I’ve been fighting a losing battle not to dance to Kool & The Gang’s ‘Celebration’ while listening to the phenomenal 100th edition of the MFX Podcast this week, so that’s probably why I’ve put this article off for so long. Thanks for that, guys. Who am I going to blame, myself?
Despite the fact that it’s quite obviously Duckman and Sir Ian Trump’s fault for my lack of punctuality this week, *cough cough*, I’ve been drawing blanks as to what to write about. I’ve got a bunch of ideas that would need to be executed earlier in the week, such as the ever-evident possibility of Sting and The Undertaker squaring off in the future, the WWE’s newest video game and a few other topics I’ve been wanting to talk about.
But lo and behold, I’ve had to scrounge for something worth mentioning from the week in wrestling because once again, it’s Sunday morning and I’m sitting here looking at a blank computer screen. Well, not completely blank. I have just written three paragraphs blaming the MFX Podcast for my own uselessness. But I digress.
Aside from Impact Wrestling’s apparent cancellation, one thing that has hit the wrestling industry (or rather the WWE) pretty hard over the past few weeks is the overwhelming disappointment in the WWE Network, and the company’s inability to secure over a million subscriptions in the US alone. Sure, a lot of people have the network outside the US even though it technically hasn’t gone worldwide yet, but based on the numbers so far, things have been looking pretty bad.
That’s not to bag on the network itself, as I’ve heard numerous great things about it. And with all of the tremendous WWE, WCW and ECW Pay-Per-Views of the past and present (and ones to come in the future), not to mention exclusive shows like Legend’s House, Total Divas, Main Event and the extremely exciting NXT and all of its own special events at your disposal for *Triple H voice* only $9.99 a month, it is a wonder why more people haven’t bought it.
Now that’s not me plugging the network to get more buys, because what would be the point? I don’t even have it myself, although when it officially hits Ireland I will be sure to pick it up. I’m just saying that the lack of purchases can’t be blamed on the content, because it’s all there.
You’ve heard enough about the network from so many other people, so if I’m going to write a full post about it, it’ll be after it goes worldwide to see how that affects the financial situation in the WWE, and because by then I’ll probably have sampled it myself, so I can speak from experience rather than what I’ve heard through the grapevine.
A Metaphor for WWE’s Financial Situation?
But with all off this chaos brought about by the WWE Network’s supposed failure, the company has been future-endeavouring people left and right, with the aim to cut down 10% of the employees in the company. In the last week alone we’ve seen a familiar face like Ricardo Rodriguez get sent home, and some people behind the scenes, such as the Senior Vice President of Creative, Eric Feldmann.
But one story that sticks out like a sore thumb is the release of Alberto Del Rio, which was announced merely three days ago.
Anyone who’s read some of my articles in the past will know that I have never been a fan of Del Rio, simply because I found he lacked the charisma and panache that comes with being a WWE Superstar. Plus, despite having a somewhat intriguing arsenal in the ring, I was never quite captivated by his work. However, if the story behind his release is true, it means I have a new-found respect for the man.
The story floating around is that in catering at a WWE event, a WWE Social Media worker was heard making a racist joke about Del Rio, saying it was his job to be cleaning up. Somehow, word got back to Berty, and when he confronted the employee about it, not only did he not apologise, but he smirked at Del Rio to put the icing on the cake. Supposedly, this caused Del Rio to bitch-slap the taste out of the guy’s mouth.
Now, I’m not 100% sure of the legitimacy of this story, but if it is what happened, is Del Rio the one at fault here? True, he is a professional, and initiating physical conflict backstage with a non-performer (or anyone for that matter) is severely unprofessional and should be met with proper punishment, which it has been.
But keep in mind that despite being American, the WWE is an international organisation, and holds its fans worldwide very highly. If they are going to keep a seemingly racist employee within a company that thrives on its performers and fans from around the globe, it would be a hypocritical move, and could land them in some hot water.
Sure, a lot of people see Vince McMahon as a bit of a racist, but he’s the owner of the company. We’re talking about someone that could easily be replaced here, as I’m sure there are thousands of people willing to take the job of Social Media Manager within WWE.
As we’ve stated, the WWE is going through a rough patch in terms of funding, which is likely why Del Rio’s punishment was so extreme, but I find it highly hypocritical to keep the man who initiated this on board. Yes, fire Del Rio, it’s not likely he was bringing anything to the table aside from a few potential fans from Mexico. But also fire the racist that insulted a performer based on their nationality. What’s he bringing to the table, a few tweets?
If Del Rio wanted to handle the situation in a mature manner that wouldn’t have gotten him in trouble, he should have gone to one of the higher ups about the guy. But other than that, I think Del Rio was completely right in confronting him. Racism is unacceptable in the workplace, no matter what extent, and in a company as big as World Wrestling Entertainment, you would expect discrimination to be dealt with immediately.
Whether or not it cost Del Rio his job, that guy deserved way more than a slap in the face if you ask me. And if Berty’s handprint on the guy’s face is the only thing he gets out of this ordeal, I will be seriously disappointed.
That’ll do it for this week, guys and gals! To make up for being late, I will be producing two articles in the coming week to celebrate the biggest party of the summer! On Friday at 9am, I will upload my predictions for WWE SummerSlam, and next Sunday, I’ll be back with another edition of ‘Under the Spotlight’. That’ll take us closer to my second anniversary with the site at the end of the month!
If you happened to enjoy this instalment in my weekly column, don’t hesitate to share it on Facebook and Twitter, and leave a comment below to agree, disagree, criticise, or suggest future topics! You can also follow me on Twitter @AdamOB_SLTD to speak with me about wrestling, my writing or anything at all.
As I said at the beginning, the MFX Podcast recently celebrated its 100th edition, so be sure to check that out for all the latest in the world of wrestling, as well as the hilarity that always seems to ensue when Sir Ian Trumps and Duckman get to talking.
Also be sure to listen to the latest edition of SLTD Radio, which as always features a hilarious insight into the wrestling industry with George, Greg and Adam!
And last but not least, the site is filled to the brim with talented and intelligent writers who really know their wrestling, so look into their articles while you indulge in all of the podcast heaven on offer *Mick Foley voice* right here, at SLTD Wrestling!
Thanks for reading!
Self-Professed Conversational Wizard.
Admin, Editor and Writer for SLTD Wrestling.
Creator of 'Under the Spotlight'.
Studying Computing in Games Development.
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