Updated daily from the corner cubicle, Torch columnist James Caldwell's weekday blog focuses on hot topic current events and other items of interest from around wrestling.
Updated Monday, April 21, 2008
WWE will be airing taped messages from Republican presidential candidate John McCain and Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama during tonight's three-hour broadcast, as the Dems battle for eleventh-hour votes with the Pennsylvania primary on Tuesday.
WWE won't disclose the content of each video message, but I'm sure they will fall right in line with past taped messages that have aired on the likes of American Idol. McCain will probably try to force some comedy to show he's not that old (and not a robot), Obama will appeal to the young demo by saying he's a real and authentic American just like those working-class wrestling fans, and Clinton will probably try to squeeze in a popular wrestling reference that somehow ties into the Pennsylvania race. Maybe she grew up watching Bruno.
As far as WWE is concerned, it's a chance to regain relevance lost after WrestleMania. Mainstream cared about Mayweather vs. Big Show, but they don't care about anything on the Backlash card. The ratings have been affected, as WWE is hitting ten-year lows for ratings.
The overall three-hour rating for this show probably won't be strong, as the additional first hour will drag down the overall rating. During the regular two hours, WWE is certainly expecting a rating above the weak 3.2 from last week. After all, they'll have taped messages from Presidential candidates and a King of the Ring tournament.
The success of tournament as a ratings stunt will depend on who's matched up in the brackets. Without any wrestlers advertised ahead of time, WWE is banking on intrigue from a concept that's out-of-date and has no connection with the Cena Audience that has come on the scene the last three years. I fail to understand why WWE didn't announce at least two or three marquee wrestlers ahead of time to lock in viewers for tonight's broadcast.
It's good timing on WWE's part to get back in the spotlight with the Democratic candidates eagerly seeking any edge that yet-another-speech can't provide. Should be an interesting show tonight.
LATEST PRO WRESTLING TORCH NEWSLETTER #1039 (17 PAGES)
This issue begins with a cover story by Wade Keller who attended Brock Lesnar's first UFC victory on Saturday night in the semi-main event in front of a record-setting crowd in his hometown. Keller's BBL looks at Lesnar's place in MMA and in what ways he seems more comfortable than ever... Bruce Mitchell's Memo examines the dilemma of Chris Benoit and the Hall of Fame... Sean Radican reviews the two latest TNA DVD releases... In-depth coverage of the TNA Hard Justice PPV including Keller's match report with star ratings and the newsletter-exclusive Roundtable Reviews... Jason Powell's "Page 2 Buzz" with scoops and insider analysis... WWE Newswire, TNA Newswire, and ROH Newswire with insider news, big story analysis, and notebook tidbits... Plus Keller's reports on Raw, Smackdown, and Impact, the Top 5 Stories of the Week, and more....
