WRESTLEMANIA FINAL CARD/MATCH PREDICTION (UPDATED CARD)

[Somebody's Gotta Die]

WWE WRESTLEMANIA:
(Presented by RAW + SmackDown!)
(EDITED+UPDATED CARD):

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Triple H (champion) vs. Batista

- Batista wins in a long, bloody war... Crowd is all over this one... A great match... Flair pulls out all the stops to help but Batista is too much and powerbombs Triple H twice in a row to solidify a victory and become the new World Heavyweight champion...

WWE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
John Bradshaw Layfield (champion) vs. John Cena

- I'd keep the title on JBL and really hope that's what WWE does... Big run from Cena but the odds are still too much and JBL gets the duke... I don't think Cena should be getting the title too soon... Booker should win it before him, in my opinion...

MONEY IN THE BANK - 6-Way LADDER Match (#1 Contendership For World Title)
Shelton Benjamin (champion) vs. Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit vs. Edge vs. Christian vs. Kane

- Could be a true classic if booked right... I'd put Benoit or Jericho over in this one for one of them to turn heel and feud with Batista once he wins the title... Edge is also a pretty good choice... Benjamin should focus on keeping the Intercontinental title credible with matches with the likes of Christian right now... Christian and Shelton are definitely future World title prospects... Kane winning to set up a Kane heel turn and a Kane-Batista feud is also something I am very in favor of... It could definitely gain some interest and Kane desperately needs the turn too... It's also a way to get him right back into the title hunt...

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
Orlando Jordan (champion) vs. Booker T

- Give Booker the title here, it's a no-brainer... Could be a decent match if both guys put in some work and Orlando sells well... Booker should be headed for JBL after this match and a title 4 title match in the future would be great... Booker deserves that one last title reign before he retires and WWE should recognizes that this man deserves it...

WWE TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Basham Brothers (champions) vs. Dudley Boyz

- Bashams win the titles in the next 2 weeks... The Dudleys return and this is set up instantly... The crowd would eat up a Dudley return at this point if it's original and exciting... Dudleys take the titles and put all of them through tables... Putting this match together with the US title match and putting both titles on the line in a 6-man is a great idea... That would take up less room...

WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP - Fatal Fourway Elimination Challenge
Chavo Guerrero (champion) vs. Paul London vs. Akio vs. Funaki

- Could be a really exciting match if WWE decides to invest more than 8 minutes into their cruiserweights... I'd put the title on London here... He's been working really hard... Him and Chavo could be the remainding two men with London getting the better of Chavo... I'd give this match about 15 minutes or so...

WORLD WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP
Trish Stratus (champion) vs. Christy Hemme

- Keep the title on Trish... This match should be used purely for T&A and to get the crowd excited but in no way will be a solid wrestling exhibition...

SINGLES CHALLENGE MATCH
Big Show vs. Akebono

- Hmmmmm...

SINGLES CHALLENGE MATCH
Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero

- Should be a classic on the WrestleMania stage... I am definitely looking forward to this one and think it has a lot of potential to go down as a true classic... Just give these guys about 15 minutes to shine... Those who remember their match from Halloween Havoc in WCW in 96 or 97 know that these two guys can put on a clinic that will not soon be forgotten...

SINGLES CHALLENGE MATCH
Luther Reigns vs. Mark Jindrak

- Feud seems to be sparking up here... I can see Jindrak turning face... Could be a decent undercard match... Obviously no longer than 5-8 minutes... Give Luther the win either way since he's looked really good lately and deserves a strong push...

INTERPROMOTIONAL SPECIAL CHALLENGE - Dream Match
Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels

- Should be a classic... I'd prefere to see Angle win... Should be given enough time... I expect the crowd to be all over this match... In my opinion, these guys deserve about 25 minutes to do their thing and solidify their match in wrestling history...

INTERPROMOTIONAL SPECIAL CHALLENGE - Legend vs. Legend Killer
The UnderTaker vs. Randy Orton

- Already in the books... Should be a classic... I can see WWE investing a lot of time into this match... I'd keep Taker's streak alive here since Orton isn't going into the match with much momentum... An Orton heel turn may likely follow although the guy should just stick to his character and be the devious, sneaky guy that he is and let the crowd choose to cheer or boo him... His arrogance is key for his image and if the fans want to boo, that can work fine... Batista has had a smooth face turn and the crowd is eating it up...

SPECIAL BONUS RETURN MATCH
The Rock vs. Muhammad Hassan

- Crowd would get a huge kick out of a Rock return, regardless of how long or short the match actually is... I would love to see this match... The Rock can handle a break in his schedule to make a big WrestleMania appearance to put down Hassan... The crowd would eat it up, every second...

SPECIAL BONUS SEGMENT - Piper's Bit
Special Guests: Roddy Piper, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin

- Could be really entertaining... Add some more legends to this one and it could be even better... This is a good addition to the card, in my opinion... It really gives the crowd some people to pop huge for... The Rock & Hogan should also be in the segment... Foley too... All these guys are so great on the mic...

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NIGHT PRIOR TO WRESTLEMANIA:

SPECIAL BONUS SEGMENT - Hall of Fame Ceremony
Special Guests: Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Bob Orton, among others

- Get a lot of legends together for this one and it could truly be something special... Using some of the guys from this match to add to the Piper's Pit segment is a good idea, notably Hogan... Hogan & Foley should be used in some capacity at WrestleMania!... And a Rock return would certainly be great to put down Hassan although if he doesn't return in an in-ring capacity, a spot in the Piper's Pit segment would still be something...

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SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT

WORLD TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Fourway 1-Fall-Finish Match
William Regal & Tajiri (champion) vs. La Resistance vs. Hurricane & Rosey vs. Simon Dean & Maven

- Keep the titles on Regal/Tajiri... If these guys were involve in a decent feud program, I'd love to see them on the central card but it doesn't look likely...

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NO SPOT ON SHOW/CARD:

FROM RAW:
Gene Snitsky (he simply doesn't deserve it)
Matt Hardy (still with the injured angle)
Eugene (injured)
Val Venis (no push in years)
Rhyno (no push in a while as well)
Chris Masters (he's only starting out)
Steven Richards (injured)
Tyson Tomko (no exposure as a singles worker)
Viscera (no brainer)

& On HEAT...

William Regal & Tajiri (tag champions)
La Resistance (tag contenders)
Hurricane & Rosey (tag contenders)
Maven (deserves a small spot)
Simon Dean (deserves a small spot)

& Possibly...

Muhammad Hassan (my Rock-Hassan match isn't a prediction, just something I'd love to see... I definitely see Hassan not even making the card)

FROM SMACKDOWN!:
Heidenreich (he simply doesn't deserve it)
Rob Van Dam (injured, very unfortunate)
Daniel Puder (virtually disappeared)
Hardcore Holly (teaming with Haas on Velocity, no push)
Charlie Haas (teaming with Holly on Velocity, no push)
Scotty 2 Hotty (hasn't been over in a LONG time)
Shannon Moore (has never really got a push)
Carlito (apparently injured)
Jesus (apparently injured, non-existent)
Kenzo Suzuki (no push since losing the tag titles)
Rene Dupree (no push since losing the tag titles)
Spike Dudley (not over at all, shouldn't have a match unless it involves the Dudley return)
Billy Kidman (injured or inactive or something, waste of a true talent)
Nunzio (playing with the Velocity scene)

& Possibly...

Luther Reigns & Mark Jindrak (if their match doesn't make the show which it probably won't)

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Heidenreich & Snitsky are two people that have been pushed way too hard and neither man needs a match on the show because it would instantly make the match less credible and less watchable...

In my list of people who have not made the show, there are several people that disappoint me... The two that stand out the most are Charlie Haas & Rhyno... These guys deserve strong pushes and runs with the midcard titles on their respective brands... Matt Hardy also definitely deserves a push upon his return because he still has a lot left to offer, in my opinion...

It always looks like Maven will get a push and then he gets burried again... He's decent, but nothing special... A team with Dean could be something to add to the tag division and to get both guys a spot on TV at the same time... Definitely no WrestleMania match for these guys this year...

Chris Masters and Tyson Tomko have hope for solid runs in the coming months on RAW... Both guys look made for the business and are capable of looking credible in the ring... Although neither man will get a spot on the grandest spectacle of them all this year, they could use a decent push in the coming weeks and see how they can produce... I like both guys...

It's interesting that WWE has re-hired Viscera... He's all right to keep on Sunday Night HEAT or to use for an occasional match on RAW to put an up-and-coming face over... He's obviously not a PPV-quality talent, but I never mind seeing his 4-minute matches...

Steven Richards & Val Venis are two guys on HEAT that deserve a push... Neither man will ever be a main event talent at this point, however Richards can be used for another heel run because his run as RTC leader shows that he can carry a decent angle... And Venis is an all-around strong talent in the ring... He deserves another Intercontinental title run at some point and a decent push with some decent exposure... Not everyone has to be pushed strong at once, but you can't bury guys for years at a time because they may never get over again...

Moving to the SmackDown! side of things....

Hardcore Holly is also a decent superstar... Although Haas must be considered for a push way before Holly, some exposure for them as a team is necessary... If not, Holly can be kept on Velocity or on the midcard to work with the younger guys while Haas gets a chance to shine with the U.S. title...

I think Carlito and Jesus could make a decent team on SmackDown! as well when both guys return to active competition... Carlito should stop overdoing the gimmick and these guys can be some strong heel champions... Time can only tell... I think Carlito is a very decent in-ring talent though...

Spike Dudley, Nunzio, Shannon Moore & Scotty 2 Hotty are four cruiserweights with virtually no momentum or heat at all... None of them are likely to get a spot on SmackDown! in the near future so WrestleMania is obviously out of the question... Akio-Chavo-London-Funaki in a Fourway is a better option than having a cruiserweight battle royal that lasts 5-6 minutes... Akio & London have looked phenominal... Chavo has always been very, very solid... And Funaki has been getting pushed lately and he's seemingly over so why not...

I anxiously await the returns of Rob Van Dam and Billy Kidman... They are truly top talents on SmackDown! in terms of putting on solid matches...

Rene Dupree and Suzuki were actually a decent team, in my opinion... It's a shame that they have seemingly broken up for no explained reason and are currently jobbing in singles matches on Velocity... These guys are actually decent as a tag-team, but neither man is credible for a U.S. title push... With teams like Holly/Haas, Dupree/Suzuki, Rey/Eddie or Rey/RVD, Bashams, Carlito/Jesus and Dudleys all getting pushed consistently, tag-teams can become yet another reason to watch SmackDown! because there aren't too many right now... JBL is a great champion, in my opinion, however the whole show needs work and the angles need work as a whole...

I really hope the Luther-Jindrak match gets a 5-8 minute spot somewhere on the show... For the fans of WCW in their dying days, this match could give them something... Both these guys also deserve decent pushes and this match could give them so much needed exposure... Especially as singles workers...

The RAW tag scene must be revamped... Tajiri/Regal are a great team, however other teams have to built up and given pushes... Hurricane needs to go back to SmackDown! and Rosey should be taken off TV for now or kept on HEAT... Resistance are a decent undercard team, however I don't see them getting excessively over or credible anytime soon... Giving the teams of RAW a small spot on HEAT could be something at least...

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NOOOOO Snitsky or Heidenreich on my card... My card is based on recent matches and feuds leading into the PPV while trying to build a premiere card...

I also realize my card may be excessively long but I tried to include all the matches, feuds and programs that are existent leading into the PPV since it is the biggest show of the year...

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[KingofOldSchool]

Snitsky > Masters

[Somebody's Gotta Die]

Snitsky > Masters

You think Snitsky is better than Masters? I wouldn't be so sure... Snitsky and Heidenreich would be better left off the card, whereas Masters is somewhat new and is somewhat fresh so it might be better than Snitsky...

I prefer Snitsky to Heidenreich and actually think he's all right on the roster, but if guys like Charlie Haas and Rhyno don't even get a spot on RAW or SmackDown!, there is no way Snitsky should get a spot at WrestleMania!...

Only my opinion though...

[tucsonspeed6]

Why Snitsky is a better choice than Masters.

1: I've seen Snitsky move from the center of the ring during several of his matches.
2: Snitsky hasn't seriously injured any of his opponents outside of a storyline
3: Snitsky didn't debut two weeks ago.
4: If the WWE started seriously looking into drug testing, I'd place more confidence in Snitsky actually being allowed to wrestle for wrestlemania.
5: Did I mention that Masters never actually moved his feet in his debut match? Cause he didn't. But I'll tell you what he did do, and it rhymes with Hose Shaking.

[John la Rock]

You know what would rule: If the Ladder Match was for the IC Title and The # 1 contendership for the World Title

[Transplant]

I'm hoping they keep the title on JBL. Cena needs to take some time off and revamp the white rapper thing.

[M. Banana]

5: Did I mention that Masters never actually moved his feet in his debut match? Cause he didn't. But I'll tell you what he did do, and it rhymes with Hose Shaking.

Erm, what did he do that rhymes with Hose Shaking?

[SuperSlim]

Keep Masters off WrestleMania. He isn't worthy of bein on that card.

[M. Banana]

WTF did he do that rhymes with Hose Shaking?

Joe's Faking?

[Somebody's Gotta Die]

Keep Masters off WrestleMania. He isn't worthy of bein on that card.

But do we really want to see Kane-Snitsky again?

Masters is just about the only choice at this point... Sure, if guys like Rhyno and Tyson Tomko were being utilized, they could fit the spot... However, right now not a lot of these guys are being pushed...

Rock-Hassan is just a match I added to the card because I think it could really be fun to watch and the crowd would be all over it... Marks and smarts would unite and enjoy this one...

However, this is very unlikely to take place and the Rock might not even show up for WrestleMania... If this is the case, that leaves Hassan-Kane as the preferable option... In this case though, it will just put down Hassan by having to job and not do much... If Hassan jobs to Rock, the crowd would at least eat it up... Kane-Masters might not be great to put over Masters either, but I'll prefer anyone to Snitksy or Heidenreich being on the card...

As for John Cena-JBL, JBL should definitely retain and both main titles do not need to change hands on the same night... JBL retaining would be a very strong option... When JBL finally does lose the title, it has to be to someone that is better than Angle, Eddie, Booker, Show, Taker, RVD, Rey, etc. When all these people have been used to put JBL over, I don't think Cena should be the guy to go over... Also, there aren't many heels on SmackDown! right now (and on RAW for that matter), therefore if Cena wins it will only leave feuds against the likes of JBL, Heidenreich and Kurt Angle...

On SmackDown!, it is definitely time to put Big Show back over as a heel because Heidenreich, JBL and Angle aren't cutting it as the only top tier heels... Big Show has always seemed to have more interesting matches as a heel and when he is involved in main event programs as a heel, it is pretty watchable... His work as a face is definitely getting old and needs to be scrapped... A Booker turn might also make sense, but I think he is doing well, he simply needs to have a bit of a character revamp and he needs to be pushed strong... For the fans to eat up a last run as WWE champion, he has to be pushed strong... It would definitely be a shame if he retires from wrestling after a shaky run in the WWE and no major title run to show for it... Booker is still the man... Turning Eddie heel doesn't make much sense and isn't a great idea... He is one of the most over faces in the business...

Batista, on the other hand, should definitely be put over in a big way winning the title against Triple H... A Batista-Edge feud can be very strong and I wouldn't mind seeing the title on Edge in the future... Although the only major heels right now are Triple H and Edge, others can soon turn heel and add to the division... A Benoit or Jericho heel turn is only a matter of time... Benoit should definitely be the one to turn, in my opinion... Randy Orton should also be turning heel if the plan goes through... No need to force the turn though... Let the fans cheer him for being bad, similar to the Rock's persona... No forced heel turn is necessary... Kane, however, should definitely be turning soon because he is never really strong as a face... The whole Snitsky angle with Lita leading him to turn face has really been one of the worst storylines in a long time and Kane needs to move on and get away from this period that may have drastically affected his image... He needs to be revamped yet again and given a solid heel run... This opens up Batista for big feuds agains the likes of Orton, Kane, Benoit, Edge or even Christian...

[The CyNick]

Last year's show had 12 matches if I recall correctly, so I cant see this show going any more than that.

JBL/Cena -- WWE Title
Batista/HHH -- World Title
Angle/HBK
Taker/Orton
Show/Akebono
Eddie/Rey
Jericho/Benoit/Edge/Christian/Shelton/Kane or Hassan --IC Title
London/Chavo -- CW Title
Booker+Dudleys/OJ+Bashams --6 Man Tag
Trish/Christy --Womens Title
Masters+Simon/La Res/Tajr+Rega/Hurricane+Rosey -- RAW Tag titles

Then one spot is left open for either Hassan-Hogan or maybe they do soemthing with Kane, I could see him facing Snitsky again, but I could also see them putting him against Heidenreich.

[Somebody's Gotta Die]

Last year's show had 12 matches if I recall correctly, so I cant see this show going any more than that.

JBL/Cena -- WWE Title
Batista/HHH -- World Title
Angle/HBK
Taker/Orton
Show/Akebono
Eddie/Rey
Jericho/Benoit/Edge/Christian/Shelton/Kane or Hassan --IC Title
London/Chavo -- CW Title
Booker+Dudleys/OJ+Bashams --6 Man Tag
Trish/Christy --Womens Title
Masters+Simon/La Res/Tajr+Rega/Hurricane+Rosey -- RAW Tag titles

Then one spot is left open for either Hassan-Hogan or maybe they do soemthing with Kane, I could see him facing Snitsky again, but I could also see them putting him against Heidenreich.

I don't see any scrambled together RAW tag matches on the card... Booker/Dudleys-OJ/Bashams takes away practically all the possible SmackDown! title matches if indeed the Bashams regain the tag titles since OJ is now the U.S. champion... The crowd will shit on a 6-man tag either way...

Either way, I can predict the bright sides of the show being:

Triple H vs. Batista
- I can see this one being solid even if it doesn't live up to the hype...

Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels
- Classic written all over it...

Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero
- Should be something special indeed...

UnderTaker vs. Randy Orton
- I can see this one being a match to remember, I'm not too sure as to why...

6-Man Ladder Match
- Will be something else if given the right amount of time...

Piper's Pit/Hall of Famers
- Should be some entertaining stuff and should include enough people to mark out for...

I think the following could disappoint:

Dudleys-Bashams or OJ-Booker or 6-Man Tag
- the Dudleys and Booker will be booked all wrong in this situation and the crowd might not eat up the Dudley return as much as expected... Booker has been given no solid character lately and he is getting stale... If these guys are built up prior to the PPV, the crowd might go wild for the destruction of JBL's cabinet with all of them going through tables...

Cruiserweight title match
- I can see them getting about 6-8 minutes leaving all of us with something to cuss about...

Show-Akebono
- Stinker written all over it...

JBL-Cena
- The match simply might not deliver... And Cena winning could be a very bad move...

Trish-Christy
- Enough said...

Luther-Jindrak
- Shouldn't be anything classic... I think Jindrak-Reigns would be a good undercard addition to the show though... If Kane takes Hardy's spot in the ladder match, I wouldn't be too disappointed...

As long as there is no Heidenreich or Snitsky on the show, it will still be decent and enjoyable...

[TerranRich]

WTF did he do that rhymes with Hose Shaking?

Joe's Faking?

Uh, oh gee, maybe... nose-breaking? Seriously you guys. :drool:

[The CyNick]

I just dont see Matt and Edge in the same ring together, much less a match where Ladders are involved.

Like I said before, spots are limited on this show, so you cant have a US title match and a SD Tag title match, or at least I doubt that will happen. A 6 man will NOT get "shit" on, simply because all the guys in that match are guys who are pushed on TV. Plus, with the Dudleys and BT, those are three guys who are really good at getting the crowd going, so I think this match would do fine. If they were to put the tag titles back on the Bashams, I would make it where both the US and tag titles are on the line, so if the faces win, BT gets the US title and the Duds would get the tag titles. If the heels win, they retain.

As for the RAW tag title scene, on last year's show, they tried to get just about everyone on the show who was pushed on TV. Thats why I see another multi-person tag title match. I dont think La Resistance vs Regal/Tajiri will do any better than if they were to add a couple more teams so they could get on the show. Its a meaningless spot either way.

[Somebody's Gotta Die]

I just dont see Matt and Edge in the same ring together, much less a match where Ladders are involved.

Like I said before, spots are limited on this show, so you cant have a US title match and a SD Tag title match, or at least I doubt that will happen. A 6 man will NOT get "shit" on, simply because all the guys in that match are guys who are pushed on TV. Plus, with the Dudleys and BT, those are three guys who are really good at getting the crowd going, so I think this match would do fine. If they were to put the tag titles back on the Bashams, I would make it where both the US and tag titles are on the line, so if the faces win, BT gets the US title and the Duds would get the tag titles. If the heels win, they retain.

As for the RAW tag title scene, on last year's show, they tried to get just about everyone on the show who was pushed on TV. Thats why I see another multi-person tag title match. I dont think La Resistance vs Regal/Tajiri will do any better than if they were to add a couple more teams so they could get on the show. Its a meaningless spot either way.

The idea about putting both the tag titles and the US title on the line is great... It would take up less room of the show... The match wouldn't matter as much if no titles were on the line...

I guess a tag match for RAW is possible for the titles, however none of these teams are being pushed at all... Tajiri and Regal are a good team, however none of the other contenders (Resistance, Hurricane/Rosey...) are really pushed much on TV and the time might be used elsewhere if a match like this is left on HEAT... Rhyno should definitely get some kind of push and a feud with Benjamin in the future might be pretty good... My second choice for the 6th man in the ladder match aside from Matt Hardy is Rhyno, although I see neither one ending up in the match... Kane is also possible to add a big man to the mix... Hardy should definitely return soon though; this is a good option to get Hardy right in the title hunt... :-\

[Somebody's Gotta Die]

... Updated card ...

Kane added to 6-man, Kane-Masters scrapped...

[John la Rock]

Masters better not be on the card

[Somebody's Gotta Die]

Masters better not be on the card

He's clearly not ready as of yet, but he's still a decent prospect... I'm just surprised so many of the new talents are all being debuted on RAW (Hassan, Simon Dean, Masters, Snitsky, Tomko)...

Simon Dean has started out all wrong and should be revamped altogether... This gimmick can only last so long before getting old and irritating...

Hassan is going to have to end up toning down the whole gimmick in the long run, but his persona is interesting and contriversial, something that adds to the show...

Masters is your big man... He actually has a lot of star qualities in his look and simply needs to work on his in-ring abilities to become noticed...

Snitsky is pretty funny... The whole angle with Kane was definitely the worst of the last year, however his persona can still add a little something to RAW... Just for comedy purposes... "It wasn't my fault" is hilarious actually... Definitely not a PPV-headliner though...

Tomko is another strong heavyweight talent... He has a lot of potential and needs to start gaining wins and momentum, whether it's on HEAT or RAW... A tag title run with Christian in the future can help set up Tomko for future success...

Of course, at the biggest show of the year, none of these rookies are ready for the spotlight or a match to shine...

[Somebody's Gotta Die]

Tomko, Hassan, Simon Dean, Snitsky, Masters were all thrown into the RAW mix with different gimmicks in such a short period of time... It's too early to tell which ones may encounter success in their WWE tenure and which ones will be flops...

On SmackDown!, recent rookies to debut include Carlito Carribean Cool and his protégé, Jésus... Too early to tell for these guys... Interesting gimmick to say the least though...

Many rookies have debuted in the previous years and some of them are headlining the biggest show of the year while others are being wasted away...

ROOKIE BREAKDOWN:

THE BIG 3:

Batista - debuted in that ridiculous angle with D-Von leading to his jump to RAW and stint with Evolution preceeding his face turn... Not the greatest in-ring talent, but works as a strong crowd pleaser with his brute force...

Orton - debuted on SmackDown! as a green up-and-comer upsetting Hardcore Holly... Jumped to RAW, got a push, strong IC title reign, short World title win, made the jump from midcarder to main eventer throughout the previous year... Not yet too polished in the ring but has had some great matches...

Cena - debuted on SmackDown! with a strong effort against Angle... Developed the hiphop persona and teamed with Bull Buchanan for a bit before going solo and turning face... Since then, his gimmick has become a crowd favorite and after a strong US title reign, he is headlining WrestleMania... Developing in the ring, not quite ready for the WWE title, may need a gimmick change soon...

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OTHERS:

Benjamin - debuted on SmackDown! with Haas as Team Angle... A very solid team that carried the tag division during that period with classic matches... Moved to RAW, given a strong push... Picked up several wins over HHH and is now having a IC title run... Future main event prospect indeed... Very strong in-ring worker...

Eugene (Nick Dinsmore) - been made to look like a clown from his gimmick... Has gotten amazingly over with the crowd though and was involved in a brief push against HHH... Not a main eventer, but could be a strong in-ring talent if given a chance to shine in the future... A gimmick change will be key down the road...

Rosey - debuted on RAW with the 3-Minute-Warning angle... The team was struggling and Jamal was released... Rosey somehow stuck around and is amazingly still around... Was given a ridiculous gimmick as the Hurricane's sidekick which has definitely gotten old and has held the Hurricane back... Not much of a talent and will definitely be released down the road...

Sylvain Grenier - debuted on RAW as part of La Resistance (originally with Dupree)... Not the greatest in-ring worker but pretty good in a tag team setting and a former WWE tag champ along with Dupree (and/or Conway)... La Resistance can stick around down the road but may need a manager or some changes to get a good reaction out of the crowd...

Rob Conway - a very solid in-ring talent that was thrown into La Resistance instead of Dupree (a decision that was wrong) and he has been wasted away since then because the crowd has not been able to appreciate his ring work... A team with Eugene (Dinsmore) would have been a good way to get both of them into the mix... Both are underrated in-ring workers... La Resistance will definitely need to be revamped down the road...

Charlie Haas - a hell of a talent... The most under-utilized out of all these rookies, in my opinion... Not a main eventer by any means (not yet at least) but he should have already had a run with the U.S. title... This guy deserves better than a constant spot on Velocity alongside Hardcore Holly jobbing to teams like the Bashams...

Paul London - an excellent cruiserweight pickup for WWE... Will need a push with the Cruiserweight title to get a kick out of the lacking division... Solid worker and puts on consistently exciting matches...

Heidenreich - debuted on RAW (or HEAT) and had a sloppy run... Was given some promos to add some steam to a SmackDown! run... Debuted and got involved with the UnderTaker... Way too much exposure for a talent that is half-decent at best... Going to be released down the road... Pretty sloppy in the ring and his gimmick is executed pretty well, but has gotten old and is not what people want to see when they tune into SmackDown!... Definitely not a main event by any means... He's a modern Nash or Sid, maybe worse... Nash was at least exciting on the mic... And Sid was well, umm, Sid...

Orlando Jordan - debuted on SmackDown! against Cena... Turned heel down the road and joined JBL... Has been given a push lately and he is the current U.S. champion... I think this guy is pretty entertaining and his push is all right in my books... Not going to be a main eventer down the road but is certainly a solid midcard talent to have on the roster...

Basham Brothers - very solid tag-team... Have gotten over way better than anyone in WWE would have expected... I love the switches they do... They are certainly refreshing for the SmackDown! tag scene and have had a good run, especially since aligning themselves with JBL and ditching Shaniqua... Not main eventers but could certainly be a tag-team to remember down the road...

Luther Reigns (Horshu of Powerplant) - debuted in some capacity, I don't really remember... Joined Angle along with Jindrak and it seems as though they are now separating... Has looked very solid lately, both in the ring with his brute style and on the mic with interesting promos... I'm a big fan of this guy and think he deserves a U.S. title run down the road... A feud with Jindrak for the title could definitely be reminiscent of WCW...

Akio - Debuted with Keiji Sakoda to form a stable with Tajiri... Good pickup for SmackDown!... The angle was dropped shortly and Tajiri was sent to RAW... Sakoda was released... This left Akio on his own... Hasn't been given much exposure aside from some exciting matches on Velocity... Will be released pretty soon, I can feel it... A strong cruiserweight nevertheless and his matches with the likes of London, Rey and Kidman have been very exciting... If I were booking, I'd give him a run with the title down the road...

Rene Dupree - debuted on RAW with Grenier... Run as tag champs in La Resistance... For some reason, he was moved to SmackDown! Was given a strong push at first with U.S. title matches... Still a green talent and has been completely burried lately... The future is uncertain for Dupree... Should have been kept in the tag-team with Suzuki, it at least gave him something to do and gave SmackDown! more teams...

Kenzo Suzuki - debuted on SmackDown! not too long ago... Was pushed with promos leading up to his debut... Has definitely disappointed... I personally don't mind the guy and didn't mind his work with Dupree... Definitely not a polished in-ring superstar, but is still decent and can contribute in some capacity... You can't debut new superstars and bury them shortly after because it may kill their career down the road...

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Many of the people that have been debuted within that time period have already been released due to their gimmicks and style being poorly received... Guys like Rodney Mack, Sakoda and Rico are gone... Lots of divas were released such as Gail Kim, Jazz, Nidia and Shaniqua...

It is too soon to tell for Carlito, Jesus, Masters, Snitsky, Hassan, Dean and Tomko... Carlito and Jesus will need more exposure... Masters will need ring experience... Snitsky will need to stop being pushed so hard... Hassan will need to continue racking up victories... Simon Dean will need to be revamped altogether or else he'll be released... Tomko will also need a push of some kind to get back into the scene...

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It's simply amazing how far Cena, Orton and Batista have gone...

Others like Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas have all the potential in the world but it's a steady process... Guys like Haas have been used completely wrong... Benjamin is on the right path though... Strong run since coming to RAW... Haas should be getting a similar run on SmackDown!

Others like Heidenreich will need to be cut down the road...

Will any of the new rookies reach Orton/Batista/Cena status?

Will Shelton/Haas or any others one day reach this status?

What are the opinions on this board? :y: :n:

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