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I apologize for the delay in having this posted (Fridays are the usual designated Top Ten Cases day) but my Internet connection has been absolute crap for the past two days. Booo (or boo-urns)!
Anyway, my favorite wrestler is Edge. And sure, that's easy to say now that he's been the top heel in the company for the past several years and has acquired an astonishing nine World Championships. But I'm no bandwagon jumper. I've been a HUGE fan of the guy since -- get this -- BEFORE his Brood days. Yes, that's right, when he was silently walking through the audience and having minute-long matches, I knew he was going to be something big.
With this in mind, I thought I'd take a look at the current WWE roster and pick out ten individuals that I think will make it big. This list is a combination of the Superstar's talent, the way the audience reacts to them, and the reality of whether the company would truly get behind the Superstar to ensure their status. For what it's worth, I've limited this list to those solidly in the mid-card that haven't main evented a Pay-Per-View.
Click the "Read More" link for the full list.
10. Zack Ryder - This one is probably a huge stretch, but it seems like the powers that be have legitimately been behind this guy since his move to ECW. While his former partner languishes on SmackDown, Ryder has been featured prominently each and every week. He has a unique look, a catch phrase, and a few solid victories (and his big losses are to Christian and Shelton Benjamin, hardly pushovers). And much like the Miz, WWE was wise enough to steer him away from cartoonishness upon his re-introduction. By week two, he was ensuring everybody that he wasn't a joke.
That being said, I can only rank him at 10 because I honestly can't ever see him carrying the World Championship.
9. Kofi Kingston - I actually didn't originally want him on the list, as I felt his colorful look, flashy style, and accent would work AGAINST him as he climbs up the ladder, but I couldn't in good conscience put Zack Ryder on the list and not Kofi Kingston. That being said, despite being supremely talented and over -- not to mention a fresh face on an otherwise very bland and familiar program -- there's just something about Kofi that makes me skeptical about WWE getting firmly behind him. Will his future be reminiscent of Kane -- a solid performer and always at the cusp of main event status with a great reaction from the fans -- or Jeff Hardy -- same as Kane, but finally able to overcome the critics by becoming "The" man? Time will tell.
8. Ted DiBiase - It may surprsie many, but I actually don't see either Legacy member being the "future" of the business. Honestly, though, if I wanted to make this list an even 10, I had to make some concessions and include Superstars I don't have complete faith in. It's not that I don't like Ted DiBiase or that I don't think he's talented (I do on both counts), I just don't see that ever important "It" factor. Additionally, when a new Superstar debuts -- especially one who comes from a wrestling family -- you can usually see right away that WWE is going to push him -- come hell or hot water. That was certainly the case with Rocky Maivia, as it was with DiBiase's mentor Randy Orton. Despite winning the tag title in his first match, he just didn't seem to make that immediate impact. Then again, out of all the members of Legacy, he seems to have the greatest upside. He's got a good look, he's comfortable on the mic, and his ring performance is sound. I keep reading reports that the long term plan is to turn him face, so it sounds like WWE has some plans for him. And this may seem like a contradiction based on what I said most of this passage, but I actually CAN imagine DiBiase headlining WrestleMania.
7. Shelton Benjamin - This may seem optimistic, considering the roller coaster career he's had. But it seems like every couple years, WWE decides they want to push Shelton Benjamin to the moon. He's always been stellar in the ring, but it's his character and personality that's needed the work. In that regard, he's only getting better (although he still seems uncomfortable). And I think it’s certainly worth mentioning that WWE must see SOMETHING special in him if they continue to push him, after abandoning his previous push. Now wrestling as a face on ECW, I could easily see him capturing that brand’s World Championship over the next year. And, from there, moving back over to SmackDown where his style is more appreciated. Will he ever main event WrestleMania? It seems questionable – perhaps even unlikely. But certainly not outside the realm of possibility.
6. David Hart Smith – Despite originally debuting under less than stellar conditions (winning his first match, getting completely squashed in every match following, and then being suspended for thirty days), it seems surprising that I consider him the brightest star out of all the “legacy” Superstars currently on the WWE payroll. Since becoming a part of the Hart Dynasty, Smith has displayed a level of intensity that was absent from his former cheeky character. Personally, I would have kept the threesome on ECW where they could dominate that brand. But nonetheless, a tag team title reign seems likely. And, once that happens, he and his comrades can compete on all three brands and REALLY make an impact on WWE. At this rate, I could easily see him achieving the level of his late father. Actually, a feud with Shawn Michaels – who, as far as fans are concerned, is a mortal enemy of any member of the Hart family – could really elevate him to the big time.
5. Dolph Ziggler – When Dolph Ziggler was introduced under such a ridiculous name, I figured we were seeing the next version of Kerwin White. And after a less than impressive tenure on Raw, I had pretty much written this guy off. But then he moved to SmackDown, and out of nowhere he was cleanly beating United States Champion MVP and was besting the over 7 foot tall Great Khali on Pay-Per-View. He established a loose alliance with top SmackDown heels Edge and Chris Jericho, and was moved into a high-profile feud with Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio. This guy is being groomed for the Intercontinental Championship – and you know what? The fans are reacting to him, he’s got a good look, and he’s good enough in the ring. He’s a fresh face that is legitimately being pushed, and if things continue to progress at this rate, I could easily see him one day capturing the World Championship. The smart thing to do would be to keep him on SmackDown. But hopefully he remains injury-free, or else he could end up the second coming of Mr. Kennedy.
4. Jack Swagger – Perhaps nobody on this list received such an immediate push than Jack Swagger. Within a couple of months of his debut he had captured the ECW Championship from Matt Hardy, and proceeded to have an impressive enough title reign. Of course, despite being a “World” champion, he was left off of the WrestleMania card. He’s now wrestling no Raw, and although he’s arguably lost in the shuffle, I do expect him to capture the United States Championship within the next few months. He reminds a lot of people of Brock Lesnar, and for good reason. He’s big, he’s blond, and he’s a former amateur wrestler. Although I might go as far as to argue that Swagger’s got more personality than Lesnar. The only thing that may hold him back is his very apparent lisp. I think a move to SmackDown would benefit him, as he’s far more likely to rise up the card on the blue show. Nonetheless, I see this man holding one of the more legitimate World Championships within the next few years.
3. The Miz – The Miz learned this lesson years before Chris Jericho: Despite getting a great reaction from the crowd and achieving upper midcard status, the legitimate main eventers are not to be laughed at. The Miz has wisely abandoned many of the cartoonish aspects of his character, while remaining true to what made him a Superstar. Most people argue that his recent program with John Cena killed his credibility. I couldn’t disagree more. I think it showed that the powers that be have enough faith in him that they would give him a multi-week arc with their top star, and actually blow it off (unlike the Chris Jericho/Goldberg saga). I absolutely see this guy as a legitimate contender for the World Championship within the next few years. Not too shabby for a guy who came from The Real World.
2. MVP – What an interesting career MVP has had since his debut not too long ago. His bombastic introduction lasted several months, only for him to disappoint most when he actually debuted. He managed to find his character, and after a highly successful feud with Lord Voldemort, which brought him the United States Championship, he had arrived. His reign was the longest in WWE history, in fact. And he’s probably the only person in wrestling history in which a losing streak angle actually worked! Indeed, it turned him face and solidly got the fans behind him. Oh, and he eventually won back that United States Championship. In my opinion, WWE has foolishly missed out on a number of perfect opportunities to place him in the WWE Championship picture since his move to Raw, but instead they opted to continue to go with John Cena and Triple H. While I don’t see him winning the title before the end of the year, I do see him main eventing a Pay-Per-View for the title.
1. John Morrison – I had pretty high hopes when John Morrison was “promoted” to SmackDown, immediately turned face, and was seemingly placed in a program with Chris Jericho. But then he sorta floundered a bit. Sure, he had a number of clean pinfalls over World Champion CM Punk, but he was still being left off of Pay-Per-Views. However, it seems like things are back on track for the former Johnny Nitro. He’s established an alliance with the Hardy Boyz, putting him in the mix of the main story arc on the blue brand. Rey Mysterio’s poor fortune will also be Morrison’s gain, as he’s captured the Intercontinental Championship due to Mysterio’s suspension. I’d like to see him retain against Ziggler at the upcoming PPV, and then continue with a lengthy reign before moving on to a feud with Punk for the World Championship. Yeah, that may sound a bit optimistic, but this guy is MONEY. Barring some career ending injury or really stupid personal decision, I see this guy main eventing WrestleMania within the next five years.
Anyway, my favorite wrestler is Edge. And sure, that's easy to say now that he's been the top heel in the company for the past several years and has acquired an astonishing nine World Championships. But I'm no bandwagon jumper. I've been a HUGE fan of the guy since -- get this -- BEFORE his Brood days. Yes, that's right, when he was silently walking through the audience and having minute-long matches, I knew he was going to be something big.
With this in mind, I thought I'd take a look at the current WWE roster and pick out ten individuals that I think will make it big. This list is a combination of the Superstar's talent, the way the audience reacts to them, and the reality of whether the company would truly get behind the Superstar to ensure their status. For what it's worth, I've limited this list to those solidly in the mid-card that haven't main evented a Pay-Per-View.
Click the "Read More" link for the full list.
10. Zack Ryder - This one is probably a huge stretch, but it seems like the powers that be have legitimately been behind this guy since his move to ECW. While his former partner languishes on SmackDown, Ryder has been featured prominently each and every week. He has a unique look, a catch phrase, and a few solid victories (and his big losses are to Christian and Shelton Benjamin, hardly pushovers). And much like the Miz, WWE was wise enough to steer him away from cartoonishness upon his re-introduction. By week two, he was ensuring everybody that he wasn't a joke.
That being said, I can only rank him at 10 because I honestly can't ever see him carrying the World Championship.
9. Kofi Kingston - I actually didn't originally want him on the list, as I felt his colorful look, flashy style, and accent would work AGAINST him as he climbs up the ladder, but I couldn't in good conscience put Zack Ryder on the list and not Kofi Kingston. That being said, despite being supremely talented and over -- not to mention a fresh face on an otherwise very bland and familiar program -- there's just something about Kofi that makes me skeptical about WWE getting firmly behind him. Will his future be reminiscent of Kane -- a solid performer and always at the cusp of main event status with a great reaction from the fans -- or Jeff Hardy -- same as Kane, but finally able to overcome the critics by becoming "The" man? Time will tell.
8. Ted DiBiase - It may surprsie many, but I actually don't see either Legacy member being the "future" of the business. Honestly, though, if I wanted to make this list an even 10, I had to make some concessions and include Superstars I don't have complete faith in. It's not that I don't like Ted DiBiase or that I don't think he's talented (I do on both counts), I just don't see that ever important "It" factor. Additionally, when a new Superstar debuts -- especially one who comes from a wrestling family -- you can usually see right away that WWE is going to push him -- come hell or hot water. That was certainly the case with Rocky Maivia, as it was with DiBiase's mentor Randy Orton. Despite winning the tag title in his first match, he just didn't seem to make that immediate impact. Then again, out of all the members of Legacy, he seems to have the greatest upside. He's got a good look, he's comfortable on the mic, and his ring performance is sound. I keep reading reports that the long term plan is to turn him face, so it sounds like WWE has some plans for him. And this may seem like a contradiction based on what I said most of this passage, but I actually CAN imagine DiBiase headlining WrestleMania.
7. Shelton Benjamin - This may seem optimistic, considering the roller coaster career he's had. But it seems like every couple years, WWE decides they want to push Shelton Benjamin to the moon. He's always been stellar in the ring, but it's his character and personality that's needed the work. In that regard, he's only getting better (although he still seems uncomfortable). And I think it’s certainly worth mentioning that WWE must see SOMETHING special in him if they continue to push him, after abandoning his previous push. Now wrestling as a face on ECW, I could easily see him capturing that brand’s World Championship over the next year. And, from there, moving back over to SmackDown where his style is more appreciated. Will he ever main event WrestleMania? It seems questionable – perhaps even unlikely. But certainly not outside the realm of possibility.
6. David Hart Smith – Despite originally debuting under less than stellar conditions (winning his first match, getting completely squashed in every match following, and then being suspended for thirty days), it seems surprising that I consider him the brightest star out of all the “legacy” Superstars currently on the WWE payroll. Since becoming a part of the Hart Dynasty, Smith has displayed a level of intensity that was absent from his former cheeky character. Personally, I would have kept the threesome on ECW where they could dominate that brand. But nonetheless, a tag team title reign seems likely. And, once that happens, he and his comrades can compete on all three brands and REALLY make an impact on WWE. At this rate, I could easily see him achieving the level of his late father. Actually, a feud with Shawn Michaels – who, as far as fans are concerned, is a mortal enemy of any member of the Hart family – could really elevate him to the big time.
5. Dolph Ziggler – When Dolph Ziggler was introduced under such a ridiculous name, I figured we were seeing the next version of Kerwin White. And after a less than impressive tenure on Raw, I had pretty much written this guy off. But then he moved to SmackDown, and out of nowhere he was cleanly beating United States Champion MVP and was besting the over 7 foot tall Great Khali on Pay-Per-View. He established a loose alliance with top SmackDown heels Edge and Chris Jericho, and was moved into a high-profile feud with Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio. This guy is being groomed for the Intercontinental Championship – and you know what? The fans are reacting to him, he’s got a good look, and he’s good enough in the ring. He’s a fresh face that is legitimately being pushed, and if things continue to progress at this rate, I could easily see him one day capturing the World Championship. The smart thing to do would be to keep him on SmackDown. But hopefully he remains injury-free, or else he could end up the second coming of Mr. Kennedy.
4. Jack Swagger – Perhaps nobody on this list received such an immediate push than Jack Swagger. Within a couple of months of his debut he had captured the ECW Championship from Matt Hardy, and proceeded to have an impressive enough title reign. Of course, despite being a “World” champion, he was left off of the WrestleMania card. He’s now wrestling no Raw, and although he’s arguably lost in the shuffle, I do expect him to capture the United States Championship within the next few months. He reminds a lot of people of Brock Lesnar, and for good reason. He’s big, he’s blond, and he’s a former amateur wrestler. Although I might go as far as to argue that Swagger’s got more personality than Lesnar. The only thing that may hold him back is his very apparent lisp. I think a move to SmackDown would benefit him, as he’s far more likely to rise up the card on the blue show. Nonetheless, I see this man holding one of the more legitimate World Championships within the next few years.
3. The Miz – The Miz learned this lesson years before Chris Jericho: Despite getting a great reaction from the crowd and achieving upper midcard status, the legitimate main eventers are not to be laughed at. The Miz has wisely abandoned many of the cartoonish aspects of his character, while remaining true to what made him a Superstar. Most people argue that his recent program with John Cena killed his credibility. I couldn’t disagree more. I think it showed that the powers that be have enough faith in him that they would give him a multi-week arc with their top star, and actually blow it off (unlike the Chris Jericho/Goldberg saga). I absolutely see this guy as a legitimate contender for the World Championship within the next few years. Not too shabby for a guy who came from The Real World.
2. MVP – What an interesting career MVP has had since his debut not too long ago. His bombastic introduction lasted several months, only for him to disappoint most when he actually debuted. He managed to find his character, and after a highly successful feud with Lord Voldemort, which brought him the United States Championship, he had arrived. His reign was the longest in WWE history, in fact. And he’s probably the only person in wrestling history in which a losing streak angle actually worked! Indeed, it turned him face and solidly got the fans behind him. Oh, and he eventually won back that United States Championship. In my opinion, WWE has foolishly missed out on a number of perfect opportunities to place him in the WWE Championship picture since his move to Raw, but instead they opted to continue to go with John Cena and Triple H. While I don’t see him winning the title before the end of the year, I do see him main eventing a Pay-Per-View for the title.
1. John Morrison – I had pretty high hopes when John Morrison was “promoted” to SmackDown, immediately turned face, and was seemingly placed in a program with Chris Jericho. But then he sorta floundered a bit. Sure, he had a number of clean pinfalls over World Champion CM Punk, but he was still being left off of Pay-Per-Views. However, it seems like things are back on track for the former Johnny Nitro. He’s established an alliance with the Hardy Boyz, putting him in the mix of the main story arc on the blue brand. Rey Mysterio’s poor fortune will also be Morrison’s gain, as he’s captured the Intercontinental Championship due to Mysterio’s suspension. I’d like to see him retain against Ziggler at the upcoming PPV, and then continue with a lengthy reign before moving on to a feud with Punk for the World Championship. Yeah, that may sound a bit optimistic, but this guy is MONEY. Barring some career ending injury or really stupid personal decision, I see this guy main eventing WrestleMania within the next five years.
3 comments:
I essentially agree with most of those, although I don't think WWE was behind Miz when it came to Cena (it's not that Cena won, it's that he essentially crushed Miz EVERY SINGLE TIME no matter how much of an advantage Miz was given). And MVP, I just don't like him. At all. He's fine for a midcarder but he really does nothing for me, and I doubt I'd buy a PPV he was main eventing unless the Smackdown match is great.
Hey Kyle,
Thanks for writing. While I have to admit that I never saw any of the Miz's PPV bouts with Cena, I feel that he received a fair amount of offense considering his opponent. In fact, I do recall one Raw match where Miz borderline dominated the match, although Cena won clean. Yes, they did recently have a match where Cena was highly handicapped and still won -- but it's important to remember that while Miz is on the rise, he's still a midcarder, and relatively young. Cena, meanwhile, is their biggest star, and challenging for the WWE Championship.
MVP is a curious case. Like I said in my description, when he debuted, was there anything redeemable about him? It actually wasn't until his feud with Matt Hardy that I started digging him. Right now, I think that he's just the closest thing Raw's got to a fresh face. And it's in desperate need of that.
While I agree about the need for a fresh face (very much agree, in fact), MVP just doesn't work for me. He just reminds me of every other guy around...okay but not great wrestler, same old promos, insert signature move of the Ballin' elbow (which I hate...I know they pop the crowd but I've never liked those kind of moves...I reluctantly accepted the People's Elbow but all the others after, meh...can you imagine someone doing a "Ballin' Elbow" or a "5 Knuckle Shuffle" in a real fight? They'd get killed), blah blah. I want to see fresh blood but I'd rather see Swagger get a push, although he's been shoved onto Superstars now. On the other hand with Orton, DiBiase, and Rhodes up top, there's no real room for another top heel anyway, and I don't care to see Swagger as a face anytime soon.
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