Does Santino Marella have main event potential?

[thedamndest]

We don't need another sympathy case in the main event. I think they learned their lesson when Rey held the belt. I realize he connects with the fans. That is the mark of a great showman. Do you not remember back in the Attitude era when guys like Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, Al Snow, Goldust, Godfather, and, yes Val Venis all connected with the fans? For one reason or another, they didn't get pushed to the main event. You could argue that some of those guys didn't have the right look that a Rock, HHH, or a Stone Cold had, but there was still a spot on the roster for them because of their talent. That is the case with Santino. I'm not sure what you mean about him having success "despite being a comedic character." That is exactly why he is having success now. He was so one-dimensional before. There is no reason to play with the formula as long as it is working.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Originally Posted by thedamndest We don't need another sympathy case in the main event. I think they learned their lesson when Rey held the belt. I realize he connects with the fans. That is the mark of a great showman. Do you not remember back in the Attitude era when guys like Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, Al Snow, Goldust, Godfather, and, yes Val Venis all connected with the fans? For one reason or another, they didn't get pushed to the main event. You could argue that some of those guys didn't have the right look that a Rock, HHH, or a Stone Cold had, but there was still a spot on the roster for them because of their talent. That is the case with Santino. I'm not sure what you mean about him having success "despite being a comedic character." That is exactly why he is having success now. He was so one-dimensional before. There is no reason to play with the formula as long as it is working.

The thing about all those guys you mentioned is that they are from a different era, where everybody was over to some degree. Nowadays, it's a much rarer thing for someone to actually get the fans to care about them.

What I meant by him having achieved success despite being a comedic character, is that in a kayfabe sense, the guy is actually quite accomplished. He's a two-time Intercontinental Champion, which is more than a lot of others guy will achieve in their lifetime. The point is that despite coming off like he should be a loser who never wins anything, Marella has got two mid-card title wins to his name.

Also, Mysterio himself was not a poor choice for World Champion. His reign was horribly handled, and booking destroyed him as a main event force. Also, Marella's a fair bit bigger than Mysterio, and has got more weight to his style, as well. His MMA stuff would be a lot easier to take seriously. Marella and Mysterio are bad comparisons.

Also, I am not saying he should drop the gimmick. I'm just asking whether or not the WWE would benefit by making him a goofball outside the ring, but a serious competitor inside it, ala Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho circa 2000.