What the hell?!?! Brian Kendrick is reminding me of Brian Pillman. [Archive]

What Would Kevin Do?

07-18-2008, 09:29 PM

I'm not kidding, if you saw him on Smackdown... His look just screams Pillman to me, and I don't know why... he has this half cocky/half crazy look going.

Londoner

07-18-2008, 10:10 PM

Yeah and he had some big black dude being his bodyguard, seems like he's getting a push. Its like they're trying to find something for wrestlers they weren't using before now. Which is what they should've been doing before ffs.

Zen v.W.o.

07-18-2008, 11:10 PM

Show me a pic. That guy is not nearly badass enough looking to pull off a Pillman.

Lock Jaw

07-18-2008, 11:45 PM

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9483/80908669gs7.png

Xero

07-18-2008, 11:58 PM

ROFL

Sorry, he looks too ridiculous to be taken seriously.

Impact!

07-19-2008, 12:01 AM

I'm intrigued

thedamndest

07-19-2008, 12:06 AM

Bedazzled jacket?

Lock Jaw

07-19-2008, 12:09 AM

ROFL

Sorry, he looks too ridiculous to be taken seriously.

But his bodyguard's name is Ezekial. Ezekial is a serious business name.

Lock Jaw

07-19-2008, 12:11 AM

He DOES look kinda crazy in this pic though:

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9573/88659174kk8.png

thedamndest

07-19-2008, 12:13 AM

Maybe his character is he saw what happened to Murdoch and he is now about to snap. Plus he has hired a big black guy in case they actually try and escort him out. KENDRICK WILL NOT LEAVE!

Juan

07-19-2008, 12:31 AM

Smackdown is pre-empted in my area due to the Giants/Brewers baseball game, so I'll wait til I actually see him to pass judgment.

What Would Kevin Do?

07-19-2008, 12:34 AM

I'm telling you, Pillman 2.0

Mercury Bullet

07-19-2008, 12:42 AM

I'm telling you, Pillman 2.0

Hopefully without that whole death thing...

KingofOldSchool

07-19-2008, 12:56 AM

I like his tights...sort of Macho Manesque.

Mercury Bullet

07-19-2008, 01:23 AM

He DOES look kinda crazy in this pic though:

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9573/88659174kk8.png

I think his facial expression here is closer to resembling Edge than Brian Pillman.

Johnny Vegas

07-19-2008, 01:47 AM

Dude, i haven't even seen this episode but i think this is GOLD in the making. He looks the part, and i like the whole jacket, pimp/80s ordeal. Reminds me honestly of that dude from Smokin' Aces. This could definitely go places.

Juan

07-19-2008, 02:02 AM

Just saw the match. According the Foley and JR, he reminds them of Attitude era HBM.

#1-norm-fan

07-19-2008, 04:43 AM

I liked the whole having his bodyguard put the jacket back on him after the match. Classic.

Londoner

07-19-2008, 05:50 AM

Calling it now, Kendrick will be the next US champ.

Super V

07-19-2008, 08:53 AM

Nothing like Brian Pillman.

DaVe

07-19-2008, 09:31 AM

According the Foley and JR, he reminds them of Attitude era HBM.

On JR's blog:

Smackdown’s Brian Kendrick reminds me of the late Brian Pillman in so many ways especially Kendrick’s "look" and the legit confidence that Kendrick has in his in- ring abilities. Kendrick’s new associate that you will see this Friday night on SD is named "Ezekiel" and is a 300 pounder with significant presence.

So there you go.

Edit: Just to clarify - I've seen Smackdown so I know you're right, but seems like JR has a slightly different view now.

#BROKEN Hasney

07-19-2008, 11:45 AM

Hopefully without that whole death thing...

You want him to be immortal? :shifty:

Hanso Amore

07-19-2008, 11:56 AM

What he use as a finisher? Sticking with Sliced bread?

KingofOldSchool

07-19-2008, 12:36 PM

What he use as a finisher? Sticking with Sliced bread?

Yup, Sliced Bread.

Although I think he needs something else if he is going to be a serious mid-to upper card heel.

Hanso Amore

07-19-2008, 01:02 PM

Word.

So I didnt get to see this. IS it a possibility he is like redoing the early HBK w/ Diesel type thjing, which might lead to a fued, or what?

Super V

07-19-2008, 02:20 PM

Xero

07-19-2008, 02:39 PM

You want him to be immortal? :shifty:

Brother.

Mercury Bullet

07-19-2008, 02:46 PM

Hopefully without that whole premature death thing...

Fixed.

RGWhat316

07-19-2008, 02:52 PM

I wasn't sure about the whole thing. Maybe cus i've seen him as a face for so long, it almost seemed to me that he was trying too hard to be a heel. But i'm definitely intrigued to see where this will go.

Juan

07-19-2008, 03:12 PM

Word.

So I didnt get to see this. IS it a possibility he is like redoing the early HBK w/ Diesel type thjing, which might lead to a fued, or what?

It seems like that's the direction they're steering this thing.

Gertner

07-19-2008, 04:19 PM

hsi walk to the ring looked stupid

thedamndest

07-19-2008, 04:36 PM

The way Ezekial stood totally still when Yang got near him was very Diesel-like. Even the slow walk to the ring and the distraction at the end. Will be interesting to see where they go with this.

#1-norm-fan

07-19-2008, 04:38 PM

It seems like that's the direction they're steering this thing.

For some reason, if that does happen though, I really can't see it ending any way other than Kendrick just getting squashed and used to put this Ezekial guy over.

Indifferent Clox

07-19-2008, 04:51 PM

I'm very interested in the New Kendrick. If Kendrick CM Punk Evan Bourne Jamie Noble and Paul London all gain more air time. I think more mainstream attention will be drawn to ROH.

Mercury Bullet

07-19-2008, 04:53 PM

I don't think it will make people pay more attention to ROH, just pay more attention to those people that you mentioned.

IC Champion

07-19-2008, 04:55 PM

Yeah, I wouldn't expect any WWE fans to start watching RoH for that reason.

Kane Knight

07-19-2008, 05:17 PM

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9483/80908669gs7.png

What.

The.

Hell?

I'm very interested in the New Kendrick. If Kendrick CM Punk Evan Bourne Jamie Noble and Paul London all gain more air time. I think more mainstream attention will be drawn to ROH.

I can think of like three things wrong with that line of reasoning.

Dave Youell

07-19-2008, 07:40 PM

I want this to go places, but just based on that, I wouldn't expect too much, he needs mic time to explain why he's suddenly gone from a tag team face player to a heel with security, fans have no real reason to boo him right now, there's been no impactful turn, meaning he's not going to get over to level that would be accepted within the next couple of weeks without some kind of reason.

So it's down to the booking right now, I'm never a fan of people just coming out as heels just for the sake of it, I want this to work, as I love Kendrick, I met him once and he was really cool and based on any ROH match, it's plain to see he's amazing, so I just hope this isn't going to be a memory by September

Mr. Nerfect

07-20-2008, 02:05 AM

I want this to go places, but just based on that, I wouldn't expect too much, he needs mic time to explain why he's suddenly gone from a tag team face player to a heel with security, fans have no real reason to boo him right now, there's been no impactful turn, meaning he's not going to get over to level that would be accepted within the next couple of weeks without some kind of reason.

So it's down to the booking right now, I'm never a fan of people just coming out as heels just for the sake of it, I want this to work, as I love Kendrick, I met him once and he was really cool and based on any ROH match, it's plain to see he's amazing, so I just hope this isn't going to be a memory by September

I really loved it. It didn't seem to me like Kendrick was so much crazy, as he is suddenly just getting more of an attitude. He did sort of remind me of Shawn Michaels, and all those other cocky types, but with a more personal style. He's good, but he's using his size to an advantage. He seems almost whiney and like someone you would want to see get his ass kicked.

It strikes me like they're doing a "Kendrick should get his ass kicked, but he's too good and now has back-up that allows him to win" thing. I don't want to call it a "rock star" attitude, but he's definitely turning up the style. I loved his little walk to the ring. It instantly reeked of him being a dick now.

The transformation has actually been a long time coming. Kendrick turned heel on RAW once, and although they sort of dropped it, Kendrick has been looking more serious. I also loved the way that Ezekiel put the jacket on Kendrick after the match.

This could and should be awesome, but yes, he does need promo time. It seems Jim Ross and Mick Foley were instructed to sell it on commentary, though.

Hanso Amore

07-20-2008, 09:04 AM

I would love it for him to be a cocky dick, and start havign some success as a heel. I wish he was still on raw. Give him some wins, then have London be all "WTF? Can we get back together?" Then Kendrick would pretend to go back to face, and throw him through a window....

Then HBK would come out and ask "what is wrong with my student? Why are you doing this?"

Kendrick would say that he is "Im not doing anything you didnt do first."

Then we have a HBK vs Kendrick fued, with Kendrick as a young heel HBK clone.

That might not sound great to anyone else, but it just irks me that they ignore the Londrick/HBK connections.

I mean, recently they have started playign it up with Cade. I am REALLY hoping that after what we saw Monday, that London joins with Jericho, and they do the same as Cade. Kind of a Jericho steals your students thing. Maybe that is why kendrick is on smackdown, so he can get a push and avoid that storyline.

Mr. Nerfect

07-20-2008, 09:12 AM

I'm hoping Paul London sticks to being a Shawn Michaels faithful. Some HBK & London vs. Jericho & Cade matches would probably get me aroused. I'd love for the WWE to take advantage of the tri-branded PPV thing, and have Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel unofficially join up with Jericho and Cade on PPV only.

Ever since I first read Rycklon Stevens was serving as Kendrick's bodyguard as a try-out, I was thinking how much I would love to see an angle where Kendrick took offense at Mick Foley making fun at him from commentary, and Kendrick provoked Foley back into the ring, and even kicked JR's head in a few times. I don't know why.

Mr. Nerfect

07-20-2008, 09:15 AM

Also, I envision The Hardys winning the WWE Tag Team Championship from John Morrison & The Miz very shortly, and I'm hoping that Kendrick & Ezekiel will be the two to take the belts from them.

Gertner

07-20-2008, 02:48 PM

The whole point of having the hardy's on different shows was for them not be known as a tag team so I highly doubt that.

Kane Knight

07-20-2008, 03:22 PM

The whole point of having the hardy's on different shows was for them not be known as a tag team so I highly doubt that.

Because that's happened in the past, right? With those rigidly enforced rosters, the idea of a cross-band championship reign or even tag team is completely improbable.

Hanso Amore

07-20-2008, 03:35 PM

Because that's happened in the past, right? With those rigidly enforced rosters, the idea of a cross-band championship reign or even tag team is completely improbable.

Not unlike the last Hardyz reunion, and the MNM reunion.

Afterlife

07-20-2008, 04:11 PM

Hotness.

Mr. Nerfect

07-20-2008, 05:54 PM

I'm not too familiar with Jimmy Jacobs, but something about Kendrick was making me think of him.

Mr. Nerfect

07-20-2008, 05:55 PM

Also, Ezekiel has a fantastic look. If he is a big man that can work, I'd be more than happy with him getting a push down the line.

thedamndest

07-20-2008, 07:26 PM

You can't deny also that both men are in fact named Brian.

Hanso Amore

07-20-2008, 08:22 PM

Someone show me a pic of Ezekiel

parkmania

07-21-2008, 09:31 AM

I don't really see the resemblence to Pillman at all.

Of course, that could partly be because when I saw him I thought he was trying to be Kurt Cobain, the same way John Morrison = Jim Morrison.

Londoner

07-21-2008, 09:37 AM

lol seems i was wrong on my prediction.

Mr. Nerfect

07-21-2008, 09:53 AM

I'd be lying if I denied not somewhat fantasy booking Kendrick in my head to align with with John Morrison & The Miz, as some sort of rock star stable.

Loose Cannon

07-21-2008, 03:09 PM

I see it. it's funny cause I've said in the past he reminded me of Pillman when he was doing that streaking gimmick.

Johnny Vegas

07-22-2008, 10:50 AM

I'd be lying if I denied not somewhat fantasy booking Kendrick in my head to align with with John Morrison & The Miz, as some sort of rock star stable.

I was thinking the same thing :y:

What Would Kevin Do?

07-22-2008, 01:06 PM

He reminds me absolutely nothing of Jimmy Jacobs. Not yet anyway. The closest I think he'd ever come to resembling him is Jimmy during his IWA-MS title reign. I don't see that happening though (because I don't see them giving Kendrick a push where he can beat enough people cheaply to garner that much heat, nor will they give him a belt to hold onto like that.)

TerranRich

07-26-2008, 01:36 AM

Are you kidding me... Jim Ross just made the exact same observation tonight on Smackdown. I SWEAR they read these boards. LOL

"You know how I was sayin' this guy reminded me of somebody, but I just couldn't put my finger on it?"
"Did you put your finger on it yet?"
"Yes I have, and you know, he reminds me of... Brian Pillman! The Loose Cannon!"

Pretty much what was said during Kendrick's entrance. I guess the observation was an accurate one.

DaVe

07-26-2008, 06:36 AM

J.R. already said that in his blog - as I pointed out in this very thread - last week.:p

Londoner

07-26-2008, 06:37 AM

Just watchin kendrick on smackdown atm, it does seem like he's trying too hard but give him time and i'm sure he'll fit into the role.

Mr. Nerfect

07-27-2008, 05:04 AM

He reminds me absolutely nothing of Jimmy Jacobs. Not yet anyway. The closest I think he'd ever come to resembling him is Jimmy during his IWA-MS title reign. I don't see that happening though (because I don't see them giving Kendrick a push where he can beat enough people cheaply to garner that much heat, nor will they give him a belt to hold onto like that.)

I think it's mainly the look Kendrick has, rather than the gimmick. Not the same colour hair, but a similar length, they both have ring jackets and wear trunks. Sliced Bread #2/Contra Code. Actually, I think SB#2 has a new name now..."The Kendrick."

Watching SmackDown! this week, it seems Kendrick's stock went up last week. He actually got mic time this week. The first time in years that has happened. Kendrick handled the mic well, too. He spoke clearly, concisely and with purpose. There was expression and pitch in his voice. He didn't sound out of place, at all.

It seemed like Kendrick only got Rycklon Stevens in his corner in dark matches as a tryout for Stevens, but then they decided that Kendrick works well enough to warrant a bodyguard on-screen. They had him work a little match with Yang, but the storytelling was done on commentary. Now Kendrick is in on it, and his match against Shannon Moore was much more dominant. I'm liking the growth Kendrick seems to be making.

He's a natural heel, in my opinion. Something I didn't actually expect of him.

Londoner

07-27-2008, 07:51 AM

I wonder why WWE is suddenly taking notice of guys like kendrick/london? Like, they're suddenly making use of almost everyone. Reminds me of the attitude era days...but i wonder what woke them up? Probably the ratings were far too low for their liking. Would love to here Lance Storms thoughts on WWE atm, funny how he's gone quiet lately.

Mr. Nerfect

07-27-2008, 12:43 PM

I hope Paul London doesn't get left behind in all this. The kid if a phenomenal worker, and the fans seem really into him. Let him bust out the London Calling, and he'll be over as rover. He could at least sell a few "Please Don't Die" t-shirts. CM Punk did it, Evan Bourne seems to be doing it, and hell, even Kendrick is doing it. Just stick him with Shawn Michaels against Chris Jericho and Lance Cade.

Evil Vito

07-27-2008, 11:59 PM

<font color=goldenrod>I really love the addition of Ezekiel as Kendrick's bodyguard. I like that he just stands there and uses his presence to intimidate opponents without getting physically involved. It's a unique way to give Kendrick a bodyguard without making him look weak.

I also love the fact that his finisher is now called "The Kendrick"</font>

Sebastian

07-28-2008, 11:33 AM

I never heard of brian pillman so I cant compare Kendrick to him, but Kendrick does remind me of a younger Shawn Michaels. Big time tag team player getting a body guard and going single? Yup it has Shawn Michaels written all over it. I think Ezekill should be getting more involved though. He looks badass and I want to see him wrestle or pound someone.

TerranRich

07-28-2008, 11:16 PM

Never heard of Brian Pillman?

Get the fuck out. Now.

I mean it.

Johnny Vegas

07-28-2008, 11:50 PM

Can someone pleeease post a video of his new look and his bodyguard :)

Mr. Nerfect

07-29-2008, 01:09 AM

I never heard of brian pillman so I cant compare Kendrick to him, but Kendrick does remind me of a younger Shawn Michaels. Big time tag team player getting a body guard and going single? Yup it has Shawn Michaels written all over it. I think Ezekill should be getting more involved though. He looks badass and I want to see him wrestle or pound someone.

Not a good choice of words. You seem like a reasonably smart guy (in the "Vermaat" sense), but "never heard of brian pillman" will not earn you many friends in professional wrestling discussion.

He does remind me of Shawn Michaels, though, yes. Especially given that Kendrick trained under Michaels.

Also, I disagree that Ezekiel should be doing more in his matches. I like the way that he is more of an idea than a reality at the moment. That's the way I wished they had used Daivari back when he was with Muhammad Hassan. It'll get Ezekiel over as more than just a thug. I wouldn't mind seeing Brian Kendrick & Ezekiel going over Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore on SmackDown! this week, though.

Mr. Nerfect

07-29-2008, 01:15 AM

Mr. Nerfect

07-29-2008, 01:21 AM

I love the way Kendrick gets his swagger right back after he wrestles. And the returning of his jacket is really cool.