Konnan talks WWE not listening to the fans.

[Jay-Ashley]

Konnan talked with Alfred Konuwa of Forbes about WWE behind the curve when it comes to representing minorities and how they haven't done a good enough job of listening to the fans over the years.

In regards to WWE not listening to the fans, Konnan thinks it ultimately will hurt the company to ignore what the paying customer wants to see.

"A lot of people in [WWE] think fans don't know what's good for them," Konnan said. "I always remember thinking 'What do you mean they don't know what's good for them? They're not going to pay money to see something they don't like.' They know what they want to see, and a lot of times they would fight the fans, like 'This is what they want.' And I would think to myself 'No, they're telling you what they want!' They ignored them for a long time.

"Look at all the backlash they got when they wouldn't push CM Punk. Look at all the backlash they got when they wouldn't push Daniel Bryan. So, now what the people are doing is they're taking it out on WWE. So when people found out WWE wanted to push Roman Reigns, people turned their backs on him. They were like, 'You didn't give us what we wanted, then we're going to boo him every time he comes out,' even though he wasn't a bad wrestler."

With multiple weekly shows and a WWE Network that is packed with content, Konnan believed maybe it's just too much, or maybe it's just too much of what Vince McMahon wants.

"Somewhere along the way, [WWE] lost their way," Konnan continued. "I work in Mexico and I help put together a live show, but it's like a two-hour show and that's it. They're doing a three-hour show on Monday, and then a two-hour show and all that original content in WWE Ride Along and Table for 3. SmackDown is usually better because it's only two hours and their storylines are better. A lot of times, at the end of the day, it's what Vince McMahon wants, and it shouldn't be what he wants, it should be what the fans want."

When asked about WWE's ability to represent minorities, Konnan felt while they've improved as of late, WWE has always been more reactive instead of proactive.

[WWE] just did a lot of stuff with minorities that was very demeaning and stereotypical and they've always been behind the curve at that," Konnan said. "For a while, you just saw Latinos portrayed in one way, especially in WWE where there were coming out in lawnmowers or whatever the case may be. They kind of flipped the script when Alberto Del Rio came out, he was kind of an aristocrat. You never really see a Latino in that position. I think they're more inclusive than before, wrestling as a whole, but they've still got a long way to go."

I mean, for once I agree with a lot of Konnan says as he said a lot of myself and other fans have said for years. So yeah, what is your take on this, and also try to respond like an adult and not an idiot.

 

[Rosie]

There's definitely a lot of great points he makes, especially since he is not listening to the fans until afterwards, it seems. One thing I am expanding a bit is about WWE losing its way with... a large amount of content. I've ranted about the show numbers for actual wrestling, but WWE seems like it is trying more and more to be... more than a Wrestling company with the more types of show. I get they have a Network to fill, but considering Total Divas/Bellas, Miz and Mrs, Ride Along, Table for 3, Camp WWE, WWE Stories, that show about photos... Podcasts even, and movies, WWE is trying to be more than just a "Wrestling company..." It is part of their problem with putting out more quanity, but not always guaranteeing quality.

So ignoring fans, too much, look, I am not an economics major, but I do know about Supply and Demand, and WWE is way out of wack with it.

 

[Grievous 3D]

I mean, for once I agree with a lot of Konnan says as he said a lot of myself and other fans have said for years. So yeah, what is your take on this, and also try to respond like an adult and not an idiot.

He's really has hit the nail on the head.

A lot of times, at the end of the day, it's what Vince McMahon wants, and it shouldn't be what he wants, it should be what the fans want."

Hear Hear!

 

[The Sheik]

Yes that's why Kofi Kingston, Seth Rollins and that overrated Irish chick won at WrestleMania... They try listening to the fans, the writing is just very bad.

 

[Zany Clowny]

I find myself disagreeing with what the vocal fans want anyway, especially in 2019. I can't make the argument that what the fans want would be worse than what Vince is giving nowadays though. I miss competent Vince, I guess.

 

[Redboy123@]

Yes that's why Kofi Kingston, Seth Rollins and that overrated Irish chick won at WrestleMania... They try listening to the fans, the writing is just very bad.

Nothing to do with individual talent. Can't put any of the blame on them. It's the people running the show.

 

[Grievous 3D]

Yes that's why Kofi Kingston, Seth Rollins and that overrated Irish chick won at WrestleMania... They try listening to the fans, the writing is just very bad.

Well...perhaps they should try listening to the fans more often?

You know...the 4 Wrestlemania main events that no one really
wanted to sit through kind of prove that Wrestlemania 35 was
the exception rather than the rule.

And I'm glad you agree that the writing is VERY bad.

I find myself disagreeing with what the vocal fans want anyway, especially in 2019. I can't make the argument that what the fans want would be worse than what Vince is giving nowadays though. I miss competent Vince, I guess.

I think the fans might be happy if the writing was better
& the stories being told were interesting...but the WWE
only seem to have one goal...and that's make Vince's
chosen one look good/strong...and that's really, REALLY
sad considering all the other talent that's been thrown
under the bus to do that.

Nothing to do with individual talent. Can't put any of the blame on them. It's the people running the show.

Bingo!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

 

[Zany Clowny]

See maybe I'm just glass half empty when it comes to the WWE but I don't see the incredible talent other people do in these guys now. The writing is abysmal I know, but I've run out of sympathy lmao.

 

[Grievous 3D]

See maybe I'm just glass half empty when it comes to the WWE but I don't see the incredible talent other people do in these guys now.
The writing is abysmal I know, but I've run out of sympathy lmao.

That's a fair call Swinger...I no longer watch the main roster anymore
because its just too frustrating to be invested & see them constantly
push those I FIND undeserving.

And perhaps the WWE's overall wrestling style isn't for you anymore?

 

[Redboy123@]

See maybe I'm just glass half empty when it comes to the WWE but I don't see the incredible talent other people do in these guys now. The writing is abysmal I know, but I've run out of sympathy lmao.

The roster lacks star power for sure. Lots of talented athletes. Everyone on the roster can wrestle to a respectable standard. But damn are there hardly any top guys. Seth Rollins just doesn't feel like a huge star. Compare this roster to 2010 then you will see a lot bigger names.

 

[Grievous 3D]

The roster lacks star power for sure. Lots of talented athletes. Everyone on the roster can wrestle to a respectable standard. But damn are there hardly any top guys. Seth Rollins just doesn't feel like a huge star. Compare this roster to 2010 then you will see a lot bigger names.

That's because in the last 4 to 5 years the company has
only tried to build up one "true" male star instead of many.

Everyone else has just been thrown under the bus.

Its the WWE's fault for not taking the talent they have &
"making" them into stars...because lets not kid ourselves
here...if the WWE wants someone to "get over" they will
do everything in their power to a frankly ridiculous degree
to get them over.

Even when logically & physically it makes no fucking sense.

*Cough* Alexa Bliss *Cough*

The WWE could make as many "stars" as they want...but
they don't. They focus on one guy & no one is allowed to
overshadow him...& if they do & they get over...they are
quickly buried & ignored.

*Cough* Rusev *Cough*

I'm just going to say it.

The guy running the company has lost touch with reality &
no one dares to tell him that...because he will just fire them.

The same thing happened with George Lucas & the Star Wars
prequels. No one could challenge George on the choices he
was making & because of that the films were for most part
fucking awful.

Granted Disney fucked the franchise even more...but that's
beside the point.

Control of the WWE should be passed onto someone
who actually understands what makes good wrestling &
good television...and I think we all know who that is.

 

[Redboy123@]

Everyone else has just been thrown under the bus.

I think they have intended to push a lot of guys. Rollins has won 4 WrestleMania matches as a singles star. Charlotte is the female roman Reigns. AJ Styles has been booked fantastically. There has been an intention. The roster is so large that nobody gets pushed without having to lose. Roster size is killing wwe along with the writing

I mean this WrestleMania we have had the organic baby faces of kofi and becky win the titles. Even having becky beat ronda and win both belts. Yet still nobody is thinking that the product is great. All about the writing executing

 

[edge4ever]

Yes that's why Kofi Kingston, Seth Rollins and that overrated Irish chick won at WrestleMania... They try listening to the fans, the writing is just very bad.

This