camstun187 wrote:Man, some people here sound spoiled.
I don't grasp where and why this and the need to refer to PWG's twitter about jaded wrestling fans had a place in this conversation.
Outside of the deathmatches, Impact and too regionally based independent companies - I try and watch everything (WWE/PWG/ROH/Chikara/some AAW/Evolve/NJPW/All Japan/NOAH/Dragon Gate/DDT) b/c I love the art of professional wrestling. So I'm absolutely over-saturating myself yet if I ever feel as if I'm becoming jaded or I'm incapable of enjoying myself, then I'll stop watching so that my opinion doesn't sour on the overall product. A good example is WWE. Ever since the incredible 'Money in the Bank' PPV they have done such a mediocre job at storytelling (too rushed/what does CM Punk stand for besides an opaque desire to 'entertain') that after attending Summerslam I have not watched a minute of Raw/Smackdown.
By that same standard, I watched every minute of the G1 because Gedo & the NJPW people responsible for designing the tournament deserve tons of praise for booking an Awesome tourney in which all participants benefitted. And like BOLA, it wasn't match quality or shocking surprises that made it so entertaining, it was in the storytelling and knowing how best to use the talent you have without creating a sordid mess (WWE/TNA). Punk vs. Cena/Steen vs. Generico: These fellas make great rivals because it is so contextually clear what each stands for. Cena/Generico: light/babyfaces/the kids - Punk/Steen: dark/heavy/appeals to 18-34 men/heat magnets Keep it simple and the crowds will roar. Nakamura/Naito - company's #1 heel ace who had yet to win the G1 vs. the increasingly popular, younger babyface in his first G1 final and perhaps his biggest match. Again - great booking, just like BOLA's final.