Is the uproar (or Backlash if you will) among some fans and writers regarding the conclusion of this week’s Raw valid? Although many hastily panned the “blackout” ending, there isn’t any fundamental difference between Regal’s spiteful power-trip or ringing the bell and making the result a time-limit draw. Taking this approach instead accomplishes many things; it further solidifies Regal’s new uber-heel status, no one had to job, and it damn sure got everyone’s attention. However, while it was very effectively executed, there are many fans who no doubt remember WCW’s propensity for this sort of stunt, so hopefully WWE won’t resort to similar tactics anytime soon. In addition, although it may have gone unnoticed by some, Mr. Kennedy was practically turned face in the span of one promo with Regal. That’s heat. Unfortunately, the one-time “Squire” Dave Taylor was released this week. It’s a shame because he would have made an excellent henchman for the increasingly megalomaniacal King William.Moving on from fake issues for now, WWE is in the midst of some very real turmoil. Head writer of Smackdown Michael Hayes has been suspended on the grounds of using racial slurs in reference to other employees. Who could have guessed that the guy who came to the ring adorned in an enormous Confederate flag is a bigot? (In addition to Hayes’ most recent target Mark Henry, rumors suggest Bobby Lashley and Davari to name two more.) All kidding aside, it should go without saying that the use of any racial or ethnic slur is deplorable, especially if like in this case such remarks are made by a member of management to a subordinate. If P.S. doesn’t come back from his sixty days of unpaid leave with a fresh attitude, then he not only lacks character, but basic human decency as well. Hayes has naturally been raked over the coals by fans and media alike, as has WWE to some extent for implicitly condoning such dubious conduct by not taking action sooner. This isn’t the sort of story that helps to change misconceptions about how only rednecks watch wrestling. Many news outlets wait with baited breath for the slightest opportunity to publicize something negative or controversial involving WWE, and if this story manages to escape major media attention Vince (not to mention his investors) will be fortunate to say the least.
In the meantime, other less immediate but still valid questions remain unanswered. For example, wouldn’t it have been more appropriate for Trevor Murdoch to sing Tammy Wynette’s “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” instead of Girth (sorry, Garth) Brooks? Oh well, maybe if we all cross our fingers that will happen next week. Equally as perplexing is the walking technical difficulty known as Mike Adamle. After Sunday’s PPV, there appeared to be some hints that his complete incompetence is developing into a gimmick to some extent, a la Maria. And with his sudden departure from the desk on Tuesday’s ECW, this is evolving into a full-blown angle. Honestly, it was becoming difficult to fathom that someone could be so utterly dreadful at what is supposedly his career. Mick Foley however gave a stellar performance in his debut as part of the Smackdown commentary duo last Sunday. Very few have a greater knack for emphasizing the psychological nuances of wrestling and if left to his own devices, he will undoubtedly thrive. Regardless of how long any of these matters persist, for the time being WWE has its audience expecting the unexpected to a degree not seen in almost a decade. Hopefully, this atmosphere will once again become the rule rather than the exception.