Bored 0 Report post Posted April 20, 2003 Funaki and Tajiri, two of Smackdown's talented but un-pushed cruiserweights, have recently been told that they would get some small wins at house shows and Velocity to build up to future matches against Matt Hardy. However, with Tajiri and Rey Mysterio currently working as a tag team, no word on when these small pushes or title matches will occur. Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted April 20, 2003 no word on when these small pushes or title matches will occur. When winged pigs travel through a frozen hell. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted April 20, 2003 no word on when these small pushes or title matches will occur. When winged pigs travel through a frozen hell. And when Chris Benoit headlines 100,000+ arenas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest edotherocket Report post Posted April 20, 2003 They should build the cruiser's feuds by having them randomly squash some hosses in 2 minute matches on Smackdown to build them up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Coffey Report post Posted April 20, 2003 What's the point? No one is going to think that Funaki is a credible contender. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RavishingRickRudo Report post Posted April 20, 2003 They have given funaki two small pushes: Once with "indeed" and the other was "Smackdown #1 Announcer" - both got over. Both were killed. Tajiri is just such a dynamic performer in the ring that as long as they don't make him look like an idiot he can get over easy. But they are only being built up for Nathan Jones to squash... Screw this Matt Hardy business. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Will Scarlet Report post Posted April 20, 2003 From reading the Velocity spoilers, it seems like Funaki's push starts tonight, as he does something involving Shannon Moore. I am guessing this will lead to a few wins against Moore on Velocity, a tag match with Kendrick on Smackdown, then a quick job to Matt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest AndrewTS Report post Posted April 20, 2003 They should build the cruiser's feuds by having them randomly squash some hosses in 2 minute matches on Smackdown to build them up. GREAT line, BTW. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest DerangedHermit Report post Posted April 20, 2003 A "small push" = a ruse designed to please smarks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest AndrewTS Report post Posted April 20, 2003 A "small push" = a ruse designed to please smarks I think that means they'll get to be squashed on SD instead of just Velocity. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Space_Cowboy Report post Posted April 20, 2003 Chances are at least one of them will be pushed as an 'evil Japanese foreigner', the WWE haven't used that genius idea for a while. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RavishingRickRudo Report post Posted April 20, 2003 I will use the greatest gimmick of all time for Funaki to use and modify it for this fued. Funaki is a time travelling warrior-scientist who has come back to stop the rise of Mattitude. For you see, in Funakis future Mattitude has engulfed the world and have made slaves out of all nations. It is a horrible, hateful, world; a world inwhich Funaki wishes to change. *Scene begins with Tajiri eating alone enjoying a sandwich as Funaki walks in* Funaki: Ta-jiri..may..I have..a word...with..you. *Tajiri nods* *Funaki notices the camera and begins to speak Japanese* *Tajiri listens and nods his head, and then Funaki's voice lowers and becomes more ominous, Tajiri is stunned and looks as if he has seen a ghost* *Funaki helps Tajiri up and they walk off together* Michael Cole: What was that all about? Tazz: I dunno, but Tajiri looked like he was told that the world was going to end or sumthin. Cole: Oh that's crazy Tazz, the world will never end. Tazz: Yeah, I guess so Cole. Hey, here comes Matt Hardy with a Mic. Cole: What's this all about? Tazz: I dunno, but he looks as if he has somethin real important to say. *Matt Hardy Enters the ring with Shannon Moore and Crash Holly* Hardy: Fellow Mattitude Followers, I know it has been a hard and long journey thus far and I am proud to see the faith is still kept close to your hearts. The time of judgement is soon at hand and I promise you, your dedication and loyalty will be remembered and is valued by me, Matt Hardy, leader and founder of Mattitude. *Funaki and Tajiri are shown by the side of the smackdown set. Funaki is pointing at Matt Hardy and is telling Tajiri something while Tajiri nods with wonderment. They soon see that Cameras are on them and they rush to the back.* *Crash has a match against Brian Kendrick as Matt Hardy is seated in his very own personal Chair where he watches stoically. Shannon Moore is at his side pointing at the match and Crash wrestles as if he is seeking Matts approval. He wins with Moores assistance. * *After the match Funaki and Tajiri scout Kendrick while Cole and Tazz speculate whether or not Funaki/Tajiri is interested in Mattitude, or Kendrick* *The Next Week* *Funaki and Tajiri confront Kendrick, they are very serious and Kendrick thinks they want to fight. Funaki assures him that he doesn't, and that he needs to have a word with him. Tajiri seems a little more calm now, but still is a little bit unsettled. Funaki once again sees the camera and asks the cameraman to turn it off, but the cameraman shakes the camera as if to say "no" and Funaki rolls his eyes while Tajiri shouts and obscenity.* Funaki: Brian, I..have...something..very important to tell you, and you might not believe me... but please.. listen. I am not who I say I am. I am not just Funaki, Smackdown #1 Announcer, I have a big secret that you should know. Brian: Funaki, you're not - you know - I mean, if you are that's fine and cool and whatever man it's your life, I just don't swing that way. Funaki: Brian..Please...Listen to me... *Brian looks over at Tajiri as Tajiri nods his head with a worried look* Brian: Wow, you're serious aren't you. Funaki: Yes. I am. *Funaki motions over to Tajiri, Tajiri leaves scene* Funaki: Now, as I said, I am not just Funaki, not just a wrestler or announcer, I am more than that. You see, I *Tajiri kicks Camera out of Cameramans hands* *Camera falls and we see Tajiri's face as he bends over to check out the damage. We see his feet move toward Funakis and Kendricks* *Cameraman picks up the camera but there is no sound.* *Funaki is telling Kendrick something, Kendrick begins to laugh, but then becomes very serious and he realizes that Funaki is telling the truth. The Camera catches Brian saying "Matt Hardy" with a bewildered expression on his face.* *Cut to Tazz and Cole* Cole: Wow, what was that all about? Tazz: I dunno Cole, but some serious words said by Funaki to Kendrick, something about Matt Hardy it seems? Cole: What do you think it's about Tazz? Tazz: I dunno, but it seems that there is more than meets the eye regarding Smackdowns very own #1 Announcer Funaki. And it seems as if he is recruiting Brian Kendrick! Cole: Recruiting? What is that all about, Tazz? Tazz: I dunno, but it seems we might have a war on our hands IN the WWE. Cole: And it seems as if it will be between Funaki and his buddies against Matt Hardy and his MF'ers. Tazz: Oh I dunno about that, too soon to speculate, but we better keep our eye on it! *Matt Hardy is shown sitting in his own personal chair as Crash and Moore are at his side on bended knee* Shannon: Matt - what is going on? Matt: Don't worry young Shannon Moore, nothing will stop our Mission of Mattitude, not Brian Kendrick, not Tajiri, and certainly not Funaki. Crash: Yeah! *A few scenes later* *Tajiri is discovered beaten up in the back as Funaki and Kendrick check on him.* Kendrick: WOW! This is serious! Funaki: You're right, We better get him to a hospital. Kendrick: No, I mean THIS. *Kendrick turns Tajiri over and reveals a "V1" logo painted on his chest.* Funaki: Dammit. It has begun. Kendrick: WOW, so it's all true, all of it, you were telling me the truth. Funaki: Yes....I wish it was all I lie... But it's true... He must be stopped. *Kendrick nods and then sees the camera recording everything. He gets up and looks like he is going to do something. The feed stops as there is just static now* Cole: What is going on here! Tazz: I dunno, but something big is happening and it's happening on smackdown! Cole: It's begun? What has Begun? What does it all mean? 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Guest The Amazing Rando Report post Posted April 20, 2003 alright...i'd watch that ^ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Will Scarlet Report post Posted April 20, 2003 That angle would be awesome, and would immediately dwarf anything going in the WWE right now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Spaceman Spiff Report post Posted April 20, 2003 You forgot to slip in a Michael Cole "What is the relationship between...?" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RavishingRickRudo Report post Posted April 20, 2003 It all comes to ahead at Judgement Day, if anyone didn't catch that Backlash would feature Tajiri/Kendrick/Funaki vs. Hardy/Moore/Crash. We wouldn't know Funakis true intentions or past; it still would be a mystery. At Backlash they would lose because they weren't ready, they weren't prepared enough to combat the power of Mattitude. Funaki will then declare to the world who he really is and what his mission is all about. Most will just laugh at him and brush him off, but a select few will join him (4 more). Rey Mysterio will play a Sting-esque role, he doesn't really believe Funaki, but he doesn't laugh at him like the others do. Rey realizes that Matt Hardy and Mattitude is evil and wants to fight against them, but still doesn't join as he fights his own fight. He also lacks the confidence because of his loss to Matt at WM. Matt Hardy will see this and then start to recruit more MF'ers. Only two more join him - and it seems as if the tide has turned and Funaki will win and change the future. However, one of Funakis teammates will turn his back and reveal himself to be an MF'er. Both sides are even, but Mattitude has the advantage. At Judgement day there will be a 5 on 5 match between Funakis group and the MF'ers to determine whether or not Funaki can fight Matt Hardy for the cruiserweight title later on in the night. Funakis team wins, but it is discovered that Funaki had been attacked while the match took place so he can't wrestle. Matt Hardy enters the ring for his match all cocky and says nothing and no one can stop Mattitude from taking over the world. Reys music hits and they go at it. Rey ends up winning and it is thought that the era of Mattitude has come to an end. The following Smackdown has Funaki and everyone celebrating the defeat, but Mattitude is far from dead... Ok, that's as far as my brain will allow me to go. Anything further than that is just add-ons. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RavishingRickRudo Report post Posted April 20, 2003 Spaceman: I just figure the more broad "what does it all mean" captures the essense of Michael Cole better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Spaceman Spiff Report post Posted April 20, 2003 Gotcha. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kid Kablam Report post Posted April 20, 2003 Well Crash beat Funaki on Velocity. That's some push you've got going on Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mickberna Report post Posted April 20, 2003 That storyline is basically a variation of "12 Monkeys"... but still pretty cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest creativename Report post Posted April 20, 2003 This storyline is motherfukcing brilliant. I love it. And hey, would it really make the company anymore of a joke after necrophilia and what not? That storyline is basically a variation of "12 Monkeys"... but still pretty cool. Yeah, haha, "Twelve Monkeys Version 2." You can have the killer Twelve Monkeys theme as the theme for Judgement Day...damn, that would be sweet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest TheArchiteck Report post Posted April 20, 2003 lol.....that angle seems great. They need to have some real cliffhangers storylines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest AndrewTS Report post Posted April 20, 2003 Well Crash beat Funaki on Velocity. That's some push you've got going on Well, "no word on when" they'd occur. I think they will get the small pushes. BUT, everyone else in the company will get slightly larger pushes. Unless, of course, they happen to grow an extra foot or two and turn white. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Will Scarlet Report post Posted April 20, 2003 I think they will get the small pushes. BUT, everyone else in the company will get slightly larger pushes. It looks like they are going to get something similar to the DeMott push, where they win a lot and beat jobbers on Velocity, then proceed to job like a bitch on Smackdown. Since I usually watch Velocity more than Smackdown, I have no complaints. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest AndrewTS Report post Posted April 20, 2003 I think they will get the small pushes. BUT, everyone else in the company will get slightly larger pushes. It looks like they are going to get something similar to the DeMott push, where they win a lot and beat jobbers on Velocity, then proceed to job like a bitch on Smackdown. Since I usually watch Velocity more than Smackdown, I have no complaints. Is it really a push if the vast majority of the audience don't see the wins? You seem to have forgotten that Demott was squashing Cruisers on SD for a while before squashing jobbers on Velocity. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Will Scarlet Report post Posted April 20, 2003 You seem to have forgotten that Demott was squashing Cruisers on SD for a while before squashing jobbers on Velocity. I remember that. It just seemed like after his mini-feud with Rikishi, which he, oddly enough, won the blowoff, he was stuck killing jobbers and cruisers on Velocity. The next time he showed back up on Smackdown he was squashed by The Undertaker in like a minute. Is it really a push if the vast majority of the audience don't see the wins? I was thinking the same thing when I first heard about these "pushes." Then again, I guess it's "WWE Logic." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Downhome Report post Posted April 20, 2003 I would just assume they not get a push, if it's only going to be one of WWE's infamous "month long" pushes, which everyone will forget about in just a few weeks. Either do something with, or don't. Just don't fuck with everyone makind us THINK you are going to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King Cucaracha 0 Report post Posted April 20, 2003 If they were getting a push, then surely they would'a followed up on the Team Angle-Tajiri/Funaki Tag Title Match on SD a couple of weeks ago. That was a great match, and surely Vince will have recognise that... Nah. Tajiri deserves a push though. A proper push. Hell, after the crap they've pulled with him, he's still over. And Funaki...well, I mark for Funaki. Funaki/Tajiri vs Team Angle would be a good idea. Which I why I doubt it'll happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RavishingRickRudo Report post Posted April 20, 2003 That storyline is basically a variation of "12 Monkeys"... but still pretty cool. I was stealing from a lot of things... but 12 Monkeys wasn't it... Though now that I look back - I really, REALLY, stole from 12 Monkeys Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
