Episode 456: Bad Blood 2003 REMIX

Update: 2024-09-09

Digest

This episode of the podcast delves into the state of WWE in 2003, focusing on the Bad Blood pay-per-view and the company's transition. The episode begins by discussing the decline in WWE business in 2003 compared to 2002, analyzing pay-per-view buyrates and the impact of the brand split. The episode then explores the decision to discontinue the King of the Ring pay-per-view, highlighting Vince McMahon's desire for fresh concepts and his aversion to repeating events. The episode also covers the departures of Nathan Jones, Rocky Johnson, and the Road Warriors, discussing their reasons for leaving and the company's response. The episode recounts the story of Vince McMahon persuading Christian to cut his hair, suggesting that a change in appearance could enhance his career prospects. It also discusses the popularity of Torrey Wilson's Playboy issue among WWE wrestlers, highlighting her positive image and the locker room's admiration for her. The episode focuses on a memorable Raw episode where Rick Flair receives a title shot and a heartfelt post-match celebration from his peers, reflecting their respect and admiration for his career. The episode details the formation of Evolution, a stable led by Triple H, featuring Randy Orton, Rick Flair, and later Batista. The episode explores the creative process behind the group's formation and the initial consideration of Mark Jindrak as a member. The episode discusses Vince McMahon's attempts to mend fences with Bruno Sammartino and his efforts to induct him into the Madison Square Garden Hall of Fame. The episode pays tribute to Freddie Blassie, a legendary manager who passed away in 2003. The episode shares anecdotes about his career and his impact on the wrestling industry. The episode examines The Rock's status in WWE during the summer of 2003, highlighting his transition from a full-time wrestler to a Hollywood star and his evolving relationship with the company. The episode briefly discusses the Insurrection pay-per-view, a UK-exclusive event that served as a prelude to the Bad Blood pay-per-view. The episode explores the departure of Dave Sahati, a renowned video producer for WWE, discussing his contributions to the company and the reasons behind his decision to leave. The episode covers the release of Jamal, a wrestler who later returned as Umaga. The episode discusses the circumstances surrounding his departure, including a nightclub incident and his reputation within the locker room. The episode discusses Sable's return to WWE and her separation from Mark Mero, exploring the company's interest in bringing her back and the potential impact of her marital situation. The episode analyzes WWE's financial performance in 2003, highlighting the decline in revenue and attendance, and the impact of the brand split and the World Nightclub closure. The episode focuses on the Raw episode leading up to the Bad Blood pay-per-view, highlighting the build-up to the main event and the introduction of Mick Foley as the special guest referee. The episode provides a detailed review of the Bad Blood pay-per-view, analyzing the matches, storylines, and the overall quality of the event. The podcast discusses the controversial finish of a wrestling match where Christian retained his title in a questionable way. The match itself was disappointing, but the finish was particularly illogical and contradictory, making a joke out of the entire event. The podcast delves into a bizarre segment involving a pie-eating contest between Steve Austin and Eric Bischoff. The segment features a shocking twist with the introduction of Mae Young, who engages in a series of outrageous actions, including a low blow and a Bronco Buster, allegedly with sardines in her underwear. The podcast discusses La Resistance's unexpected victory in a tag team match, winning the WWE tag team titles. The win is seen as an upset and a means to an end for the RVD and Cain split. The podcast analyzes the match between Goldberg and Chris Jericho, highlighting Goldberg's dominance and Jericho's attempts to gain an advantage. The match ends with Goldberg's victory, and the podcast discusses the backstage reaction to the match, including Vince McMahon's apparent approval of Goldberg's performance. The podcast reviews the dream match between Rick Flair and Shawn Michaels, highlighting the match's intensity and the story it tells. The podcast also discusses the backstage rumors surrounding Shawn Michaels's illness and his disappointment with the match's duration. The podcast recounts the planned singing competition between Eric Bischoff and Steve Austin, which was ultimately replaced by a mud pit match. The podcast discusses the behind-the-scenes details of the planned ZZ Top appearance and the challenges of coordinating the event. The podcast reviews the Hell in a Cell match between Triple H and Kevin Nash, highlighting the match's intensity and the use of weapons. The podcast also discusses the match's reception and the reasons why Kevin Nash's 2003 run is often overlooked. The podcast discusses the events leading up to Kane's heel turn, including his invitation to join Evolution and his subsequent unmasking. The podcast highlights the significance of this event in the context of WWE's rebuilding phase. The podcast concludes with a Q&A session with fans, addressing various topics related to the events discussed in the episode. The podcast tackles questions about Kevin Nash's plans after his feud with Triple H, the backstage reaction to the Tigger fan, and the reasons behind Mick Foley's involvement in the Hell in a Cell match. The podcast concludes with an advertisement for Conrad Thompson's mortgage company, Savewithconrad.com. The advertisement highlights the benefits of using the company's services, including lower interest rates, tax deductions, and personalized customer service.

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