Pushing Faces

[Snowden]

So with the departure of Edge, it highlights the fact that the WWE is really lacking in credible, top faces right now. While the WWE has done wonderfully in pushing new young heels, they've been a little slow with their faces.

On Raw, you've got Cena and Orton in the main event, with the next guys in line being Morrison, R-Truth, and Bryan (sort of). Sin Cara just debuted, so who knows what'll happen with him.

Over on Smackdown, the situation is really dire. Your top face is Mysterio right now, a guy whose not a consistent title holder type like Edge. Below him is Big Show...more of an attraction than a main event player right now, and Kane. Christian will be in the main event by default, but he's never held the big strap. Kofi's had a very stop/start push over the last year. After that...that's it I think.

HHH and Undertaker are part timers right now, and can't be counted on to hold down a show.

At least in my mind, the WWE needs to elevate some guys, have some fresh faces at the top to go along with the bevy of heels. So what should they do? Push guys? Turn some face?

Obvious first step is to pull the trigger on Christian and see what he can do with a top title, at least for a couple of months. Del Rio has plenty of time to win the WHC, and can even be the next in line...but if he wins it now, there'll be no one to challenge him.

Over on Raw, you can elevate Morrison and his shaky mic work, get back on the Bryan wagon...or how about turn Miz? A newly turned Miz could freshen up the top, allowing him to work feuds with Sheamus, Punk, etc. You can even shuttle Orton over to SD in the draft to give them another top face. Just tossing it out there...not a really fully formed idea.

Thoughts? Ideas? Critiques?

[CSL]

On a mildly related note, I maintain my belief that Sheamus is going to get over big time as a babyface if/when given the chance. Maybe it could happen soon.

[Jordan]

This is a good observation... I don't see Triple H and The Undertaker going full time, but we could use Triple H again around Summerslam, maybe a Wrestlemania re-match. I think the obvious choice at the moment for a face push is Christian, which he is getting, but he needs to win to be seen as a top dog.

[dhellova guy]

Push Kofi and Christian for now, then find some new faces to put over.

DH Smith, possibly?

[Nicky Fives]

I don't think WWE has a choice but to puch Christian now..... Kofi, JoMo, Truth & Bryan seem like the "younger" guys that should receive the face push.....

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Kofi, JoMo, Truth & Bryan seem like the "younger" guys that should receive the face push.....

How the fuck can you include Daniel Bryan in this discussion. The boring cunt is part of "Apple" and has done nothing outside of winning the US title that has any significants. He bores the hell out of a live audience, and should be no where near the main event scene.

[Damian Rey]

Thinking about it, Morrison is a bit blocked in the main event scene on Raw. Moving him back to SmackDown!, where he could receive a test run as WHC would be a good risk, IMO. He has already feuded with the company's top heel, and came out on the losing end. Not much else to do there with Orton and Cena waiting in the wings for another title run, along with Punk.

I think building Kolfi up would be an excellent move. He's won the US/IC title numerous times. He's done what their is to do in that spot. Time to give him a trial run as well.

Even giving these two main event matches against a champion Del Rio at a PPV would add some credibility to their characters, and help Del Rio chalk up some clean wins. WWE has a great opportunity to make a new face. Hope they don't blow it.

[Rock Bottom]

I thought this title said pushing feces.

[Rock Bottom]

I have a lot less to contribute now.

[Lock Jaw]

I thought this title said pushing feces.

Stone Cold Steve Austin pushed feces out of his ass in South Africa.

[DLVH84]

Push Kofi and Christian for now, then find some new faces to put over.

DH Smith, possibly?

Yes, let the new British Bulldog take a bite out of the WWE.

[Rock Bottom]

Stone Cold Steve Austin pushed feces out of his ass in South Africa.

Rep rain check, 24 hours. Priceless ref.

[seapig4]

It seems as if a few guys have had pushes stopped like Kofi, last year his program with Orton (in my opinion) made him look like a star but since then he has been shit on. Morrison has his problems at the moment, Truth is terrible in my view and Bryan ain't gonna get over unless they change his music and make him into a submission specialist who can make anybody tap.

You can always turn people like Miz or Sheamus but then you're weakening your collection of heels. I'd like to see DH Smith given a big push at least into the US/IC title picture and perhaps give Santino a run into a more serious role. Also how about turning someone like Ted Jr or Drew i.e. a heel who has been over before but at the moment ain't doing shit.

[Asmo]

I'd love to see Sheamus as a face, and i really hope he gets drafted to Smackdown. Will give him some huge credibility if he can become the face of the blue brand, and cement his role as one of the top dogs in the company. And, Sheamus VS Wade Barrett? That one just writes itself - not to mention gives the WWE a truly global image - when was the last time both the champion, and the challenger were non-Americans?

[seapig4]

I'd love to see Sheamus as a face, and i really hope he gets drafted to Smackdown. Will give him some huge credibility if he can become the face of the blue brand, and cement his role as one of the top dogs in the company. And, Sheamus VS Wade Barrett? That one just writes itself - not to mention gives the WWE a truly global image - when was the last time both the champion, and the challenger were non-Americans?


Edge Vs Del Rio. But I know what you mean

[Rammsteinmad]

Christian, Kofi and Daniel Bryan (who should get moved to Smackdown) are the logical choices for face pushes.

Bryan should really become a 'wrestler' though. Maybe that can be his gimmick, that he isn't an 'entertainer' or a 'superstar', but a 'wrestler', then just have him go through people using his incredible technique, rather than strength, size etc.

Possibly John Morrison as well, but to be honest I feel right now he's better suited on Raw, especially with his unique in-ring style, is something WWE should want to be showing off on their A-show.

[Rammsteinmad]

Edge Vs Del Rio. But I know what you mean

:lol:

[Theo Dious]

Edge Vs Del Rio. But I know what you mean

Well to be fair they ARE North Americans. :shifty:

[MVP]

Morrison has the look and the talent to be the top face of the company. His mic work isn't very good, but I remember back in 2004 when Edge was an upper midcard face whose mic work was awful. Then he became the Rated-R Superstar and all that changed, however that required a heel turn to get over again. Perhaps Morrison needs a strong run as a main event heel to get more over. The difficult part there is competing with The Miz and Del Rio for that spot.

As for others, I think it's Christian's turn to be Smackdown's top face. I wouldn't be opposed to a face turn from Sheamus either since I think he'd have a smooth transition.

[Jordan]

After all these net reports on Morrison and my initially dislike of him anyway, I wish he'd see the door sooner than later. I know he does cool moves but so does Evan Bourne, Kofi Kingston, Christian, Sin Cara, Rey Mysterio, Tyson Kidd, and the list goes on.

Flip flops are for the beach son, learn how to fight. I am from the same breed as Vince McMahon (not really lol) and I don't think Morrison could win a fight with about ANY WWE Superstar, he'd prolly suck their dicks first.

[Jordan]

He'd probably let Hornswoggle, Swoggle his balls in Melina's butt.

[Logan]

It seems as if a few guys have had pushes stopped like Kofi, last year his program with Orton (in my opinion) made him look like a star but since then he has been shit on. Morrison has his problems at the moment, Truth is terrible in my view and Bryan ain't gonna get over unless they change his music and make him into a submission specialist who can make anybody tap.

You can always turn people like Miz or Sheamus but then you're weakening your collection of heels. I'd like to see DH Smith given a big push at least into the US/IC title picture and perhaps give Santino a run into a more serious role. Also how about turning someone like Ted Jr or Drew i.e. a heel who has been over before but at the moment ain't doing shit.

Have Santino in a more serious role? BLASPHEMOUS!!! lol. Seriously though, on that note WTF is it with Italian wrestlers getting either the idiot or comic relief treatment?

[DAMN iNATOR]

I thought this title said pushing feces.

lol, I did too at first.

[JimmyMess]

At first glance I was thinking of people pushing others' faces...

but the feces one is way funnier to laugh at.

[Jeritron]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PFzLV_OqNvQ/TMw3jz_HeCI/AAAAAAAABuU/LAOOIyQEWD4/s1600/nicetotheface%2BTerminator%2Bface%2Bpush+throw.png

[StevieA79]

On a mildly related note, I maintain my belief that Sheamus is going to get over big time as a babyface if/when given the chance. Maybe it could happen soon.

I agree with this I can see he has a real charm about him and he obviously had a good sense of humour. I have also been impressed with him when he gives out of character interviews with IGN for example he comes across well, he loves video games and seems to have a real passion for the business.

I don't know there's just something about him he has that certain quality that he can use as a babyface it seems to come out occassionaly when the heel character shows moments of being a babyface. Plus you have to think that he'll put on better matches and have more time to shine as a babyface he's limited as a heel.

I can see him catching on as a babyface I think you might be right! He could be similar to Triple H in terms of his in ring style and presence at least. He has potential to be a good babyface.

[Damian Rey]

Love Ramm's idea of Bryan getting moved to SmackDown! and recieving the "wrestler" gimmick. It woud at least seperate hm from others and play to his strength; wrestling.

I pray Christian gets the push. But honestly, Del Rio NEEDS to go over at Extreme Rules. With Edge gone, and Del Rio having Rodriguez and Clay in his corner, it only makes sense.

We would all buy a Christian world title run, but would the rest of the "WWE Universe"? I'm thinking they're just now getting a reason to buy into him. No need to hot shot that and blow their load. Let Christian get built up while chasing the title. Give him some obsatcles, have him overcome them, and drop the belt to him at Summer Slam. It would mean something if they should him overcoming adversity.

[Asmo]

Well to be fair they ARE North Americans. :shifty:

Yeah, that's what i was going for. :shifty:

[Snowden]

Really liking the idea of turning Sheamus face, especially considering the crop of heels that's in the WWE right now. What you guys has said is spot on, in that he's got pretty solid comedic timing. My only question is how would you *turn* the guy exactly, at least at the present moment. Since he's got the US Title and doing the whole "I'm a foreign guy w/ a red, white, and blue belt" thing right now, he's not exactly very ripe for the turning.

Surprised no one else has gotten on the bandwagon of turning Miz face. He's been getting some solid pops from the crowd, and I don't think that's just a function of him feuding with Cena. He's already got the catch phrase, and some ready made feuds sitting there on Raw...I don't think he's dropping the title soon, so why not freshen up the title scene and make a new top face in the process?

[Damian Rey]

I'd rather Miz stay heel until the crowd turns him completely, the same way that Orton turned face.

With Sheamus, just keep running him out there dressed up as Old Glory, cutting promos about how he's proud to be the champion of the United States. Technically, there's no reason for an American town to boo him. He isn't making a mockery of the title. He's embracing it. If the fans start buying in and cheer for him, start the transition. If not, keep him heel.

[StevieA79]

I want to go out on a limb right now after learning of a certain superstars aspiration to be the very best and watching many of his matches. He is a good wrestler. He can put on a good match, knows ring psychology well I mean the guy was mentored by Edge. He has worked with him already and is a real student of the game, this guy is just beginning to find his character and moveset and I expect BIG things of this guy. He's only 25 but has many years of experience so is beyond the green stage.

I am not saying he will be pushed as a megaface to replace Edge but I highly expect him to be a main eventer in the next 3-4 years. Why? Just a gut feeling but I overlooked this guy for so long he really has all the tools and drive to make it.

Ladies and gentlemen step up Curt Hawkins..

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8F0mJBdO4sU/TV8W7gvTLII/AAAAAAAAAV8/x_kfH6PWgdQ/s1600/Curt%2BHawkins4.jpg

Another wrestler who could well step up would be a face Dolph Ziggler as he has great charisma, is a good wrestler who puts his all into every match. He reminds me a lot of Mr Perfect in so many ways and I think he could be a future main event player also. Beyond these guys I can't really see anyone on the horizon right now but it will be interesting to see if we will see more of these guys in the future.

http://www.officialpsds.com/images/thumbs/Dolph-Ziggler-psd59800.png

[Snowden]

I don't disagree that Hawkins has talent...I just don't know if the WWE has the faith to push him. I fear he may fall into one of the late April/early May cuts.

[Snowden]

Especially with Superstars getting canceled, and the word out there that the WWE wants to trim the fat of sorts. They've got more invested in, say, Chris Masters than Hawkins at this point, so he may just end up going.

[Asmo]

Doplh reminds me of Mr Perfect as well. Though that could be attributed to his theme music, his hairstyle, and the flick of his hairdo that's become a taunt?

[StevieA79]

Doplh reminds me of Mr Perfect as well. Though that could be attributed to his theme music, his hairstyle, and the flick of his hairdo that's become a taunt?

Yeah the hair flick is a throwback to Mr Perfect but he has a real natural charisma about him that you just can't teach in my opinion. His theme music speaks about perfection and has a perfection theme so of course this brings to mind Mr Perfect.

His wrestling style is similar in many ways he's a traditional grappler and he's quick through transitioning from move to move if you want some of his pay per view matches he really raises him game. Which is why I believe he could be a main event player but he needs a face turn to do it in my opinion at least initially.

[StevieA79]

Especially with Superstars getting canceled, and the word out there that the WWE wants to trim the fat of sorts. They've got more invested in, say, Chris Masters than Hawkins at this point, so he may just end up going.

I can't see it personally as he is well thought of and has been mentored by Edge. They obviously see something in him given the commentary he receives on Superstars hyping him as one for the future etc.

He is 25 so is the right age as far as WWE is concerned to keep him because he is just about ready to be on Smackdown or Raw on a regular schedule now, I feel like he's coming to his time now but I could be wrong.

With Chris Masters they do seem keen on him and he is slowly getting over with the fans. Chris has some talent but I feel him being around for so long has probably hurt his chances of becoming a future main eventer. They have changed his character (doesn't want everything handed to him on a plate anymore) they say he had too much too soon etc. He could well develop but I think if he was going to make it he would have already.

You could be right though with Superstar going off the air they could well have too many talents and may have to make some difficult decisions. Talent doesn't always come into it afterall and sometimes they believe letting a talent go can be the best long term solution, particulary if that talent has the right attitude and bangs the door down somewhere down the line.

I hope Hawkins won't be let go though he really does have all the tools to make it he just needs a chance to shine now.