FUTURE ENDEAVOR SEASON

Usually not long after Wrestlemania, the WWE begins to thin out their roster. Up until a few years ago, it was always the main roster that saw the majority of the cuts. Nowadays with NXT in the mix of things it is a combination of both. We'll focus on the main roster for this, but who should possibly be a bit worried? It is rumored, and a bit apparent, that WWE is looking to put more focus on the United States and Intercontinental Championships. And there is a small resurgence within the tag team division. Add the fact that Seth Rollins is now WWE World Heavyweight Champion, so the main title will be in the mix of things. This is all great. However, you need talent to do this.

But, business is business. Although most of the cuts will likely come from NXT, as there has been less invested in them so far so to speak. This list will focus on those from the main roster who may want to worry about their job security with WWE. Some are simply under utilized, rarely seen, at the end of their in-ring career, etc, etc. And they are...

Heath Slater

With Titus O'Neil reforming Prime Time Players with Darren Young, the One Man Rock Band's career doesn't look too good. Unless WWE comes up with a new plan quick, Slater may be playing his tune elsewhere.

Zack Ryder

His popularity with the IWC is possibly what has kept Ryder around for this long. Under utilization would be to blame here. Here's hoping he forms a tag team with someone, and keeps around within the tag division. Or somehow rises in the ranks with the mid-card titles.

Goldust

 Goldie has shown that he can still go, but after the partnership with Cody, sorry, Stardust ended. Where else is there for the Bizarre One to go? Behind the scenes of course. Like his father, the talent doesn't simply lay with an in-ring career.

The New Day

Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E. All three of them. Unless this was all a plan, and there is an upcoming heel turn, New Day sucks (as the crowds are now saying). Even if this wasn't a plan, a new direction needs to happen soon.

R-Truth

Truth is entertaining no matter what direction he takes his character. But, like many he is mainly under utilized. Perhaps after all these years of being a showman, a heel turn and being the front man of a heel New Day could save Truth (and as stated previously, New Day as well).

Adam Rose

There didn't seem to be a plan for this character if and when, which it basically has, the party ended. If you count a short feud (if you can call it that) with The Bunny, he hasn't done much. Time to restart the party, or change the direction. Overly used, but possibly a legit heel turn?

Christian

He's currently resting and heeling up, but how much longer will WWE keep Captain Charisma around? At least as an in-ring performer, there must be a behind the scenes position for Christian if he chooses that route.

A Diva would usually be added to the list, however, AJ Lee has just recently retired from WWE. Whether or not the remains she is finished with wrestling remains to be scene. Likely though given the playing field. Of course, none of the performers deserve to be let go, it is just how things are going or how they are, or haven't been used. This is why there needs to be not a competing second company, but how WWE and WCW coexisted during say the 80's and early 90's. Guess we'll see how, when, or if this all plays out.


For more Wrestling, Comic Book, Movie, TV Show, and Video Game stuff! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!

WWE GANG WARFARE

Factions are beginning to pick up some steam in the WWE again. The Shield and The Wyatt Family are white hot, and just getting started. There were rumors of The Shield splitting up, and could still happen in the future or the WWE has seen an opportunity to add a little gang warfare to the mix of things for awhile. With the short lived Corporate Attitude (Corporate Kane and the Corporate Outlaws) and now the rebirth of Evolution (minus Ric Flair seemingly) it seems they are, at least until Extreme Rules. Can't blame them really given the success of The Wyatt's squaring off against The Shield. An angle that was over with the crowd, with them all slowly getting into the ring, and not even throwing a punch until they squared off a few weeks later.

With quite a full roster, that now includes a NXT roster as well as the developmental/training facility recently established, it wouldn't be far fetched to see other factions or trios emerge. A new group, or a returning group, or a mixture of the two, not too hard to envision. Even the recent resurgence of the "Attitude Era" adds to the wonder (despite of The Streak ending). Here's some example of possible choices...

Legacy

Triple H is eventually returning to a part-time in ring career while Batista returns to Hollywood for a bit. This leaves Randy Orton all alone. True he could venture back into a solo run, but again with the current success of trios and factions, why not bring back Legacy? Or an updated version with Orton as the usual center piece, Cody Rhodes after turning on his brother, and then possibly Curtis Axel after he gets out of that ridiculous tag-team with Ryback. Even Bo Dallas could join Legacy if the current Bo-lieve gimmick tanks.

L.W.O. (Latino World Order)

Okay perhaps a better name than the n.W.o. spin-off from the good old WCW days. Alberto Del Rio of course would be the leader of this squad being the man with the money. Who to surround him with is a bit harder to decide. Would love to see a Rey Mysterio heel turn, but likely not going to ever happen. So, perhaps a heel turn for Los Matadores (also perhaps matching lucha libre masks). Del Rio has done everything else so far as a heel, and is limited as it seems to be able to go face, so perhaps building a group around him would add a freshness to the character.

The Job Squad

Although unaware of the outcome of house show matches, on television however, certain wrestlers are coming across as a new age jabroni or enhancement wrestler. Nothing against them, it is just that the WWE has presented them this way as of late. Even top guys like The Miz and Dolph Ziggler find themselves sliding down the proverbial ladder. Strong work ethics and fan bases have stopped them from falling off the radar completely. So why not group them together and have not only great matches, but also possibly some great promos that are in a worked shoot type manner. The Miz, Zack Ryder and Dolph Ziggler. Or any of your favorite wrestlers who've received the jobber treatment as of late or whole WWE careers. There is another key name that could fit here but he's being saved for this...

The Nation Of Domination

Kofi Kingston needs this. Or something in the ballpark of this idea. Kofi is an unbelievably talented performer, but has been relegated to being the dreadlocks version of Shelton Benjamin. Why choose The Nation or something similar? Remember what this format did for Rocky Maivia, or The Rock as we now know him thanks to that. With Kofi Kingston we will include Big E as he still needs more mic work, and this could provide a platform to allow him to find his niche. Plus his singlet very reminiscent of The Nation wardrobe. Then we add the Worlds Strongest Man, Mark Henry. Similar to giving us The Rock, The Nation introduced us more to Henry. And at the tail end of his career, what better way to go out then to help launch the next generation of The Nation Of Domination.

Nexus

Perhaps not a direct rip-off of the sudden impact squad that had consisted of WWE rookies that included Daniel Bryan, Wade Barrett, and Husky Harris (aka Bray Wyatt), and others. With NXT being relatively successful, as well as the launching pad to the main roster, why not have a NXT trio or faction enter the gang warfare brewing in WWE.

3MB

Don't laugh, this could have worked, and still can. Heath Slater was a part of Nexus and wasn't the "weak link" in the crew. Plus, he likely couldn't fit any other role, plus he is quite capable in the ring. As is the very talents, but under utilizes Drew McIntyre. He has been pretty much buried since being Vince McMahon's handpicked "guy". He truly looks the part and makes a perfect fit into this group and their gimmick. That is also why he would move to the front man position in the trio, while Slater takes lead guitar so to speak. Jinder Mahal would either need to make himself a better fit as he stands out. It is easy to tell he's not believing in the role, and his mic work comes off as very awkward. Perhaps a chance for someone like Curt Hawkins to make his presence known. regardless, a more serious tone and this group could enter the war and come out looking like Rock Stars. If Y2J wasn't at the part-time phase of his career, this would have been the perfect faction platform for the Ayatollah Of Rock And Rollah!

Add Divas

Slow down, don't get ahead of yourself. Only select ladies, and only for short times. Tamina Snuka looks like she could a perfect member of The Shield if the WWE went this route. Natalya Neidhart often mentions her families Legacy. Come on, the division could use something big, plus it is better than the possible couples war that is available. Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella, John Cena & Nikki Bella, Jimmy Uso & Naomi, amongst others. Even CM Punk & AJ Lee are together. All those big names, it wouldn't be to hard to envision happening at some point.


Why possibly expand or keep factions around? Can you say War Games? Vince McMahon may have shot down the idea all of these years, but Triple H is almost a mark in sense that he watched the same wrestling we did, and also keeps his eyes and ears on social media. So it could happen in the future. There is of course a spin-off of The Heenan Family with The Heyman Family, but who the heck could beat a team with Cesaro, CM Punk and Brock Lesner? Okay, other than Super-Cena, who could?

For more things Wrestling! Head over to The Non-Geeky Nerd and check out News, Reviews, and more!

TNA DOING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS...THE WRONG WAY

Usually try to maintain a positive attitude around here, but at times, especially on the wrestling side of things it is hard to maintain that attitude. TNA wrestling usually being the midigator of these feelings of annoyance and confusion. WWE has done this at times, but with them sometimes you really have to look at the big picture and the long term side of what they do. An example of that was with Daniel Bryan. At first it felt as though they were truly trying to hold him back. When you compare it to other superstars though, notably Stone Cold Steve Austin who agrees that they are taking the similar route they took with him, you can see that they are building this up to a grand finale. Not at Wrestlemania XXX as many may expect, however it may culminate at Summerslam, where this YES! Movement really started to explode. Stone Cold was white hot awhile before he got to the main event and winning the strap at Wrestlemania XIV.

How does this relate to TNA? Couldn't help but notice tonight that they are finally giving "Showtime" Eric Young the push he deserves ten times over. A talented performer who has been put in the postion over the years of being the "Santino Marella of TNA" or the company funny man. Which is fine, it shows the performers willingness to do what is asked and make it work, which in turn shows how talented they are on the entertainment side of things. And although not everyone enjoys the comedy, without it or things like it, might as well tune into Bellator or UFC for nothing but the athletic side of things (even though you can see which MMA stars are pro-wrestling fans, as they stand out and/or admit it).
Back to EY's situation, although it is well deserved and over-due, it is almost a direct copy of WWE's current storyline involving Daniel Bryan, HHH, Randy Orton and Batista. Which although a triple-threat match could end up a fatal-fourway match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This is how TNA is doing the right thing, but doing it wrong. Wrong time perhaps is a better description, but when you look at the smaller workhorse of the company, with a beard, thrown into the championship match and even as the crowd chants "YES!" it is hard to argue the similarities.

Then there was the Gail Kim & Lei'D Tapa situation. A unique looking, next generation female wrestler getting a shot is a good thing. She also presented an opportunity to fill the void still left by Monster Kong/Karma's departure. That being said, and I would have to go back and see who began their storyline first, but anyone else feel as though we were watching WWE's AJ Lee and Tamina Snuka? Or visa-versa?
TNA has had a history of providing the better female wrestling of the two companies, and seemed as though they may have been looking to rebuild the division with some of the past stars making returns in Madison Rayne, Angelina Love, etc. This was another example of TNA doing the right thing, but the wrong way. They also recently released Tapa, who although a tad green, could've gained experience on the fly while standing out at the same time adding that rare big powerhouse in the female divisions.

One more minor similarity. Abyss and his new mask. Before he was a Man-Kind knock-off, and now is giving an early 2000's Kane vibe. Maybe it is just me. Google search though shows, perhaps not the first time either.

Magnus does make for a decent champion. Only as a heel so far mind you, but he's doing things right. Problem is, TNA although selecting a good champ, has a depleted roster with really not anyone left who can put Magnus over the way he needs being a rookie TNA Champion. Sure there are some great TNA talent left who could help him with this, as even each of them would make for a good "face of the company". Samoa Joe, Bully Ray and Abyss to put him over the way Mick Foley did for Triple H (and others) when he was looking to get that "tough guy" reputation. Rude, Anderson and Storm for the quality, more technical matches. And of course the other "next guy" wrestlers like Gunner for the rest. Problem is, TNA lags in the creative department so these would likely be dragged out badly, or be too quick to really make any impact.

Dixie being off television was a very good decision. Still needs delivery work on the mic to be a character that even the mainstream fan to want to see, and then the more involved fans who are aware of why things are so bad. Majority agree she needs to focus on learning how to operate a wrestling company, this provides that. One thing they are failing to do, is eliminate Dixie completely. Although they openly knock her to get the cheap pop, but when a character is related by the fans as failure, they need to wipe it from the fans minds in order to try and get them to think that the slate is clean and things are different now.

If anything, it is at least makes for a good #TBT or Throwback Thursday moment, as we watch a sinking ship like it is the end of the Monday Night Wars. Well until things capsize...

Stay Nerdy! Or Tap Out!

FEMALE HALL OF FAMERS

Congrats to Lita on her upcoming induction into the WWE's Hall Of Fame. She'll be joining other female Hall Of Famer's, Trish Stratus, Mae Young, "The Fabulous" Moolah, among a few others. Which is also well deserved, having established her own niche in the history of pro-wrestling being unique from those she was competing with as well as those who came before her.

With the list of female wrestlers in the past being quite low, especially in comparison with the guys, it isn't a surprise that the female count within the WWE Hall Of Fame is low. And with the the inductions seemingly creeping into the "Attitude Era" in terms of the inductees (mostly), which is also when there was a real resurgence in the women's division, it isn't odd to wonder who would be next. Also, it would be wrong to wonder who should be in there but curious as to "if" they ever will. They say to never say never in this business, so here's a list of possible future female WWE Hall Of Fame Inductees...

Medusa

In the early 1990's she was Alundra Blayze the WWF Womens Champion, when the women's division was somewhat making a return after a slight hiatus, only for it to kind of disappear once again. The next time we saw her and the WWF Womens Championship belt, was on an episode of WCW Monday Night Nitro, with Alundra Blayze now known as Medusa, dumping the title belt in a garbage pail on live television. She is also a former WCW Women's Champion. If she doesn't get inducted, it may be by her own decision. Vince and the WWE are known for "sucking it up" for the good of business, and despite the major insult with the belt it was a massive moment in the Monday Night Wars and the history of wrestling.

Ivory

The mouthy firecracker of the women's division, but despite the ability to talk (a lot), Ivory could "go" in the ring. Her three title reigns showed that. As annoying as her "Right To Censor" gimmick was, it was meant to do that and she did it amazingly. Even standing out from the rest of the RTC at times both in the squared circle and on the microphone.

Stacey Keibler

She did try to develop some in ring ability, we all remember her foot chokes on her opponents showing us all her super long legs. It was her performances as a manager that earns her a spot though, if not just for her popularity (it is a business after all, and she drew on looks alone). She was a new age Miss Elizabeth, and as long as she was put with someone who was talented, she didn't over-shadow them, and helped their careers. Plus, there were rumors Stephanie McMahon was trying to get her inducted this year as a "big" name induction.

Luna Vachon

If there was one "Diva" who truly broke stereotypes on women's wrestling it was Luna. Coming from one of wrestling's family dynasties, she had the ability in the ring, cut it was her over the top character that helped her stand out amongst the more traditional "Divas". Not only a great wrestler, she also made for a perfect manager/valet for anyone who has a "weird" gimmick and need help getting over. Never did get a title reign, so perhaps an induction into the Hall will suffice.

Victoria/Tara

She came in as one of The Godfather's "Ho's", but then, like her friend Trish Stratus, this former fitness model became one the best female wrestlers of our generation. Who can forget her "Street Fight" match with Trish back in 2003? They proved the girls can do what they guys can on that night. She's been in TNA Wrestling the last few years, but like many others, isn't at the present moment. Would be nice to see her recognized in the form of a WWE Hall Of Fame induction. Two title reigns as WWE Women's Champion in the WWE, her reigns in the competing (now floundering) TNA are also worth mentioning, although won't help any in her getting the nod.

Jacqueline

She may have been tiny, but if there was a female wrestler that you thought could kick your butt, and most likely could, it was Jacqueline. She held her own on the mic, in the ring and in a bikini (90's and 00's was loaded with that), and even held her own against the men, winning the WWE Cruiserweight Champion in 2004 to go along with her two reigns as WWE Women's Champion.

Chyna

This one mat fall entirely on her. On both a personal and on a business level. Obviously she would have to completely sweep her feelings on Stephanie & Triple H and what had happened in the past. Old, long story short; Chyna & Triple H were a real life item that ended when he hooked up with Stephanie in real life. But, even more important than that is she would have to remain clean and sober like a list of other wrestlers have seemingly, and rightly so, have had to do (ie Jake Roberts most recently). And perhaps, just maybe stay out of the porn industry as well. We'll have to see if the former WWE Intercontinental Champion and former WWE Women's Champion ever gets into the Hall.


There could be others as well, women like Torrie Wilson, Molly Holly, among others. Regardless, the list is a lot shorter then the men's. I would possibly induct a female every other year as to not run the list dry. Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson are pushing it, as they weren't the best of wrestlers when they attempted, but still drew in money for WCW and WWE. Unfortunately, the list isn't going to get much longer as the now "Divas" division is openly mocked at times. Luckily, there are still some names that could one day be Hall Of Famers (AJ Lee, Natalya Neidhart, etc). Hopefully by then we can include TNA female wrestlers in the list, as they had for the longest time, a much superior women's division. Until then...


Stay Nerdy!