DISCUSSION - Should JERICHO head to Smackdown in the not-so-distant future?

[Heyman]

<font color=white>EDIT - To save the sanity for a LOT of readers, I will propose all future "roster transction" ideas in THIS thread. This thread was formerly about Taker moving to Raw, but I have UPDATED it (as of May 4th, 2004), to "Jericho heading to Smackdown</font>

DISCUSSION - Should JERICHO head to Smackdown in the not-so-distant future?

-With guys like Benoit and Edge higher up on the depth chart anyways (in line for the next guys to 'topple' Triple H from the top spot), Jericho may be better used on SD.

-Smackdown could use another star who can potentially draw and attract fans. While guys like Booker T and RVD may have been BURIED so much to the extent that they can no longer draw, perhaps Jericho still has some 'star power' left in him (needed to draw).

-Jericho has never feuded (atleast for an extended time period) with the likes of Undertaker, Eddie Guerrero, RVD, John Cena, Booker T, and Kurt Angle. In ALL of these cases, a long feud with any one of these guys would be something new. If Lesnar ever comes back, same thing.

I'm not sure HOW Jericho should end up going to Smackdown (maybe like Matt Hardy, the WWE just says his contract 'ran out' and he signed with SD), but it could be beneficial for Jericho and the WWE.

[CosaNostra]

I'm a little weary of the Undercowboy

[Heyman]

I'm a little weary of the Undercowboy

I think it's safe to say that most internet smarks were disappointed with Taker's 'cowboy' appearance. Hopefully - the WWE realizes this.

With Smackdown in need of more depth, and superstars who are FULL-TIME wrestlers, I think a Taker trade to Smackdown could be IDEAL......especially if it gets a guy like Christian (a guy who seems to be on the rise right now).

[SuperSlim]

well I'll just say they had Matt as high as the stars on SD! then once they brought him to Raw they buried him to the depths of jobber hell. So a trade for Taker could involve Matt Hardy- he can get back the credibility he lost. Christian can head over there with Trish to add T&A cause right now the only diva on SD! doin anything really is Torrie. Jackie is there with Rico but that's it. It's only Torrie that gets to do stuff so with Trish there it can add to the diva package over there. Steiner would be a good choice... but if someone goes over him it would look aight but not somethin of real significance. WWE needs to build him up to have some credibility... the only thing credible bout him really is his name. Lastly Eugene? I say keep him on Raw... he has more of that Raw gimmick to him than SD! would for him. I think those 3 guys plus the two divas would be very beneficial to SD! while Taker would fit right in with Raw.

[MVP]

No matter what brand Undertaker is on, he's going to be booked to pull off victories or else his return and his "gimmick" will be worthless. Perhaps Taker could pull off some wins over HBK and Flair to re-establish himself as a RAW main eventer, then start a feud with Orton.

What I see happening is Taker has a brief feud with Flair and goes over with a decent victory; Flair, upset over his loss has the new leader of Evolution, Randy Orton go after Taker throughout the oncoming weeks on RAW, in which neither superstar gets a clean victory.

Then at the next PPV:
"Hardcore Legend" Randy Orton vs. "The Deadman" The Undertaker in a Casket Match

Randy Orton picks up the win, and ends their feud on a good note.

Benefits:
Randy Orton adds Undertaker to his list of Legends he's defeated.
The return of the Casket Match will likely draw big time.
Undertaker retires on top, pushing Randy Orton to the main event.

[SuperSlim]

LIke Taker would let Orton do that to him in his type of match... sadly he won't... it sounds like a real real good idea though

[Heyman]

well I'll just say they had Matt as high as the stars on SD! then once they brought him to Raw they buried him to the depths of jobber hell. So a trade for Taker could involve Matt Hardy- he can get back the credibility he lost. Christian can head over there with Trish to add T&A cause right now the only diva on SD! doin anything really is Torrie. Jackie is there with Rico but that's it. It's only Torrie that gets to do stuff so with Trish there it can add to the diva package over there. Steiner would be a good choice... but if someone goes over him it would look aight but not somethin of real significance. WWE needs to build him up to have some credibility... the only thing credible bout him really is his name. Lastly Eugene? I say keep him on Raw... he has more of that Raw gimmick to him than SD! would for him. I think those 3 guys plus the two divas would be very beneficial to SD! while Taker would fit right in with Raw.

Agreed with Matt Hardy. However - I also think he can do more than just 'gain back his credibility'. I believe that he can be really over as a face...especially alongside Lita.

My only concern with Christian heading over to Smackdown....with Trish, is that this hurts the women's division. Trish is a great wrestler for the women's division. While Lita is no longer the wrestler that she once was, Trish is still in her prime and in good shape. I'm thinking that Christian could maybe head over to Smackdown and hook-up with some new diva (i.e. Sable? Dawn Marie?).

As far as Eugene goes, I think he has a great blend of wrestling ability and gimmick. I think he could contribute well to Smackdown's ratings. Raw already has plenty of faces such as Jericho, Benoit, Edge, and Shelton Benjamin.

[The CyNick]

Geez, do you want to make sure nobody watches Smackdown?

Even though Taker is pretty much useless to the top guys on Smackdown losing him to RAW would definately make Smackdown seem like a show worth missing. Even if you get Christian, Matt Hardy, Eugiene (WTF????) and Scott Steiner, thats going to make Smackdown look miserable. Why? Well they will be getting 3 no-carders and 1 mid carder for one of the top guys in the company. Thats like tradind Alex Rodriguez for 4 minor leaguers and expecting people to buy seasons tix to see the minor leaguers play.

Does Hardy have a future if pushed right? Hell yeah. Will he be pushed right? Seems unlikely.

Eugiene will be yesterday's news before you read this message

Scott Steiner is even more worhtless than Taker because of his health, dude cant work a full schedule and well, he sucks.

Christian would be a nice addition to SD, but he's not equal value for Taker.

The idea that Taker will do the type of JOBs that will make people stars is so funny. Yes he did a JOB for Brock, but Brock was getting a huge push, and physically he's a huge guy, so Taker wouldn't mind putting him over. Randy at this point doesn't need a win over Taker, because Foley already did more for him than Taker ever could in a match. In terms of Kane-Taker, with Kane going over, it'll never happen. Plus, why would it happen? Kane is useless (thank-you Shane McMahon). The only guy I could see Taker doing a serious JOB for is Big Show, but aside from that I dont see any serious JOBs from the Deadman.

Smackdown cant afford to lose anymore stars, Taker is one of their biggest, so unless HHH or HBK is coming the other way, then I dont think Taker to RAW is a smart move (unless you want to get Smackdown cancelled, in which case its an awesome idea).

[Heyman]

Geez, do you want to make sure nobody watches Smackdown?

LOL. I think the WWE are doing a better job of that than I am. ;).

Even though Taker is pretty much useless to the top guys on Smackdown losing him to RAW would definately make Smackdown seem like a show worth missing. Even if you get Christian, Matt Hardy, Eugiene (WTF????) and Scott Steiner, thats going to make Smackdown look miserable. Why? Well they will be getting 3 no-carders and 1 mid carder for one of the top guys in the company. Thats like tradind Alex Rodriguez for 4 minor leaguers and expecting people to buy seasons tix to see the minor leaguers play.

I see what you're saying, but it's not like Taker is on every show anyways. He only shows up on random occassions from what I know (I don't get Smackdown and am too lazy to read the results on the net :)). If Taker gets traded, Smackdown will practically be getting 3 or 4 guys for free.....3 or 4 guys of which can help Smackdown in the future if pushed right......3 or 4 guys of which the WWE have intentions of pushing.


Does Hardy have a future if pushed right? Hell yeah. Will he be pushed right? Seems unlikely.

True, but I remain optimistic. The WWE seems to be on the right track by teasing a face turn and teasing a re-alignment with Lita.

Eugiene will be yesterday's news before you read this message.

I think most marks will pop for Eugene for quite awhile. Think about it - most marks continued to pop for Rikishi's dancing, Rock's catchphrases, and Austin beating on his boss for a MUCH longer time than most internet smarks.



Scott Steiner is even more worhtless than Taker because of his health, dude cant work a full schedule and well, he sucks.

True........I'll give you that.

Christian would be a nice addition to SD, but he's not equal value for Taker.

True, but what do you think about his potential for the future? Could Christian ever become a legitimate main-event heel? I mean - the guy has almost everything.....he has the looks, ability, and charisma. Since the WWE put the title on Guerrero, they have also shown that they are now willing to give the smaller guys a chance.

Could Christian BECOME as valuable as Taker?


The idea that Taker will do the type of JOBs that will make people stars is so funny. Yes he did a JOB for Brock, but Brock was getting a huge push, and physically he's a huge guy, so Taker wouldn't mind putting him over. Randy at this point doesn't need a win over Taker, because Foley already did more for him than Taker ever could in a match. In terms of Kane-Taker, with Kane going over, it'll never happen. Plus, why would it happen? Kane is useless (thank-you Shane McMahon). The only guy I could see Taker doing a serious JOB for is Big Show, but aside from that I dont see any serious JOBs from the Deadman.

I dunno. I'd like to think that Taker will do a significant JOB before he retires. Orton going over Foley was great, but Triple H already did 4 years ago.....when Foley was in his prime. In my opinion, perhaps the fans would get an even BIGGER erection if Orton goes over Taker.....a guy who is perceived to be still in his prime.

Smackdown cant afford to lose anymore stars, Taker is one of their biggest, so unless HHH or HBK is coming the other way, then I dont think Taker to RAW is a smart move (unless you want to get Smackdown cancelled, in which case its an awesome idea).

This won't happen, but how would you like to see Orton and Batista head over to Smackdown? (in return for Taker). Orton is definitely a star for the future, and arguably has as much 'drawing power' as Taker right now. Perhaps Orton and Batista can start up a new Evolution on Smackdown.

A Randy Orton/John Cena feud could easily become as 'entertaining' as The Rock/Triple H was from a few years ago. Maybe it could draw in the same manner?

[Savio]

I say fire Undertaker and move stiener to SD!

[BasicThuganomics]

I say fire Undertaker and move stiener to SD!

I'm gonna assume that was a typo and you meant to say that Steiner should also be fired right?



And Heyman, thanks for the warning by the way. It's been awhile since i've read a post of yours at all honestly. But I do enjoy seeing people shoot down your idiotic ideas.

Basically I think that RAW has enough political backstage problems, and Taker wouldn't help at all. SD does need some more starpower, but I think that there could be a better way to bring people over other than getting rid of the guy who is their biggest name. (even if he's old and selfish and hardly works)'

Your idea sucks once again Heyman. :p

[Savio]

I'd rather see stiener squash some one then an old fragile man.

[BasicThuganomics]

Hell, fire the Undertaker too for all I care, but Steiner just plain sucks now IMO. Although I think Taker has alot more to offer even now than Steiner does.

[Savio]

WWE kisses takers ass.

[The CyNick]

Orton would be good on Smackdown, in theory, but I think he needs to work HHH first. Ive said this a million times, but if they dont have Orton rise up and take out HHH in a long term program then they are wasting everyone's time. And the HHH JOB would/should be a big deal (should have the same effect Heyman was talking about with Taker).

Down the line, over a year from now, after Orton has won the title, and beat Triple H then he could go over to Smackdown, but like I said I wouldn't do that for at least a year, but I'm thinking more like 2 or 3.

I think with the brand extension, you have to make people want to see matches before you give it to them. I'd rather see Orton and Cena as World Champions, and they could run around saying "I'm better", kinda like Hogan-Flair form back in the day. Then, way down the road you have one of them switch and it would be a big deal to see them feud (especially since one is face and the other is heel). But right now there are plenty of guys for each guy to feud with on their own brand.

I have no faith in Taker, its just the way it is. I'd love to be optimistic but I have no reaosn to be when it comes to the Deadman.

In terms of Eugiene, he might get over for a few months (more like weeks), but where can he go with the character? Will Eddie Guerrero ever headline a PPV against Eugiene? No he wont, so whats the point of moving him to SD? They already have enough over face acts who do mid card stuff, they need heels who can main event.

Christian on SD would be a great idea, but not in exchange for Taker. Like I said Taker has a 'big name' value with the fans, SD is already hurting for stars. Christian is NOT a star (yet). Yes in time I think he could be a main eventer, but he isn't right now. Heck I think Rene Dupree will be World Champ one day, but not now, and thats why SD is hurting, they dont have anyone for right now. Christian would be a step above Dupree, but he is still a mid carder, and I think SD would look weak with Eddie headlining against Christian. If they could bring over a guy like Christian without giving up a big name, it would be great for 9 months- 1 year form now, but I dont think thats happening.

Its actually too bad they turned Jericho, because he would have been the ideal guy to work a long program with Eddie, but its too late for that.

[Heyman]

<font color=white>For those who want to continue to talk about Taker, feel free to do so. Here was the original post. </font>





DISCUSSION - Should Undertaker head to RAW in the not-so-distant future?

<font color=white>Potential Advantages</font>

1) From the assets of an Undertaker trade to Raw, Smackdown can get some more depth. Hopefully, this 'depth' that they get from Raw, can be used to help declining ratings. Since Undertaker is hardly on television anyways, it will almost be like Smackdown getting 2 or 3 new wrestlers for free.

2) Undertaker can eventually be used to add to Randy Orton's resume: While it's true that Orton went over Foley, I think it would mean even MORE for Orton if he went over Taker. Not only is Undertaker arguably a bigger legend than Foley, but he is also not seen as a guy who is 'past his prime'. Stars such as Flair, HBK, Foley, and even The Rock, all are.

What if Orton is responsible for 'retiring Taker' just as Triple H was responsible for 'retiring Foley'? :eek: *boner*

3) If Taker goes to Raw, perhaps the WWE can FINALLY have a significant match between Taker and Kane where Kane goes over CLEANY. This means that Kane can finally break the shadow of being 'a poor man's Taker'.

4) Since Taker is being used as a 'special attraction'/part-time worker nowadays, he may be better suited to the Raw brand anyways.......a brand that caters more towards gimmicks, etc.


<font color=white>Potential Disadvantages</font>

1) Smackdown is already short on 'big name' superstars. If a guy like Taker is destined to head to Raw, then Smackdown better be getting some POTENTIAL main-event superstars for the future. Christian is a guy who has momentum right now. Perhaps he could go to Smackdown and become a top heel. Eugene seems to be hitting off with the fans well. Perhaps he could help (to a certain degree) with fan interest on Smackdown. A guy like Scott Steiner could also be used on Smackdown. Steiner is a veteran wrestler, who could help up-and-coming talent on Smackdown 'get over'. Steiner, to some degree, is also a 'marquee' superstar. The 4th and LAST superstar(s) I'd add would be Matt Hardy w/Lita!

I truly believe that if the WWE pushes Matt right, as a face, alongside Lita, he can become almost as big as Cena and Guerrero are now.

In short - If Taker is headed to Raw, Smackdown better get a decent package in return. With WWE's attitude towards Smackdown lately however, I'm not sure if this is possible.

2) With a lot of backstage politics on Raw (Raw is known more for its backstage politics), would Undertaker make matters worse? Furthermore - when Undertaker does make one of his 'special guest appearances', is it really beneficial to see him SQUASH someone?

3) Will we see Taker/Kane for the 5 millionth time?......where Taker once AGAIN gets the better of Kane?

[Savio]

They could just trade jericho for ummmmm the bashems and billy gunn

[Heyman]

They could just trade jericho for ummmmm the bashems and billy gunn

That would be pritty gay........not to mention, UNEVEN. :nono:

I'm thinking that the WWE should do the whole 'contract expiration' thing.....where Kurt Angle starts talking about how a certain Raw superstar is about to come to Smackdown.

Perhaps Jericho's decision to defect to Smackdown can have something to do with not getting a title shot (notice how on Raw, Jericho said that he wanted a title shot against the winner of HBK/Benoit..........what if his wishes aren't met?......thanks to Bischoff?).

[Savio]

Uneven? Raw needs a tag team all they have is the frenchies and the heros.