The State of Shelton Benjamin

[axel84]

Due to WWE's misuse of this guy, when do you predict we'll see him in TNA?

March?

In a couple weeks?

When TNA crumbles?

[Kane Knight]

Dunno. With six sides, that's 50% more ropes to botch on.

[Taker Fan]

I honestly don't think he'd leave..bc hes still young, and he's been with the WWE for only about 2 1/2 years..but on the other hand, Christian didn't resign because he was being misused for about 5 of the 8 years he was in WWE.

[Kane Knight]

What I love is how people seem to think that unless you're an overnight superstar you'll never go anywhere. Man are wrestling fans ADD.

[HeartBreakMan2k]

Shelton will be in WWE for a while, my guess anyway. He's talented and all the guys with pull are high on him. He'll be fine, well once he learns to work a mic.

BTW Shelton is what the next generation of wrestlers should be... not Sabin, not Clark, not any of the X division guys (sans maybe Daniels and Styles if he learns to WORK a match as oppose to spot.)

[axel84]

What I love is how people seem to think that unless you're an overnight superstar you'll never go anywhere. Man are wrestling fans ADD.

No, I never suggested that, it's just when someone of his athleticism has an archrivalry with Kerwin White, skepticism mounts. BTW, his "paying his dues gimmick" was Team Angle. You would like to think there's something else going on right now, but no such case. Hence the cynical topic.

[HeartBreakMan2k]

No, I never suggested that, it's just when someone of his athleticism has an archrivalry with Kerwin White, skepticism mounts. BTW, his "paying his dues gimmick" was Team Angle. You would like to think there's something else going on right now, but no such case. Hence the cynical topic.

I don't consider Team Angle a "paying your dues" gimmick. Team Angle was a group of guys billed as the best in the business. Shelton came in and was pushed to the mood. World's Greatest Tag Team and Team Angle were a rub to get him over. He's paying his dues now.

[Kane Knight]

Did I name you specifically?

Because I don't remember doing that.

[HeartBreakMan2k]

Did I name you specifically?

Because I don't remember doing that.

Yes you named me! You jerk! :mad:




:'(

[Kane Knight]

I'm sorry, but I HATE your shoes.

[HeartBreakMan2k]

I'm sorry, but I HATE your shoes.

:$ Actually, I meant to tell you... er, ask... they're sorta yours... I just kinda took them out of your closet last week... um, Can I borrow them?

[Kane Knight]

Nothing comes out of my closet anymore. :shifty:

[Funky Fly]

Shelton's good... really good. But he still has little quirks not seen in most main eventers. Also, his mic work, while improving is coming along too slowly.

[HeartBreakMan2k]

Nothing comes out of my closet anymore. :shifty:

What about in your back door? :shifty:

[Kane Knight]

The WWE has tried to be "risque" in the past. Why not have Kerwin and Angle have a PPV amtch to see who gets to "own" Shelton?

After a few months of Shelton "Houseboy" Benjamin, Booker can turn face and start the "Underground Railroad" taking Benjamin Smackdown and the abolishionist states.

[Skippord]

BTW Shelton is what the next generation of wrestlers should be... not Sabin, not Sabin, not any of the X division guys (sans maybe Daniels and Styles if he learns to WORK a match as oppose to spot.)

Yes Sabin... yes Sabin :'(

[HeartBreakMan2k]

Yes Sabin... yes Sabin :'(

Sabin is good, he'll be fine when he learns how to build a match and work a match as opposed to do X style spots.

[Batsu]

Seriously, though.

Why is Shelton on the Jobber's Showcase instead of on RAW, fighting for the Intercontinental Championship again? I really do suspect he must have pissed off someone "upstairs" or something...he was on a roll, but ever since he dropped the belt to Carlito, he sort of disappeared.

[Pepsi Man]

What I love is how people seem to think that unless you're an overnight superstar you'll never go anywhere. Man are wrestling fans ADD.
Yeah, seriously. I wonder what Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, or even JBL think of that mentality. Hell, it took Chris Jericho twelve years before he won his first World Title. Shawn Michaels? Probably eight to ten. Bret Hart? Ten, twelve, fifteen years. Booker T? Ten or twelve years (sure, he got nothing in the WWF/E of note, but he was used well in WCW, I think). It took Stone Cold Steve Austin nine years of wrestling before he was considered a main eventer in the WWF. Mick Foley was probably wrestling for about ten years before he really got his due.

I also love the comment that Shelton already had a "paying his dues gimmick". Paying your dues isn't as simple as working a single gimmick where you wrestle under someone. Even Triple H can say that after his time in WCW doing jobs to Alex Wright, his time in the WWF as the Greenwich snob, Shawn's sidekick, and even his time in DX, despite being the leader in 1998. And then there's Edge who it looks like is being built up now. He's been with the WWE(/F) since 1998, and he had wrestled professionally quite extensively before that.

It's ridiculous these days. If a semi popular wrestler isn't main eventing every pay-per-view within six months of his television debut, the WWE is shitting on him, and he's being "misused", and the question of when he'll appear in TNA comes up.

[PorkSoda]

I was at wrestling Wednesday night, and this guy, Maverick Wild, was there. He's been wrestling for 15 years and he's wrestled a few matches for WWF back in the 90's (mentioned he had a tag match with Bastion Booger) and WCW (most disorginaized company ever). He said that they were just testing Shelton, which is why they gave him that push. I think he said he needed work or something which is why they brought him down, I didn't ask anything about it, but I should have. It was something like that. If they were just testing Shelton, they did the same thing with Eugene then :yes:

I hope they use him though. It would be a big loss if they lose Shelton. Shelton and RVD feud would be awesome.

[Kane Knight]

What about in your back door? :shifty:

Wide open, baby.

[Kane Knight]

Yeah, seriously. I wonder what Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, or even JBL think of that mentality. Hell, it took Chris Jericho twelve years before he won his first World Title. Shawn Michaels? Probably eight to ten. Bret Hart? Ten, twelve, fifteen years. Booker T? Ten or twelve years (sure, he got nothing in the WWF/E of note, but he was used well in WCW, I think). It took Stone Cold Steve Austin nine years of wrestling before he was considered a main eventer in the WWF. Mick Foley was probably wrestling for about ten years before he really got his due.

I also love the comment that Shelton already had a "paying his dues gimmick". Paying your dues isn't as simple as working a single gimmick where you wrestle under someone. Even Triple H can say that after his time in WCW doing jobs to Alex Wright, his time in the WWF as the Greenwich snob, Shawn's sidekick, and even his time in DX, despite being the leader in 1998. And then there's Edge who it looks like is being built up now. He's been with the WWE(/F) since 1998, and he had wrestled professionally quite extensively before that.

It's ridiculous these days. If a semi popular wrestler isn't main eventing every pay-per-view within six months of his television debut, the WWE is shitting on him, and he's being "misused", and the question of when he'll appear in TNA comes up.

Oh yeah. These days, if you don't make it in like a year, the smarks whine "He has no credibility! He will never succeed."

And yeah, people don't seem to get where "Paying your dues" ends and "careers" begin. Though it could be because of the needless way the WWE often wastes or humiliates people. Why would they due that? Well, we could say bad booking, but naw. It's paying your dues. Shelton's suffering not because they don't know where to go with him, but because they want him to pay dues. Conversely, if he's not used soon, he's wasted.

[seth187]

Correct me if im wrong but didnt it take scsa to get the world title like 7 years? Shelton has benn payin his "dues" for 2.5 years or wat ever, obviously he is not going to get a title shot this soon, his mic skills aint that great, however his wrestling skills are great, let him get his mic skills up more and his crowd involvement better and he will go somewhere.

You cant become a overnight champion, it has to be earnt!

[alvarado52]

Im a fan of Sheltons athleticism, but his mic work does suck. On Raw, in my opinion, he never really gave the IC Title any type of meaning. I mean, it hasnt had a meaning in a long time, but he didnt do anything to it. Funny that the least athletic guy in the WWE (Flair) was the one to actually bring interest in the IC title and make it a true title again. I think they need to keep Shelton on Heat and jab him in as many backstage scenes, vignettes, and in-ring Mic work as much as possible to basically force feed him into better mic work, have Flair and HHH battle for the IC title, actually put the title on HHH (which would be an interesting change and might actually bring more to the title), then have Shelton and HHH battle for the IC title. Having Trips and Shelton in a real fued would make Shelton elevate his game, not so much in-ring, but on mic seeing as how Trips can cut good, Benji would have to raise it, yknow? Sorry, total babble.

[alvarado52]

....Or better yet, have Shelton come out and help HHH beat Flair for the title and turn him heel. Maybe thats what he needs, cuz he kinda just sounds cheesy to me as a face. A heel turn for Shelton could be a good thing now that he is flying solo. I remember when the Rock won the tourny for the championship and turned heel, to me thats when he really cemented himself as a main guy, not because he had the title. Shelton could benefit from teaming with Triple H. Look what it did for Orton, he excelled as a heel so much more by being around Flair and Trips. Sorry again, babble.

[Pepsi Man]

Im a fan of Sheltons athleticism, but his mic work does suck. On Raw, in my opinion, he never really gave the IC Title any type of meaning. I mean, it hasnt had a meaning in a long time, but he didnt do anything to it. Funny that the least athletic guy in the WWE (Flair) was the one to actually bring interest in the IC title and make it a true title again. I think they need to keep Shelton on Heat and jab him in as many backstage scenes, vignettes, and in-ring Mic work as much as possible to basically force feed him into better mic work, have Flair and HHH battle for the IC title, actually put the title on HHH (which would be an interesting change and might actually bring more to the title), then have Shelton and HHH battle for the IC title. Having Trips and Shelton in a real fued would make Shelton elevate his game, not so much in-ring, but on mic seeing as how Trips can cut good, Benji would have to raise it, yknow? Sorry, total babble.
Even at 56 years old, I'm not so sure calling Ric Flair the "least athletic guy in the WWE" is exactly accurate.

[Kane Knight]

Im a fan of Sheltons athleticism, but his mic work does suck. On Raw, in my opinion, he never really gave the IC Title any type of meaning. I mean, it hasnt had a meaning in a long time, but he didnt do anything to it. Funny that the least athletic guy in the WWE (Flair) was the one to actually bring interest in the IC title and make it a true title again. I think they need to keep Shelton on Heat and jab him in as many backstage scenes, vignettes, and in-ring Mic work as much as possible to basically force feed him into better mic work, have Flair and HHH battle for the IC title, actually put the title on HHH (which would be an interesting change and might actually bring more to the title), then have Shelton and HHH battle for the IC title. Having Trips and Shelton in a real fued would make Shelton elevate his game, not so much in-ring, but on mic seeing as how Trips can cut good, Benji would have to raise it, yknow? Sorry, total babble.

Well is it Shelton's fault ther was no meaning to the title on his watch?

It's notlike he was really saying "You know, I don't want a storyline."

[alvarado52]

true, And even in his young prime, Flair still wasnt atheletic. Mr. High Spot himself.

[Pepsi Man]

true, And even in his young prime, Flair still wasnt atheletic. Mr. High Spot himself.
He was plenty athletic. Do you realize how conditioned he was? Jesus Christ. When did the inclusion or lack of using high spots in all your matches indicate one's athletic ability?

[alvarado52]

Flair is the definition of High Spots. He started the high spot. But ok, lemme re-phrase this, Flair wasnt the most versatile guy. And it still break away from my point, Flair put prestige back into the IC title NOW, and NOW his ass isnt versatile OR very athletic. But im glad its on him. Flair made me kinda realize that so called 'main eventers' always seem to become boring, and the reason is because they never really battle for any belt other than the main championship, yknow? So to see someone who was, and still may be, a main eventer take that IC title, and show PRIDE in taking that title, isnt a good change of pace.

[CharismaInjection]

If Shelton were good on the mic. I believe he'd be WWE champion right now. But some of his backstage work has been terrible. Particuarly one with Eric Bischoff when he was asking for an IC rematch.

ERIC: How d'you feel about that?

SHELTON:[NO EMOTION, STUTTERING] I feel....ab-b-out it ho-ww I fee-ll ab-out you...it s-tink----s--s-s-s-s-s-s.

[Kane Knight]

It's always a little odd seeing a swrester with Charisma but almost no mic skills.

[Savio]

I thought he became governer or something :shifty:

[AJHayes]

What I love is how people seem to think that unless you're an overnight superstar you'll never go anywhere. Man are wrestling fans ADD.

Well, speaking of Shel.... HOLY SHIT A COOKIE!!

[axel84]

Based on most of the responses I'm gathering most of you guys think Shel is just paying his dues now, which is kind of half-assed, considering he's been around for close to three years now. Not that long a time for sure, but maybe management doesn't know what to do with him?

I do agree with the good ring skills, poor mic skills rationale. That's plausible. But basically saying in a nice way that Shelton was a piece of shit when he was in Team Angle and is just coming up now isn't at all. It's kind of lop-sided.

[Funky Fly]

No, he's always been gold, physically, and he has a natural charisma (a sort of intangible that you can't descrbe, but draws you in), but trouble with enunciating and projecting his words.

[Kane Knight]

No, he's always been gold, physically, and he has a natural charisma (a sort of intangible that you can't descrbe, but draws you in), but trouble with enunciating and projecting his words.

Yeah, Shelton's had some awesome matches. He's a memorable wrestler with strong in ring performance and great presence, but someone who needs a speech therapist desperately.

[axel84]

Yeah, Shelton's had some awesome matches. He's a memorable wrestler with strong in ring performance and great presence, but someone who needs a speech therapist desperately.

That said, is this what's holding him back? Is Shelton the Kanye West of the WWE?

[Kane Knight]

That said, is this what's holding him back? Is Shelton the Kanye West of the WWE?

I think the main problem isthey don't know what to do with him.

HE's not a hoss.

He's black.

He's not a brawler.

He's charismatic but shit on the mic.

The WWE doesn't know how to market him. They aren't equipped toplay to his natural talents.

[axel84]

I think the main problem isthey don't know what to do with him.

HE's not a hoss.

He's black.

He's not a brawler.

He's charismatic but shit on the mic.

The WWE doesn't know how to market him. They aren't equipped toplay to his natural talents.


Bottom line, is WWE going to "Virgil" Benjamin? Is he going to become a 21st century Koko B. Ware? It would be a bad compromising of his talents. I think this kid has alot to bring to the table and will have his day. Seriously, when that is unfortunately will be later than sooner for this fan.

[redoneja]

Flair is the definition of High Spots. He started the high spot. But ok, lemme re-phrase this, Flair wasnt the most versatile guy. And it still break away from my point, Flair put prestige back into the IC title NOW, and NOW his ass isnt versatile OR very athletic. But im glad its on him. Flair made me kinda realize that so called 'main eventers' always seem to become boring, and the reason is because they never really battle for any belt other than the main championship, yknow? So to see someone who was, and still may be, a main eventer take that IC title, and show PRIDE in taking that title, isnt a good change of pace.



Flair wasn't versatile?? He could put on a GREAT match with anyone. In his prime he could have made Chris Masters look like Kurt Angle. And Flair wasn't athletic??? Why? Cause he couldn't do a moonsault? And Flair was the definition of High Spot?? No, he was the definition of the word WRESTLER. He was the total package. And at 56, he's still putting on better matches than guys 30 years his younger.

I'm not marking for Flair, by any means, but one must recognize talent.

[Kane Knight]

Bottom line, is WWE going to "Virgil" Benjamin? Is he going to become a 21st century Koko B. Ware? It would be a bad compromising of his talents. I think this kid has alot to bring to the table and will have his day. Seriously, when that is unfortunately will be later than sooner for this fan.

I don't know if he'll have his day. They're already ignoring his massive overness, and with TNA the only viable option, there's no reason to push him, any more than there was one to push Captain Charisma.

[Fox]

Flair wasn't versatile?? He could put on a GREAT match with anyone. In his prime he could have made Chris Masters look like Kurt Angle. And Flair wasn't athletic??? Why? Cause he couldn't do a moonsault? And Flair was the definition of High Spot?? No, he was the definition of the word WRESTLER. He was the total package. And at 56, he's still putting on better matches than guys 30 years his younger.

I'm not marking for Flair, by any means, but one must recognize talent.


It's pointless to argue over whether or not Ric Flair was "athletic" in his day, because that word can mean different things for different people. Some baseball players are athletic because they can belt a ball out of the stands on a regular basis, but they can't dribble a basketball for shit. Gymnists are athletic because of the amazing ways they can bend and move their bodies in mid-air, but maybe they couldn't score a goal in soccer if their lives depended on it.

Flair was athletic because he could work a good match with almost anyone, and he could go the distance back when wrestlers were expected to have 60 minute matches every night. However, he could never do a moonsault, he could never do a flying headscissors or a huricanrana, and it's nearly impossible for him to do a top rope bump that ISN'T his trademark beale toss.

Still, I'm gonna have to go ahead and say that Flair is not athletic by any means today. He gets winded far too quickly, he works far too slowly, and he doesn't have a whole lot of impact on his moves.

[Kane Knight]

This is true, more or less.

However, let's keep away from whether Flair was atheletic, because it didn't matter back when he could work a match. Now he's old, out of shape, and far less entertaining. He doesn't have the chops to be a wro wrestler, and he doesn't have the chops to be an athelete in general.

Flair was awesome. One of the best wrestlers in his generation. It doesn't even need to be said most of the time. The guy in the ring now is just a joke, especially when wrestling has changed so much. And yet he's still better than Steiner. Flair gets winded, Steiner looked like he was gonna die.

Damn you, Edge and Christian!