Has WWE given up on the Tensai experiment? [Archive]

Dark One

09-29-2012, 05:30 AM

whiteyford

09-29-2012, 06:01 AM

He needs a decent angle, any angle really.

dronepool

09-29-2012, 06:11 AM

He needs to go back to being A-Train.

Shisen Kopf

09-29-2012, 06:43 AM

He needs a decent angle, any angle really.

This, and drop the Tensai gimmick. Everyone wants the hip hop hippo back. Team him with Brodus Clay, the kids will love it. And if the kids are happy, Superslim is happy!

Tom Guycott

09-29-2012, 07:02 AM

It's not really surprising. They didn't give him anything to work with other than "Go have a match." He's not exactly Daniel Bryan or CM Punk in the ring.

Give him a story, a microphone, something and maybe people would care. I think the gimmick could work if he were attached to something. But given the fact that a lot of people know who he was, sending him out for squash matches wasn't going to work.

Sadder still is that they had plenty of opportunity to salvage this. Instead, they chose to:

a) ignore all the "ALBERT" chants by pretending he didn't exist. These are the same fans who chanted "YOU STILL GOT IT" to Ricky Steamboat, but we're supposed to forget this guy is just a shaved A-Train.

b) bank on the fact that just because he "looks the shit" as an intimidating heel that he was supposed to hotshot to the top of the card after a lengthly absense from WWE. They're not even pushing guys that are around, why would the crowd buy a guy that just came back after x amount of years to be a world tiltle caliber main eventer? Even Lesnar's return wasn't an out of the blue WHC/WWE Title match or a true build to one. It was a showcase matchup. Much like any return Undertaker may have left in him.

c) do nothing to flesh out his character other than say "he's huge in Japan and was unstoppable there". Oh, and that all those henna tats on his face say "BEWARE OF TENSAI". Well, he's not in Japan anymore. Only goes so far. Why does he only speak Japanese? We know Albert speaks English. What was the deal with Sakamoto? Why take the abuse and hang around him? Nothing.

erickman

09-29-2012, 09:15 AM

yep they gave up on him and clay feed them to the big show, wonder when ryback will be feed to show.

Gertner

09-29-2012, 10:04 AM

This, and drop the Tensai gimmick. Everyone wants the hip hop hippo back. Team him with Brodus Clay, the kids will love it. And if the kids are happy, Superslim is happy!

lol jesus christ

itsmeJD

09-29-2012, 10:18 AM

Tat the rest of his body and call him Hakushi.

Kane Knight

09-29-2012, 10:25 AM

There's no shame in jobbing to Ryback.

Fignuts

09-29-2012, 10:49 AM

It's sad, because he's gotten so much better in-ring, from his Albert days, but hasn't had much opportunity to show it.

That great match with Sheamus a few months ago was probably the only exception.

Tommy Gunn

09-29-2012, 10:53 AM

To me he's just another unremarkable big man in the Mark Henry / Big Show vein, but with even less charisma.

itsmeJD

09-29-2012, 11:09 AM

He needs a decent angle, any angle really.

I see your decent, and raise you an obtuse.

whiteyford

09-29-2012, 11:17 AM

Anything other than the 'arggghhhh I'm a hoss fear me' would be an improvement, kinda knew he wasn't going anywhere when they went with the generic undefeated streak at the start.

KaosDarksol

09-29-2012, 11:36 AM

He is just going to be used as a big guy to feed to mid-top stars

Pintint

09-29-2012, 12:34 PM

Yeah, it totally looks like WWE lost all interest and will use him as a jobber now.
Which is a shame cause I really really like A-Train/Tensai. I think he's one of the most fun to watch guys and I have just always loved him since his days as Prince Albert.

If I booked WWE, I would have him as world champ, but alas, he will get jobbed out and released within a year.
:(

itsmeJD

09-29-2012, 12:37 PM

Right, but if you booked WWE you'd also have Mantaur be your John Cena, or Giant Gonzales in his fur suit.....so I'm ok with A-train getting jobbed out.

Gertner

09-29-2012, 12:45 PM

I've always been a huge fan of Albert. He does fill an important role of elevating others. He'll always be seen as a threat so it's not crazy when he defeats somebody of note, but also is a good win for an mid-carder.

Corporate CockSnogger

09-29-2012, 12:48 PM

Never really enjoyed him outside of T&A really. Not too fussed about what they do with him really but I agree with most that he's best used to elevate upper midcarders similar to how Mark Henry was used for years before he eventually got his main event push, except I don't see Albert ever getting that push.

Flash Funk

09-29-2012, 12:50 PM

I have enjoyed almost all of his matches since coming back. Probably should drop the Tensai gimmick and go back to A-Train.

St. Jimmy

09-29-2012, 12:52 PM

Albert/A-Train was awful and I'm glad that guy is dead.

This guy, however:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eVc2p3mMGlo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
is the fucking goods.

Gertner

09-29-2012, 12:56 PM

He kind of fill Viscera's role and a big, bad ass looking guy used to ganrer impressive looking wins for others, especially when they pick him up with ease like Ryback.,

Emperor Smeat

09-29-2012, 01:13 PM

They barely did anything with him considering they only focused more on him as a stereotypical foreigner type heel instead of more on his past or his reputation in Japan as someone really fearsome.

His match with Sheamus was his best so far and that was because it fit his brawling and tough style from Japan.

Pintint

09-29-2012, 01:18 PM

Right, but if you booked WWE you'd also have Mantaur be your John Cena, or Giant Gonzales in his fur suit.....so I'm ok with A-train getting jobbed out.

No, but Drew McIntyre would be a main eventer

Lock Jaw

09-29-2012, 01:24 PM

I enjoy Tensai when he is actually booked to be a monster. When he is jobbing to Ryback in two minutes, it kind of ruins him.

They could have played up Tensai being a huge challenge for Ryback. Could have had Tensai actually seem like he was threatening Ryback some. Only for Ryback to rally and "overcome" and then pick Tensai up, which would be even bigger and more impressive after taking more punishment in the match.

They could then play it up that Ryback faced a major challenge here, but still managed to come out on top. They then could be all "is Ryback ready for bigger things?!" (IE CM Punk or whatever)

With a short squash match, though, it was just "Yep. There he goes. Ryback winning again. Tensai jobbing again."

Could have been "Oh shit Tensai is a monster, but holy shit here comes Ryback and WHOA THAT WAS AWESOME!"

#1-norm-fan

09-29-2012, 02:08 PM

His matches with Sheamus have been really fucking good and like nothing else WWE has done recently though they've been relatively short. It would work wonders for both characters to have a legit feud but Tensai needs to be pushed to a level where he's a threat to taking the title.

#1-norm-fan

09-29-2012, 02:10 PM

Also really liked his matches with Orton. The guy can go in the ring. He doesn't need a gimmick change or anything. He just needs a feud that makes the matches he's putting on mean something.

09-29-2012, 02:24 PM

Wasn't Albert linked with Heyman when he was SmackDown GM? Have him denounce the Tensai gimmick as something the WWE forced on him and proclaim that he is a "Heyman Guy", then become muscle for Punk.

Kane Knight

09-29-2012, 02:33 PM

Joesgonnakillyou

09-29-2012, 03:29 PM

He probably would have done better if they hadn't saddled him with some bullshit outdated gimmick

Rammsteinmad

09-29-2012, 05:01 PM

I knew when he got resigned that he'd amount to nothing.

itsmeJD

09-29-2012, 05:02 PM

He quit? And who the fuck are you?

Curd

09-29-2012, 06:01 PM

I knew when he got re-signed that he'd amount to nothing.

I see where you're coming from, Rammsteinmad.

Curd

09-29-2012, 06:03 PM

Pintint

09-29-2012, 07:04 PM

On that thought, I don't think Ryback will amount to anything either.
Eventually WWE will get bored of him and job him out as well.

Savio

09-29-2012, 08:01 PM

can't believe they jobbed him to Tyson Kidd and Kidd went nowhere after.

Lock Jaw

09-29-2012, 08:10 PM

He went to be filler in Money in the Bank

Savio

09-29-2012, 08:17 PM

After he lost to Cena and Sheamus he should have went to put Ziggler over

Shisen Kopf

09-29-2012, 08:27 PM

Ryback needs to end the streak at rasslemania in a squash

Rock Bottom

09-29-2012, 08:49 PM

He should go over Rock clean at Mania

Swiss Ultimate

09-29-2012, 08:58 PM

They're just going to take him off TV and allow him time to round up some Japanese wrestlers to invade the WWE.

itsmeJD

09-29-2012, 09:25 PM

They're just going to take him off TV and allow him time to round up some Japanese wrestlers to invade the WWE.

Isn't WWE working with AJPW now? I could see it.

Savio

09-29-2012, 11:30 PM

He wins on superstars once in awhile

Wehttam

09-29-2012, 11:44 PM

bring back scott norton

Tom Guycott

09-30-2012, 12:21 AM

Wasn't Albert linked with Heyman when he was SmackDown GM? Have him denounce the Tensai gimmick as something the WWE forced on him and proclaim that he is a "Heyman Guy", then become muscle for Punk.

That! That. Right. There!

Seems to be (sort of) what they had planned for him to begin with, just being imposing dumb muscle for Big Johnny... likely why Super Dave kept mentioning his accomplishments in Japan, somehow hoping that translated into Tensai being a bigger deal.

But instead, the XL quote above could salvage that, factor into the "voice of the voice of the voiceless", give him something to do, present him as a "bouncer" to stave off Ryback for a bit, etc, etc...

In short, it could only help Giant Bernard than let him mire in jobber hell until being future endeavored.

Indifferent Clox

09-30-2012, 02:06 PM

they will use him as a sort of' 'prophetic"role of things to come, and a bunchof ajpw guys will come over and form a stable with him.

Swiss Ultimate

09-30-2012, 02:37 PM

Think so?

Mercenary

09-30-2012, 03:33 PM

He is dull and boring ship him back to the Japs who like that shit.

Rollermacka

09-30-2012, 04:19 PM

I don't know, I've just been unimpressed by his return. I would say stick him and Sakamdo (I think that's how it's spelled) as a tag team.... or they can just release both of them. There's a few bigger, younger, possibily more marketable stars in developmental.

XCaliber

09-30-2012, 06:28 PM

Nah I think it's just the fallout of the comments he made and this is how they are punishing him plus they wanted Ryback to look really good for when he faces CM Punk now if he jobs to the likes of a Trent Barretta on nXt then I could say that his run is pretty much over.

Fignuts

09-30-2012, 07:01 PM

I think his ring gear is neat.

Mr. Nerfect

09-30-2012, 07:25 PM

I was bored by the Tensai character, and still am, really. Since he's been back, Tensai's performances have actually gotten pretty great. He's a fantastic big man to put over mid-carders and make them look great in the process, as Gertner said. I never wanted to see the dude get a WWE Title push out the gate, nor did anyone really, so why are we complaining when he has fallen short of that goal?

Tensai can easily be built up with wins over guys like Alex Riley, Santino Marella and Zack Ryder on Superstars before he uses that regained credibility to put over a Ryback or a Brodus Clay -- a babyface that has a chance of moving some merchandise and getting to that next stage.

That being said, I think Tensai needs a chance to explain his motivations a bit more. Having him come out looking angry with a Japanese dude he beats up might appeal to the "Fifty Shades of Grey" crowd, but it's not going to do much to make people really care about him long-term. It makes me question how much heat a babyface gets from actually beating Tensai, beyond overcoming his size. I would love to see Christian work with Tensai, actually, given the size difference between the two.

But as someone said -- given that Albert's transformation into "A-Train" was due to Heyman, and with Survivor Series approaching, I wouldn't mind it if Heyman put together an alliance of the dangerous variety to battle some top faces in the WWE. He'd work great as random muscle for a multi-man main event.

In the meantime, Tensai's pride could be damaged by his loss to Ryback. I really don't think that Ryback would make a great Intercontinental Champion just yet, so I guess you could have Tensai attack Ryback during his eventual IC Title match against The Miz, keeping Ryback's streak intact, but moving away from Miz vs. Ryback.

Fignuts

09-30-2012, 07:27 PM

He needs to use that shoulder backbreaker as a finish, instead of the baldo bomb.

Mr. Nerfect

09-30-2012, 07:35 PM

He needs to use that shoulder backbreaker as a finish, instead of the baldo bomb.

He's been using the De-Railer to set up for a Senton. I would normally hate the Senton as a finish, but given that he uses a big move to set it up, I don't care nearly as much. The Train Wreck was awesome, though. He used it once against Tyson Kidd, but I can't remember another instance.

Rollermacka

09-30-2012, 11:02 PM

Random thought, what would you think about a Tensai and Drew McIntyre tag team? Maybe it could be a random pairing that works (kinda like Yoko and Owen)

Tom Guycott

10-01-2012, 12:13 AM

I wouldn't mind it if Heyman put together an alliance of the dangerous variety to battle some top faces in the WWE. He'd work great as random muscle for a multi-man main event.

:y:

As many times as stables have made returns (D-X, some form of Horsemen, including Evolution, nWo, etc.,) or how many people are "Team" something or other, I agree it's time for another freakin' Dangerous Alliance. One consisting of "Paul Heyman guys".

Fignuts

10-01-2012, 01:36 AM

He's been using the De-Railer to set up for a Senton. I would normally hate the Senton as a finish, but given that he uses a big move to set it up, I don't care nearly as much. The Train Wreck was awesome, though. He used it once against Tyson Kidd, but I can't remember another instance.

To his credit, Tensai delivers a pretty awesome senton.

Keith

10-01-2012, 02:13 AM

This was doomed from the start.

Fans were just not going to buy Prince Albert as some kind of Japanese Warrior.

Curd

10-01-2012, 09:09 AM

Maybe WWE will shed light on how Tensai manages to shave all of his massive back. Does Sakamoto shave the hard-to-reach areas like between the shoulder blades?

Shisen Kopf

10-01-2012, 09:19 AM

I agree with your statement poster formerly known as turd.

Swiss Ultimate

10-01-2012, 09:23 AM

I like the new gimmick. I am looking forward to the transition to Slurred with an avatar of a martini glass.

Curd

10-02-2012, 12:04 AM

I agree with your statement poster formerly known as turd.

And Shisen earns his first rep star! Congrats! If it makes you feel any better, then pretend my cheese cube is a fecal brick sculpted and painted yellow. :)

Returning to the thread topic, it seems that with Tensai off RAW this week, I guess he'll be on Superstars or even Saturday Slam considering his finishing moves do not target the head or neck.

Curd

10-02-2012, 12:08 AM

I like the new gimmick. I am looking forward to the transition to Slurred with an avatar of a martini glass.

Thank you, DTTS! I just might do that if given enough rep by January 5, 2013 (to allow for off-forum days on holidays), let's say one block shy of a star!

Shisen Kopf

10-02-2012, 02:08 AM

Tensai should be fired for making RYBACK look bad with that move.

Swiss Ultimate

10-02-2012, 08:22 AM

Shisen, is there video?

I didn't think it was possible to make Ryback look bad.

Fignuts

10-02-2012, 10:17 AM

If Ryback is so great, he should have been able to lift him.

Gertner

10-02-2012, 10:43 AM

Tensai should be fired for what he did

Fignuts

10-02-2012, 10:55 AM

Should be given a medal.

Fignuts

10-02-2012, 10:55 AM

And a free steak dinner at Applebee's.

Shisen Kopf

10-02-2012, 10:56 AM

Tensai should be fired for what he did

He should be deported to Japan too

Supreme Olajuwon

10-02-2012, 12:05 PM

And a free steak dinner at Applebee's.

Whoa now. Let's not be cruel. Releasing him is punishment enough.

#BROKEN Hasney

10-02-2012, 12:11 PM

The people booking Tensai are like a school in summer.

No class.

#BROKEN Hasney

10-02-2012, 12:12 PM

That was just like a Jap Albert joke.

Sixx

10-02-2012, 01:29 PM

Why is he Asian now anyway?

Kane Knight

10-02-2012, 01:49 PM

Why is he Asian now anyway?

Because Ponies.

Shisen Kopf

10-02-2012, 03:58 PM

Jap Albert looks like he lives in his Kim's basement. Probably a faggot too

Swiss Ultimate

10-02-2012, 06:26 PM

The people booking Tensai are like a school in summer.

No class.

I read that joke and my calf just cramped up. Goddamn it, Hasney. Be more careful next time.

Kane Knight

10-02-2012, 06:56 PM

Jap Albert looks like he lives in his Kim's basement. Probably a faggot too

I assumed that's what T&A was about back in the day.

#1-norm-fan

10-02-2012, 07:43 PM

Why is he Asian now anyway?

He wrestled in Japan. And he liked it. So he converted.

Sixx

10-02-2012, 07:53 PM

He wrestled in Japan. And he liked it. So he converted.

Oh.

I like burritos, time to get a tan and a sombrero.

Kane Knight

10-02-2012, 07:55 PM

Oh.

I like burritos, time to get a tan and a sombrero.

I don't think you even need a tan.

KyleEmmott

10-02-2012, 09:13 PM

They should do an angle where he's done being something he's not and go back to being A-Train. That would bring him new energy.

#1-norm-fan

10-02-2012, 09:15 PM

The "I'm sick of being something I'm not!" thing has kinda been done to death though.

Ever since John Tenta informed the world that he was not in fact a shark.

Pintint

10-02-2012, 11:46 PM

Yeah, please none of that I'm tired of being who I'm not.

I think WWE needs to let Tensai SPEAK. I don't understand why they have never allowed Albert/A-Train/Tensai speak on the mic. I've heard him cut promos in Japan and he has a pretty good speaking voice.

It's hard to be interested in a guy when he's a mute...

James Steele

10-03-2012, 12:15 AM

What if Tensai gets hit by a train and it gives him partial amnesia? He doesn't remember anything...unless it was before 2002.

http://i.imgur.com/44zRM.jpg

James Steele

10-03-2012, 12:18 AM

http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu132/CewshReviews/WWE%20Vengeance%202001/vlcsnap-2011-07-01-21h08m41s255.png

http://www.peppertt.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/cha-ching1.gif

Road Warrior

10-03-2012, 01:39 AM

The "I'm sick of being something I'm not!" thing has kinda been done to death though.

Ever since John Tenta informed the world that he was not in fact a shark.

Most people, or for that 90% of the posters on TPWW, even know what happened in wrestling prior to 1997. So I think the whole Tensai, I'm not japanese gimmick might work.

James Steele

10-03-2012, 01:42 AM

What if we find out he beat the fuck out of Sakomoto because he found out he was Korean and not Japanese but he couldn't get out of the contract he had with Sakomoto? He tries desperately to become Japanese, but he has constant inner struggles with his incredibly hip and "fly" past.

#1-norm-fan

10-03-2012, 01:49 AM

Most people, or for that 90% of the posters on TPWW, even know what happened in wrestling prior to 1997. So I think the whole Tensai, I'm not japanese gimmick might work.

SINCE John Tenta (and actually before. I was just using him as an example because his case was particularly hilarious). Meaning it's happened a fuck ton SINCE then. Post '97.

Hell, Big Show alone has done it at least 3 times.

Road Warrior

10-03-2012, 01:54 AM

SINCE John Tenta (and actually before. I was just using him as an example because his case was particularly hilarious). Meaning it's happened a fuck ton SINCE then. Post '97.

Hell, Big Show alone has done it at least 3 times.

My point is that wrestling fans don't really remember storylines. I think they could pull off the Tensai thing without anyone really noticing.