I've been trying to keep up over the past few months and failing miserably, but I have kept track with the wrecking machine that's been Umaga. And over the last few months (especially the last few weeks), I've had a PTI-type toss-up question running through my head.
Who's more over? Umaga or Armando?
I like to think that Umaga taking out Raw's top three guys (and all with the Samoan Spike, no less), would get him over huge. He's been getting a lot of reactions at house shows and the crowd's buying him as a major threat. Much like Wrath in 1999, a lot of us have even forgotten about his previously failed runs and can see him as an upper-card guy in the near future.
As for Armando, the crowd's digging his spiel and even starting to follow along with it. I was very skeptical about him at first, but he's looking more and more like the second coming of Slick with each passing week. He's got a lot of charisma and he's a big reason why the Umaga ball got rolling in the first place.
So I ask that question, simply because I wonder who, if anyone, would be left high and dry in the event of a split. Who's gotten over more?
In the earlier weeks, the crowds were definitely digging Estrada more, as they didn't recognize him and he was bringing back the classic entertaining manager. At the same time, some folks recognized Jamal and were afraid a guy with limited skills was going to be shoved down our throats.
I think they have developed Umaga very well using tried and true methods. Of course, his Spike and flying Samoan Drop are pretty impressive to see, and his opponents have sold them very well. This always helps to get a wrestler over.
As Umaga has gotten more over, Estrada is correctly playing the manager's role - step out of the way and let the wrestler be the star. Share the spotlight only for a moment or two, and then for storyline purposes only.
I wouldn't mind seeing more Estrada - I've been begging for someone like him to come save Shelton Benjamin. Armando could come up to Shelton and tell him look, if I can get a title shot for Umaga, imagine what I can do for you. All Shelton would have to say is "Hmmm", or "Well" in pre-taped backstage segments over a couple of weeks, before finally giving an "okay." Shelton is terrific in the ring, but so terribly bad on the mic it's almost comedically bad. So, cover up his weakness with a manager - just not his Mama again.
Seeing them recently at a house show, I'd go with Armando, but that was before Cena/Trips/HBK all took a loss to Umaga. But at the house show, the crowd was almost word for word with Armando's introduction.
Thats Jamal? hot damn. Why are they pushing him so hard? Can he actually do a **** PPV main event? JR LOVES to put him over. I dunno about him, too much like Hakushi.
Estrada has that Rock kind of charisma, haha. They squandered a chance to let him get some mic time last week. It will be interesting to see if he can think and talk at the same time, haha.
I just remembered that im absent minded wait i mean i lost my mind, i cant find it.
If they split up, Armando has the most upside. There is always room for a guy that can talk. But there is only so much you can do with a fat ass with no mic skills.
Dean! Have you been shooting dope into your scrotum? You can tell me! I'm hip!
I think Armando's definitely more over, and I think WWE feels a little threatened by that, as you'll notice that Armando hasn't been able to use his "Estraaaaaaaaaaaada" introduction the last few weeks...
But then, this is the same company that's gonna remove the pirate gimmick from Paul Burchill, because God forbid anyone in a gimmick designed to be humorous, you know, actually get over with the crowd.
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I don't see why putting the focus back on the in-ring performer of the two is a bad thing. Estrada's no less over for taking a back seat this past fortnight, and him stepping back from the limelight has allowed Umaga to catch up with him a little.
To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires, and lights, in a box.-Edward R. Murrow
Originally posted by canis582Thats Jamal? hot damn. Why are they pushing him so hard? Can he actually do a **** PPV main event? JR LOVES to put him over. I dunno about him, too much like Hakushi.
Estrada has that Rock kind of charisma, haha. They squandered a chance to let him get some mic time last week. It will be interesting to see if he can think and talk at the same time, haha.
I believe this is the first, last, and only time that anyone will ever compare Hakushi and Jamal/Umaga.
Estrada can talk and draw attention. That's far more rare than a fat Samoan, as Vince seemingly has an endless supply of those.
Originally posted by ekedolphinI think Armando's definitely more over, and I think WWE feels a little threatened by that, as you'll notice that Armando hasn't been able to use his "Estraaaaaaaaaaaada" introduction the last few weeks...
But then, this is the same company that's gonna remove the pirate gimmick from Paul Burchill, because God forbid anyone in a gimmick designed to be humorous, you know, actually get over with the crowd.
You can't always have him come out and do the "Estraaaaada" every week or he will be forced to change into a watered down face manager.
Originally posted by ekedolphinBut then, this is the same company that's gonna remove the pirate gimmick from Paul Burchill, because God forbid anyone in a gimmick designed to be humorous, you know, actually get over with the crowd.
The popular rumor going around last month was that Burchill himself hated the gimmick and begged the writers to let him do something else. He was allowed to drop the gimmick and sent to OVW.
Tonight I wanna ruin my life, I wanna throw it all away, In a spectacular way