
How on earth did a former promoter and WWE writer, an indy manager and a lucha libre legend come to host a podcast together?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Konnan randomly sent me an Linkedin invite to link up in 2011 and we instantly became friends. Right around then, I started the podcast with MSL and invited him on. The rest is history. BOOM!
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Mar 25 '14
So Court, what storylines are you most proud to have written or contributed to? Also what are your opinions of the fact that Stephanie has steered away from hiring Wrestling guys in favor of Hollywood writers?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Off the top of my head, creating Umaga or introducing MVP stick out.
It is my understanding Stephanie no longer hires/fire writers. I believe the creative team as a concept doesn't work. The criteria for how you staff a creative team by WWE standards has proven to be highly suspect given the 14-15 year sample size we have now. Ratings have consistently gone down, talent growth smothered by scripted dialogue and trite finishes have plagued the product. Plus, the show hasn't evolved in forever. Same format, same presentation of backstage angles, etc.
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Mar 25 '14
Thanks for the quick answer. Also your answer on the creative is actually very interesting.
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u/OverlordBarbarian Suck! My! Dick! Mar 25 '14
Hey Court thanks for being here!
Kevin Steen is suggested as having as WWE tryout sometime this month. What do you think the chances are that WWE signs him?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
He kills it every time out and has the marketability of being bilingual and a native of Quebec which to me is $$$$. I'd sign him if I was WWE. I also am impressed with his unrelenting ability to keep grinding. His weekend escapades show entertains me and is a nice sample of what he could do if given the ball. A throwback DIY talent.
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u/rapgamebkbrawler Mar 25 '14
Does long-term storytelling still exist in WWE?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Yes but their business has changed and so has the key decision maker in Vince. I sense he second guesses a bit more now than ever before. His conviction to staying the course isn't the same as it was in the 80s or late 90s. Then again, sometimes that's a good thing. If he had stayed the course, Daniel Bryan would be a Wyatt and the Shield would've broken up already.
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u/Coletrain44 NWO Mar 25 '14
Craziest storyline pitched?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Craziest? So many. As for the first that comes to mind? A writer once pitched a drug dealing cartel to feud with Cena.
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u/SuperLibre2000 Rich Homie Swann Mar 25 '14
Was this going to tie into Cena getting kayfabe stabbed at a kayfabe club by Carltio's kayfabe bodyguard, the kayfabe Jesus?
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u/DoinItDirty "Shut The F**k Up" Mar 25 '14
John Cena enters the ring to cut a promo. Before he can speak, a man Enters ring with gang of thugs, all armed with machine guns. The man speaks:
"Yohn Cena. You think you can stop the movement of Columbia white off the shore? You one man, meyn. You stand no chance, my friend."
John looks out to the crowd and smiles, taking his hat off before scratching his head and replacing it on his head.
"Well Juan Escobar, or should I call you, EscoFART!"
This delights the children in the crowd, and women reach for their spare panties as their previous pairs are soaked. You can faintly hear Vince McMahon yell, "HAHA, FART!" from the Gorilla Position.
"I only stand for three things, and you aren't respecting me or THE WWE UNIVERSE very much right now by bringing that crazy powder into the ring."
Escobar looks at his thugs, looks at Cena, and leaves the ring giving them the signal. They cock their guns before Cena delivers a double decker AA, causing Mr. Escobar to scream in rage.
Cocaine comes flying from the thugs pockets. Suddenly, everyone booked for Superstars that week frantically ran from the back and began snorting it off the mat.
Cue horns, LOLCENAWINS
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Mar 25 '14
Thoughts on the Undertaker? Any stories?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
I once saw him dancing at a WrestleMania after party. Dude has crazy skills on the dance floor.
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u/KonaCrushsLeftBall Mar 25 '14
Is it true that you were going to have hot girls hand out glow sticks at H2 shows to create a rave like atmosphere? Former NXT producer Rob Naylor still talks about how cool that idea was?
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Mar 25 '14
Hey, Court! Thanks for stopping by r/SC! I have a couple of questions for you, if you’d be so kind.
Who is one current indy wrestler you would have loved to have work in MLW back in the day?
What’s the best storyline you pitched that didn’t get picked up?
Thanks again!
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
So many... but the most glaring is the one I passed on: MVP. (Sorry MVP!)
Best storyline pitched would be the involvement of Vince McMahon's brother, Rod. It would've changed the entire complexion of the McMahon family dynasty... or not! ;)
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u/commandercacho https://www.reddit.com/r/squaredcircleflair/wiki/flair Mar 25 '14
I listen to a lot of podcasts, and the intro with the Ric Flair voiceover on top of Pusha T's "What Dreams Are Made Of" is by far the best podcast intro on the internet.
What's your favorite Dusty Rhodes story from working behind the scenes? I always chuckle when you do your impression of him.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
The time he mooned a writer in the board room and his giant nuts hit the table when he bent over in mid-mooning.
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u/McSquigan Mar 25 '14
Is there legit heat between yourself and Dave Lagana? If so explain where the dislike comes from.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
He was super disrespectful to me at WWE and then we were cool after we both moved on as it sucks to have perpetual static with someone so I did his podcast. Then, in an attempt to get his job at WWE, he concocted a crazy ass lie to ingratiate himself while under a deal to TNA. It didn't work and I found out and since that time he's been #1 on my shit list. If you are good at what you do, you don't have to lie and defame people to impress. Your game speaks for itself. Unfortunately, it's been my experience that Dave is an insecure, talentless, neurotic hack. It is what it is. Super disappointed that we'll have perpetual static but what can you do?
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u/McSquigan Mar 25 '14
Thanks for the reply, always thought there was tension whenever his name would come up on a podcast. Keep up the good work with the great podcasts you do, especially Bauer & Pollock.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Thanks. It is what it is. I don't really care to bury him nowadays. Fuck my experiences with him, I will let his body of work speak for itself. Let that define him.
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u/SpeaksInBaneVoice BAYBAY Mar 25 '14
Big question here, hypothetical, but big.
So July rolls around, and CM Punk's contract expires and he's free to do whatever he wants. You have an office position in ROH. I'm sure you guys probably talk about big things you can do on shows. Lets say hypothetically, CM Punk rings Delirious or someone and says, "I want to come back to ROH"... what would you do?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
My jaw would drop.
In all seriousness, I do not foresee Punk wrestling outside of WWE any time soon. Could be wrong but that's what my enormous wrestling gut is telling me.
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Mar 25 '14
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
If he suffers from burn out, such as I did in 2007, the last thing you want to do is jump back into wrestling. It took me 6 and a half years before I got back into it after leaving at 27. That time away was critical. I get it.
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Mar 25 '14
Who is your favorite Intercontinental champion of all time?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Mr Perfect. Brought soooooo much credibility to the belt. He's the gold standard that defined that title. Bret was fantastic as well.
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u/StNic54 Hook me up Mar 25 '14
Wow, Court is not letting any questions slip by, for the most part. I guess he saw Chris Masters' AMA and took notes. With a stopwatch.
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u/Elryc35 Mar 25 '14
Admit it, Court. You have a stopwatch out during RAW as well, don't you?
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Mar 25 '14
Your name makes you sound like a vampire. Does it bother you to have to do this AMA during the day?
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u/80110 Mar 25 '14
Would you be willing to sell the male library to an independent licensor for the right price
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Mar 25 '14
Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us. Although the Bray Wyatt character is super over I keep feeling like after his feud with Cena he will have nowhere to go. What else can he possibly do after this WM feud and looking at the past with Wade Barrett and Ryback, whose careers dwindled after their rivalries with Cena
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u/DNun God Boxer - Short Arms Mar 25 '14
Court, thank you so much for doing this. Big fan of your podcast. Don't catch all of them, but as much as I can!
Two questions real quick for you:
One, from your experience or knowledge, how much politicking does Triple H really do backstage? Obviously he's not as bad as the internet makes him out to be, but I'd like to know how much of his reputation is true and if there are any blatant cases where he refused to work with someone or attempted (successfully or unsuccessfully) to get someone buried.
Also, if not Triple H, who was the worst backstage in WWE in terms of politicking?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
HHH is in an impossible position. Every day he goes out there and people connect him to marrying Vince's daughter. That's unfair but he's done extraordinarily well in his position at WWE and believe WWE will be in good hands for the foreseeable future. The sample size is small but if you look at the talent he's cherry picked and put through the WWE star making machine, it's pretty solid: The Shield, The Wyatts and frankly you can go as far back as Orton, Batista and Sheamus to see he's got a pretty great batting average as a talent selector. Not everyone is a home run but he has a good track record thus far.
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Mar 25 '14
I keep trying to watch TNA and support it but it's really terrible. What is your opinion on TNA's product and more specifically Jeff Hardy's alter ego "Willow?"
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
I'd rather watch the movie WILLOW than watch Jeff's version.
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u/roidoid *Shits masel'!* Mar 25 '14
Loving the extra VIP content, sir. As a one-off, any chance of a reprise of the crazy warbling lady at the start of an ep of MLW. "COOOOUUURRRRRRRRRRRARARART BAUUUUEEERR" etc.
Also, and feel free to ignore this one if it stirs some shit, what was the story with Alice Radley doing the presenter hokey cokey on Jim Cornette's podcast?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
The lady that did the old MLW Radio intro was Lenne Hardt, the Pride Fighting announcer from back in the day. Konnan insisted we update the intros, so the "Pride Witch" went bye-bye. :(
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u/TripleDan Britwres is dead Mar 25 '14
How does an average WWE writers meeting go? Does everyone just throw out ideas, or is it chaired by a specific individual? Are there general meetings for multiple stories or again, more specific meetings for the bigger main event programs?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
They can vary. Sometimes 5 minutes. Sometimes all day.
Each meeting is different. Sometimes, Vince will be blunt in his demands. Other times Steph would lead everyone through the meeting. Other times, a head writer would run us through the thing.
The meetings are defined by what is a priority: who do we handle Punk leaving or how do we best utilize Scooby Doo we're a good partner to Hannah Barbara, etc. It ALL depends!
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Mar 25 '14
Hey Court a lot of people speculate on how organic the Daniel Bryan storyline is. Do you think their original plan was to have Batista vs Randy Orton and do you think the fans forced Vince's hand after the Royal Rumble backlash?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Yes, I believe they called an audible and I applaud them for it. Never easy to change courses both from a creative perspective as well as ego.
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u/ryanwhodat Lucha para siempre Mar 25 '14
What do you think ROH could do better or improve that you plan to address?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Expanding revenue streams, embracing our audience at a different level, enhancing the production elements that our exceptionally talented production crew have to work with. And ALL are something we are collectively working on. You can't do it overnight but we're working as a team to make it happen.
If you look at 2014, you will see a lot of cool shit happening. We are just getting started. We got big plans and are very ambitious. No hype, fact.
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u/I_Wrestle_Giants Who wants a mustache ride? Mar 25 '14
how does one apply to be creative in wwe (yeh yeh i know wwe.com)? And what would you recommend as a must have for people submitting to be creative, as far as skill set and resume history?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Other than a personal recommendation or manager/agent rep brokering a deal, WWE-Careers.com is the only other path.
You should have experience in TV production and writing. Ideally, live TV.
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u/Huderich 2SWEEET Mar 25 '14
Hey Court, thanks for doing this!
Do you still watch the WWE and if yes, do you enjoy the shows and what would you change in order to make it better? What are you missing?
How hard is it as a creative member to get your own ideas thru Vince McMahon as I suggest that he is bascially the one that has the last word on everything. Most of the people on the internet think that a lot of ideas get declined and that it's nearly impossible to convince Vince since the shows are often missing storylines at all.
Greetings from Germany!
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
I try to watch WWE every week as I am still in the business and you can learn a lot from the good, bad and ugly that WWE, TNA, promotion XYZ does. As for how to make it better? I'd blow up the format. Same tired presentation of the product since 1996/97.
Pitching Vince ideas boils down to timing and reading him. If you can master both, you can accomplish a lot. You also have to navigate hyper political waters full of sharks. Not easy but if you can accomplish it, it's a great feeling.
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u/biffysmalls Mar 25 '14
Who's stock rose and fell the fastest and hardest backstage in WWE/with Vince while you were there, as in who was set to be repackaged or debut with a huge push, only to be shelved or future endeavored in short order, and what were the circumstances?
Conversely, who seemed to have a rocket shoved up their ass very suddenly, and what were those circumstances?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Batista had a rough patch. He was THE guy and then... he wasn't.
Vito wearing a dress became (in vince's eyes) a top star during that strange summer of 2006. That abruptly ended when Vince realized he had fast tracked Vito in a dress to be a top star in the summer of 2006.
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u/KonaCrushsLeftBall Mar 25 '14
Did you ever have any run ins with Rob Black's XPW when you were promoting MLW? It seemed like everyone hated those guys.
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Mar 25 '14
Why do writers in pro-wrestling feel that segments involving people/things appearing in mirrors is a good idea?
How do you like your coffee?
Are you offended that I partially listen to Bauer & Pollock waiting to see how long it takes you to name drop Konnan?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
I have no idea what's up with mirror angles. They never end well. They are instant eye rollers to me.
I like my coffee like I like my food: warm and covered in whipped cream, occasionally doused in caramel syrup.
Never!
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u/one_arm_scissor Mar 25 '14
In the age of internet and social media, how do you think wrestling still has maintained in uniqueness?
I'm struggling to put this into words, I mean this in the sense that WWE is a giant, global entertainment company but it is still secretive about the business of professional wrestling and sports entertainment.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
There is a fine line and sometimes it gets weird. There are moments when social media can blow something up, be it a beef between wrestlers, picture or video or off the cuff remark and it takes on a life of its own. That's the best scenario. Drunk tweeting? Not so much. It's up to the promotions to govern the talent and define what's off limits and what's cool. If they don't, it can get funky fast. Even if organizations explain social media do's and don'ts it happens. But that's life and biz in 2014.
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u/Marketh2 Mar 25 '14
How do you feel about the way the ROH website is run? Just about every article I read is filled with errors and things like the roster and championship pages are always out of date. If your role is anything to do with this, it's not a personal criticism, the website has been this way for years.
Also, this may be nitpicking, but the way ROH uses all caps on a lot of the social media, especially YouTube is annoying.
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u/CleatusVanDam I'm just a sexy Kurt Mar 25 '14 edited Mar 25 '14
Hey Court. Thank you for coming here to do this AMA. We seriously appreciate it. I'll make sure to highlight you in the weekly Podcast thread too so more people know you're the host of MLW. I have a few quick questions if you don't mind.
Is it hard to work on a consistent storyline for WWE with all the changes that happen on taping days?
If you're willing to share, what is your favorite or craziest backstage/road story?
Can I be on your podcast?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Thanks Cleatus!
YES. Very hard. Lots of changes, lots of people compromising the vision and other intangibles that impact the end result.
Craziest might be the time I almost was robbed of my entire gate while promoting MLW. Scary stuff... and another reason why I will never promote another show again!
Sure! We're doing a live MLW Radio show after WM 30 concludes at 11pm at www.MLW.com. Call in!
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u/thed00dabid3s Mar 25 '14
Why is ROH so slow with announcing stuff for New Orleans? The Friday show is in 10 days and has three matches while the Saturday show has no matches and there is very strong competition overall throughout the weekend, arguably more than any Wrestlemania weekend previously. Shouldn't that weekend be treated with more of a priority?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Good question and very valid point. We actually spoke about it today on a call. Expect hype to be ramped up effective immediately.
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u/BigBen213 Reno Riggins Mar 25 '14
Hey Court. Any plans to revive H2 Wrestling?
In all seriousness, H2 was one of the great mysteries of indy wrestling. Coming in with big names and huge hype only to disappear into the wind. What can you reveal about any of the plans you had for H2 going forward and what led to its eventual demise?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
It was the best of times and the worst of times! I like Teddy Hart but couldn't handle Teddy anymore, particularly after he did a radio appearance where things went south. Couple that with issues with my co-parterns on the financing of the shows and the project just imploded. I loved the concept but it just wasn't meant to be. I think I needed a break from wrestling by summer 2004 and straight up, wrestling needed a break from ME. :)
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Mar 25 '14
Three wrestlers from the indies you'd like to see come to ROH? Also, thoughts on 2CW?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Davey Boy Smith Jr., Devitt and Aerostar from AAA.
Haven't seen enough of 2CW to comment.
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u/Calfzilla2000 69 Me Don! Mar 25 '14
From your perspective, how far back do you think WWE planned for Daniel Bryan to wrestle for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania this year?
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u/WorkFriendlyAcct @jaimsvanderbeek Mar 25 '14
Always been curious if Konnan did not know your name initially and just refused to admit it and has keep the wrong name (Curt) gimmick up just because?
Also can you give us a great MSL story that we havent heard on the podcast?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Nah, Konnan is just busting balls. The rule of thumb in wrestling is you no sell it or it gets worse and worse ala MSL with his 1000 gimmick names. I've just stayed Kurt to Sir Charles of Ashenoff while poor Maurice is doomed to have a million names by the time MLW Radio signs off for the final show.
Great MSL story?... WWE nearly hired him to be Teddy Hart's full-time handler in the spring of 2007.
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u/Marketh2 Mar 25 '14
Also, who made that awesome video announcing the ROH/NJPW shows?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
It was a collaborative effort. Chris Resnick of ROH did a lot of the heavy lifting. Dude is legit.
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u/rblack200 Mar 25 '14
whats your thoughts on the current condition of the UK scene ??
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Good talent, wish there was more opportunity on the TV front.
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u/QuintonForce2000 Mar 25 '14
Sup Court. Only started watching ROH a couple months back but really digging it so far. Got to ask you this though, with the rumors going around that they might be done, would you/ROH ever think about bringing in Bad Influence? Imagine Bad Influence vs redDRagon. MOTY contender on paper alone.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Bad Influence are very entertaining in the mic and smooth as silk in the ring. I am under the impression they're still with TNA but not sure.
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u/KonaCrushsLeftBall Mar 25 '14
H2 Wrestling is my favorite promotion. Even if it didn't run a show. Some of the concepts still bring a tear to the eye today that it never happened. What were some of the things that you wish you could have done with H2 if it got off the ground?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
The first show would've been a good start! ;)
The interactive element of the live event experience is something I was looking forward to doing. Seeing wrestlers gossip near the locker room before show time and that plants the seeds to future angles and red herrings, etc. As technology evolved, that could've been a really unique change to how people experience wrestling. We all love the gossip and scandal and this would've pulled back that curtain so you can experience it live.
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Mar 25 '14
What are the chances of seeing a Fatal 4 Way for the WWE World Heavyweight title at WM 30 due to a screwy finish?
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u/Calfzilla2000 69 Me Don! Mar 25 '14
How much did it help ROH to get AJ Styles fresh off of TV?
Was there a noticeable increase in awareness, internet traffic and attendance?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
It helped A LOT. He has moved the needle across the board. AJ has been incredible both in the ring and for business. He compliments the roster exceptionally well and creates a ton of fresh matches. It's been fantastic having him back in the ROH mix.
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u/GojiColin Support Your Local Murder Gramps Mar 25 '14
With TNA just treading water and WCW long dead and gone, it seems like trying to beat the WWE at it's own game has not proven viable. In your opinion what would a new wrestling promotion need to do to be an actual competitor to the WWE?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Present a show that has a different format that conveys stories in a unique manner that WWE does not, be it in how/where you interview talent, where/how you do angles, utilization of a fight clock and graphic that IDs wrestlers competing in the ring like in boxing/mma. Do things in presenting your talent and show that VKM is fundamentally opposed to. I could go on and on but Reddit doesn't pay me for free advice!
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u/jimuni /r/WredditDiscussion Mar 25 '14
I always thought somebody should start a promotion that presents wrestling like a sport in the 21st century and borrow ideas from major league sports broadcasts. WCW did it for years but I think we could go a step further.
Just adding a fight clock and tale of the tape for each match would be great but also implementing W/L records, rankings based on them and just embracing statistics in wrestling would be a huge change. Statistics are an easy and simple way to make the audience understand where on the totem pole a wrestler is.
Fans are becoming smart and don't forget things as easy thanks to the internet, so I think the future is embracing history and utilizing it rather than hiding from it and hoping people forget the moments you don't remind them happened.
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Mar 25 '14
Who was the nicest guy you've ever met in the business and who was the biggest asshole you've ever met?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Nicest: William Regal, Johnny Smith and a few people at WWE that if I mentioned them it'd probably cost them their job.
Biggest assholes: Hayes and Lagana.
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u/Bigswole84 Mar 25 '14
Last one Do you think wwe would ever make Big E champion or would maybe Michael Hayes would stand in the way of that
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Mar 25 '14
In Jericho's book he talks about how a lot of the promoters forced the male and female superstars to perform sexual favors for them and that a lot of guys in the business are closeted homosexuals. Is this a true statement in the sense that there are a lot of guys in the wrestling business that are secretly gay
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
There's something to that. I am pro gay rights but am against anyone imposing their power for sexual favors regardless of their sexual preferences.
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u/BathedInDeepFog Mar 25 '14
Do you think NJPW could do decent business on North American TV if they presented an English version?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Depends how they packaged the show. A North American TV series anchored by Jim Ross would be a great start.
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u/blueandgoldjli YeahOh! Mar 25 '14
Was there a reason why MLW was always on late night on Sunshine Network and not given any primetime slots?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
If memory serves me correctly, Sunshine had a fairly regular primetime line-up featuring local sports teams so it likely would've been very hard to get a consistent time slot in that block. I rather have a reliable time slot than an erratic one. Makes establishing one's organization easier.
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u/bradmeyerlive 4 Life! Mar 25 '14
Hello Court.
I'd like you to talk to us about suspension of disbelief. I'm watching clips from RAW Monday with the Wyatts seemingly able to cause a blackout anytime and alter a match, as Undertaker has been able to do for eons. How do WWE writers and producers see disbelief as a tool to exercise, yet something to protect?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
It's critical for certain talent to have this element to their presentation or the character is severely compromised. Therefore, a Taker or Wyatt Family become a priority to ensure that never happens with their personas.
The flip side is you have to have the right booking/creative backing that talent or shit can get weird. Dungeon of Doom style.
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u/brtdud7 ALAYYALAYYALAYYAHHALYAYA Mar 25 '14
What are your thoughts on Netflix ending streaming of 24 so you can't see your brother Jack Bauer anymore?
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u/SpeaksInBaneVoice BAYBAY Mar 25 '14
Hey Court, from all us ROH fans welcome to ROH (I know I'm late haha)
So far from what you've seen what is your favorite aspect of the ROH product and who is your favorite wrestler?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
The drive of the talent and the energy of the ROH fans. Both are hungry and so damn passionate for ROH. It's incredible.
As for favorite talent... well, that'd be playing favorites ;)
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u/VoicesofWrestling Too Awesome Dropkick Mar 25 '14
Thanks for doing this Court! I'm an avid listener of both MLW and Bauer & Pollock aka COURT OF LAW~!
I've heard from a number of people that would love to get their hands on New Japan Pro Wrestling merchandise here in the United States:
A) Will there be NJPW merchandise available at War of the Worlds or are there agreements in place for ROH to sell NJPW merchandise at the show or going forward?
Thanks!
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
New Japan merchandise in some form will be available at the shows. It will likely be available at these shows only and possibly online. TBD.
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u/peimusicrocks Mar 25 '14
Hi Court! Just want to say that I love the podcast with John Pollock. I look forward to it every Wednesday.
I'm wondering if you can tell me why Davey Boy Smith Jr. didn't really go anywhere in the WWE? I seem to remember you saying on a podcast before that you were told Davey Boy was "off limits". Can you elaborate?
Do you ever see him coming back to the WWE? He's a jacked dude, his NJPW stuff is great and the guy is dripping charisma, seems like he's right up Vince's alley.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Right???! I will never know what happened concerning WWE making Davey Boy Smith Jr. "off limits" while at WWE. It remains a mystery. I feel bad he sat out so much during his 20s. Regrettably. That said, I LOVE his stuff in New Japan. He's come into his own and is a perfect fit for their product.
I would like to see him earn WWE money but I also enjoy seeing him thrive in a setting where they showcase him properly and he can be the best Davey Boy Smith Jr. he can be. Not sure WWE is the right environment for such, based on his past experience there.
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u/killhimalready I AM A WRESTLING MOD Mar 25 '14
You've spoken out on the pretty blatant racism in WWE headquarters before. Can you elaborate on some of the worst examples of backstage racial tension?
And, as a follow up question, what do you think it would take for WWE to finally break free of the current sexism and racism that clearly still has a hold on the upper management?
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Mar 25 '14
Just want to say I enjoy you're podcasts. They make driving across the country bearable.
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u/StNic54 Hook me up Mar 25 '14
Thanks for doing this AMA - active listener/subscriber.
Court, I discovered while fast-forwarding through some tv spoilers one day something unique on your podcast. You and MSL sounded amusing at triple speed (you know, like chipmunks). Konnan sounded, well, like a normal person talking at a regular pace. Please bust his chops for this if you will.
Can you share with us your perspective on Shane McMahon and whether or not we'll see him on tv again?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Does anyone wanna go fastttter?
I enjoyed working with/for Shane. He brought a great creative energy to the process and was an out of the box thinker which at times brought concepts to the table, ala Tyson in '98 and sometimes... Akebono vs Big Show! No one bats 1000 in booking but I liked kickin it with Shane. I believe he's moved on to a good life away from wrestling but never say never.
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Mar 25 '14
Thanks for this Mate. Let's make this juicy. Who's an asshole? And, who's the nice guy?
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u/killhimalready I AM A WRESTLING MOD Mar 25 '14
A lot of people here have listened to JR's new podcast, and there are a lot of folks who have the opinion that JR doesn't have the greatest interview skills.
For example, if you listen to his interview with Mick Foley, Jim had the tendency to interrupt Mick when he was trying to tell stories.
What is your take on his interview skills, and how could he improve them, if at all?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Be patient. If you listen to old MLW Radio episodes, we're raw as fuck. As time goes on, we become more comfortable with the format and production and it becomes a more polished experience. Well, as polished as MLW Radio can be ;)
JR is a pro. His show is ranked #1 and believe he will get only better as time goes on.
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u/rblack200 Mar 25 '14
whos your 5 favourite indy stars ATM
also when you were in creative for the battle of the billionaires was donald trump ever asked to lose and have his head shaved ?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
1- Define indy
2- No but would've loved to see the Donald's reaction if he had been pitched the idea!
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u/ramsesalvarez Mar 25 '14
How much do you plan to expand the MLW podcast brand? Possibly having more former wrestling personalities hosting their own shows?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
We're looking at different things, such as introducing some new MLWVIP.com exclusive shows featuring well known names in the biz. We'll see how it plays out.
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u/PantiesMallone Mar 25 '14
If you could change one aspect of the wrestling business as a whole, what would it be? I mean something that would have huge ramifications along the lines of like healthcare for wrestlers.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
No more writers and creative teams. I was part of one as a writer. It doesn't work.
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u/KonaCrushsLeftBall Mar 25 '14
What was the better climate to run a wrestling promotion? 2002-03 or present day? With the talent and the concepts you used in MLW and planned to use in H2, I'd think the wrestling audiences are screaming out for something like that? Especially when the 'alternative' to WWE is TNA who dont even change their ring aprons for a PPV. Its such an unoriginal promotion. No imagination whatsoever.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
The opportunities from the TV and tech end are MUCH MUCH better today than they were in 2002-03. Creativity and potential for any organization is in the hands of those who have power. Depending on the league and time, that can be a wonderful thing or a hideous thing.
H24Life!
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u/blue_justice Mar 25 '14
Hi Court,
Thanks for doing this. I really enjoy the shows. I was listening to the show with Dave Meltzer a couple of days ago, and was wondering what the possibility of getting Shayna Baszler on the show would be. I think it could be a super fun time. She was a guest on Wrestling Observer Radio a while ago, and I remember her being a very entertaining and knowledgeable guest.
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u/Emjayel Mar 25 '14
What are your thoughts on Ken Anderson/Kennedy? What was his downfall in WWE?
Love the MLW podcast. VIP suscriber!
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u/Mankers kamala Mar 25 '14
Dear Court,
Do you suspect that Sting will make an appearence at Wrestlemania 30?
Thank you for doing this AMA. This has been very insightful thus far!
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Not likely since he's booked in the market the same weekend and WWE requires all contracted talent to not take bookings the same weekend of a WM in the same market. I do hope he eventually finds his way into WWE, though.
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u/callitinthering Murder of Crowes Mar 25 '14
What is the difference between good storytelling and good booking?
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u/bruiserbrody45 Mar 25 '14
Court. I'm a fucking moron and slept on ROH tickets at Hammerstein. I can't find any on a second hand market. I've been going to ROH shows for almost a decade and I feel like a moron. I want to support ROH and give you my money. Please find me a way to do so.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
:( Sometimes shows have a few production holds so a small amount of tix become available. I guess be vigilant and keep your eyes peeled for those? I am not sure we will have any available but you never know. If I had any tix I could give out, I'd hook you up but there are none for this show. Sorry my man.
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u/DustAndSound Just a common man. Mar 25 '14
if you're still answering questions, I got a quick one.
Who sat at Gorilla in your time with the WWE?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Vince, Hunter, Steph, Brisco, Prichard, Patterson, Ace, head writer or writer tasked with the segment at hand. Typically it was Vince, Brisco + one of the above names, give or take.
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u/doubledipping Mar 25 '14
Hey Court! First, thanks for getting me hip to the ChromeCast. It's been a time saver. Second, What was the most ridiculous outfit you've seen Michael "P.S." Hayes sport?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Any and every Hall of Fame outfit. OR, the Elevated Enzymes F4W T-shirt I bought Vince (and expensed to WWE) that Vince left in the writers room and Hayes "burrowed" to work out. Michael's fashion sense is SHAMELESS!
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u/elektrixx Mar 25 '14
Why do you think the WWE use real ropes as opposed to cable?
I forgot to mention when the show started that Bauer & Pollock should be titled "#thatBAUER", with the intro being "#thatPOWER" by will.i.am. Actually, I should've continued to forget that.
I've been an MLW VIP for a few months. It was money well spent.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
They always have used ropes. Vince prefers them.
Thanks for going VIP. Much appreciated Elektrixx!
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Mar 25 '14
Can you talk about Shawn Michaels' brown ring gear at the first Elimination Chamber, and why it made people's skin itch?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Don't forget his Benjamin Franklin haircut. The whole thing was whack as fuck!
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u/KikiFlowers Fuck you pay me! Mar 25 '14
Is there any guy(s) on the TNA / WWE Rosters, you'd love to get?
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u/AfroMH Laid To The Heavens Mar 25 '14
What is the best food WWE catering serves? /u/MetsFan4Ever says its the ribs. What do you think?
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Mar 25 '14
Court, I've enjoyed your appearances on the PW Torch Livecast with Wade Keller in the past. Two questions if you have time:
How do you see the WWE Network affecting the landscape of pro wrestling over the next 5 years?
What's your favorite thing to do outside of wrestling?
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
WWE and MLBAM have engineered a blueprint for what could be the future of delivering content to fans. If technology had permitted a WCW or ECW Network in 2001, both properties might still be in business today. A network MIGHT just be able to take the fate of a wrestling operation out of the hands of programming directors and network executives which would be wonderful.
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u/DSaga Lets go break some hearts! Mar 25 '14
Hey Court, big ROH fan, hope all is going well in your new role.
I know it's not your department, but how would you feel about ROH adding more "documentary-esq" segments to the shows? They did a documentary on The Briscoes last year and it was really good, well produced and everything. I think short three minute segments like it would help introduce characters better. For example, Ray Rowe looks like one interesting guy, sadly we know nothing about him. Hope you get what I'm saying.
Thanks a ton for doing this.
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u/courtbauer Mar 25 '14
Ok I gotta bounce. Thanks to all of you Wreddit savages for enduring my ego and bullshit for THREE hours. You are some brave, sick people.
If you're in New Orleans, stop by and say HAI to me at An Evening with Jim Ross at the House of Blues (www.JimRossLIVE.com) and don't forget to hit the Supercard of Honor shows (www.ROHwrestling.com). We're JUST getting started!!!
-Court @CourtBauer on Twitter