WHAT HAPPENED?

Thanks to social media, we are usually able to find out why certain wrestlers had their "pushes" halted, or were released from the company. A more recent example would be Jack Swagger, who was riding high after winning the WWE World Championship a couple of years ago. And that was exactly the problem, Swagger was driving, was pulled over, and then it was discovered that he had been smoking marijuana and was driving under the influence. He wasn't "future endeavored" like other stars have had happen. The WWE simply ended his run with the title, and ceased his push. Swagger worked hard, and now has something better than a title, he has fans who chant on command "We The People!".

Some of these wrestlers, or sports entertainers if you will, may have had the reasons already stated and I missed it. Feel free to post comments below if you have the legitimate reason. Most of these performers will be more recent, as it is hard to think of anybody from the Attitude Era and back. As those eras consisted on Hulk Hogan who rarely went without the WWE Championship or being in the main event picture. Attitude Era there was Stone Cold, and when he was down, it was The Rock and Triple H (there were others, but they were the main go to guys).


Bray Wyatt
It feels as though things were purposely toned down. Bray Wyatt literally had "the whole world, in his hands", and packed arenas supporting and signing along. Then nothing. Sure the WWE Universe still provides the "fireflies", lighting up the arenas and adding to an already cool entrance. The speeches are still strange yet amazing, but they aren't fan inclusion type of thing he was doing before. Is the WWE trying to maintain Bray as a top heel, in a talent pool slightly heavy on the baby face side of things? Wyatt had a pretty good feud with the legendary Chris Jericho, but what really came from it? A feud perhaps that was better left for Wrestlemania. Like I said, the crowd is still there, smartphones lighting the crowd, just waiting for their chance to be involved again. When will we finally get to follow the buzzards that are hovering around championship gold?


Sheamus
Yes, he got injured and the titles are now unified making mid-card titles just as good in a sense. However, Sheamus seems to be completely out of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture. He's in the beginning phase of a feud with Cesaro, something I hope culminates at Wrestlemania 31, because it should be very good. But, with Brock Lesner holding the WWE WHC and Sheamus currently being a face, wouldn't it make sense for the two of them to square off at some point? It would be fresh, and interesting to see. Rumored to be a "Triple H guy" in the beginning, what happened?


Fandango
What started as a cheesy gimmick, actually began to work. With some crowd support, mainly during his entrance mind you, but support was there. He had a beautiful valet in Summer Ray. And then, he slowly seemed to just disappear from television. Was there an injury? Another issue like a failed drug test or scuffle backstage? Summer Ray seemed to actually progress her career further since the dance duo split up. What happened to Fandango?


Adam Rose
Almost everything about this character is geared for fan love, and fan involvement. His entrance doesn't get much more catchier. He had a catch phrase that the audience joined in on, "Don't Be A Lemon! Be A Rose Bud!". Rumors state that it was a simple case of Vince McMahon getting bored with the character, similar to how he supposedly feels about the Bo Dallas character. Whether or not this is true, not sure.


Damian Sandow
This is a situation that is similar to Triple H after the MSG Send-Off with fellow Kliq members Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash. When he was "punished" and dropped to the bottom of the card to work his way up. Damian Sandow was a Money In The Bank winner, and a really good heal. Then, in an instant it was all gone. He became Santino Marella's replacement in a sense, filling he comedic role on the card. What makes him similar to Triple H, is that he hasn't let this stop him. Making the various characters, including his current role as The Miz's stunt double, quite entertaining. If he keeps this up, it will only be a matter of time before he is back in the mix at the top of the card. I just can't help but wonder what caused the sudden stop. It was
n't something bad enough to fire him over, but at times it feels as though it is intentionally trying to break him. Then again, WWE creative has had moments of "wtf" without being provoked before.

Zack Ryder
Not even a fan of The Long Island Iced-Z other than his "Woo, Woo, Woo! You Know It!", but one can't argue that he has quite the following. A fan base larger than some main eventers. And that was without any real push of any kind from the WWE. It appeared as though it was going to happen. Getting the main event "rub" from Cena. Mick Foley claims it was the lame storyline involving Ryder, Kelly Kelly (I think) and Kane. Regardless, the fans didn't really falter, yet he never appears in PPV's, doesn't even appear on Raw or Smackdown! And when he does, it on the losing end of things. Will he ever get another shot at glory?

Perhaps the reasons for these staled pushes have already been stated, but if not, it would be nice to know. Although it is a business where only hard facts (drug tests, crimes, etc) tell us the truth with both WWE and pro-wrestlers having a habit of bending and molding the truth.

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WRESTLEMANIA SEED PLANTED, OR ONE AND DONE?

If you caught Raw last night, then you are most likely aware of The Great One making a surprise appearance. If not, you missed out on what was one of the more exiting moments as of late. You missed out on the goose bumps from being electrified. Not even sure if the "dirt sheets" knew the The Rock would be making an appearance.

It wasn't a pure verbal segment either, although it was vintage Rock owning the mic. There was a nice small, one-sided exchange with The Rock layin' the smackdown on Rusev. It was short, yet made an impact. Now that is over, I can't help but wonder, "was that it?". It is almost a throw-back to have a legend make an appearance, run through the current monster heel, and then leave. However, The Rock himself has said he wants to be a part of Wrestlemania 31, after missing out on action for Wrestlemania 30 (other than the opening segment with Hogan and Stone Cold). It was apparently going to be Brock Lesner and Rock at 'Mania XXX, but that all fell through due to scheduling, and now The Streak is over. Anyway, with the rumor still being that it will be Roman Reigns squaring off with Lesner for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 31. Who does that leave for The Rock?

If I were in charge of booking, I would have Rusev continue to mow through the competition, even Big Show. With Lana boasting the Russian propaganda. The once we hit the Royal Rumble aka The Road To Wrestlemania, we have Rusev and Lana begin to call out The Rock. The one man to get one on Rusev and go unpunished. It would be USA versus Russia with no real worries about the WWE pulling the plug like they did with Jack Swagger. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a full-blown patriot, and if there were "issues" regarding the story, after match at Mania The Rock can simply leave again and return when the heat has died down. I don't see what the problem was with Swagger, but this is how I would go about it since it is how it is. Guess we will see once we do reach the Road To Wrestlemania at the start of 2015.

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RETURNING TO GLORY

Randomly caught an episode of Global Supercard Wrestling. Seeing a list of superstars before the Attitude Era/Monday Night Wars. Guys like Booker T and his brother, Stevie Ray. Which made me think, we're all waiting on Sting to finally step foot into a WWE ring. Whether it for a match, or a simple interview segment, it will be historic. But, what about all the stars of yesteryear? Sure we had Booker T, and he is now a WWE Hall Of Famer, but what about his brother? More notably, their Harlem Heat tag team? After Vince McMahon and WWE bought out WCW back in 2001, we were provided with an opportunity for all the stars WCW made to make their mark on WWE. There were a variety of reasons for their absences. Some opted to take time off and finish collecting the guaranteed money form their WCW contracts. Some simply weren't offered a spot, while some refused to go to the WWE. Regardless of the reasons, we were denied.

With us now over a decade removed from the demise of WCW, and age being the proverbial biatch when it comes to athletics, it becomes less and less likely that we will ever see these stars make a WWE debut. Sure, we now have the WWE Network now so that we can watch all of our favorite moments from the past. And all the new found attention some of the wrestlers will get, could earn them an induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame. That would be great, for both the performers and fans alike. The "Legends Contracts" and deserved props from the fans for the wrestlers, and a final chance to say "thank-you" for the dedication and sacrafice simply to entertain us for us fans. However, as we have seen in some cases, although time is running out, some of these veterans can "still go". Remember Steamboat after he was inducted into the HOF, facing off with Chris Jericho. And the "You Still Got It" chant was extremely apt. Or even more recently with the New Age Outlaws, or the resurgence of Goldust keeping up and tagging up with his younger bro Cody (Stardust).

So, the point of all of this is to name off some guys who I wouldn't mind seeing making their debut, or return to a WWE ring. Guys from WCW's glory days, or even recently from TNA. Whether it be for one last run on the main stage, or a simple one match and done type situation. Even if that comes in the form of say a 6-man tag team match. Here are those I want to see debut or return to a WWE ring and eventually be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame...

Harlem Heat
Not too sure about Stevie Ray's status, and although Booker takes on more of a promoter/commentator/general manager type role, I would like to see a reunion of the brother tag team. A reunion that is also a WWE debut for the team and for Stevie Ray, as well as a return to in ring action for Booker. As far as I know, this tandem hasn't been in a WWE ring together. It wouldn't have to be a run like NAO had, or Goldust is currently on. Would hate for the world to see Stevie Ray's main stage career end with is part in the mock WCW at the end of the company. And I want this tag team in the WWE Hall Of Fame. Which could never happen with Booker having a successful WWE career on his own. What about you? Can you dig it?


Scott Steiner
Although we aren't supposed to say "never" in this business, this return is very unlikely. Which would be a shame really. I was ecstatic about Big Poppa Pump being in the WWE, I wasn't too keen on how they utilized him. And given the now near PG level of product (at least not full blown PG anymore), Freakzilla wouldn't quite fit into the scheme of things. Scott Steiner teamed with his brother, Rick, worked in years prior to the Attitude Era. But, the awesomeness that he became on his own unfortunately does not. Would be nice to see a proper run, even with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship since he was denied back when Triple H was playing the new age heel (his run with the World title was almost to peeve off the haters who said it was because of Stephanie). If not though, hopefully there is a spot for him in the WWE Hall Of Fame at least. Both for himself, as well as with his Dog Faced Gremlin bro Rick as the Steiner Brothers.


TNA Wrestlers (Past & Present)
Sure they aren't really who I was referring to, but for some of them, their careers are winding down or could possibly end at any moment given the high risk in this business. And lets be honest, as good as the performers are at TNA, the company itself has turned into somewhat of a joke. And if they don't get into the WWE now, then we could "lose them" forever in regards to main stages. Which can be important in developing stories that add to the matches. Gives them "reason". Who would I want to see? AJ Styles would be top of the list. The other guys would be Robert Roode and Eric Young. EY could be utilized as the WWE's mix of Santino Marella and Daniel Bryan. Comedy or underdog. I would say Samoa Joe, but would be fearful of how the WWE would use him. Especially with "Joe's Gonna Kill You" chant not fitting under the current format. Too many changes at the moment.


Jeff Jarrett
Yes, I still spell his name "J-E-Double F, J-A-Double R-E-Double T" in my head while writing/typing his name.And I didn't mention him in the TNA crew as he is a special case in comparison to those mentioned. Jarrett went to the WWE a somewhat established name, had a decent run in the WWE (although with a mid-card and tag team peak). He put over Chyna before he left for WCW, where he rose to the main event in a company with that proverbial glass ceiling. After WCW folded, instead of returning to the WWE Jarrett created  TNA. And too many out there, the company was a legit contender when he was in charge of things. Now, he is building another wrestling company. Add the fact that he has never really had a good relationship with the WWE, it makes this one of the most unlikely returns. Perhaps a HOF induction could happen one day, but even that seems unlikely. Never say never though right?


Bully Ray
More than any of the other "WWE Guys" on the TNA roster, I would want Bully Ray to return to the WWE. Not saying I don't want Devon to ever join him, I just appreciate how Bubba Ray has become Bully Ray. He would be a perfect heel, especially with an anti-bully campaign. And likely willing to take the heat for his role. A solo run, possibly with the WWE Wolrd Heavyweight Championship, ending with a Dudley Boys reunion. Capped off with an induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Yes, they just did this in TNA. This would be better, no?


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REIGNS IS OUT, WHO IS IN?

Rumors were rampant, and it was somewhat obvious that WWE has been giving former Shield member, Roman Reigns, the proverbial "push". Which was to culminate at Wrestlemania 31, with the young Samoan beating "The Beast" Brock Lesner for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. That was the supposed plan, but plans change, especially in pro-wrestling. Roman Reigns recently underwent emergency surgery on a hernia, that will take a long period of time to fully heal.

So, let's assume that Reigns is out of the main event picture, now we are left with the question of "Who's Next?" No, that wasn't a set up for a Goldberg return. Although his match with Lesner at Wrestlemania XX needs to be revisited (if not, erased). Who should WWE get behind and give a push? Should the person be a new superstar looking for his first shot? An established star that is waiting for their first real push? Or one of already established main event players? Opinions will vary on what type and most definetly in regards to who. But, here are some examples of who we think should step into Reigns boots....

Cesaro
Someone who could fill the void quite easily. Although it isn't a straight to the top type of push, Cesaro has been getting primed for one. Having won the initial Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania XXX, and being in the mix for the mid-card titles he has shown he is ready for WWE to at least see where he can go. Also, add the fact that he is another powerhouse, as well as a former Heyman Guy, it would make sense for him to face off against Brock Lesner for the strap.


Dean Ambrose
Still waiting to see just how well he does on his own, but for storyline purposes, he would possibly be a great choice. Also a former member of The Shield, he could either have Seth Rollins cash in on him the moment he wins the title, or begin a feud with a returning Roman Reigns. Although at the moment, I see Ambrose being more of a top mid-carder.


Randy Orton
I can't remember ever seeing this before. Orton vs Lesner. I can remember Lesner vs Cena back when they were all main roster rookies. I would be on the fence though as to whether I think Orton would be the right choice. Randall is an amazing performer, and perhaps under rated in some ways, however, with Lesner being the "heel", Orton would have to try and go "face". Something he doesn't like, and is clearly better when playing the villain. It would present him as the legend killing badass that he hasn't been portraying as of late.


Damian Sandow
Probably not the first name to pop into your head. And hard to blame you given how WWE has chosen to use him. However, Sandow has been over achieving with the crap hand he has been dealt. Although they are meant to be comedic, he is taking all these different roles and making them entertaining. His current work as stunt double for The Miz has been top notch. It would actually be nice to see him rewarded for it. He is similar to Triple H, when he was being punished for the MSG Kliq Send-Off.


Daniel Bryan
Like with Orton, this would be more of a run than a push. In Daniel Bryan's case, it would be a continuation of the run he was having with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship before also being taken down by injury. The lack of "YES!" chants is all due to him not being on television, as crowds do tend to light up with that chant whenever his wife, Brie Bella, is on. Like with Roman, we aren't sure of DB's return date, but would it not be perfect for a Royal Rumble return and once again capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in Wrestlemania's main event? Especially after last years lack of Bryan in the Rumble.


The list is endless, and really a matter of opinion. Guys like Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston, amongst many others are all due for a push to the top. With Roman Reigns out of action, and with no time table set up for his return, WWE may be best to at least try and start pushing any and all of their stars. The Rock and Triple H really shined through after Austin and Undertaker were on the shelf back in 1999/2000. And they're in the same situation right now without names like Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, etc on the active roster (or under contract in regards to Punk).

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GREAT MOMENTS THAT KIND OF RUINED WRESTLING

Perhaps "ruined" isn't the proper word to use, but on at least a miniscule level they have. Most of them weren't even really "the first", with them being regularly used story arcs and scenarios that simply turned into greatness based on the performers, the era, etc. None the less, here they are...


The Rockers Split-Up:
Even back then, it wasn't very rare for a tag-team to break-up, have their feud, and then either go their separate ways or reunite at some point. However, with The Rockers it was different. Namely due to the birth of HBK and the heights Shawn Michaels reached, combined with Marty Jannetty really going nowhere after their feud. Shawn putting Marty through the Barber Shop window is still one of the best moments in sports entertainment. However, ever since then it has been a foray of tag-teams that have done well together only for them to be split-up. The problem here is that we now immediately look for who will be the HBK and who will be the Jannetty. At times it seems as though WWE does it simply to try and find their next Heart Break Kid, while their tag-team division flounders. Of course there have been exceptions over the years, where the tag-team division is as big as the WWE title picture (ie Attitude Era), but it doesn't seem to last. Even with the Uso's and Goldust/Stardust, I find we wait for them to split and have a feud, both would be epic mind you, but why keep them all together and rebuild the division to a more stable manner?


Hollywood Hulk Hogan:
Possibly one of the biggest moments of not just the Monday Night Wars, but wrestling history. The immortal Hulk Hogan turned heel and joined Hall & Nash to form the n.W.o. It wasn't even the first time the Hulkster was a heel, having been one near the start of his career. How did this ruin wrestling? I can't help but wonder if we all wouldn't be craving a John Cena heel turn if this hadn't had happened. Sure, Cena's rise to the top came from a heel with great ability on the mic (rapping and not) that got over with fans. But, now Cena's face run has run its course with the mass majority (kids aren't as loud anymore), similar to Hogan right before his turn. John has said himself how all of those who boo now, will simply cheer when he turns. He's not wrong, but we did the same for Hogan at times during his Hollywood days, but for the most part we played along and booed him for his actions as a heel. Heck, the boos started to outweigh the cheers when the n.W.o. was beginning to be played out past its prime. To add to the internet speculation, all the red & yellow Cena has been wearing gives the Black & White's coming vibe.


Trish Stratus From Valet to Wrestler:
How could she have possibly ruined wrestling? Well, she didn't. Her greatness is what's caused WWE to ruin it. They seem to think they can turn any pretty model into a professional wrestler/sports entertainer. Now of course there are obvious exceptions to this conversation, with ladies being able to "go" in the squared circle. But, there always seem to be a few who don't belong, or at least don't belong on television at the time. Right now would namely be Eva Marie. She could turn out to be an amazing wrestler one day, but why is she in actual matches, especially televised ones right now? Couldn't her role on Divas be of a person training to becoming a wrestler? Perhaps acting as a valet, while she learns the in-ring. Womens matches can be botchy at times with inexperienced wrestlers like that. Not their fault, but their being green makes the division look bad. And one can't help but wonder if this would be the case if not for the success of Trish (and some others) making the transition so well.


Monday Night Wars:

Thanks to Eric Bischoff and Ted Turners money, WCW was whooping Vince McMahon and WWE's butts. To the point where Vince and company weren't far from going out of business. Sure there were countless moments during this time, but again Vince McMahon almost "lost". Not something he likes to do, I am sure. And because of this he's learned from his mistakes. Say goodbye to straight ship jumping between companies. All contracts are laced with no compete clauses, and law suit that would ensue likely would be a horrible business decision in the end. And lets face it, the usual 90 days doesn't cause as much impact upon a performers debut elsewhere. Say goodbye to wrestlers really being themselves or using own names (in most cases). WWE has everything on lock, with trademarks, etc. And kind of say goodbye to any chance of someone going head to head with WWE again. WCW eventually folded due to being to focused on what WWE was doing and trying to crush them. TNA showed that it wasn't ready, and perhaps a sign that nobody should really ever attempt to go head to head with WWE. At least, not until your truly at par with them. (and yes the pic is of Russo, looks good to me lol)


Like stated in the opening line, "ruined" is an improper word to use really. But, it seems as though they have had an impact on the wrestling world in some fashion. With every reaction there is an negative one, just in these cases they are truly small.

WHY LESNER ENDING STREAK WILL PAY OFF

First off, I am in the group that believes that the Undertaker's Undefeated Streak at Wrestlemania should never have ended. Now, it's happened, and it is past due that we all deal with it.
Now, I am in the group that thinks that there wasn't anyone else better suited to be "the 1 in 21-1" than Brock Lesner. Undertaker as a man, loves and respects the sport of MMA. He has said that if the sport was as big as it was when he started wrestling, he would've went a different route. Add the fact that the amateur wrestlers that have been in pro-wrestling have had a natural respect for being "legit" and for being legit tough guys too. Brock is one of the very few who could likely beat the Deadman in an actual fight. Add Taker's striking ability, it would make for a great one too possibly. Lesner is a former UFC Heavyweight Champ, amongst other accolades. Pretty legit.

A lot of people are in the group who believe it should have been an up and comer, or someone in the midst of a massive push. And you wouldn't be wrong in thinking this. However, the things I see wrong with this idea is that we don't know what the future holds. So many things could happen that could have turned the massive achievement a waste. Injuries (frequent or career ending), lack of interests from fans, real life situations (hate to say it but, Benoit). And who's to say who could handle that kind of heat? First, no matter the choice, the fans will be split on whether it was right or not. Secondly, breaking the Undertaker's streak at Mania would/could bring "Heel 4 Life" type of heat. Is that something an upcoming star needs? This is where Brock makes the better choice. He doesn't care. I am sure a part of the real Brock Lesner is honored, but knows professionally he is unaffected. He can be the heel and bask in the heat, and like he is soon to do, bath in Cena's blood and the cheers that will come with it.

Now, if Brock wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, it will add to the ending of the streak. How? Well, the fact that its justifies/makes sense what happened at Mania. Ending the Streak should translate into a title shot whomever ended it. So, take into consideration that the Undertaker is getting up there in age, and that his Wrestlemania matches were sooo good mainly due to the months of preparation that the old school professional put into his yearly appearances. So now, we would have a legit beast of a champ in Lesner who could "put over" an up and comer in the midst of a massive push. A push that would culminate in possibly an amazing match with not only the champ, but the man who conquered the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. Which would now go "un-tarnished" regardless of the up and comers future. Imagine Daniel Bryan finally coming back and knocking Lesner out with a knee to the chin and the win? Or of course the rumored, Roman Reigns would work too despite the Spear reminding me of Wrestlemania 20.

Although I would love to see the Undertaker come back one more time to face Sting at Wrestlemania 31, I will understand if 30 was the last we see of him (until HOF time). Once again, enter Brock Lesner. Once the financials work themselves out, and the pay day is there, Lesner could be the new "premiere" part-timer to take 'Takers spot. Rock is busy doing movies, Sting is looking for his "one more match aka first WWE match". Batista...we'll see how his next return goes. The entire situation worked against him at the Royal Rumble. Admit I was in the group of "Bootista Haters". Revenge on Evolution should be proper and almost a throw back to when I last liked him. Back to the point, not really anyone else to fill this spot.

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DID VINCE RUSSO JUST KILL HIS 2ND WRESTLING COMPANY?

It is possible. Very possible. It is being reported that Spike TV informed Dixie Carter and TNA Wrestling that they not be renewing their contract come October. Supposed reason? Vince Russo's "under the table" involvement with TNA. Something Spike TV apparently was very clear about. No Russo.
If all of this is true, and let's say that Dixie can't find the company another television deal? And TNA folds? It will mean that Vince Russo has killed another wrestling promotion. What's impressive about this feat, is that this time around it was by pure association. That, is hilarious.

What is ironic, is that as of late TNA has been on a pretty good run. True, Impact has been "stacked" lately because of TNA Wrestling's attempt to woo the Spike TV execs. But, it has been good. And will admit, there are moments where Russo's work is good, or it appears to be for a moment, I think he just needs a McMahon to keep him inline. If anything, give him credit for helping Booker T get his first of 5x WCW titles.


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