So far in 2011, the WWE has impressed me with their ability to draw audiences. We've seen Alberto Del Rio popping up on Raw every week, gaining him a lot more attention and potentially winning over many skeptics (myself included).
Then there was the Royal Rumble which is always going to draw a crowd. The addition of Booker T and Kevin Nash was a nice surprise, leading to many people tuning into Raw the next night to see where they will go from there. This little stunt would also have seen many others tuning into TNA iMPACT! the following week, just to see what Dixie would do now that the Main Event Mafia would definitely not be returning. Say what you like about TNA, but exposure for any wrestling promotion is good exposure in my book, regardless of the quality and the writing of the product.
Two weeks ago, Mr McMahon returned and announced that the following week, the Guest Host of Wrestlemania would be announced. This sparked a wave of speculation throughout the internet forums. Would Justin Bieber really be announced as the Guest Host, or would The Game be making his triumphant return. Had it not been for The Great One making some teasing posts on Facebook, then we could well have been in for an even bigger shock.
Whatever you may think of the events listed above, these were all clever ways of attracting audiences. And 2/21/11 may just be the biggest draw yet.
Over the last 3 weeks, we have seen a series of promo videos, with the common theme being a man in a trench coat entering or loitering outside a shack. After the second video was released on Raw 2 weeks ago, the vast majority of internet bloggers and forum posters were convinced that the promo was simply broadcasting the return of the Undertaker. But, it didn't convince me that this was the full story. There was still 2 weeks until 2/21/11 and whenever I see things like this, I keep thinking back to Vince McMahon saying that he wants the WWE Universe to "expect the unexpected". I wasn't entirely sure what the second 2/21/11 promo meant, but I was (and still am certain) that it's not just for Undertaker.
After seeing the third promo video, I was absolutely convinced that the Undertaker was not the only person being advertised. The Undertaker was clearly shown INSIDE the shack. Then, in the final seconds of the video, another figure, in a trench coat, is seen outside the shack. While I am certain there is a second person involved, I haven't the foggiest who it could be. The most logical person would be Sting, due to the trench coat and boots, but I just can't see Sting joining WWE. Then there's Triple H, who has apparently been confirmed to be Undertaker's opponent at Wrestlemania, so he could be seen as the logical choice. However, just a couple of months ago, we were told Undertaker had handpicked Wade Barrett to be his Wrestlemania opponent.
The lesson here? Things change.
This is why 2/21/11 works, and works so brilliantly. Because even the seasoned wrestling fan can't be sure of what's happening. No matter how sure someone says they are about this promo, there is always a lingering doubt. I, myself, am avoiding the forums and spoiler sites until after tonights Raw, because I really have no clue as to who this second person will be, and I do not want it spoiled. WWE has really impressed me so far in 2011, after a reasonable good 2010, and this could only be the beginning.
I shall be sure to post again later in the week after tonight's Raw to dicuss my views. Whatever may happen, I am almost certain I will not be disappointed...almost.
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