The Wrestling Observer has noted that one of the primary goals of WWE agents, who are now predominantly old-school types, is to give more ‘integrity’ to matches. As part of the move towards a more legitimate presentation, referees are being made to look less clown-like than in recent years, since it had gotten to the point where the agents considered referees almost pointless. A concerted effort is being made to slowly re-establish the rules and preserve cheating only through the heels working to distract the referees. One example of this was the team of Chavo Guerrero & Gregory Helms being disqualified in an elimination tag match for double-teaming past the five count. That was at a house show in Syracuse in a three-way with Deuce & Domino and Paul London & Brian Kendrick, with the champions retaining.
It would also appear that Batista’s reputation within WWE has done a complete 180-turn from its pre-WrestleMania state. Meltzer reports that Batista, feeling he had something to prove after criticism of his work and behaviour, has improved his attitude backstage and tried hard to improve his level of performance.
As things stand, Snitksy will be staying in ECW and built up for a title feud with Bobby Lashley. However, WWE want to promote him across all three brands to try and make him seem ‘special’. Oh, how special.
Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, 21st May 2007 (click here for subscription information)
