411 Fact or Fiction 11.05.09: Flair to TNA, Kofi Kingston's Push, Christian Leaving ECW, More

Posted by Jeremy Thomas on 11.05.2009

Would going to TNA be the worst thing Ric Flair could do for his legacy? Does Kofi Kingston have a good chance of making it to the main event scene? Is it now or never for the Motor City Machine Guns? Is it time for Christian to move onto Raw or Smackdown? 411’s Chris Lansdell and Steve Gustafson debate these topics and more in the latest edition of 411 Wrestling: Fact or Fiction!



Hello ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to 411 Wrestling Edition of Fact or Fiction! I'm Jeremy Thomas, and after last week's supersized edition, we're back to the usual eight questions. Still, we have some interesting news and developments that have come out, and two of my favorite 411 staffers to talk about them! In one corner we have Chris Lansdell of "If I Can Be Serious For a Minute" and the Pay-Per-View and Impact Recaps…in the other corner, we have the Movie Zone's Steve Gustafson who is the man behind the "Hollwyood 5 & 1" News Report! Both men are ready to go at it, so let's not keep 'em waiting!

Questions were sent out Monday.

Participants were told to expect WWE & TNA-related questions.

1. Kofi Kingston has a very good chance of making it into the main event scene by the Royal Rumble.



Chris Lansdell: FACT. Bearing in mind that "main event" doesn't mean the same as "title match", one could argue that he's there already, given the nascent feud with Randy Orton and the surprisingly strong promo work he's been giving the past couple of weeks. I've always said that to make a main event face you need a main event heel, and it seems like WWE are now starting to realize how much good Orton can do in that role. In addition to Kofi they're trying to rub Orton off on MVP and Mark Henry (get your minds out of the gutter). So yes, he will be in the main event by the Rumble, he won't win it (the Rumble), but he WILL win MITB. I reckon. The question is, what does he do once he gets there?

Steve Gustafson: FACT. Two factors make this a real possibility. First, if the good folks in creative stay the course with Kofi's character like they did in the last episode of RAW and second, if Kofi keeps delivering solid promos and strong in-ring performances. Creative HAS to be excited that Kingston is getting a good reception because it opens up more opportunities and storylines for them. This past RAW is a perfect example. They could have gone with the Randy Orton vs. Kingston match and most likely have fumbled the program. That would have been expected. But they switched gears and opened things up by adding Mark Henry, MVP, and Legacy into the mix. That's smart writing and builds on things. Also, give a little credit to Orton. He could have sandbagged Kofi's rise, but he's done the right thing and made his rise credible and believable. Look, Kingston is making all the right moves and has all the tools to be a true Superstar, and the time is coming where his success will rest on him and his ability to connect with the fans. If I'm asking my magic 8-Ball...All signs point to YES!

Score: 1 for 1

2. The time for TNA to put the Motor City Machineguns at the top of the tag team division is now or never.

Chris Lansdell: FICTION. Too many other contenders that are better-rounded than MCMG. I love Sabin and Shelley and there are very few teams that consistently make me mark out, but they need to be behind Beer Money and The British Invasion right now. Team 3D is still in that discussion but on the way down, and eventually (say, within the next few months) I would be fine with the Guns replacing them in the top tier. Right now they just feel too much like early AJ Styles: all style, no substance. Both guys are young and seem to have learned their lessons, and I think given the fact that WWE won't want them...well, their options are limited.

Steve Gustafson: FICTION. No the time for TNA to put the Motor City Machineguns at the top of the tag team division was months ago. Maybe as far back as last year. While Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin have undoubtedly earned their spot, I feel TNA has been slow in establishing them as one of THE top tag teams in the division. Sometimes the slow burn can go on too long. And sometimes they were used more as a team to make others look good and to further storyline progression. Hey, someone has to do it. But the good news is audiences still find them entertaining and I don't think any long term damage has been done. But the window of opportunity is quickly shutting, so let's get a move on! Arise, Motor City Machineguns, arise!

Score: 2 for 2

3. A film focusing on the origins of the Undertaker would do well enough for a straight-to-video to be worth the WWE's time.

Chris Lansdell: FACT. Undertaker = money. Plain and simple. He's one of a very small few wrestlers who still resonate with former fans, and he also has a gimmick that lends itself to a back story movie. The reaction I've seen to this rumour has been pretty much split down the middle, and when you throw in casual fans as well as the odd impulse buy...yeah, this could work. And don't pretend you're not curious to see it, where they end it and who really DID set the fire.

Steve Gustafson: FACT. Why not? If done well and marketed correctly, this has a short downside. The WWE has a rich history that can be mined for years! Wrestling characters can be the NEW comic book characters of Hollywood! And why stop at the Undertaker? How about a bio called On The Road: The Honky Tonk Man Story? Or a comedy titled: Outback Jack: Up From Down Under!? Why stop there? Get animated with The Tales of the Gobbledygooker and Where in the World is Hillbilly Jim? Move into TV with a show called In the Kitchen With The Red Rooster. See where I'm going? If done right, this idea has legs. But that's the thing. Will they do it right? Because, I don't know about you, I would love to sit in a dark theater some day and see the words: The Untold Adventures of the Iron Sheik come up on the big screen.

Score: 3 for 3

4. Adding the "who attacked AJ" storyline to the upcoming three-way title match is unnecessary drama.

Chris Lansdell: FICTION...at this point. Drama is never unnecessary, especially since right now we kayfabe don't know who's doing it. As long as the revelation of the perpetrator (I don't read spoilers so I don't know if it's happened yet) happens either at or after the PPV, it's a good way to reintroduce Tomko (name blanked to protect spoilers, highlight the space to see the name) while simultaneously building tension between AJ and Daniels. When the reveal does happen, it's a ready-made feud for Styles to move to.

Steve Gustafson: FACT. Don't get me wrong, we've all seen flimsier excuses for unnecessary drama shoehorned into a storyline, but this seems tacked on. I understand WHY they have to do it but it's like a micromanaging boss who feels the need to put his/her "touch" on any project. I should make a note that I don't mind the addition, it just feels a little forced. And who knows this might turn out to be a good thing.

Score: 3 for 4


SWITCH!

5. It was in poor taste to insert an "Eddie's dead" line into the Batista/Rey Mysterio segment on SmackDown.



Steve Gustafson: FICTION. Poor taste? Do I need to list the segments that are in poor taste that the WWE has presented to us? Compared to those, this is (almost) nothing. Let's just add this to the poor judgment pile and ask ourselves why do we still find these types of injections shocking or alarming? The WWE will always use what they can to further a storyline and that's something we'll have to accept. I am curious. Has anyone used Vince McMahon, Sr. in a promo that could be considered "in poor taste"?

Chris Lansdell: FICTION. In what way? He is dead. It wasn't said in a mocking tone, it wasn't done in any way other than to stop Rey from invoking the ghost of Eddie Guerrero in an effort to save his own hide. My only reaction on hearing it was "That'll piss some people off for no reason", which was quickly followed by my wife saying that it was unnecessary. It wasn't, and Batista even explained why. It's not about Eddie now, it's about Batista. Why would that be in poor taste? It's not like he reversed a low rider into a casket or anything.

Score: 4 for 5

6. The worst thing Ric Flair could do for his legacy at this point in his career is go to TNA and wrestle Hulk Hogan.

Steve Gustafson: FICTION. No. The worst thing Ric Flair could do for his legacy is to disappear and leave it in the shambles it's in now. Look, if I'm his manager/consultant I sit him down and say, "It doesn't matter how we got to this point. The best way to get yourself out of this hole is to stop digging." Flair needs some serious public relations help. One, get his finances in order. If it means doing a tour, do it. Sigh with TNA? Go for it. But do it with some dignity. A great storyline that culminates in a WrestleMania match is great, but that's the past and we've screwed up any leftover goodwill at this point. From here on out we plan for financial future and reclaim that legacy. Two, stay out of the press/TMZ for stupid things like bankruptcy and arrests. The average person sees that and right away discounts anything you've done. "Oh, Ric Flair? Isn't he that guy who fought his daughter's boyfriend? You mean he was a good wrestler?" Remember, at one point in his life Flair had a legitimate chance to go into politics in North Carolina. He's NO WHERE close to that now. Three, surround yourself with the right people. I'm talking REAL financial advisers and managers. Hey, I'm all for him to go to TNA because if he can get a little rub with Hogan, good for him. He needs all the opportunity he can get. I'll wrap this up with: Ric Flair's legacy isn't totally lost just yet. In the world of professional wrestling, you're only ONE storyline or match away from being legendary. He has a lot of work to do, but I can think of worse ways to go then making one more run in TNA.

Chris Lansdell: FICTION. Sorry, but whatever "legacy" Flair had left after hanging on 5 years too long has already been obliterated by the actions we've seen from him since. He left Ring of Honor high and dry after they advanced him a ton of money to do appearances for the company. I'm not talking about the alleged bounced cheque to repay the advance either, I mean he just walked out on them as soon as Vince crooked his finger. Then all this malarkey with the NWA belt being used as collateral for several loans with different people and his agreement to wrestle Hogan in Australia...sorry, this man has forever tarnished whatever legacy he was clinging on to like a limpet on the hull of a fishing boat. Go to TNA, wrestle again, fight Sting in his retirement match, job to Hogan...I don't care anymore.

Score: 5 for 6

7. Christian has done enough to build the new stars on ECW, and it's time for him to move onto his own fame on one of the "Big Two" shows.

Steve Gustafson: FACT. I've watched RAW and SmackDown several times and wondered how Christian would fit in the mix. Let's get this guy back into it! Move someone else to ECW to work with the guys and gals there. Christian has done his time! At last you're on your own! Sorry. Probably the most underrated utility player they have on the roster and you can plug him into numerous feuds and storylines. If I'm creative, I'm thinking of making that switch. Soon.

Chris Lansdell: FICTION. Ever since Benoit, ECW has tried and tried to find a ring veteran with skills to stay at the top of ECW and prep the fresh meat for the big time. Finlay and Matt Hardy both had shots at it and didn't really get the job done, but Christian has and continues to do so. He's over, he can wrestle any style and he's a credible threat to some of the bigger names in the event that ECW needs to be represented. As much as I love watching Christian and would love to see him on Monday nights, I believe he's making great use of his talents on ECW and should be happy in that role. I credit him for the improvement in AJ Styles' mic work, and also with his reduction in spottiness. If Christian can continue to bring that to the ECW Green Team, why move him?

Score: 5 for 7

8. The Abyss vs. Dr. Stevie angle has been the worst storyline in TNA this year to date.



Steve Gustafson: FICTION. "Napoleon, like anyone can even know that." While not my favorite, I'm slow to put a label of worst storyline on it. It's had it's...moments, but it hasn't been something I've thrown my homemade TNA pillow at the TV and walked away in frustration. Also, I'm a big believer in seeing it out to the end. You never know, it could surprise you. Then again, it could walk up to you, punch you in the throat, and leaving you gasping on the street. Got to love crazy angles.

Chris Lansdell: FICTION. It's sucked, no question, but the performances of Daffney have kept it above the Jesse Neal nonsense and ODB's Date Search. Plus, the angle was refreshed with the introduction of Foley and Nash, which might not have done much for match quality but certainly made some of the promo work more interesting.

Final Score: 6 for 8

And just like that, we're back to (more-or-less) harmony as Steve and Chris go 6 for 8! Thanks to the both of them for their answers and quick responses, and of course to you our readers for checking out what they had to say! That's all we have for this week…check us out next week, same time, same station, for for more 411 Wrestling Fact or Fiction!

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