We knew it was coming. We had read the rumors in the days leading up to Wrestlemania. Speculation was running wild leading up to the event. While nothing happened at Wrestlemania, the next night on RAW was different. The crowd made the night special. And then when John Cena was out there waiting for The Rock to come out, the music hit that we were all waiting for. Then through the curtain, Brock Lesnar walked out to one of the biggest pops I've heard in quite some time. I would say it was louder than The Rock received in his initial return. It was a surreal moment that definitely changed the landscape of the WWE for the coming year, and possibly beyond.
Showing posts with label Cody Rhodes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cody Rhodes. Show all posts
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
20 Things That Should Happen in the WWE in 2012
Hello everyone, and Happy New Year to you all. 2012 has started off great for me. I only had to pay $108.75 on a car repair that would have costs $1500 if it wasn't under warranty. Hopefully that is a sign of things to come.
But enough about me, lets look ahead to 2012 in the WWE. It has already started with a bang with the return of Chris Jericho. Of course, many of you didn't really like the return. I did, and I explained it in my RAW Review this past week. Jericho will boost the in ring product and the entertainment side of the WWE. He knows what he is doing and I trust him to make whatever he does in the WWE work.
It has been a bit of an up and down year in the WWE. The year started off well with The Rock's return and the build to Wrestlemania. It took a down turn for a couple months but then got much better in the summer with the main event run of C.M. Punk. It hit another lull after SummerSlam and it looked to be picking up even though towards the end of the year even though the ratings didn't show that.
I've come to the point after being a wrestling fan for 20 years that the WWE is incapable of putting on a solid years worth of programming. It just isn't in their blood. They focus so much on building up to Wrestlemania that they are destined for a down couple of months after. History pretty much shows this is the case. Over the Limit has been one of the worst PPVs in the WWE the last two years.
The WWE always shows promise at the beginning of the year but then lets us down in the end. We expect big things from certain stars but they never happen. If anything, injuries to Alberto del Rio, Randy Orton, and Mark Henry showed that the WWE needs to do a better job of building up mid-carders in case they need to step in if a main eventer gets injured. There are other things that need to get done too, and that is why I have a list of 20 things that the WWE should do to keep me interested for the entire year.
1. Someone Other Then Randy Orton Should Win the Royal Rumble
I know Randy Orton is considered the favorite to win the Royal Rumble. The PPV is in his hometown, he will be coming back from injury a week or two before the Rumble, and the fans love him. But I've maintained forever that the Rumble should be used to build someone up and give someone their first major main event push. Even though he didn't win at Wrestlemania last year, it helped Alberto del Rio. It helped launch the careers of Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and Chris Benoit (gasp).
Randy Orton doesn't need to win the Royal Rumble. He's already the #1 guy on Smackdown and doesn't need the win. If the WWE really wants to get Randy Orton in the World Title Match at Wrestlemania, there are other ways to do it. I know people don't like Triple Threat matches, but I would be ok with it this year. Why not have Wade Barrett win the Rumble, and then find a way to get Orton into the World Title match as well. Don't pull the trigger on a Daniel Bryan heel turn right away. Have him play a tweener heading into Wrestlemania, and if the WWE decided to turn him, turn him either right before or right after. After almost a year of Randy Orton being in the World Title scene, can he finally stay away for an extended period of time?
2. Alberto del Rio should re-debut on Smackdown
I thought Del Rio's move to Smackdown in the Draft last year was a dumb one. He seemed destined to be a top heel on that Brand, but he was immediately moved to RAW and struggled in his first few months there. Del Rio should be on the "wrestling" show of the two brands. Even now, when he comes back, he will be lost in the shuffle behind Kane, Chris Jericho, and even Miz. Del Rio could move to Smackdown and have a variety of fresh programs with Sheamus, Daniel Bryan and even Randy Orton. Del Rio needs Smackdown as much as Smackdown needs him. I think Del Rio could also be re-established as a serious threat on Smackdown more so than he could on RAW.
3. Arn Anderson should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame
This is something that should have happened already. I know the WWE is running out of people to put in the Hall of Fame, but Arn Anderson should have gone in last year in Atlanta. Anderson is one of the best in ring workers to ever step foot inside the squared circle. He never wowed you with his flash and he was never an exotic character. Anderson did all of his business in the ring. He was a true master of the ring. He won't be a headliner, but he deserves to get in this year. So should the rest of the Four Horsemen at some point.
4. Daniel Bryan Should Turn Heel, Eventually
I know the signs are there for a heel turn, but a quick one won't really do it for me. Even as World Champion, you could still argue that Bryan is the #4 face on Smackdown behind Randy Orton, Sheamus and Big Show. At the Smackdown house show I went to last week, Big Show was cheered more than Bryan. Bryan almost got no reaction. Like I said in my first point, Bryan should be more of a tweener in a Triple Threat match at Wrestlemania. After Mania, or at Mania itself, I would turn Bryan full heel. Have him snap on Randy Orton if he wins the World Title. I know the WWE just did this with Christian, but they need to turn Bryan into more of a serious, bad ass heel rather than a wimp like Christian.
5. Someone Besides Triple H Should Fight Undertaker at Wrestlemania
I know that the WWE thinks this is the best match-up possible for Undertaker at Wrestlemania. And you know what, they are probably right. Especially if they can get Shawn Michaels involved somehow in the match. Triple H and Undertaker put on a great spectacle last year, but can it be topped? I don't know. They would have to have another No Holds Barred type match because I don't know how well of an in ring match they could have. That brings me to my main point: Someone else needs to face Undertaker at Wrestlemania.
I'm in the camp that Undertaker's streak should never be broken. Without the streak, Taker is just remembered as a mystifying character who has done some weird things in wrestling. And in the Undertaker's dying days of his career, he should be using the streak to give younger guys a rub rather than facing someone like HHH. I think the perfect person to face Undertaker at Wrestlemania would be Dolph Ziggler. He's cocky about his talent in the ring, and he has improved on the mic to the point where he could make people believe he could beat Taker at Mania. I wouldn't book Ziggler to win, but I think just having him in the same ring with Taker would be a good enough rub for Dolph.
6. John Cena Should Take Some Time Off After Wrestlemania
John Cena gets shoved down our throats constantly. People get sick of it. It is part of the reason many people have grown to hate Cena. It isn't just his corny, stupid act. It is also the fact that WWE pushes him down our throats to the point where he becomes unbearable. This whole program with Kane has done nothing for me. I don't care about it. I haven't cared about what Cena has done in a long time. Even when he feuded with C.M. Punk, it was more about Punk against the establishment rather than Punk against Cena.
Now come February, Cena will be getting shoved down our throats because of his match against the Rock at Wrestlemania. I will probably be fine with it because The Rock will be a part of it. But after Wrestlemania, win or lose, I think Cena needs at least two months away from TV. I know it is a big ratings risk for the WWE, but if they really want more people to like Cena, this may be the best way to do it. Cena could, gasp, come back fresh and just in time for the summer months in the WWE. Can you imagine Cena away from WWE TV for two months? It can give more younger stars the opportunity to get over. This works especially if Rey Mysterio is back from injury by then, as he can satisfy the younger viewing audience being on with Cena gone.
I would also like to point out that there should be some type of mandatory break for all wrestlers on the WWE roster. Even if it is for only a month it could work. They can spread out the top stars enough to keep ratings up and not lose fans.
7. Dolph Ziggler Should Be WWE or World Champion By June
Every year we always wonder who will be the first wrestler to win a Title that never has before. Last year many people pegged John Morrison for that spot, but he came crashing and burning down thanks to his own personal problems. This year, I think the clear cut favorite has to be Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler is already in the WWE Title match at the Royal Rumble with C.M. Punk. I think that's a sign that WWE management has faith in Ziggler. They could have done that with Morrison but they didn't. Ziggler has the WWE's backing.
Now if the WWE won't put Ziggler against The Undertaker at Wrestlemania, than the next best ting would probably be to have him win the Money in the Bank match, which is suppose to be returning this year at Wrestlemania. And if it is the type of briefcase that can be cashed in on RAW or Smackdown, then I would love to see Ziggler walk out of Wrestlemania as World Champ. The booking is simple: Randy Orton wins, Bryan attacks post match, Ziggler comes out and cashes in.
Even if that isn't how it happens, Ziggler has shown enough in ring that he can handle his time at the top. He's improved drastically on the mic, and with Vickie Guerrero at his side he is guaranteed to have some heat. If Ziggler isn't Champion by the end of the year, then the WWE has truly screwed something up.
8. Smackdown Should Move to Tuesday Night
I almost think this is a no-brainer for the WWE. Smackdown struggles on SyFy on Fridays. It does alright, but I think it could do better on Tuesday. Friday is more of an out night for people, whereas Tuesdays people are more apt to stay in. Smackdown stars have been on RAW to help them get more exposure. A move to Tuesday could eliminate the Supershow aspect of RAW, and maybe actually redefine the brand split. Tuesday ratings will also be higher for the WWE.
9. Michael Cole Should Leave the Broadcast Booth
It has only taken a full year for the WWE to realize that Michael Cole constantly burying talent in the broadcast booth doesn't work. He's started to tone down his act in recent weeks, but it is still annoying as hell. Cole is an average announcer, but he is no Jim Ross. Now I know Vince McMahon loves to embarrass Ross for some reason, but what he doesn't realize is having Ross in the announce booth and Cole as a heel manager is the best of both worlds. It gets the best play-by-play man in wrestling history back in the announce booth. It also gets Michael Cole out, and gives him the ability to get someone over as their manager. Similar to Vickie Guerrero, Cole will garner instant heel heat for whoever he is with. Cole's act may be growing thin, so it's a move the WWE needs to make sooner rather than later.
10. The WWE Should Establish A Solid Mid-Card
I'm talking about the mid-card at the mid-point of this list, pretty funny Huh? Huh?
The WWE does a good job of building up one or two guys every year. But the WWE needs to have a solid all around mid-card. You never know when a rash of injuries can happen. It appears that they are ready to bring up Seth Rollins (Tyler Black) and Dean Ambrosse (Jon Moxley) from FCW. They already have Claudio Castagnoli down there and may have Chris Hero and other Ring of Honor workers in the near future. If the WWE gives them a decent character and gives them time to develop, the mid-card could become relevant again. It's necessary for the WWE as a whole, but it could also help not lose viewers when the top stars aren't on.
11. The WWE Network Should Be A Big Part of Business by the End of the Year
Everyone in the WWE is rushing to get the Network ready by April 1st for Wrestlemania. There's a lot to get done by that time. If they try to rush everything into the debut, it may fail before it can ever get off the ground. If the WWE execs don't think the Network will be ready before April 1, then they should push back the launch date. It will be better for business in the long run. They need to get as many cable providers and deals made as possible.
But if the WWE gets everything in order in time for the Network Launch, then it should be very profitable for the WWE if they don't screw it up. Fans everywhere will buy the Network, especially if it will have 8 or 9 PPVs on it a year. Some of the first run program they have lined up sounds interesting. I like the idea of the Legends House, and there is also an idea to follow the WWE road crew around from arena to arena. That sounds interesting. The WWE shouldn't rush things on the Network. It has huge potential, but if done wrong it could be just another XFL idea that Vince and Co. severely mis-managed.
12. The Push of C.M. Punk Should Continue
I know ratings have been down with C.M. Punk, but the fact of the matter is that he sells a lot of merchandise. Look in the crowd at the next RAW, I think you will notice a lot more C.M. Punk shirts in the crowd than John Cena shirts. As long as Punk keeps selling t-shirts and apparel, he isn't going anywhere. I think a potential feud between Punk and Chris Jericho is the best thing for both men. Punk keeping the WWE Title until Wrestlemania will also help fans who don't like him now make a decision on him. Maybe Punk will grow on them. I also think Punk's continued interaction with John Laurniaitis will also help, because Laurinaitis is such a good heel that fans can't help but be on Punk's side. C.M. Punk isn't going anywhere, and it is the best thing for the WWE in the long run.
13. Chris Jericho Should Primarily Be Used to Put Young Talent Over
Chris Jericho is an all world talent. He knows exactly what he is doing in the ring and with his storylines. I'm looking forward to what happens next after his RAW segment from this past week. I'm still assuming that we will get Jericho/Punk at Wrestlemania, and that will be awesome. But after that, I really think Jericho should start a program with some of the younger talent in the WWE and help get them over with the crowd. A Jericho program with Miz would be fun no matter who ends up being the face or heel. I think Jericho/Sheamus would be fun. And of course a Jericho/Bryan program would be as well. We don't want to see Jericho/Cena, or Jericho/Big Show. Jericho being back gives the WWE a whole new batch of storylines and programs to explore and keep fans interested.
14. Sheamus Should Be the Face of Smackdown By the End of the Year
I for one am shocked at how over Sheamus has gotten since becoming a face. I didn't see it happening. I thought he might be a decent mid-card face, but he could get plugged into the main event on Smackdown right now and he wouldn't look out of place at all. I would never wish injury on someone, but if Orton was out for six months it would have been nice to see Sheamus get moved to the top of the show. But I think either way by the end of the year Sheamus is the guy on Smackdown. He's good in the ring and is arguably the best big man the WWE has right now. Sheamus can cut a decent promo as well. If there is a Draft, Sheamus should not be moved to RAW. Sheamus should get a continued push, and should be the top star of Smackdown and one of the bigger stars in the WWE by the end of 2012.
15. Brodus Clay Should Finally Debut, And Should End Up Flopping
The WWE had hyped up Brodus Clay for weeks a few months ago. Well, it's January and he has still yet to see WWE TV. Now the latest word is that he will debut at the Royal Rumble. But my question is: Will anyone even care at that point? Clay has now become a running joke among some fans with his continued promise debut than never happening. The WWE hasn't even shown video packages for him in the last month and a half. The only time he gets brought up is when John Laurinaitis is saying that Clay will debut next week, then the next week, then the week after that.
In addition to Clay's continued non-debuts, the other thing that fails to be mentioned is that there is already a Brodus Clay type character in the WWE, and his name is Mark Henry. Henry is already what the WWE hopes Clay can be: an unstoppable monster that runs through opponents with ease. You can't have two of those types of characters in the company at the same time. It is over kill. There styles will be very similar and fans won't care for Clay since they already have Henry. I just don't see Brodus Clay working out with the WWE, and I expect his eventual release come summer time.
16. Kane Should Retire By the End of the Year
Kane the man, known as Glen Jacobs, is a smart man. I'm sure he has his pennies saved and is ready for a post-WWE life. The Kane character has pretty much gone as far as it can. You could argue that the Kane character should have been done with years ago. The stuff they come up with Kane nowadays is ridiculous. The WWE has even managed to ruin Kane returning in a mask within the first weeks of him being back. Hopefully, this is the last year Kane is around as a character. I'm sure Glen Jacobs is a great guy, but with so little left for him to do, I think 2012 will be the last year of relevance for the Big Red Monster.
17. Kharma Should Return And Have An Extended Program with Beth Phoenix and Natalya
When Kharma debuted it looked like a sign of good things to come for the Divas division. All of that came to sudden halt when Kharma left the WWE to have a child. Assuming Kharma returns in mid-2012, a program with Beth Phoenix over the Divas title should be the first thing that happens. Kharma and Beth may be able to put on some of the best Divas matches the WWE has seen since the days of Trish Stratus and Lita. I would have no problem with a summer long program between Beth and Kharma, with a little bit of Natalya thrown in there as well.
18. The Tag Team Division Should Pretty Much Remain Unchanged
The WWE was lucky with the pairing of Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne working out for them. But those two can't carry the whole division by themselves. The WWE is trying to establish Primo and Epico as a tag team, but the only reason they interest me is because of Rosa Mendes. Yummmmm. They gave The Usos some attention for one week, but we haven't heard anything from them since.I don't see the tag division getting any better. Vince McMahon doesn't seem to care for it. I don't mind them taking guys that can't get over as singles wrestlers and making them teams. Why not try pairings like Justin Gabriel and Ted DiBiase, Tyson Kidd and Heath Slater, and Santino and Zack Ryder. Yes, I know Ryder is over right now. But sooner or later his shine will wear off , if it hasn't already. But status quo is likely what will remain for the tag division in 2012.
19. Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes Should Be WWE or World Champion By Year's End
Yes, it seems like I keep saying a lot of these guys should win Titles by the end of the year. But we know Vince and Co. like to hot shot the Title back and forth, so it is quite conceivable that all of these men could be WWE or World Champion by the end of the year.
First lets look at Wade Barrett. After being reduced to nothing this summer, Barrett has been built back up quite well. His program with Randy Orton has been very entertaining and has helped establish Barrett as a credible threat. As I said earlier, I would love to see Barrett win the Rumble. He could use the rub from it more than Orton could. Barrett is very good on the mic and fans instantly hate him when he begins to talk because of how highly he speaks of himself. Barrett also has a very good skills set in the ring. His power moves look like they make an impact and it makes fans take him seriously. The Barrett Barrage should get to the top by the summer of 2012, if not sooner.
Then there is Cody Rhodes. Rhodes, as I say every time I talk about him, took a character that I thought was a joke and turned it into a serious threat. Rhodes is outstanding on the mic and his in ring work has improved every year since he has been with the WWE. Rhodes's program with Booker T is really helping him get over, and I think his eventual program with his brother Goldust will continue to do that, and bring credibility back to the Intercontinental Championship. Rhodes is a prime candidate to win a Money in the Bank briefcase at the PPV in July. I think Barrett's time will come first, and Rhodes looks prime for a World Title run come fall of 2012.
20. Brock Lesnar Should Return and Work Matches at SummerSlam, Survivor Series and Wrestlemania 29
It has been the talk of the wrestling world since Brock Lesnar lost his UFC fight last weekend and announced his retirement from UFC. There were rumblings of a Brock Lesnar return last year when he had a "confrontation" with Undertaker at a UFC fight. Lesnar would never come back and work a full WWE schedule. He doesn't need the money I'm sure and he didn't like that lifestyle before and there is no way he would probably like it now.
But there is no denying that Lesnar is a huge money draw. Not only that, but he may bring over some UFC fans to WWE programming and get them re-interested in the product. Who Lesnar would fight in his comeback matches would be intriguing to think about. Three choices I would throw out would be The Undertaker, C.M. Punk, and John Cena. Lesnar and Taker already have some history so that is easy to play off of. C.M. Punk can make any program he does work and could easily rip on Lesnar for not being able to handle the WWE lifestyle. Cena is obvious because of the amount of attention that match would draw with Cena being the top star in the Company. Cena/Lesnar almost seems like a Wrestlemania match guaranteed. I also can see Lesnar fighting Randy Orton, Sheamus, and even Wadr Barrett. No matter who Lesnar faces, if handled right, the WWE could profit greatly from his return.
So there you have it, 20 things I think should happen in the WWE this year. Agree? Disagree? Share your thoughts and ideas!
Until Next Time,
Justin C
Follow Me On Twitter @JCWonka
But enough about me, lets look ahead to 2012 in the WWE. It has already started with a bang with the return of Chris Jericho. Of course, many of you didn't really like the return. I did, and I explained it in my RAW Review this past week. Jericho will boost the in ring product and the entertainment side of the WWE. He knows what he is doing and I trust him to make whatever he does in the WWE work.
It has been a bit of an up and down year in the WWE. The year started off well with The Rock's return and the build to Wrestlemania. It took a down turn for a couple months but then got much better in the summer with the main event run of C.M. Punk. It hit another lull after SummerSlam and it looked to be picking up even though towards the end of the year even though the ratings didn't show that.
I've come to the point after being a wrestling fan for 20 years that the WWE is incapable of putting on a solid years worth of programming. It just isn't in their blood. They focus so much on building up to Wrestlemania that they are destined for a down couple of months after. History pretty much shows this is the case. Over the Limit has been one of the worst PPVs in the WWE the last two years.
The WWE always shows promise at the beginning of the year but then lets us down in the end. We expect big things from certain stars but they never happen. If anything, injuries to Alberto del Rio, Randy Orton, and Mark Henry showed that the WWE needs to do a better job of building up mid-carders in case they need to step in if a main eventer gets injured. There are other things that need to get done too, and that is why I have a list of 20 things that the WWE should do to keep me interested for the entire year.
1. Someone Other Then Randy Orton Should Win the Royal Rumble
I know Randy Orton is considered the favorite to win the Royal Rumble. The PPV is in his hometown, he will be coming back from injury a week or two before the Rumble, and the fans love him. But I've maintained forever that the Rumble should be used to build someone up and give someone their first major main event push. Even though he didn't win at Wrestlemania last year, it helped Alberto del Rio. It helped launch the careers of Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and Chris Benoit (gasp).
Randy Orton doesn't need to win the Royal Rumble. He's already the #1 guy on Smackdown and doesn't need the win. If the WWE really wants to get Randy Orton in the World Title Match at Wrestlemania, there are other ways to do it. I know people don't like Triple Threat matches, but I would be ok with it this year. Why not have Wade Barrett win the Rumble, and then find a way to get Orton into the World Title match as well. Don't pull the trigger on a Daniel Bryan heel turn right away. Have him play a tweener heading into Wrestlemania, and if the WWE decided to turn him, turn him either right before or right after. After almost a year of Randy Orton being in the World Title scene, can he finally stay away for an extended period of time?
2. Alberto del Rio should re-debut on Smackdown
I thought Del Rio's move to Smackdown in the Draft last year was a dumb one. He seemed destined to be a top heel on that Brand, but he was immediately moved to RAW and struggled in his first few months there. Del Rio should be on the "wrestling" show of the two brands. Even now, when he comes back, he will be lost in the shuffle behind Kane, Chris Jericho, and even Miz. Del Rio could move to Smackdown and have a variety of fresh programs with Sheamus, Daniel Bryan and even Randy Orton. Del Rio needs Smackdown as much as Smackdown needs him. I think Del Rio could also be re-established as a serious threat on Smackdown more so than he could on RAW.
3. Arn Anderson should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame
This is something that should have happened already. I know the WWE is running out of people to put in the Hall of Fame, but Arn Anderson should have gone in last year in Atlanta. Anderson is one of the best in ring workers to ever step foot inside the squared circle. He never wowed you with his flash and he was never an exotic character. Anderson did all of his business in the ring. He was a true master of the ring. He won't be a headliner, but he deserves to get in this year. So should the rest of the Four Horsemen at some point.
4. Daniel Bryan Should Turn Heel, Eventually
I know the signs are there for a heel turn, but a quick one won't really do it for me. Even as World Champion, you could still argue that Bryan is the #4 face on Smackdown behind Randy Orton, Sheamus and Big Show. At the Smackdown house show I went to last week, Big Show was cheered more than Bryan. Bryan almost got no reaction. Like I said in my first point, Bryan should be more of a tweener in a Triple Threat match at Wrestlemania. After Mania, or at Mania itself, I would turn Bryan full heel. Have him snap on Randy Orton if he wins the World Title. I know the WWE just did this with Christian, but they need to turn Bryan into more of a serious, bad ass heel rather than a wimp like Christian.
5. Someone Besides Triple H Should Fight Undertaker at Wrestlemania
I know that the WWE thinks this is the best match-up possible for Undertaker at Wrestlemania. And you know what, they are probably right. Especially if they can get Shawn Michaels involved somehow in the match. Triple H and Undertaker put on a great spectacle last year, but can it be topped? I don't know. They would have to have another No Holds Barred type match because I don't know how well of an in ring match they could have. That brings me to my main point: Someone else needs to face Undertaker at Wrestlemania.
I'm in the camp that Undertaker's streak should never be broken. Without the streak, Taker is just remembered as a mystifying character who has done some weird things in wrestling. And in the Undertaker's dying days of his career, he should be using the streak to give younger guys a rub rather than facing someone like HHH. I think the perfect person to face Undertaker at Wrestlemania would be Dolph Ziggler. He's cocky about his talent in the ring, and he has improved on the mic to the point where he could make people believe he could beat Taker at Mania. I wouldn't book Ziggler to win, but I think just having him in the same ring with Taker would be a good enough rub for Dolph.
6. John Cena Should Take Some Time Off After Wrestlemania
John Cena gets shoved down our throats constantly. People get sick of it. It is part of the reason many people have grown to hate Cena. It isn't just his corny, stupid act. It is also the fact that WWE pushes him down our throats to the point where he becomes unbearable. This whole program with Kane has done nothing for me. I don't care about it. I haven't cared about what Cena has done in a long time. Even when he feuded with C.M. Punk, it was more about Punk against the establishment rather than Punk against Cena.
Now come February, Cena will be getting shoved down our throats because of his match against the Rock at Wrestlemania. I will probably be fine with it because The Rock will be a part of it. But after Wrestlemania, win or lose, I think Cena needs at least two months away from TV. I know it is a big ratings risk for the WWE, but if they really want more people to like Cena, this may be the best way to do it. Cena could, gasp, come back fresh and just in time for the summer months in the WWE. Can you imagine Cena away from WWE TV for two months? It can give more younger stars the opportunity to get over. This works especially if Rey Mysterio is back from injury by then, as he can satisfy the younger viewing audience being on with Cena gone.
I would also like to point out that there should be some type of mandatory break for all wrestlers on the WWE roster. Even if it is for only a month it could work. They can spread out the top stars enough to keep ratings up and not lose fans.
7. Dolph Ziggler Should Be WWE or World Champion By June
Every year we always wonder who will be the first wrestler to win a Title that never has before. Last year many people pegged John Morrison for that spot, but he came crashing and burning down thanks to his own personal problems. This year, I think the clear cut favorite has to be Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler is already in the WWE Title match at the Royal Rumble with C.M. Punk. I think that's a sign that WWE management has faith in Ziggler. They could have done that with Morrison but they didn't. Ziggler has the WWE's backing.
Now if the WWE won't put Ziggler against The Undertaker at Wrestlemania, than the next best ting would probably be to have him win the Money in the Bank match, which is suppose to be returning this year at Wrestlemania. And if it is the type of briefcase that can be cashed in on RAW or Smackdown, then I would love to see Ziggler walk out of Wrestlemania as World Champ. The booking is simple: Randy Orton wins, Bryan attacks post match, Ziggler comes out and cashes in.
Even if that isn't how it happens, Ziggler has shown enough in ring that he can handle his time at the top. He's improved drastically on the mic, and with Vickie Guerrero at his side he is guaranteed to have some heat. If Ziggler isn't Champion by the end of the year, then the WWE has truly screwed something up.
8. Smackdown Should Move to Tuesday Night
I almost think this is a no-brainer for the WWE. Smackdown struggles on SyFy on Fridays. It does alright, but I think it could do better on Tuesday. Friday is more of an out night for people, whereas Tuesdays people are more apt to stay in. Smackdown stars have been on RAW to help them get more exposure. A move to Tuesday could eliminate the Supershow aspect of RAW, and maybe actually redefine the brand split. Tuesday ratings will also be higher for the WWE.
9. Michael Cole Should Leave the Broadcast Booth
It has only taken a full year for the WWE to realize that Michael Cole constantly burying talent in the broadcast booth doesn't work. He's started to tone down his act in recent weeks, but it is still annoying as hell. Cole is an average announcer, but he is no Jim Ross. Now I know Vince McMahon loves to embarrass Ross for some reason, but what he doesn't realize is having Ross in the announce booth and Cole as a heel manager is the best of both worlds. It gets the best play-by-play man in wrestling history back in the announce booth. It also gets Michael Cole out, and gives him the ability to get someone over as their manager. Similar to Vickie Guerrero, Cole will garner instant heel heat for whoever he is with. Cole's act may be growing thin, so it's a move the WWE needs to make sooner rather than later.
10. The WWE Should Establish A Solid Mid-Card
I'm talking about the mid-card at the mid-point of this list, pretty funny Huh? Huh?
The WWE does a good job of building up one or two guys every year. But the WWE needs to have a solid all around mid-card. You never know when a rash of injuries can happen. It appears that they are ready to bring up Seth Rollins (Tyler Black) and Dean Ambrosse (Jon Moxley) from FCW. They already have Claudio Castagnoli down there and may have Chris Hero and other Ring of Honor workers in the near future. If the WWE gives them a decent character and gives them time to develop, the mid-card could become relevant again. It's necessary for the WWE as a whole, but it could also help not lose viewers when the top stars aren't on.
11. The WWE Network Should Be A Big Part of Business by the End of the Year
Everyone in the WWE is rushing to get the Network ready by April 1st for Wrestlemania. There's a lot to get done by that time. If they try to rush everything into the debut, it may fail before it can ever get off the ground. If the WWE execs don't think the Network will be ready before April 1, then they should push back the launch date. It will be better for business in the long run. They need to get as many cable providers and deals made as possible.
But if the WWE gets everything in order in time for the Network Launch, then it should be very profitable for the WWE if they don't screw it up. Fans everywhere will buy the Network, especially if it will have 8 or 9 PPVs on it a year. Some of the first run program they have lined up sounds interesting. I like the idea of the Legends House, and there is also an idea to follow the WWE road crew around from arena to arena. That sounds interesting. The WWE shouldn't rush things on the Network. It has huge potential, but if done wrong it could be just another XFL idea that Vince and Co. severely mis-managed.
12. The Push of C.M. Punk Should Continue
I know ratings have been down with C.M. Punk, but the fact of the matter is that he sells a lot of merchandise. Look in the crowd at the next RAW, I think you will notice a lot more C.M. Punk shirts in the crowd than John Cena shirts. As long as Punk keeps selling t-shirts and apparel, he isn't going anywhere. I think a potential feud between Punk and Chris Jericho is the best thing for both men. Punk keeping the WWE Title until Wrestlemania will also help fans who don't like him now make a decision on him. Maybe Punk will grow on them. I also think Punk's continued interaction with John Laurniaitis will also help, because Laurinaitis is such a good heel that fans can't help but be on Punk's side. C.M. Punk isn't going anywhere, and it is the best thing for the WWE in the long run.
13. Chris Jericho Should Primarily Be Used to Put Young Talent Over
Chris Jericho is an all world talent. He knows exactly what he is doing in the ring and with his storylines. I'm looking forward to what happens next after his RAW segment from this past week. I'm still assuming that we will get Jericho/Punk at Wrestlemania, and that will be awesome. But after that, I really think Jericho should start a program with some of the younger talent in the WWE and help get them over with the crowd. A Jericho program with Miz would be fun no matter who ends up being the face or heel. I think Jericho/Sheamus would be fun. And of course a Jericho/Bryan program would be as well. We don't want to see Jericho/Cena, or Jericho/Big Show. Jericho being back gives the WWE a whole new batch of storylines and programs to explore and keep fans interested.
14. Sheamus Should Be the Face of Smackdown By the End of the Year
I for one am shocked at how over Sheamus has gotten since becoming a face. I didn't see it happening. I thought he might be a decent mid-card face, but he could get plugged into the main event on Smackdown right now and he wouldn't look out of place at all. I would never wish injury on someone, but if Orton was out for six months it would have been nice to see Sheamus get moved to the top of the show. But I think either way by the end of the year Sheamus is the guy on Smackdown. He's good in the ring and is arguably the best big man the WWE has right now. Sheamus can cut a decent promo as well. If there is a Draft, Sheamus should not be moved to RAW. Sheamus should get a continued push, and should be the top star of Smackdown and one of the bigger stars in the WWE by the end of 2012.
15. Brodus Clay Should Finally Debut, And Should End Up Flopping
The WWE had hyped up Brodus Clay for weeks a few months ago. Well, it's January and he has still yet to see WWE TV. Now the latest word is that he will debut at the Royal Rumble. But my question is: Will anyone even care at that point? Clay has now become a running joke among some fans with his continued promise debut than never happening. The WWE hasn't even shown video packages for him in the last month and a half. The only time he gets brought up is when John Laurinaitis is saying that Clay will debut next week, then the next week, then the week after that.
In addition to Clay's continued non-debuts, the other thing that fails to be mentioned is that there is already a Brodus Clay type character in the WWE, and his name is Mark Henry. Henry is already what the WWE hopes Clay can be: an unstoppable monster that runs through opponents with ease. You can't have two of those types of characters in the company at the same time. It is over kill. There styles will be very similar and fans won't care for Clay since they already have Henry. I just don't see Brodus Clay working out with the WWE, and I expect his eventual release come summer time.
16. Kane Should Retire By the End of the Year
Kane the man, known as Glen Jacobs, is a smart man. I'm sure he has his pennies saved and is ready for a post-WWE life. The Kane character has pretty much gone as far as it can. You could argue that the Kane character should have been done with years ago. The stuff they come up with Kane nowadays is ridiculous. The WWE has even managed to ruin Kane returning in a mask within the first weeks of him being back. Hopefully, this is the last year Kane is around as a character. I'm sure Glen Jacobs is a great guy, but with so little left for him to do, I think 2012 will be the last year of relevance for the Big Red Monster.
17. Kharma Should Return And Have An Extended Program with Beth Phoenix and Natalya
When Kharma debuted it looked like a sign of good things to come for the Divas division. All of that came to sudden halt when Kharma left the WWE to have a child. Assuming Kharma returns in mid-2012, a program with Beth Phoenix over the Divas title should be the first thing that happens. Kharma and Beth may be able to put on some of the best Divas matches the WWE has seen since the days of Trish Stratus and Lita. I would have no problem with a summer long program between Beth and Kharma, with a little bit of Natalya thrown in there as well.
18. The Tag Team Division Should Pretty Much Remain Unchanged
The WWE was lucky with the pairing of Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne working out for them. But those two can't carry the whole division by themselves. The WWE is trying to establish Primo and Epico as a tag team, but the only reason they interest me is because of Rosa Mendes. Yummmmm. They gave The Usos some attention for one week, but we haven't heard anything from them since.I don't see the tag division getting any better. Vince McMahon doesn't seem to care for it. I don't mind them taking guys that can't get over as singles wrestlers and making them teams. Why not try pairings like Justin Gabriel and Ted DiBiase, Tyson Kidd and Heath Slater, and Santino and Zack Ryder. Yes, I know Ryder is over right now. But sooner or later his shine will wear off , if it hasn't already. But status quo is likely what will remain for the tag division in 2012.
19. Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes Should Be WWE or World Champion By Year's End
Yes, it seems like I keep saying a lot of these guys should win Titles by the end of the year. But we know Vince and Co. like to hot shot the Title back and forth, so it is quite conceivable that all of these men could be WWE or World Champion by the end of the year.
First lets look at Wade Barrett. After being reduced to nothing this summer, Barrett has been built back up quite well. His program with Randy Orton has been very entertaining and has helped establish Barrett as a credible threat. As I said earlier, I would love to see Barrett win the Rumble. He could use the rub from it more than Orton could. Barrett is very good on the mic and fans instantly hate him when he begins to talk because of how highly he speaks of himself. Barrett also has a very good skills set in the ring. His power moves look like they make an impact and it makes fans take him seriously. The Barrett Barrage should get to the top by the summer of 2012, if not sooner.
Then there is Cody Rhodes. Rhodes, as I say every time I talk about him, took a character that I thought was a joke and turned it into a serious threat. Rhodes is outstanding on the mic and his in ring work has improved every year since he has been with the WWE. Rhodes's program with Booker T is really helping him get over, and I think his eventual program with his brother Goldust will continue to do that, and bring credibility back to the Intercontinental Championship. Rhodes is a prime candidate to win a Money in the Bank briefcase at the PPV in July. I think Barrett's time will come first, and Rhodes looks prime for a World Title run come fall of 2012.
20. Brock Lesnar Should Return and Work Matches at SummerSlam, Survivor Series and Wrestlemania 29
It has been the talk of the wrestling world since Brock Lesnar lost his UFC fight last weekend and announced his retirement from UFC. There were rumblings of a Brock Lesnar return last year when he had a "confrontation" with Undertaker at a UFC fight. Lesnar would never come back and work a full WWE schedule. He doesn't need the money I'm sure and he didn't like that lifestyle before and there is no way he would probably like it now.
But there is no denying that Lesnar is a huge money draw. Not only that, but he may bring over some UFC fans to WWE programming and get them re-interested in the product. Who Lesnar would fight in his comeback matches would be intriguing to think about. Three choices I would throw out would be The Undertaker, C.M. Punk, and John Cena. Lesnar and Taker already have some history so that is easy to play off of. C.M. Punk can make any program he does work and could easily rip on Lesnar for not being able to handle the WWE lifestyle. Cena is obvious because of the amount of attention that match would draw with Cena being the top star in the Company. Cena/Lesnar almost seems like a Wrestlemania match guaranteed. I also can see Lesnar fighting Randy Orton, Sheamus, and even Wadr Barrett. No matter who Lesnar faces, if handled right, the WWE could profit greatly from his return.
So there you have it, 20 things I think should happen in the WWE this year. Agree? Disagree? Share your thoughts and ideas!
Until Next Time,
Justin C
Follow Me On Twitter @JCWonka
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The 2011 Top Rope Awards
You voted! (ok not may of you, but to those who did vote you know who you are) And now the results are in. It is time to look at the winners, or in some cases losers, in the 2nd annual 2011 Top Rope Awards. In addition to the awards I made public, I've also added some secondary awards to hand out.
2011 was a very up and down year for the WWE. It was up at the start and heading into Wrestlemania. It went back down until C.M. Punk began his main event push in the summer. Ever since SummerSlam it has been a very hot and cold time for the WWE. Hopefully the WWE can put together one solid year of booking, but that is about as likely as The Rock, Steve Austin, and Brock Lesnar all deciding at the same time that they want to come back to the WWE full time. There are some things I would like to see happen in the WWE in 2012, and that is something that can be saved for a later blog.
For now though, onto the Awards!
2011 was a very up and down year for the WWE. It was up at the start and heading into Wrestlemania. It went back down until C.M. Punk began his main event push in the summer. Ever since SummerSlam it has been a very hot and cold time for the WWE. Hopefully the WWE can put together one solid year of booking, but that is about as likely as The Rock, Steve Austin, and Brock Lesnar all deciding at the same time that they want to come back to the WWE full time. There are some things I would like to see happen in the WWE in 2012, and that is something that can be saved for a later blog.
For now though, onto the Awards!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
The WWE's "Youth Movement": 6 Months Later
So about 6 months ago I wrote a blog piece talking about the supposed youth movement that was happening in the WWE. During one of his conference calls, Vince McMahon said that the WWE was in a youth movement face and that they were going to focus on pushing the young talent that they had in the company. You can read that full piece here: http://jctopropereport.blogspot.com/2011/03/jcs-take-analyzing-wwes-youth-movement.html
Well, it's been a little over 6 months since I wrote that column, and to say things didn't exactly go as planned might be a little bit of an understatement. Lots of factors probably went into that. One: nobody saw C.M. Punk coming. He had been stagnant for years, and all of the sudden he just exploded onto the main event scene and looks to be there to stay. I didn't think it would ever happen. Another factor into all of this is the success that was The Rock's return. The Rock helped Wrestlemania top 1 million buys. Many people also didn't expect The Rock to agree to wrestle at Survivor Series, Wrestlemania, and whenever else he agrees to wrestle. Then of course there was the big Vince McMahon/HHH/CEO storyline that brought back Kevin Nash and basically needed to involve the veteran key players.
But with that being said lets take a look back, and a look forward, to see what is in these stars' futures.
Well, it's been a little over 6 months since I wrote that column, and to say things didn't exactly go as planned might be a little bit of an understatement. Lots of factors probably went into that. One: nobody saw C.M. Punk coming. He had been stagnant for years, and all of the sudden he just exploded onto the main event scene and looks to be there to stay. I didn't think it would ever happen. Another factor into all of this is the success that was The Rock's return. The Rock helped Wrestlemania top 1 million buys. Many people also didn't expect The Rock to agree to wrestle at Survivor Series, Wrestlemania, and whenever else he agrees to wrestle. Then of course there was the big Vince McMahon/HHH/CEO storyline that brought back Kevin Nash and basically needed to involve the veteran key players.
But with that being said lets take a look back, and a look forward, to see what is in these stars' futures.
JOHN MORRISON
What I Said 6 Months Ago
-After The Miz and Alberto del Rio, I think John Morrison would have to be considered the next breakout star in the WWE.
-Morrison's parkour style gives him a unique offensive move set that makes him different from any other star in the WWE.
-Many people are comparing John Morrison to Jeff Hardy. That is a fair comparison. Obviously Morrison has his personal life in better order than Hardy.
-So when does the WWE pull the trigger on John Morrison? If it was up to me, I'd say SummerSlam.
Morrison was the first name on my list, so that's why I start with him. To say things have taken a turn for the worse for Morrison is quite the understatement. Morrison appeared to still be in for some type of push after Wrestlemania, but his behavior during the lead up to Wrestlemania really effected all of that. Morrison apparently had problems with Trish Stratus being in his match rather than his real life girlfriend Melina. Melina was apparently in Morrison's ear, and because of that he gave the cold shoulder to Stratus. That's a big no-no for a young guy looking to breakout in the business. Morrison still was in the main event of the next PPV, Extreme Rules, but it never really amounted to anything. Morrison dealt with a neck injury that made him miss most of the summer. But after that? He's basically been a flashy jobber since his return.
John Morrison's backstage reputation has been nothing to write home about if you believe the stories you hear. He apparently did everything Melina asked him to do. Vince McMahon was also apparently never that high on Morrison, mostly because he didn't believe Morrison looked like a guy that could "win a real fight." It pretty much seems like Morrison's main event opportunity has come and gone. If he stays with the WWE and re-signs, I highly doubt he gets any closer to the main event than he was. I will firmly say this right now: John Morrison will never be WWE or World Champion.
Dolph Ziggler
What I Said 6 Months Ago
-I don't think I've been more impressed with the overall improvement of one wrestler in the ring like I have been with Dolph Ziggler in the last few months.
-When Dolph Ziggler first debuted with his new gimmick, I thought there'd be no way he would get to where he is today. "Hi, I'm Dolph Ziggler." just seemed very stale and bad. But to his credit, Dolph has done very well over the last couple months.
-I don't have an exact scenario to play out for Ziggler, but I do think he will have the World Title again before the end of 2011, with Survivor Series being my first guess as to when he will win it.
Well, obviously Dolph Ziggler won't be getting his next World Title reign at Survivor Series. I hate having to consider this Dolph's second reign, because his hour long reign on an episode of Smackdown meant so much. But that's not to say that Dolph won't be getting one in the near future. Dolph still has all the potential in the world. He's one of the WWE's best workers in the ring, probably in the Top 5. And in the past few weeks, Dolph has been given more time to talk on the mic. And you know what? He is doing a hell of a job coming off as a serious threat. Dolph is apparently getting praise backstage for carrying the bulk of his program with Mason Ryan. I'm sure the WWE brass actually sees potential in Ziggler.
I think Ziggler was hurt when he was forced to move to RAW. If Ziggler was on Smackdown right now he would probably have more of an opportunity to main event. But on RAW, he plays second fiddle to John Cena, C.M. Punk, Alberto del Rio, Miz and HHH. Ziggler has held onto the United States Championship for a while now, but sooner or later he has to lose it if the WWE gets serious about moving him up the card. With Rock/Cena headlining Wrestlemania, the WWE can take risks about who will appear in their World and WWE Title matches. Ziggler doesn't scream main event, but he's somebody the WWE could take a chance on in one of those spots. I would be very surprised if Ziggler hasn't had a World or WWE Title run by the summer of 2012. The guy definitely deserves it. A WWE Title program with C.M. Punk would be a great thing to watch.
SHEAMUS
What I Said 6 Months Ago
-Even though he won the King of the Ring Tournament, he hasn't done much with it. First of all, he looks like a goof wearing the king attire. Second of all, he hasn't done anything worthy since winning it
-I think the best thing that could happen for Sheamus right now would be a move to Smackdown. There is nothing left for him on RAW.
-Sheamus is the type of guy that if re-established properly can be a top wrestler in this company down the line. He has the ability to slide into the main event slot and hold his own with the top guys in the company. Sheamus is in the position where instead of worrying about his next title reign, he needs to worry about re-establishing himself as a threat in the eyes of fans who now look at him as an afterthought
I don't know if anyone I wrote about has gone through a bigger resurgence than Sheamus. When I wrote about Sheamus 6 months ago, he was on a big losing streak. HHH demolished him on RAW in minutes, and he wasn't even on Wrestlemania. He wrestled Daniel Bryan in a dark match on the show. Sheamus eventually got his much needed move to Smackdown. At the time I suggested feuds with Rey Mysterio, Edge, and The Undertaker. Well: Rey moved to RAW, Edge retired, and Taker disappeared after Mania. All hope seemed lost for Sheamus, but little did I know his Irish luck was about to change.
In July, Sheamus turned face when he challenged Mark Henry to a match at SummerSlam. It was as simple a face turn as you could imagine. All he did was go into the ring, look at Henry, and say "I'll fight him." And to my surprise, Sheamus has gotten over quite well as a face. His reactions from the crowd are great, and Sheamus has seemed to embrace his role as a face. You can tell he is enjoying himself in front of the crowd. Once Henry finishes up his program with the Big Show, I wouldn't be surprised if Henry revisits his feud with Sheamus. Sheamus is over and he seems like the next logical choice for Henry to move onto.
WADE BARRETT
What I Said 6 Months Ago
-It's a shame that it died the way it did. It would have been nice and refreshing to see a dominant heel faction on top of the WWE. But there is no denying that Barrett showed his worth to the WWE long term as a main event talent. He was outstanding on the mic while he was on top.
-If he can stay strong enough in the eyes of fans, I could see him as the leading candidate to win next year's Royal Rumble and headline Wrestlemania.
-Barrett needs to continue to improve in the ring. He already has the talent on the mic to be in the main event, now he just needs to add a bit more to his in ring work in order to maintain his status as a top guy now and down the line.
Wade Barrett has been very up and down this year. The Corre pretty much was a minuscule version of the Nexus. It never amounted to anything. Barrett won the Intercontinental Title but never really did much with it. He was jobbed out to Ezekiel Jackson and never really did much this summer. He did beat Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam. I thought Barrett might have been a prime candidate to win the Smackdown Money in the Bank but it didn't come to fruition. Now Wade Barrett is going through what he is calling his "Resurrection." Hopefully it leads to something. At this point, I will take an actual program with someone. I've seen house shows where Barrett is scheduled to face Randy Orton. That's a good start.
Hopefully this Resurrection does lead to something for Barrett. I really enjoyed his work as leader of Nexus. His mic skills haven't gone anywhere and he can still put on a good match with the right partner in the ring. A program with Randy Orton would do wonders for Barrett's ascent up the card. He may not win the program, but if he won a match or two over Orton, it would be great. Barrett's problem is that he has some competition on Smackdown for the next top spot with the next guy on my list. But if Barrett continues his "Resurrection," we may see him on top sooner than you think.
CODY RHODES
What I Said 6 Months Ago
-It will take some work, but Cody's gimmick is very much over as a heel right now.
-His mic work with this Dashing gimmick is very good. I didn't think the gimmick would last this long, but Cody is doing a tremendous job of making it work.
-Cody Rhodes is somebody I can see in the Spring or Summer of 2012 as a man ready to finally compete for a World Title, and ready to win it as well.
I think one could argue that Cody Rhodes is ahead of everyone else on this list. Rhodes continues to take his gimmick to the next level. He did a great thing in bringing back the old school Intercontinental Title. Rhodes has also looked very strong during his program with Randy Orton. Sure, he didn't win his match at Vengeance, but the program seems to be continuing on Smackdown. Rhodes has gone from a goofball gimmick to a gimmick that is a serious threat and one that the fans have to take seriously. Rhodes isn't going away anytime soon as he continues to fine tune his character.
The problem Rhodes is facing right now is that he is stuck behind Mark Henry on Smackdown. Rhodes is actually benefiting from all of the time he is getting on RAW. It is exposing him to the people who don't watch Smackdown. Rhodes might actually benefit from a permanent move to RAW. Programs with John Cena, C.M. Punk, and maybe even Zack Ryder all sound like good ideas. I thought Rhodes had a good shot of winning Money in the Bank this year, but obviously that didn't happen. Rhodes time will come. I would peg Rhodes and Barrett as two dark horse candidates to win the Royal Rumble. Even if he doesn't win the Royal Rumble, I think Rhodes is World Champion by the Summer of 2012.
DANIEL BRYAN
What I Said 6 Months Ago
-Daniel Bryan is a favorite amongst the "smart" wrestling fans. Bryan is everything they like. A good worker in the ring capable of putting on an entertaining match with anyone.
-From my standpoint, I think Daniel Bryan has the potential to be a main event guy. From a WRESTLING standpoint, he reminds me a lot of Chris Benoit. I know that's a name people hate to bring up, and I'm sure there will be people who hate me for using him to compare with Daniel Bryan, but they do have some similarities.
-I think Bryan is the type of guy who can main event Wrestlemania if built up like Benoit was during his run to the World Title at Wrestlemania XX. I would say to watch for the Summer of 2012 or maybe even as late as Wrestlemania 29 for Bryan's first main event title run.
Well, it looks like I was off by a full year with Daniel Bryan's push. Of course that is if the WWE decided to go through with Bryan's push. Daniel Bryan surprised everyone with his win of the Smackdown Money in the Bank briefcase. I didn't see it coming at all. There was no indication at all that Bryan even had a chance of winning. Not only did Bryan surprise with his MITB win, but he surprised many by actually announcing when he would cash in. Bryan said he believed surprise cash-ins on vulnerable opponents did nothing, so he decided to cash in his MITB Briefcase at Wrestlemania.
But since Bryan won the MITB Briefcase, he's gone on a bit of a losing streak. He hasn't had any set program for a while. Some people think a heel turn may be on the horizon, but Smackdown is already filled with young heels and Bryan doesn't need to fall behind them. While the WWE can take the risk of having Bryan in the World Title match at Wrestlemania, it also doesn't scream "World Title Match." Now of course, a David vs Goliath type match with Bryan taking on Henry could be quite interesting. I think Bryan needs to be built back up a bit more though before anything can happen. At this point, no one is buying him as a World Champion. Bryan needs a major face lift in the next couple of months.
That's all from me this week.
Until next time,
Justin C
Follow Me on Twitter @JCWonka
Monday, October 3, 2011
WWE Hell in A Cell Review
I stayed up late to watch this last night before it got taken down from somewhere. Wanted to get this review in just for you guys!
During Chrisitan's entrance, Miz & Truth were shown sitting in the front row. They were promptly thrown out by John Laurinaitis.
Sheamus defeated Christian: **1/2
Sheamus dominated the match early before Sheamus tried going to the top, only for Christian to push him off the top rope. Christian ended up slapping Sheamus around a bit, which pissed off Sheamus and got him fighting back. Back and forth action. Sheamus countered a Celtic Cross attempt. Christian hit a nice tornado DDT from the corner. Sheams recovered and hit a flying shoulder tackle. Sheamus went for the Broge Kick but Christian went outside the ring. Christian hit a Spear outside the ring, but Sheamus made it back in before the count of 10. Christian hit a Spear inside the ring for a two. Christian went for a high risk move but missed. Sheamus countered a Killswitch attempt. Christian went for the Spear but ate the ringpost, allowing Shemaus to connect with the Brogue Kick for the win. OK opening match. Sheamus works much better with the crowd behind him. Right man went over too, as I think they will transition Sheamus into a World Title feud with Mark Henry as Randy Orton will move onto Cody Rhodes.
Backstage, Mark Henry was interviewed by Matt Striker. Henry told Striker to shut up. Henry said he knew what Striker was going to ask him: about Mark Henry never being in a Hell in A Cell match. Henry said it didn't matter, because Randy Orton will join the Hall of Pain.
Good Sin Cara defeated EVILLLLL Sin Cara: *1/2
Quick counters early on by Good Sin Cara, frustrating EVILLLLL Sin Cara. Dueling head scissors by both men. Good Sin Cara hit a Swanton to the outside. He went for a moonsault but missed. EVILLLLL Sin Cara applied a sleeper in the ring. EVILLLLL Sin Cara remained in control inside the ring. Good Sin Cara countered a Razor's Edge then hit a flying crossbody on the outside. Good Sin Cara connected with an armdrag from the top rope. Good Sin Cara countered a powerbomb attempt into a roll up for the win. It was ok. Crowd wasn't into it. But there were some flashy spots that were good.
Backstage David Otunga approached C.M. Punk. Punk pretty much told him to get lost.
Air Boom (Kofi Kingston & Evan Bounre) defeated Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger to retain the World Tag Team Championships: **1/4
Bonus match here for the Tag Titles. After some early action between Kofi and Swagger the heels worked over Evan Bourne. Bourne made the hot tag to Kofi but Dolph and Swagger quickly regained some control with work behind the ref's back. Dolph and Swagger continued to make quick tags and worked over Kofi. Kofi finally hit a DDT on Swagger and tagged in Bourne. Bourne hit a handful of kicks on Dolph. Quick action. Swagger locked the ankle lock in on Bourne. Kofi broke it up. Dolph hit Kofi with the Zig Zag. Swagger tagged in. Swagger set Bourne up in the corner for a power bomb, but Bourne countered into a hurricarrana for the win, as Kofi grabbed Dolph's legs from the outside. Alright action. Crowd was more into this then Cara/Cara. Right team won. No reason for the Tag Champs to lose yet.
Mark Henry defeated Randy Orton to retain the World Heavyweight Championship: **1/2
Randy Orton took it to Mark Henry immediately. He countered a bulldog and pushed Henry into the Cell. Orton jumped from the apron, but Henry caught him and rammed him into two sides of the Cell and the ring post. Henry hit a powerslam in the ring, then another on the floor outside of the ring. Henry rammed Orton into the Cell again, then went to throw the steps into Orton against the Cell. Orton moved. Orton tried fighting back inside the ring, but Henry countered with a splash in the corner then a giant splash for a two count. Henry put Orton in a bear hug. Orton fought out but eventually found himself in another bear hug.
Henry went for the World's Strongest Slam on the steps, but Orton was able to counter by grabbing onto the Cell. Orton was then able to hit a DDT onto the steps on the outside. Back in the ring Orton hit a Lou Thesz press. Top rope drop kick into the second rope DDT by Orton. Orton set-up for and hit the RKO, but only got a 2. Orton lined up for the punt, but Henry immediately got up and hit the World's Strongest Slam for the win. After the match, Henry hit another World's Strongest Slam. He put a chair on Orton's ankle. Henry went for a splash but missed. Orton grabbed the chair and chased Henry up the ramp with it. Orton got some shots in before Henry ran off.
Nothing really too special with this Cell match. It really wasn't needed for this match, as it didn't do anything to settle the score between these two, as the Cell should. Henry retains, but Orton gets some of his heat back in the post match. I would expect another re-match at Vengeance, but Orton could use some time away from the Title scene after that. The actual match was ok. Nothing ground breaking. The basic match you would expect from Henry. But the match told a great story. It still established Henry as a monster.
Backstage, Alberto del Rio was interviewed. He said Cena and Punk don't know what they're getting into.
Cody Rhodes defeated John Morrison to retain the Intercontinental Championship: *3/4
Suddenly Cody Rhodes came out. He said people who didn't accept his paper bags should be figuratively euthanized. Cody then introduced the Classic IC Title belt. It was a bit different than the old one, but it was close enough. Cody said he would defend the Title night in and night out. John Laurinaitis interrupted. He said by orders of HHH, Cody had to defend the IC Title right now. John Morrison's music hit. Morrison went for a quick early pinfall. Cody escaped to the outside, but Morrison hit a drop kick through the ropes. Cody tried to hang on to the ringpost and get counted out, but Morrison kicked him in the back. Cody regained control inside the ring. Cody locked in a figure four a couple minutes later. Morrison fought back. He hit a reverse Rock Bottom for a two. Morrison went for Starship Pain but Cody grabbed his leg. Morrison went for a flying kick but missed, allowing Cody to roll him up for the win. OK stuff. Cody will hopefully continue to defend the Title. Morrison is stuck in jobber hell right now.
Backstage, John Laurinaitis told HHH that Miz & R-Truth were in the back. They were shown beating up Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne.
Beth Phoenix defeated Kelly Kelly to win the Divas Championship: *1/4
Kelly 'hit" a Lou Thesz Press early, but it was all Beth after. She bulldoged Kelly into the corner. Kelly surprised Beth with a quick roll-up, but only for two. Beth then went for a power bomb, but countered into a pinfall for two again. Couple more counters. Kelly hit Beth with a top rope bulldog for two. Natalya tried to interfere, Eve tried to stop her, but ate the guardrail instead. Beth put Kelly in her submission finisher but got to the ropes. Natalya hit Kelly with the mic, then Beth hit the GlamSlam for the win. This should have happened in Buffalo two weeks ago. There was almost no reaction to Beth's win. It also would have been nice to see a clean win for Beth. Why should Kelly be protected?
Alberto del Rio defeated John Cena and C.M. Punk to win the WWE Championship: ***
Cena and Punk took turn working over Del Rio early in the match. With ADR on the outside, it left Cena and Punk to go at it. Both men teased finishers before Cena went to the outside. ADR tried to intervene. Cena went for the AA, But Punk dove through the ropes. Punk got a chair on the outside. Cena threw Punk to the the steps but Punk jumped on them and taunted Cena, but ADR pushed Punk into the cell. In the ring, ADR set a chair up in between the ropes. ADR went for the cross arm breaker, but Punk stopped him, then hit a DDT on Cena and ADR at the same time. Punk set a table up on the outside. He kneed Cena, but Cena countered and threw Punk into the Cell.
In the ring, Alberto del Rio hit a backbreaker onto a chair set up in the ring. ADR set Cena up in the Tree of Woe in the corner. ADR charged but Cena moved. Cena went for his top rope leg drop, but Punk grabbed the ropes and Cena fell off. ADR had Punk in a side headlock, but Cena broke it up. Cena and Punk exchanged kicks before ADR came in with a chair and used it on Cena and Punk. ADR then hit a seated Senton on Punk and Cena with a chair in between them. Punk then tossed Cena over the turnbuckle onto the steps. Cena hit the AA on Punk but ADR broke up the count. ADR went for the cross armbreaker on Cena but Punk broke it up. Punk hit the GTS on Cena, but ADR pulled Punk out of the ring during the pin and tossed him into the cell. ADR through Punk into the steps.
Cena surprised ADR with an inside cradle in the ring for two. Del Rio took care of Cena on the outside. In ring Punk took control. He connected with the Macho Man Elbow Drop. Cena came back in. Punk went for the Elbow drop on Cena, but ADR pushed Punk off onto the table setup outside. Cena locked in the AA, but Ricardo knocked down the ref and unlocked the Cell. Cena stopped him, but ADR hit Cena with the lead pipe key, then locked him out of the Cell. Brilliant! Punk and Cena exchanged near falls in the ring. Punk finally regained control with some knees and kicks. Del Rio regained control and hit Punk with the lead pipe. Punk tried the GTS, but ADR connected with the lead pipe for the win.
After the match, Miz & R-Truth came from underneath the ring and attacked everyone. The Cell was lowered as the entire roster came out to try and get in. Eventually bolt cutters were used to unlock the Cell. Miz and R-Truth were arrested, but HHH got some shots in on them before the show went off the air.
I'm really up in the air about all of this. The actual match itself was good. Punk sold well for Del Rio, and the finish was very creative with Cena being locked out of the Cell. Del Rio looked like a bad ass with the pipe and it was nice to see him win the WWE Title back. But you have to wonder what the point of Cena winning the Title last month was. The Title could have been kept on Del Rio, even through a DQ finish. I'm assuming we're getting some kind of match again between these three at Vengeance.
I really liked the Miz/R-Truth stuff. It is a great way to push them as top level threats and anti-authority figures with the entire roster trying to get into the Cell to stop them. Of course the question remains about who lowered the Cell to allow Truth & Miz to do their damage. I thought it was a strong ending to a show that was just average up until the end.
OVERALL
While I liked the end to the PPV and most of the action was decent, I still think it was a PPV that did not need to happen. All of this could have happened in a week or two. The World Title Match told a great story about Henry's dominance. The WWE Title Match was a good match with a solid ending getting all players involved. It was almost a throwback to the Attitude Era with the cops showing up to arrest Miz and Truth. The Sheamus/Christian opener was fun. It was also GREAT to see Cody Rhodes bring back the old school Intercontinental Title Belt. I thought it was a good enough PPV justifying me staying up until 3 a.m. to finish this. I'm giving it a 6.5.
OVERALL PPV RANKINGS
1. Money in the Bank
2. SummerSlam
3. Elimination Chamber
4. Extreme Rules
5. Wrestlemania 27
6. Hell in A Cell
7. Night of Champions
8. Royal Rumble
9. Capitol Punishment
10. Over the Limit
With another PPV in three weeks, I would expect another handful of re-matches at Vengeance. Henry/Orton may be No DQ. A WWE Title rematch may be something with a stipulation as well.
That's all for this Review. RAW & NFL Review up tomorrow.
Until next time,
Justin C
Follow Me on Twitter @JCWonka
During Chrisitan's entrance, Miz & Truth were shown sitting in the front row. They were promptly thrown out by John Laurinaitis.
Sheamus defeated Christian: **1/2
Sheamus dominated the match early before Sheamus tried going to the top, only for Christian to push him off the top rope. Christian ended up slapping Sheamus around a bit, which pissed off Sheamus and got him fighting back. Back and forth action. Sheamus countered a Celtic Cross attempt. Christian hit a nice tornado DDT from the corner. Sheams recovered and hit a flying shoulder tackle. Sheamus went for the Broge Kick but Christian went outside the ring. Christian hit a Spear outside the ring, but Sheamus made it back in before the count of 10. Christian hit a Spear inside the ring for a two. Christian went for a high risk move but missed. Sheamus countered a Killswitch attempt. Christian went for the Spear but ate the ringpost, allowing Shemaus to connect with the Brogue Kick for the win. OK opening match. Sheamus works much better with the crowd behind him. Right man went over too, as I think they will transition Sheamus into a World Title feud with Mark Henry as Randy Orton will move onto Cody Rhodes.
Backstage, Mark Henry was interviewed by Matt Striker. Henry told Striker to shut up. Henry said he knew what Striker was going to ask him: about Mark Henry never being in a Hell in A Cell match. Henry said it didn't matter, because Randy Orton will join the Hall of Pain.
Good Sin Cara defeated EVILLLLL Sin Cara: *1/2
Quick counters early on by Good Sin Cara, frustrating EVILLLLL Sin Cara. Dueling head scissors by both men. Good Sin Cara hit a Swanton to the outside. He went for a moonsault but missed. EVILLLLL Sin Cara applied a sleeper in the ring. EVILLLLL Sin Cara remained in control inside the ring. Good Sin Cara countered a Razor's Edge then hit a flying crossbody on the outside. Good Sin Cara connected with an armdrag from the top rope. Good Sin Cara countered a powerbomb attempt into a roll up for the win. It was ok. Crowd wasn't into it. But there were some flashy spots that were good.
Backstage David Otunga approached C.M. Punk. Punk pretty much told him to get lost.
Air Boom (Kofi Kingston & Evan Bounre) defeated Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger to retain the World Tag Team Championships: **1/4
Bonus match here for the Tag Titles. After some early action between Kofi and Swagger the heels worked over Evan Bourne. Bourne made the hot tag to Kofi but Dolph and Swagger quickly regained some control with work behind the ref's back. Dolph and Swagger continued to make quick tags and worked over Kofi. Kofi finally hit a DDT on Swagger and tagged in Bourne. Bourne hit a handful of kicks on Dolph. Quick action. Swagger locked the ankle lock in on Bourne. Kofi broke it up. Dolph hit Kofi with the Zig Zag. Swagger tagged in. Swagger set Bourne up in the corner for a power bomb, but Bourne countered into a hurricarrana for the win, as Kofi grabbed Dolph's legs from the outside. Alright action. Crowd was more into this then Cara/Cara. Right team won. No reason for the Tag Champs to lose yet.
Mark Henry defeated Randy Orton to retain the World Heavyweight Championship: **1/2
Randy Orton took it to Mark Henry immediately. He countered a bulldog and pushed Henry into the Cell. Orton jumped from the apron, but Henry caught him and rammed him into two sides of the Cell and the ring post. Henry hit a powerslam in the ring, then another on the floor outside of the ring. Henry rammed Orton into the Cell again, then went to throw the steps into Orton against the Cell. Orton moved. Orton tried fighting back inside the ring, but Henry countered with a splash in the corner then a giant splash for a two count. Henry put Orton in a bear hug. Orton fought out but eventually found himself in another bear hug.
Henry went for the World's Strongest Slam on the steps, but Orton was able to counter by grabbing onto the Cell. Orton was then able to hit a DDT onto the steps on the outside. Back in the ring Orton hit a Lou Thesz press. Top rope drop kick into the second rope DDT by Orton. Orton set-up for and hit the RKO, but only got a 2. Orton lined up for the punt, but Henry immediately got up and hit the World's Strongest Slam for the win. After the match, Henry hit another World's Strongest Slam. He put a chair on Orton's ankle. Henry went for a splash but missed. Orton grabbed the chair and chased Henry up the ramp with it. Orton got some shots in before Henry ran off.
Nothing really too special with this Cell match. It really wasn't needed for this match, as it didn't do anything to settle the score between these two, as the Cell should. Henry retains, but Orton gets some of his heat back in the post match. I would expect another re-match at Vengeance, but Orton could use some time away from the Title scene after that. The actual match was ok. Nothing ground breaking. The basic match you would expect from Henry. But the match told a great story. It still established Henry as a monster.
Backstage, Alberto del Rio was interviewed. He said Cena and Punk don't know what they're getting into.
Cody Rhodes defeated John Morrison to retain the Intercontinental Championship: *3/4
Suddenly Cody Rhodes came out. He said people who didn't accept his paper bags should be figuratively euthanized. Cody then introduced the Classic IC Title belt. It was a bit different than the old one, but it was close enough. Cody said he would defend the Title night in and night out. John Laurinaitis interrupted. He said by orders of HHH, Cody had to defend the IC Title right now. John Morrison's music hit. Morrison went for a quick early pinfall. Cody escaped to the outside, but Morrison hit a drop kick through the ropes. Cody tried to hang on to the ringpost and get counted out, but Morrison kicked him in the back. Cody regained control inside the ring. Cody locked in a figure four a couple minutes later. Morrison fought back. He hit a reverse Rock Bottom for a two. Morrison went for Starship Pain but Cody grabbed his leg. Morrison went for a flying kick but missed, allowing Cody to roll him up for the win. OK stuff. Cody will hopefully continue to defend the Title. Morrison is stuck in jobber hell right now.
Backstage, John Laurinaitis told HHH that Miz & R-Truth were in the back. They were shown beating up Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne.
Beth Phoenix defeated Kelly Kelly to win the Divas Championship: *1/4
Kelly 'hit" a Lou Thesz Press early, but it was all Beth after. She bulldoged Kelly into the corner. Kelly surprised Beth with a quick roll-up, but only for two. Beth then went for a power bomb, but countered into a pinfall for two again. Couple more counters. Kelly hit Beth with a top rope bulldog for two. Natalya tried to interfere, Eve tried to stop her, but ate the guardrail instead. Beth put Kelly in her submission finisher but got to the ropes. Natalya hit Kelly with the mic, then Beth hit the GlamSlam for the win. This should have happened in Buffalo two weeks ago. There was almost no reaction to Beth's win. It also would have been nice to see a clean win for Beth. Why should Kelly be protected?
Alberto del Rio defeated John Cena and C.M. Punk to win the WWE Championship: ***
Cena and Punk took turn working over Del Rio early in the match. With ADR on the outside, it left Cena and Punk to go at it. Both men teased finishers before Cena went to the outside. ADR tried to intervene. Cena went for the AA, But Punk dove through the ropes. Punk got a chair on the outside. Cena threw Punk to the the steps but Punk jumped on them and taunted Cena, but ADR pushed Punk into the cell. In the ring, ADR set a chair up in between the ropes. ADR went for the cross arm breaker, but Punk stopped him, then hit a DDT on Cena and ADR at the same time. Punk set a table up on the outside. He kneed Cena, but Cena countered and threw Punk into the Cell.
In the ring, Alberto del Rio hit a backbreaker onto a chair set up in the ring. ADR set Cena up in the Tree of Woe in the corner. ADR charged but Cena moved. Cena went for his top rope leg drop, but Punk grabbed the ropes and Cena fell off. ADR had Punk in a side headlock, but Cena broke it up. Cena and Punk exchanged kicks before ADR came in with a chair and used it on Cena and Punk. ADR then hit a seated Senton on Punk and Cena with a chair in between them. Punk then tossed Cena over the turnbuckle onto the steps. Cena hit the AA on Punk but ADR broke up the count. ADR went for the cross armbreaker on Cena but Punk broke it up. Punk hit the GTS on Cena, but ADR pulled Punk out of the ring during the pin and tossed him into the cell. ADR through Punk into the steps.
Cena surprised ADR with an inside cradle in the ring for two. Del Rio took care of Cena on the outside. In ring Punk took control. He connected with the Macho Man Elbow Drop. Cena came back in. Punk went for the Elbow drop on Cena, but ADR pushed Punk off onto the table setup outside. Cena locked in the AA, but Ricardo knocked down the ref and unlocked the Cell. Cena stopped him, but ADR hit Cena with the lead pipe key, then locked him out of the Cell. Brilliant! Punk and Cena exchanged near falls in the ring. Punk finally regained control with some knees and kicks. Del Rio regained control and hit Punk with the lead pipe. Punk tried the GTS, but ADR connected with the lead pipe for the win.
After the match, Miz & R-Truth came from underneath the ring and attacked everyone. The Cell was lowered as the entire roster came out to try and get in. Eventually bolt cutters were used to unlock the Cell. Miz and R-Truth were arrested, but HHH got some shots in on them before the show went off the air.
I'm really up in the air about all of this. The actual match itself was good. Punk sold well for Del Rio, and the finish was very creative with Cena being locked out of the Cell. Del Rio looked like a bad ass with the pipe and it was nice to see him win the WWE Title back. But you have to wonder what the point of Cena winning the Title last month was. The Title could have been kept on Del Rio, even through a DQ finish. I'm assuming we're getting some kind of match again between these three at Vengeance.
I really liked the Miz/R-Truth stuff. It is a great way to push them as top level threats and anti-authority figures with the entire roster trying to get into the Cell to stop them. Of course the question remains about who lowered the Cell to allow Truth & Miz to do their damage. I thought it was a strong ending to a show that was just average up until the end.
OVERALL
While I liked the end to the PPV and most of the action was decent, I still think it was a PPV that did not need to happen. All of this could have happened in a week or two. The World Title Match told a great story about Henry's dominance. The WWE Title Match was a good match with a solid ending getting all players involved. It was almost a throwback to the Attitude Era with the cops showing up to arrest Miz and Truth. The Sheamus/Christian opener was fun. It was also GREAT to see Cody Rhodes bring back the old school Intercontinental Title Belt. I thought it was a good enough PPV justifying me staying up until 3 a.m. to finish this. I'm giving it a 6.5.
OVERALL PPV RANKINGS
1. Money in the Bank
2. SummerSlam
3. Elimination Chamber
4. Extreme Rules
5. Wrestlemania 27
6. Hell in A Cell
7. Night of Champions
8. Royal Rumble
9. Capitol Punishment
10. Over the Limit
With another PPV in three weeks, I would expect another handful of re-matches at Vengeance. Henry/Orton may be No DQ. A WWE Title rematch may be something with a stipulation as well.
That's all for this Review. RAW & NFL Review up tomorrow.
Until next time,
Justin C
Follow Me on Twitter @JCWonka
Friday, August 26, 2011
The WWE Fall Fantasy Outlook
The end of August is fast approaching. That means the end of summer. While most people don't like that, it also means the start of football season. And for someone like me, it also means fantasy football time. I don't know how many people take part in fantasy football leagues. I'm assuming it's in the millions. I take part in 4 money leagues myself. It's addicting. This week of the year is usually when the most fantasy drafts take place. I have two on Sunday myself. Everybody is studying up on players, looking at schedules, and checking on injury statuses before drafting certain players. It's more work than some people think. You have to put some time into it if you want to succeed and win some money in the end.
So what does all of this have to do with my column this week? Well, I decided to look at the WWE's current roster and use fantasy football terms to identify certain superstars. Now I won't be doing a whole draft because doing a draft with one person isn't fun. Basically, what I will be doing is this: Looking at guys I would take with the top overall pick, breakthrough stars, sleepers, busts, etc. I'll be judging these wrestlers with predictions about how they will perform between the September-December time period. By the end of this time period, you can usually tell who is in line to get a big push come Wrestlemania time. I will also be looking at RAW and Smackdown separately, not as one big WWE Universe. It's more fun that way.
So what does all of this have to do with my column this week? Well, I decided to look at the WWE's current roster and use fantasy football terms to identify certain superstars. Now I won't be doing a whole draft because doing a draft with one person isn't fun. Basically, what I will be doing is this: Looking at guys I would take with the top overall pick, breakthrough stars, sleepers, busts, etc. I'll be judging these wrestlers with predictions about how they will perform between the September-December time period. By the end of this time period, you can usually tell who is in line to get a big push come Wrestlemania time. I will also be looking at RAW and Smackdown separately, not as one big WWE Universe. It's more fun that way.
RAW
#1 Overall Pick: C.M. Punk
I'm sure there could be some debate with this pick. But my Smackdown one will probably cause more of a debate. No C.M. Punk is not the WWE Champion. He's also lost a bit of steam since his hot streak in July. He's also not John Cena, the WWE's Top Dog. But he's not suppose to be. Despite all of this, Punk is still the best thing going right now on WWE TV. He has the most potential going for him out of anybody on the roster. If handled properly, he could be on the verge of becoming the next big mega-star. Punk has had all of this potential his whole career. It's just a shame that the WWE has taken so long to tap all of this potential.
Even if he stays away from the WWE Championship picture, Punk will more than likely continue to be the main focus of RAW. His mic work continues to be the best the WWE has seen in years. He can rip anybody he wants to shreds. His in ring work is also great. His two matches with John Cena at Money in the Bank and SummerSlam were top notch. Everything seems to be pointing towards a C.M. Punk/Triple H match down the line. Punk is the anti-authority figure the WWE has been sorely missing since the days of Stone Cold, and Punk and HHH have a unique dynamic between them. There match should be great and the slow build to it should be even better. C.M. Punk is easily the best thing going in the WWE right now and is worthy of RAW's #1 Overall Pick, and the #1 pick in any type of full WWE Roster Draft.
Sleeper Pick: Jack Swagger
I had a tough time coming up with someone for this post. There's just very few things to like about RAW's mid-card nowadays. At least there was some storyline developments this week. I'm curious to see where Creative plans on going with the Jack Swagger/Dolph Ziggler/Vickie Guerrero dynamic. It seems like the two will refuse to get along. I like the idea of a heel stable lead by Vickie Guerrero, something similar to the Heenan Family from the 80s/90s. But I don't think that is happening. At this point, I would much rather see a program between Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler than Dolph Ziggler and Alex Riley. I think all the momentum from Alex Riley's program with the Miz is down the drain. He's still a bit too green inside the ring as well.
I was very high on Swagger during the whole Michael Cole/Jerry Lawler/Jim Ross angle. WWE, in my opinion, dropped the ball on a potential Swagger face turn. Cole had so much heat that had Swagger turned on Cole and put him in the ankle lock it could have gotten a very good pop. The WWE is lacking a third quality face on RAW behind John Cena and C.M. Punk. Why not give Swagger a try? Having him turn or snap on Vickie may get even more heat than he could have gotten from doing the same thing to Cole. This scenario seems unlikely but it's something I would give the WWE credit for if they tried.
Bust: John Morrison
Now I said RAW was lacking a #3 face behind Punk and Cena. If you would have asked me about John Morrison at the beginning of this year, I would have told you he'd be a main eventer by now and on the cusp of winning his first WWE or World Title. There was so much untapped potential in Morrison. He's very athletic and could perform in the ring. I thought for sure he was going to fight Miz for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. I nice month long main event program would have done wonders for Morrison. Especially main eventing a PPV where he wouldn't be the main focus. His mic work wasn't great, but that's something that can always be worked on.
Fast forward to present day, and oh how so much has changed. First there was the "Wrestlemania Debacle," where Morrison apparently cold-shouldered Trish Stratus and thought she stole Melina's Wrestlemania spot. Then Morrison was hurt and missed a couple months of action. I would have loved to see a return match been built up between him and R-Truth at SummerSlam, but instead all of their matches took place on RAW. Morrison was pretty much jobbed out the first month of his return. It didn't help that his girlfriend Melina was apparently a pain in the ass backstage. Now Morrison is stuck with nothing on RAW. He can still be the #3 face on RAW, and he kind of is now by default, but I don't see that lasting. Even a run with the United States Championship wouldn't do too much for Morrison at this point. No matter how you cut it, Morrison's outlook doesn't look great and I can't see it changing anytime soon.
Breakout Star: R-Truth
Even though his character isn't as hot as it was at the beginning of the summer, there's still something to like about R-Truth. His heel turn has made Truth the most relevant he's been his whole career. While his program with John Cena ended up being a disappointment in the end, it still helped elevate him a bit. His matches recently have been better. He had a good match with Rey Mysterio in the WWE Title Tournament, and he's had two good matches with John Morrison.
Now R-Truth is teamed together with the Miz, and they are both out to find the "conspiracy" in the WWE. These are two guys who were main eventing PPVs in the Spring, now they're stuck in the mid-card. They're buried underneath Punk, Cena, and now Alberto del Rio. Truth can learn a lot from Miz. He was WWE Champion for 6 months. Miz learned how to handle himself in the main event scene, and I would say right now is still better than R-Truth. This should motivate Truth to work a little harder to get on the same level as Miz on the mic and in the ring. If their promo on RAW is any indication, then Truth and Miz should make for a good team. And if they win the Tag Titles and can appear on both shows, they should be even more entertaining. I hope R-Truth continues to be his entertaining, out of whack self but improves in other areas to bring his game to the next level.
Smackdown
#1 Overall Pick: Mark Henry
Whats that you say? Surprised by this pick? Well let me explain it to you. First of all, I can't say it enough: Mark Henry's current push he is getting has been absolutely awesome. It's something that should have been done years ago. The WWE has lacked a monster heel like Mark Henry for ages. It's part of the reason people have lacked interest in the current WWE product. The heels aren't a serious threat anymore. But Mark Henry is being portrayed as one, which is a good thing.
As I've said, Henry's push has been handled perfectly. He's looked like a badass the entire time. Whether it'd be spearing Big Show off the ramp or putting him through the cage, shoving Sheamus through the ringside barrier at SummerSlam, or destroying everyone eliminated in the Battle Royal last week, Henry has made an impact. He's standing out in the eyes of everyone. Even people who have criticized Henry his entire career are enjoying his recent run. It's mostly because his actual matches are being kept short and to the point. Henry hasn't been forced to work a long match in the ring. Now that's going to have to change if he is going to be in the World Title picture. He will need to be able to work a 15 minute match.
Now why take Henry first overall? It's simple: this megapush will end in a World Title run for Mark Henry. Anything else would be considered a major disappointment. Sooner rather than later, Mark Henry will be the World Champion. The guy's been with the WWE for 15 years and has never had a World Title run. Last year the WWE rewarded Kane for being a company man, and there's no reason I can't see the WWE doing the same thing with Henry. Mark Henry will be World Champion by the end of the fall, and that's why he's the #1 pick on Smackdown.
Sleeper: Wade Barrett
Some may question this pick to, but I still have some hope with Wade Barrett. He just showed so much last year as the leader of Nexus that I can't think that will go over looked. Barrett can handle himself on the mic and with the right guy can put on an entertaining match. Barrett picked up a nice win at SummerSlam over Daniel Bryan in a very good match. I wish the WWE would have kept with a program between the two. Maybe have Barrett challenge Bryan for the Smackdown MITB Briefcase at Night of Champions. The contract surrounds the World Title. It would fit in the theme of the PPV.
This past Friday on Smackdown Barrett refused to wrestle a local jobber on Smackdown and walked off, saying he was better than that. He talked about how he was the leader of a group that took out John Cena, Vince McMahon, and various WWE Legends. I'm interested to see if this maybe leads to something. As much as I love Christian, his time in the main event seems like it is coming to the end. Mark Henry's time is coming, but Wade Barrett may be next in line after that. With Rock/Cena already main eventing Wrestlemania next year, and the potential of a very hot C.M. Punk/HHH match, the WWE can take some risks with their Title matches. Maybe Barrett is involved in the World Title match, such as a Triple Threat with Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton. How do you do that? Win the Royal Rumble. Or maybe Taker, if healthy, takes on The Undertaker. I'll continue to say it: Wade Barrett has worlds of potential in him, the WWE just needs to find a way to utilize it.
Bust: Christian
Let me start off by saying that Christian's extended main event run has been good. I enjoyed finally seeing Christian at the top. His matches with Randy Orton ranged from good to very great. Their last two matches at Money in the Bank and SummerSlam were both main event quality and had it not been for a red hot Cena/Punk program they could have easily ended both shows. Christian showed that he is more than capable of stepping up his game to the main event level and that he can handle himself perfectly fine at the top.
Now, having said all of this, I find it hard to believe Christian will keep up this momentum once he's done with Randy Orton. I think after this Tuesday's live Smackdown, unless something changes, Christian will be done with Randy Orton. Where he goes from there remains a mystery. But the fact of the matter is that any program Christian goes into next will be a step down from Randy Orton and the World Title. Sure potential matches with Sheamus and Daniel Bryan could be good, but they will be a notch down from Randy Orton. While I'm sure Christian will continue to be entertaining as both a character and in ring performer, I think his time in the main event is coming to an end for now.
Breakout Star: Cody Rhodes
I'm torn here. I just talked about the world's of potential Wade Barrett has. But watching Smackdown, the same could be said about Cody Rhodes. It's nice to see him finally walking around with the Intercontinental Championship. It's much better than seeing Ezekiel Jackson with it. Cody talked about elevating the IC Title now that he has it, and I would love to see Cody do that. Cody Rhodes has been fantastic since taking his character to a whole new darker level. Cody's mic work is top notch. He gets his points across in a short, effective matter.
Even though Cody is stuck behind Mark Henry just like Wade Barrett, the potential is there for him to get to the next level. If Cody really wants to elevate the Intercontinental Title, he can do it with good matches against the likes of Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, hell maybe even Wade Barrett. Cody just like Wade could be in the World Title match at Wrestlemania. Cody Rhodes interaction with Randy Orton the last two weeks is a good starting point for him. There's plenty of back story between Rhodes and Orton to play off of. It's really a toss up between Barrett and Rhodes for me, but if I'm "drafting" Smackdown guys, I'm probably taking Rhodes ahead of Barrett. Having the IC Title around his waste gives him more opportunities in the coming months compared to Barrett. Plus it guarantees him a PPV match at Night of Champions, something Barrett does not have.
That's all from me this week. Hope you guys enjoyed my Fantasy Football spin on the WWE.
Until next time,
Justin C
JC's Top Rope Report
Follow Me on Twitter @JCWonka
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Appreciating Smackdown: The Supposed "B Show"
I was struggling to come up with ideas for a column this week. I kept going over everything that happened on RAW and couldn't think of anything. I've touched on C.M. Punk numerous times. There's still not enough known about the Kevin Nash/Triple H storyline to predict where it is going. I just wrote about Alberto del Rio two weeks ago so there's nothing new there, although kudos to the WWE for pulling the trigger on him winning the WWE Title. The more I was thinking about ideas, the more I realized one constant thing. Why am I only thinking about RAW columns? There are probably only two things I really like on that show: The C.M. Punk/HHH/Nash/Stephanie McMahon storyline and Alberto del Rio as WWE Champion. Everything else, mid-card included, just isn't that interesting to me.
Then I started thinking about Smackdown. I was able to watch the last two shows and I must say: I really like what they are doing over there. There's a lot of things to like about Smackdown right now. Smackdown doesn't get the appreciation it rightly deserves, so I thought I would take the time to give the supposed "B Show" some recognition in my weekly column.
Might as well start at the top. The Randy Orton/Christian program this summer has been very entertaining. I didn't have faith that the WWE could make this entertaining all summer, but they did. Christian's first true main event run in the WWE has been a joy to watch. Sure he's only had title reigns of five days and one month, but he's been at the top now for 4 months now, and he's handled himself quite well. In my opinion, he's shed the whole "Only There Because of Edge" shadow he had on him. Lots of people thought had it not been for Edge, Christian would have never sniffed the main event scene. Well, its been 4 months now, and Christian is still at the top. Sure Edge appeared at SummerSlam, but it was a minor appearence. The WWE could have pulled the plug on Christian's push if they wanted to but they didn't. While this program may be over, Christian proved that he could be a go to guy when necessary in the main event scene.
I also have to give credit to Randy Orton. Orton was as boring as he could possibly be on RAW before moving over to Smackdown. His character has been given a bit of a kick, especially in the last month or so. I was always a fan of the crazed, psychotic Orton. I like him better when he is chasing the Title, like he did the last month, but he's still been better than he was on RAW. Orton and Christian have a good chemistry together and there five matches they've had together have been great. Maybe the best set of matches Orton has had in his career. Hopefully Orton can carry this over into his next program, even though all signs point to it being Mark Henry.
That was the main event. Lets move on to the mid-card. I personally find the Smackdown mid-card much more fascinating and intriguing than the RAW mid-card. In my opinion, there's more story and depth to a lot of Smackdown's mid-carders than RAWs. Lets start with the man who's push I'm thoroughly enjoying at the moment: Mark Henry. I don't know what's different about this push. Maybe the fact that the WWE and Henry seem to be serious about this push. All of Henry's matches have been short and to the point. Henry has been getting over as the dominant monster heel that has been missing in the WWE for some time. Now if he's going to get a main event push, he will need to be able to work a 15 minute match. Can Orton and Henry put on an entertaining match of that length? Only time will tell. But for now, I'm digging the push Henry is getting. He's looked like a monster taking out Kane and the Big Show, and him and Sheamus put on a decent big man match at SummerSlam.
And that leads us into a perfect transition to talk about Sheamus. He seemed to be going nowhere as a heel, so the WWE decided to take a chance with him and turn Sheamus face. I thought that the WWE was going to turn either Sheamus or Wade Barrett face. They are both basically the same character: European big men who are tough. I would have picked Barrett, but I think the WWE made the better choice in using Sheamus. Sheamus also seems to be enjoying his face turn. He looked to be having a good time on the Conan O'Brien Show this past week. Sheamus needed this face turn to give his character a kick. The WWE can't change his character too much though. He still needs to remain the tough, Irish bad ass he was as a heel, but just with the fans behind him. I think it seems like Sheamus is behind the turn, so now everyone involved needs to do their part to make everything turn out well.
I've gone through 4 guys on the Smackdown roster and not even talked about the guy with potentially the highest upside: Mr. Money in the Bank Daniel Bryan. Most everybody was surprised to see Bryan win the Smackdown MITB contract. Even more people were surprised to find out he will cash in his contract at Wrestlemania. It's a great way to do it. If it lasts that long. You can never put too much faith in the WWE's long term booking. Bryan is probably the second best in ring worker in the WWE after C.M. Punk. I always hate to bring up his name, but Bryan has a bit of Chris Benoit THE WRESTLER in him. Not the best in the mic. Not the most charasmatic guy. But he busts his ass in the ring night in and night out. I don't know why the fans in Los Angeles chanted boring during his match with Wade Barrett at SummerSlam. It was the best match on the undercard. The WWE still has a lot to do to build up Bryan as a believeable Wrestlemania main eventer. One theory that I read that I liked: Bryan loses the MITB contract, wins either the Royal Rumlbe or Elimination Chamber to earn his Wrestlemania spot back, and faces the man who he lost his MITB contract to at Wrestlemania since he would be the Champ at that point. I can't take credit for that theory, but I like it. I consider Daniel Bryan the biggest question mark on Smackdown. If handled properly he could be the next WWE main eventer. If handled poorly he could be stuck in mid-card purgatory forever.
I thought Cody Rhodes would be in the position Christian was in now. He seemed destined for the main event this fall. He was one of the most interesting characters in the WWE. Now he's kind of stuck with nothing. Its nice to finally see him with some gold, even if its the Intercontinental Title. Its a start. As long as he keeps the Title he will FINALLY have a singles match on PPV. There is still a lot of potential with Cody, its just that his character has cooled off a bit. Maybe Cody will get a main event push this fall.
I was extremely high on Wade Barrett at this point leader. He was on fire as the leader of Nexus. He was great on the mic and holding his own in the ring. But ever since moving to Smackdown, Barrett has had absolutely nothing going for him. No program, no long term feud. He had a very good match with Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam, but this week on Smackdown there was no follow-up. I really hope something comes up for Barrett in the near future. Barrett has too much potential to go to waste.
Justin Gabriel is also an interesting case. They've been hyping him with video promos for a few weeks. He's good in the ring and has that natural good guy pretty boy look. He also has a great finisher with the 450 splash. Maybe a feud with Cody Rhodes for the IC Title is in order.
The only really parts that I could complain about on Smackdown are Sin Cara and Ezekiel Jackson. Jackson is just a terrible worker. I don't think there is anything more to say. The whole Sin Cara debacle is just getting hilarious at this point. Maybe it will turn into a Doink the Clown gimmick and there will just be multiple Sin Cara's running around. I've seen some of Sin Cara's work and there is a lot of potential and good to it, but it just hasn't come full circle in the WWE yet.
I remember back when the WWE Draft happened. Everyone thought Smackdown got robbed in the Draft. While on paper it looks like they did, I don't see that as the case. While RAW may have the top two stories going, Smackdown by far has more depth on its talent roster. RAW's mid-card characters just lack any depth. On Smackdown, they are making more guys seem important. On RAW all I'm suppose to care about is C.M. Punk, HHH, John Cena, and Alberto del Rio. All the guys I listed in this article are people I have interest in and want to see do well. Smackdown is considred the "B Show", but its talent roster is far more appealing and interesting than the entire RAW roster combined.
Until next time,
Justin C
Follow me on Twitter @JCWonka
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