Keys to the Game 9.08.07: Bizzaro Week
Posted by Joe Estee on 09.08.2007
From Randy Orton not being suspended to CM Punk finally capturing ECW gold, we examine some of the headlines of one of wrestling's most bizzare weeks.
It's certainly been an odd week in the world of professional wrestling. Let's examine some of the headlines I didn't expect to see.
CM Punk finally captures the ECW Championship
After months of perusing John Morrison for the ECW title, CM Punk finally accomplished his dream to become ECW Champion in a stellar match this past week on ECW. My knee-jerk reaction was to factor in Morrison's involvement in the online pharmacy controversy as a distraction point. However, after re-watching the match, it was clear that the Tuesday Night Delight was indeed on his game. Punk, who has been remarkable throughout this feud, seemed to finally find the endgame focus that he has been lacking. Punk's impatience was replaced with poise and caution and eventually led him to finally capture the big one.
In light of the recent steroid scandal, it will be interesting to see how the WWE decides to promote their new "Straight Edge" ECW Champion.
As a side note, sharp-eyed readers may have noticed that I am refrained from referring to the ECW title as a "World" championship. Perhaps it's the fact that ECW has become a breeding ground for would-be TNA prospects, or maybe it's the fact that there were more wrestlers released/suspended this week than are even on the current ECW roster. Think I'm kidding? Check out the ECW Roster
Need more proof of lack of talent in ECW? Kelly Kelly has a crush on Balls Mahoney…
Ric Flair leaves WWE
It was just a matter of time, and honestly, I'm surprised it took this long Ric Flair is arguably the greatest professional wrestler of all time. And while he is admittedly a few years (decades) past his prime…. Ok, so he shouldn't even be alive now, never mind wrestling… the point I'm getting at is that he's still "Ric Flair," and has been reduced to somewhat less than a mid-card attraction. I think at this point, Flair realizes that he really doesn't have a lot of time left in this sport, and has decided to leverage his legacy for one last hurrah. By breaking bonds with WWE, Flair holds a strong position with TNA looking to gather more and more talent. I do however anticipate Flair returning to WWE rather soon, as it has been well established that Vince McMahon and company hold The Nature Boy in extremely high regard.
Orton not among suspended wrestlers. Pact with Satan extended
When news first broke that the WWE had initially suspended ten of their superstars, I cringed as I didn't think it was feasible for Randy Orton to not be on that list. Let's be honest, if word came out that WWE suspended one wrestler, I still wouldn't believe that Orton wouldn't be on that list. But here we are, a week into the suspensions and The Legend Killer is still on the active roster. I don't know, maybe he tricked Eugene into switching urine samples, but either way he has continued in his pursuit of the WWE title by manufacturing a second opportunity at John Cena. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Orton was only accessible via satellite for Monday Night RAW, forcing Cena to focus his hostility elsewhere. Orton has two weeks until Unforgiven, and if he can manage to evade Cena until that point, he could gain the advantage of Cena's blind rage and unsettle the champion during the match. This is also all predicated on John Cena not being stripped of the title after his assault on RAW General Manager William Regal.
Cody Rhodes changes his Colors
The son of the son of a plumber is someone that I have great interest in observing in the coming weeks and months. Cody has a lot of things going for him; He's the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, he has solid fundamentals, displays great passion and intensity, has good looks, and should have much more exposure with the thinned out roster. All of this equates to opportunity for young Cody. I was pleased to see Cody with Micki James (hanging out with a Diva traditionally will help with exposure) but more importantly, I'm thrilled to see him trade in those gawd-awful green & yellow and trunks for a pair of solid black ones. The next obsession for Cody Rhodes should be to work to develop an effective match closer. Currently he is employing a DDT, and while it has been effective, he'll need something more if he expects to move up in the ranks.
Andrew Martin (Test) released from TNA
Andrew Martin AKA Test AKA ROID MONSTER ALPHA showed up on TNA last month a little larger than "usual." TNA management took a smart proactive action this past Wednesday and released him citing his "physique." Word is that Martin has an invitation to return once he "slims down" a tad.
Yet another title shot for Batista…
Finally, something that's on par for the course. Guess what everybody? Batista has his 97th consecutive shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Let's even forget about the fact that he couldn't even earn the right in a FOUR MAN TOURNAMENT last week. Theodore Long apparently sees it fit to incorporate him into the Rey Mysterio vs. Khali title bout at Unforgiven. In spite of how I feel about this decision, the move certainly benefits Rey Mysterio. Let's face facts; there is NO WAY Rey Rey could defeat Khali in a one on one contest. The addition of Batista adds more offense against Khali, and as we've seen over the past few weeks, Batista is reluctant to advance on his friend. While I still find it highly unlikely that Mysterio can regain heavyweight gold in this bout, the addition of Batista has improved his odds considerably.
I just hope that Mysterio does not share the same sentiments with regards to Batista. When it comes to taking home a world title, Mysterio needs to be as fierce as he was against Chavo Guerrero in last night's "I Quit" match.
