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The W - Pro Wrestling - Wrestlemania must put all of its focus on a handful of guys.
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ParagonOfVirtue
Salami








Since: 20.8.03
From: New Jersey, USA

Since last post: 6759 days
Last activity: 6439 days
#1 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.20
I know we've said that for quite a few PPVs since 2001, but if having both wrestlers from your third most hyped match of the year leaving effective immediately isn't a kick in the ass, I don't know what is.

Of course, what has happened with Brock Lesnar is not WWE's fault at all. After all, he has been used well. But the fact of the matter is, after Mania, Lesnar, Goldberg, Foley and Rock are gone. HHH will be out making movies. HBK and Angle's bodies are unreliable, Taker is almost done, and they must face facts that the career of Steve Austin is over.

If I was told back in 1998 that the 20th Wrestlemania featured six of those guys, I'd think not much has changed. In some ways it has, in others it hasn't. While I thought XIX was a turning point for the company, hindsight may dictate differently. Its four top matches had two that did nothing for the company longterm (Austin/Rock, Vince/Hogan), a match that could have been used as a stepping stone for Chris Jericho, but didn't, and the big money match of Lesnar/Angle that has produced for the business..what? A near-retirement for Angle and Brock quitting the company?

With all of this disappointment, there is hope. Wrestlemania XX must put ALL of their focus on five or six guys and put them over as the new generation of talent. And when I say must, I mean *must*.

1. John Cena - He must go over Big Show strongly for the US title.

2. Randy Orton - Rock/Sock can win the match, but Randy Orton must be made the star of the match. I'm not a fan of Orton, but I do believe that Randy Orton and John Cena must be protected really well in the midcard at this event especially.

3. Eddie Guerrero - Angle and Guerrero must give the performance of their lifetime, and Guerrero must go over. If Eddie wins this match and it is good enough to be considered one of the all-time great matches, Guerrero will be made. This is all he needs to be made, and it would do 10x more for Angle's career as well.

4. Chris Jericho/Christian - Likewise, these two need to give the performance of their lifetime. I don't know why I keep thinking in my head that this should be a showstealing Savage/Steamboat-type match because clearly neither men is at that level. Regardless, Christian's performance is the key. If he can do well enough, it will not only elevate him as a serious threat, but it will solidify Jericho as a solid main event calibur wrestler who can put other guys over. If Christian gives a lackluster match, we'll remember this match for nothing but a sappy Jericho/Trish angle that will do nothing for the business long term. About five other matches are more prolific, but this is the match I look to steal the show.

5. Chris Benoit - The four above mostly depend on how well the individual wrestlers perform, but Benoit depends solely on how he is booked. Lesnar's departure should be another wake up call that they need more stars, and WWE should consider this: Wrestlemania is where you make stars, and HHH and HBK are already stars. So what do you do? Job him out here and have him win the title at a Raw-brand PPV that maybe half the people will see, or put him on top and establish him at the biggest event of the year as the man?

6. Edge - He needs a well-booked return at the Raw after Mania.

So there you have it. They should use Lesnar/Goldberg/Austin/Foley/Rock/HHH/HBK for the buys, but ultimately when people pay money for the show, they see who the future really is. This is the time for Benoit and Guerrero to be established as main event players alongside Angle, Taker, HHH and HBK. This is the time for Edge, Jericho, and Christian to prove to everyone that they deserve to be at the top in due time. And this is the time to protect Orton/Cena in the midcard before their slot will come a year or two down the line.

Four more days and we'll see if WWE has a clue. They better not let us down, but with their priorities as of late, I'm not too confident in the chances.

(edited by ParagonOfVirtue on 10.3.04 1953)
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asteroidboy
Andouille








Since: 22.1.02
From: Texas

Since last post: 4864 days
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#2 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.95
In many ways, this needs to be another Wrestlemania X for them, where 3 new stars (HBK, Hall and Owen) were made and Bret Hart was solidified.

Now, they aren't using basically all-new talent this time, but your point is well taken. If they continue to trade on the past, business will keep dropping off. I'd add RVD to the mix as well, he's been damaged quite a bit, but he's only a couple of high-profile victories away from being a star again. Fans have short memories.



-- Asteroid Boy


Wiener of the day: 23.7.02

"My brother saw the Undertaker walking through an airport." - Rex
"Was he no-selling?" - Me


redsoxnation
Scrapple








Since: 24.7.02

Since last post: 3914 days
Last activity: 3914 days
#3 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.60
If you want to go with a real darkhorse candidate, perhaps bring in James E. Cornette to manage Cade and Jindrak. That would at least cause people to pay some attention to the tag team scene on RAW, and maybe provides a boost to the career of two young guys. But, if something like that were to be done, don't roll out the Midnight Express name again. As for other guys:

Guerrero: Right now, he's probably the best bet to break through into the next level, wrestler + some mainstream.

Orton: I really and truly don't see 'it' in him. But, they are going to push him to the end of the earth, so might as well keep it going. If him and Foley have a gimmick rematch at Backlash, I have a slightly off-kilter idea. Everyone says Hell In a Cell, but that wouldn't be novel. Roll out an idea Foley had in '98, and have the blow-off to the feud be a C-4 match on Terry Funk's ranch. It would be creative.

And right now, everyone should be grateful for that rough Asian/Australian trip last fall, or else the very real possibility of Nathan Jones entering the main event scene could have potentially occurred in the next few months. And that is an extremely disturbing thought.

(edited by redsoxnation on 10.3.04 2340)


Latest news out of Hollywood is that Sid Eudy was offered the role of Jesus in The Passion. Unfortunately, that fell through due to Sid's continued insistence that he be crucified under the title: King of the Squirrels.
ParagonOfVirtue
Salami








Since: 20.8.03
From: New Jersey, USA

Since last post: 6759 days
Last activity: 6439 days
#4 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.20
    Originally posted by asteroidboy
    I'd add RVD to the mix as well, he's been damaged quite a bit, but he's only a couple of high-profile victories away from being a star again. Fans have short memories.


Well I was speaking exclusively about the WMXX event, as they couldn't do anything with Booker or RVD in a tag match, but I do believe RVD is part of the future.

This next year should phase out Angle, HBK, HHH and Taker and phase in Jericho, Benoit, Guerrero as established stars. Then add RVD and Edge to the mix in the coming months. In the mean time, in the midcard, I'd say it's time to push heavily Christian, Benjamin, Cena, Orton, Hardy and a few others to see what sticks and what doesn't.

And redsox, as much as I've tried to like him, I do agree that Randy Orton just doesn't have 'it'. I really don't understand how the WWE went full force with their 'Get Randy Orton Over' campaign, yet guys like Jericho, RVD, and Booker have gotten over by their own performances without being pushed at all. Imagine if Jericho got this program with Foley instead--the company would be so much better off right now. Of course, this Foley program does elevate HHH and his Evolution faction, so I suppose there's your answer right there.
minextoo
Chorizo








Since: 28.5.02
From: Bloomington, IN

Since last post: 7221 days
Last activity: 6986 days
#5 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.21
I agree 100%.

If the rumours surrounding Lesnar are true, then this is truly Christian's time to shine. If he can't deliver on Sunday then I will finally get off the Christian bandwagon and label him as everyone else has as "Lifetime midcarder". However, if the can put on a good match and get a sustained push (only if they can move him to Smackdown----its really his only chance), then I will play a fierce game of I told you so.
Net Hack Slasher
Banger








Since: 6.1.02
From: Outer reaches of your mind

Since last post: 7024 days
Last activity: 5444 days
#6 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.48
Interesting list of individuals. I think many on the list have the ability to use Wrestlemania as a marking point for their careers, some more then others.

1. John Cena - I've cooled on Cena a little over the last few months. I still don't agree with his critics who say his gimmick is too one dimensional(I do think it could use a little tweaking). But I think more of a reason why I feel Cena has lost some steam is this real long feud with Big Show, it's been going on atleast since Survivor Series. I'm all for detailed build feuds but this one kinda crossed the line from "anticipation" to "okay guys lets move on"

2.Orton- I see flashes of potential but him being in there with the likes of Foley & Rock but I don't see him being anywhere near a threat to these legends. Even when beating HBK I had a hard time buying it. He looks like he's pushed by association & forced. They are doing a okay job in keeping HHH out of Orton's scene when he's attacking Mic... But Orton still comes off way too much like H protege boy. I still think it would have done Orton a world of good if they build some tension between him & H, not talking about a feud or even a split just some tension between the two( Like I wanted at Dec Orton wins IC title, H doesn't. H gets annoyed with Orton's gloating presence) I think that could have been a start to break Orton away & viewed more as an individual & not like someone who seems contempt to stand behind HHH. Sorry someone like that has no right to go up & face legends like Rock & Foley & expect me to believe it.

3. Eddie Guerrero - I think he's there already, sure a great performance at Wrestlemania will cement him but he's there. I don't see him as a temporary top guy or transitional champion. When he does lose it I see him being in the top mix for the next years to come.

4. Chris Jericho/Christian - I think Jericho is there, he's so talented if they want but a third of the push you gave Orton to Jericho and he'll be credible at a snap of a finger as a babyface or a heel... Christian is the interesting story here, the last few month's he's certainly has broken into more of an individual. More then any hair cut or kool words Peeps could do. I don't think who wins or loses here is not even that important here. Christian needs to step up, Jericho showed last year after a poor WMX8 match (where only he seemed to take the blame of course) that he can come back and have an show stealing match with HBK. As a talent Jericho can bring it at a big stage can Christian do it one on one.

5. Chris Benoit - I hate to say this, but I don't see Benoit being any more then a stop gap player. Win or lose he's an add on player but are they going to continually push him for an extended period of time? I just don't see it... I don't think he's going to win but if he does he seems like the dictionary definition of transition champion. Since January the confidence I see them putting in Eddie I just don't see them doing it with Benoit.

6. Edge - Well I hope so, I was always a fan of him and I really miss his presence big time.

Another thing on Orton that I found a little strange, this week WWE did a huge media blitz. Main eventers, mid-carders, guys, girls, babyfaces, heels. Everyone from HHH, Flair, Trish, Angle, Eddie, BigShow, Cena, APA, HBK, Victoria, Dudleyz, list goes on and on oh yeah and the guy who wasn't important enough to list as a top 10 Raw superstar to the stockholders from the WWE, Chris Jericho was everywhere... But WWE's young stud, their chosen one. The man who's going to face Mic Foley and The Rock with the exception of sitting in the stands at a basketball game he didn't do one media appearance. Found that a little odd.




smark/net attack wienerville advisory is lowered to BLUE alert - Guarded (Due to Eddie being WWE champ and facing Angle at WM, Benoit winning the Rumble in World title match in mania BUT Kliq members is still a threat - Vince you can save us from these threats) 2/17

Honors for Smartest thing ever written, 5th Horseman "When Victoria, Trish, Molly, and Lilian were in the ring.. I commented to my friends that all of the 4 ladies in the ring were hotter than the all 4 that are fighting over who is the hottest in the WWE"
emma
Cherries > Peaches








Since: 1.8.02
From: Phoenix-ish

Since last post: 436 days
Last activity: 158 days
#7 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.47
    Originally posted by Net Hack Slasher
    Another thing on Orton that I found a little strange, this week WWE did a huge media blitz. Main eventers, mid-carders, guys, girls, babyfaces, heels. Everyone from HHH, Flair, Trish, Angle, Eddie, BigShow, Cena, APA, HBK, Victoria, Dudleyz, list goes on and on oh yeah and the guy who wasn't important enough to list as a top 10 Raw superstar to the stockholders from the WWE, Chris Jericho was everywhere... But WWE's young stud, their chosen one. The man who's going to face Mic Foley and The Rock with the exception of sitting in the stands at a basketball game he didn't do one media appearance. Found that a little odd.

He & Batista had a live thing at the Meadowlands -- not a big deal, but he did have something.

    - Friday, March 12 Randy Orton and Batista will be presenting trophies in the winner's circle at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ. They will also take part in a horse-for-horse handicapping challenge. The track will give away 30 pair of tickets to the Raw after Wrestlemania at the Continental Airlines Arena, and one person will win a grand prize which is 2 tickets to WMXX! T-shirts and Caps will also be given away, and if you decide to go, wear a wrestling shirt because it will get you in free! More info at TheBigM.com(7:30 p.m. ET)
Besides, didn't we already establish that Randy isn't really ready yet to be let out in public without significant supervision? :-)
redsoxnation
Scrapple








Since: 24.7.02

Since last post: 3914 days
Last activity: 3914 days
#8 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.60
    Originally posted by emma
      Originally posted by Net Hack Slasher
      Another thing on Orton that I found a little strange, this week WWE did a huge media blitz. Main eventers, mid-carders, guys, girls, babyfaces, heels. Everyone from HHH, Flair, Trish, Angle, Eddie, BigShow, Cena, APA, HBK, Victoria, Dudleyz, list goes on and on oh yeah and the guy who wasn't important enough to list as a top 10 Raw superstar to the stockholders from the WWE, Chris Jericho was everywhere... But WWE's young stud, their chosen one. The man who's going to face Mic Foley and The Rock with the exception of sitting in the stands at a basketball game he didn't do one media appearance. Found that a little odd.

    He & Batista had a live thing at the Meadowlands -- not a big deal, but he did have something.

      - Friday, March 12 Randy Orton and Batista will be presenting trophies in the winner's circle at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ. They will also take part in a horse-for-horse handicapping challenge. The track will give away 30 pair of tickets to the Raw after Wrestlemania at the Continental Airlines Arena, and one person will win a grand prize which is 2 tickets to WMXX! T-shirts and Caps will also be given away, and if you decide to go, wear a wrestling shirt because it will get you in free! More info at TheBigM.com(7:30 p.m. ET)
    Besides, didn't we already establish that Randy isn't really ready yet to be let out in public without significant supervision? :-)





And all they would need is some main stream reporter sandbagging them with: 'Well, Randy, its says here you were a Marine. How did you enjoy serving your country?' That's the type of publicity I don't think they need the week of Mania.



Pondering whether the world is ready for the Red Sox Nation Lawrence Welk Workrate Report.
Hurrikane757k
Salami








Since: 20.1.04
From: Fairfax, VA

Since last post: 6873 days
Last activity: 5971 days
#9 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.11
Pretty good assessments by all... I'll just throw in my own 2 cents here

1) Cena - I disagree with Redsoxnation on the notion that Guerrero has the most potential to be the next breakthrough star. While I think that Eddie is up there, I believe that Cena has the most potential because of the mainstream marketing potential he has. He has a rap album coming out this year, he's already been featured in the Stacker 2 advertising campaign, and he's one of the most over faces on both RAW and SD right now. He's still pretty raw in the ring, but he has the look and charisma to go a long way. Beating Show tonight should be the first step.

2) Orton - I'm not one to discuss "it," but before Orton joined Evolution he was entertaining in his RNN role. Now, he's been doing the arrogant "legend killer" (which isn't really credible, since he hasn't really sent anyone into retirement yet) jackass routine for months now, and past the Foley feud I don't see much for him, aside from the inevitable Evolution breakup and a feud with HHH. That being said, he needs to finish up this feud with Foley strong... have him pin Rock tonight, then go into Backlash and have him go over Foley strong in some type of hardcore match. Then, have him split off into his own individual role instead of just a member of Evolution.

3) Eddie - Arguably the most complete package right now of in-ring skills, mic skills, and being over with the crowd. He needs to pushed as a legitimate champ right now, not just some guy they decided to throw the strap on for a month and then shuffle him back down to the midcard. They need to give Eddie and Angle a lot of time tonight, and have Eddie go over at the end... I think this should go on at the end of the show, since I have a feeling that HHH will retain tonight, but that's just me. The feud should continue for a while though, and they should develop a rivalry a la Rock-HHH 2000. He's marketable to the Latino audience, and has the most potential of any face champ in quite a while now to elevate himself to the big time.

4) Jericho/Christian - I can't take Christian seriously as a main-event player. He has the stuff to be an effective upper mid-card heel, but he hasn't booked as a legitimate threat in the ring for a while now (the fluke IC title win, barely beating Lawler, etc.). Elevating him now would be a mistake, they need to spend 2004 reestablishing his credibility. On the other hand, Jericho has been at that level already, and has proved he can be quite effective if not for crappy booking that puts others as the focus of the feud. Looking at the RAW roster right now, it's very probable that Jericho will be elevated to a top face slot if Michaels goes heel. Like Eddie, he's got the total package of mic and in-ring skills, but I don't think he's over as he should be yet. A face Jericho could get really stale real fast, so they have to find a way to keep him fresh during the course of this year. Jericho should go over tonight, but Christian shouldn't be totally buried either.

5) Benoit - While I don't think he's any type of longterm solution, it's time to see what he can do when given the ball. He doesn't have much charisma, but he's effective when booked in the "silent but violent" role and as a legitimate threat. Making Triple H and/or Michaels tap out tonight and at Backlash would really put him over, especially since neither of the former two are subject to submitting much, which makes Benoit that much more of a credible champion. I see a potential feud with Orton over the summer, but I don't think that either guy could carry that feud by themselves, so they're going to have to do some smart booking with Benoit in order to keep him over. Otherwise, he'll be fighting the likes of Jon Heidenreich soon enough.

6) Edge - He has a chance to make a big impact this year, but with all of the recent rumors over roster developments, I'm not sure where he should go yet. On one hand, RAW is losing HHH, Foley, Rock, Goldberg, RVD if he goes to SD, etc. soon enough... on the other hand, SD is losing Lesnar, Show, gaining RVD, etc. Looking at the potential pecking order of faces over the course of the year, RAW should have Jericho and Benoit at the top; while SD already has Cena, Eddie, and potentially Van Dam. I don't think Edge should be thrown into the world title scene just yet, but he should be given a good upper-card feud to start off with, and see how it goes from there.
HMD
Andouille








Since: 8.6.02
From: Canada

Since last post: 2532 days
Last activity: 2532 days
#10 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.54
    Originally posted by Hurrikane757k
    2) Orton - I'm not one to discuss "it," but before Orton joined Evolution he was entertaining in his RNN role.


Doesn't the fact that people always keep referring to something that happened so long ago as reason Orton should be pushed tell anyone anything. That in 2002. He's gotta come up with something, you know, soon to earn the investment their making in him. Like, and this is just a wildly inappropriate suggestion, one good match, maybe. Or one good promo.

Anyway, I'd agree WM should focus on new guys. Cena should be allowed to cut a rap that doesn't sound like its been personally sanitized by Jerry Falwell. Then he needs to win, although the already-having-beat-BigShow-several times factor is a great example of the we-don't-know-what-we're-doing school of booking.

Benoit needs to look strong, but clearly they'll save the win for Edmonton. Triple needs to lose.

Eddy needs to win. Especially since Kurt looked strong every week on TV leading up to tonight.

Whether Christian and Jericho put on a classic (which I think would near impossible since one of them is Christian), is irrelevant. They're still Jericho and Christian. They won't get anywhere. They won't get moved up. Be nice to see a good match, though.




I'd tell you to kiss my ass, but I don't want to get it infected.
Hurrikane757k
Salami








Since: 20.1.04
From: Fairfax, VA

Since last post: 6873 days
Last activity: 5971 days
#11 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.11
    Originally posted by Hogan's My Dad
      Originally posted by Hurrikane757k
      2) Orton - I'm not one to discuss "it," but before Orton joined Evolution he was entertaining in his RNN role.


    Doesn't the fact that people always keep referring to something that happened so long ago as reason Orton should be pushed tell anyone anything. That in 2002. He's gotta come up with something, you know, soon to earn the investment their making in him. Like, and this is just a wildly inappropriate suggestion, one good match, maybe. Or one good promo.


My point was that at least he has the potential to be entertaining once he breaks away from his role in Evolution, at least if he's utilized in the correct role. I don't think Orton can just be thrown into anything and make it entertaining, because he just isn't that good. If protected and put into a good role, then at least he can be entertaining if the WWE is going to push him til hell freezes over.
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I was just able to sit down and watch this episode, a day-and-a-half late, but damn it was fun. We start out with Drago perched atop the temple, making good on the vow that Dario Cueto would see him again.
Related threads: Overly Detailed WrestleMania XX Preview - Wrestle Mania Miscellany - Mania XX Prediction Thread (Heat 3.7 spoiler included, and a potential 3/11 SD as well) - More...
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