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The thing I was talking about with Orton that "I know", is really just what Ive read from multiple sources, and that is that internally within the company the WWE has decided to give strong pushes to 4 guys; Orton, Cena, Benoit and Eddie Guerrero. So my point was that unlike past people who were pushed, this time (at least for now) they are behind immediate pushes for Benoit and Eddie and long term pushes for Orton and Cena. Hopefully they dont back down from that plan after two or three weeks. But, I believe the WWE realizes that they need to make new stars, and they've run out of quick fixes.
As for Benoit as a mid card champ. That is possible, but I have a feeling HHH will do the right thing (I know that sounds odd) and put over Benoit strong.
I think I mentioned this before, but I think HHH sees that he is over exposed and he knows he'll be off at some time in late Spring. I also think that politically it would be hard for him to squash Benoit like he did BT last year. I think there are far more people who see Benoit as one of the best in the business (perhaps of all time), so for Hunter to work everyone and look like a team player he'd have to put over Benoit and do it the right way. Thats why I can see HHH doinf two JOB for Benoit. One at Mania, maybe not by tapping to the Crossface, but say with a roll up or something. The win would still be clean, but Hunter could claim he made a mistake and wont make it again. Then they go into Edmonton in April, have the rematch and this time, with a rabid sold out crowd behind Benoit, Hunter taps to either the Crossface or the Sharpshooter.
Now, I know that sounds unlikely, but I think its possible. Couple reasons, first like I said Hunter needs at least some time off to make the WWE Film he's starring in. And if he doesn't make a new star to replace him during his absense he will look like an ass to the rest of the boys. By putting over Benoit stron, HHH can come back and demand the title, and nobody would really be able to kick up a fuss because HHH proved he was a "team player". Also, if anyone ever refused to JOB he could say "I put over Benoit at the biggest show of all time, so you shouldn't complain about being asked to be a team player". I think it will make Huntyer look like a hero (at least that will be the company rhetoric, and if anyone disagrees Brock Lesnar will beat them up). The final reason is that we all know HHH thinks he's the new Ric Flair, and I think he'd like to get over the 16 time World Champ mark, so I think with these periodic times off he can drop and then win the title every few months. In a couple of years he'll be able to beat Flair's mark.
Maybe its wishful thinking, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see if and how HHH puts over Benoit, because that will determine how the fans percieve Benoit as champion.
As for Edge, I dont think he was at the top level of popularity, but he's a WWE guy, and the WWE will push him because of his size, and lets face it, he does have talents in the ring. However, I dont think his promos were up to main event level. We'll see if he's make any improvements when he comes back after Mania.
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