Bring Back JR and 10 Things Vince McMahon Can Do to Improve the WWE Right Now!

Vince McMahon can hear the footsteps behind him. Loud, booming footsteps that mean only one thing—the boss is about to be challenged by his underlings.

In underlings, of course, I am talking about TNA IMPACT and the new style and brand the suits and wrestlers like Mick Foley are bringing to an arena near you.

McMahon has taken his share of lumps with injuries to important puzzle pieces and sudden retirements (Edge).

Now more than ever, with ratings dipping for the Smackdown brand and the sudden increase in ratings for TNA—whose idea of using WWE castoffs to produce some great theater, Vinnie Mac must keep his eye on the prize.

Here is a look at 10 ways to help get the WWE machine firmly back on top of the ratings war…

Hornswoggle and Other Gimmick Wrestling Has to Go

When McMahon and his writers dip too far into their bag of tricks, they come up empty. Hornswoggle is a prime example of reaching too far. If McMahon and the writers stick to mainstream wrestling, and seek other angles that make more sense than fiction, more fans buy into it. Others who have proven to be way too over the top include Mae Young having Mark Henry's love child. Way too unbelievable.

Bring back Jim Ross as a commentator, not as a wrestling script

Jim Ross is the closest thing wrestling has to Gordon Solie. He is so good with telling the story in the ring. His recent story line with his friend, Jerry Lawler, is not helping him win favor with fans. Put Ross back behind the microphone and let him tell the WWE story.

Solidify tag teams as an important part of the Monday and Friday night programs

Like I said in an earlier article, tag teams should be a major part of the program in each brand. Big Show and Kane are the closest thing to a consistent tag team. The factions like The Corre and The Nexxus are also important to the success of tag team wrestling.

Pray for the Return of Chris Jerico and Batista

Chris Jericho and Batista are still very popular and while they have left for other endeavors or injuries, they still can add a spark to wrestling on any given night. Jericho has talked about coming back to wrestling after touring with his band and his recent gig with Dancing with the Stars. Batista was attempting an MMA career but looks to have fizzled out. Bring both of them back and bring back many loyal fans.

Find a way to incorporate The Rock in RAW other than cameo roles

Nobody stirs emotion in arenas for the WWE like The Rock. and while WrestleMania XXVIII is set with Rock/Cena, there is still 11 months in between to promote this. The Rock vs. The Miz or Chris Jericho would bring out crowds and stir the masses of the WWE fan base.

Build in the Corre as the new Horsemen

A stronger nucleus than The Nexxus, The Corre may be the closest thing to The Horsemen of the 1990s. While there is not a solid technical wrestler in the group and they like to brawl more than wrestle, the WWE can build on them as a threat to any title in the WWE. As a singles competitor, each member of the team can hold their own.

Downplay the Divas and Work More to Increase Highflyers Like in the Past

Women's wrestling is as popular as ever, but the WWE needs to focus on the mid-level wrestler and potential top card performers. Sin Cara is an up and coming star. Rey Mysterio is already a headliner. Why not also build on the career of Alex Riley or develop more talented cruiser weights? The Divas promote the sexier side of wrestling, but fans are not buying tickets to see an hour of female wrestling.

Find a Real Role for Wrestlers Like Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes

These two second generation stars should have gold around their waists. Instead, they are trying to find an identity. DiBiase was billed as a future champion and a performer who could be a top ring performer. He has been mired in mid-card matches. Rhodes has had some success but his new persona is weak at best and his pedigree is too steeped to have him toil like this.

Work on the John Morrison/R-Truth Battle

This has the making of something special—if it is written and scripted properly. Wrestling has rivalries where wrestlers battle and then wrestle to settle things and walk away to another script. This rivalry and battle could have legs. Both performers stir the crowd and their tactics, speed and agility bring the fans to their feet. The fact that they could get a push to be WWE champion is another reason this feud will have some staying power.

Continue to Develop New Rivalries

Take R-Truth/Morrison and find other rivalries that can match it. Alberto Del Rio and Sin Cara are a great start. Christian and Randy Orton is another that can bring the house down. Find a new challenge for Chris Jericho (The Miz) and maybe something for Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger to do (maybe feud against each other). Bring a seriousness to the Raw general manager and have Vinnie Mac heavily involved in the night shows again. Then, you have something special.