ATH6: The Final Faceoff !?

Bounty Hunter

Alright people 90% of you either know how this works or have actually taken part before, anyone else can look back through the previous incarnations 1-5 (linked below) and see how it ran before. Personally Ive grown less interested in hosting these with each one if im honest but feel like doing one more before putting it to bed or franchising it off:D Maybe in this final ATH we will get our first (and maybe only) two time champion, who could claim to be the overall champ. With the Boards Draft also taking place atm, this might give people something to do while they are waiting to make their pick also.

ATH1 - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055176157
ATH2 - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055187277
ATH3 - http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=54765837#post54765837
ATH4 - http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055236240
ATH5 - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055286903

ill post the rules in a bit (or of course you can check the previous threads), but to give people a chance to decide if they are going to participate i wont start the first round till Sunday and of course there will then be 2days per round, so if really needed you'd have till early tuesday to decide and make post your first answer.

as always ill accept question suggestion from non-participants via-PM

Former Champs are Vince135792003, Rosie1977, Fozzy, Charlie Mchugh & Bubs101

Danger_Dave

Go on ill try win this Horn !

Bounty Hunter

good to have you in it again Dave.

just realised that despite the fact that as i said most people already know what its about I never explained it in the first post and also despite the fact that i said for now check the old threads for the rules where you can also see the explanation, here is what ATH: Around the Horn is

Around The Horn(ATH) is an american show on ESPN where a number of panelists/experts make arguments on a certain topic. The host awards points for each response depending on how well argued their point is, not neccesarily if he agrees with their point (although that helps) but how well they back up their argument. Obviously the winner is the person with the highest number of points at the end of the show. This format should work quite well here if anyone is interested, afterall there are a number of people here where many like to think of themselves as experts on all things wrestling related, so this is a chance to prove it

Vince135792003

I won't be able to do it again unfortunately. I'll have very limited access to the internet over the next few weeks.

Fozzy

I'll give it a go

DRakE

Rovert will win.

Rjd2

DRakE wrote: »

Rovert will win.

As the boards number one heel he has to at least come close:P
Actually hell get VR involved as well and watch the ratings soar!

Bounty Hunter

Fozzy wrote:

I'll give it a go

Good stuff, thats 1 former champ in

Vince135792003 wrote:

I won't be able to do it again unfortunately. I'll have very limited access to the internet over the next few weeks.

unfortunatley I expected as much but who knows if we get a new winner say Danger Dave, then I might run one more, an invitational to all former champs to see who the real champ is.

DRakE wrote: »

Rovert will win.

dunno about that your only allowed to repond to someone else's arguement once. can he handle that?

actually now that ive said that i guess this is a good time to post the rules
....

The first of 5 topics will be posted on tommorow evening (sunday) and you will have two days before round two. If you need info on the rules check the above linkes to the previous threads, but here is a brief rundown of them:

I post a topic and you have to post your response including why you made that choice within 48hrs (before the next round begins), take care while making your responses however as other contestants can counter your arguement i.e pointing out possible flaws in what youve said.

*you can only counter an arguement once, although you can counter as many different peoples arguements as much as you want (but only once each). if someone's defense of their arguement isnt good it will count against them plus someone else might continue to question it in your place.

*You can use the same answer as a previous poster if you wish i.e you agree with their choice however its hard to win a debate when your making the same points someone has already made

each poster is marked out of 20 each round for a total of five rounds. If you miss a round (it happens) you can still submit an answer to that rounds question however because you missed the deadline in between rounds your late answer will only be marked out of 10.

Machismo Fan

I'm in.

Reganio 2

Don't really understand what you have to do but feck it.
Is it basically a debate and you award points if you feel the points raised are alright, then whoever has the most points wins?

Danger_Dave

Reganio 2 wrote: »

Don't really understand what you have to do but feck it.
Is it basically a debate and you award points if you feel the points raised are alright, then whoever has the most points wins?

Read the previous ATH 's and you'll get it. In particular 4 its the greatest

Reganio 2

Alright sounds good I am in. Just one question though. Does it have to be a different answer to everyone else? I.E. Someone chose Randy Orton V Cena in the 4th one, could another guy come along and say Orton V Cena and just give a different reason as to why and a different set up?

Danger_Dave

Yes you can pick the same people and outline a different course of events.

P.S Woops Bounty should be telling you this !

rovert

Im interested but is there a word limit?

Reganio 2

Cheers Dave. Sounds good anyway, hopefully we get more people on like VR, Minto and that, people who won't sugarcoat there opinion.

Bubs101

rovert wrote: »

Im interested but is there a word limit?

No, you can write as much as you want, but since you're entering there could be a minimum word limit:p. Also, you can only counter once

I'm in, I've always enjoyed this

rovert

Add me too

Reganio 2

So if someone says Mr.X is gay
Mr.X can only come back and say no way I am not
then Mr.Y can come back and say Yore Ma, end of discussion?

Obviously in wrestling context but you get the idea .

Bounty Hunter

Danger_Dave wrote: »

Yes you can pick the same people and outline a different course of events.

P.S Woops Bounty should be telling you this !

no worries Dave I cant be online all the time and as the only guest host of ATH your more qualifies than anyone else to fill people in.

No limit on words, a long answer doesent make a good one although i suppose if your answers are essay like I might change that.

You can use the same answer as someone else but its harder to win an arguement/debate if your making the same points someone else already made, originality is a good thing.

easiest thing is just to look at previous ATH's (linked in the 1st post), the rules (there arent really many) are just there to ensure it runs smoothly and doesent go off topic.

Bubs101 makes it two former champs, tis good to have yourself, Regiano & Rovert on board.

Bounty Hunter

Reganio 2 wrote: »

So if someone says Mr.X is gay
Mr.X can only come back and say no way I am not
then Mr.Y can come back and say Yore Ma, end of discussion?

Obviously in wrestling context but you get the idea .

Kinda

Random example:

Q:Who should Edge feud with next? and why?

Poster1: The Undertaker & explanation

Poster2: but they only just finished a program and Taker is on hiatus

Poster1's defense: Yes but in the way I explained it blah blah blah

Poster2 must now leave it he/she has already pointed out a possible flaw in Poster1's arguement (and we dont want it to turn into individual squabbling) but a 3rd poster could question Poster 1's idea further.


if that makes sense

Reganio 2

Oh yeah I see very good idea. You thought it out well mate. But I assume we can do that for each argument then.

Fozzy

Reganio 2 wrote: »

Oh yeah I see very good idea. You thought it out well mate. But I assume we can do that for each argument then.

Yeah, you can do it once per person per round. So in one round you can question multiple people's arguments, but you can only do it once for each person. You can also only respond once to each post that questions your argument

Reganio 2

Cool, sorry for all the questions, don't want to start arguing or whatever for someone to go you can't do that. That's all the questions answered now so I will leave ye alone till tomorrow .

Bounty Hunter

Okay nice easy one with many different possibilities where everyone is likely to have atleast a slightly different answer to start us off.

---
ATH:Round 1
Q.The Undertaker will be returning after his Current hiatus, but if you were in charge to which brand would he return? and how would you handle his return? i.e The build, initial fued, timing etc... and obviously why did you make these choices?

---

Remember there are 2days to enter Round 1 (and the game) and you can always enter late and just get a bit marked down for it (although were usually lenient in the first round for late entry) so Round 2 will probably start at around 5.30 on Tuesday.

Any question suggestions for later rounds are always gladley recieved and used 90% of the time of not more if anyone not participating wants to PM me them.

good luck

Danger_Dave

ATH:Round 1
Q.The Undertaker will be returning after his Current hiatus, but if you were in charge to which brand would he return? and how would you handle his return? i.e The build, initial feud, timing etc... and obviously why did you make these choices?

ATH Round A: I would have Undertaker return at Summerslam. I would have him interrupt in a way with the HHH (c) vs Edge Title fight. It will be the later stages of the match Vicky Guerrero will have become the referee after the match referee will be knocked out. HHH is being Beatdown by Edge.

The Arena falls into Darkness , an intro of a Confession box will appear on the Titantron. With a Man in the shadows confessing his sin's , when hes has finished confessing. An Undertaker like voice is heard proclaiming that penance shall be handed out to those who have brought it upon themselves . However the Undertaker does not appear instead the lights turn back on and Vicky Guerrero has vanished from the ring. HHH is behind Edge waiting for him to turn around. Edge turns around and is pedigreed the referee awaken for the 3 Count. SummerSlam Ends with HHH defeating Edge and no one knowing were Vicky Guerrero .

Friday Night SmackDown: It Starts with Edge asking everyone backstage have they seen Vicky. The Edge Heads run up to him and tell him he's been booked into a match against Big Show For a Number 1 contendership match tonight by Teddy Long. Edge Is worried but says that he wants the edge heads to come the ring with him to make sure nothing happens to him.

Number 1 contendership match Main event. Big show dominates the early exchanges but one of the Edge Heads gets the referee's attention . The other edge heads throws Edge a chair. The Lights go out ! The Same Titantron With a Man in the shadows confessing his sin's , when hes has finished confessing. The same Undertaker like voice is heard proclaiming that penance shall be handed out to those who have brought it upon themselves.

The Lights Reappear The Edge Heads are Gone ! the referee sees the chair and pulls it out of his hand. Edge is then chokeslamed for the 3 count by the Big Show.

The Following Week on Smackdown Edge looks a nervous wreck. Looking everywhere for Vicky and the Edge Heads . There is no sign of them. Edge is booked in match against Ken Kennedy that night by Teddy Long. However his mind does not seem focused upon it. Edge Comes down to compete but he keeps looking over his shoulder and appearing very uncomfortable. The Match begins and edge starts to get the upper hand and is waiting for the Spear.

When the arena goes dark, The Undertakers music hits and the lights reappear and with Edge looking at the titantron . The undertaker is behind him in the center of the ring ! With Vicky and the Edge heads gone he is left alone with the lord of Darkness. The undertaker Chokeslams Edge, he grabs a mike and tells Edge he is to have penance administered to him. Edge is crying and asking what has he done with Vicky and his friends. Undertakers reply is that your followers have become my disciples. Smackdown goes off the air ! .

Edge is Booked in a Casket match against Undertaker at Unforgiven. The undertaker as 2 build up matches with a number of people in hooded cloaks with him at ringside. Unforgiven Casket Match undertaker is accopmanied to the ring by the unknown people in hooded cloakes. The match goes back and forth it looks as if Edge will win but undertaker counters a move near the casket and Chokeslams edge into the casket.

The Following Night On Smackdown, HHH is in the ring after defeating big show on Summerslam, he is proclaiming to the people that he's the greatest. When the undertakers music hits he is followed to the ring by four people in Hooded Cloaks. The All enter the ring and are revealed to Be Edge/ Vicky/ the Edge Heads. The Undertaker has reformed The Ministry of Darkness and is now after the WWE Title ! .

After this point a number of things could happen. HHH could form a stable to fight the ministry . Or The Game could try and fight against the odds to hold onto the gold. A number of people could be incorprated into the Ministry and it would develop with them going after all the titles on Smackdown/ECW But this would be after the initial feud and were only being asked on the initial feud .

I would make this Undertakers comeback , because i feel that the lord of Darkness along with the Ministry of Darkness is the undertakers best variation of the his character . With the undertaker possibly only having one more Wrestlemania in him this would let him go out on top or bottom depending on how its written.

Reganio 2

Well what I would do would be to bring him back on Raw. Leave him out till the end of the year so people forget about him then in January or late December so that it can continue up to Wrestlemania. Then have Randy Orton out in the ring and he is cutting his usual promo and he mentions The Undertaker saying he is dissapointed that he never got to retire the Phenom, then next week on Raw in an Orton match, the lights go out and then when they come back on Orton is lieing in a bloodbath with nobody else around to be seen.
Every week or so this stuff keeps happening to Orton like the lights keep going out even though he isn't attacked and he keeps seeing Taker in mirrors.
Orton gets back up in the form of some big guy, I will say Snitsky or JBL. The bodyguard goes missing and Orton snaps and calls out Taker, only to see the light come on in the corner and its the bodyguard on a crucifix. This continues then with Orton watching over his back. Then after the PPV before Mania Orton snaps and calls out Taker and says he isn't leaving till he comes down. The Lights dim down and then Taker is seen standing behind Orton and Orton has no idea. He turns around and is chokeslamed. Taker gets the mic says me and you at Wrestlemania over Orton's body.
Then at Mania Orton beats Taker and ends his streak and gains instant major heat for retiring the deadman. Then after the match as Taker is getting up. Orton goes for the kick but Taker dodges and hits a Tombstone and says his last goodbye as the fans stand up and applaud him.

I feel it would be great for Taker come back mysteriously and continue his old gimmick as older people and the younger people will go nuts for it. Also it would be perfect for Orton to get some major heat as being the man to end the streak and retire Taker.

rovert

Danger_Dave wrote: »

ATH:Round 1
Q.The Undertaker will be returning after his Current hiatus, but if you were in charge to which brand would he return? and how would you handle his return? i.e The build, initial feud, timing etc... and obviously why did you make these choices?

ATH Round A: I would have Undertaker return at Summerslam. I would have him interrupt in a way with the HHH (c) vs Edge Title fight. It will be the later stages of the match Vicky Guerrero will have become the referee after the match referee will be knocked out. HHH is being Beatdown by Edge.

The Arena falls into Darkness , an intro of a Confession box will appear on the Titantron. With a Man in the shadows confessing his sin's , when hes has finished confessing. An Undertaker like voice is heard proclaiming that penance shall be handed out to those who have brought it upon themselves . However the Undertaker does not appear instead the lights turn back on and Vicky Guerrero has vanished from the ring. HHH is behind Edge waiting for him to turn around. Edge turns around and is pedigreed the referee awaken for the 3 Count. SummerSlam Ends with HHH defeating Edge and no one knowing were Vicky Guerrero .

Friday Night SmackDown: It Starts with Edge asking everyone backstage have they seen Vicky. The Edge Heads run up to him and tell him he's been booked into a match against Big Show For a Number 1 contendership match tonight by Teddy Long. Edge Is worried but says that he wants the edge heads to come the ring with him to make sure nothing happens to him.

Number 1 contendership match Main event. Big show dominates the early exchanges but one of the Edge Heads gets the referee's attention . The other edge heads throws Edge a chair. The Lights go out ! The Same Titantron With a Man in the shadows confessing his sin's , when hes has finished confessing. The same Undertaker like voice is heard proclaiming that penance shall be handed out to those who have brought it upon themselves.

The Lights Reappear The Edge Heads are Gone ! the referee sees the chair and pulls it out of his hand. Edge is then chokeslamed for the 3 count by the Big Show.

The Following Week on Smackdown Edge looks a nervous wreck. Looking everywhere for Vicky and the Edge Heads . There is no sign of them. Edge is booked in match against Ken Kennedy that night by Teddy Long. However his mind does not seem focused upon it. Edge Comes down to compete but he keeps looking over his shoulder and appearing very uncomfortable. The Match begins and edge starts to get the upper hand and is waiting for the Spear.

When the arena goes dark, The Undertakers music hits and the lights reappear and with Edge looking at the titantron . The undertaker is behind him in the center of the ring ! With Vicky and the Edge heads gone he is left alone with the lord of Darkness. The undertaker Chokeslams Edge, he grabs a mike and tells Edge he is to have penance administered to him. Edge is crying and asking what has he done with Vicky and his friends. Undertakers reply is that your followers have become my disciples. Smackdown goes off the air ! .

Edge is Booked in a Casket match against Undertaker at Unforgiven. The undertaker as 2 build up matches with a number of people in hooded cloaks with him at ringside. Unforgiven Casket Match undertaker is accopmanied to the ring by the unknown people in hooded cloakes. The match goes back and forth it looks as if Edge will win but undertaker counters a move near the casket and Chokeslams edge into the casket.

The Following Night On Smackdown, HHH is in the ring after defeating big show on Summerslam, he is proclaiming to the people that he's the greatest. When the undertakers music hits he is followed to the ring by four people in Hooded Cloaks. The All enter the ring and are revealed to Be Edge/ Vicky/ the Edge Heads. The Undertaker has reformed The Ministry of Darkness and is now after the WWE Title ! .

After this point a number of things could happen. HHH could form a stable to fight the ministry . Or The Game could try and fight against the odds to hold onto the gold. A number of people could be incorprated into the Ministry and it would develop with them going after all the titles on Smackdown/ECW But this would be after the initial feud and were only being asked on the initial feud .

I would make this Undertakers comeback , because i feel that the lord of Darkness along with the Ministry of Darkness is the undertakers best variation of the his character . With the undertaker possibly only having one more Wrestlemania in him this would let him go out on top or bottom depending on how its written.

Dave, I feel you are leaving money on the table by not having a longer Edge/ Undertaker program. Not to mention having Undertaker first wrestle on free TV after his return rather than having it on Pay Per View.

Your plan seems to depend on turning Taker heel I guess which in this day and age is likely impossible. The fact that Edges crew would join Undertaker is fairly implausible given the bad blood and Vicki's injuries even with everyone going to the “Darkside.” Not to mention it would make Edge subservient to Undertaker which could damage his character in the long run.

rovert

Reganio 2 wrote: »

Well what I would do would be to bring him back on Raw. Leave him out till the end of the year so people forget about him then in January or late December so that it can continue up to Wrestlemania. Then have Randy Orton out in the ring and he is cutting his usual promo and he mentions The Undertaker saying he is dissapointed that he never got to retire the Phenom, then next week on Raw in an Orton match, the lights go out and then when they come back on Orton is lieing in a bloodbath with nobody else around to be seen.
Every week or so this stuff keeps happening to Orton like the lights keep going out even though he isn't attacked and he keeps seeing Taker in mirrors.
Orton gets back up in the form of some big guy, I will say Snitsky or JBL. The bodyguard goes missing and Orton snaps and calls out Taker, only to see the light come on in the corner and its the bodyguard on a crucifix. This continues then with Orton watching over his back. Then after the PPV before Mania Orton snaps and calls out Taker and says he isn't leaving till he comes down. The Lights dim down and then Taker is seen standing behind Orton and Orton has no idea. He turns around and is chokeslamed. Taker gets the mic says me and you at Wrestlemania over Orton's body.
Then at Mania Orton beats Taker and ends his streak and gains instant major heat for retiring the deadman. Then after the match as Taker is getting up. Orton goes for the kick but Taker dodges and hits a Tombstone and says his last goodbye as the fans stand up and applaud him.

I feel it would be great for Taker come back mysteriously and continue his old gimmick as older people and the younger people will go nuts for it. Also it would be perfect for Orton to get some major heat as being the man to end the streak and retire Taker.

I can’t believe that Undertaker wouldn’t seek revenge on Edge. The Randy Orton feud sounds like a rehash of late 2005 Smackdown. In agree in part Wrestlemania in Houston should be build around Taker. But Undertaker is unlikely to retire until 2011 in real life and Austin is rumoured to be retire at the event. As the Raw GM would you do both retirements at Wrestlemania 25? Also why would you kill off his career and the streak so soon in his hometown no less? Bit of downer for what should be a feel good event, isnt it?

Danger_Dave

rovert wrote: »

Dave, I feel you are leaving money on the table by not having a longer Edge/ Undertaker program. Not to mention having Undertaker first wrestle on free TV after his return rather than having it on Pay Per View.

Your plan seems to depend on turning Taker heel I guess which in this day and age is likely impossible. The fact that Edges crew would join Undertaker is fairly implausible given the bad blood and Vicki's injuries even with everyone going to the “Darkside.” Not to mention it would make Edge subservient to Undertaker which could damage his character in the long run.

On your first point i believe undertaker and Edge have competed against each other far to much over the last year to have a lasting feud.

Yes but undertaker as a lord of darkness is not very plausible, like so many things in the WWE. Written correctly like i believe i have , the fans could easily take on board the undertakers power to turn people, like he has done in the past.

Depending on how long the feud goes i do not see it damaging edge's character badly, if anything it could add a much darker aspect to his character to improve his character. Any character can be turned heel, it is never impossible, Hulk Hogan NWO is a perfect example.

Machismo Fan

We start with Undertaker returning at the Great American Bash. Hawkins and Ryder come out and lay out HHH with a conchairto while the referee is down, just as Edge is about to pick the bones we hear a single gong and the lights go out, the lights come back up with Undertaker standing in the middle of the ring staring at Edge. He double chokeslams the Edgeheads and Tombstones Edge leading to HHH retaining. This is a natural follow on to the Edge/'Taker feud.

The next week on SmackDown! Edge calls out Undertaker and just as he appears at the top of the ramp, the Edgeheads jump 'Taker from behind. Undertaker gets the better of them and chokeslams Hawkins off the stage and tombstones Ryder on the steel ramp, removing them from the feud. Edge then escapes through the crowd.

The next few weeks see Undertaker doing his supernatural stuff and trying to get inside Edges head, stuff like the ring shaking during an Edge match, lightning striking near Edge, Undertakers music hitting during a match and Edge runs away and gets counted out. It is then announced The Edge will face Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam.

The last SmackDown! sees Edge standing over Undertaker after laying him out with a Conchairto. Undertaker will go over at SummerSlam in the big Hell in a Cell feud blowoff.

After that 'Taker finishes out the year with feuds with Umaga and MVP and while this happens HHH turns heel on Jeff Hardy and finishes out his year with feuds against Kennedy, Both Hardys and Finlay. This all this leads to WrestleMania where Undertaker will face Triple H for the WWE title and win the title at WrestleMania for the third year in a row.

Reganio 2

rovert wrote: »

I can’t believe that Undertaker wouldn’t seek revenge on Edge. The Randy Orton feud sounds like a rehash of late 2005 Smackdown. In agree in part Wrestlemania in Houston should be build around Taker. But Undertaker is unlikely to retire until 2011 in real life and Austin is rumoured to be retire at the event. As the Raw GM would you do both retirements at Wrestlemania 25? Also why would you kill off his career and the streak so soon in his hometown no less? Bit of downer for what should be a feel good event, isnt it?

I wouldn't have Austin retire this Mania, I mean he is retired already anyway so he could wait another year to do it. With the hometown thing, yes it would but if written well it would be good.
Could have Taker take out Orton after the match, I don't believe Taker should retire with his streak, first off I don't see it as that great tbh. Also it would give whoever beat him for his streak MAJOR heat and it would be great for that persons career. It would be brilliant for Orton to beat him and then Taker sits up while Orton is celebrating, hits his finishers and then when walking down the ramp stops and puts his arm up like old times. I feel it would be good for him to retire as not too many people would suspect it and the last thing people want is another Flair where he can hardly move around the ring but won't pack it in.

Also with the Edge thing, yes he should go after Edge but I am taking the 3 month rule from WWE over with me . I didn't really watch wrestling in 2005 so I didn't know about that.

Cactus Col

The Return:

At the great American Bash:

Edge v Triple H for WWE championship. The match is into it’s 28th minute, scattered around the ring are the battered bodies of several members of la familia. Triple H and Edge are facing off inside the ring … both bloodied and tired. All of a sudden the lights go out … we hear two thuds. The lights come up again, both Edge and Hunter are lying on their backs. A ref starts a ten count as he reaches 8 Edge opens his eyes and quickly covers Triple H. 1 ….. 2 ….. 3!

Edge wins the title.

Next Friday on smackdown and Triple H is pissed. He immediately invokes his rematch clause that night, however, Edge is not medically cleared for that night. So Vicky books HHH in a match with Big Daddy V instead. The match of course ends in a no contest once La Familia (led by Edge enter the ring) and attack Triple H. The group beat Triple H down, with Big Daddy V landing several splashes. Before Big Show comes to his rescue and clears the ring. Ross and Foley seem convinced that Big Daddy V was the man who interfered at GAB.

The following Friday night Hunter again invokes his rematch clause, and this time Edge has no choice but to agree. Due to the small print in the clause HHH also gets to appoint a referee, he appoints the big show. Edge comes to the ring with Big Daddy V in tow. Edge tries some underhanded tactics to get himself the win, but HHH keeps fighting back. Big Show also refuses to disqualify edge, not wanting to give him an easy way out. Until finally Edge hits Show with a chair and Big Daddy V attacks. As Show is down a second ref comes down and calls a dq.

A match is made for the next PPV Triple H and Big Show V Edge and an unnamed partner. Over the remaining smackdowns Edge has deliberates over which member of the extended familia he will partner up with against the powerhouse team of show and HHH. Could it be chavo? Or Bam Neely? Maybe Big Daddy V will be called?

At Summerslam Hunter and Show make their way to the ring. Then Edge follows them to the centre of the ring. The arena goes quiet. Out comes Big Daddy V! … but he’s wearing a ref’s shirt. Show and HHH are shaking their heads. All of a sudden we hear gongs …. Edge starts laughing ….

His partner is actually … THE UNDERTAKER!!!!

The undertaker has turned heel and joined forces with Edge.

The Feuds:
After returning and joining with Edge, he would feud with both HHH and Show, keeping one busy while the other feuds with Edge. Eventually Kennedy will step into the picture and go over Taker, establishing him as a bona fide main eventer, and a major threat to Edge’s title.


Why:
Turning taker heel will freshen his character up a bit. Joining him with Edge will also be hugely unexpected and give Smackdown another high level heel, which they are sorely missing at the moment. As part of a group he can be given a lighter schedule, not having to appear at every event, instead having a compatriot fill in for him.

As part of the smackdown roster Taker obviously hasn’t had the change to feud with HHH for several years, which means they can have a pretty exciting, and fresh feeling program together. By putting him in a program with Ken Kennedy we can finally put Kennedy in a position to prove he can hold his own against the greats.

I would make his return at summerslam, basically because he will have had a good few months off at this stage, also after Wrestlemania it is one of the premier ppv’s. A man of Taker’s stature should make as big a splash as possible when making his return.

Bubs101

I really don't see the rush in bringing back Taker. The rosters are currently fresher than ever after a very surprising Draft so I think it would be a massive waste to bring him back in the next three months when there are still so many unexplored feuds that would entertain the fans. Secondly, I don't see why anybody would want to bring him back to feud against Edge. He fought with him for three PPV's in a row and frankly I could go for a couple of years without seeing them duke it out again, but, I realise that you can't just bring back Taker on a Raw and expect the fans to forget about the Edge fued, you'd have to distract them with something much bigger which is why I'd bring Taker back at the Royal Rumble.

Bringing Cena back as a surprise entrant at last year's Rumble worked a treat so I would repeat the formula, but not at number 30 and I wouldn't have Taker win it. I would instead combine it with the return of Vince. Seeing as Vince was "taken out" last Monday I would keep him out until January, and upon his return blame John Cena for taking him out with ludicrous excuses. He would hire WWE's monsters (Khali, Umaga, Snitsky etc.) to take him out culminating in a handicap cage match at New Year's Revolution between Cena and Khali and Snitsky, needless to say SuperCena would prevail. McMahon would declare that Cena would never win the title with Cena countering he couldn't stop him entering the Royal Rumble. Vince would go on to say that he would get someone he could trust in the ring, someone he has worked with before to eliminate Cena.

In the build up to the Rumble, Cena would continue to defeat McMahon's cronies and would bump into Triple H on Raw, seemingly stalking him and convincing the fans that Hunter is the man Vince was trusting to get rid of him. Come the Rumble, Vince has had the draw fixed so that Cena comes out first followed by a bunch of (jobber) heavyweights that are traditionally seen as difficult to eliminate such as Viscera, Henry and Kane. After making it through, Hunter finally somes at 22 and the two clean house and do the inevitable face off before duking it out when the arena blacks out just as the count of ten starts. The two are looking down the ramp in shock when the torch bearers come out only for Taker to appear behind them in his ministry gear. He takes both himself and Cena out and proceeds to get one of the torches to get medievil on Cena's ass in delivering a Savage beating.

The next night on Raw, Cena demands a match against Taker and looks set to have it won when Vince comes out with Kane causing Cena to be distracted and letting Taker pick up the win with a tombstone. The next week, Vince would book Taker and Kane in a match with Cena and a mystery partner, who would turn out to be a rebranded Viscera leading to a handicap match at No Way Out where Cena would defeat Kane and Viscera in a handicap match for the chance to end Taker's streak at Wrestlemania XXV.

In the build up to Wrestlemania, Vince continually gives Taker matches against the likes of Funaki and Jamie Noble while Cena goes up against all 4 of the combatants in the main title matches in their choice (Edge TLC, Batista Last mans standing etc.) which Cena manages to come out on top in 3 out of 4 (irrelevant which one he loses tbh). One the go home show, Vince sets up a 3 one 1 match between Taker, Kane and Viscera and Cena's girlfriend Mickey James with the clause that if Cena interferes Taker picks the match. Needless to say Cena comes down only to be beaten down and Taker to announce a Hell in the Cell match.

The actual match starts off With Taker being accompanied by Kane, Viscera and Vince while Cena waits in the ring until the GM at the time (Regal for example) comes down and ejects them. Taker eventually prevails after a 20 minute odd match after a Tombstone on the top of the Cell. The benefits of this return are fairly obvious. For one, it gets Cena back on the side of the fans, everybody who goes up against Vince becomes and instant hero. Secondly, by using Vince, Taker can finally turn heel, something that would be very hard to pull of considering Taker's status with the fans. It also puts some clothes on Big Daddy V and relegates Kane to what he should be now, and that is a cronie. Also, I do realise that considering where Mania is, the crowd will probably cheer on Taker but I don't see that as a problem as it didn't effect the Hogan Rock match

rovert

Sorry answering you post like this Col but a number of lines stood out in particular to me.

Cactus Col wrote: »

His partner is actually … THE UNDERTAKER!!!! .

This idea sounds Russofic: with makes no real storyline sense, why would Undertaker not seek revenge on Edge (& Vicki) after being stripped of the title? By going with this plan are throwing money away by not having an Edge/ Undertaker rematch.

Cactus Col wrote: »

The undertaker has turned heel and joined forces with Edge. .

In 2008 Undertaker is legacy babyface he will be a babyface and end his career as such. Undertakers last heel run was in 2001. It was a ratings failure as no matter how hard Taker tried he couldnt get people to boo him to the extent to cheer him. Taker turned back face 7-8 months later, it was a flop. Six years on more loved than ever you attempt turn him heel for justiable storyline reason, sorry but I think it would be dangerous for the brand.

Cactus Col wrote: »

Turning taker heel will freshen his character up a bit.

Shouldnt he be already after a few months off? Fans were hardly sick of him before his departure.

Cactus Col wrote: »

Joining him with Edge will also be hugely unexpected.

Not always a good thing look Goldberg's heel turn in WCW. Lasted six weeks or so.

Cactus Col wrote: »

give Smackdown another high level heel, which they are sorely missing at the moment.

Why not HHH in this role, he is itching to turn heel and prefers it.

Cactus Col wrote: »

As part of a group he can be given a lighter schedule, not having to appear at every event, instead having a compatriot fill in for him.

Arent badyfaces better in this role ie Taker himself as it has been working well for him? Heels need to maintain their heat by appearing more often on television than babyfaces.

Reganio 2

Rovert I know you are questioning people's one, which is fair enough and you are doing a good job. But you have to post one of your own as well.

rovert

I believe that the traditional way of reintroducing Undertaker is over done, not really fitting his current character and to an extent a curse as fans expect the return to be short lived due to so many recent setbacks suffered by Undertaker. The major criticism of Undertakers character is that he cannibalises his opponents. I am a realist and the likelihood of this happening again is high via a combination of political pull, locker room respect and character considerations. I’m not in a position to rectify this. That said I see no realistic reason why I can’t use him to elevate talent before he returns to Smackdown to help a burdening main eventer while establishing strong heels to feed the Undertaker also building to Wreslemania and beyond.

The build to his comeback would begin on this Monday's RAW. The announced main event would be CM Punk vs JBL in a non-title Lumberjack match. During the show a livid Batista is seen entering the arena. Later during Punk's pre match interview Batista butts in and demands how did Punk know Batista was going to attack Edge last week. Punk informs him a friend of his told him, a person who Batista knows all too well. "WHHHOOO?" Batista shouts, Punk replies just with his trademark smirk. Punk turns to leave but Batista brutally attacks Punk and in storyline breaks his ribs. Batista turns fully heel in a heavy angle. CM Punk loses his match against JBL. Batista is suspended.

At the Great American Bash CM Punk with his broken ribs beats JBL barely in their cage match in an underdog fashion. In his post match interview a breathless Punk attributes his narrow victory to advice he received about Wrestling with hurt ribs and about wrestling JBL in a cage match. Meanwhile on my brand Smackdown HHH defeats Edge in the WWE Championship match. Sending Edge in the following week further down the spiral he is currently on. He becomes a missing person. GM Vicki Guerrero who still has some feelings for him becomes increasingly concerned as time goes on.

On Raw Batista returns from suspension, Punk promptly challenges him to a match at Summerslam putting his title on the line. In the run up to and at Summerslam the announcers doubt the health of the ribs and whether even a healthy Punk could deliver the GTS to Batista. An increasingly determined and paranoid Batista hires JBL’s security force for the night to surround the ring. Punk tries and fails to deliver a GTS, Batista dominates the match but the tide turns when Batista hits his head on the post. Punk seizes this moment to apply the Gogoplata. Just then a member of JBL’s security team hits Punk in the ribs with a baton for the DQ.

At Unforgiven in the rematch, Batista once again has security surround the ring once again has the security surrounding the ring. The referee immediately demands that they leave but before this happens one member of the security team Spears Punk before the bout. Which makes Punk easy pickings for Batista to defeat him for the World Heavyweight title after a valiant effort by Punk.

On the next night’s RAW before the scheduled Cena/Punk vs DiBiase/Rhodes main event Cena consoles Punk. Cena says he says he know how bad it feels to lose a World title. As a matter of fact Cena says he once lost a title by inference from a person dressed as a security guard. Which turned out to be EDGE! This further plays into Punks original suspicions it was Edge who attacked him.

Meanwhile on that same week on Smackdown which just happens to be the last Smackodwn on the CW Network a jubilant, relaxed, sane Edge returns in the final segment and enters GM Vicki Guerrero’s office. Vicki is relieved to she him alive. Edge reveals to an intrigued Vicki that he was the person who kept attacking Punk and finally cost him the title. Vicki is outraged at this explanation and his baffling pact with Batista. Along with him never informing her of his whereabouts since July and the fact that he continued appearances in RAW title matches against her wishes considering this is how he got in the position. A LIVID Vicki books a revenge street fight between Punk vs. Edge on the MyNetworkTV debut next week and wishes death on Edge in the match.

Booking in my opinion a high profile Raw wrestler getting his revenge in a stipulation match against mega heel in his first match in three months with the heavily hinted return of the Undertaker would help the ratings of the debut show. On Raw and on the MyNetworkTV debut Punk states he has someone to watching his back if anyone interferes. In the revenge street fight Batista interferes. Edge & Batista official join forces beating down Punk dispelling any doubts that they were in Cahoots since at least Summerslam. The lights go out and Undertaker appears in the ring. Undertaker attacks both Edge and Batista. Taker gives Edge a chokeslam while Batista hightails it. CM Punk applies the Gogoplata (harking back to Summerslam) to Edge who taps out to the approval of Undertaker who endorses Punk to close the show. The following week Vicki reveals she has lifted Undertaker’s suspension in order for him to destroy Edge and put him in a wheelchair the same way he did her.

Which sets up an interbrand Undertaker/Punk vs Edge/Batista at No Mercy saving Undertakers first match back for Pay Per View and his first singles match for the following Pay Per View getting the most out of him. At Cyber Sunday Undertaker beats Batista in a non title match after Taker wins a fixed poll (sorry ) also featuring Edge & MVP. The revenge match between Edge vs Undertaker would take place at Survivor Series with Edge getting a cheap win.

Batista appears on the Smackdown after Survivor Series wishing to avenge his loss at Cyber Sunday and states he is willing to put his World Heavyweight Title on the line at Armageddon. Vicki books the match but Edge later threatens her saying he wants the tile and will make Vicki’s life a living hell if he doesn’t get a shot at the tile. Vicki is forced make the title match an interbrand three way. Undertaker takes the World Heavyweight Title from Batista at Armageddon.

_________________________________________________________________

Long term booking (I know not really required but I want to tell how this plays out) looks like this: Theme for the Royal Rumble match, The Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out and up to Wrestlemania is that Raw doesn’t have a world title and the race to get capture one. I would expect to have a rating bonanza by having a Champion vs. Champion match with the Undertaker vs HHH on Smackdown with no finish. CM Punk should win the Rumble and Orton should win the Elimination Chamber. With CM Punk from Raw challenging his mentor Undertaker (likely turning heel due to Undertaker taking the World Championship from under his nose) and Orton from Raw avenging his injury at the hands of HHH and winning the World Championship and taking it back to Raw. With Wrestlemania in Houston, Undertaker having his streak and the title there is little doubt who is going over. So it would make sense for him to at least have a good match and gives a young wrester main event experience even if he is on the losing side. After Wrestlemania HHH turns heel. After both dominating Smackdown in the Spring holding World titles, being now at their optimum character alignments both can feud over the World Heavyweight Title well into the Summer.

Bounty Hunter

I have read all up to Roverts and will read that in a bit but think maybe I should put in a word limit (although to most it wont make a difference tbh) as I can see some intimidated by the size of Roverts post for example or thinking their short response perhaps all they have time for) to have a chance against an answer deveoped to such an extent. Remember a long answer isnt always a better answer, infact you could aways get marked down for waffle would happen in the real Around the Horn afterall.

This will also take effect from the next round so if anyones answer is longer than the new limit in RD1 it doesent matter. if anyone has a problem with a size-limit for answers say so now before its implemented.

There is still a day left until round 1 is over so loads of time for other entrants too, and for others who might like their question used even as early as Rd2 to submit it to me via PM

rovert

Bounty Hunter wrote: »

I have read all up to Roverts and will read that in a bit but think maybe I should put in a word limit

Well I did ask if there was a word limit and it is a 7 month program from start to end in fairness there is a reason why it is this long. Trust me I dont expect all my answers to be this long.

So who is left to contribute here?

Bounty Hunter

rovert wrote: »

Well I did ask if there was a word limit and it is a 7 month program from start to end in fairness there is a reason why it is this long.

No problem at all with your answer (and as i said for Rd1 theres no limit), but as I said any answer that long could intimidate/put off any potential competitor or make others post huge answers fearing they couldent get a better score than such a big/developed answer (and that would give me too much reading to do:D).

anyway ill not post again about this unless i get objections to the limit so as to not interupt the flow of answers/responses to answers.

Edit: In response to your response above (rovert) often people who didnt post saying "im in" or something similar still enter so ill be waiting till the 2day/48hr deadine is done plus others might still as Dave has done below and you have previously respond to other peoples arguments or defend their attacked arguements etc.

Danger_Dave

rovert wrote: »

Which sets up an interbrand Undertaker/Punk vs Edge/Batista at No Mercy saving Undertakers first match back for Pay Per View and his first singles match for the following Pay Per View getting the most out of him. At Cyber Sunday Undertaker beats Batista in a non title match after Taker wins a fixed poll (sorry ) also featuring Edge & MVP. The revenge match between Edge vs Undertaker would take place at Survivor Series with Edge getting a cheap win.

Batista appears on the Smackdown after Survivor Series wishing to avenge his loss at Cyber Sunday and states he is willing to put his World Heavyweight Title on the line at Armageddon. Vicki books the match but Edge later threatens her saying he wants the tile and will make Vicki’s life a living hell if he doesn’t get a shot at the tile. Vicki is forced make the title match an interbrand three way. Undertaker takes the World Heavyweight Title from Batista at Armageddon.

First Two underlined Quotes: Batista Champion not defending the title on a ppv for two PPV's in a row. Would be Damaging for Batista as a Champion.

Also CM punk is dumbed from the storyline and never gets a re-match, no mention of him is made after the interpromotinal tag team, he just out of the storyline..

rovert

Danger_Dave wrote: »

First Two underlined Quotes: Batista Champion not defending the title on a ppv for two PPV's in a row. Would be Damaging for Batista as a Champion.

You must remember that Batista is on a different brand from the Undertaker. Those two non title loses set up the rationale for Batista flipping his lid and lobbying those in charge of the Raw brand to have an interpromotional match with Undertaker at Armageddon with the Raw Brands title on the line. This is all about making Undertaker as strong as possible for the coming year. Batista would hopefully have enough heat on him by the time No Mercy goes down so that he would be more than just a typical transitional Champion even if in all purposes he is one. Batista can defend his title on Raw in more RAW centric programs (outside my control, I’m only in charge of Smackdown related storylines for the most part) away from the Undertaker feud. Batista's title will not remain dormant for those two months and Batista still remains a regular on Raw. Batisa can be rebuild on Raw and is not apart of the major title matches at Wrestlemania.

Danger_Dave wrote: »

Also CM punk is dumbed from the storyline and never gets a re-match, no mention of him is made after the interpromotinal tag team, he just out of the storyline.

Both for space considerations and for the problem at hand this assignment becomes Undertaker centric after he returns. As this assignment is focused on what to do with the Undertaker not Punk and I wanted to refrain from going off the point. Punk could get his title opportunity on RAW in one of the mini programs I just referred to. Punk will remain strong in main events heading into the Rumble match which I’ve already wrote he is planned to win. Punk is both elevated by his association with legend Taker and Undertakers return ultimately provides the basis for CM Punk’s heel turn which further helps him in becoming a bona fide main eventer.

Fozzy

I'll have my post up tonight, I can never seem to spare more than a few minutes so I kept putting it off. It'll be there though!

Danger_Dave

More people from the Boards WWE Draft should be playing this. like Bounty hunter stated its perfect to work on while waiting for your draft pick.

Weres VR ? he's never participated in the ATH and him and Rovert are the biggest heels on the forum. MNG ? after lifting your ban on watching WWE shows shouldnt you also partake ?.


P.S im drunk

Fozzy

I would have Undertaker return to Smackdown as he has unfinished business with Edge

I would begin it by having Edge lose his title match with HHH at the next PPV. Vickie and Edge would have sorted their problems out by then and with Edge losing the big match, Vickie would try to cheer him up as they get ready for their wedding. The wedding would take place two weeks after The Great American Bash

In the build up to the wedding everything would appear to be fine between Vickie and Edge, but during the wedding Vickie would reveal that she knows that Edge has just been using her. She'd need to have some proof, which would be footage of Edge and Natalya together backstage. I'd pick Natalya simply because the option to keep the two of them together afterwards would be there and I think they'd go well together

So once Vickie has revealed that she knows what Edge has done and that the wedding is off, she'd say that she's got another surprise for him. Cue the lights going out, lightning striking, Undertaker's music playing and his symbol being raised above the stage

There's always the chance that Edge would get cheered for cheating on Vickie, but I think that wouldn't be a major issue because once Undertaker's music hits nobody's going to cheer for Edge. I'd also keep Vickie's involvement to a minimum in the build up to an Undertaker vs Edge match at Summerslam

I wouldn't have Undertaker on tv in the two or three weeks after the announcement that he's back. What I would do is have indications that he's around to scare Edge. I'm thinking like when Shane McMahon was backstage on Smackdown one time and he heard that Austin was in the building. After that he kept bumping into cardboard cutouts of Austin and finding beer cans. Obviously it wouldn't be as humourous as those incidents. There's loads of things you could do given Undertaker's character. Stuff as simple as lights going out on Edge. There could be a cross in front of Edge when the lights come back. Or lightning hitting his car just after he gets out of it. All this stuff to make Edge paranoid and to keep building the match without Undertaker appearing

When the time for the actual match comes around, I'd have Undertaker win. Logical conclusion, Undertaker gets his revenge on Edge

I wouldn't have Undertaker stick around on Smackdown though. I think that they've got enough star power without him. I'd move him to Raw the very next night to challenge the new World Champion, JBL. I think that Raw would benefit more from Undertaker at this point than Smackdown. It would also open the way for two very big feuds down the line, against Cena and Michaels

So to explain again why I chose this, first of all Undertaker needs to settle the score with Edge. Vickie is the only person who can bring him back so she needs a reason to do that. Edge cheating is the perfect reason to both bring him back and to put him against Edge. Undertaker winning the match ends the feud and allows him to move to Raw where I think that he'd be of more value to WWE

Minto

I don't think I've ever given this a try, but I'll have a go anyway. One quick question though, if I don't question other people's answers, will I lose points?


Anyway, here's how I would have The Undertaker return:

During 'Taker's hiatus, Edge is defeated by Triple H at The Great American Bash, Big Show has become a very dominant, monster heel and Vickie and Edge reconcile their differences and the wedding is back on for the first SmackDown! in August. During the wedding, everybody expects 'Taker to return but he doesn't and just before Vickie says "I do!", she reveals that she knew about Edge f*cking the wedding planner and that she wasn't going to get mad, just get even. SmackDown! goes off the air.

Next week on SmackDown! Edge is begging Vickie to give him one last shot at Hunter's title, but she says she has already signed Big Show to face Hunter at SummerSlam. Edge begs to be added to the match, but Vickie says she has someone else in mind for Edge at SummerSlam. She announces Edge Vs. The Undertaker at SummerSlam in a match to be decided by The Undertaker.

Then, next week on SmackDown!, Shane McMahon (acting Chairman since Vince has his injury storyline) comes out and announces that since Vickie banished "The Undertaker" from WWE, he cannot face Edge at SummerSlam and says he is going to add Edge to the WWE title match at SummerSlam. Suddenly, Undertaker's "You're Gonna Pay" music hits and Undertaker comes out in jeans and an 'Affliction' T-shirt, he says he is fed up with this 'back from the dead' bullsh*t and he is now gonna be himself, he is gonna be Mark "The Undertaker" Callaway (with an MMA gimmick). Shane says since he is technically no longer The Undertaker, his match with Edge can go ahead. Shane then asks Mark what stipulation he wants to make the SummerSlam match. Mark takes the mic and talks about how Edge beat him in Edge's speciality: TLC, so he was going to beat Edge in his speciality. Shane interrupts him and says ok, so at SummerSlam it's Edge Vs. Mark Callaway in a Hell in the Cell match. Mark says that was not the match I had in mind and announces it'll be a submission match (due to his new MMA gimmick). Shane makes it official and SmackDown! goes of the air.

At SummerSlam, Mark Callaway makes Edge tap out to the gogaplatha (which Vickie has unbanned) and Triple H barely survives his match with Big Show to retain the WWE title. After the match, Big Show decides to beat up Triple H, with the help of Edge, but Mark Callaway runs in to make the save to end the show!

For the next few months on SmackDown!, the team of Mark Callaway and Triple H work together helping each other out against guys like Edge, Big Show, Great Kahli, Big Daddy V, Umaga and various other heels on SmackDown!. This leads to a Survivor Series match with Triple H, Mark Callaway, Ken Kennedy, Jeff Hardy and a returned face Gregory Helms Vs. Big Show, Edge, Great Kahli, Big Daddy V and Umaga.

At Survivor Series, Triple H and Mark Callaway are the two survivors. During the post match celebration Triple H turns heel on Mark Callaway saying they are just a team because Mark wants the WWE title. This leads to a WrestleMania feud between the two culminating in Mark beating Triple H and becoming WWE champion.

Sorry if this is long winded!

Reganio 2

Don't worry I am horrible at questioning people. I am just too nice and don't like putting people down

Minto

Reganio 2 wrote: »

Don't worry I am horrible at questioning people. I am just too nice and don't like putting people down

It's not that I don't wanna put people down, because I do It's just I'm too f*cking lazy to pick apart people's answers, lol

Bounty Hunter

Minto wrote: »

I don't think I've ever given this a try, but I'll have a go anyway. One quick question though, if I don't question other people's answers, will I lose points?

No you wont lose points, however if people question your arguement (people dont always bother) it might make your effort look worse while you wont have the same effect on others.

Danger Dave wrote:

More people from the Boards WWE Draft should be playing this. like Bounty hunter stated its perfect to work on while waiting for your draft pick.

Weres VR ? he's never participated in the ATH and him and Rovert are the biggest heels on the forum. MNG ? after lifting your ban on watching WWE shows shouldnt you also partake ?.


P.S im drunk

more people should post drunk:D

Fairly sure VR took part in one of the first ones did quite well (without winning) too iirc, himself, MNG and anyone else are of course welcome but there is a time limit on each round Rd2 should start around 5pm tommorow, but as I have said, in the first round I might be more lenient than usual with regards late entries so as to have more competitors after that though late entries will be marked down.

Cactus Col

rovert wrote: »

Sorry answering you post like this Col but a number of lines stood out in particular to me.

No worries, it's all good.

rovert wrote: »

This idea sounds Russofic: with makes no real storyline sense, why would Undertaker not seek revenge on Edge (& Vicki) after being stripped of the title? By going with this plan are throwing money away by not having an Edge/ Undertaker rematch.

I actually meant to explain this but forgot. This can be explained very simply as: If you can't beat them, join them. Also, as Taker has been banished by WWE, a person in authority would need to revoke the ban to bring him back, and needing somebody to back up Edge would be reason enough to offer Taker a new contract.
Also with the introduction of someone the stature of Triple H, Taker can no longer claim that smackdown is his show, and so would turn heel to face him.

rovert wrote: »

In 2008 Undertaker is legacy babyface he will be a babyface and end his career as such. Undertakers last heel run was in 2001. It was a ratings failure as no matter how hard Taker tried he couldnt get people to boo him to the extent to cheer him. Taker turned back face 7-8 months later, it was a flop. Six years on more loved than ever you attempt turn him heel for justiable storyline reason, sorry but I think it would be dangerous for the brand.

Back in 2001 Undertaker was using his american bad-ass gimmick, which was essentially stone cold-lite, and then when turned heel tweeked this to "Big Evil" by teaming with McMahon. It is hard to get excited about a wrestler who is put into feuds with people like Maven.

This was also a time when the wwe was in a huge amount of flux; the disappointing InVasion angle had just ended (during which Taker spent most of his time feuding with DDP who was stalking his wife), the way for the brand extension was being paved, and the main event scene was overcrowded.

rovert wrote: »

Shouldnt he be already after a few months off? Fans were hardly sick of him before his departure.

Well, not really, because he'll be coming back the same as he ever has. Over the course of his career Taker has fought his "last match" in WWE on several occassions including Yokozuna putting him in a casket at the royal rumble in 1993 (?) and being buried alive by Vince at Survivor Series in 2003. We expect Taker to be back, same old, same old.

rovert wrote: »

Not always a good thing look Goldberg's heel turn in WCW. Lasted six weeks or so.

But it's not necessarily a bad thing either.

rovert wrote: »

Why not HHH in this role, he is itching to turn heel and prefers it.

HHH's heel run is still pretty fresh in all our memories, we all remember how long he dominated raw and the top title. I think it would be a good idea to wait another year or so before letting HHH turn heel again.

rovert wrote: »

Arent badyfaces better in this role ie Taker himself as it has been working well for him? Heels need to maintain their heat by appearing more often on television than babyfaces.

You're right of course, heel's need to build momentum as much as anybody. But given Taker's supernatural gimmick it is easier for him to give the appearance of being somewhere. For example, a match is in progress, the lights go off, we hear a thud, the lights come on again, Ken Kennedy is lying unconscious in the middle of the ring. Taker is blamed.


That was a lot of questions ... I'm shattered now.

Bounty Hunter

sorry for being slightly late, I just bought a new laptop and im just back and about to set it up ill post the 2nd Rd Question now and edit this post to include the first round scores and anything else shortly.

so as suggested by Rjd2
---
ATH:Round 2
Q.Its being speculated that next wrestlemania 25 in Texas will be Austin’s final ever match. Who would you choose to face him and how would build up and conclude that feud?

1000 word limit (that alright?)
---
Current leaderboard
Fozzy- 19
Minto- 19
Rovert- 18
Bubs101- 18
CactusCol- 17
Danger Dave- 17
Machismo fan- 17
Regiano 2- 16
KKV- 16

here is something i posted in the first incarnation of ATH: can we please avoid argueing about scores im only human and not opnipotent (unfortunatley) plus if i had to justify why people got different scores in each round it would turn into a mess plus there are another few rounds in which im sure you will all get contrasting scores in.

However i will occasionally pick someone with a low score and give a bit of an explanation/advice that may apply to more than just themselves.

for instance Regiano 2 - not a bad answer although as pointed out it is very similar to what happened a few years ago between Taker & Ortan except with a different end result and you didnt mention how he is no longer banished, infact your idea which was good seemed to ignore his unfinished history with Edge and co.

He wasnt actually the only one who neglected to work in why the Deadman was no longer banished and IMO the ones that did were much better answers because of it.

Minto: a la Bubs101's Rd 5 winning answer from the last game I think I (if in charge) would never go the route youve suggested (just personal wouldent book him as anything but "The Undertaker") but the way youve laid out your idea was very good and made it sound like a really good angle/idea, hense the good score, also benefits from being different from most/the expected and therefore maybe more interesting.

KKV: Maybe woulda gotten more as it was good although simplistic (often better that way tbh), although usually late entries would only get marked out of 10 instead of 20 I said id allow your late entry in rd1 but still marked you the same as the person who got the least but still put in a good answer in the last round. still only 3 points off first with 4 rounds to catch up though.

Bubs101

It looks like I'll be going away for around a week so it looks like I'll have to pull out, sorry