Triple H's promo and the "Reality Era"

[Aids Johnson]

One reply before the thread was hijacked, what a record.

I think it was a great promo, although I am unsure of the extent of what the reality era will include.

 

[Dolph'sZiggler]

One reply before the thread was hijacked, what a record.

I think it was a great promo, although I am unsure of the extent of what the reality era will include.

At least Jonathan understands the difference between hyphens and dashes now. I feel I've really done a lot of good today, and it isn't even noon yet.

 

[Aids Johnson]

At least Jonathan understands the difference between hyphens and dashes now. I feel I've really done a lot of good today, and it isn't even noon yet.

Conglaturations.

 

[Dolph'sZiggler]

Conglaturations.

 

[Wacokid27]

I thought the promo was excellent. Only time will tell if the acknowledgement of a "reality era" is just for the Mania build or if it's a new phase of WWE programming.

Of course, as Dolph's points out, even if this is a new Reality Era in WWE, it's still the WWE, which means that the reality we get will still be strongly worked. This doesn't change anything from the viewer's point. It just means, theoretically, that the storylines will be more realistic. What that means from a programming standpoint, I can't tell you yet.

wk

 

[Lockard 23]

Both times Triple H said "Reality Era" during his promo, it sounded like he was saying it in a mocking tone. Maybe it's just me, but I'd put it down more as being more of a subtle knock on the IWC for coining the term "Reality Era" before I'd consider it Triple H's official endorsement of a brand new era.

Besides, from a kayfabe standpoint, what sense does it even make to call it the Reality Era anyway? Surely that counts as breaking kayfabe when you consider that every era that has preceded this one is meant to be "reality-based" in the sense that you're always supposed to suspend disbelief and pretend that what you're seeing is real. Dubbing this the Reality Era on-screen thus makes no sense, and I don't really see a strong argument for it anyway. The advent of social media? Punk's worked shoot? Is that it?

 

[Brad.]

I thought the reality era was the introduction of social media to WWE. If so, Hunter's promo definitely wasn't the start of it.

 

[Green Jesus]

Well, I think the "reality" in the era is not something about kayfabe or not. It's about the fact that wrestlers that people get behind are actually being pushed, and only guys that are really positively popular(not controversially popular like john cena, even though i don't even hate him that much) are being put on the top, internet darlings like ambrose, daniel bryan, roman reigns, Cm punk(RIP) , Cesaro, etc. Anywho, my point is, the big change in wwe is who they are trying to push, it seems like they have a more "smarky" take on their own show now, sure there are lots of guys that are not getting the push they probably deserve(dolph ziggler IMO) and batista isn't exactly gracious in the ring, but my point stands, maybe "reality era" stands for pushing real talent that aren't generic and have their own unique way of adding something to the product.

edit: Saying that the shield and cesaro are at the top may be a stretch, but they are definitly receiving their push, so my point stands

 

[Brad.]

Cm punk(RIP)

:terry:

 

[Green Jesus]

:terry:

:sad:

 

[JC4Life37]

Anywho, try to steer this back on topic, I never really understood the point of trying to dub this the 'reality era'. Why, because they use twitter now and CM Punk called HHH Paul? Its a stretch at best. What has been "real" about any of the feuds going on in 2014? Its just pro wrestling lol. The Summer of Punk 'shooting' on things was the only real dose of reality I've noticed, and that jumped the shark almost immediately as well.

In fact, I'd say Daniel Bryan being the top guy is about as far removed from "reality" as we could be, lolz. :umad:

Both times Triple H said "Reality Era" during his promo, it sounded like he was saying it in a mocking tone. Maybe it's just me, but I'd put it down more as being more of a subtle knock on the IWC for coining the term "Reality Era" before I'd consider it Triple H's official endorsement of a brand new era.

Besides, from a kayfabe standpoint, what sense does it even make to call it the Reality Era anyway? Surely that counts as breaking kayfabe when you consider that every era that has preceded this one is meant to be "reality-based" in the sense that you're always supposed to suspend disbelief and pretend that what you're seeing is real. Dubbing this the Reality Era on-screen thus makes no sense, and I don't really see a strong argument for it anyway. The advent of social media? Punk's worked shoot? Is that it?

I don't think it would be a stretch to call much of the The Rock/Cena feud a take on reality.
The Rock using the term 'babyface' on Cena
Cena calling The Rock on his scripted promos (written on his arm or teleprompter)
Rock making light of Cena's core fan base and his upbringing

Even the Cena/Brock feud touching on how Brock only does this for the money. Edge returned and did entire promo on it. Heyman mentioning that Brock doesn't wrestle on free TV. This is a lesser case, but it was around the same time.
You can only hide so much these days, especially when WWE even forced Brock Lesnar to get a twitter handle. The evidence is there, whether you'd like to spin a phrase on an era is your choice

 

[Wacokid27]

I was thinking about this thread (yeah, my mind works weirdly) while I was listening this afternoon to part 2 of SCSA's interview with Jim Cornette. They were talking about the idea that UFC is basically what old-school wrestling was back in the territory days, just with real competition rather than scripted matches.

Austin said that WWE (he didn't say particularly WWE, but it was pretty heavily implied) could get that back if they cut the comedy quotient and everybody (both backstage and in-ring) took the storylines seriously. That comment made me reflect on a lot of things since (I know Dolph's and some of you other guys will love this) the "Pipebomb promo" back in 2011. I'm not saying that's where they might have started upping the reality amount, but I'm saying it was a benchmark. If anything, the reality has been getting greater in pro wrestling since Vince bought WCW. Social media has made it more obvious and easier for pro wrestlers (and promotions) get instant reaction from the fanbase on what's getting over and what's not. I doubt they'll ever eliminate the comedy quotient, but they have toned a good deal of it down in the last 2 - 3 years.

wk

 

[JC4Life37]

I could watch wrestling for hours with zero comedy whatsoever. There's nothing funny about comedy (huh? Yeah, I did say that).
What's funny is Mark Henry getting angry... calling himself a silverback and making Chris Benoit 'felt it' till white meat show is what life's all about
If I wanted a real good laugh I'd check out a highlight reel of with sweat spray shooting out out of his head lettuce

I almost died watching this promo.. the sweat beads.. the silverback roar.... Mark Henry >>> Earth

 

[ShaRpY HaRdY]

The reality of it all is.. that is a stupid name for an era
Me likey the Hunter promo though, go HHH!

 

[Swift]

Reality tv sucks. Current WWE 'era' sucks. Reality Era seems fitting.