By GameSpot Staff on Dec 21, 2018 11:30 pm
Ready? Fight!
The rising profile of fighting games in the last decade has been great for serious competitors and casual combatants alike. There's just something special about the raw conflict of a head-to-head fight that's universally appealing--and sweaty palm inducing. Pick your favorite character, pray you remember your combos correctly, or at the very least that the button-mashing gods look favorably upon your bluff. The mark of a good fighting game? Wanting to go another round regardless of whether you win or lose. The scene in 2018 was more about quality than quantity. We got some excellent new entries in long-running series like SoulCalibur and BlazBlue, the surprising spiritual successor to Street Fighter EX from Arika, and a Dragon Ball Z fighter that impressed fighting game experts and DBZ fans alike. And although Capcom is struggling with its messaging around Street Fighter V of late, the game itself continues to thrive and grow well into its second year. We've gathered every review and pulled out every fighting game that scored at least an 8 out of 10 on GameSpot to revisit the year that was in fighting games below. We've got a quick blurb to summarize our thoughts on each game, but be sure to click through to the full review for an in-depth look into the mechanics, rosters, and online modes of this year's best fighters. We're collecting reviews for other types of games as well, including a whopping 30-plus action-adventure games. All of this and more is available in our Best of 2018 hub. Whether you followed the big releases all year round or took some time off and want to catch up on the biggest topics of the 2018, we've got something for you to close out the year and ring in 2019.
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle - 9/10
Whether playing through the story mode alone or against hardened opponents online, Cross Tag Battle is an absolute joy with a surplus of possibilities within its wide roster and versatile fighting system. Even with all the ridiculousness of the overarching plot, I reveled in the charm of my favorite characters and embraced the many moments of fan service. It's a masterful unification of styles and mechanics from four different universes that compels you to dig deeper and dedicate the time to getting the most out of the beloved members of this cast. -- Michael Higham [Full Review]
Dragon Ball FighterZ - 9/10
FighterZ is complex and distinct enough to be enjoyed by fighting game competitors, but there's no question that it's been designed to tap into the hearts of Dragon Ball's most dedicated fans, and no doubt those same qualities will win people over who've never given the series a chance. Where past games attempted to get there through huge character rosters and deliberately predictable trips down memory lane, FighterZ has bottled the essence of what makes the series' characters, animation, and sense of humor so beloved and reconfigured it into something new: a Dragon Ball fighting game that can go toe-to-toe with the best of the genre. -- Peter Brown[ Full Review]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - 9/10
An inconsistent online mode and situational downers don't stop Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from shining as a flexible multiplayer game that can be as freewheeling or as firm as you want it to be. Its entertaining single-player content helps keep the game rich with interesting things to do, as well as bolstering its spirit of loving homage to the games that have graced Nintendo consoles. Ultimate's diverse content is compelling, its strong mechanics are refined, and the encompassing collection is simply superb. -- Edmond Tran [Full Review]On a pure gameplay level, Fighting EX Layer is an absolute treat. What it lacks in bells and whistles it delivers in pure, fun combat. This is a game made for the sort of people who will spend hours perfecting an impractical, extremely-precise combo in training mode simply for the satisfaction of having done it. If that describes you, then Fighting EX Layer will be worth everything you put into it. -- Heidi Kemps [Full Review]
Fighting EX Layer - 8/10
On a pure gameplay level, Fighting EX Layer is an absolute treat. What it lacks in bells and whistles it delivers in pure, fun combat. This is a game made for the sort of people who will spend hours perfecting an impractical, extremely-precise combo in training mode simply for the satisfaction of having done it. If that describes you, then Fighting EX Layer will be worth everything you put into it. -- Heidi Kemps [Full Review]
SoulCalibur 6 - 8/10
SoulCalibur VI is a fighting game that's easy to recommend. Like all the best titles in the genre, it has a low barrier to entry and high skill ceiling. For those looking to get in a few games with friends it's welcoming and immediately enjoyable. For those committed to ploughing the depths of its systems to get tournament ready, it has plenty to unpack and understand. Better still, those that want to play alone will find SoulCalibur VI has some of the most substantial single-player content in any fighting game today. -- Tamoor Hussain [Full Review]
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection - 8/10
That's more or less the story of the 30th Anniversary Collection. It won't satisfy every specific demand, but it's still a big collection of awesome games and behind-the-scenes content that no Street Fighter fan should miss. Street Fighter is a series worth celebrating and Digital Eclipse has managed to do so in a manner that feels respectful to the series and to the people who keep the spirit of arcade battles alive. -- Peter Brown [Full Review]
UFC 3 - 8/10
EA Sports UFC 3 is a tense, exciting, and dynamic recreation of the stand and bang aspect of mixed martial arts. There's a fluidity to the way it moves, and a satisfying feel and unpredictability to the way fights can unfold that demands your engagement. -- Richard Wakeling [Full Review]
By Mat Elfring on Dec 21, 2018 09:30 pm
There were hundreds of movies released in 2018. From ones that hit thousands of movie theaters across the world to ones that reached millions of homes through streaming services, there is something for everybody when it comes to brand-new movies. However, for every Roma, there's a movie about a robotic, farting dog going on an adventure. 2018 was filled with plenty of trash movies that critics and fans alike despised. That's why it's our duty to find out what the 20 worst reviewed movies of the year. Taking a look at GameSpot's sister site, Metacritic, we found the worst reviewed movies of the year and are presenting the bottom 20 for you all, in case you want to know what to avoid or want to watch something horrible. If you're looking for more on 2018, check out The 22 Best TV Episodes, The 16 Best Anime Movies And TV Shows, 10 Best TV Shows, and The 10 Best Movies.
20. Fifty Shades Freed
Metacritic Score: 31 I don't know what anyone is complaining about. This was one of the best comedies of the year. In the third film of the series, Anastasia and Christian get married, but Ana's former employer is mad for some reason and trying to ruin everyone's lives. Did I ruin the plot? Oh well. The movie itself is the hottest of garbage, but it's actually pretty fun to watch, to see an ill-contrived plot that has no understanding of BDSM, which is kinda the backbone to the series.
19. Death Wish
Metacritic Score: 31 Death Wish, a movie no one was being asked to be remade, got a remake this year. Bruce Willis starred as Dr. Paul Kersey, a surgeon from outside of Chicago whose family was attacked in their home. Kersey can't get the police to help him, so he takes the law into his own hands, trying to get revenge on the criminals that wronged him. This movie comes off like a poor man's Die Hard, and simply isn't watchable. It's not "funny" bad or entertaining in any way. In addition, the movie has a "white savior complex" and is simply tone deaf when it comes to violence in the country, especially with parts of Chicago.
18. Show Dogs
Metacritic Score: 31 A detective and his dog partner--voiced by Ludacris--go undercover at a dog show to take down an animal trafficking ring. If your answer to this synopsis was, "What?," then you're in the same boat with every critic who reviewed the movie. From the trailer alone, you can tell Luda just phones in his performance and the jokes are sub-par at best. It's a movie for kids that even children don't want to see.
17. I Can Only Imagine
Metacritic Score: 30 Based on the hit song of the same name by the Christian rock band MercyMe, this biopic the band's singer Bart Millard, growing up and becoming a member of the band. Many critics have called the emotional drama a movie without any emotion that is bland.
16. Slender Man
Metacritic Score: 30 Coming straight from the depths of the internet this year was Slender Man, a horror movie about four girls who try to debunk the mythos of the creature by performing a ritual. However, something terrible happens and Slender Man is real. And yes, the movie is just and basic and boring as that synopsis, which is crazy considering how much has been written about this character. Somewhere, there has to be a good story to adapt, right? In GameSpot's review of Slender Man, Meg Downey said the movie was "A blurry and unfocused mess of seemingly random ideas."
15. Blue Iguana
Metacritic Score: 30 If you love Sam Rockwell, then you may want to skip out on this year's Blue Iguana. Two ex-convicts are on parole and want to find work, in New York. However, they end up in London where they have to commit a caper. The movie fits into the genres of crime, thrillers, romance, and comedy, but it's exceptionally violent while trying to hit on a very '80s vibe. Blue Iguana has an identity crisis.
14. Basmati Blues
Metacritic Score: 30 Captain Marvel's Brie Larson stars as a scientist on her way to India for work in a movie that's trying to blend a Hollywood romcom with a Bollywood film. Numerous critics have called the movie offensive but have also said while it's a terrible movie, it falls into the "it's so bad it's good" category.
13. The Outsider
Metacritic Score: 30 The straight-to-Netflix movie stars Jared Leto in a post-WWII Japan. Leto plays an imprisoned American soldier who has to earn his freedom by working for the Yakuza. While the plot itself is interesting, the movie fails to execute anything that is entertaining or engaging, according to its critics.
12. Peppermint
Metacritic Score: 29 Much like the Death Wish remake, Peppermint follows a young woman (Jennifer Garner) whose husband and daughter were murdered in an attack. The law doesn't help her get justice, so she takes it into her own hands. Huh, this sounds a lot like Death Wish. While most aspects of this movie are trashed by critics, they actually love Garner's performance in Peppermint. So at least there's something good about it.
11. A.X.L.
Metacritic Score: 29 This flop is about a top-secret military project, which is actually just a robotic dog that's supposed to help soldiers. A.X.L. escapes and becomes friends with a kid in the desert. The first trailer for the movie looks like a Kickstarter for dog sunglasses. According to critics, it is joyless and void of anything worthwhile, even for a kid's movie.
10. Winchester
Metacritic Score: 28 The story of Sarah Winchester and her insane California house is an incredible one. She built a house with doors that lead nowhere, hallways that are confusing, and other architectural delights that are maddening in order to trap the undead souls who she thought were coming after her. Naturally because of her obsession with ghosts, this should make for a good horror movie. Sadly, that wasn't the case. It is a bore that drags on and has no saving graces.
9. Terminal
Metacritic Score: 27 The movie follows two assassins, a teacher with a fatal illness, a janitor, and a waitress. Like every movie featuring numerous stories, they all weave together. And apparently, everything happening to everyone has a mastermind behind it. Sure. The majority of critics who reviewed the movie said it uses tired tropes, and Rolling Stones' Peter Travers called it "one of the worst movies ever made."
8. Hell Fest
Metacritic Score: 26 Conceptually, Hell Fest has a pretty cool story. A group of young adults head to Hell Fest, a carnival with a horror theme. However, this at this year's event, a crazed murderer is there and killing people, but most people think it's merely part of the show. Many critics agree that the characters fall flat as the movie is too into its location and surroundings and dropped the ball on everything else in the movie.
7. Dark Crimes
Metacritic Score: 24 Starring Jim Carrey, Dark Crimes follows a police officer who finds that a murder in a book by a crime novelist and a real life unsolved crime have too many parallels to be considered coincidence. Plenty of the critics who reviewed the movie said this was Carrey's worst performance of his career.
6. Gotti
Metacritic Score: 24 In 2018, Gotti felt like a punchline. You probably haven't seen the movie, but you've for sure heard about how bad it is. John Travolta plays the notorious John Gotti in this biographical film, as Gotti rises in the ranks of the Gambino Crime Family in New York. Throughout all the critical reviews, many are saying Travolta is the only person trying in this movie, and the script is utter garbage.
5. The Clapper
Metacritic Score: 21 The Clapper is probably one of the most "meh" movies of the year, with an interesting premise. Ed Helms plays an actor who primarily sits in the background of infomercials who catches the eye of a late night host, and Helms' character becomes famous for being a dude that claps during infomercials, but he hates it. An interesting idea that quickly loses all of its luster as the story becomes about Helms' character falling in love, and this is the point where everyone realizes this would make a decent short film but a terrible feature-length movie. There's just not enough interesting storytelling for the main plot to carry this.
4. 211
Metacritic Score: 21 Nicolas Cage continues his "say yes to everything" philosophy with 211. He stars as Officer Mike Chandler who finds himself taking on highly-trained thieves in the middle of a heist. Most critics have deemed 211 "unwatchable," but a few have mentioned there is a great meltdown scene from Cage, which we've all become accustomed to.
3. Reprisal
Metacritic Score: 19 Bruce Willis shows up again on this list for his movie Reprisal. Caden (Willis) is an ex-cop who teams up with Jacob (Frank Grillo)--a former bank manager. Together, the two team up to take down a highly-trained criminal. This feels a lot like 211 with different actors. Most of the critics say there is nothing special about this movie and it's impossible to tell apart from other crime films.
2. London Fields
Metacritic Score: 16 Based on a book by Martin Amis, London Fields follows a clairvoyant who knows she will be murdered. She has an affair with three different men, and she knows one of them will kill her. Every bad review of this movie says the same thing: it's a failure of an adaptation and near impossible to follow the plot of the film.
1. Death of a Nation
Metacritic Score: 1 Conspiracy theorist and propagandist Dinesh D'Souza released a new movie in 2018 that has a "Nuh uh! YOU are!" attitude, trying to further the gap between those who wear tin foil hats and yell on YouTube, from the rest of the people in America. The movie attempts to compare Lincoln's and Trump's presidencies, all while explaining that liberalism is what caused the formation of the Nazi party, and they're totally racist. Essentially, it's 1 hour and 48 minutes of "They're the enemy. They've come to kill us all, and while I don't have proof, here's a reenactment of Hitler yelling at people."
By Kevin Wong on Dec 21, 2018 06:45 am
If you want the glow of a fireplace but not the fire insurance to actually own one, a virtual fireplace is your next best bet, especially for the holiday season. The yule log TV tradition goes back to the black-and-white-era, when one or two networks might have broadcasted a yule log fireplace on an endless loop, with Christmas music tinkling in the background. Today, there's a wide variety of streaming options for you to choose from. Which one feels the most authentic and holly jolly? Here are the 10 best streaming fireplaces, ranked.
10. Puppies Crash Christmas
Stream it on: Hulu/YouTube We'll start things off with the cutest, most schadenfreude fireplace. Log onto Hulu and watch a herd of puppies destroy a room as peaceful, classical yuletide music plays in the background.
9. Unikitty Christmas (2016)
Stream it on: YouTube It's the fireplace you never knew you wanted. If you can't wait for The Lego Movie 2, try out this fireplace, featuring a Unikitty quietly snoring in the corner.
8. Lullaby Baby
Stream it on: YouTube For the parents who view the Lullaby Baby company as their saviors, this fireplace has soothing acoustic guitar music over a close, intimate fire.
7. Cartoon Christmas
Stream it on: Amazon Amazon Prime has the traditional yule log setup, but they also offer something a little more technicolor and hand drawn. Watch old school Christmas cartoons next to an animated fireplace.
6. A Florida Fireplace
Stream it on: YouTube Here's a tropical alternative for the official Florida tourism department for people who have never seen a white Christmas in their lives, and have to go dashing through the sand instead of the snow. It turns out that the yule log is equally effective as a bonfire as it is in a fireplace.
5. Fireplace For Your Home
Stream it on: Netflix In 2013, Netflix released a self-serious trailer for Fireplace for Your Home, a yule log program directed by George Ford. Ford also directs aquariums and mountain streams, but his fireplace is what he is most known for. Just make sure to use the stream that has no music; the Christmas music is a little on the bland side, and leaves something to be desired.
4. Darth Vader Yule Log
Stream it on: YouTube It's a good gag, even if you don't keep it on for more than a few minutes. Who would have thought that the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, when Luke burns his father's body, would make such an excellent yule log?. A dark-humored, funny alternative to the traditional options.
3. Warner Bros. Records (2017)
Stream it on: YouTube Now this looks impressive! A massive fire fills the entire screen, and it has a brilliant, almost intimidating glow. The soundtrack is Michael Buble, Josh Groban, and more adult contemporary muzak. Even if you don't listen to this type of music for the rest of the year, they're bearable during the holiday season.
2. Birchwood Crackling Fireplace
Stream it on: Netflix/YouTube George Ford's most recent masterpiece is a birchwood fireplace, with even more crackling and fire than the original Fireplace for your Home. Both are available on Netflix, and the birchwood version (which is superior, in our opinion) is available on YouTube as well.
1. Hallmark Dog and Cat
Stream it on: YouTube The number 1 spot goes to the Hallmark dog and cat, who win on pure, unadulterated lovability. The great thing about this fireplace is that it doesn't loop; the cat and dog wander in out of the picture, snuggle, yawn, and then snuggle some more. Hallelujah, indeed!
By Mat Elfring on Dec 21, 2018 02:34 am
WWE's programming has hit a slump. Viewership on its flagship show, Raw, is way down, and Seth Rollins even commented on the quality of the show recently. Although that was part of the storyline, Rollins was saying what fans of WWE programming have been saying for quite some time. WWE's non-NXT content had become stagnant and boring. On the December 17 episode of Raw, the entire McMahon family--sans Linda--came out to announce that there will be changes in WWE, and much like the announcement in the '90s that ushered in the Attitude Era, the landscape for the sports entertainment company will change. However, this change won't happen overnight. The episode of Raw that followed was a bit more of the same, as expected, but we did get a fun gauntlet match for the number one contender for the Raw Women's Championship. And Tyler Breeze returned to television and challenged Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship. On top of all that, six NXT superstars are getting called up. When? No clue, but probably in the new year. We got more of this "everything is changing" landscape on Smackdown the next night, but again, it's going to take time to see how all of this plays out. The Roadie didn't become the Road Dogg overnight. As we look at the current landscape with WWE's primary programming--Raw, Smackdown, and the PPVs--we have a few ideas on how to return these shows to their glory days. Let us know what changes you want to see in the comments below.
16. Stay the course with Smackdown
When it comes to the Tuesday night series, Smackdown, WWE needs to stay the course. Sure, the tag division could be expanded a little bit, but overall, it's a very solid show. Smackdown does a great job highlighting most of its roster and giving the spotlight to more than three or four performers, and does so with one hour less of programming each week. Keep doing what you're doing, Smackdown.
15. Cut ties with Saudi Arabia
WWE's deal with Saudi Arabia is a stain that could easily be cleaned up. The Greatest Royal Rumble was nothing more than a propaganda piece, where Michael Cole called the city of Jedha "progressive" and "beautiful" more times than they told us the price of the WWE Network. Then, there was Crown Jewel--the PPV that took place just days after the country's leader ordered the assassination of a journalist. Look, I understand WWE is a global brand, but how about you stay away from countries that violate human rights on the regular. Doing so will make the company look better in the eyes of the public. Also, it's very obvious even WWE fans want this to happen. Remember when everyone booed at The Undertaker before the event when he simply mentioned it by name?
14. Put Paige back on TV
In the wake of WWE trying to change what's happening on television, Paige was pulled from her job as General Manager and now her future is in limbo. She's a fan favorite and needs to be involved with the company in some way, and like many of you, I want her on TV. The general manager role was the perfect fit. She can't compete anymore, so what she can and can't do is limited. Personally, I don't like the idea of her on commentary. She could work in some facet as a kayfabe mentor backstage, giving superstars advice, all for the viewers to see play out. This would be a new role we haven't really seen before on television.
13. Slow down on the NXT call ups
With the announcement of big changes coming, six NXT superstars were announced they would be moving up to either Raw or Smackdown. As this happened, I could only worry about members of the current roster that were sure to be future endeavored. There's only so much room on TV for the superstars, and many of them are already absent as is, like Ascension--the former, dominant NXT tag team champions. Or remember Zack Ryder? Adding six new superstars doesn't fix the already over-bloated roster and poor stories that focus on very few wrestlers to begin with. WWE should slow down on these call ups until they can figure out how to get more stars onto each show. Side note: Nikki Cross appeared on Smackdown back in November, to challenge Becky Lynch. So why are they announcing she's being called up with this new pack of NXT superstars?
12. No more 30-minute-long opening segments
It feels like every episode of Raw opens up with a superstar coming to the ring, and talking into a mic. Then someone else comes down to the ring, and says something mean, then they eventually have a match. Before that match even begins, sometimes, it's been 30 minutes. How about Raw gets kicked off with a match with superstars we don't always see on TV? Sure, long segments can be good, but that time could be used better.
11. No more Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar ruins a lot about Raw. He's currently the Universal Champion, and for the most part, has been for the better part of two years. Also, he's never around and barely defends his championship. Essentially, Raw doesn't have a main championship title, and because of this, there is no real reason for superstars to rise to the occasion. It was on a recent episode of Raw that Women's Champion Ronda Rousey said those with titles should be ready and willing to defend them the night after a PPV event. Brock doesn't even show up for TV the night after a PPV. There's a glass ceiling for everyone, and its name is Brock Lesnar. If you get rid of Lesnar and have a fighting champion, I can start caring about the show again. Also, this guy hasn't been a "big money draw" in ages.
10. Put the Universal Championship on Finn Balor
Vince McMahon and the WWE have a love affair with giant, muscle-bound men as champion. However, that's not how wrestling has evolved. Some of the best in the world, are smaller, more agile human beings with huge movesets. With the Universal Champion being harder to see than John Cena in camouflage, it's time to hit the reset button, and that means Finn Balor should reclaim what he never lost, the Universal Championship. He has the in-ring ability, charisma, and mic skills to be the perfect champion for this new era.
9. Or get rid of the Universal Championship and have the WWE Championship cross shows (Same goes for Women's title)
Much like the last time the brand split happened in WWE, maybe the company could benefit from the main championship being defended on both brands. They could get rid of the cursed Universal Championship and just have the WWE Championship crossover between the two shows.The mid-card belts would still be there, but it would help create the rivalry for between Smackdown and Raw that already exists in the fans' minds.
8. Introduce women's tag titles
I hate saying that WWE needs more titles--as there are way too many already-- but this one makes sense. Moving forward with the women's revolution, both teams of Sasha Banks and Bayley as well as Nia Jax and Tamina have shown that there should be a division for women. There's also The Riott Squad and the IIconics. The seeds for this division are there.
7. Cut down a few PPV, getting rid of the gimmicky ones
Thankfully, in 2018, WWE made all PPVs dual-branded and the cut back a little on how many the company produced each year. In 2019, WWE could continue to highlight the importance of the PPV by cutting back a couple more. The easiest cuts WWE could make would be shows like Extreme Rules and TLC. Both extreme rules and TLC match types can be added to any PPV and don't need a whole event based around them. The same could be said about Hell in a Cell and Elimination Chamber, but because of the sizes of the enclosures, they need their own shows.
6. PPVs don't need every championship defended
Raw, Smackdown, and NXT have, in total, 15 championships between the shows. That's a lot, and I know I just said WWE should add more titles earlier. When it comes to PPVs, though, not every title needs to be defended. Between Raw and Smackdown, there are eight titles--nine if you count the Cruiserweight Championship--and many times, the majority of them are defended on each PPV. Let's give the defenses some breathing room so we can build on stories more, shall we? This also can help out when you don't have a story for your current champions, like with what happened at Wrestlemania this year, when Braun Strowman and a child won the titles. However, part of the problem with that was because Raw's tag team division is a joke.
5. Raw's tag division needs a complete revamp
Raw's tag division has been in a weird place. There's nothing entirely compelling about what's going on there. The teams are bland, for the most part, and why should anyone watching the show care? Current Raw tag teams: - Bobby Roode & Chad Gable
- AOP
- The Ascension
- The Revival
- The B-Team
- Breezango (Fandango is injured)
The Ascension needs a facelift, and for a way to forget how horribly booked they were when they came up from NXT. They could be a dominant force. Roode & Gable are fine, but not really my cup of tea. The Revival needs to be pushed harder, maybe have a feud with AOP, and B-Team needs to be broken up and replaced with something new. Sure, maybe Heavy Machinery could help build up this division. For me, the most exciting thing about Raw's tag division this year was Breezango getting moved to Raw, only to get buried before Fandango's injury. Look, Smackdown's tag division also needs a bit of a facelift, but the feuding between The Bar, The Usos, and The New Day has been some of the most entertaining stuff of the year and coming out of it have been some incredible matches. So again, stay the course and maybe move forward with the Good Brothers angle.
4. More segments outside of the arena
Remember when Stone Cold beat Booker T up at a supermarket? Remember when DX invaded WCW? Remember when Brian Pillman defended his living room with a gun? Ok, maybe don't remember that last one. One of the things the Attitude Era actually had going for it was that there were plenty of segments that took place outside of the arena, in the real world. It drew the viewers in and made them feel like anything could happen. It blurred the lines between wrestling and reality, even though--at that point--Vinnie Mac had already told us it wasn't real, and that my childhood was a lie. If the McMahons want to take WWE into a new era, you may as well take some old ideas that created some memorable moments and explore new avenues.
3. Less heavily scripted promos and commentary
One of the things I loved about the golden era or as I call it the "your job is your gimmick" era of WWF was the segments and promos were brilliant. We had these awesome speeches by Macho Man about the tower of power--too sweet to be sour. Ultimate Warrior tried to convey an idea about warrior spirits or something. Ted DiBiase talked about being rich, and Ric Flair was just everything awesome about wrestling. Now, for every Ric Flair, there was a 20 other stars who couldn't talk to save their lives, but I miss superstars being given that chance to really go for it on the mic, to show off how excited they were to fight in the ring, and to let their characters shine. The same goes for commentary. It's too paint-by-numbers now. The more you can't call the action in the ring--because you're busy promoting Kay Jewelers or Mattel's new toys--the less the viewers feel connected to you.
2. Bring back stables
WWE has a couple stables floating around like Undisputed Era, New Day, and Sanity, but only one of those groups has a stable feel, with New Day and Sanity being more tag teams than anything else. Stables should feel like a force that have the ability to shake the foundations of the company, all while building up underutilized talent. There are plenty of talent performers in WWE that could use this bump. I'm not saying there should be a ton of stables running around, but WWE could use a few strong ones.
1. Don't get rid of title rematches
One of the changes WWE made right away was that there will be no automatic title rematches. I completely understand why this rule was made, as it creates a storyline loop that has two people fighting each other after the story has naturally come to a close. However, rematches are still needed to prove the new champion is superior that the former one. Sending the former champ to "the back of the line" doesn't make sense in the grand scheme of things.
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