It's the most exciting time of the year for wrestling fans. The "Road to Wrestlemania" has begun and the WWE should be putting out it's best product for us to watch. Aside from last week on Smackdown, the WWE hasn't disappointed so far. All the stars are aligning (and returning) for this Wrestlemania to be a pretty good card. However, before Wrestlemania arrives, the Elimination Chamber PPV must commence. Let's do a quick rundown of that PPV.
The Elimination Chamber
- Raw's Chamber Match: The sad reality behind this match is that it really only comes down to Punk or Jericho winning the match. They may not be the last 2 in the match, but it will be 1 of those 2 wrestlers winning the title. honestly, i feel Punk could drop the title at the Elimination Chamber and chase Jericho heading into Wrestlemania. That way fans have a reason to be optimistic and upbeat going into Wrestlemania instead of feeling fearful that Punk may drop the title on the grandest stage. Do i think Punk will ultimately walk out of Wrestlemania with the title? I'll have that prediction in a later blog.
- Smackdown's Chamber Match: I like this chamber match a lot. I like the combatants in the match... with the exception of The Great Khali. Every ounce of my being wants to say "Who gives a damn." Honestly, everyone should feel that way. I explained why in my last blog and i'm not going to get into it again. I love seeing Cody Rhodes in getting a top spot for the PPV. I don't see him walking out the victor but a good outing is not out of the question. Wade Barrett SHOULD be an exciting entrant. Instead, his character puts me to sleep anymore. His in ring work is getting better but his charisma is going to waste. He may need a change of scenery or a face turn. Keep in mind that the draft is also coming up soon. Ultimately, Daniel Bryan retains the title to face Sheamus at Wrestlemania in a rematch from last year! Wait, what do you mean you don't remember their match from last year's Wrestlemania? Oh, right. It got pulled from the card and was the dark match for the event. It still happened, though. This time we'll get to see it.
- Cena v. Kane (Ambulance Match): This is quite possibly the worst gimmick match in existence. I would rather see a Viagra on a pole match. Anyway, i expect Cena to finally get over on Kane, rising above the hate, and preparing himself from his match at Wrestlemania against The Rock. Kane will probably continue his feud with Zack Ryder. Hopefully, he also gets that gap in his teeth fixed.
That's the whole PPV card so far. Ironically enough, the IC title, US title, Tag titles, and Women's title are not being defended. I hate harping on this. I really do. However, the WWE has done everything it can to make these titles mean nothing. This just continues to show that they don't care. Yes, i know Cody is in the Elimination Chamber match and i am fine with that. There's no excuse for the other titles meaning so little. I suspect Beth Phoenix may defend her title against Tamina. Exciting.
In other news, it was announced on RAW that HBK will be returning to RAW this coming week. He doesn't really have anything new to promote, so this could set up something interesting for Wrestlemania. I'm hearing rumors that HBK may be the special guest referee for the Undertaker/HHH match. That would be an interesting twist and up the drama of the match from last year. I'll confirm his WM involvement as soon as i can.
In addition to the normal wrestling insight, i am also asking for volunteers. I am looking for readers, wrestling fans, and supporters who would be interested in writing regularly for The Wrestling Genius blog. There are so many options and themes for weekly or bi-weekly columns that you may be interested in. If you are interested and don't have any ideas, just get in touch with me and we can brainstorm. If you have an idea, just pitch it to me and we'll get it posted. Anyone interested can send me a Facebook message, email me at unamiable@gmail.com or tweet me at @unamiable09 on Twitter.
And now...
What to Watch for:
1. HBK on RAW: I assume he will have some interaction with HHH regarding the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. I also assume this sets him up for being a part of Wrestlemania in some capacity. When HBK is at Wrestlemania, it's electric.
2. Smackdown: I suspect Smackdown will redeem itself a little with this weeks episode. Well, it can't do any worse than last week, right?
3. Kofi Kingston: With Evan Bourne suspended (and maybe more), Kofi is going to be pushed as a single's wrestler again. My gut feeling is that Cody Rhodes drops his IC title to Kofi when Cody gets the call up to the main event roster.
Revamp:
1. Smackdown Status: Seriously, Smackdown has it's own roster of wrestlers. It is it's own brand. Why is it not live? Seriously. People would watch it more if it was Live on a Tuesday night instead of taped on a Friday night. WWE has always said it's because of travel schedules and probably production costs. I get that to a certain extent. However, if they were serious in wanting to increase their ratings and in giving the fans the best product they can, they would find a way to make it live. In addition, it would also take away from Smackdown feeling like the inferior show even when it's not.
2. HoF Match: This isn't exactly a "revamp" as it is an addition. Wrestlemania is epic for many reasons. One of those reasons is it's history with legendary superstars. Instead of having HoF superstars getting into angles with current superstars, the WWE should implement a HoF match every year at Wrestlemania. I wouldn't mind seeing an old school match between Piper and Hart or Flair and Foley. Granted, the legends have to still be able to perform at a decent enough level to throw punches and hit clotheslines and such. Maybe it's just me though. Maybe i just miss the less-spotty-more-technical matches of the past.
3. Announce Team: Michael Cole is less and less entertaining every week. What's worse is that The King is sinking to his level. You can tell that The King just isn't that interested anymore with Cole doing the calling. Booker T's color commentary is acceptable. I just think it's time to take Cole away from announcing for right now. The best time to do that was when he was in his fanboy angle with Miz and, later, Swagger. he could have become an on-air personality/manager and would have made a great character. I don't even know who could replace him at this time. Anyone have Tony Schiavone's number?
2.05.2012
Wrestling Quick Hits
Smackdown Review:
- Ugh.. a 4 match show? I thought this was the wrestling show for WWE? Anyways, the Sheamus and Rhodes match was good enough but it was a lose-lose situation. neither wrestler deserved to lose that match because of the progress they both have been making. Sheamus is on his way to main event WM and Cody is well on his way to main event status. Poor booking, in my opinion.
- Henry getting suspended was executed poorly. He broke Big Show's ankle with a chair after a match, but got suspended for flipping Teddy Long's tie in his face. Okay, sure. Teddy Long has worn out his welcome as the Smackdown GM. He screws up more lines than our Executive Vice President of Talent Relations.
- The Barrett v. Orton match was good, but it gave Barrett another loss. If the WWE is hoping to get him into a main event spot, key losses to main WWE superstars aren't going to help. He needs real heat from the fans to become a top heel and he won't get that until he defeats a top face like Orton or Big Show.
- I love Daniel Bryan and I am enjoying his transition into a heel. However, being a vegan doesn't make you a heel. No one is going to hate you because you don't eat meat. Focus on something else. This is basically a carbon copy of C.M. Punk's straight edge lifestyle that he used to either get heat from the fans or win them over. Drugs and alcohol carry more weight than beef and pork.
- Natalya has a farting angle. Yep. Enough said.
RAW Preview (2/6/12):
- I doubt we'll get answers about HHH's decision about Johnny Ace on RAW. HHH said his personal feelings were cleared up and then Undertaker came back. It looks like HHH declined the challenge, but the match will happen at WM. It'll be a cat and mouse situation until then.
- Given where RAW is taking place, it's safe to say we'll see Good Ol' JR (@JRsBBQ) iin some capacity. I would LOVE if he became the new GM of RAW. I have a better chance seeing the Steelers win the Super Bowl tonight.
- Punk/Jericho will build even further tonight. This is going to be the best angle leading up to Wrestlemania story wise. I suspect the "Best in the World" tag line will be the reason for the feud. Jericho (@IAmJericho) always said "I am the best in the world at what I do" and, well, now he's wrestling. C.M. Punk (@CMPunk) claims to be the best wrestler in the world. I can't wait to sit back and watch this one.
- They will further build the Kharma/Phoenix angle. I don't have much to say on this one. Beth should run.
What to Watch for:
1. Punk/Jericho Angle: This match is going to steal the show at Wrestlemania, in my opinion. I know the hyped match is Cena and Rock and that will have it's entertainment value. However, Punk and Angle have a chance to show awesome wrestling skills in an exciting match with 2 of the very best in the business. Pay attention.
2. Cody Rhodes: This superstar has grown in EVERY aspect of the business. He has the charisma, the wrestling ability, the look, and the confidence to be the future of this company. I believe that if Cody stays on track, he'll be holding a WWE or World Title within a year.
3. WWFX: This federation held a show in Manila this past weekend. The show included stars such as Carlito, Billy Gunn, Shelton Benjamin, Snitsky, MVP, Chris Masters, The Hurricane, Melina, and John Morrison. Colt Cabana was also there as a host of sorts. Overall, the show got pretty good marks and John Morrison became the first WWFX champion. Good to see he didn't give up on wrestling all together. I'll be keeping an eye on this federation.
Revamp
1. Natalya's Angle: Are we 5 years old again. Granted, i'm a guy and farts will always be funny to me. But... come on. Really? Embarrassing a professional wrestler and Diva with this type of angle is ridiculous. I'm embarrassed to even watch or comment on it further.
2. Smackdown GM Position: Teddy has held this position forever and it has become pretty stale with him as the character in charge. Time for a shake up! It's easy to say that, though, and not come up with a suggestion for a replacement. There really isn't anyone that immediately comes to mind to run Smackdown after Teddy Long. The grass is always greener, i suppose. I'll give this some more thought.
2. The Great Khali: There really is no fixing this character, to be honest. A revamp wouldn't work. It's time to cut your losses with the big guy and let someone more capable and deserving have his spot. He has no mic capabilities, limited ring ability, and no fan following or heat at all. When people boo him, it's because they actually dislike seeing him wrestle, not because they dislike his character.
- Ugh.. a 4 match show? I thought this was the wrestling show for WWE? Anyways, the Sheamus and Rhodes match was good enough but it was a lose-lose situation. neither wrestler deserved to lose that match because of the progress they both have been making. Sheamus is on his way to main event WM and Cody is well on his way to main event status. Poor booking, in my opinion.
- Henry getting suspended was executed poorly. He broke Big Show's ankle with a chair after a match, but got suspended for flipping Teddy Long's tie in his face. Okay, sure. Teddy Long has worn out his welcome as the Smackdown GM. He screws up more lines than our Executive Vice President of Talent Relations.
- The Barrett v. Orton match was good, but it gave Barrett another loss. If the WWE is hoping to get him into a main event spot, key losses to main WWE superstars aren't going to help. He needs real heat from the fans to become a top heel and he won't get that until he defeats a top face like Orton or Big Show.
- I love Daniel Bryan and I am enjoying his transition into a heel. However, being a vegan doesn't make you a heel. No one is going to hate you because you don't eat meat. Focus on something else. This is basically a carbon copy of C.M. Punk's straight edge lifestyle that he used to either get heat from the fans or win them over. Drugs and alcohol carry more weight than beef and pork.
- Natalya has a farting angle. Yep. Enough said.
RAW Preview (2/6/12):
- I doubt we'll get answers about HHH's decision about Johnny Ace on RAW. HHH said his personal feelings were cleared up and then Undertaker came back. It looks like HHH declined the challenge, but the match will happen at WM. It'll be a cat and mouse situation until then.
- Given where RAW is taking place, it's safe to say we'll see Good Ol' JR (@JRsBBQ) iin some capacity. I would LOVE if he became the new GM of RAW. I have a better chance seeing the Steelers win the Super Bowl tonight.
- Punk/Jericho will build even further tonight. This is going to be the best angle leading up to Wrestlemania story wise. I suspect the "Best in the World" tag line will be the reason for the feud. Jericho (@IAmJericho) always said "I am the best in the world at what I do" and, well, now he's wrestling. C.M. Punk (@CMPunk) claims to be the best wrestler in the world. I can't wait to sit back and watch this one.
- They will further build the Kharma/Phoenix angle. I don't have much to say on this one. Beth should run.
What to Watch for:
1. Punk/Jericho Angle: This match is going to steal the show at Wrestlemania, in my opinion. I know the hyped match is Cena and Rock and that will have it's entertainment value. However, Punk and Angle have a chance to show awesome wrestling skills in an exciting match with 2 of the very best in the business. Pay attention.
2. Cody Rhodes: This superstar has grown in EVERY aspect of the business. He has the charisma, the wrestling ability, the look, and the confidence to be the future of this company. I believe that if Cody stays on track, he'll be holding a WWE or World Title within a year.
3. WWFX: This federation held a show in Manila this past weekend. The show included stars such as Carlito, Billy Gunn, Shelton Benjamin, Snitsky, MVP, Chris Masters, The Hurricane, Melina, and John Morrison. Colt Cabana was also there as a host of sorts. Overall, the show got pretty good marks and John Morrison became the first WWFX champion. Good to see he didn't give up on wrestling all together. I'll be keeping an eye on this federation.
Revamp
1. Natalya's Angle: Are we 5 years old again. Granted, i'm a guy and farts will always be funny to me. But... come on. Really? Embarrassing a professional wrestler and Diva with this type of angle is ridiculous. I'm embarrassed to even watch or comment on it further.
2. Smackdown GM Position: Teddy has held this position forever and it has become pretty stale with him as the character in charge. Time for a shake up! It's easy to say that, though, and not come up with a suggestion for a replacement. There really isn't anyone that immediately comes to mind to run Smackdown after Teddy Long. The grass is always greener, i suppose. I'll give this some more thought.
2. The Great Khali: There really is no fixing this character, to be honest. A revamp wouldn't work. It's time to cut your losses with the big guy and let someone more capable and deserving have his spot. He has no mic capabilities, limited ring ability, and no fan following or heat at all. When people boo him, it's because they actually dislike seeing him wrestle, not because they dislike his character.
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