If not Roman Reigns, then who?

[hb2k]

Just curious to see what you guys think on this - listening to the Observer Radio this past week they were talking about how Roman doesn't feel like he has the momentum to be the guy to carry the company just yet, and how he's got big shoes to fill since the idea is for him to be the guy. But it begs the question - since it is time for a new top babyface, if Reigns fails, who else is around that could actually fill that spot? Think Bryan or Ziggler would be enough?

[Ruien]

The Big Guy.

[Fignuts]

Bryan if he can. Ziggler if he can't.

[Rammsteinmad]

Ziggler has been consistently over since his debut. He's got a great look and is one of the best in the ring and on the mic. He may never be the elite "face of the company" guy like Steve Austin or John Cena, but he could easily carry the company like Shawn Michaels in 96/97, until the next Austin or Cena comes along.

[Fignuts]

Survivor Series was also an amazing starting point for a road to the title story for him, but WWE is still going with driftwood.

[James Steele]

Dean Ambrose

[Bad News Gertner]

Ryback. I don't understand how the trigger hasn't been pulled on him. He's got an entertaining personality, he's definitely over and history has shown, especially in the WWE that fans love wrecking machine faces. His work has gotten better. Not 5 star matches or anything, but he's good enough in the ring. They completely screwed up his first run worse than any push I can remember, when it was so friggen simple to book him. I doubt he's going over Rusev, but it would nice to see what they can actually do with Ryback on a slow build.....kinda like they are doing with Rusev.

[The Condor]

Ambrose, Ryback, and a Wade Barrett return all sound infinitely more interesting and compelling than anything having to do with Reigns.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Ryback, Ambrose, Wyatt, Cesaro, Ziggler and Rollins are all on my short list of guys more preferable than Reigns.

[XL]

I'm curious as to why now is deemed the time for a new top babyface? Cena has been stale for a long time, numbers have been relatively stagnant for a while.

Also, kinda laughable they think they can just pull the trigger on someone and *BANG* new top babyface when they've failed to cement somebody at the top of the card for so long.

I'm not against Reigns being the guy, but I don't think he's ready and here's why; it has to be a natural progression to being that top guy, a ground-swell of support, a solid fan-base built over the course of time, the respect that comes with putting the time in.

Bret, Michaels, Austin, Rock, HHH, Foley, Punk (to name a few of the guys to crack the top) all had years in the business and their rise to prominence took time. Cena and Batista didn't really have the tenure but they had the entire crowd pulling for them to make it - and maybe the audience wasn't as savvy as to when they were being force-fed something as they may be now.

Reigns has been on the scene 2 years, spent most of that time as the hot tag guy in a three man stable, when that stable split he wasn't given anything new to work with - same attire, same theme, same entrance. I've never seen a crowd die as much as when Reigns is taking a beating; maybe they're just waiting for the inevitable comeback, safe in the knowledge that he'll win in the end - yet the same could be said of Cena and he gets a reaction.

Bryan was the guy to have put the tenure in; he wrestled around the world on the independent scene before working his way through the ranks of WWE, he won the respect of the crowd with his hard work and athleticism, he added to his character during his work with Kane and his heel run as WHC, then he booked them with the "YES!" phenomimon to point where management couldn't deny him anymore; he was a true "People's Champion". Then he got injured. I think they've every chance to pick up where they left off with him IF he's healthy enough to dethrone Lesnar at Mania.

Failing that, the closest we have now is Ziggler.

[Damian Rey]

I think Ambrose is a solid choice. He's been getting consistent reactions since the breakup, has put on great matches and cuts great promos. I'm pulling for Ziggler, but Ambrose is a close second for me. Feel like he's a total package.

[Emperor Smeat]

Ziggler seems like he's the backup plan with how focused the WWE is into his push this time. Could easily just have been another case of the IC belt doing nothing but he's been winning matches and gaining momentum with it.

Also the chance for a possible title vs title match if the WWE were to keep the IC title on him by then.

[#1-norm-fan]

Ryback definitely. How WWE seems to "get it" with him enough to keep pushing him but then clearly doesn't get it enough to follow through with any of the pushes just doesn't make any fucking sense.

[Poit]

Bryan if he can. Ziggler if he can't.

Survivor Series was also an amazing starting point for a road to the title story for him, but WWE is still going with driftwood.

I was about to say "these guys are right", until I realized the same guy made both posts.

[Damian Rey]

You could say that for about 3 to 4 other guys.

[Fox]

The sad thing is, there is no one. No one has been built strongly enough to be that "new guy." No one really seems right to take the ball and dethrone Lesnar at Mania. My first picks would probably be Dolph or Bryan, but in reality, neither of them is really the "superstar" that the WWE has always pushed as their main guy.

Nobody really has that big time charisma factor. It's a sad state, to be honest.

[XL]

Ryback definitely. How WWE seems to "get it" with him enough to keep pushing him but then clearly doesn't get it enough to follow through with any of the pushes just doesn't make any fucking sense.

Is Ryback genuinely what you would want? Or is he the answer in terms of WWE "needing to push a big, muscled up guy cos that's what brings ratings"?

Honest question.

[mitch_h]

Ryback would be fine down the line, but like Reigns he really doesn't have the momentum at the moment. Ziggler would be my pick.

[Vastardikai]

I feel like that, if Ryback could work as well as Reigns does, or if Reigns had Ryback's natural ability to get the fans behind him, Vince wouldn't have any problems right now.

Idea...

http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33300000/Goten-Trunks-Fusion-dragon-ball-all-fusion-33379377-855-482.png

Photoshoppers, you've been called out.

[Bad News Gertner]

Is Ryback genuinely what you would want? Or is he the answer in terms of WWE "needing to push a big, muscled up guy cos that's what brings ratings"?

Honest question.

We want Ryback

[Nicky Fives]

Wade Barrett.....

[Ruien]

Who would not want Ryback? Dude is full of charisma and is a fucking beast.

[KIRA]

I'll take Dolph over Ryback he's charismatic enough I suppose and has the WWE look but he is nothing I'd really want to constantly watch ring-wise whereas Ziggler has been bringing it for a loooong time (a few years now) and could absolutely be the man.

Ambrose is a given so nothing to say about him.

And dear god I miss DB

[parkmania]

Went to a house show last weekend and the crowd was BY FAR hotter for Jack Swagger (who was facing Rusev) than they were for Roman Reigns (who was facing Kane in the main event).

Hell, the crowd was a tiny bit hotter for The New Day (versus Miz/Mizdow) than they were for Reigns. I'm sure that was NOT what WWE officials wanted to hear for a recently returned "Future Face of the Company".

[Crimson]

Dolph. You can't go wrong. Great matches, has the mic skills. They should just have him win the Rumble and go from there. Ryback ...no. Maybe as champion down the line but not the main guy.

[Hanso Amore]

Dolph going into mania as ic champ in a champion vs champion feud could be something fresh

[BigCrippyZ]

Dean Ambrose.

I feel like he's the most naturally charismatic, has the best skill set and is not afraid to go out there and improvise and/or do anything to be entertaining/steal the show, and has the most edge, ala Austin/Rock 98-2002.

Next up I guess I'd have to go with Ziggler, probably the second most naturally charismatic and skilled.

After that I'd say Rollins. Also very charismatic though not as sure he's as natural as maybe Ambrose or Ziggler but he's a VERY close 3rd.

I can't really say Wyatt, especially not in his current gimmick. I feel like he can be a top guy in the company but he needs to stay out of the spotlight in terms of media, press, interviews, etc., to protect his character, mystery, aura, ala Taker, Kane.

[Wishbone]

Ambrose would definitely be the best choice. Ziggler and D-Bry are both great, but I'd put them more in the Michaels/Bret camp. Realistically based on WWE's track record I'd say Ryback is the most likely to actually get it. However, Ryback isn't ideal. He's definitely better than Reigns by miles, but he's not face of the company material.

[GD]

Dolphin Ziggler or Dean "The Man" CURTLY Ambrose.

[Clerk]

Of course.not Roman Reigns. Its The RYBACK BIG GUY who will takeover

[BigCrippyZ]

Honestly, any of these guys could be considered main eventers and they could all help carry the company. Kind of like when Rock & Austin both left in 2003, essentially at the same time, you basically had several guys carrying the company at that point and not one BIG star.

They had Lesnar, Angle, Taker, HHH, HBK, Eddie, Orton, Batista and Edge. I suppose you could argue that HHH or Taker was the company guy at that point but I don't think you can say anyone in the main event scene at that time carried the company or was truly pushed like Rock, Austin, Hogan or Cena were in comparison.

There's no reason they couldn't go back to this with the roster they have now. In fact, I'd argue it would help these guys get even more over and could help to organically create a new top dog in the company. It's really not hard, just let the fans decide who the top guy or guys are instead of trying to awkwardly force and script EVERYTHING.

[#1-norm-fan]

Is Ryback genuinely what you would want? Or is he the answer in terms of WWE "needing to push a big, muscled up guy cos that's what brings ratings"?

Honest question.

He is definitely the most entertaining option for someone who is not stuck deep into an ROH "anti-establishment" mindset and remembers the little things that make wrestling awesome. Guys like him bring in ratings for a reason.

[BigCrippyZ]

He is definitely the most entertaining option for someone who is not stuck deep into an ROH "anti-establishment" mindset and remembers the little things that make wrestling awesome. Guys like him bring in ratings for a reason.

I dunno. Granted I haven't been watching much recently but I'm not an ROH fan by any means but I just can't take Ryback seriously. All I think of when I see/hear him on tv now is this guy's a muscled up dumb jock meat head who can't even put two sentences together.

I never felt that way about Hogan, Big Show, Taker, Kane, Lesnar. I also didn't feel that way about Reigns at first, but I now view Reigns almost the same way I view Ryback.

I'm not denying their in ring ability to entertain, but to me I need more than that (charisma, story, mic work, etc.), just like I needed more than Hogan dropping a leg, Goldberg spearing the crap outta people, Benoit's great technical ability or Rey's awesome lucha libre matches.

[What Would Kevin Do?]

Ambrose, Bryan, Wyatt, Ziggler, Cesaro (w/ Heyman), Rollins (w/ Heyman), etc, etc.

You can add Ryback on that list too, I just personally can't stand him. Not saying he is "bad", but dear god he comes across like a fucking meat head, which just makes it impossible for me to like him. And I mean his character. His character seems so fucking dumb it is irritating.

[whiteyford]

Genuinely don't see the appeal in Ryback.

[Lock Jaw]

Saw the appeal in heel Ryback. Not a fan of one dimensional "feed me more" Ryback. Limits his charisma.

[screech]

Used to not like Ryback at all. Now I can kinda tolerate him as long as he isn't cutting a long promo. Some guys don't need to talk a lot. Roman Reigns is one of these people.

[Shisen Kopf]

THE RYBACK by far. Nothing to say about him that hasn't already been said really but I think he's by far the best choice

[What Would Kevin Do?]

You don't need to be an amazing talker to be the face of the company. Honestly, if Lesnar stuck around and appeared once a month, he'd be perfect.

Look at MMA (bad comparison, I know), but the guys who are super popular there aren't always the most charismatic or the best talkers, but they are badasses. That is why I think someone like Cesaro could do well, if you just let him go out and have amazing matches, come across like a badass, and let him push a bit of his personality through.

They are waiting for the 4th coming of Hogan (3rd coming of Austin/Rock, 2nd coming of Cena), but there just isn't that person right now. So you have to work with what you have.

With that said, dark horse candidate... Sami Zayn. He really is the most empathetic face in the company. He is the true "good guy" in a company of "good guys" who are really just assholes.

[Simple Fan]

Genuinely don't see the appeal in Ryback.

Same here, Rusev doesn't speak English and is a better choice, but my choice would be Swagger.

[drave]

Genuinely don't see the appeal in Ryback.

Same here. Other than being bulky, I fail to see the charisma he allegedly has. Not outright dismissing him, but not on his nuts like most.

[Bad News Gertner]

I went to a scientist today and he told me Ryback is the correct answer.

So my opinion has transformed into scientific fact.

[ron the dial]

lol ryback is so bad

[Bad News Gertner]

Fucking science bro.

[KIRA]

Heres the thing Dolph is rewind and rewatch material Ryback once I've seen it I've seen it.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Fucking science bro.

Was it Dr. Acula?

He knows alot about people who suck.

[drave]

:roll::nono:

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Heres the thing Dolph is rewind and rewatch material Ryback once I've seen it I've seen it.

Dolph is the show off, Ryback is the turn the show off.

[Fignuts]

I can buy Ryback as a top guy, but not as THE top guy.

[Fignuts]

I would like to note that I made the previous post before I found out Ryback's inspiration is self help books for middle aged lonely women.

[KIRA]

How do you feel now knowing Rybacks backstory and reading habits ?

[#1-norm-fan]

I feel like the people who think someone like Seth Rollins is a better choice as the face of a wrestling company than Ryback are the same people who think that Chris Benoit should have been the top guy over Goldberg in '98. Or Cena/Batista in '05.

[XL]

Guys who's personal preferences don't take into account what will drive ratings/who will "cross-over"/what will create the next "boom"? And really, why should any of that stuff have any effect on a persons personal preference?

We've had 10 years of a charismatic, muscled-up face of the company and we're all to a man bored with it. Why would we want the same thing again?

[drave]

Only he is less charismatic than Cena :|

[Mercenary]

Why not Bobby Holly and Jeff Jearrett they are legends of Memphis!

[whiteyford]

Has anyone said Scott Norton yet?

[Wishbone]

I feel like the people who think someone like Seth Rollins is a better choice as the face of a wrestling company than Ryback are the same people who think that Chris Benoit should have been the top guy over Goldberg in '98. Or Cena/Batista in '05.

Except that Rollins actually has charisma and a look that would translate well into other things. Benoit was a fugly toad who just happened to be able to wrestle and had the charisma of a stump of wood.

[Bad News Gertner]

Lol no he doesn't. He's Greg Gagne with a goatee.

[NoyaPerez20]

Except that Rollins actually has charisma and a look that would translate well into other things. Benoit was a fugly toad who just happened to be able to wrestle and had the charisma of a stump of wood.

Chris Benoit was a great wrestler, but he never had any mic skills. And pretty obvious he never actually drew money. And I don't care what anyone says... The be all, end all in the WWE is how much money is made from a certain superstar...

[The Condor]

Dolph is the show off, Ryback is the turn the show off.

So lame and contrived. Word on the street is that Ryback Rules.

[Destor]

Ziggler has been consistently over since his debut. He's got a great look and is one of the best in the ring and on the mic. He may never be the elite "face of the company" guy like Steve Austin or John Cena, but he could easily carry the company like Shawn Michaels in 96/97, until the next Austin or Cena comes along.

Shawn Michaels almost carried the company into bankruptcy. ..so i agree zigler could totally do that

[Destor]

Except that Rollins actually has charisma and a look that would translate well into other things. Benoit was a fugly toad who just happened to be able to wrestle and had the charisma of a stump of wood.
Anyone who thinks benoit lacked charisma has no clue what it is. Charisma isnt flash or showmanship its an innate magnetism.

[XL]

Most people think charisma means being as good as The Rock on the microphone.

[Destor]

Most people think charisma means being as good as The Rock on the microphone.

This is exactly true

[Rammsteinmad]

Gonna say after his promo/announcement on Raw, I gotta go with Daniel Bryan on this one. He connects with the audience both young and old. He can work both in the ring and on the mic, and he has that perfect underdog persona that anyone can get behind. I was concerned that the severity of his injuries might not put him in a favorable spot for a major push, but then, Austin broke his fucking neck and came back to totally become one of the biggest names of all time. So yeah, I'm all for Daniel Bryan filling this spot, beating Lesnar and becoming the new face of the WWE.

[KIRA]

Most people think charisma means being as good as The Rock on the microphone.

Exactly charisma is for the most part an intangable thing some people just have Daniel Bryan has it in spades but he isn't The Rock on the mic nor does he have to be,he just connects with people its incredible really. Roman has looks and no charisma and they need to find a way to fix that until then hes as others have said driftwood.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

So lame and contrived. Word on the street is that Ryback Rules.

At least what I said was true.

[mitch_h]

I feel like people are way too hard on Roman Reigns, I don't feel like he's completely bereft of charisma, and he's better in the ring than people say. Like a lot of guys on the roster he is the victim of bad booking, but in his case it's bad...good booking. Like they are pushing him ,but not giving him any interesting feuds or real reason to care about him, it's just like "here is this guy, you should like him because he's cool and he's winning". I don't think you can manufacture a "face of the company", you need the support of creative, but some of it has to be organic or whatever.

[parkmania]

I would like to see Cesaro step up. I think if given a legit chance as a babyface he could be THE man, but during his "moment" on Raw he pulled a "Roman" with his "4 ropes... er sides" comment. Maybe Vince was right after all.

[Vastardikai]

If not Roman Reigns, then I'm afraid I've got some Bad News...

[Mr. Nerfect]

Daniel Bryan, definitely. The man essentially stole the main event plans away from Batista last year, and the guy made people boo Shawn fucking Michaels. Now that he is back, he's the only emotional option for me. He's never won a Royal Rumble, never lost the championship, is probably the most perpetually over face they have had in a long time -- fucking go with him. Brock vs. Bryan would also make a WrestleMania classic. Bryan could then make Reigns a star. He'd probably drop the title to Seth Rollins first, but he could always win it back with help from Reigns or something, starting a cold war between those guys.

Dolph is pretty great, but something about him just screams "bridesmaid, not bride" right now. As insane as this sound, I actually think a heel turn later this year could get Dolph to that "permanent" main event level.

Dean Ambrose is one of my favorites, but something just isn't right about him at the moment. It seems like he is stuck in some sort of "I hate this guy and am going to beat him up while being crazy and cheeky about it." I'd like to see him get a "star-making" moment later in the year. Maybe he and Triple H have some sort of brawl at Extreme Rules, and Ambrose wins that?

[XL]

I feel like people are way too hard on Roman Reigns, I don't feel like he's completely bereft of charisma, and he's better in the ring than people say. Like a lot of guys on the roster he is the victim of bad booking, but in his case it's bad...good booking. Like they are pushing him ,but not giving him any interesting feuds or real reason to care about him, it's just like "here is this guy, you should like him because he's cool and he's winning". I don't think you can manufacture a "face of the company", you need the support of creative, but some of it has to be organic or whatever.

People are hard on him because of everything you go on to say. Given how long he's been in the business Reigns is pretty much exactly where you'd expect him to be. The problem comes when they want him to be the next Hogan/Austin/Rock/Cena level guy. That's where the expectations rise; he simply has to deliver in more than one area above what everybody else is doing.

If the company will cool off guys like Cesaro and Ziggler because they "can't cut a promo/have no charisma/don't connect", Reigns needs to stand head and shoulders above those other guys.

Your top guy doesn't need to excel in all areas; Hogan had the look, an incredible magnatism, and could cut a promo. Austin was a great all-rounder in fairness, as was Rock; look, character, in-ring but again they had charisma/magnatism in spades. Cena fails on a few areas, his in-ring (like Hogan) isn't great, but he works his ass off in and out of the ring, he's dependable, he can cut a great promo, he's charismatic, he hooks the kids, he's a great poster boy with a great "clean cut" look. Reigns has a look, and at this point, little else. He's got some decent presence but I'm not sure he's got the magnatism.

He has massive expectations to live up to, that's why he gets it hard.

Daniel Bryan, definitely. The man essentially stole the main event plans away from Batista last year, and the guy made people boo Shawn fucking Michaels. Now that he is back, he's the only emotional option for me. He's never won a Royal Rumble, never lost the championship, is probably the most perpetually over face they have had in a long time -- fucking go with him. Brock vs. Bryan would also make a WrestleMania classic. Bryan could then make Reigns a star. He'd probably drop the title to Seth Rollins first, but he could always win it back with help from Reigns or something, starting a cold war between those guys.

Dolph is pretty great, but something about him just screams "bridesmaid, not bride" right now. As insane as this sound, I actually think a heel turn later this year could get Dolph to that "permanent" main event level.

Dean Ambrose is one of my favorites, but something just isn't right about him at the moment. It seems like he is stuck in some sort of "I hate this guy and am going to beat him up while being crazy and cheeky about it." I'd like to see him get a "star-making" moment later in the year. Maybe he and Triple H have some sort of brawl at Extreme Rules, and Ambrose wins that?

I've been an advocate for Bryan-Lesnar for a long time. Even to the point where if Lesnar is going - and the crowd knows that the title is going to change hands - I think Bryan will be able to get the crowd into the match better than Reigns will.

I'm thinking we could have a Goldberg-Lesnar type situation from WM20; a defending champion who'll be gone from the company the next day and is guaranteed to drop the title against the company's force-fed new "top guy". The result is so telegraphed, will people even care about what happens in the match?

The match itself is likely to be a slow, lumbering, slug-fest. The dynamic of the smaller Bryan trying to pick apart the bigger Lesnar, Lesnar dominating Bryan who refuses to give up and eventually wins out - classic David vs. Goliath.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I agree with you there. You can already feel the smark sentiment is swinging from Reigns, and we were all on his dick when he was the silent tank in The Shield. The WWE have changed the dynamic with him, and he's just not there yet. The company might actually get more sympathy for him if they do "screw around" with his booking. They've booked him so well in a structural sense that it's actually sort of nauseating.

I guess they could gamble and go with Cena vs. Reigns for the World Title to close the show. The anti-smark brigade might be in favor of Reigns then. Still, I could see some sort of "bizarro-world" switch, where they actually begin rooting for Cena. In that case, Bryan could still face Lesnar, but I think it would lack the same power as Bryan reclaiming his championship.

I still think the best foot forward for the WWE is Brock vs. Bryan for the title (featuring Heyman's great promo work), Cena vs. Cesaro (I know the company seems sour on him, but the match itself would be great) and a Triple Threat between former Shield members. In addition to that, you've also got Triple H vs. Sting all but confirmed, and instead of Bray Wyatt vs. The Undertaker, have Bray single out The Rock for his Hollywood success deceiving people into thinking he some sort of superhero. Five huge matches offering something different, and in some cases, telling a WrestleMania-to-WrestleMania story.

Cena vs. Cesaro is the most unlikely out of all of them, due to Cesaro's positioning on the roster, but you could easily get a great story out of it. The Authority makes Cena vs. Lesnar at the Rumble a Street Fight or something. During the match, Cesaro makes an appearance and attacks Cena. Heyman smiles at Cesaro, who reveals on RAW that he did it because Vince McMahon himself said that he can't grab the brass ring, but he is going to do it this year, and he's re-aligning with the friend that can make it possible.

Cena wants to fight Cesaro for costing him the title, but Heyman tells Cena that his clients don't fight for free. Cesaro will face Cena, but he'll face him in 62 days at WrestleMania. The feud is basically Cesaro messing with Cena, and then bringing out a ring girl with the number of days until their Mania match written on a card. He can also do stuff like tell Cena he is holding off on the match because he wants Cena to be ready -- he wants to face the 15-time World Champion at his best.

What happens to the Cesaro/Kidd pairing? Why not keep it up, and have Kidd also get a good scouting from Paul Heyman? It could further the Kidd/Natalya stories, as Nattie could not approve of Kidd aligning with Heyman and Brock. Kidd says it's the best thing for his career, as Paul Heyman is angling him for an Intercontinental Title match at WrestleMania.

Ziggler vs. Kidd at WrestleMania for the IC Title might seem really unlikely too, but the match itself would be phenomenal, and again, offer a completely different style to the main events. Dolph would be over, Kidd would probably be getting good enough heat, and even if the Kidd push isn't sustained, it would be a nice little Mania moment for a guy who has helped out tremendously in NXT and really worked on developing a character.

[Bad News Gertner]

Ryback should put all those vanilla midgets in a box and throw it in the ocean.

[#1-norm-fan]

Or he could literally eat them. That promo on Monday night was clearly hinting at a cannibal storyline.

[Heyman]

Ziggler, Ambrose, and Cesaro would all have been decent choices, but WWE Management doesn't see something in them for whatever reason.

[RP]

I trust Heymans opinion on this. Eleven of the fourteen cocks he's sucked on have been black.

[Heyman]

I trust Heymans opinion on this. Eleven of the fourteen cocks he's sucked on have been black.

I hope Titus O'Neil is my next cock. :heart:

[The CyNick]

I would be trying to build Kevin Owens for a babyface run in 2017 (ie Mania 33).

Lesnar would be my pick for walking out with the title at Mania as a babyface., I dont care if he is a part time performer.

If not him, I would be fine with Reigns if the story culminates with Reigns and Rollins for the belt (maybe even throw in Ambrose for fun). I dont see the problem with Reigns. Then again, I dont understand why people booo Cena.

Cesaro, Ryback, Ziggler are all missing something IMO, I cant see either of them being "the guy".

[Vastardikai]

There will be no new star until one of two things happen:

1. Cena suffers a catastrophic injury and they HAVE to make a new star.

2. Kevin Dunn is kicked out on his buck toothed ass.

[Johnny Vegas]

Honestly, there needs to be a serious faction that is against the authority. It needs to consist of two top stars, a mid card guy, and female, and a manager/cool guy that just hangs with them because.

I know people are going to knock the faction thing, but with multiple people being in that spot, the fans will tell you who they want to be in that spot. Also, it gives a new look to the WWE and they can bring in cool celebrities, athletes, etc to get them "street cred". Also, this means that the people who arent wrestling that night are still relevant and can still bring heat to themselves and the faction.

Orton needs to grow his hair out (if he can), keep the beard or shave it all off, and refresh himself as someone who can flip on anyone at any time and needs to show off some other type of talent (artistic stuff, a particula sport, guitar player, etc) so that people feel they can relate or bring out his personality.

I think the WWE can be BIG, there just has to be a sense of urgency to make Cena look like he is actually have to COMPETE for the title rather than it be "another Cena title match where he overcomes all odds". Hell, SCSA didnt loose too much, but he still did in different ways.

Just ranting, may post more ideas.

[Heyman]

I would be trying to build Kevin Owens for a babyface run in 2017 (ie Mania 33).


I agree with this wholeheartedly.

Lesnar would be my pick for walking out with the title at Mania as a babyface., I dont care if he is a part time performer.


There's a part of me that agrees with this, but there's also a part of me that says that the WWE will suffer if their "best guy" is out of the storylines for months on end. Case in point - this year. The WWE was actually red-hot until Stephanie fired Lesnar. Once Lesnar was out, the show went to shit. I just think that sooner than later, someone is going to have to go over Lesnar cleanly and convincingly.

If not him, I would be fine with Reigns if the story culminates with Reigns and Rollins for the belt (maybe even throw in Ambrose for fun). I dont see the problem with Reigns. Then again, I dont understand why people booo Cena.


If Reigns can somehow connect with the fans more, then I wouldn't mind seeing him be "the guy," but we saw how that panned out this past year. Reigns still has a little ways to go.

Cesaro, Ryback, Ziggler are all missing something IMO, I cant see either of them being "the guy".


Completely agree with you on Ryback.


As far as Ziggler goes, I actually think his 'star' was on the rise a few years back, but the WWE failed to capitalize on it. I think it was a few years ago when Ziggler 'cashed in' on Alberto Del Rios and the roof blew off of the place. Had the WWE gone full force with Ziggler back then, I think he would have had a good chance of succeeding with the push. It's going to be tough to rebuild Ziggler's credibility with the fans, but who knows. I don't think Ziggler would exactly be the next Cena or Stone Cold, be he atleast deserve(s)(d?) a shot.


As far as Cesaro goes, I think the guy is ready, and was ready big time last year. Had the WWE given Cesaro the push that Roman Reigns got (as a face, and letting Cesaro keep 'Swagger's theme'), then I think he would've been huge.


Cesaro is a very solid wrestler, but also had the most 'over' move in the WWE last year with that 'airplane' move. That, combined with the fact the people loved chanting 'We, the people' when CESARO was in the ring duing tag matches, and also combined with the fact that his/Swagger's theme music was one of the most 'over' themes at the time, I think Cesaro could have been huge.


I still have hope for Cesaro, and still think there's a 'window' for him, but we'll see what the WWE does. I absolutely think that Cesaro can be the face of the company if pushed right. Management doesn't seem to think so however.



Dean Ambrose is another guy I'm bull-ish on. Like Cesaro, I feel like the fans would really get behind an Ambrose main-event push.

[Heyman]

Honestly, there needs to be a serious faction that is against the authority. It needs to consist of two top stars, a mid card guy, and female, and a manager/cool guy that just hangs with them because.

I know people are going to knock the faction thing, but with multiple people being in that spot, the fans will tell you who they want to be in that spot. Also, it gives a new look to the WWE and they can bring in cool celebrities, athletes, etc to get them "street cred". Also, this means that the people who arent wrestling that night are still relevant and can still bring heat to themselves and the faction.

Orton needs to grow his hair out (if he can), keep the beard or shave it all off, and refresh himself as someone who can flip on anyone at any time and needs to show off some other type of talent (artistic stuff, a particula sport, guitar player, etc) so that people feel they can relate or bring out his personality.

I think the WWE can be BIG, there just has to be a sense of urgency to make Cena look like he is actually have to COMPETE for the title rather than it be "another Cena title match where he overcomes all odds". Hell, SCSA didnt loose too much, but he still did in different ways.

Just ranting, may post more ideas.



A re-united Wyatt family unexpectedly going after Seth Rollins and The Authority could be interesting. Wyatt's being bad-ass faces might be interesting and refreshing for their characters.

[#1-norm-fan]

Cesaro doesn't have nearly what it takes to be "the guy". You need a larger than life personality in some way and/or a look and charisma that gives you an appeal outside of the hardcore wrestling fanbase that is gonna watch him no matter where he is on the card. Cesaro has none of that.

[Anybody Thrilla]

But he's the best wrestler in the world, though.

[Blonde Moment]

i'm fine with Lesnar with the title as long as he does a few more matches throughout the year. The title becomes meaningless if it's passes like a hot potatoe every week. The intercontinental and the Us Championships are the ones that should be defended on a regular basis to make up for that gap. The Heavyweight Champion should be a special attraction like it was back when H* had it in the early 80's.

Cesaro has the look and he has/had the fans much like Ziggler, Danielson and various others. Bring back a few managers who can speak, some prerecorder backstage shit and let the guys who can shine, shine. Owens has everything you want in a heel and his body is perfect for being a bruiser.. so he doesn't have a six pack, neither did Dusty or any of the real mean bastards of the 60's 70's or 80's

Cesaro
Ziggler
Ambrose
Sam Zayn
Ryback-provided that they protect him on the mic a little
Hell if Mark Henry could find his passion he could work for a bit.
Give Orton one last shot

In the end it all depends if the Wwe wants to push them in a convincing way while not making everyone else on the list look like shit.

[Blonde Moment]

If not Roman Reigns, then I'm afraid I've got some Bad News...

I think thats been pissed away due to injuries.
I would love him as a heel if they could rebuild him

[DaveWadding]

http://i.imgur.com/MVTa8QA.jpg

[Heyman]

Wondering if the WWE can push Dean Ambrose in a similar way to how they pushed Bryan (i.e. Undersized warrior overcoming odds).

I was thinking about this yesterday. If Management gets on board with this, then I think Ambrose is the guy you push. Ambrose has Foley level crazy in him, and has Scott Hall level bad-assishness in him.

[Anybody Thrilla]

He's not even that small. Just kinda skinny.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah Ambrose is 6'4". Hardly a vanilla midget. But he's really lanky. Fortunately his attire masks that to a degree. And he's said in interviews that he prefers to wrestle in jeans and a t-shirt over trunks because it's more "realistic" fighting attire, so it'll probably stick.</font>

[Heyman]

True.

But seriously - I think Ambrose is a guy that the fans can get behind. He's young, charismatic, had solid wrestling ability, great promo skill, and more importantly, hasn't been in the WWE too long (relatively speaking) to the point where his character is over saturated (i.e. Like a Ziggler, Sheamus, The Miz, etc.).

I always maintain that if a WWE character has been in the company for over 3 years and hasn't done anything significant, their chance of really being "the guy" for the company becomes almost slim to none.

For example - The Rock came here in 96', and made significant strides in 98. Cena came around 2002, and made significant strides in 04'. Austin came in 96 and absolutely blew up in 97'.

Especially in this day and age, if the WWE is serious about a certain wrestler, said wrestler needs to receive a significant push within their first 2-3 years to greatly increase his chances of being "the guy."

[Heyman]

Piggy backing off the above argument, I really think the WWE needs to get serious with Ambrose and Bray Wyatt this year as to avoid pissing away their potential stardom.

[Lock Jaw]

Yeah, Ambrose woulda been great as the "one man vs. The Authority" angle... Doing the Brock Lesnar method of "taking them out one at a time" until Rollins was finally left unprotected....

Could have even been the guy to beat Brock Lesnar himself. Ambrose would be just "too crazy" to know when a sane person would give up and die, and would get the win in the end....

[Anybody Thrilla]

I think I sort of agree with that.

Would you say that Ambrose has done significant enough things to remain relevant up to this point? The Shield was legendary. He had a lengthy US title run where he defended maybe three times in a year. People are definitely behind him, but he does need to do something pretty soon to remain relevant, I think.

[Lock Jaw]

I think he lost a whole lot of relevancy after The Shield broke up... he was on fire for a bit, but then did nothing but continually lose to Seth Rollins/Bray Wyatt. It got to the point where I just didn't take him seriously anymore.

That being said, they then came out of nowhere and moved him into another short feud with Seth Rollins, where again he was on fire (less so then originally)..... He did come out of this feud looking a lot better than he did the first one, even though he still lost....

But pretty much right as that feud ended he went back to being irrelevant and not even being booked on the next PPV.... Not capitalizing on any of that "steam" coming off a MAIN EVENT feud....

[Heyman]

I think I sort of agree with that.

Would you say that Ambrose has done significant enough things to remain relevant up to this point? The Shield was legendary. He had a lengthy US title run where he defended maybe three times in a year. People are definitely behind him, but he does need to do something pretty soon to remain relevant, I think.

My opinion on Ambrose is very similar to Bray, in that, yes, I think both men have done some very significant things to remain relevant to this point. Both guys flourished under stables that were quite over with the fans.

However, having said, both guys need to start going over in a lot of these feuds with upper card wrestlers.......or fans will start getting bored with them. Both Ambrose and Wyatt have done a lot of jobs over the past 1.5 years and have been made to look clearly inferior to their main-event calibre opponents.

If this doesn't change this year, then I think the 'windows' for both Bray and Ambrose could take a massive hit.

Back in the late 90's/early 00's, the "window" was probably about 3 years. In today's day and age however, it may even be less than that due to the advances of Social media' and because attention spans/brand loyalty is far less these days due to myraid of other forms of entertainment out there.

[Johnny Vegas]

Random thought, but its funny how when i was such a huge fan years ago that people like my older cousins, father, or friends would say 'i dont know who ANY of these guys are except for SCSA, Rock, and UT and for the first two it was because they were everywhere and for UT it was because they remember him when watching it. But people like Jericho, Angle, Brock, etc they didnt know.

I feel myself reacting the same way now. Haven't watched in years and i feel i only know some of the roster. I swear i want to get back into it, im still a fan at heart, but i just want them to give me a reason to watch...like a REAL reason.

The talent is just like some of these companies that have been around for years: too wide of a gap of seasoned wrestlers and entry-mid level people (i mean this in WWE years, not other promotions). There's no one that i can say is "right between Cena/Orton and Ziggler/Caesaro, except for maybe Kane...and i definitely don't want Kane as the champ, sorry.

Even when Bret, Shawn, Henning, Yoko, Lex, and others took over the business and had their era, they still had years under their belt so when Hogan, Flair, Macho and others left, there were people that fans knew already. WWE doesn't seem to have that right now, so they have to keep bringing people back like Batista, Rock, UT, etc.

It's going to be tough for the WWE, but hopefully they can sustain. I also think that ROH or another wrestling company need more exposure but the business isn't what it used to be (with MMA, UFC and others dominating the "sports entertainment" realm) so they (TV networks) wont sponsor another company "just because". On a side note, i also think that social media is hurting rather than helping the WWE because it seems like fans that attend are the same jerkoffs that troll on twitter and forums and don't enjoy the product as much..the writers may have something to do with that as well

[The CyNick]

Lesnar working a limited schedule I feel works to the WWE's advantage.

It forces the WWE to book him as a special attraction. I dont follow the business side of things as closely as I once did, but I dont think Lesnar as champ last year killed ticket sales to live events. But when you hear he's going to be on TV or a Network Special you go out of your way to see it. In that sense he would be booked for like a UFC champion, which I think is a good thing.

If built correctly, you slowly establish Owens as a killer on the regular roster. Maybe he has a long run with the US title. You build in Lesnar's part time status into the storyline. Owens feels he is already the top dog because he has the US title. He defends it week in week out. Lesnar (through Heyman) says hey thats great, but Brock paid his dues for years, and proved to be a marquee attraction, so he doesnt need to be in Tuscon on a Saturday for a live event (subtly turn him heel for the match). Owens beats him clean at Mania 33 and you hope the crowd is with him.

But I also know Owens isnt the type of guy that WWE will look to lead the company. He will be more of a Daniel Bryan than a Stone Cold Steve Austin.

[Heyman]

Good above post CyNick.


The only thing with Lesnar is that there's no way that the WWE can constantly have him be a part-time champ. I do like the idea of building up Owens over the next 1.5 years so that he's ready to be champ by Wrestlemania 33, but I also think someone needs to cleanly and convincingly go over Lesnar well before then (Wrestlemania 32), so that the WWE has a legit 'alpha star' to carry the company on a full-time basis.


My vote would go towards Ambrose or Orton as you know. Ideally, it would be Ambrose because he's not 'saturated' (been around for too long) like Orton, but the WWE seem content in holding him down for whatever reason.


If the WWE can salvage anything out of this year, it would be in giving both Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt very significant pushes and victories over main-event calibre wrestlers in feuds this year. I feel that if Ambrose and Wyatt don't make significant strides this year, then their "window" for becoming a massive star will likely close, and they will go into Sheamus/The Miz/Dolph Ziggler territory.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Bray Wyatt and Dean Ambrose will find their biggest success on the other side of the moral spectrum, in my opinion -- Wyatt as a face and Ambrose as a heel. The Rock is scheduled to face Triple H at WrestleMania, but I'd like to see The Rock vs. Bray Wyatt down the track. Wyatt going after The Rock as sort of "revenge" for Triple H and Stephanie McMahon could be a good story over the summer of next year. Right now, I can't really see how Bray Wyatt fits into WrestleMania though. He might end up facing Sting or something.

I see Ambrose sitting out of SummerSlam due to a worked injury, but if they have him go down in style, he could always pop back with more fan backing than ever. Reigns & Ambrose vs. Wyatt & Harper seems like a logical match to put inside Hell in a Cell in October.

[Vastardikai]

I think thats been pissed away due to injuries.
I would love him as a heel if they could rebuild him

My more recent reply is more realistic.

[Heyman]

Bray Wyatt and Dean Ambrose will find their biggest success on the other side of the moral spectrum, in my opinion -- Wyatt as a face and Ambrose as a heel.


I disagree with this slightly. While I believe Ambrose could be huge as a heel or face, I think Wyatt's greatest potential will be in being heel.




The Rock is scheduled to face Triple H at WrestleMania, but I'd like to see The Rock vs. Bray Wyatt down the track. Wyatt going after The Rock as sort of "revenge" for Triple H and Stephanie McMahon could be a good story over the summer of next year. Right now, I can't really see how Bray Wyatt fits into WrestleMania though. He might end up facing Sting or something.


Rock vs. Bray might be interesting at some point, but Bray will really have to be built up before he's worthy enough to go against The Rock. Bray jobbing to someone like Sting would be extremely detrimental for his career at this point......and there's no way the WWE will have Sting job at two Wrestlemania's in a row.




I see Ambrose sitting out of SummerSlam due to a worked injury, but if they have him go down in style, he could always pop back with more fan backing than ever. Reigns & Ambrose vs. Wyatt & Harper seems like a logical match to put inside Hell in a Cell in October.


If the WWE elects to go the Reigns/Ambrose vs. Wyatt/Harper route, I wouldn't mind seeing Wyatt/Harper go over (actually, for Bray's sake, I think it needs to happen), while we then see tension develop between Ambrose and Reigns.........leading to an Ambrose/Reigns feud.

[Tom Guycott]

Cesaro doesn't have nearly what it takes to be "the guy". You need a larger than life personality in some way and/or a look and charisma that gives you an appeal outside of the hardcore wrestling fanbase that is gonna watch him no matter where he is on the card. Cesaro has none of that.

Supposedly, neither did Benoit. No, I'm not setting up for a murder joke.

He started getting traction near the end of his "Real Americans" stint. People were popping for the swing. He got new attire, new (but unfortunate) music, Paul Fucking Heyman, an innogral win in a tourney seemingly made up just to give him the rub.... then he's off TV for awhile simply because Vince is bored with him?

The "getting upset because Keven Owens f'd up my title shot against Cena" is honestly the most interesting thing he's been given to do as a singles competitor since, like, ever... no, I take that back; it's second to his mini-feud with Zayn. But, that's just it, he hasn't had anything to do besides "go out there and have a match with x". He needs a reason why people should get behind him. A good storyline reason, not a find a cheesy gimmick reason. That falls back on needing better writing, not better Cesaro.

[#1-norm-fan]

Benoit didn't. And he wasn't "the guy". Trying to put him in a position to be "the guy" even for a brief period of time was a fucking horrible idea.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm in the camp of people who don't think that Wyatt needs to win every match. The guy's got a Mick Foley-like ability to take a loss and shrug it off. He could just laugh maniacally and say "Is that what you've got?" and all is forgiven. That being said, I really think the guy would have been the best choice to win Money in the Bank this year. He'd be creepy looming over everything with the briefcase, and it'd add a lot to this Reigns vs. Wyatt feud, as Wyatt would be in a true position of power.

That being said, I don't know what their full plans are with Sheamus and the briefcase.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>With Sheamus being a well-known "Triple H guy" I feel like he'll wind up cashing in successfully, although my gut feeling is that he'll just keep the belt warm for a couple of months before dropping it and fading back into the midcard.

I enjoy Sheamus' work but he just feels like one of the many characters in WWE that I just can't get invested in as a main eventer anymore thanks to their stop-start booking.</font>

[Mr. Nerfect]

I agree completely with that. If Sheamus wins the title, I hope they book him like a true bad-ass. He shouldn't be afraid of Brock or anybody.

[Tom Guycott]

Benoit didn't. And he wasn't "the guy". Trying to put him in a position to be "the guy" even for a brief period of time was a fucking horrible idea.

Being "the guy" and being pushed as a credible main eventer are- or should be- two different things. You can have a centerpiece (which is where they're obviously going with Roman), but have a smattering of guys who could conceivably knock the champ down a peg. I'm not in the camp of this "all or nothing" way of thinking on if someone should be elevated to main event tier status or not. Cesaro doesn't need to be "the guy" that carries the company on his back for the next decade, but he doesn't need to languish down the card as the sole alternative.

As for Wyatt not needing to win every match (didn't bother double quoting), this is true... BUT he needs to win *some* big matches to not look stupid. He's sliding into "one more match" Christian territory. He's supposed to be "The New Face Of Fear", then they should book him as such. He should be nearly Undertaker/Kane/Mankind levels of dominant (initial incarnation of all three characters, I mean), not a minor obstacle for someone they need a temporary angle for, then they beat him and move on.

[Vastardikai]

Make Harper the force, and that makes Wyatt more dangerous. For the simple fact that he controls the out of control madman. And you can also set up a possibility that someday, Bray loses that control.

[The CyNick]

Good above post CyNick.


The only thing with Lesnar is that there's no way that the WWE can constantly have him be a part-time champ. I do like the idea of building up Owens over the next 1.5 years so that he's ready to be champ by Wrestlemania 33, but I also think someone needs to cleanly and convincingly go over Lesnar well before then (Wrestlemania 32), so that the WWE has a legit 'alpha star' to carry the company on a full-time basis.


My vote would go towards Ambrose or Orton as you know. Ideally, it would be Ambrose because he's not 'saturated' (been around for too long) like Orton, but the WWE seem content in holding him down for whatever reason.


If the WWE can salvage anything out of this year, it would be in giving both Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt very significant pushes and victories over main-event calibre wrestlers in feuds this year. I feel that if Ambrose and Wyatt don't make significant strides this year, then their "window" for becoming a massive star will likely close, and they will go into Sheamus/The Miz/Dolph Ziggler territory.

My thing is they did it from last August 2014 to April 2015 and I dont think business really suffered. WWE's main goal over the foreseeable future is driving Network subs. By having a special attraction like Lesnar who only wrestles once a quarter, you keep people coming back.

Of course the ideal scenario is you create a new Stone Cold Steve Austin who works 12 network specials per year, every RAW, and is on the live events as well. But we dont have that guy, and creating one isnt like flipping a switch.

Lesnar is probably only going to work 3-5 matches between now and Mania, so I dont think thats sufficient time to have him win the title, build him up as a dominant champion, and then make the fans want to see him lose. Whereas I think if you were to walk out of Mania 32, you would have a year of him being the unbeatable champion, and between now and then you lay the foundation for the guy who unseat Lesnar.

I like a guy like Ambrose, but just his look, I dont see him being the face of the franchise. Which is also why I dont think it would ever work out for Kevin Owens either. At the end of the day, he's a chunky dude from Montreal. I just dont see him being selected to carry the company. Reigns I still see having the inside track on that.

[Heyman]

My thing is they did it from last August 2014 to April 2015 and I dont think business really suffered. WWE's main goal over the foreseeable future is driving Network subs. By having a special attraction like Lesnar who only wrestles once a quarter, you keep people coming back.


Yes, I guess I can see your point here.

Of course the ideal scenario is you create a new Stone Cold Steve Austin who works 12 network specials per year, every RAW, and is on the live events as well. But we dont have that guy, and creating one isnt like flipping a switch.

Lesnar is probably only going to work 3-5 matches between now and Mania, so I dont think thats sufficient time to have him win the title, build him up as a dominant champion, and then make the fans want to see him lose. Whereas I think if you were to walk out of Mania 32, you would have a year of him being the unbeatable champion, and between now and then you lay the foundation for the guy who unseat Lesnar.


I can agree with this.

I like a guy like Ambrose, but just his look, I dont see him being the face of the franchise. Which is also why I dont think it would ever work out for Kevin Owens either. At the end of the day, he's a chunky dude from Montreal. I just dont see him being selected to carry the company. Reigns I still see having the inside track on that.


I might have to disagree here. I think with Owens, if he can 'lean out' somehow, then I think he'll have "the look." As it stands right now though, I think you're right. Owens will definitely have to lean out.


You probably are right with Ambrose, but I also think he's the type of guy that can 'catch fire' with the fans if he's pushed right (and soon as to avoid his character becoming too saturated).


Ambrose has the Foley craziness, Hall bad-assishness, and even a bit of Bryan underdoggedness in my opinion. At some point, Vince has to realize that it's not all about 'pretty boys.' I think the fans proved with Daniel Bryan that they are very open to different kinds of wrestlers who don't necessarily have the "body builder" physique.

[The CyNick]

I think Vince is right about the physique thing. Not to say a smaller guy cant connect with the crowd (ie Daniel Bryan), but to really be the face of the company, I think you need a certain look.

Roman Reigns has it, Ambrose doesnt.

[Savio]

Its easier for a smaller guy to connect with the crowd though since I would say most fans are not jacked.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I think Vince is right about the physique thing. Not to say a smaller guy cant connect with the crowd (ie Daniel Bryan), but to really be the face of the company, I think you need a certain look.

Roman Reigns has it, Ambrose doesnt.

LOL, yeah, because goatees are so in right now. :roll:

[Mr. Nerfect]

Ambrose doesn't look larger than life -- CyNick is right. But he does come off as being larger than life. Reigns looks the part but doesn't have the aura. That's why these two working together right now is doing both the world of good.

[Lock Jaw]

Stone Cold Steve Austin didn't necessarily look larger than life, and I think Ambrose could get over in kind of the same vein. He reminds me of a mix of Austin/Foley.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Oh, I think Ambrose should be pushed, but he clearly seems a lower priority than Reigns.

[Fignuts]

Ziggler's win at Survivor Series was the perfect opportunity to smash him straight through that glass ceiling into a permanent main event position. I personally would have built him up after that to win the rumble (without Bryan even being in it) and face Lesnar at mania. Lesnar kills people in the ring, and Ziggler is a bump machine. Would have been a modern day HBK vs Vader.

Still think Ziggler has all the tools to be a top guy. Even "The guy". Will echo others and say that Ambrose could be another one. As much as I love Cesaro, I can't see him in that spot. The few people who have held that position have had massive amounts of natural charisma, and talking ability. Even if he improves I don't see him reaching that level. That said, I can still see him winning the title at some point. Just not as WWE's #1 talent.

[#1-norm-fan]

There's something missing with Ambrose for me to think of him as the guy who could lead the company and I don't know what it is.

I can easily understand why most guys like Cesaro can't be the guy. But Ambrose seems to hit all the checkmarks and still... there's something missing.

[Triple A]

Maybe it is that he doesn't have big muscles / isn't "big" (really tall or fat) or that he wrestles with his shirt on

(this post is not meant to be "snarky"... trying to think of an actual answer for why he doesn't "seem" like "the guy")

[Triple A]

Oh a bunch of people already said that on the last page...

[Fignuts]

His hair

[#1-norm-fan]

Maybe it is that he doesn't have big muscles / isn't "big" (really tall or fat) or that he wrestles with his shirt on

(this post is not meant to be "snarky"... trying to think of an actual answer for why he doesn't "seem" like "the guy")

Yeah, but he's not small. I can see the comparisons to Austin/Foley as far as guys who have the personality to overcome not looking physically intimidating. But still, there's something not right.

[Triple A]

His personality (or at least how he has been booked since I've been watching regularly) doesn't seem anywhere near as good as Austin or Foley in my humble opinion

[#1-norm-fan]

No, it's not. I just mean he's "that type of guy". He's good at seeming like a badass without really looking like one.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I know what you're saying. I feel the same way about Dolph Ziggler. In Dolph's case, I think that it might be because he's too "glossy," if you get what I mean. He reminds me of a dolphin -- sleek and shiny. I want to see more shark out of him -- sharp and grey.

And better analogies out of me.

I totally get it with Ambrose though. He's got ring skill and natural charisma, but he's just lacking that extra dimension. It could be his attire, or his size. Not that he's small or not in shape, but that he kind of looks like he belongs places. When they had him hop on that train that time, I remember thinking "He looks like he could actually catch that train and blend in."

I kind of want to see more promos from Ambrose. Like proper promos. Not just him talking for a comedy spot or whatever. I want him to explain his relationship with Roman Reigns and why he hates Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper heading into SummerSlam. He could also use a program with someone who could "make him." Triple H would be perfect on the heel side of things. If you turn Ambrose, Orton could be amazing.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Face Ambrose vs. Heel Jericho could be all kinds of cool.

[Damian Rey]

I thought Ambrose could be the man back during his initial feud with Rollins. His promos, his matches, how the near instantly gravitated to him made me think, if the machine got behind him and just let him do his thing, he could be shit red hot baby face. Of course that didn't happen, but he does have a way with connecting to the crowd that I think a majority of the roster lacks.

[Ultra Mantis]

Ambrose should definitely get some new ring attire, his anti-rollins "not really here to wrestle" deal ran it's course ages ago and just wearing jeans and a vest makes him look a bit half-assed / lazy.

[Lock Jaw]

I like it.... symbol that he is "always" in "street fight mode".

[StuartFinnigan]

What aobut Rob Van Dam?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Did anyone else notice the look Ambrose gave Reigns when Reigns called him "crazy" on RAW? Great stuff. One day these two will feud and it will be tremendous.

[Damian Rey]

Was thinking Reigns should snap on Ambrose after getting eliminated by him late in the Rumble, destroying him and costing him the match. Build up a blood feud going into Mania and reboot Reigns as bastard monster heel instead

[Mr. Nerfect]

Reigns would make total sense as a killer heel (and will ironically get more cheers because of it), but the WWE seem pretty steadfast in their decision to make Reigns their poster boy.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Thinking of ways to get Brock Lesnar off TV for a bit, I had this Russo-rific idea where Ambrose would turn on Reigns at SummerSlam and join The Wyatt Family. Not as a sheep that follows Wyatt, but as a sadistic son of a bitch who is more on par with Wyatt. Harper gives his life to Wyatt, but Ambrose just gives his fists.

After Lesnar beats Taker, The Wyatt Family storm the ring and dismantle Brock and Taker. There's three of them, and it's not like The Wyatt Family are exhausted. Heyman is screaming bloody murder to sell the attack. SummerSlam closes with Harper looking like he came in his jeans, Wyatt basking in his own greatness and Ambrose panting like a dog that just got the world's largest rabbit.

It ties into the Brock/Taker story, as Bray wanted to be The New Face of Fear, but Taker beat him. It's them making the biggest impact to spread their message. Wyatt was also trying to convert Ambrose at one point. Wyatt's promos about fearing no Beast would work great too.

Night of Champions rolls along and Reigns wants a piece of his "brother." Reigns knows he's going up against the odds, but Ambrose is still the cocky world-beater he was, and tells Bray and Harper that he doesn't need help. This is personal. Bray puts his head against Ambrose's and tells him to prove back the lion's head. Or something. They tear it down, and of course, being heels, Bray and Harper do get involved when it looks like Ambrose is in trouble and give him the win.

Heading into Hell in a Cell, Brock and Taker make their respective returns for a six-man Cell against The Wyatt Family. Reigns gets the rub from being on a super-team based on, well, not respect, but on a "we can all kick each other's asses later" principle. Ambrose, Wyatt and Harper would get a huge kick out of working with Lesnar and Taker too.

In this scenario, you could easily swap Reigns and Ambrose around.

[Heyman]

Based on what I saw last night, I think Reigns should clearly be the next "face" of the WWE.


He's underrated as a performer, and he has the necessary look. As much as I like Cesaro, he doesn't have the presence as a performer (something I really noticed last night).


Reigns is definitely that guy. One thing I'd do to keep him over, is keep his friendship in-tact with Dean Ambrose. Have Ambrose be the Scott Hall to Reigns' Kevin Nash, or the Ken to Reigns' Ryu (or the Kung Lao to Reigns' Liu Kang).

[Savio]

He will always be rejected, although I think he could work as a heel. WWE fans are not going to want to sit through another 12 years of "Cena 2.0"

[Frank Drebin]

Who should be the next feces of the company?

[Savio]

Matt Hardy

[Heyman]

He will always be rejected, although I think he could work as a heel. WWE fans are not going to want to sit through another 12 years of "Cena 2.0"



Kids are extremely impressionable, as post 2005 Cena has proven. Kids are the largest demographic in the WWE, even if the WWE has shifted away from the PG era.


In 2017 - if we start getting, "LETS GO ROMAN, ROMAN SUCKS!" chants, it would still likely be the greatest thing to ever happen to Roman Reigns and the WWE.

[Savio]

But Cena wasn't instantly rejected, in fact he was very well liked on all accounts. Also I don't see Roman moving merch like Cena.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Roman Reigns wasn't instantly rejected as a Shield member. He was rejected on his own though. But Cena is the reason he was rejected because he was seen as the next Cena by the fans.

[Savio]

Right and Cena didn't start to get rejected until a few months AFTER winning the belt.

[NormanSmiley]

Heyman has tunnel vision like a fuck. He cant stop posting the same roman reigns in 17 concept

[Heyman]

Heyman has tunnel vision like a fuck. He cant stop posting the same roman reigns in 17 concept



I don't think it's tunnel vision if it seems very obvious.


With the exception of Seth Rollins and/or Kevin Owens, can you really see the WWE "machine" getting behind anyone else as "the next face of the company"


I can't see it. I wouldn't mind being proven wrong, but I just can't see anyone else besides Roman being given that spot. Whether we want to admit it or not, Roman is the WWE's guy, and they're clearly grooming him to take the "reigns" (lol) from Cena.

[Damian Rey]

Wasn't it like half a year after winning the belt? Feels like it wasn't until Summer Slam 05 that the crowd started to shift on him.

The thing with Reigns is he was over as a member of the Shield and his shortcomings were masked in a group where you could limit his mic and ring work while highlighting his strengths. Doesn't work that way in a singles push.

Even then, think the rejection came from having zero momentum and build and being over pushed into the Mania main event. They overplayed their card on Reigns and now they're trying to rebuild him.

I don't agree with Heyman that last night showed he's the future. Still feel like he's just spinning his wheels character wise.

[Damian Rey]

A heel turn last night would've done wonders for him.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I still maintain that Cena should have had a harder road to the title. They rolled out the red carpet for him, and people see through that shit these days.

Reigns turning heel would work. It will make him "cooler," and in time, that could get him really fucking over with fans. Look at how it is working with The New Day. Look at how it worked for The Rock, and even Daniel Bryan. They'd probably turn Ambrose before Reigns, but Ambrose is going to get cheered for killing Reigns, whereas Reigns is going to get fucking BOOED for killing Ambrose.

Now that there are three Wyatt Family guys, who backs up Reigns & Ambrose? Cesaro? Do they even get a third member? Constant beatings could lead to the split between Ambrose & Reigns, but maybe just doing a six-man where The Shield wins is better.

[#1-norm-fan]

Fandango. The answer is always Fandango.

[#1-norm-fan]

Who could be the new Shield member? Fandango

Who should have ended Taker's streak? Fandango

Who is the man that would risk his life for his brother, man? Fandango

Can you dig it?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Love Fandango, but I don't really know where they go with him. Truthfully, I'd like it if they injected him into the Ziggler vs. Rusev feud. He's already had a televised thing with Rusev, but if he tried to creepily win back Summer and pissed off Rusev, it could actually make for some good mid-card television. That obviously takes Johnny Curtis into the main event.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Thinking about what Heyman has said about Cesaro, as much as I love the guy, maybe it is best if they keep him to working in the tag team scene? I was thinking today about just how much awesome there is in a Cesaro/Dolph Ziggler tag team. Cesaro may not be the guy who draws money, and Dolph might not be the guy they want to draw money; but together you'd have an absolutely incredible tag team. Throw together some more awesome teams (like maybe Owens/Rusev), and you can SmackDown Six these guys.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If Lana and Natalya backed-up Dolph & Cesaro each (a lot of ringside extras, granted), Summer Rae could find someone and you could do some ladies tag matches as well. Nattie, Dolph & Cesaro "training" Lana and turning her into one bad-ass female competitor could be a nice story.

[#1-norm-fan]

Random question, Noid: Have you ever played EWR/TEW? Because I feel like you would enjoy them greatly.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think I looked into one of them once, but it was so long ago that I cannot actually remember playing it.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'd like to book a wrestling company with you one day, fan. I think if we can just agree that Alex Riley has got something we can use, we'd have Fandango as a top guy stealing the show every night.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Fuck, how good would Johnny Curtis be as an Authority second right now? Rollins is THE guy, but Curtis could be the "next guy" and be chewing scenery and building credibility.

[#1-norm-fan]

I think me, Vito and loopy are the only ones who still play occasionally. There's a thread in the video game forum and such. But yes. Seems right down your alley.

[#1-norm-fan]

I'd like to book a wrestling company with you one day, fan. I think if we can just agree that Alex Riley has got something we can use...

Well that's a deal breaker.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'll try and jump on and we can compare notes.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Not really that much of a fan of Riley. I thought he showed good fire in his initial face turn. I'm intrigued to see if he's got anything as a heel when he returns.

[#1-norm-fan]

Fuck, how good would Johnny Curtis be as an Authority second right now? Rollins is THE guy, but Curtis could be the "next guy" and be chewing scenery and building credibility.

He's too likeable to be a "serious" heel for me. It's either comically creepy Johnny Curtis or mega-face, most charismatic superstar ever Johnny Curtis.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can imagine him being the lovable heel of The Authority that you are just waiting to revolutionize the industry with ribbon dancing.

[#1-norm-fan]

If he comes out with the yellow ribbon in hand every week and never even makes reference to it and just keeps everyone thinking "He's got the ribbon! It's right there in his hand! Dance, Goddammit! Dance!" for like a year straight before eventually turning on The Authority and dancing with it... Then I'll allow it.

[Mr. Nerfect]

We're not trying to hot-shot the WWE here, fan...

[Heyman]

A heel turn last night would've done wonders for him.



The only way I'd support a Roman Reigns heel turn, is if Seth Rollins starts getting significant cheers from the crowd and/or the WWE feels that Rollins would be able to get over quit well as a face.


For now though - you have to keep Reigns as a face to maintain equilibrium.


Another option is if the WWE turns the Wyatt Family into faces (Bray), then you could turn Roman (but knowing how the WWE thinks, I don't think they'd ever push Bray as a top face in the company anyways).

[DAMN iNATOR]

If he comes out with the yellow ribbon in hand every week and never even makes reference to it and just keeps everyone thinking "He's got the ribbon! It's right there in his hand! Dance, Goddammit! Dance!" for like a year straight before eventually turning on The Authority and dancing with it... Then I'll allow it.

Have him and Fandango form their own ballet school. :shifty:

[XL]

I think me, Vito and loopy are the only ones who still play occasionally. There's a thread in the video game forum and such. But yes. Seems right down your alley.

Can this be played on an iPhone? Loved playing "back in the day" but I don't spend much time in front of a PC anymore.

[Bobholly138]

Luke Harper

He has a great look. And has proven he can have a good to great match with anyone on the roster. When Kane and taker finally retire Harper would be the perfect replacement for them.

And Cesaro is a guy that hopefully keeps getting moved up the card. And has everything needed to be a long term main eventer.

[Damian Rey]

Except he is not good on the mic. But yeah, he's got everything.

[Big Vic]

Really wish they gave Luke Harpers IC title reign to Mark Henry.

[DAMN iNATOR]

LOL WTF

It wouldn't have done Henry any good. Dude's been under contract for almost 20 years and is now basically a part-time jobber.

I mean, I respect your opinion and all, but there was nothing wrong at all about letting Harper have a run with it. Maybe paved the way for him to get a few more IC and/or US titles or at least become a solid mid-upper card guy since he'll never be WWE WHC I don't believe.

[Big Vic]

Would have done nothing for either man since it was so short. But Henry never held the title and he's older so...

[DAMN iNATOR]

Would have done nothing for either man since it was so short. But Henry never held the title and he's older so...

So because it's still an active title and he's still around and he's never held it, he should get a Ryder-like reign just so he can complete some sort of imaginary collection?

No offense, but while I'm sure most guys who hold any kind of titles in pro wrestling might be grateful for the opportunity, I seriously doubt any of them are looking at their careers and saying "Hmm, don't have that one yet. Maybe I should try to get a run with it before it's too late." I would hope most, if not all of them would care more about the fans and putting on great matches for them that will be talked about 100 years from now, not "He who has the most gold wins".

[Big Vic]

I didn't say he wished, I said I wished. Since it would have done nothing for either give it to the established guy.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I didn't say he wished, I said I wished. Since it would have done nothing for either give it to the established guy.

Are you Kevin Dunn? Because if you are, I have SO MANY questions to ask you...

[#1-norm-fan]

I think a Mark Henry IC title run would have been great.

The "He's been around for way too long" thing is valid... but it was valid when he won the WHC on Smackdown, too. And it actually worked. He looked like a fucking beast against Orton in both matches. He's good at playing the cocky badass. Putting the IC title on him and then having a face overcome him/shut him up could have done wonders for someone. Way more than it did for Ziggler winning it back from an under-pushed Luke Harper. I forget Harper was even a champion until someone brings it up.

[Clerk]

How about John Cena? Why not

[#1-norm-fan]

Cena as IC/US champion would have been an excellent choice. Good post.

[Vastardikai]

Luke Harper

He has a great look. And has proven he can have a good to great match with anyone on the roster. When Kane and taker finally retire Harper would be the perfect replacement for them.

And Cesaro is a guy that hopefully keeps getting moved up the card. And has everything needed to be a long term main eventer.

I maintain that the best Bray Wyatt promos were actually done by Harper.

[NormanSmiley]

Anyone but ryback or fandango

[Savio]

Are you Kevin Dunn? Because if you are, I have SO MANY questions to ask you...
What are you talking about?

[DAMN iNATOR]

Anyone but ryback or fandango

Actually, if RyBack could defend his title, I dunno, maybe not weekly, but maybe bi-weekly, successfully on RAW and/or SD! combined with defending it on PPV from now until say December before dropping it, they could really use that to build him as a credible main-eventer again, and against the right opponent, if he won the big one finally and also defended it semi-regularly at the very least, I'd have no problem with him as "the man".

[Mr. Nerfect]

I still don't get that "he's better than anyone else" vibe from Ryback. I'm sure he's a nice guy and he's worked hard and all, but I just don't see him in that top spot. Fandango is a definite though.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I still don't get that "he's better than anyone else" vibe from Ryback. I'm sure he's a nice guy and he's worked hard and all, but I just don't see him in that top spot. Fandango is a definite though.

GTFO

[DAMN iNATOR]

Sorry. That was harsh.

[NormanSmiley]

I still don't get that "he's better than anyone else" vibe from Ryback. I'm sure he's a nice guy and he's worked hard and all, but I just don't see him in that top spot.


don't worry nobody who matters does either.

[Heyman]

I'm not a huge fan of The Ryback but like him mildly. Ryback gets strong crowd reactions but I don't think he's good enough in the ring to warrant a main-event push or to ever be "the guy." I would reconsider my stance if he improved his wrestling.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The problem is that the dude looks like a boulder. How do you justify having him be anything other than a killing machine?

Dare I say it, but Ryback might be best suited to an enhancement role. He's a guy that looks like a million bucks, but is ultimately there for a sneaky heel to pick apart and prove that brawn doesn't always win.

I think I'm just saying that to get heat with the "Ryback for President" committee.

[Mr. Nerfect]

They should make Daniel Bryan his corner-man/coach. Bryan can't be the Intercontinental Champion himself, but is friends with The Ryback and supports his career. Then Bryan throws in the towel for Ryback one week and returns the next to win the IC Title, and everyone knows something is up.

Build to Bryan vs. Ryback for the IC Title at a major PPV. Best rassling match of The Ryback's young decade long career.

[Big Vic]

Then they can form a PrettyCool tag team after.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Bryan/Ryback would make a PrettyCool tag team. :y:

[The CyNick]

BryBack