So a bunch of the newz sites (and also a few posters here) have discussed the likelihood of some releases. It got me to thinking whose safe, whose borderline, whose done like dinner, and whose safe but everyone else probably thinks is gone.
On Monday both Sheamus and Daniel Bryan introduced near gear. Sheamus has a couple of friends within the company who have some clout, which cancels out his apparent heat. Daniel Bryan (whose hoodie looks quite awesome and I'd consider buying if it comes out) I liken to being the new Beniot; helps others improve their ring skills and makes them look credible. He can be thrown into any feud and it'll be probably be a good wrestling match. He also makes people look great when he's getting destroyed.
Evan Bourne is the same in that sense, feed him to a monster and the monster looks like a beast. Bourne also has a signature move no one else can do.
As for whose going to be let go, I'd say R-Truth is on the way out. His stock has fallen a lot these days, tot he point where he's probably in the same area as Bourne (but Bourne does it better).
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I predict the Anonymous Raw General Manager will be future endeavored. There will never be any pay off or explanation of who it is. Vince will just come out and announce that he gave the GM the choice of revealing his identity or being replaced and he chose to leave.
Yoshi Tatsu seems like another ideal candidate. They're not doing anything with him and it would be a total dick move to send him back to Japan at this point in time.
Skip Sheffield, just to piss off all the people who have repeatedly predicted his return.
Rosa Mendez, because with Sin Cara debuting, there are too many Mexicans on the roster. (Yes, I know Rosa isn't Mexican, but I'd be surprised if Vince were aware of that.)
Joey Mercury just because there always has to be at least one guy that nobody realized was still employed.
Tyler Reks as the guy that nobody thinks of but nobody cares about anyway.
Trent Barreta because they already have Heath Slater.
Curt Hawkins because what the hell is he going to do with Barreta gone? (It's not like there's anyone he's been tag team champions with who also isn't being utilized who they could pair him up with or anything.)
I think Zack Ryder has a chance of being cut which would be a real shame. They barely ever use him, but I think he's pretty over with the boys and he's using social media a lot. Cena has a bigger # of followers/friends, but Ryder's using it way better and I think deep down everyone knows WWWYKI is money.
Originally posted by Matt TrackerI worry about JTG, who could easily be a high-midcard face on SD. His moveset seemed to expand on a monthly basis before Cryme Tyme split.
If WWE was into tag teams, I'd pair him up with R-Truth ... "What's Up? ... Money, Money, Yeah, Yeah"
Originally posted by MossI think Zack Ryder has a chance of being cut which would be a real shame. They barely ever use him, but I think he's pretty over with the boys and he's using social media a lot. Cena has a bigger # of followers/friends, but Ryder's using it way better and I think deep down everyone knows WWWYKI is money.
Ryder (and JTG) are easy pops on house shows, I would imagine. Not someone the crowd is ecstatic to see, but not someone they're disinterested in, either. As opposed to Trent Barreta and Curt Hawkins. (Although in Hawkins case, I blame the writers moreso than Hawkins, as I think he has major potential. Barreta hasn't been given anything to work with by the writers either, but I'll blame that on his horrifically ugly pants.)
I wonder if Ezekiel Jackson isn't a sleeper release? Yes, Vince has wood for hosses, but it's not like they've never released big guys before and Jackson has barely done anything since returning from injury. Slamming/suplexing The Big Show is impressive but it lead to nothing. Although now that I've written all this, I realize that he gives the Corre a nice balance, not only being the only black guy in the stable but also adding South America to their collection of North America, Europe and Africa. (Maybe they could debut Mattias Wild (or whatever name he's going by in FCW) within the group so they have an Australian and then have Yoshi Tatsu petition to be their Asian. Then Eli Cottonwood could don the Yeti costume and be billed from Antarctica.
I'd say a whole chunk of releases would be a lot more plausible if any of the NXT rookies were ready to step in. And the more time that passes, the more it's evident that they aren't. Pretty much everyone except for Riley and The Corre guys have already been demoted.
And the current crop of NXT'ers? Not looking too promising, particularly after reading this damning tweet from CM Punk:
Originally posted by CM PunkThe NXT rookies are SO passionate about our sport they can't even remember what happened at wrestlemania two nights before. Embarrassing.
Say what you will about a guy like Chris Masters or Trent Barreta, but I'd rather have them around than a goof like Titus O'Neil.
Ryder is way to charismatic to be used the way he is. He really should be holding either the IC or US title. His Youtube videos are hilarious, and proof that he has a LOT of personality.
I'm admittedly a fan and a member of the "Zack Pack" or whatever his fan base is.
As for releases: John Morrison comes to mind. What is he doing, really?
Morrison was in one of the high profile matches at Mania. He is also one of the few mid card faces the company has that isn't a cartoon and people like him as well as his ability put on good matches. The real problem for Morrison is the dirt sheet rumors of his relationship with Melina and how that affected the Mania match mainly dissing Trish.
Ryder maybe funny, but funny heels don't go far, so he will probably get canned or get a giant push since thats how it works. Personally, I see a ton of Divas going as well as some of the Smackdown talent. Also, when the hell is Kong going to appear and make the women's division good again? I am sure needing people for her to destroy has to save a job or two.
Originally posted by OliverAs for releases: John Morrison comes to mind. What is he doing, really?
Assuming the draft is still on the table (and really, who can tell, at this point?), if Morrison goes to SmackDown, he's World Champion by the end of the year. Without question.
Originally posted by OliverAs for releases: John Morrison comes to mind. What is he doing, really?
Assuming the draft is still on the table (and really, who can tell, at this point?), if Morrison goes to SmackDown, he's World Champion by the end of the year. Without question.
I dunno - I always thought that Morrison would be in the Miz's place instead of Morrison being a Jannetty.
Lotjx, while you're correct that he was a part of one of the highest profile matches at 'Mania, they really could have stuck anyone in his place and it wouldn't have made a difference. I can't even recall what he did. A Starship Pain maybe? I dunno.
He was in the match and his face was on the AP piece which ran for Mania at least on yahoo.com, so thats something. He was at least on the main card which is more then I can say for most of the people being named. Considering all the alleged heat, he is getting for dissing Trish, it probably won't surprise me if the WWE does can him. Sadly, I can see Sinn Cara taking his spot on the roster with his trampoline. I do think he has potential and if they wanted to build a new face to go after Miz, he can fill that role very easily and put on great matches.
(edited by lotjx on 7.4.11 2053) The Wee Baby Sheamus.
I think Morrison's pretty safe, to be honest. He's one of those perennial upper-midcard acts who just need a few weeks worth of build to become a credible main eventer. Of course, if there are talks of turning John Cena heel, Morrison would be the perfect vehicle for that feud.
People are super-jumpy after the devastatingly unexpected Shelton Benjamin Cull Of 2010. I don't think it necessarily follows that those in a similar position are in danger this year. R-Truth and McIntyre are the most vulnerable judging by their 'Mania freeze-out but I think they still have use for both.
Ted DiBiase could be on the way out - he hasn't done anything of note in months. Maryse is one of the Divas I think could go. Maybe the Bella Twins. I don't even know if Gail Kim is still employed. Oh, apparently she is, according to WWE.com. Might not be for too long.
They have 15 girls combined on the two brands. I think 2 or three can easily go. Maybe Tamina.
Well, WWE.com tells me that the Usos and Primo are still employed. I can't see them escaping the axe.
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