Benoit sabotages his own push with a horrid promo

[King Cucaracha 0]

Look at all the WWF champions since Vince took over.

 

How many of them wrestled 5 star matches?

 

And how many had a defined, over character...and charisma to boot?

 

 

 

That's why Benoit's sadly not WWE Championship material.

[Jack_Bauer 0]

I'm a HUGE Benoit fan, but this is a point which HAS to be made.

 

It's the same with my feelings on Orton. He is a decent worker, but the guy can't cut a promo for shit, and because of that, he seems a little stale, and THAT is a reason Randy Orton isn't over.

 

As for Chris Benoit, the guy is one of the best wrestlers EVER to grace a WWE ring and I think we all know this. He has the intensity in the ring, but his promos don't have it. The best way WWE can do this is KEEP HIM OFF THE MIC ! That way, he can just let the ringwork do the talking like it has for the majority of his WWE stint.

[King Cucaracha 0]

He has the intensity in the ring, but his promos don't have it.

Charisma isn't just about talking. It's about getting drawing fans, whever they be casual or smart, into a match. I'm not sure about the casual fan part which is my main problem with Benoit.

 

For example, Benoit's Rumble performance, save for the last 5 minutes or so, was the most forgettable for a winner perhaps since Big John Studd won it. In my opinion, it just wasn't entertaining enough to get behind. The 'adulation' at the end just wasn't believable either...I laughed when he did the pumping fists thing the first time (SD vs Cena)...this time I couldn't manage that.

 

Benoit's great as 2000, for a lack of a better term, 'Mr Roboto'. A serious ass kicker who can stretch anyone in the company out. The 'I have to do this for my family, it's my destiny'...I don't believe in it. And quite a few casual fans won't either.

[Adam 0]

Are you KIDDING me? The last five minutes was boring? The last five minutes had me on my fucking knees, PRAYING for Benoit to win. I went into total mark mode, and I loved every second of it. It was some of the most gripping stuff that I have watched, for a LONG time.

 

Oh, and the 'real person with real sacrifices' thing doesn't work? Look at Foley as Mankind in 1997, he talked about how he sacrificed hisw body for the profession, and then fans ERUPTED when he won the title, because it was his dream. This is the same. Benoit has been in the profession 18 years, and this was evident by it being repeated 10,000 fucking times over the last week or two. He's the one that has never quite got to the level that he deserves, because of his height, his personality, his weight. Now, he's finally got his biggest chance yet. This has been built up bigger than anything else, and I along with a hell of a lot of other wrestling fans, will mark like a madman when he finally wins the belt.

 

I do agree with one thing though, the adulation bit at the end was a little unconvincing. But, at 'Mania, I bet it will be real.

[Jack_Bauer 0]

Are you KIDDING me? The last five minutes was boring? The last five minutes had me on my fucking knees, PRAYING for Benoit to win. I went into total mark mode, and I loved every second of it. It was some of the most gripping stuff that I have watched, for a LONG time

 

The last five minutes were good for the Benoit marks. For someone who isn't a Benoit fan, that stuff might have been pretty weak, but the end was REALLY good, and well pulled off by both guys. That was the ONLY part of the last five minutes I really enjoyed.

 

Oh, and the 'real person with real sacrifices' thing doesn't work? Look at Foley as Mankind in 1997, he talked about how he sacrificed hisw body for the profession, and then fans ERUPTED when he won the title, because it was his dream. This is the same. Benoit has been in the profession 18 years, and this was evident by it being repeated 10,000 fucking times over the last week or two. He's the one that has never quite got to the level that he deserves, because of his height, his personality, his weight. Now, he's finally got his biggest chance yet. This has been built up bigger than anything else, and I along with a hell of a lot of other wrestling fans, will mark like a madman when he finally wins the belt.

 

The difference is that Foley was an AWESOME promo cutter, and that is VERY important if you are gonna run a storyline like that. I will mark out as well, but it won't be a matter of WHEN, it will be a matter of IF.

[King Cucaracha 0]

Are you KIDDING me? The last five minutes was boring? The last five minutes had me on my fucking knees, PRAYING for Benoit to win. I went into total mark mode, and I loved every second of it. It was some of the most gripping stuff that I have watched, for a LONG time.

 

Oh, and the 'real person with real sacrifices' thing doesn't work? Look at Foley as Mankind in 1997, he talked about how he sacrificed hisw body for the profession, and then fans ERUPTED when he won the title, because it was his dream. This is the same. Benoit has been in the profession 18 years, and this was evident by it being repeated 10,000 fucking times over the last week or two. He's the one that has never quite got to the level that he deserves, because of his height, his personality, his weight. Now, he's finally got his biggest chance yet. This has been built up bigger than anything else, and I along with a hell of a lot of other wrestling fans, will mark like a madman when he finally wins the belt.

 

I do agree with one thing though, the adulation bit at the end was a little unconvincing. But, at 'Mania, I bet it will be real.

1) Everything EXCEPT the last 5 minutes blew. I enjoyed the last 5 minutes even though it was obvious who was going over...which surprised me. Apart from the last five minutes, the only thing Benoit did which was memorable was trying to throw Lamont over the top by his wig.

 

2) The real person with real sacrifices can work...but as Bauer said, Foley and Benoit are miles apart on the key things to get something like that over. I just don't believe Benoit's words when he speaks, you know. Personally...if Benoit wins the title at Mania, I won't really be that fussed. He doesn't make me want to jump up and route for him. His key aspect is putting on ***** matches to me. And that's something he can do with or without completing his 'quest'.

[King Cucaracha 0]

Are you KIDDING me? The last five minutes was boring? The last five minutes had me on my fucking knees, PRAYING for Benoit to win. I went into total mark mode, and I loved every second of it. It was some of the most gripping stuff that I have watched, for a LONG time.

 

Oh, and the 'real person with real sacrifices' thing doesn't work? Look at Foley as Mankind in 1997, he talked about how he sacrificed hisw body for the profession, and then fans ERUPTED when he won the title, because it was his dream. This is the same. Benoit has been in the profession 18 years, and this was evident by it being repeated 10,000 fucking times over the last week or two. He's the one that has never quite got to the level that he deserves, because of his height, his personality, his weight. Now, he's finally got his biggest chance yet. This has been built up bigger than anything else, and I along with a hell of a lot of other wrestling fans, will mark like a madman when he finally wins the belt.

 

I do agree with one thing though, the adulation bit at the end was a little unconvincing. But, at 'Mania, I bet it will be real.

1) Everything EXCEPT the last 5 minutes blew. I enjoyed the last 5 minutes even though it was obvious who was going over...which surprised me. Apart from the last five minutes, the only thing Benoit did which was memorable was trying to throw Lamont over the top by his wig.

 

2) The real person with real sacrifices can work...but as Bauer said, Foley and Benoit are miles apart on the key things to get something like that over. I just don't believe Benoit's words when he speaks, you know. Personally...if Benoit wins the title at Mania, I won't really be that fussed. He doesn't make me want to jump up and route for him. His key aspect is putting on ***** matches to me. And that's something he can do with or without completing his 'quest'.

[Guest Goodear]

I'm sick of this era of wrestling, where you need a 20 minute promo to tell a story. Stories are told in the fucking ring. If you need to talk for 20 minutes to get people to care about you...you aren't a very good wrestler.

 

THIS era of wrestling? Its been this era at least since Flair beat Harly Race! The best draws in North American wrestling for the last thirty years have one big thing in common, microphone skills. Or more appropriately, the ability to make people care about them simply by stepping in front of a screen and yapping for a few minutes. Hogan could. Flair could. Savage could. Austin could. Rock could. There is virtually no historical context to base the claim that people can make it as draws based purely on wrestling that happens just in a ring. Its integral that a person have good microphone skills in order to get a bunch of people behind them... its a FACT.

[Guest Trivia247]

This is like one of those things that they will NEVER explain Like Kane being kicked into a Dumpster of Fire but he just brushes it off the week later like nothing happens...

 

Benoit wins the Rumble so therefore he would normally go after Brock Lesnar's World title... But NOOOOO Somehow he gets to go after The World Championship of Raw.

 

So are they gonna basically say they could always do it, just no one did. Or Benoit knowing that Heyman would never get him Lesnar jumped companies for better opportunities.

 

And you realize they did not even resolve what the hell they are gonna do with HBK vs HHH? Perhaps No Way Out? And the Winner takes on Benoit at Mania

[Murmuring Beast 0]

Listen son, wrestling has proven time and again that serious main-eventers do not need mic and wrestling skills. Hogan couldn't wrestle, but he was the most popular guy in the history of the sport and still is because he could talk. Bob Backlund couldn't talk but he was much loved and held the title for as long as Hogan did. I didn't see the Rumble or Raw, but congratulations to all the fans who have supported Benoit for all this time. I'm not his biggest fan but I think I might dig out some year 2000 tapes for his Jericho matches.

[Guest Bottled Black]

Look here

"You're not worth it, pal...unlike you, I have a little dignity and respect...Barnes and Noble is a silent place, kinda like a library...hell, it is a library except you actually pay for the books; the people here are trying to read in a peaceful atmosphere...if I tried to kick your ass, there would be a loud ruckus, probably involving the devestation of my skull, but you see, it's not the obliteration of my skull that I'm worried about -- I'm a man, I can fucking take it -- it's the loud noise that it would make. It would disturb a bunch of good, everyday-workin' people who come here to take a fucking break from their boring lives. I don't want to break little Jimmy's train of thought (point to some random kid) just as he's about to get to the best part in the latest Harry Potter book"

 

Guys this is the type of Promo that rawmvp expected from Benoit last night.

[Guest Duncan Eternia]

Benoit is the next Billy Gunn, trust me.

I can't believe this was posted by a "smart" mark.

[Open the Muggy Gate 0]

Benoit is the next Billy Gunn... that came from a smart mark... ok, let's go over the facts here.

 

1. Benoit is one of the best technical wrestlers in the world.

 

2. Billy Gunn sucks ass.

 

The moral of these points, Benoit will never be near Billy Gunn's level of SUCKTITUDE~! (tm Dames for Ron Harris clotheslines)

[Austin3164life 0]

I disagree completely with Rawmvp's statement. I believe that Benoit delivered a good promo describing his feelings about winning the World Title. It would not look right for Chris Benoit, who has always been the "silent assasin" type, to sit there and start making up catchphrases trying to connect with the audience. His actions in the ring help him do that. I think he would get a greater reaction on Smackdown, since the fans are used to seeing him compete on that show. Also, John Cena has plenty of time to win World Titles. I believe he should have a lengthy U.S. Title reign, so perhaps he can bring prestige to that belt, rather than Big Show or whomever else to never defend it.

[PLAGIARISM! 0]

The significance of Benoit's heat coming solely from his performances should not be downplayed. He's over huge because of wrestling, to a greater extent than anyone else. He'll be fine. It's actually important that we shift the focus away from talking. Not that that is about to happen with a HHH feud.

[jester 0]

If Benoit can't cut promos (debatable) the answer isn't to give him more promo time. Give him less. To say exactly what he's going to do, say it coldly and intensely, and then leave.

 

It will be refreshing in an era where HHH and Austin take 30 minutes just to say "Let's have a match tonight." Or in Austin's case, "you're having a match" stunner, drink beer.

[humongous2002 0]

As much as i want to see Benoit be the next world champion, his lack of mic skills makes him look like a midcarder for life. As long as WWE keeps Chris far away from the mic and just let his little ass wrestle he will do just fine. Mic skills or not, Benoit will be able to carry the ball w/o any problems, it's all up to Vince and Triple cHin to allow the man to get over.And i know that Cena,Jericho,Eddy and even RVD(like it or not) are more over with the fans than Benoit, but if Benoit succeds in becoming the champ this will (hopefully)open the doors for smaller guys like him, you know, the ones that are not suppose to be main event material.

[Austin3164life 0]

Is RVD really that popular anymore?

[humongous2002 0]

Maybe my tv is a RVD mark, b/c everytime he's on all i hear is those loud RVD chants.

[Guest Ghettoman]

Why does this topic even exist?

 

First off a casual fan isn't into someone for mic skills, so if someone isn't killer on the mic he's not losing fans, especially someone like Benoit who got over for being a wrestler.

 

I don't know what world everyone else lives in, but in mine not every tough bad guy can work a stick like he struggled doing infomercials before he got into it.

 

The problem with Benoit's promo was it being too against HBK, I mean of course what else are you gonna do with two people like HHH and HBK but have your best worker go out there and tell them there both the best of the best but he wants one best not two. It wouldn't be smart to have him say like "HBK, it'd be an honor to wrestle with you, a dream match for the fans....but I'd really like to get that belt by beating the shit out of you Triple H" he would of had the fans on his nuts for either match, but instead he's used to build up a NWO fued, pretty much the designated third party egofucker.

 

I'm just glad they left the door open with saying things like "can this happen?" and "unprecedented" which means the format of the fued can still be tweeked a bit. Benoit vs Da Kliq, I smell a Nash run in....

[humongous2002 0]

As much as i want to see Benoit be the next world champion, his lack of mic skills makes him look like a midcarder for life.

He's not the first person in the history of main eventers with lacking mic skills. And Jericho and RVD, whether you like it or not, are lockerroom bitches compared to Benoit.

RVD and Jericho might be locker room bitches in your opinion but they are still more over with the fans w/o winning any Rumble, but anyway i hope you realize that i'm not attacking Benoit, all i'm saying that the Crippler should stay away from the mic and just let his mat skills speak for him.

[Guest nikowwf]

Everyone i watch with is a total mark, and they were all enthralled by most of the Rumble, especially the last few minutes. The crowd hurt, but they were a bad crowd period, not just for Benoit.

 

Somehow, if they let Benoit actually WIN and look strong and he is having 5 start matches while doing so, im reasonably sure he will be over as champion.

 

It always amazes me how people WANT change in the WWE, but when there is any hint of change, there are people who must immediately decry it a failure. I don't get it. Sometimes i think you people get more enjoyment out of bitching than a good product would give you.

 

niko

[King Cucaracha 0]

It always amazes me how people WANT change in the WWE, but when there is any hint of change, there are people who must immediately decry it a failure. I don't get it. Sometimes i think you people get more enjoyment out of bitching than a good product would give you.

Now why isn't this posted where it belongs...in an Orton bashing fest thread, rather than a thread were people are simply saying Benoit isn't Vince McMahon's ideal World Champion material.

 

I don't mind Benoit as champion. I'd welcome it to a certain point...there's also at least three people I can name who'd I'd rather see as champion.

 

But I don't think anyone here is really bashing Benoit or trying to halt change.

[Guest Goodear]

2) Correct. A casual fan is into a wrestler because they're cool/can relate to them. A badass image, good promo skills, or excellent workrate/wrestling are all traits that casual fans can favor over the other.

 

Who exactly is this super worker that drew big money and couldn't talk because my mind is week and the body willing and its cold in Virginia. Because I can think of examples of the first two but not the last.

[Damaramu 0]

Ok Rawmvp...go back to writing your romance novel and leave the wrestling to the fans. You obviously have no clue what you're talking about.

[Guest Goodear]

I didn't say that any one of those three traits independently could elevate a wrestler to superstardom, nor did I imply that wrestling skills alone could make one favored the most by casual fans. More that not all marks are complete "say your catchphrase again and do a gesture" tools.

 

Ah, the use of 'or' led me in the direction that you were heading that direction. Like that Goldberg (all badass persona, no microphone skills or wrestling) could be a draw and Rock (all microphone skills, not a badass or a wreslting machine) could be a draw. I was under the impression that you were saying that a ... Ricky Steamboat could be a huge drawing figure when its actually quite unusual.

 

And leave the poor marks alone. They like fan participation because its fun for them. Fun is good for wrestling. Plus most guys with good catchphrases can actually talk too... which as covered is a lovely trait that brings in the dough.

[Guest Bottled Black]

Ok Rawmvp...go back to writing your romance novel

Yes please do, You're late with your update.

[Mystery Eskimo 0]

It's pointless to talk about whether Benoit can draw or not, as no one in the organisation has for the last couple of years.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

Going up to this guy's comment on how Austin, Foley, and Rock got over with mic skills AND ring skills...

 

When's the last time one of them got a standing ovation?

Austin at WM XIX.

 

Foley got everyone out of their seats at RR 04.

[Guest Besus]

The Rock also at Wrestlemania XIX.