What 10 guys would you build WWE around?

[Guest unleashedfury]

This was the same question asked on www.pwtorch.com in the last couple of weeks............

 

Who are the 10 guys that you think they should build WWE around for the long-term future?

 

Now take into consideration that the age of your candidates must be young enough and that the brand extension will hopefully end.

[Guest Loss]

Rob Van Dam

Eddy Guerrero

Kurt Angle

Brock Lesnar

Chris Jericho

Edge

John Cena

Chris Benoit

Matt Hardy

Kane

 

Obviously, some of those guys have more left in the tank than others, but these should be the top ten stars in the company right now.

[dpac 0]

In no particular order

1) Angle

2) Benoit

3) Eddy

4) Hurricane

5) Jericho

6) Edge

7) Van Dam

8) Lesnar

9) Cena

10) Orton

[Guest Boomer Sprinklespax]

Kurt Angle

 

Chris Benoit

 

Brock Lesnar

 

Eddy Guerrero

 

Matt Hardy

 

Rey Misterio Jr.

 

John Cena

 

Edge

 

Chris Jericho

 

Christian or Rob Van Dam (if Rob is ever allowed to work like he did in ECW, then Rob wins; if not, Christian gets the last spot)

[Guest Dynamite Kido]

1. Benoit

2. Angle

3. Jericho

4. Rob Van Dam

5. Paul London

6. Spanky

7. Rey Mysterio Jr.

8. The Rock

9. John Cena

10. Eddy Guerrero

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

1) Eddy Guerrero - The most talented and over wrestler in North America these days. His drug problems appear to be a thing of the past, so he is an obvious choice.

 

2) Brock Lesnar - A multi-time world champion at a very young age. He was the big prize in OVW and everyone knew it long before he joined the company. He is also a good, not great wrestler.

 

3) Chris Jericho - RAW's best by far. The best talker in the business, especially when Rock isn't around. Also a great wrestler, if not quite as good as the Fab Four.

 

4) Shelton Benjamin - Brock's former tag partner, who is more talented, but doesn't have the aura about him. In 10 years, he could be the next Chris Benoit.

 

5) Chavo Guerrero - Not as good as his uncle, but he still has a bright future if used properly.

 

6) Chris Benoit - He's on the decline, but he should be good for long enough to help improve things. He is the second best wrestler currently in the company, and arguably the best North American wrestler of all time. It will be a lot easier to rebuild with him then without him.

 

7) Rey Misterio - Like Benoit, I question how long he will last with his history of injuries. But he is so unique and popular, that he is important to have around.

 

8) Jamie Noble - This guy can do it all, if ever given a chance.

 

9) Matt Hardy, Version 1.0 - The most improved wrestler of 2002, he has stalled a bit in 2003. He still has enormous potential.

 

10) John Cena - Not the greatest wrestler, but he has potential. He is mainly on here for his ability to connect with the audience.

 

NOTE: I would have picked Kurt Angle, but I don't think he will be around long enough to have much of an impact. I'm the type that won't draft Fred Taylor in fantasy football, and thus won't pick Angle here.

[The Decemberists 0]

1 - Rob Van Dam

2 - Eddie Gurerro

3 - Kurt Angle

4 - John Cena

5 - Matt Hardy

6- Chris Jericho

7 - Chris Benoit

8 - Christian

9 - Lance Storm

10 - Ultimate Warrior

 

oops, I mean

 

10 - Paul London

[Guest Goodear]

With descriptive informations!

 

1) Rey Mysterio Jr.

2) Tajiri

 

Under the Goodear regime, I would put more emphasis on every title that the company has and especially those in which the competitors can't really be heavyweight contenders. Using Rey as your superface and Tajiri (who is amazingly charismatic in his own right), you have the two anchors that the division can build around as far as putting over the Londons, Spankys, and others is concerned. Make a note that the cruiserweight title would be defended in the main event of shows that don't have a World Title or US defense in order to accentuate the importance of the strap.

 

3) Charlie Haas

4) Shelton Benjamin

 

These are going to be my tag team champions for years and years. Making as many steady tag teams as possible creates yet another marketable division that could main event television. These guys mesh so well with just about everyone on the roster that can actually work that I want to hold onto them as long as possible.

 

5) Trish Stratus

 

Your lady wrestler. Sure she might not be as good a worker as anyone else on these lists, but Trish is still way over and provides a change in pace that seperates all of the little guy matches that I'm going to have happen. Trish gets the nod for being at least the second most popular woman wrestler (behind maybe Lita for the moment) and second most skilled (behind Molly).

 

6) Eddie Guerrero

 

He's got the hottest hand in the WWE right now and damn it, I'm taking advantage of it in order to build my company up. Not the youngest guy, but veteren leadership is always appreciated as far as calling matches are concerned.

 

7) Brock Lesnar

 

I'm just waiting for Brock to add a bit more personality to his game and he'll be ready to EXPLODE. Strong, athletic, young, bumps like a machine? What's not to like?

 

8) Edge

 

Mealy-mouthed kissing-babies smiling babyface. All good feds should have one of these to bring in the females and provide a good foil to the heels. If you can't get behind Edge in a happy go lucky kind of way, you aren't going to get behind anyone.

 

9) Chris Jericho

 

Has the personality and sneaky ass heel thing down, although his repetition is starting to drive me insane. But I would still use him about the same way the WWE is right now, except there would be less jobbing for Y2J. Seriously, who would serve as a better foil to Eddie G than this guy?

 

10) Matt Hardy

 

And since I have all these main eventers, I need a midcarder to put them over and retain their heat regardless. Matt Hardy does that already. I would simply elevate him up a few steps so he doesn't lose to everyone and so he was more at the US Title level than where he is at the moment.

 

BREAKDOWN!

SmackDown 8

RAW 2

[Guest ToddRoyal]

1.) Kurt Angle- He has charisma, talent and perhaps most importantly- REAL credibility. If I was in charge, we'd be focusing more on WRESTLING and Kurt would be the guy I sent out to get good PR.

 

2.) Brock Lesnar- Again with the credibility, plus he has "THE LOOK" so we can't discount that. He's also a solid wrestler that could become good/great with more time in the ring with the best in the business.

 

3.) Eddie Guerrero- The guy isn't as young as say, Brock, but he's shown that given even the slightest push he can hold the corwd in the palm of his hand. Plus, the guy can GO.

 

4.) Chris Benoit- He would fill the "Undertaker" role of the ring general. Having him around to just teach the younger guys would be a huge plus.

 

5/6.) Shelton Benjamin/Charlie Haas- These two could easily anchor a tag team division for an extended period of time while we develop actual tag teams, then break out as individual stars in the long run.

 

7.) Chris Jericho- He can carry his weight in a wrestling match, but also brings a ton of charisma to the table and can play a really convincing face or heel.

 

8.) Paul London- Since youth is a factor, London is good to have around. He's one of the best "young babyfaces" out there and he can make the uppercard wrestlers look good before making a run for the top. Shown he can connect with crowds and make them care.

 

9.) Lance Storm- Not the homogonized "boring" Lance Storm of Raw, but the Lance when he had freedom to wrestle and control his character. He's shown that he can be one of the most hated heels in wrestling and is always solid in the ring.

 

10.) Rey Mysterio- Cruiserweight to build around. Hot with the crowds, solid matches, and very marketable.

 

SD:Raw- 8:2

Faces:Heels- 5:5

 

Honorable mention- Matt Hardy, John Cena, Booker T, Christian, Edge.

[Guest Fook]

1. Kurt Angle

2. Eddie Guerrero

3. Chris Jericho

4. Brock Lesnar

5. John Cena

6. Spanky

7. Matt Hardy

8. Edge

9. Chris Benoit

10. Rey Mysterio

 

SD: 9

Raw: 1

[Guest TheGame2705]

Before I began, I'd try and build up people as only faces or heels. No tweener or shades of grey characters. That's poison.

 

Eddy Guerrero- Can make anyone look decent or better. He's a great wrestler. Is very charismatic for someone who doesn't have the best interview (like Hogan). He's also very marketable

 

Matt Hardy- I'd set him up as the new Triple H. He reminds me of Triple H in early 99. He has some charisma but it's not electrifying. He also has this cocky attitude and a good moveset. He'd definitely be the master heel in my WWE.

 

A-Train- I see this guy doing pretty well if they give him a sustained push and give him wins over people other than Steph McMahon and Funaki. He's not lost when he speaks and has a good voice. I've never seen him trip up a move and he's always incorporating new ones it seems. He's also young and trying to learn. I'd make him Jericho's bodyguard I think ala Diesel.

 

TWGTT- They work so damn well together. They work damn good alone. The only thing I seem them lacking right now is charisma. They definitely can make fans hate them but they're lost as far as interviews go and to me, those are important. I'd put them with Dawn Marie to give them that old school heel with a seductive valet feel.

 

Edge- I totally agree with Goodear on this one. The ladies love him. He's also so goody goody that you just have to cheer him on.

 

RVD- Has flashy moves and can pop a crowd. I might not make him my World Champ but he'd be SOLID upper midcard and jobber to the stars. I'd see how well I liked him after I gave him that upset win over a main event heel. If the fans eat it up then I'd give him a main event run. Still no world title though.

 

Jericho- He had a shitty 2000 IMO and sucked in 2001 until the end of the year. He came back however and he can make the fans cheer or boo with the snap of his thumb. I'd make him my new Shawn Michaels. He has the charisma and he could definitely play up the cocky asshole ala Shawn 92-95 with Train as his bodyguard. When you break them up, I'd love to see the match.

 

Benoit- My new Bret Hart. I personally would tone down the intensity a little and bring it in when the feud is really heated or he needs to pull it all out to win to make it mean that much more. I'd make him the wholesome, technical worker.

 

Randy Orton- I'd keep him paired up with Flair and try and create more chemistry between them so I could make Orton my new Curt Hennig. That way you have a good IC level champ that fans want to see get beat up.

 

 

Who I was against and why:

Brock Lesnar- I'm very unforgiving of fucking up a WM main event that big. I wouldn't even keep the guy around as I see him as more of a burden and possible injury.

 

Booker T- I loved WCW Booker T but he seems so damn mellow in WWE and he shot himself in the foot when he said he only wants to be around a couple years more.

 

John Cena- He's over but he's so basic. I can't get behind white bread with whack rhymes.

Edited October 10, 2003 by TheGame2705

[Anakin Flair 0]

Kurt Angle

John Cena

Eddy Gurrerro

Rey Mysterio Jr.

Goldberg (Need a big name)

RVD

Booker T

Chris Benoit

Jericho

Goldust

[Guest Dynamite Kido]

A-Train- I see this guy doing pretty well if they give him a sustained push and give him wins over people other than Steph McMahon and Funaki. He's not lost when he speaks and has a good voice. I've never seen him trip up a move and he's always incorporating new ones it seems. He's also young and trying to learn. I'd make him Jericho's bodyguard I think ala Diesel.

[Guest TheGame2705]

A-Train- I see this guy doing pretty well if they give him a sustained push and give him wins over people other than Steph McMahon and Funaki. He's not lost when he speaks and has a good voice. I've never seen him trip up a move and he's always incorporating new ones it seems. He's also young and trying to learn. I'd make him Jericho's bodyguard I think ala Diesel.

Problem?

 

EDIT: Since we're being idiots and can't back up our points let me look at yours.

 

2. Angle- Sure build around a guy who almost had a fatal neck injury at the beginning of the year.

5. Paul London- The ONLY way I can see this working is if you build him up like X-Pac/1-2-3 Kid. I wouldn't however build a multi-million dollar fed around him.

6. Spanky- Unless you use him as the Cruiserweight division's anchor.

8. The Rock- This one displays your lack of intelligence on how to run the WWE. You're going to build your fed around a guy who's been around even less than the Ultimate Warrior recently and has said he doesn't think he might be coming back?

9. John Cena- What happens when the rap gimmick gets stale? That's the only thing keeping him over and it's mostly with the white boys who can relate to him.

Edited October 10, 2003 by TheGame2705

[Guest drdrainoscott]

My top 10:

 

1. Kurt Angle

2. Chris Jericho

3. Brock Lesner

4. Eddie Gurrerro

5. Chris Beniot

6. John Cena

7. Christian

8. Ric Flair

9. Charlie Hass

10. Sheldon Benjamin

[Guest thrall585]

Chris Jericho, Edge, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Randy Orton, Christian, Maven, Rey Misterio, Rob Van Dam, Shelton Benjamin. Angle, Benoit, and Eddy are just too old to build a company around.

[Matt Young 0]

Hmmm... Let's see.

 

1. Lance Storm

2. Matt Hardy

3. Kurt Angle

4. Chris Benoit

5. John Cena

6. Brock Lesnar

7. Edge

8. Chris Jericho

9. Rey Mysterio

10. Eddie Guerrero

 

Raw 2, Smackdown 8

 

EDIT: I can't believe I forgot Eddie.

Edited October 10, 2003 by Matt Young

[Guest TheGame2705]

Chris Jericho, Edge, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Randy Orton, Christian, Maven, Rey Misterio, Rob Van Dam, Shelton Benjamin. Angle, Benoit, and Eddy are just too old to build a company around.

Jericho:32

Edge: 29

Brock: 26

Cena: 26

Orton: 23

Christian: 29

Maven:26

Rey:28

RVD:32

Benjamin:27

 

Angle:34

Benoit:36

Eddy:36

 

Austin in 98: 33

Goldberg in 98: 31

Shawn in 96: 31

Taker in the beginning: 28

Taker in 97: 35

Taker in 99: 37

Bret in 92: 35

Bret in 94: 37

Bret in 97: 40

 

Just some age research I did. I suck at math so some of them may be wrong but Bret's second title win was when he was a year older than Eddy and Benoit and his first was when he was a year younger.

 

I'm not denying that age is important but Eddy and Benoit aren't over the hill.

[haVoc 0]

Who I was against and why:

Brock Lesnar- I'm very unforgiving of fucking up a WM main event that big. I wouldn't even keep the guy around as I see him as more of a burden and possible injury.

That's your opinion and I respect it. But, it's not fair to hold that against him. It's only one screw up. Brock has done more then enough to prove himself.

 

Thinking that way, why not hold Eddie Guerrero's alcohol/drug past against him? Who knows, if Eddie became champion all the pressure and work could drive him back to substance abuse? Not saying it would, just pointing out you can't always hold someones past against them.

[Zack Malibu 0]

Fucking computer crashed on me just as I was finishing an in depth post on my 10 picks. At any rate, here's the list I had, with brief explanations.

 

1)Eddie Guerrero (I agree with many of the reasons already posted. Appeal to fans everywhere, including a major demographic. Can work well as either face or heel, and can adjust to virtually any style match.)

 

2)John Cena (Average worker, but presence and mic skills draw the audience in, which is a major plus. In order to get them to watch, you have to make them care, and Cena can do that)

 

3)Lance Storm (I LOATHE the bouncing babyface act he's got going now, so I'd make him a Hennig-esque heel, getting a little too overconfident about his natural talent. Give him a manager to aid him in the promo heavy WWE, again similar to the Heenan/Perfect relationship, and have him get dirty when his "position" is threatened. Could be a major heel if done right)

 

4)Shannon Moore (sympathetic, Ricky Morton style babyface as part of a tag team to rein in the teenybopper market)

 

5)Paul London (other half of aforementioned tag team. Natural face charisma, workrate is off the charts, and once the two run their course as a team, they should be over enough for a major feud and elevation)

 

6)Shelton Benjamin (would not be given a stereotypical rapper/street talkin'/racist gimmick that WWE tends to stick on their African American workers. Maybe a bit of an imagined backstory about a "hard luck" childhood, but used to showcase how he's made it when given the opportunity in college, and now in WWE. Inspirational face or cocky heel, the gimmick could work for both, and would hopefully help draw in another major demographic)

 

7)Brock Lensar (prototypical WWE monster, still incredibly young and already established. Will always be a major player, but not in Undertaker/HHH "clinging to their spot" style)

 

8)Rob Van Dam (fans want to see it, break him out of his through the motions workrate which WWE has no doubt told him to use, and have him become more innovative and daring, a la ECW's RVD. The guy has stayed more over than 3/4 the roster during this constant burial, so imagine what he'd be like if actually utilized right)

 

9)Jamie Noble-the kid has been called "Mini Benoit" time and time again, and not for anything, it's appropriate given the treatment he gets. He's used as filler, just to get the occasional above average match on the card, and after several promising weeks, they didn't even try with his gimmick anymore. Have him burst out of the redneck deal and start kicking ass, similar to how AJ Styles has that "southern flair" about him. Noble is someone who could get over just by skills alone, but if they define his character more (and not stupidly) that would help him out as well.

 

 

10)Trish Stratus (covergirl looks with a passion for the business. Who would have guessed three years ago that Trish of all people would wind up a better worker than pretty much every other woman on the roster? She's worked her ass off to get where she is, and is someone that is easily marketable. I'd continue with that)

 

EDITED:I had an announcer in the list, more or less getting too caught up in the fantasy booking. I changed that choice to a wrestler now, as building the promotion around a non-talent is pretty much what is killing them currently (though it's not like I had the person in a wrestling role).

Edited October 10, 2003 by Zack Malibu

[King Cucaracha 0]

1) Rey Mysterio

 

If it were up to me, he'd have been a Heavyweight Title contender after Summerslam. He proved he could stay with the big name players at the time like Benoit and Angle, he's over with the crowd...plus he can put on exciting matches. Not to mention merchandising ideas would be high.

 

2) Eddie Guerrero

 

The best around. Simple as that.

 

3) Brock Lesnar

 

Got the superstar look, plus he can go in the ring. Plays heel, plays face, and is one of the top stars in the business.

 

4) Chris Jericho

 

Mic skills, in-ring skills...it's not a hard choice.

 

5) TWGTT

 

So, I cheated. Bleh. Best tag team around, and they're still relative rookies. A feud between the two could draw great ratings within a couple of years if built right.

 

6) Matt Hardy

 

The gimmick and the in-ring skills.

 

7) Kurt Angle

 

He's still got a good couple of years on him yet. The big star when he's a heel. I still can't stand Face Angle, but that's just me.

 

8) John Cena

 

Future big player, with the gimmick and respectable enough wrestling skills to boot.

 

9) Randy Orton

 

A couple of years, and he'll be the big thing on Raw. For all the stick he gets around here, he's not too bad in-ring wise. He's got the look, the heritage...decent enough mic-skills.

 

10) Spanky

 

Damn I wish the kid wasn't a glorified jobber. With guidance from Shawn Michaels(as manager), the kid can go further than just the Cruiserweight Division.

 

 

Honourable Mention

Those who may be too old to build a little company around, like Taker, Benoit, Tajiri and of course Stevie Night Heat.

 

The Women's Division...Trish, Molly, Victoria, Lita...even Gail and Torrie to a certain extent.

 

Hurricane and Rosey.

 

Goldberg is he can stay injury free. Same for Edge.

[Austin3164life 0]

In no ranking order.....

 

Brock Lesnar

Jamie Knoble

Ultimo Dragon

Rey Mysterio

Chris Jericho

Eddy Guerrero

Matt Hardy

John Cena

Kurt Angle

Shelton Benjamin

[Guest TheGame2705]

Who I was against and why:

Brock Lesnar- I'm very unforgiving of fucking up a WM main event that big. I wouldn't even keep the guy around as I see him as more of a burden and possible injury.

That's your opinion and I respect it. But, it's not fair to hold that against him. It's only one screw up. Brock has done more then enough to prove himself.

 

Thinking that way, why not hold Eddie Guerrero's alcohol/drug past against him? Who knows, if Eddie became champion all the pressure and work could drive him back to substance abuse? Not saying it would, just pointing out you can't always hold someones past against them.

It was a very important screw up though. I see what you're saying but it was a big screw up and he didn't have the best track record before doing it. He hurt Heyman, hurt himself in a match with Big Show, hurt Bob Holly, and hurt himself in the WM main event, and would have paralyzed Albert had Albert's neck not been AJPW-esque. That's way too many injuries and a very serious close call when he's only been there for a year.

[TheOriginalOrangeGoblin 0]

1. Eddie Guerrero

2. Chris Jericho

3. Rey Mysterio

4. Rob Van Dam

5. Ric Flair - best manager around

6. Kurt Angle - IF he stays healthy

7. Brock Lesnar

8. WGTT

9. Chris Benoit

10. John Cena

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

Hurting Heyman is reaching a bit. I don't recall him messing up leading to Heyman being hurt. I attribute it more to the fact that Paul was grossly out of shape and taking big bumps for the 1st time in a long time (and taking them relatively often).

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

5. Ric Flair - best manager around

I love Flair, but putting a manager on a list of 10 people to build the company around is ridiculous.

[Guest thrall585]

Jericho:32

Edge: 29

Brock: 26

Cena: 26

Orton: 23

Christian: 29

Maven:26

Rey:28

RVD:32

Benjamin:27

 

Angle:34

Benoit:36

Eddy:36

 

Austin in 98: 33

Goldberg in 98: 31

Shawn in 96: 31

Taker in the beginning: 28

Taker in 97: 35

Taker in 99: 37

Bret in 92: 35

Bret in 94: 37

Bret in 97: 40

 

Just some age research I did. I suck at math so some of them may be wrong but Bret's second title win was when he was a year older than Eddy and Benoit and his first was when he was a year younger.

 

I'm not denying that age is important but Eddy and Benoit aren't over the hill.

 

Benoit isn't the type of guy to build the promotion around because all he can do is wrestle. Eddy will likely not remain at this level as years go by due to his style. And in a few years Eddy will be in his late 30s and will become a nostalgia act or will be retired.

Edited October 10, 2003 by thrall585

[Guest TheGame2705]

Hurting Heyman is reaching a bit. I don't recall him messing up leading to Heyman being hurt. I attribute it more to the fact that Paul was grossly out of shape and taking big bumps for the 1st time in a long time (and taking them relatively often).

Heyman isn't an active wrestler but he's still a person who got hurt. Even if you don't count Heyman, the other times stand.

[A Happy Medium 0]

Brock Lesnar

Eddy Guerrero

Rob Van Dam

Chris Jericho

John Cena

Kurt Angle

Chris Benoit

Matt Hardy

Shelton Benjamin

Christian

[haVoc 0]

Hurting Heyman is reaching a bit.  I don't recall him messing up leading to Heyman being hurt.  I attribute it more to the fact that Paul was grossly out of shape and taking big bumps for the 1st time in a long time (and taking them relatively often).

Heyman isn't an active wrestler but he's still a person who got hurt. Even if you don't count Heyman, the other times stand.

How did Brock break his ribs against Big Show and why hold that against him? Guys get hurt all the time. Hell, more times then not guys get hurt by doing something themselves in the ring instead of it being someone elses fault.

 

Brock/Holly? Errrr, I still blame Holly.

 

Anyway, speaking of who I wouldn't book Raw around.

 

For what its worth, WWE is advertising Goldberg & Shawn Michaels vs. Rodney Mack & Mark Henry for RAW next week in Pittsburgh. Maven vs. Ric Flair is also scheduled.

 

Credit: 1wrestling.com