Rhyno Love in the Dirty South

[Guest Jack Potts]

I attended the Smackdown taping in Savannah on Tuesday, during which Rhyno had a Velocity match with Billy Gunn. Billy was introduced first, and got the loudest pop of the night, to that point. However, when Rhyno was introduced, his pop was nearly as loud, and had a different tone. Billy Gunn got a "Yay! We know who you are!" pop. Rhyno got a "Hey, we like you!" Rhyno even seemed taken aback by the cheers, as he stood in the ring soaking in the various chants of "E-C-dub" and "RHY-NO!"

 

Here's what I can't figure out...why all the Rhyno love here in Savannah? ECW was never really a presence here in Savannah, because as far as I know, we never received the Sunshine Network and I don't think they ran shows. Plus, Rhyno's not local, or even Southern, and hasn't really been featured on TV in a flattering manner lately.

 

Does Rhyno get this reaction everywhere, but the WWE somehow refuses to acknowledge his popularity? Personally, I like the guy, so I'm glad he got the reaction he did, but I'm curious about the extent of his popularity among wrestling fans.

 

BTW, you've got to see the Jamie Noble/Paul London match on Velocity. One of the best I've seen this year. Mat wrestling, high-flying, strong psychology that pays off, and they gave it enough time to develop...It's got everything!

[SamoaRowe 0]

Yeah, Velocity sounds really good this week. Somehow I expect they'll cut the London/Noble match short on tv (I hope not) and though I'm not really excited about Billy Gunn getting a pop, I'm always in the mood to see Rhyno praised by an appreciative crowd.

[The Decemberists 0]

Rhyno definatly got a bigger than normal pop when the WWE was in Manchester last year. Everyone got big pops cos of how rare it is to see them over here, but Rhyno really was hella over with *massive* RHY-NO" chants.

 

But he's not a Vince 'creation' so it doesn't count.

[snuffbox 0]

Rhyno definatly got a bigger than normal pop when the WWE was in Manchester last year. Everyone got big pops cos of how rare it is to see them over here, but Rhyno really was hella over with *massive* RHY-NO" chants.

 

But he's not a Vince 'creation' so it doesn't count.

Nor was Steve Austin...or Hulk Hogan..

 

I honestly dont 'get' why Vince cant realize he should just push the guys that will draw money.

 

Meh..whatever.

[The Decemberists 0]

I honestly dont 'get' why Vince cant realize he should just push the guys that will draw money

 

What? You mean Steph doesn't?

[Guest webmasterofwrestlegame]

Why do people think Rhyno could draw money?

 

Ever heard him cut a promo in WWE?

 

Yeah his ECW was ok but so was a lot of wrestlers thanks to Paul E.

[snuffbox 0]

Why do people think Rhyno could draw money?

 

Ever heard him cut a promo in WWE?

 

Yeah his ECW was ok but so was a lot of wrestlers thanks to Paul E.

Hes more over with the audience than other pushed guys we can all think of...

 

Hes alot like Vader...he made a few coin back in the day as well...

[Scroby 0]

You know Rhyno has always gotten pops while he's been in WWE. When he first showed up he wasn't really booed, he was from the people who didn't know him but the people who did cheered. Plus I think his face turn before he got injured just happen because of the fans.

[Guest Jack Potts]

I do recall Rhyno getting a very strong reaction when he came back from his injury. For a while it appeared as if he was going to turn the Smackdown 6 the Smackdown 7, because he demonstrated solid mat wrestling skills in his early post-injury matches. However, they scaled back Rhyno's push, for whatever reason, and allowed him to languish.

 

It was nice to see that the fans are still high on him, even if the McMahons are not.

 

One of the nice touches in his Velocity match was the glimmer of sadistic glee in his eyes as he prepared for the Gore. The crowd ate it up.

[Slickster 0]

I've always been a mark for Rhyno and it's good to see that he's gotten over on TV, despite how crappy he's booked.

 

Nice thread title, btw.

[Guest JMA]

I'm pissed they're jobbing him to the homegrown Billy Gunn. What exactly is Kip's current gimmick? It seems like his current character is some kind of unholy mix between "Mr. Ass" and "The One." One of the problems is that WWE refuses to change his name. Look how long it took them to drop the "Albert" name.

[Guest Trivia247]

I'm pissed they're jobbing him to the homegrown Billy Gunn. What exactly is Kip's current gimmick? It seems like his current character is some kind of unholy mix between "Mr. Ass" and "The One." One of the problems is that WWE refuses to change his name. Look how long it took them to drop the "Albert" name.

he is... The One Ass

[Guest JMA]

I'm pissed they're jobbing him to the homegrown Billy Gunn. What exactly is Kip's current gimmick? It seems like his current character is some kind of unholy mix between "Mr. Ass" and "The One." One of the problems is that WWE refuses to change his name. Look how long it took them to drop the "Albert" name.

he is... The One Ass

I much preferred "The One Ass" when he was Kip Winchester, one-half of The Long Riders (the team that eventually de-evolved into The Smokin Gunns) with Brett Colt/Mike Barton. Kip and Barton could make a lot of money together on the indy scene and in Japan.

 

That reminds me, does he own the rights to the "Kip Winchester" name?

[Scroby 0]

I do recall Rhyno getting a very strong reaction when he came back from his injury. For a while it appeared as if he was going to turn the Smackdown 6 the Smackdown 7, because he demonstrated solid mat wrestling skills in his early post-injury matches. However, they scaled back Rhyno's push, for whatever reason, and allowed him to languish.

 

 

Again its WWE and like Nash said Vince won't push what isn't his.

[Guest Goodear]

I must bve the only one here who thought Rhyno really lacked when he came back from injury and still hasn't shaken the neck injury jitters. Before that injury, Rhyno was getting pushed really well and to his strengths as a cruel enforcer type for the Alliance. Rhyno wasn't just fierce, but worked a really interesting style of attack with some really smart work especially at that Summerslam where Jericho knocked himself all wiggy. But since he's come back Rhyno has been exceptionally tenative and its hurt his push to the point where he doesn't have one anymore.

[ChrisMWaters 0]

Again its WWE and like Nash said Vince won't push what isn't his.

Except for the Dudley Boyz

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

Well, you could argue that WWF/E dudleyz are a completely different team from ECW Dudleyz, thus making them a "Vince creation".

[Scroby 0]

The Dudley's push is sorta a on and off push if you really look at it.

[Guest Mulatto Heat]

I must bve the only one here who thought Rhyno really lacked when he came back from injury and still hasn't shaken the neck injury jitters.

You aren't. He has shown improvement since those first few months after returning from injury though.

 

Before that injury, Rhyno was getting pushed really well and to his strengths as a cruel enforcer type for the Alliance.

 

And as a heel. Much of his ferocity was taken away when he came back as a face. Although, before his injury, I don't remember him constantly going "Who's the man??" or doing cheap taunts at the crowd while doing restholds. That is so annoying.

[Scroby 0]

I don't remember him constantly going "Who's the man??" or doing cheap taunts at the crowd while doing restholds.

 

 

No he has done those before.

[TheBigSwigg 0]

I honestly hate watching Rhyno job on Velocity. I REALLY hated when he jobbed to Bradshaw. He was selling Bradshaw like he was Big Show, and I wish it was the other way around.

[Ripper 0]

Its probably because if you squint and have a few beers he looks like Lil Jon with the sunglasses off. Maybe they thought they were about to get a concert.

 

OKAYYYYYYYYY~!