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Just yesterday, another script for Monday Night Raw leaked online for the episode that aired on Sept. 1, 2014, from Des Moines, Iowa (check it out here). It was roughly 28 pages and showed how overly scripted the entire show is, from match finishes to detailed lines for every promo from every wrestler, even the biggest stars like Paul Heyman, Triple H, and John Cena.
That's what is killing wrestling.
That's the opinion of Jim Cornette, at least, who is going off on Twitter today about this very subject.
RAW "script" leaked on internet--28 pgs for 3 hrs--BULLSHIT--best wrestling TV ever was 1 page format and let wrestlers do their jobs--
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) September 5, 2014
If anyone wants to know what's wrong with wrestling--it's WRITERS! Jocksniffing comedy writers and 28 pg "scripts" ruined wrestling--
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) September 5, 2014
Someone needs to tell this to the "Pyro" guy, he commends the comedy writers for their "work" which equals DEATH of the sport #AllJackoffs
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) September 5, 2014
In OVW if wrestlers or crew called the format a "script" I took them off the show until they learned better-- #PhonyDontDrawMoney
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) September 5, 2014
WWE figured out how to make $350 million in the wrestling business--start with a billion! #ComedyWriters + #JockSniffers = #Broke
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) September 5, 2014
This is similar to a common complaint from the most popular wrestler of all time, Stone Cold Steve Austin, has when analyzing the current product. Giving a wrestler lines to remember when they go out for a promo instead of giving them a general idea of points to hit and letting their personality shine through seems downright silly.
It leads to wooden performances, panned segments, and folks like Cornette losing his mind on social media.
Then again, some performers need the added direction, so no one way is tried and true. Still, when a smart wrestling mind like Cornette is riffing on an issue like this and the biggest star of all time has said something similar, it's worth paying attention to.
Thoughts?