Downward Spiral

Hey, personally I wasn't real able to check out much of ECW during this time period so any feedback I'm leaving is based purely on the booking and presentation. As far as the former is concerned I was pleasantly surprised. Forgive me if I'm showing my ignorance but Sid in ECW could be a nice touch and bringing in Regal could be a smart move if he's able to put on some technical displays with Douglas and possibly Taz? I liked Tazz being given the title as it sets up a nice feud with either Douglas or Tazz, either of which would go down well. I'm slightly concerned by RVD squashing Credible though. As far as I can tell, Heyman was high on Credible and even had him go over the Great Sasuke to legitimate his reign as champion. It's an interesting choice which sets up a face turn which I could deal with.

Biggest problem I have is with Misawa coming in. I'm not against it in principal but would have ECW have been able to throw out 300 grand on a single match. I like that you used it to put Storm over though. Push Lance Storm. They guy is a serious talent and could really do well I think.

Yeah, overall I've been enjoying reading this, although as I say, my knowledge of the time is pretty sketchy. I hope you continue with it because I think you've got some good idea

Hey, finally have the time to give some decent feedback. I'm going to try and tie it into the Rumble predictions though. General comments though, I'm pleased with the direction things are going in at the moment. A couple of the feuds are running a little long to my mind though (see below) but I'm sure you'll rectify that soon enough. Anyway, onto predictions

THE FINALISED LINE UP FOR THE WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2002

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

Austin - I'm not happy about it, because by this point I was sooo sick of seeing Austin win the rumble, so I'm definitely looking to be surprised here. However, I feel the chance to set up an Austin/Rock or Austin/Vince match is just too good to pass up. It's going to be an interesting one and I'm looking forward to see how it all comes together. Be warned though, if Booker T doesn't return and look strong, I'm not going to be happy.

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock

I have to confess something. I hated the fact that you gave Vince the title in the beginning. That aside, I'm really beginning to warm to this storyline. I can imagine Vince being arrogant as f*ck after putting WCW out of business and lauding it over everyone. Vince is going to pull this one out of the bag. I don't see a Rock hell turn happening, but I certainly see a potential return. Time for the Rock to play the Game at Wrestlemania? Unless I've missed something, I think so!

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH

Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak

This is one of the feuds that for me has gone on too long. No matter, I see Stasiak going over in a great match, allowing Edge to move on to bigger and better things.

BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

I've loved this best of seven. I think it's a great way to show off the chemistry these two have had. I perhaps would have reduced the number to 5 just so you could spread things out but that's not a major criticism. Jericho is going over for surviving a vicious attack, and hence turning face in the process.

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA

Again, too long. But I think the APA need to get a win back. For me, both teams had gotten a little stale by this point so sadly the extent you can arouse my interest in this match was always going to be limited.

WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Tajiri © vs. Marc Mero

Torrie heel turn. Finally. Please. Possibly involving Kidman.

DAVID ARQUETTE LIVE AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

This has the potential to be comedy gold. I'd mark for a DDP diamond cutter to get revenge for WCW. Seriously. Do it.

WWF HEAT MAIN EVENT - WWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Key © (w/Charles Wright) makes an Open Challenge

Whoever answers the challenge: Key. He's clearly a pet project for you which is good. I'm enjoying seeing how it plays out.

Please Feel Free To Make your Predictions!

Another good show I thought there, despite a shaky start, you've really begun to get into your stride. The debate, although something I'm not a fan of IRL, I thought came off well. Although I have to say, why did none of them think of attacking McMahon. I mean, whichever way you look at it, all four of them think they should be WWF champion. While Angle and Jericho might be content to kiss ass, I would have thought Rock and Austin would have wanted to tear Vince apart. Be that as it may, I'm looking forward to Vengeance, and this sets up a nice Royal Rumble main event.

The Finalised Vengeance Card

Vince McMahon faces his destiny when the new co-owner of the WWF is announced

As I said via PM, I think it's going to be Ted Turner. Don't quite know how you'd write it and pull it off, but it would be pretty major if it was!

Fatal Fourway Number One Contendership Match for the WWF Championship

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho vs. The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

The Rock never really got revenge for McMahon screwing him out of the WWF title at Wrestlemania, this would be a perfect opportunity to earn said revenge, and setting up perhaps either Austin/Rock III or Austin/McMahon at Wrestlemania.

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Edge© vs. Shawn Stasiak

I think you're high on Stasiak so I can see him de-throning Edge. I'm not overly happy baout it, as I am and always have been an Edge mark so I'd like to see him keep the belt, but we'll see.

Singles Match

The Undertaker vs. Test

It would be nice to see Test go over, but it would be stretching the imagination a bit too far, I think. Test gets a nice rub if he puts up a decent fight, he doesn't need to go over, and the Undertaker could do with looking strong I think

WWF Hardcore Championship Match

Rob Van Dam© vs. Key (w/Charles Wright)

Although I didn't have a clue who Key was, you've done a good job of building him up, and I think after torturing Van Dam on Smackdown, he and Wright may be able to pul out the victory.

A 3-on-2 Elimination Tables Match for the WWF Tag Team Titles

The APA and Spike Dudley vs. The Dudley Boyz©

(If the APA and Spike win, the APA become WWF Tag Team Champions )

Firstly, I believe its impossible to make a title change on EWR via a handicap match. I can see Spike inadvertantly costing his team the match, and the APA help the Dudleyz out in putting Spike through the table. Poor Spike!

WWF Cruiserweight Championship Match

Tajiri© (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Marc Mero

Not much to say hee I think. I don't really mind Mero to much, and am not completely averse to him getting another go at things. Tajiri's going over in a bit of a swerve from Torrie.

3-on-1 Handicap Match

Team Xtreme vs. Kane

Yeah... Kane's going over here, and I reckon Lita is going to be the one to receive themost punishment.

Heat Main Event - WWF Women's Championship Match

Trish© vs. Jazz

This one really hasn't haad any build-up to my mind, so I think it would be a bit odd if Jazz won the belt out of nowhere.

................Everybody has their Vengeance

OOC: Predictions for Vengeance are welcomed!

I think this is actually my first formal feedback for this diary. I have to say, I've been impressed thus far. I think JStarr's comments were very useful as I told you over PM but putting some of his observations aside, I've been enjoying what you're doing. I think the continuing power struggle over the WWF's ownership opens up some interesting possibilities. And though I'm not really a fan of Vince being the WWF Champion (I feel it kind of cheapens thebelt, not to David Arquette levels, but does nontheless), I like where you're going with his character, immediately turning him back to the evil boss. He HAS to drop the belt at Vengeance though. I demand it.

All in all, a good show. I don't know about the Key segments, I felt it could have been done in one installment, but I think it got the point across and despite not remembring Key at all, I'm very much looking forward to the hardcore title match. Test/Undertaker could be a highpoint as well. I just wish you'd built Test up a little stronger, like that he's not in fact afraid of the Undertaker. This man has immunity remember, he simply CAN'T be fired. He could do whatever the hell he wants, including going to the Undertaker's hous,e that kind of thing. I was so pissed off when the WWF really didn't make much out of Test's status in that situation, but nevertheless I'm lad he's getting a push.

Oh, and if BT is who I think it might be, I'm seriously going to mark!

* Team 3D or America's Most Wanted - If I had it my way, AMW would be going over but I think you're giving the nod to 3D. AMW escaped the beating, they won't be able to this time.

* Senshi or Sonjay Dutt or Jay Lethal Lethal earned the shot IMO, a bit unfair this is now triple threat, hope Lethal goes over. Anyone but Sonjay, I really don't like the guy. Nothing personal, just doesn't do it for me.*

Rhino or Christian Cage - No way is Rhyno jobbing in his hometown. Yeah, it would build Christian's heat, but you can't piss off the fans like that. Prove me wrong!!

* Sting or Abyss - Sting's going over, but not without controversy. I expect more matches between these two.

* AJ Styles & Christopher Daniels or LAX - AJ and Daniels ot go over simply because there would be too many title changes to keep up with! Wouldn't be unhappy if LAX pulled it out.

* Kurt Angle or Scott Steiner - Angle. Do I need a reason? Steiner can still look good by jobbing. And boy does he need to . Angle's debut has to be a big thing. A win against Steiner cements that.

* Jeff Jarrett or Raven - I personally don't think Raven's been built up enough to go over. I hate Jarrett as champion, don't get me wrong. But equally for Raven to get back to the top, I feel he needs a stronger build-up.

I have to say I've been loving this diary so far. I personally thought your 2001 diary was very underrated and I'm sorry that I wasn't able to keep up with it as much as I would have liked. In this outing, your booking has been pretty solid. I love Steiner being the one to go up against Angle. Credible first opponent. Somewhat confused to see Sting moved out of the title picture but not upset, more that it goes against what has happened IRL. I do prefer your version, however! Raven in the title match is good, and Sting v Abyss is a great idea. I would mark for a Sting/Abyss feud in real life too. All in all, I'm really looking forward to the show, and hope other people are enjoying this diary as much as I am.

Does anyone have/could make any of the following on a KyKy background? Any help would be mucho appreciated.

- Molly Holly (w/Blonde Hair)

- Chyna (w/Black hair - i.e. as she was in WWF)

- Christian with LONG HAIR (as in E and C days)

- Rikishi.

Thanks very muc h in advance (Y)

I've just got done reading this and I have to say well done for a good start. I personally am not very well acquainted with the WWF around this time but a lot of the faces and characters are memorable and identifiable so I've been interested this far. One of the most difficult things about these years was the gimmick-heavy roster. I think you've done a good job of subtly toning that down so far, focussing on the more 'regular' stars like Bret, Shawn, Owen, Sid etc. I really like your writing style too and the whole thing is really easy to read.

In terms of Raw, I liked that Marty Janetty is back. I'm not advocating a rapid main-event push or anything but he can make the midcard a bit more interesting. Perhaps a heel turn could re-ignite a feud with Michaels too later on? I also liked 1-2-3 kid getting the upset win, which was very in keeping with how he seemed to be booked in his early WWF career.

My only criticism really is the Bret/Sid segment, mainly because I'm not that big a Sid fan. Plus, you kind of had Sid bury a fair few members of your heel roster. I know he was only telling it like it is, but if you ever want them to be taken at all seriously (well... as seriously as an evil dentist can be taken) its not good to have them dissed in promos by people higher up in the pecking order.

Overall, a really good start and look forward where you take things going into IYH.

Damnit, I was literally typing out my predictions as you posted the show. I'll give my feedback as I type. I've been enjoying the diary so far, and I like the changes you've made with Henry as the champion and continuing the Orton/Taker feud. I like the abbreviated style which I think seems to suit you better. Having said all that, if ever you want to ressurrect your 2003 diary that would be fine by me (Y)

Feedback for SNME

Nice ideo for the MITB match. I thought it was a bit silly to have the second match at this year's wrestlemania since really there's no need to install an 'annual tradition' on that show, it's gonna draw regardless. Changing it to the three team ladder match is a nice idea.

Triple threat match was fine, nice to see the Mexicools get the duke after being attacked on Smackdown, since they definitely came off worse then.

Masterlock challenge again fine, sets up the tag match for WM nicely.

Buried alive was the only way for this feud to go really after Hell in the Cell. Orton HAS to go over. Taker's got his victory, foiling the sneak attack, he needs to job at WM

Tag match again good, but I'm kinda against Kid Kash being a face to be honest. I just think with his charisma and gimmick, he'smuch better as a face. If I were you though, I'd push his obnoxious side massively though, would provide a nice counterpoint to Helms and creates a kind of battle of the egos situation which could be interesting.

Matt Hardy's new partner was kinda predictable but the best way to write Jeff back in to my mind. The Hardyz have to become the new champions, simply because whoever wins the MITB is gonna blend with them fantastically.

Wow. The WWE title is like a hot potato or something. This is really interesting. As an Edge mark, having him as the champion is always gonna be good news but also allows you to prevent the disaster that was Raw's WM main event where the face got booed out of the building. I hope this means Trips is gonna turn face... hang on, is HHH even Raw's number one contender? I'm a little lost as to what's going on on the Raw side of things... or do I smell triple threat?

Hmmm... I'm not so convinced by the main event. Trips looked quite week there. It perhaps would have been better to have Henry botch the interference... but that makes him look weak. Rey gets a bit of kudos, I understand that I suppose though.

Overall a decent show I thought, but for some of the reasons I explained above, the ending kind of let it down for me but it was still solid. I look forward to seeing what happens in the run up to Wrestlemania.

Kind of embarassed to have won the prediction contest with only guessing like 2 matches correctly! All in all I thought it was a good show. I didn't see Maven's turn coming but I'm definitely in favour of it: he's just not charismatic enough to get over as a face. Ivory beating Molly was again predictable but done well. I was shocked to see Kane as the new European champion: it defintely gives it some prestige which is good so no real complaints here. Rikishi over the Undertaker was a shock, I'll give you that, but a well written match I thought with a good ending. Please don't bringback Deadman taker though: I personally preferred his American Badass gimmick (God knows why in hindsight). Stephanie turning on HHH I saw coming but I'm still happy it was done: sets up some interesting possibilities for Mania. Little peeved that Austin won the Rumble from number 1, but that's mainly because at that time i was bored of him a bit.

All in all a great show and can't wait to see where you go from here in the build-up to Mania.

Congrats on the diary so far. I've really liked everything you've done so far and I'm looking forward to the Rumble.

Tag Match

Right to Censor vs. Maven, Crash Holly, Hardcore Holly, and Al Snow

Personally, I think the RTC should walk out with the win in this one. Whilst the Hollys and Snow and Maven should ensure that things get a little hardcore for the RTC, I just think that the RTC have more experience as a stable and need the win over a thrown-together collection of opponents (i.e. ones that haven't worked as a 4-man team before) and a loss would harm their credibility.

WWF European Title

Kane vs. William Regal ©

I think this is a great programme to help elevate the European title. As a result, I'm having a little trouble coming to a decision. I think I'm going to go for Regal to get the win, simply because I just don't see Kane as a European champion.

WWF Womens Title

Ivory © vs. Molly Holly

Damn this is hard to call. I'm going to go for Ivory, simply because it will give the RTC some more credibility.

Buried Alive Match

Rikishi vs. The Undertaker

I'll be very surprised if you have Rikishi win this, and if he does win, I can't see it being without outside interference.

WWF Intercontinental Title Match

Chris Beniot © vs. Triple H

Benoit is going to win this, I think, and I have a feeling that Stephanie is going to be a presence in this match, turning on HHH.

Cage Match

Eddie Guerrero vs. The Rock

Although it would be a great coup for Eddie to pick up the victory,I can see the Rock as potentially being involved in the main event come 'Mania and so I think to that end, The Rock would need the victory more.

WWF Championship

Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle ©

I think Edge and Christian are virtually guarenteed to interfere in this one, and help Kurt pull off the victory. Perhaps setting up Kurt/Rock at Mania (which I would personally mark for!)

Questions worth two points each:

Who will win the Rumble? The Rock

Who will be pinned in the Four-on-Four Tag Match? Maven

Who will eliminate the most people in the Rumble? Stone Cold

Good luck with writing the Rumble and can't wait to see what happens!

I'm finally caught up with this diary now, and I have say, you've done a fantastic job! You're shows are tightly written and you have promos put down perfectly (especially Raven and William Regal). I'm really looking forward to Raw, especially seeing where you go with the Benoit/Jericho match. In particular, the Raven/Kane feud is heating up nicely. Have you actually retired the 24/7 rule, though? I just can't remember you confirming it or not. I personally think it's a could idea as it's a nightmare to try and book IMO and inevitably cheapens the title.

Good job so far and looking forward to Raw.

I thought that was a really good first show. The Gauntlet for the Gold match was well thought out, although Vampire Warrior didn't win the title which, IMO, is a travesty! Seriously though I thought it was well done and you used the veterans well. I'm assuming a number of them were only making 1-time appearances so I'm not too bothered with people like Windham being involved. I'm not entirely happy with a Planet Jarrett being created from the very beginning, though. Jarrett is unfortunately one of those characters that just feels like he should have a stable around him but, I don't know. It would have been nice for him to win the title on his own and then orchestrate a beating on Shamrock? I realise I'm just griping now, because it does have the advantage of creating a ready-made first major feud.

As for the other matches, I thought they were written really well. I think you have Don West down perfectly which is good.

The only thing I really didn't like was the legends ceremony. I recognise it was kind of warranted with this essentially being the return of he NWA and it was an effective means by which Jarrett, Killings and Lawler could get their characters introduced, but it just didn't click with me for some reason. I recognise that's not the most constructive criticism and it's largely because I really don't rate Brian Lawler or Dusty Rhodes but I thought I should be honest.

Overall I thought the show was really good, and I'll be reading when you continue it.

Wow. I totally did not see that one coming (as evidenced by my predictions lol)!

I'm glad you put the title on Booker actually as I always enjoy it when HHH is chasing gold. It seems much more fun/easier to write and book, especially when he has evolution to do his dirty work.

Rock v Goldberg was a ggod contest and didn't make The Rock look too weak in my view... he lost because he was cocky and went for the people's elbow. That doesn't mean Goldberg's win was a fluke, but it just helped both men look strong.

I know I predicted Jericho/Christian correctly but I don't know... a DQ finish was a little anti climactic (I really am nit-picking now!) but I can see why it was done. It put Jericho and Christian over by having them destroy the old guard so I'm not too unhappy.

Yeah so really good show all in all. I'm very interested in seeing where you take Booker's title reign.

Could somebody please put this on a KyKy background please?

Also if anyone has any pictures of The Dudley Boyz, Justin Credible, Edge, Christian, Chris Jericho and Raven all from around 2001 I would be really grateful.

Hey, another good couple of shows, I thought. I love the storyline with Daivari's army taking out the friends of all of their enemies. I think that i playing off really well. The draft lottery has come off brilliantly for the most part. Shelton and Ken Kennedy are perfect draft picks I think and will do well from a change of scenery. I'm not sure about Batista coming back to Raw but I suppose that it's a good way to get him back onto TV and allows Cena and Triple H to stay heel in the run up to Summerslam. Having said that, I wasn't sure about Batista single handedly demolishing the Spirit Squad. Stables I think are quite hard to write without making them look weak but I understand that they served a purpose to get Batista put over as an unstoppable monster so I don't have too many gripes with that.

All in all this is still keeping me reading so keep it up!

World Heavyweight Title - No Holds Barred - No Interference

Triple H © vs Booker T

Personally I think you've done a great job by having Booker keep look strong, especially given how WWE buried him after Wrestlemania. You're helping to establish him as a main event competitor which is good but I don't see any reason to give him the title, so I'm going with Trips.

Goldberg vs The Rock

I think Goldberg has to go over here. It's essentially his debut and I think for the longer-term he needs to notch up a big win. I would have loved The Rock to get the win but he just doesn't need it as much.

Kevin Nash and Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho and Christian

Tough call for this one. I would love to see Jericho and Christian go over and help raise their profiles but I think you'll go with Nash and Michaels. I'd like to see Jericho and Christian get their heat back with a post-match attack or something like that, though.

World Tag Titles - Fourway Elimination

RVD and Kane © vs Dudley Boyz vs 3 Minute Warning vs Storm and Morley

As much as I would mark hard for 3MW going over here I don't think they're ready and I think if they were to get the win it owuld be like 2 title changes in a month which perhaps isn't the best way to go. I'm not certain about this but I think Kane and RVD will retain.

Street Fight - Austins Job On the Line

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Eric Bischoff

I'm intrigued to see what Bischoff's plan is to get rid of Austin but I don't think for a minute it will pay off. Although in 2003 the co-GM thing got a bit tiresome, I still think you have plenty of more opportunities to have Austin getting on Bischoff's nerves.

Scott Steiner vs Jeff Hardy

I'm a bit confused as to why Test isn't in this match but thinking back to the awful matches that they had that year I'm kind of glad. I see Test trying to get involved but ultimately failing to get revenge on Steiner, perhaps inadvertantly costing Hardy the match.

Randy Orton vs Goldust

Again it's a question of who needs the win more and Orton's just returning from injury and would benefit from a winning return.

WWE Women's Title - Wrestlemania XIX Re-match

Trish Stratus © vs Victoria vs Jazz

Difficult one to call. I think Victoria will be hung up on avenging Jazz' attack from Raw and will allow Trish to retain. I'd like Victoria to get given another run with the belt, though.

I'm really looking forward to this show. I don't know if I've posted feedback before but I'm really enjoying this diary, particularly since WM19 and the immediate aftermath represented one of my favourite periods watching WWE. I'm particularly pleased you've kept the HHH/Booker feud going to help him look a bit stronger. Smackdown is equally as strong: a personal highlight being the cruiserweight title change. A part of me doesn't want to see Team Mattitude break up as Matt bullying Shannon was often comedy gold. Well done for what you've done so far and keep it up!

Oh and for the tie-break, I'm going for Goldust vs Orton to open the show.

I'm really enjoying following this diary and I thought you came up with a decent PPV. Just a few points I wasn't sure about - the Umaga open invitational. Obviously you're trying to push the guy which is absolutely great and I think this is a good way of doing it, particularly since by the sounds of it you kept three debuts looking strong. I just question whether it needed to be on the PPV. Still, I'm intrigued about what's going to happen at Summerslam. Whilst I would mark for Rosey vs Jamal (worryingly) I think you've got something big and it's captured my interest.

I liked the inferno match even though in general I'm not crazy about the stipulation. I thought the title match was really well done, however. The title really needed to be kept on Cena but I see him dropping it at Summerslam. My only concern is that in building up a HHH/Cena match at Summerslam, Edge and RVD may get lost in the shuffle - I don't think that will be the case, though.

Keep it up and I'll definitely keep following this!

I'm really enjoying reading this. I particularly liked One Night Stand, and I thought you captured how the show might go well. I like the fact that Cena is a fully-fledged heel and I'm glad turned and joined ECW. I hope Carlito and Shelton gets drawn out into a big feud as I'd like to think Carlito could really move up with a decent feud and it would brin the I/C title more into focus, which can only be a good thing.