411’s Worst Wrestler of the Week 02.24.09

Posted by JP Truss on 02.24.2009

This week JP discusses TNA's X Division, replies to comments about his comments on the release of Petey Williams, John Morrison, Ring of Honor, a few of the Knockouts and Samoe Joe. Somehow, one of these will be crowned the Worst Wrestler of the Week! Come in to find out who!

Welcome to 411's Worst Wrestler of the Week! I am your humble host, JP Truss.

In the Worst Wrestler of the Week, I will focus on all things concerning wrestling. Every aspect of the product will be considered and in the end, two things will be decided. One will be the top event in the wrestling industry (the Worst of the Week) and the second will be the wrestler whose actions make him/her the Worst Wrestler of the Week.

We have a got a lot to discuss this week and, par usual, I see no point in waiting around. Come on; follow me to the WORST OF THE WEEK!


First the runner-up;

TNA's Doomsday Scenarios

Okay maybe this is just an excuse for me to be negative, but with the news of Sonjay Dutt leaving TNA Wrestling I can't help myself.

Sorry Csonka.

Last week in this column I discussed three fundamental issues TNA was facing simultaneously and now, a week later, they have gone still unaddressed. Of course, many readers thought I was completely insane but that's another show! TNA is shaking up things on the roster and with the foundation still in question I've begun to wonder if things in TNA really did head south, if we really are watching WCW 2000 unfold again right in front of our eyes, what the warning signs would be. With this is in mind I acme up with a few scenarios I believe will be the final straw from TNA Wrestling. These are my Horsemen of the Apocalypse; one or both of these events means that the end is near.

Before you comment calling for my resignation remember, this is a worst case scenario only! It may not happen and I hope it doesn't. But, if things start going wrong in TNA this is where the sticking points will most likely be.


The Dissolution of the X Division: Over the past year or so TNA fans have been mentally conditioned to accept a TNA without an X Division. This is best seen in the "evolution" of the Ultimate X concept. What was originally an X Division only match has now involved those with…I'll just say questionable credentials and leave it at that. Of course, let us not forget how the entire division was practically in the doghouse for the majority of 2008 and the bulk of its talents shipped off the assist in other angles. For months up until the X Division Tournament in December, we the viewers were given no reason to care about the X Division and we, for our own reasons, didn't.

Now, with TNA Wrestling boasting five championship titles (I have no choice but to include the Legends Championship since TNA is pushing it), eventually the day will come where one has got to go so that there will be time for the others. Tie it together with TNA discussing ways of bringing in new talent and the first two wrestlers to get the hatchet are X Division mainstays and you have the recipe for a death sentence.

Of the scenarios I mention in this article, this one is the most likely because this is the one happening right now. I believe, especially through the new angle with Beer Money Inc, that we will see TNA phase out the X Division completely. Unless Beer Money is going to start fighting women or there are some tag teams we don't know about, this is the only reason for the angle to exist. The entire process will most likely run until Homicide cashes in his contract for an X Division Championship match. I believe he'll do it around Slammiversy time, so that the X Division can have one final blow out match to it's legacy and once Homicide wins the belt it will be quietly retired and LAX and the MCMG (if either of these teams are still around, more on that later) will go back to the tag team division.

What does that mean for TNA? By that time, most of its watchers will not care but for guys like me who were originally drawn to TNA because of the X Division it will be the death nail as far as I'm concerned. At that point, there will be no substantial difference between TNA and WWE and, given that choice, I'd rather watch Smackdown than Impact. And I'm sure I'm not alone in that opinion.


Exodus: This is, as far as I'm concerned, what effectively crippled the foundation of WCW in its last months. All of us here remember Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit appearing on Raw when everyone thought they would never be seen on wrestling television again. Despite the use of the "Radicalz" during their individual tenure, the move struck a raw nerve within the WCW roster. That's what's important here folks; because what you don't see has far more impact than what you'll ever hear about.

What makes this scenario more likely now than back in 2000 is that jumping ship to WWE is no longer required to have an impact due to two important factors. One: TNA isn't anywhere near what WCW was at the peak of its influence. Two: the resurgence of wrestling's third way AKA the independent scene. Between Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerilla and the growing importance of international wrestling such as CMLL, the European Circuit, and New Japan the threat of obscurity has all but diminished for truly talented professional wrestlers.

So, the question is if there is an exodus in TNA, who would be apart of it? I've gone through the roster and the four to watch are Samoa Joe, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley and Homicide. All four of these individuals have ample independent wrestling credentials and can survive without TNA. However, their impact on nearly every aspect of TNA Impact means if they decide they've had enough, there would be massive shoes to fill. Especially now with the measures TNA has taken, there is a limited amount of talent on the roster that can be deliver like these four can in the Tag Team division, X division, and the main event level. Without them, TNA would have no choice but to lean on guys like Kurt Angle, Sting, Booker T, and AJ Styles to carry the show while trying to rebuild from the top down. The situation would have dire consequences and can only end in one way; failure.

On the bright side, Hernandez would be fine in this scenario so there is a silver lining.


Of course, as I said before this is all fiction and purely a worst case scenario, which is why it's not Worst of the Week. That honor belongs to;




RON Unrest?

Imagine my surprise when I saw this story on the front page of 411: "There are many rumors going around, regarding "unrest" in the ROH locker room. Some talents aren't happy, due to the new deals being offered not including much, if any pay increase. There are also rumors that the health insurance that was once a part of the deal is being eliminated. When the talent sees Ric Flair and D Lo Brown brought in, and the company signing a new TV deal, they feel that they should be seeing some of that money."

….I'm sorry…what?!

Let me just put it out there, this is ridiculous. Ring of Honor is finally beginning to get some credibility. They are apart of an internationally recognized film, which is publicity you just can't buy. There is a TV deal in the works and soon a certified legend will call ROH home. However, it doesn't take a genius to realize that just because good things are happening, that doesn't mean there's any money in it. Ring of Honor has everything it needs to be a profitable company one day, however it's still an indy promotion and it'll be an indy promotion for another year at the very least.

That's why the movie was so important. That's why the TV deal is so important. That's why Ric Flair is so important. All of these factors will bring money in, but it won't bring it all in at once. I'm sure the bulk of the ROH locker room understands that and is comfortable in their position, which makes me wonder where this story came from.

I doubt there's any truth to this whole thing, but just in case yeah it's ridiculous. And also the Worst of the Week.


And now, the epic return of the Worst Wrestler of the Week! First the runner-up;

Paul Burchill (WWE): As a fan of the European Catch Wrestling style, it hurts to have someone like Paul Burchill mentioned here. But I wouldn't be doing my job if he wasn't. Frankly, the original and warped angle with Katie Lee never caught on (with good reason) and now ol' Paul is stuck with little place left to go. Of course, this also exemplifies a problem the entire WWE has and that's sticking a gimmick to virtually everyone that walks through the door. However, in ECW Paul has a bit of redemption hanging near him which is why he only gets a mention. He has a shot at showing the badass wrestling skills he originally came in with at the side of William Regal years ago. It's his best chance of making a name for himself with the time he has. However, if his work rate continues to make him look like the weak link in a match against The Boogeyman, Burchill has a long road ahead of him.


And now, the Worst Wrestler:



Roxxi (TNA) : Despite the hype surrounding Roxxi when she first appeared in TNA. However, for one reason or another hasn't developed for the…what are they calling her now? The "Hardcore Knockout"? Uh huh. Whatever the reason is for her current status, Roxxi's past few matches showed that it's beginning to take a toll on her. Of course, I am on record on disagreeing with her role in the latest Knockouts angle but that is another show.

It's Roxxi's recent match on the TNA website that really brought concerns to light. Not only did she appear out of shape, she was moving about as fast as Kong. On top of the physical questions, she also appeared almost melancholy; at the very least she didn't care about the match she was in. In fact, here is the match in question and I'll let you judge for yourselves;



Now, here's the danger and why she's being mentioned. With the hiring of "Dark Angel" and "Madison Rayne" there is a small, but significant message being sent to the current Knockouts: you are expendable. I personally like Roxxi; she's a little crazy sometimes but other than that an entertaining female wrestler. But something's up because her head is clearly not in the game. I hope she can get it together quickly before I'm commenting on her release here in the column. Until then, Roxxi is your Worst Wrestler this Week!


JP Replies!

Posted By: Andrew Barbarash (Guest)

HHH is so going back to Raw after Mania... he has served his time on the B show. Though I believe this would mean Cena will return to Smackdown.. which is a good thing because it means I won't have to see his wigger kiddie act on my monday nights anymore.

P.S if there is a MITB ladder match this year I pray John Morrison wins it... we talk about the likes of Edge, Jericho being the best performers of 2008... but this dude was awesome and deserves his chance at main event status. Plus he worked Raw, SD and ECW nearly every week! WORKRATE BABY!

I'll simply say this. John Morrison is definitely on the path to breaking out and is a favorite if he is apart of Money in the Bank. As the only real success story of Tough Enough (remember that) Morrison has come a long way in his tenure and deserve the success that is coming his way.


Posted By: John (Guest)

BOO: Matt was always going to be Marty

Matt has the black hair, Matt and Marty are somewhat similar names, as a tag tea, Jef and Shawn wasc always talked about more.

If it wasn;t for the drugs Jeff would've become the Shawn and Matt the Marty years ago

Okay, now in my defense I tried very hard to follow your train of logic but somewhere you went off the tracks. I mean, I understand the Jannetty/Matt Hardy thing but…what does hair color have to do with it?

In any case I don't think it the anology of the Rockers and the Hardys is apt. It's proven that Matt and Jeff can stand on their own in singles competition before this point and when the Rockers broke up it was really trial and error until Michaels came into his own. I do like the analogy of Bret and Owen Hart however. That one seems to fit this situation much better.


Posted By: Brandon (Guest)
I thought WWE would go this route with the Orton storyline. But HHH defending the McMahons thats pushing it. If he came out for the save on Steph i was sold, on Shane not that much. It was only a few years ago when HHH himself broke a sledgehammer over the head of Vince, then stuffing his face in the big behind of The Big Show.

From the being a real wrestling nut, i appreciate bringing the realism. From the average fans point of view, I would be a bit confused, as to why Steph and HHH is married and why there was no trouble when HHH beat the holy high hell out Vince a few years ago.

One more sign that proves WWE thinks their fans have the memory of goldfish.

Usually I'd be right there with you Brandon, however on this one I'm willing to give the WWE a pass. If you recall during the run in 2007 that you indeed mentioned when Triple H was teaming with Shawn Michaels, the fact that HHH and Stephanie McMahon were still married was frequently pointed out, albeit tongue-in-cheek and the fans were quick to pick up on it. If you've forgotten, you can see one of those instances here;



So yeah, they could do a better job breaking it down for the average fan. However, since it's already pretty common knowledge I'm guessing they don't think that have to. I guess that's why sites like 411 Mania Wrestling are here: to keep the people informed! Thanks for reading!


Now then, last week I had a block of comments in reference to my concerns over the release of Petey Williams. In order to save time I will use one set of them to answer them all en masse.


Posted By: L'Mago (Guest)

Don't forget what Robert Roode resign with TNA, may be they still want to keep their originals, BUT TNA have some other reasons to release Petey Williams. May be he ask for release, or have some problems? Don't forget, he gets time off near end of 2008 because of marriage


Posted By: Orlando (Guest)

Also, TNA just signed the "Dark Angel" from SHIMMER to join their Knockouts division, so apparently they're doing ok financially.

Of course, for JP to mention that would mean he'd actually have to (gasp!) give TNA credit, and we can't have that can we?


I have to admit, I love this line of logic. Apparently you can't criticize anything anymore without people thinking you're evil. Orlando, for you and your amigos I have gone out of my way to wish success. TNA wants to be the #2 promotion in America and I believe (as I have said) that it is in the best interest of the wrestling business to have more than one dominate promotion. However, before TNA can hope to be true competition for Vince McMahon and his empire, they have fundamental issues with the foundation of the company that has to be addressed and one of them got the spotlight thanks to what happened last week.

I respect differences of opinion and am always up for a reasoned debate, but Orlando you're more or less asking me to ignore the ground falling out at my feet so that I can see the sky. Petey Williams did not ask for his release or have any sort of problem with management, which was noted from the locker room reaction to his firing. Petey Williams was let go because TNA wanted something different and he wasn't it. There is nothing wrong with that speaking as a fan. However, as a businessman moves like that can create a divide between you and your employees…and it has. You want your work force to have a few long time employees so you can point out to new recruits, ‘You can have a career with our company. You can make a name for yourself and take care of your family and be successful apart of our company. We want you to invest years of your life with us because we're going to pay you back for it.'

Petey Williams getting released is a problem: not for you and me directly but indirectly due to the impact we can't see in the TNA locker room. I don't know how much clearer I can be about this; Petey got screwed. He did his job, he stayed loyal, he held up his end of the contract and now he has nothing to show for it. Yeah, it's tough luck. It's business. But every decision has consequences and I believe we haven't even begun to see the ramifications of this move by TNA management. Unless they move to ensure their long-time workers they have a vital role in TNA, everyone that helped bring TNA to the point they're at now will be gone. Then there won't be a company left to give ‘credit' to.


Posted By: The Great Capt. Smooth (Guest)

Edge was the worst wrestler of the week. He "won" another title with his antics. I know he's a heel and he's supposed to do that, but after doing it for so long, I can't take him as a serious threat anymore. A bigger swerve would have been for his plan to backfire on him. He's become so boring with his "wins" and it's a shame, because he is such a good performer. He deserves better after what he has put his body through.

Yeah, the entire ‘Ultimate Opportunist' ideology is wearing thin on many fans. I didn't understand the logic at first but now I get the motivations and having Edge on both Monday and Friday nights may prove to be interesting depending on what develops in the next few weeks. Now, overall I will concede that the entire concept has been watered down. Ultimately the Edge character will need a credible, clean win to give him back the edge (no pun intended) earlier in his run or they need to completely revamp the character. I think after Wrestlemania you'll begin to see that plan go into motion so that his next title win won't be due to kayfabe backstage politics. Edge has been loyal to the WWE and continues to keep his work rate high so I can only hope something will happen along those lines.


You got questions, comments, or just want to bite my head off? Leave a comment and I could answer it right here next week. And be sure to drop by this Friday for the 411 Weekly Smack down Report! Until then;

JP is DONE SON!