Chris Benoit's Current Direction (SPOILERS)

[Corkscrewed]

Okay, so on Raw, Benoit suddenly shows up and says he'll battle the RAW champ at Wrestlemania.



Lets examine Benoit's direction over the past few months.

At Survivor Series, he made Brock tap, thus officially starting their feud over the title. The following SD!, he receives a title shot but passes out to the Brock Lock. Afterwards, Heyman says that he will never get a shot against Lesnar again as long as Heyman is GM. Thus, you have the solid beginnings of a brilliant chase angle where Benoit overcomes all the odds to win the WWE Championship for the first time ever in his life.

Though this feud takes a secondary seat later to the Holly/Lesnar revenge angle, it continues to simmer, as it should according to smart booking. Heyman screws around with Benoit. Brock fears Benoit. Benoit quietly goes about his way trying to defeat the system.

As the Rumble approaches, Benoit outwits Heyman by gaining entry into the Rumble along with John Cena. Obviously, he's still going after the title. By logic, he's still going after BROCK'S title, since the chance to win it is what was taken away from him.

Heyman screws him over again and makes him #1. Of course, predictably but smartly, he wins the whole thing, setting RR records for longest time in the match and being the first person to enter at 1 and outlast all 29 other men.

Now, the way to cap off the feud is to have him challenge a confident and powerful Lesnar (coming off a win over Holly where he ideally reinjured him or even broke his neck again... making Lesnar a vicious monster) who hasn't lost for quite a while. The culmination of this would be Benoit defeating Lesnar at Wrestlemania, fulfilling his lifelong dream and establishing himself as the premier main eventer.

Results:
- Lesnar doesn't lose heat even though he lost due to the manner in which he lost (via a long, hard-fought match)
- Benoit is cemented as a main eventer
- You have a very well booked chase feud that lasts a few months but never gets stale
- The angle captivates audiences while satisfying what they want.

But wait! Suddenly, Benoit is supposed to go to Raw because Vince is orgasming for a Goldberg/Lesnar match to make up for the Goldberg/Austin dream match that can never happen because Bill would give Austin a concussion or something and paralyze him for life, ala Bret Hart (note exagerration). Well, if you insist, Mr. McMahon, because you did build the company and I'm just a stupid unAmerican internet fan who knows nothing.


Lets rewind back to the current time. Benoit is fresh off his win at the Rumble. Logically, what does he want to do? Face Lesnar and take his title away from him, of course. That is what this angle that writes itself demands. It's the obvious choice. He wants Lesnar.

So instead, on Raw, Benoit shows up out of the blue (sure, mark out moment for some, but this could have been saved for next week) and says he wants to fight Triple H instead. Because after working so hard to get the WWE championship, he's suddenly giving up and going after the World Title instead--a title that he technically has won before (though winning it again isn't really a problem or flaw). Why? It's like running a marathon, and just before you finish, you cut into the crowd and leave to go play a basketball game or something. Wouldn't logic dictate that Benoit continue to go after Lesnar, and that some circumstance out of his control force him onto RAW?

After all, Benoit's on the SD! brand. He has the chance to be the best wrestler on SD! in his reach. RAW, theoretically, shouldn't even be on his mind. Yet he voluntarily chooses to fight Triple H. It boggles the mind!

Now, if you want Benoit on RAW (to freshen things up, I guess), a MUCH better way would be for Benoit to show up on SD! and demand his shot against Lesnar. Lesnar comes out and cuts the whole heel "I'm not afraid of you (but I really am)" promo. Then Heyman comes out and reaffirms that Benoit will NEVER get a shot at Brock's title so long as Heyman is GM. Why? "Because in the words of Vincent Kennedy McMahon... 'YOU'RE... FIRED!!!'" Heyman and Brock laugh it over as Benoit is pissed. Yep, Chris got screwed big time.

THEN, on RAW NEXT WEEK, have Benoit show up out of the blue (still have your markout moment) and announce that since he was fired from SD! but is still an employee of the WWE, he has chosen to join RAW. And since he won the Rumble, he chooses to face Triple H. At the very least, that would make more sense than just choosing to face HHH spontaneously. Benoit wanted Lesnar, just like logic would suggest, but he was screwed, so he's going to do the next best thing.

Now, continuing with this, how would Goldberg go to SD!? Well, the following SD!, Heyman and Lesnar are patting each other on the back and sometime during the show, Goldberg shows up illegally and attacks Lesnar. Eventually, he's hauled off.

Have Goldberg stalk Lesnar for the next couple of weeks before having him set up a deal with Heyman. If he can win a super stacked gauntlet match (make it any match where Goldberg has to overcome impossible odds to win), then Heyman will sign him onto SD! and grant him a match against Lesnar. Then, either on SD! or at NWO, have Goldberg face FBI, Sean O'Haire (as much as I love him... I personally think that having him job on a PPV is still better than having him languish on Velocity), Matt Morgan, A-Train, Billy Gunn, and finally Big Show in the Gauntlet match. Heyman obviously believes that no one could possibly win under those scenarios. You can even play off of Heyman's ownership of ECW... so he's not really familiar with Goldberg and underestimates him.

At NWO, though, Bill DOES win. Voila, he gets the contract and is on SD! for the month before he goes and loses to Lesnar and leaves the company.

Meanwhile, on Raw, Bischoff can patch up the storyline hole by saying Goldberg left and violated his contract, so he's basically fired and he won't be paid what he was supposed to be, etc... etc...

There you have a perfectly reasonable brand switch that doesn't involve trading (rosters are still technically frozen, plus they should really wait until after all the storylines culminate at WM before starting any trades to freshen things up), and everything makes sense.

But I guess the WWE can't have that.


Comments? Suggestions? Agree or not? Post feedback please!

[Paranoid Rattlesnake]

So obvious that it's a triple threat at MANIA now. Michaels vs Benoit vs HHH with beniot going over HBK

[Corkscrewed]

I figured it'd be a one-on-one, but that makes sense. I mean, we all know Triple H would never actually be PINNED by someone not named HBK...

I'm more convinced that HHH will just beat Benoit 1-2-3 in a normal match though.

[Mr. JL]

In my opinion, having a triple threat main event would suck. Benoit going after Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship is just ****ing stupid. I don't know, Corkscrewed said it all.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by Corkscrewed I figured it'd be a one-on-one, but that makes sense. I mean, we all know Triple H would never actually be PINNED by someone not named HBK... I'm more convinced that HHH will just beat Benoit 1-2-3 in a normal match though.

Yeah that is what i think also, it still is the WWE, they would never let Benoit run over HHH

Actually, in a way, Benoit showing up on Raw makes some sense me. Benoit won the Rumble and got the chance to go for a World Title. Now if you were Benoit, and lets make believe wrestling is "real for a moment," would you want to go after the 2nd rate Smackdown World Title or HHH's WWE World Title, which is obviously the far more bigger of the two titles. Well at least to the WWE and most causual fans it is. So Benoit is actually doing something logical and going after the more prestigious of the two titles. Why would he care about Heyman and Brock anymore when he could do as he pleases and go after HHH and his title. After all Heyman did to Benoit, why would he want to stay on Smackdown? If you were Benoit, would still be staying on the 2nd rate show Smackdown or would you go to the more popular show, Raw, in quest for the gold?

Now I'm just making the argument from the other point of view as I think Smackdown is the better show, but I do see Raw's Title as the "bigger" title. So I don't know, the argument can go eathier way. But my problem right now, and P.R. mentioned this up there, is that Michaels is still in the picture. I hope HHH beats Michaels cleanly at No Way Out, so it can be HHH and Benoit at Mania. It would ruin Benoit's momentum if there was a triple threat at Mania and he went over Shawn instead of HHH for the title. That would really SUCK.

[The Icon of Elisim]

The whole thing doesn't make total sense but I have faith that they will tie up some loose ends on Smackdown.

[KingofOldSchool]

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon I hope HHH beats Michaels cleanly at No Way Out, so it can be HHH and Benoit at Mania.

Ahem.

No Way Out = Smackdown PPV

[Bad Guy]

I would rather go for the Smackdown belt because that is the belt that all the greats like Yokozuna, Bob Backlund (old school bob backlund), Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, etc had. The World Heavyweight belt has HHH, uh, HHH, hbk for a month, goldberg for 3 HHH, HHH, and what do you know, more HHH!

Originally Posted by KingofOldSchool Ahem. No Way Out = Smackdown PPV

Oh yeah, I can't remember what's what anymore with the PPV's. So I guess they will have the rematch on Raw right?

Originally Posted by Bad Guy I would rather go for the Smackdown belt because that is the belt that all the greats like Yokozuna, Bob Backlund (old school bob backlund), Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, etc had. The World Heavyweight belt has HHH, uh, HHH, hbk for a month, goldberg for 3 HHH, HHH, and what do you know, more HHH!

Yeah so would I, but you have to understand, the belt that is more meaningful right now is the Raw title. To most casual fans and certainly to the WWE, they regard Raw as the better show of the two, so that would make Raw's title seem the bigger of the two.

[Stickman]

Why don't they just make a "trade" with Beniot to Raw and Goldberg to smackdown?

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by Paranoid Rattlesnake So obvious that it's a triple threat at MANIA now. Michaels vs Benoit vs HHH with beniot going over HBK

Sounds interesting, but I'd much rather see Benoit go over CLEANLY one on one (against Triple H).


Speaking of Shawn Michaels, do you think him and Matt Hardy would have a decent match?

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by Stickman Why don't they just make a "trade" with Beniot to Raw and Goldberg to smackdown?

http://www.tpww.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3914

I'm sure you'll find this thread to be interesting.

[The CyNick]

I totally agree with the original post.

I laid out a scenario a few weeks before the Rumble that sounds very similar to what was written here. So naturally I agree thats how the thing should have played out.

The way it played out last night seemed to me, to be a way to stroke Hunter's ego, with Benoit saying he wanted to fight the best in the business. However in terms of his storylines over the past few months it literally makes zero sense. Now, perhaps they have a solid storyline worked out, but right now it seems pretty lame.

I totally disagree about which World Title is the more prestigious in the WWE's eyes. Last year at Mania when they had the first Mania with two World title matches, they gave the SD title top billing, now this year its going to RAW. I think in their eyes both titles are equal. In reality and terms of lineage the HHH title is pretty meaningless because it has no real history. And even if you take the lineage of the WCW title, well which title do you think Vince would consider more prestigious the one he created or the one WCW created? It doesn't take a genius to figure out the answer to that one.

[Paranoid Rattlesnake]

Originally Posted by Heyman Sounds interesting, but I'd much rather see Benoit go over CLEANLY one on one (against Triple H). Speaking of Shawn Michaels, do you think him and Matt Hardy would have a decent match?

Michaels can have a decent match against a puppet, I'm sure him and somebody of Matt Hardys talents could go onto have a great match. I'd still rather see Michaels and Jeff Hardy at Mania though

[DXJerky-Version 2.5]

Didn't HBK win the Rumble as a #1 entrant?

All this talk of "casual" fan is BS. The "casual fan" doesn't even know about the history of the World Championship (from the NWA-WCW-WWE), whereas they would know the history (or more likely to know) of the WWF/E World Heavyweight Championship because of guys like Hogan, Bret Hart, UT, Austin, Rock, etc. The belts should have never been separated after it was an undisputed championship.

Lesnar shouldn't job to Goldberg, it would just make the SD! brand look more weak.

[The CyNick]

Lesnar is going over Goldberg, this I guarantee

One more thing, I dont think they will do a 3 way for the Word Title at Mania. I think they are trying to make it seem like Benoit could face either HBK or HHH, then on a RAW in the next 2 or 3 weeks they have a blowoff match with HBK and HHH (I'm thinking HIAC). HHH would win that one, and Benoit-HHH would be set once and for all.

This seems similar to 99 when they had Austin as the #1 contender and he was talking about either facing Foley or Rock because they were fueding. Rock ended up winning, and they then focused on Rock and Austin. I see the same happening with Benoit and Hunter.

[John la Rock]

I actually like the idea of Triple H vs Chris Benoit for the World Title at Wrestlemania XX. As Cynick said, it would be like Rock/Mankind back in 99 feuding over the title with the winner facing Austin at Mania XV. Benoit has his spot all ready at Mania XX and HHH/HBK should have one more match at Raw's PPV show. I would just have it a street fight, with no dq or countout

[SuperSlim]

overall I still hate the fact that now Benoit is goin for the Raw title.

He doesn't really fit in te whole show at all. Lookin at most of the roster there isn't any real technically sound wrestlers, cept Jericho. He has a SD! look and feel to him. To see him on Raw and goin after that title, against HHH of all people.

Originally Posted by DXJerky-Version 2.5 Didn't HBK win the Rumble as a #1 entrant? All this talk of "casual" fan is BS. The "casual fan" doesn't even know about the history of the World Championship (from the NWA-WCW-WWE), whereas they would know the history (or more likely to know) of the WWF/E World Heavyweight Championship because of guys like Hogan, Bret Hart, UT, Austin, Rock, etc. The belts should have never been separated after it was an undisputed championship. Lesnar shouldn't job to Goldberg, it would just make the SD! brand look more weak.

I wasn't talking about the histories of the two titles at all. I was saying that at this present moment right now, which title do you think the casual fan considers more important? I know a lot of people who watch wrestling but don't go on the internet or anything and almost all of them think Raw is the superior show and Raw's Title is the superior title. Forget about them knowing the histories of the title. I myself don't see a difference in the titles, but, and I could be wrong, I tend to think that the WWE puts the Raw show in front of Smackdown. I remember reading a post the other day on here on how all the returning or new superstars like Goldberg, Rock, Foley, Austin all go to Raw and not Smackdown. It just seems like Raw has all the wrestlers that the casual fan would consider "Superstars" Meanwhile smackdown gets people like The Cat.

[Corkscrewed]

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon I wasn't talking about the histories of the two titles at all. I was saying that at this present moment right now, which title do you think the casual fan considers more important? I know a lot of people who watch wrestling but don't go on the internet or anything and almost all of them think Raw is the superior show and Raw's Title is the superior title. Forget about them knowing the histories of the title. I myself don't see a difference in the titles, but, and I could be wrong, I tend to think that the WWE puts the Raw show in front of Smackdown. I remember reading a post the other day on here on how all the returning or new superstars like Goldberg, Rock, Foley, Austin all go to Raw and not Smackdown. It just seems like Raw has all the wrestlers that the casual fan would consider "Superstars" Meanwhile smackdown gets people like The Cat.

By that reasoning then Cruiserweight Title holds is more important than the tag titles.

I totally disagree with you BECAUSE I think the World Title is not as prestigious as the WWE Title. The WWE Title is THE title that has existed over the decades. It's the one with all that lineage, as Bad Guy mentioned. The World Title is associated with the WCW Title, and technically, it doesn't even have the lineage of the WCW Title (not going to argue that issue though), so it's technically rather bland. Even if we did assume that it continued the WCW Title lineage, it's a title Benoit has won before.

RAW is the "number one show" because it's live and Vince favors it. And because UPN still isn't available everywhere, but I'd consider the WWE Title much more important.

Finally, you say that Heyman's screwed with Benoit for so long, so wouldn't Chris want to leave?

#1: Benoit's character is that he's a relentless fighter who never gives up and never fails.
#2: He's overcome all those screw-overs now, so basically, it doesn't matter what Heyman's been doing, because Benoit is on top right now, not in a rut and in a position where giving up would seem likely. You don't reach the Superbowl, or the World Series, of the NBA or Stanley Cup finals only to throw the series away do you? (unless you're the 1919 White Sox)

[The CyNick]

Originally Posted by Corkscrewed By that reasoning then Cruiserweight Title holds is more important than the tag titles. I totally disagree with you BECAUSE I think the World Title is not as prestigious as the WWE Title. The WWE Title is THE title that has existed over the decades. It's the one with all that lineage, as Bad Guy mentioned. The World Title is associated with the WCW Title, and technically, it doesn't even have the lineage of the WCW Title (not going to argue that issue though), so it's technically rather bland. Even if we did assume that it continued the WCW Title lineage, it's a title Benoit has won before. RAW is the "number one show" because it's live and Vince favors it. And because UPN still isn't available everywhere, but I'd consider the WWE Title much more important. Finally, you say that Heyman's screwed with Benoit for so long, so wouldn't Chris want to leave? #1: Benoit's character is that he's a relentless fighter who never gives up and never fails. #2: He's overcome all those screw-overs now, so basically, it doesn't matter what Heyman's been doing, because Benoit is on top right now, not in a rut and in a position where giving up would seem likely. You don't reach the Superbowl, or the World Series, of the NBA or Stanley Cup finals only to throw the series away do you? (unless you're the 1919 White Sox)

I can understand why some people might see the RAW title as the #1 title because RAW was considered the major show, but that was during the WCW days. So, if those same fans see RAW as the major show over Smackdown, they would also know about WCW, and would recognize the RAW title as the old WCW belt, which is lesser than the WWE title which is on Smackdown.

If you look at the numbers, Smackdown has a lot more viewers right now, so by pure numbers most people would see the SD title as #1.

But really, its impossible for us to know what all the casual fans think.

[The Naitch]

The main reason here is because a Brock/Benoit feud wouldn't be interesting enough for a Wrestlemania. It'd be a better draw to see Brock vs. Goldberg.

At the same time, a Benoit vs. Triple H feud would be more interesting seeing the history of Benoit, the World (AKA WCW) strap and Ric Flair and the horsemen-like stable of Evolution

[MVP]

I think the previous posts about Vince favoring RAW over Smackdown pretty much prove why Benoit was put on RAW instead of Smackdown. Since Benoit has overcome so much throughout his recent push why not have Benoit go after the "better title," and the "better champion," meaning the World Heavyweight Title which Triple H holds. Also Goldberg is pretty much set to job to Brock at Wrestlemania and leave WWE after so there's no reason for Benoit to go after the WWE title unless Brock jobs it at NWO to Eddie Guerrero (yeah right).

P.S. I don't believe either brand championship is more prestigous than each other. I'm simply assuming that Vince McMahon has a biased opinion of the brands.

[Heyman]

My biggest concern for Chris Benoit, is that he won't get the "desired" reaction even if he 'goes over' Triple H.

First off - Is Benoit as popular as someone as let's say.........Stone Cold Steve Austin was at WM-14, or The Rock was at WM-2000? Will he get a face-like reaction of that manner?

Secondly - You KNOW that Lesnar/Goldberg is going to be HUGE from a marks' standpoint.........ESPECIALLY if it's for the WWE title. Even if the World title is slated to be the last card on the match, I fail to see how the fans will be MORE interested in that match as opposed to Lesnar/Goldberg.

Perhaps if Bret Hart showed up to become Benoit's manager (since Flair would be Triple H's), things might be different.

Oh well - Guess time will tell.

[MVP]

Yeah if Benoit had a legend as a manager he'd be so over by Wrestlemania.

[BasicThuganomics]

Originally Posted by Heyman My biggest concern for Chris Benoit, is that he won't get the "desired" reaction even if he 'goes over' Triple H. First off - Is Benoit as popular as someone as let's say.........Stone Cold Steve Austin was at WM-14, or The Rock was at WM-2000? Will he get a face-like reaction of that manner? Secondly - You KNOW that Lesnar/Goldberg is going to be HUGE from a marks' standpoint.........ESPECIALLY if it's for the WWE title. Even if the World title is slated to be the last card on the match, I fail to see how the fans will be MORE interested in that match as opposed to Lesnar/Goldberg. Perhaps if Bret Hart showed up to become Benoit's manager (since Flair would be Triple H's), things might be different. Oh well - Guess time will tell.

Benoit is capable of getting himself over. He got a huge "BENOIT" chant when he showed up at RAW. The New York crowd will definately be into him at WMXX. I'm pretty sure that WWE is gonna keep on giving Benoit the type of push he deserves until he gets the title. Plus we've seen that fans respond to Benoit when they see him live. Last year at Royal Rumble, the standing ovation was a sign of the respect fans have for him. Whenever fans see Benoit live, they are into him. The Crossface gets a huge pop every time, and so does his top rope headbutt dive thing(does that move have a name?) I have no doubt that if Benoit puts on a good (probably great ) match in the main event at WMXX, that he will get alot of fans behind him.

Now as far as being as popular as Rock or Austin? No, he will never be the kind of mainstream star that Austin/Rock are. But, there isn't anyone in the WWE right now that can hope to match their status (besides Cena in a couple of years MAYBE) But Benoit will definately be able to get himself over enough to be a credible champ. Once again Heyman you bring up that Benoit/HHH will not be as much of a "draw" as Lesnar/Goldberg and that you think that fans will not be into HHH/Benoit as the last match. Well, once again I think that you are wrong. If the buildup to this match is good, and the match itself is good, then fans will definately be into the match. It's not like Lesnar/Goldberg is gonna be a 5star classic that fans will remember forever. Benoit/HHH will have no problem putting on a much better match that will have fans on the edge of their seats, and for that reason I think that Benoit/HHH will not be overshadowed by Goldberg/Lesnar.

Bret Hart won't show up to be in Benoit's corner, and Benoit doesn't need anyone in his corner. It would be better if he overcame the odds and beat HHH despite possible interference from Flair. Actually, I hope that there is no one else at ringside, and that it is a straight up one on one match between HHH and Benoit.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by BasicThuganomics Once again Heyman you bring up that Benoit/HHH will not be as much of a "draw" as Lesnar/Goldberg and that you think that fans will not be into HHH/Benoit as the last match. Well, once again I think that you are wrong. If the buildup to this match is good, and the match itself is good, then fans will definately be into the match. It's not like Lesnar/Goldberg is gonna be a 5star classic that fans will remember forever. Benoit/HHH will have no problem putting on a much better match that will have fans on the edge of their seats, and for that reason I think that Benoit/HHH will not be overshadowed by Goldberg/Lesnar.

I guess my biggest fear, is that Lesnar/Goldberg will overshadow Benoit/Triple H in the same manner that Rock/Hogan did for Triple H/Jericho back at WM-18.

I realize that Jericho/Triple H was built up VERY poorly at the time (and the WWE will most likely do a better job in building up Benoit/Triple H), but I still have my concerns.

The New York fans do tend to be more knowledgeable and 'smarkish' than most other fans (which is good for a WRESTLER like Benoit), but consider the following.........

-Wrestlemania will be a 5 hour show (LONG!).
-In light of matches such as Lesnar/Goldberg, Angle/Guerrero, and seeing other 'legends' such as Austin, The Rock, Foley, Shawn Michaels, (and possibly Hulk Hogan) in one shape or form, Benoit and Triple H will have a LOT stacked against them......in terms of keeping the fans INTERESTED after 4 and a half hours or so.


I would LOVE for the fans to be 'into Benoit' and would LOVE to see Benoit get the apprporiate crowd response if he defeats Triple H.

Based on all things considered however, I'm not sure if this will be possible. I hope I'm wrong.

[sensai86]

Originally Posted by The Naitch The main reason here is because a Brock/Benoit feud wouldn't be interesting enough for a Wrestlemania. It'd be a better draw to see Brock vs. Goldberg. At the same time, a Benoit vs. Triple H feud would be more interesting seeing the history of Benoit, the World (AKA WCW) strap and Ric Flair and the horsemen-like stable of Evolution

Anyway you see it Mania looks good,I don't think Shawn will be apart of the title match,I'm thinking after him and HHH's feud ends there be a storyline with the Rock cause I really don't want to see the Rock in a tag-match with Foley.Plus it would be good to see that match or is that just me.I know how people feel about HHH,but the Beniot/HHH match will be good,and for all the people
who bitch about HHH don't worry,Beniot will win(he deserves it!)Lesnar/Goldberg will be the end of an "era"(I'm so happy...I mean...that's sad)This match being Goldberg last match this will be good.

[BasicThuganomics]

Originally Posted by Heyman I guess my biggest fear, is that Lesnar/Goldberg will overshadow Benoit/Triple H in the same manner that Rock/Hogan did for Triple H/Jericho back at WM-18. I realize that Jericho/Triple H was built up VERY poorly at the time (and the WWE will most likely do a better job in building up Benoit/Triple H), but I still have my concerns. The New York fans do tend to be more knowledgeable and 'smarkish' than most other fans (which is good for a WRESTLER like Benoit), but consider the following......... -Wrestlemania will be a 5 hour show (LONG!). -In light of matches such as Lesnar/Goldberg, Angle/Guerrero, and seeing other 'legends' such as Austin, The Rock, Foley, Shawn Michaels, (and possibly Hulk Hogan) in one shape or form, Benoit and Triple H will have a LOT stacked against them......in terms of keeping the fans INTERESTED after 4 and a half hours or so. I would LOVE for the fans to be 'into Benoit' and would LOVE to see Benoit get the apprporiate crowd response if he defeats Triple H. Based on all things considered however, I'm not sure if this will be possible. I hope I'm wrong.

You bring up a good point by mentioning that WMXX will be 5 hours and that other matches besides Brock/Goldberg will also get alot of attention. And, I will admit that I am expecting (assuming this match happens) Eddie vs Angle to put on an awesome match. Actually, I'm expecting it to be the best match of the night, and a possible Match of the Year candidate for sure. I'm looking forward to this match just as much as Benoit/HHH.

Take this into consideration, HHH will probably make sure that his main event match will recieve alot of hype and buildup. So I don't think that Benoit/HHH will be overshadowed very much as far as buildup is concerned, HHH's ego will see to that.

And you just need to have faith in Benoit's ability, which I don't think should be very hard.

[Innovator]

Originally Posted by BasicThuganomics You bring up a good point by mentioning that WMXX will be 5 hours and that other matches besides Brock/Goldberg will also get alot of attention. And, I will admit that I am expecting (assuming this match happens) Eddie vs Angle to put on an awesome match. Actually, I'm expecting it to be the best match of the night, and a possible Match of the Year candidate for sure. I'm looking forward to this match just as much as Benoit/HHH. Take this into consideration, HHH will probably make sure that his main event match will recieve alot of hype and buildup. So I don't think that Benoit/HHH will be overshadowed very much as far as buildup is concerned, HHH's ego will see to that. And you just need to have faith in Benoit's ability, which I don't think should be very hard.

I agree here, HHH won't let anything really overshadow the main event hype wise. This match will be Benoit's biggest ever, since all of the attention will be on him and Trips. This moment is Benoit's time to shine.

[CYCLOPTERSAURUS]

Even hypothetically Raw was considered by the casual fan to be the 'better show', why would you move over one of Smackdown's biggest names? if Raw has so many big names, won't he just get buried? and from a business standpoint, you own two separate shows, why would you favor one over the other? Benoit and Brock have a history, all the Smackdown fans have been waiting for the big match. Now, scrap that angle and cripple Smackdown even more? If you're going by the 'some people don't get one show or the other', wouldn't it make sense to keep on a show where viewers know him? and of course he fits better on Smackdown anyway. There is absolutely no logic behind this. Do they have any long term plans whatsoever? And what about Smackdown? now they have one less big face, and with Angle and Brock the only two left, and they've had so many matches already, what's going on? and if you count Goldberg, isn't he supposedly leaving after WM anyway? Is Vince really that stupid? Is that even possible? It's like he's trying to kill half of his company out of spite, and failing, so he's just taking away their stars. How long can WWE go on with decisions like these?

[Corkscrewed]

Frankly, I'm more opposed to HOW they moved Benoit over than the fact that they did move him over. I mean, yes, I really wanted him to stay, but the least they could have done was move him logically.

Originally Posted by Corkscrewed Frankly, I'm more opposed to HOW they moved Benoit over than the fact that they did move him over. I mean, yes, I really wanted him to stay, but the least they could have done was move him logically.

Yeah I agree with you in that Benoit should of done an "Exiting Smackdown" storyline just to have some closure on the whole deal. I was just trying to see the other side of the story in what I posted before.

And you gotta believe Benoit is winning the Title at Mania if Brock is defending his against Goldberg. Cause Brock's definately retaining and they wouldn't make none of the two World Title's change hands. So it all comes down to who is Benoit going over, HBK or HHH.

[The CyNick]

Cena is the hottest babyface in the entire company and he's on SD. Eddie is a close second, and he's on SD, Taker's 'bong' is gettign huge pops, so I assume he'll be pretty over and he's on SD, and Edge is coming back right after and he's on SD too. Of course people could still be moved, but right now it looks like SD is doing fine babyface wise.

On RAW they really only have HBK and Jericho, and now Benoit. Foley, Rock, Goldberg will all be gone after Mania, and BT and RVD are burried forever in the mid card, so they dont count. RAW needed a top babyface, and if it means a Benoit push with the World Title its all good.

I think Benoit and HHH could have problems going on last. Last year's Mania had an awesome match as the main event, and the build to the match was very good, but the crowd was still apathetic to the match. The reason for that was in part that Austin/Rock and especially Vince/Hogan got way more publicity.

This year they should focus most of their promotional efforts on the two title matches. However, in all likelyhood Goldberg-Lesnar will get a puss, as will Taker-Kane, and the Foley-Rock match. If that happens Benoit-HHH might come off flat. Now, being in MSG is a help rather than a big dome show which means more casual fans who dont respect a Chris Benoit winning his first title after 15 years in the business or whatever it is. If Benoit wins I think he'll get a nice ovation (possibly a standing O, depending on the match quality), but I dont think it'll have the same level of heat that the other three big matches will have.

The point about the show being long is a good one. Especially considering the fact that there is no guarantee Benoit-HHH will be the best match on the show (I think Angle-Eddie will be better). Its going to be tough to bring the crowd up 'one more time'. However, I think Benoit winning will be enough to get the MSG crowd on their feet.

[Rock Bottom]

Blah. I was hoping Benoit would win the rumble, but this... cloud of gay "both wrestlers' shoulders were on the mat and both wrestlers' were out for the ten count" Wrestlemania Benoit vs. HHH cloud is looming over my head..

[BasicThuganomics]

I think that Smackdon will be fine as far as having stars on it. You've got Brock, Angle, and Big Show that will make good main event level heels (I'm assuming Angle turns heel, it seems they are going that direction) And Undertaker, Cena, Eddie Guerrero, and a returning Edge that will make good main event level faces. I'll admit that the midcard is looking weak, but perhaps some of the Cruiserweights could be brought up to help out the mid card. My point is that Smackdown will be fine without Benoit (as long as Sparky Holly stays away from main events, and off of TV alltogether actually)

Yeah, RAW has been getting alot of the returning stars lately, but most of the "big name stars" that RAW has gotten lately aren't really people who wrestle on a regular basis

Goldberg is going to Smackdown probably, and leaving WWE all together after Mania.
Rock and Foley are just around for Wrestlemania mostly, and maybe the PPV after Mania
Austin doesn't wrestle at all anymore.

So RAW really doesn't have very many people that can be considered main eventers. Granted, part of this is due to people like BT and RVD not being pushed properly. But I think that having Benoit built up as a main eventer could help to freshen up RAW's main event scene and possibly help others get over where HHH wasn't capable(or willing) of doing this.

They really need to do everything in their power to get Bret Hart to come out and congratulate Benoit if he wins the title. That will be a moment to remember for ages to come.

[loopydate]

Did you guys see that Chris Benoit's bio has already been moved to the RAW page?

*Apologies if someone else mentioned this*