Shining a Spotlight 09.08.06: Free Agency '06
Posted by Michael Weyer on 09.08.2006
A look at workers TNA and WWE can benefit from grabbing, both from each other and from ROH and CZW.
To start off, I know I wrote a big thing on Scott Keith a few weeks back so some might be surprised I'm putting in a plug for him. However, on his new online journal, Keith does a great analysis of the problems of TNA that I agree with wholeheartedly. http://www.rspwfaq.com/?p=39 If he had put that much good thought and careful wording into his books, they'd be far better reads.
Free agency in wrestling is like free agency in all sports, an inexact science. That's even more inexact with wrestling given how so many promotions can have "can't-miss" opportunities they manage to blow. WCW made a career out of it like snagging Bret Hart and proceeding to do nothing with him. Mike Awesome got off worse as he was given a lame gimmick that turned him from feared powerhouse to comedy figure. There's also trying to latch onto someone who seems to have potential only to be saddled with having to keep a guy around who has nothing big to offer (ie Mark Henry). TNA made several such mistakes in 2005, first nabbing Shocker and pushing him to an X title match in only a few months. Unfortunately, while big in Mexico, Shocker didn't quite catch on with Florida fans and he was soon turned into a pre-show performer before being let go. They also spent a lot of time and money promoting Trytan, pushing him as the next Goldberg. Unfortunately, he turned out to be the next Giant Gonzalez and was also gone soon. Yet managing to nab a major star is something that was key in the Monday Night Wars and the rise of TNA has revived that a bit.
Since the announcement of Kurt Angle leaving WWE, I've seen a lot of people pushing the idea that Angle is pulling a Brian Pillman, that he's actually perfectly healthy and just wants to face new competition as he's wrestled most everyone in WWE. I don't buy that myself as anyone who's seen Angle the last year or so knows he hasn't been well for a while. Also, I don't see Angle as the kind of guy who'd leave the company that helped make him a star. True, seeing him matching up against the X-Division would be cool but I just can't see him making that leap.
Besides Angle, there's also news that Monty Brown may be leaving TNA and even verbally quit the company right before Hard Justice. That's brought me to consider this week's topic, which is what stars TNA and WWE should try to raid from each other. As mentioned, some raids can be tricky as WWE has had more success with it than companies getting talent from WWE. But there are some talents worth nabbing and both companies should recognize that.
TNA: The problem with TNA trying to recruit is that, despite what they think, they're not on the same level as WWE so it will seem a comedown. Some stars have already said they don't see themselves anywhere but WWE (like Jericho). Also, any big stars had to recognize they'll be joining the Jeff Jarrett show which some might not be happy with. But TNA also offers less shows, less travel and a growing fan base who prefer action over angles and some WWE guys might think they have a better shot there than in the E.
Kurt Angle: As I mentioned before, I don't think he'd go to TNA after all WWE has done for him. Plus, I can't see the guy who's been so huge in major arenas settling down to a TV studio. But that shouldn't stop TNA from trying. Angle would be a huge boost for them with his charisma and incredible talent and you can easily start a dozen different feuds with him around. Come on, who's not dying to see Angle and Samoa Joe go at it? After so many injuries, Angle may feel a smaller spotlight is a good way to keep things up but not at such a hard pace. He can also help the X Division get some real respect from mainstream fans and also rise as NWA champ. While I doubt they can get him, TNA should at least make the effort.
Chris Benoit: Much like Angle, a less paced schedule could benefit him after all those injuries and seeing him in the X-Division would be terrific. He's been in the smaller arenas before (ECW) and has proven he can carry the big belt, with is something TNA needs. The problem is that he's had enough trouble with WWE mismanagement, I'm afraid to think what TNA might do with him. While I personally think he's a tad overrated, he's hugely over in Canada, an area TNA could use a bit more prominence in and can go in both technical classics and ladder/table brawls. Overall, he's a guy who can instantly give a rise to TNA which they need.
Rob Van Dam: RVD didn't totally wreck his career with WWE with his arrest but he did give it a major setback. Vince took a big step in giving him both the WWE and ECW belts and he blew it in only weeks. So maybe it's time RVD sought better employment and TNA would snatch him up in a second. On paper, it sounds a perfect choice; One can easily see RVD in an Ultimate X match or a falls count anywhere battle with the likes of Abyss while renewing his old feud with Rhino. And it would also give TNA another huge star name. But the problem is the baggage that comes with RVD. The TNA locker room already has some egos around with Jarrett, Steiner, Sting and others, throwing in a guy who flaunts how self-centered he is won't help it. And like WWE, TNA has to worry about giving RVD a big run with a belt only to have him pull another stupid arrest to wreck long-term plans (and as a former Florida resident, I can tell you the legal system there is a tad tougher than ones RVD has been involved with before). While he would be a great addition talent-wise, his ego would have to be contained big time in order for this to work.
Shelton Benjamin: Shelton hasn't exactly been a failure in WWE. Two reigns as tag champ and three as Intercontinental champ is nothing to sneeze at. But for a man with so much talent, he seems lost somehow in the typical WWE shuffle. I really think TNA would be a good match for Shelton, especially in the X Division. He's got such incredible athleticism and he could really get the chance to cut loose against equal fighters there. Like RVD, Shelton is perfect for an Ultimate X match and I can see him easily as X Division champion and who knows, maybe even challenge for the big belt someday. As I said, Shelton is a true athlete but his charisma isn't quite there. In TNA, he can get the chance to really break out and take charge which he's long deserved.
Great Khali: I know this sounds like a crazy choice but hear me out. From what I can tell, Khali actually has a pretty good attitude backstage, a rare attribute for big guys. Sure, he's no great shakes in the ring but then again, TNA keeps Kevin Nash around all the time and Khali is in the peak of health compared to him. While some may like TNA's resistance to too many big men, Khali could bring something unique as an unstoppable monster. I'd rather see him taking it to smaller types than Nash as at least Khali can be mobile and somewhat athletic. Besides, you need someone else besides Abyss in a Monster's Ball match and Khali might come off better here than in WWE where guys like him are all too common.
Gene Snitsky: Another crazy-sounding choice but one that might work a bit. Snitsky does have a small fan base with that goofy phrase of his and his fetishes but also is better in the ring than one expects. In TNA, he could get a nice mid-card slot that can hype him back up as a brutal fighter instead of the comedy figure he's degenerated to. He'd also get a bit more air time on TNA, not too huge but enough to get over more than WWE is giving him lately. And like Khali, he's a good big guy to use in feuds which they could need more of.
WWE: So over to WWE as there are a few talents from TNA they could stand getting. WWE has a lot to offer with more money and bigger exposure. The drawbacks, of course, are the possibility of being saddled with poor gimmicks and also being pushed aside for WWE favorites. But for a shot at a huge base, some guys in TNA might be more than a little tempted.
Monty Brown: Let's face it, Brown's career has not been the same since the idiotic decision to turn him heel last March. He had so much momentum going into 2005 but has yet to regain it. That's too bad as he really does have a lot of in-ring talent. Look at him early in his TNA run and he shows some real technical skill to go with his power. That's something that raises him above other big men and can carry him in WWE. Sure, seeing him and Lashley would be good but Brown has more mic skills than Lashley and can really get himself over on Smackdown so WWE would be making a great move snatching him up when they've got the chance and letting him run with a belt or two. Not only that, his departure could actually be a boost to TNA as he would be the first "home-grown" talent snatched up by another company, proving TNA can create new stars, which shows the company can roll in the bigger leagues.
Samoa Joe: Like many, I feel Joe should rightfully be NWA world champ or at least fighting for it rather than being in "big guy" matches with Rhino and Brown. Indeed, it's almost criminal how TNA is ignoring the mass potential Joe as NWA champion can be, pushing him down with the title revolving around Sting, Jarrett and Christian so I wouldn't be surprised with Joe looking to new pastures. With Angle gone, WWE needs someone who's a technical master and Joe can definitely deliver that. Like Angle, he can rise fast and coming in undefeated just adds to his huge appeal with fans. They can keep that undefeated streak going with him claiming a secondary title before nabbing one of the World belts. When he eventually does lose, it'll seem an even bigger deal and whoever does it is instantly made. With Angle gone, nabbing Joe could be the biggest coup WWE has made since getting the Radicals back in 2000 and it'll pay off even better.
America's Most Wanted: I can understand the loyalty Harris and Storm have to TNA. After all, the first brilliant thing the company did was to make them a regular team in their early weekly pay-per-views back in 2002. That's paid off as AMW have become recognized as arguably the best tag team out there. They've dominated TNA's tag scene and won six titles (seven if you count the reigns Harris and Storm had with different partners). So maybe it's time for AMW to get going while they've still got it. Given the lame tag scene in WWE, AMW could be instant and long-reigning champs. They can also give the tag scene the much-needed shot in the arm it's been longing for. Nabbing the WWE tag belts will solidify AMW's greatness and make sure they are always remembered by fans.
Abyss: As most know, Abyss seemed all set to sign with WWE back in December of 2004. In fact, TNA even removed his bio from their website so a lot of people were surprised when he returned at "Final Resolution." Since then, Abyss has done okay but not quite the big push over the top which is a shame as he's arguably the best "big guy" in the business. He's agile on the ropes and has an amazing ability to take and dish out pain. Putting him against Undertaker or Big Show would be good and he'd be a great addition to ECW as well. And since he can't talk, WWE might as well spring for James Mitchell too as he just eats up the camera. Maybe they can even give him his own interview segment, which would be great, especially if they give Abyss the push deserving of a monster.
Elix Skipper: It seems almost criminal that the man responsible for the most memorable moment in TNA's history is pretty much forgotten by everyone in the company. To this day, TNA will show the moment from the AMW/XXX cage match at Turning Point '04 where Skipper walked the top of the cage to hit a hurricarana on Harris. However, Skipper's own career since has floundered. He had one shot against Christopher Daniels for the X Division title but was left by the wayside until joining the Diamonds in the Rough. Since then, Diamonds have become a jobber team which is a waste of Skipper's talents. WWE can provide a new plate for him to step up on either brand and showcase his athletic abilities and great rope-walking skills. I don't know which is better: Putting him and Shelton Benjamin together as a tag team or having them feud for a title. Either way, Skipper will finally get the push and respect that TNA should have been giving him for a while.
Chris Sabin: Being made to job to Kevin Nash should automatically be reason to leave a company on any terms you want. Sabin was one of the early stars of the X-Division but his role now appears to be the random guy put on Impact or in multi-wrestler matches just to remind people how big the X Division is (which, sadly, left him to be the sacrificial lamb for Nash). His ring work appears to have suffered from that. Just compare his matches in '04 or '05 to today and you can see he seems to have lost some luster, no doubt realizing how he's not getting any further in the company. WWE can offer him a chance to break out and bring that technical prowess to the company, which can enliven either brand. And after being forced to carry Nash, Sabin should see WWE's style as a major break, which he deserves.
Now of course, there are lots of stars on the independent circuits that merit attention. That TNA hasn't been trying to find more of them says a lot of how far the company has to go. The list is pretty big but there are three (well, technically four) names on the small circuits that can bring a lot to either company.
Bryan Danielson: I finally caught video of this guy in action and you know what? He lives up to the hype and then some. Not since AJ Styles have I been so amazed at an athlete. He can do it all, power moves, submission moves, high-flying and is the master of the small package. Also, he's even better in promos and mic work with a great arrogant attitude made better by the fact he can back it all up in the ring. I know both TNA and WWE have tried for him but I suspect Danielson is biding his time in ROH, knowing that the longer he waits, the bigger the payday and attention he can get. TNA might be a better bet as he would instantly supplant Joe, Styles and Daniels as the X Division golden boy. But in WWE, he could take off as well, especially with a US or IC title run and even a shot at the big titles. No doubt about it, the American Dragon is the superstar just waiting for that big break to take fire.
Southern Comfort: Tracy Smothers and Chris Hamrick are both Southern veterans so if you want an old-school tag team, they're it. Watching them in action reminds me of the original Midnight Express and that's a compliment. Smothers is the veteran air while Hamrick brings some great skills and both are great on promos. WWE might be better thanks to their goofy dancing before and after (and sometimes even during) matches. Either way, they're a great addition to any tag branch, which is sorely needed today.
Chris Hero: I'm normally not a fan of CZW but Hero is definitely a guy to watch. The reigning champ of the company, he and Danielson have clashed a couple of times and all have been great. Hero may look like Jeff Hardy but he's more technically sound. However, he can still take to the air with amazing speed and height and he's a lot more physically imposing. The "superhero" gimmick might get over more in WWE but like Danielson, Hero can take it to the top of the X Division and he's one reason to keep checking out CZW before he takes the big step.
Steve Corino: Corino was one of the highlights of the last year of ECW, using his old-school style to be ECW champ. He still sticks to that persona and ring work but that's actually a benefit for him. I know WWE tried to get him for the new ECW but they should try again as he would be a great addition to it. TNA could also benefit from someone more old school to remind TNA of their roots a little. Either way he goes, Corino will still be Old School and proud of it and that's an attitude that can help backstage mood big time.
So that's my list of workers who can be good choices for either company. It benefits them as well as the companies but most of all, it benefits the fans who get to see some fresh faces and talent in the place of older workers. Of course, we all know how both TNA and WWE have a problem with that concept but you have to start somewhere. Nabbing any of these guys could be a good start.
O'Dog looks at the old NFL/WWF battle royal from Wrestlemania 2, a personal fave for Chicago fans.
Julian Williams does a Top 10 of Kurt Angle matches. Not too bad but I'm surprised nothing with Brock Lesner is on there.
Meehan does a look at old WWF action figures.
Larry C focuses quite nicely on the future of the women's division.
Don't forget the Shimmy, Ask 411, 3 R's, Triple Threat or Column of Honor.
All for this week, feel free to comment. For now, the spotlight is off.
