CZW stars-future WWErs?

[Guest ShooterJay]

CZW is pretty much the most widely known "cult" indy in the country right now, and their stars are pretty big names on the independent scene. John Zandig has done a pretty good job of getting all of his workers over with the crowds, like Paul E. did in ECW, and some of them have a lot of talent. That said, could you see any of them in WWE? Sadly, in my opinion, the answer is no. Here's my personal rundown:

 

Justice Pain- Mike Awesome/Tazz syndrome: a monster in his fed, but too small to be pushed that way in WWE.

 

Nick Mondo: Forever labeled a garbage wrestler, even though he can work a very good straight match when he wants to.

 

Adam Flash: Small, and, to be honest, a pretty ugly-looking guy.

 

Johnny Kashmere: Bland-looking, and small by even cruiser standards, although I wouldn't put it past WWE to rip off his gimmick for someone else.

 

Danny Rose: Entertaining enough, and big enough, but can he cut a promo without an expletive every five seconds?

 

Ruckus: The very definition of a spot monkey, as YNA would say. Incredibly contrived stuff, not much in between.

 

Josh Prohibition: Good overall, but there's nothing that stands out enough to get him noticed.

 

M-Dogg 20: With another couple years of polish- aka not blowing so many spots and learning some ring psych, he might have a shot.

 

New School: Small squash boys

 

Irish Drinking Team: All gimmick, no substance.

 

H8 Club: "Too stiff."

 

Z Barr: In the end, a generic comedy gimmick, although he could make a good manager in TNA like Plumtree, he's a heat machine.

 

Nick Berk: A solid worker, but nothing special.

 

Trent Acid: The only guy on the roster with a real shot, in my opinion. Good look, incredible heel in-ring charisma, reminiscent of Eddy Guerrero's, works a style that could easily be molded into WWE's with some OVW time.

 

Messiah: Only has a shot if the Fed wants to restart the hardcore division, too small to be considered a real heavyweight threat. A shame too, because he reminds me a lot of Mick Foley, and not just because they're both missing appendages- they're both fucking lunatics in the ring, great workrate and a ton of heart. Also suffers from "XPW stigma."

[Guest Youth N Asia]

Ruckus: The very definition of a spot monkey, as YNA would say. Incredibly contrived stuff, not much in between.

Whoa! Spot Monkey is being quoted! Niiiiice...but I think M Dogg is twice the spot monkey as Ruckus.

 

Acid is the only one with a shot in hell, with the right tv time he could get over as a major cruiser heel.

 

I'm 50/50 on Ruckus...he does the same spots every match, and he can't talk really. Good for a fat guy though.

 

Flash is the best worker in the promotion, but he's too small to be a heavyweight, which is how he works, and too big to be a cruiser.

 

Doomer cracks me up, I liked his feud with T.E. 1 loser Greg Matthews, calling him Daryl over and over again.

 

I really like Pain, Messiah, and Mondo, although none have a WWE look.

 

Z-Barr, or "The Barr!" would be a great heel manager really, he just couldn't be taken serious in the ring.

 

I love his shirt though "A wise man once said: 'Suck Me Beautiful'"

[Guest Sandman9000]

I'll agree with the notion that Acid is the only one with any real shot right now, though Kashmere might tag along if the WWE feels like it.

 

As for Messiah, his tag of a garbage wrestler, and the fact that he did have his thumb cut off, eliminates him from the WWE in my eyes. Sure, they could do some confidential package on him and the thumb incident if they wanted to, but I doubt he'll be picked up.

 

If CZW does start to get big, and by big I mean crowds around 2-3 thousand, the guys such as Pain and possibly H8 Club could be signed.

 

If anything, TNA will pick up these guys before WWE does.

 

As for guys like M-Dogg, Josh Pro, Ruckus, and New School, their backyard past eliminates them period. There is no way in hell the WWE is going to sign anyone who has a recognizable backyard past such as M-Dogg, due to their stance on backyard wrestling, and the media flack they would take.

[Guest Ace309]

Forgive me for intruding, but is Messiah now working without a thumb?

 

... and how?

[Guest Nevermortal]

As for guys like M-Dogg, Josh Pro, Ruckus, and New School, their backyard past eliminates them period. There is no way in hell the WWE is going to sign anyone who has a recognizable backyard past such as M-Dogg, due to their stance on backyard wrestling, and the media flack they would take.

See Boyz, Hardy.

[Guest ShooterJay]

Nevermortal makes a good point, but unlike the Hardy Boyz, MDogg's backyard past is on mass-marketed videotape. He was prominently featured on one of those infamous "Best of Backyard Wrestling" tapes from uber-sleazeball Rick Mahr. Not sure about the others.

 

As for Messiah, yeah, he's had a couple of matches since losing the thumb. He jobbed to Nick Mondo at the Tournament of Death, and he recently won the CZW Iron Man Title from Adam Flash at Beyond the Barrier. I haven't seen either of them, but I heard the Flash match was damn good. Sandman could probably elaborate.

[Guest Sandman9000]

I wish I could elaborate more.

 

I have seen the Messiah/Mondo from TOD. They actually did a spot where Mondo broke a lightbulb over Messiah's hand, amazingly enough. There were some other fairly brutal spots; Messiah went off the top onto chairs with various sharp objects placed on top, Mondo took a top rope belly-to-belly onto a table covered in lightbulbs (table didn't break, either). Decent match. Haven't seen Flash/Messiah, but it looks like he's back full time if he has a belt on him.

 

However, the fact that he does only have nine fingers puts him at a disadvantage, not only in the ring, but in getting into the WWE. They like to have those perfect physical specimins, and missing a finger isn't one of those qualities. This isn't a Foley-like case, where he could glorify losing an ear since it happened in the ring; Messiah was assaulted at home and had his thumb cut off.

 

I've seen Best of Backyard 1. M-Dogg, Josh Pro, and JOsh's brother (whatever his name is) were featured in the tape and actually were named, graphic and all. I also swore I saw Ruckus, since I saw a fat black guy doing a space flying tiger drop, and those don't just happen everywhere. You can make the case that since they gotten trained now means they are doing it the right way, but you could imagine the media heat they would take if a person infamous for backyard wrestling was signed by the WWE. That dickhead Phil Mushnik would go off on Vince (again). As for the Hardys, they've acknowledge their past, but what backyard wrestling was when the Hardys were kids and what it has the perception of now are two totally different things.

[Guest Youth N Asia]

Messiah has a great speach at the end of "Ultraviolent Freedom of Expression" 9/14/02 show...he doesn't say who did it. But the way he's talking you can pretty much tell, and yes, it's who everyone in the world thinks it is.

 

He hold up his hand throughout the promo...I'd guess 2/3 or 3/4 of his thumb is gone, it's just a little stub. There's still something there, but you can't really call it a thumb.

 

I also just got in the Beyond the Barrier tape, only half way through it though.

 

And The Hardy Boyz are exceptions to the backyard rule. Not to mention that after their backyard time they ran one of the most innovative indy promotions of all time, O.M.E.G.A.

[Guest Dace59]

Shame Helms is also an untrained backyard.

He also worked for OMEGA.

[Guest Phoenix Fury Legdrop]

A buttload of the really young SoCal guys are former backyarders (I think there's even a SoCal promotion that started as a backyard group).

 

Jason Cross & John Phoenix from Wildside are basically untrained (though I don't think they did backyard stuff), as they sort of taught themselves, and they went on to train Salvatore Rinauro.

 

As for who could make it in WWE-land out of Combat Zone: As of right now, none of them. Trent's the closest, though I think they like the whole match to go 5-6 minutes, not the heel's stalling. Justice Pain's got something, but I don't think it's meant for WWE, and Mondo does probably have the "deathmatch" brand on him by the Hoss Department, but, if I were one of the talent people in TNA, I'd bring him in for a look-see.

[Guest subliminal_animal]

First off, anyone notice Justice Pain looks exactly like Justin Credible?

 

H8 Club: "Too stiff."

Huh?

 

Johnny Kashmere: Bland-looking, and small by even cruiser standards, although I wouldn't put it past WWE to rip off his gimmick for someone else.

What's Kashmere's gimmick? I just remember him being the basic punk-ass character, but I haven't seen CZW in a while. I think he has a good look, but he could stand to bulk up a little. How tall is he?

 

Messiah: Only has a shot if the Fed wants to restart the hardcore division, too small to be considered a real heavyweight threat.

(Again,) how tall is he? I figured him around 6 feet even.

 

Whoa! Spot Monkey is being quoted! Niiiiice...but I think M Dogg is twice the spot monkey as Ruckus.

Agreed. Plus that name screams "two-bit indy".

 

I'm 50/50 on Ruckus...he does the same spots every match, and he can't talk really. Good for a fat guy though.

If he trims down, I could actually see him in the WWE. I don't think he's as much of a spot machine as a lot of other people, but he does need to get a better handle on the basics.

 

Z-Barr, or "The Barr!" would be a great heel manager really, he just couldn't be taken serious in the ring.

I don't know...I could see him working well. He is a little chubby and kind of ugly, but that look suits his character just fine. He plays a basic comedy heel, but he's taken it to a whole 'nother level. No one can do it better.

 

Jason Cross & John Phoenix from Wildside are basically untrained (though I don't think they did backyard stuff), as they sort of taught themselves, and they went on to train Salvatore Rinauro.

Who's Rinauro? And didn't Cross retire?

 

So, basically, here's everyone who I think has a shot (in order):

 

1. T.E. Greg - It's all about CONNECTIONS. He's not good, but he's improving, plus he also underwent major back surgery. Remember, this guy looked to be on course to win the contract until his discs got fucked. And as far I know, he's the only one from the first TE that didn't make the finals that's still wrestling. He's got a good look and size, he just needs to get into better shape again.

 

2. Trent Acid

 

3. Messiah - I don't know what anyone else thinks, but I think he has a good look. Pretty handsome guy actually. The thumb thing works to hisadvantage in my view, since he didn't get it from some stupid deathmatch. Being assaulted like that lends itself to a good bad-ass image. He's not a bad worker either, and I'm betting he could adjust his style. Great on promos, too.

 

4. Danny Rose - He needs lose the fat though. Great on the mic, works a style that the WWE could easily mold.

 

5. Z-Barr - Already works the WWE style. Not great in the ring, but can REALLY get a crowd into a match.

 

6. Johnny Kashmere

 

7. Ruckus

 

That's all.

[Guest Phoenix Fury Legdrop]

Jason Cross & John Phoenix from Wildside are basically untrained (though I don't think they did backyard stuff), as they sort of taught themselves, and they went on to train Salvatore Rinauro.

Who's Rinauro? And didn't Cross retire?

 

Cross came back at the last TV taping with about 20 added pounds of muscle mass (he did the SSP Legdrop, so I don't think it's slowing him down), and Sal Rinauro=Sal Del Rio=former G-Rated member Kid Xctasy=one of the funniest indy workers in years.

[Guest cynicalprofit]

Someone will have to be pulled eventually. I mean the WWF can only draw so much from OVW, and soon a buch of their talent will be retired, or they will come to the conclusion they suck, and fire them, and that opens up new slots.

 

My moneys on M-Dogg, just because he's young and he's got plenty of time to learn befoer he gets there.

 

Messiah has been ready since XPW. The guy always bust ass and would definately be better then around half of the WWF workers, Albert, Bossman, Test, Taker, Johnny the Bull, and the list goes on.

 

I could see Mondo getting a chance, if he survies another 5 years. He'd be a great opening guy.

 

Also remember if Vince only offered them twice what they make now, they'd be richer and he'd have new talent to mold and work with all for cheap. I wouldn't put this past Vince.

[Guest Youth N Asia]

If M Dogg makes it before Acid I'm throwing myself off a bridge, cause the stupidness would overload my brain.

Also remember if Vince only offered them twice what they make now, they'd be richer and he'd have new talent to mold and work with all for cheap. I wouldn't put this past Vince.

Um...

 

I think the CZW guys make jack squat as it is, I don't think doubling that would urge them to sign a contract. Especially since WWE makes their guys pay for their own hotels and rental cars and whatnot.

 

Just cause it's a well known indy doesn't mean the guys are making enough money to live on. I'm sure all of them have regular day jobs, or are still living at home with mom and dad.

[Guest dreamer420]

I could see the Backseat Boyz in the WWE just because they have the right look and the tag division would benefit from them entering.

[Guest Sandman9000]

I see the Backseats in TNA before WWE. And since it doesn't look like TNA is picking them up anytime soon (idiots), it's still the Indy's for Trent and Johnny.

[Guest cynicalprofit]

Example

Figure a guy gets 5000, Vince throws 10,000 at them plus expenses, yeah the guys gonna go for it. (Hell AJ got offered 50,000 and turned it down). Hell Foley said that Vince really didnt pay him much more then he was making on teh indies when he first signed.

 

I said M-Dogg 20 because Vince probably wont start taking these guys for another 5-10 years, in that time, MD is only gonna get better.

[Guest subliminal_animal]

I honestly think that M-Dogg will never grow out of being a spot machine for some reason. Also, the first time I saw him, I thought he was supposed to have crazy gay guy gimmick. The way he was always screaming and cursing, and his mannerisms and look. Not a good sign, especially when this guy has the most retarded ring name ever.

 

Oh, and John House or Garguilo would be cool, too. Especially House, he is the funniest heel commentator that's come out in a while.

 

I see the Backseats in TNA before WWE.  And since it doesn't look like TNA is picking them up anytime soon (idiots), it's still the Indy's for Trent and Johnny.

I thought they appeared on TNA a couple times and that Borash even put them over on the site. What happened?

 

Cross came back at the last TV taping with about 20 added pounds of muscle mass (he did the SSP Legdrop, so I don't think it's slowing him down), and Sal Rinauro=Sal Del Rio=former G-Rated member Kid Xctasy=one of the funniest indy workers in years.

So the Cross retirement was all just an angle? I figured it was legit since he no-showed CZW Best of the Best because of it.

 

And what's special about Sal Del Rio? I've seen him a couple times and all he did comedy-wise was dance. I must've missed the good stuff.

 

Either way...no way he measures up to the Barr.

[Guest Sandman9000]

I don't know why TNA decided not to continue using the Backseats. I guess out of the other teams, they decided the Backseats didn't measure up or something. I'd rather see Trent and Johnny then Brian Lee and someone else.

[Guest Phoenix Fury Legdrop]

Cross came back at the last TV taping with about 20 added pounds of muscle mass (he did the SSP Legdrop, so I don't think it's slowing him down), and Sal Rinauro=Sal Del Rio=former G-Rated member Kid Xctasy=one of the funniest indy workers in years.

So the Cross retirement was all just an angle? I figured it was legit since he no-showed CZW Best of the Best because of it.

 

And what's special about Sal Del Rio? I've seen him a couple times and all he did comedy-wise was dance. I must've missed the good stuff.

 

Either way...no way he measures up to the Barr.

The Cross "retirement" was legit until he returned. His girlfriend wanted him to quit, so he quit. But I think they broke up, so he's back in the business. Look for him in some TNA dark matches soon.

 

As for Sal, I think that SDR is funny. You've got to hear his interviews to appreciate him fully.

[Guest CoreyLazarus416]

cynaical, I agree whole-heartedly about your "review" of Messiah.

 

I first got some XPW tapes to have a good laugh because I heard about how bad they were, and Messiah was one of the only three workers I enjoyed fully (the other two being Homeless Jimmy and Webb).

 

I'd like to see Messiah vs. Styles on TNA.

[Guest Jonathan Barber]

Backseats were actually on WWF Sunday Night HeAT back in like 2000 or 2001 when it was taped at WWF New York. They were dressed as Dudley Boyz lookalikes and were beaten up by the real Dudley Boyz.

[Guest job squad]

Backseats were actually on WWF Sunday Night HeAT back in like 2000 or 2001 when it was taped at WWF New York. They were dressed as Dudley Boyz lookalikes and were beaten up by the real Dudley Boyz.

no they were there as the backseat dudleys during the xfactor dudley feud but they were attacked at the end by albert not by the real dudleys

[Guest Vyce]

I don't see WWE in their future, but I could see NWA.

 

I'd like to see more of Acid & Kashmere there.

 

And I'm enjoy watching Pain & Mondo actually do some wrestling instead of the usual garbage shit.

[Guest Jonathan Barber]

My bad.

 

CoreyLazarus, how the hell could you enjoy Homeless Jimmy's matches and not those of Kaos'? Jimmy is like ten times as sloppy as Kaos.

[Guest cynicalprofit]

Homless Jimmy had one of the best gimmicks ever.

[Guest Jonathan Barber]

Homless Jimmy had one of the best gimmicks ever.

Yeah, and he still does. However, he never could wrestle worth a da*n...LOL.

[Guest DRAWMUH]

Jason Cross vs. AJ Styles

 

 

I DON'T have to say any more. If that is billed on a NWA TNA Card BUY THE SHOW FOR THAT MATCH. They are eachother's bets opponent.

 

As for the Backseatz....Acid is just a natural heel and has great charisma and can make you just want to deck him but you just love watching him in a match