Does Benoit have that Main Event rub?

[DMann2003 0]

Well, he won the Rumble, he beat Flair & Batista, he made HHH tap at WrestleMania XX to win the World title and last night he made Shawn tap in his hometown.

 

Perhaps after tonight's RAW we'll know whether Benoit is firmly considered a Main Eventer, because he needs to be a focus.

 

I know Benoit's getting over, cause when a big black woman is cheering frantically for Benoit at Hooters last night, he's getting everyone involved in his matches and character.

[snuffbox 0]

Absolutely not...

 

Hes terrible with a microphone...

He uses way to many chops..

His nose is too short..

[clean rob 0]

I don't think there's any doubt that he's over, but I think it'll be a while yet till he's considered a firm main eventer. He needs a few big (one-on-one) title defences, and when he inevitably loses the strap in a few months, it's important he stays in the title hunt. If he does that then I'd say he'll probably be regarded as a main eventer.

[haVoc 0]

He is already in my eyes. Who knows how the casual fan still thinks, though. We won't be able to tell tonight still being in Canada. Wait until they're back in front of the Eugene's of America.

[Lil' Bitch 0]

Well, here's to hoping he makes it to Bad Blood to defend it.

[Guest Goodear]

I still don't the feeling of an aura around the guy that grabs your attention like the majority of successful main eventers but it isn't helping that he isn't really the focus of the television shows right now. Not that I'm complaining about the shows for the last month because they've been really solid in my mind... but it still seems as though Triple H is the major player and everything is revolving around him. Which would be a much larger problem if HHH wasn't jobbing every show out since Mania, but such as it is... its still taking a little shine off the Benoit apple.

[Fro 0]

He's done a lot better than I thought he would.

 

He's certainly more comfortable on the stick since becoming Champion, and he's stayed pretty over.

 

The ratings and house show attendance during the Benoit reign have been up by a good amount.

 

It will certainly help that he'll get a massive TV pop in Calgary tonight.

 

The next couple months will be key for him. He's not going to be the next Austin or Rock but he could be the next Bret Hart.

[TheBigSwigg 0]

Hes terrible with a microphone...

He uses way to many chops..

His nose is too short..

And the Ultimate Warrior wasn't horrible with the Mic? Flair didn't use too many chops?

 

Ok, I can't argue about the nose.

 

Seriously, though. This has more of a dream come true vibe than anyone other than Bret Hart. Watching the stuff with him in Edmonton, it makes me see him as more of an everyman winning the belt. I've always been a Benoit mark, but I'm really digging where there going with him now. Though I do agree with Goodear that HHH is the focus of EVERY RAW

[Silence 0]

Though I do agree with Goodear that HHH is the focus of EVERY RAW

I know. Remember the Raw after Wrestlemania? Instead of Benoit coming out at the start of the show to cut a promo on how he finally achieved success in his 18-year career by winning the World Heavyweight title, HHH came out, looked pissed at the crowd chanting "You tapped out!", and said how it was a fluke that Benoit beat him for the World Heavyweight title and that he would get it back soon (which he didn't last night).

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

No. He has been tethered to HBK and HHH the whole time (and hasn't even been the central focus of the feuds which means people associate him with HHH and HBK rather than his own man) and NO ONE has been built up as a suitable contender for him to feud with. He's like a drug addict and they gave him a dependency. He will have to keep playing around with the same guys until Hunter beats him and feuds with Edge.

[Crimson Platypus 0]

No. He has been tethered to HBK and HHH the whole time (and hasn't even been the central focus of the feuds which means people associate him with HHH and HBK rather than his own man) and NO ONE has been built up as a suitable contender for him to feud with. He's like a drug addict and they gave him a dependency. He will have to keep playing around with the same guys until Hunter beats him and feuds with Edge.

Well put.

[Guest wildpegasus]

No. He has been tethered to HBK and HHH the whole time (and hasn't even been the central focus of the feuds which means people associate him with HHH and HBK rather than his own man) and NO ONE has been built up as a suitable contender for him to feud with. He's like a drug addict and they gave him a dependency. He will have to keep playing around with the same guys until Hunter beats him and feuds with Edge.

For the most part, what he said. Thanks for making me lazy by not having to post anything.

[Guest JMA]

And the Ultimate Warrior wasn't horrible with the Mic?

I'd say that Benoit's mic skills dwarf the Ultimate Warrior's.

 

At least Benoit is coherent.

[NoCalMike 0]

the jury is still out on this one. IMO, under normal circumstances, yes he would have the main event rub, but the problem with this was how it all came to be in the beginning. First Benoit was just kind of thrust into it, secondly, he always took a backseat to the HHH/HBK feud. Thirdly, he always seemed to be the BUTT of the joke, or the guy laid out. Finally, it depends on where they go from here. I mean Benoit is going to drop the title eventually, and when he does, then what, will he be de-pushed down to midcard level ALA Chris Jericho, or will he cemented in that main event core, where he will always be in or around the hunt for the world title. Like I said, it is too early to tell.

[Guest Trivia247]

Though I do agree with Goodear that HHH is the focus of EVERY RAW

I know. Remember the Raw after Wrestlemania? Instead of Benoit coming out at the start of the show to cut a promo on how he finally achieved success in his 18-year career by winning the World Heavyweight title, HHH came out, looked pissed at the crowd chanting "You tapped out!", and said how it was a fluke that Benoit beat him for the World Heavyweight title and that he would get it back soon (which he didn't last night).

but the thing is isn't HHH always the focus of Raw with or without the title?

 

is it being a champion that makes you be on 5 segments in a row or is just being a camera hog?

[NoCalMike 0]

Though I do agree with Goodear that HHH is the focus of EVERY RAW

I know. Remember the Raw after Wrestlemania? Instead of Benoit coming out at the start of the show to cut a promo on how he finally achieved success in his 18-year career by winning the World Heavyweight title, HHH came out, looked pissed at the crowd chanting "You tapped out!", and said how it was a fluke that Benoit beat him for the World Heavyweight title and that he would get it back soon (which he didn't last night).

but the thing is isn't HHH always the focus of Raw with or without the title?

 

is it being a champion that makes you be on 5 segments in a row or is just being a camera hog?

that is exactly the point. Triple H is usually the main, main event focus of each and every raw/ppv show. No matter what he is doing or NOT doing, the focus is somehow on him. The champion should automatically step into the spot while they are champion, but that just isn't the way it works in WWE.

[OldSchoolWrestling 0]

Some people need a belt to get them over and I think Benoit would benefit from a longer than normal title run. Let him get through the next few ppvs, including the biggies like Summerslam and Survivor Series and then if HHH is lonely and needs the belt, let him have it at Rumble. In the time up to RR, let him dominate everyone from the midcard up. Instead of putting him as the against all odds guy, he'll start being the badass on a winning streak.

[Guest Adrian 3:16]

Wow. I can't believe the negativity here. (though RRR is the ringleader, which I can believe).

 

First, Benoit wins the Rumble, at #1 no less.

 

Then Benoit beats HHH, a man hated on multiple levels, in a fantastic match at the biggest PPV ever, by making him tap to the Crossface.

 

Fast forward a month. Benoit beats the odds and retains in a rematch- this time by making *HBK* tap to the SHARPSHOOTER in ALBERTA CANADA. That right there is closure to Montreal in match form, and the closest thing to a public apology to Bret from Vince we'll probably ever get.

 

So Benoit beat both Kliq members in matches where the odds were heavily stacked against him. And I gotta say I give HHH and HBK both props for their roles in all this too. And yes HHH did try to verbally bully Benoit and dress him down before Mania- but Benoit still beat him, didn't he? The issue I always had with HHH's "better than you" promos (and I assumed most of us were on the same page- silly me) was that he'd talk all this shit and then prove himself right by beating the faces when it was time for the big match. There's nothing wrong with a heel talking trash if the good guy actually wins in the end. I think some of you would be happier if HHH came out and said he sucked and had no chance against Benoit. That would make Benoit look really good beating him, wouldn't it?

 

As for working only with HHH and HBK, those 3 are the elite of Raw. If Benoit was mucking around with Kane or Edge or Orton or anyone else, you same people would be complaining how he's being wasted on the midcard while HHH and HBK get to be the stars. You can't have it both ways.

 

Benoit has made it, bottom line. And some of you are so in love with bitching and complaining you can't stop even when you finally get your way. This isn't like Jericho, where he was set up as bowling pin just so HHH could knock him down. This is the real thing.

[King Cucaracha 0]

I second Goodear's opinion...he just doesn't strike me as a star. He doesn't stand out in the crowd. Benoit's a great wrestler, but he still isn't in HHH's league on name value. Name value sells tickets...Benoit will get that with sustained time at the top as Angle and Lesnar did.

 

First, Benoit wins the Rumble, at #1 no less.

 

Which is a big accomplishment.

 

But I still stand by my opinion that it was underwhelming. Being #1 and being an ironman as a face is a hard job. DiBiase...HBK...Jericho...Flair from #3...Martel from whatever number he was. Great performances, all heels. Benoit's wasn't magnificent, and it didn't make him a star. Personally, I think Orton out-performed him on the night...again, heel. Remember when everybody beat up the Big Show. He didn't stand out at all as a star during that part. He got lost in the pack too much.

 

Winning the Rumble's great. But the honor alone isn't enough to make someone a star since the death of kayfabe.

 

Benoit has made it, bottom line.

 

Then why are the majority of his reactions still not World Championship level in America?

[Guest Dynamite Kido]

Benoit has made it, bottom line. And some of you are so in love with bitching and complaining you can't stop even when you finally get your way. This isn't like Jericho, where he was set up as bowling pin just so HHH could knock him down. This is the real thing.

I see what you are saying but I kinda think your a little off on this one. First off, there is negativity here and it's not that it's not warranted. The fact of the matter is this.....

 

Benoit as the World Champion from this point out should be pushed as a machine. Not literally of course, but as a wrestling machine. A guy that no matter what can beat anyone at anytime in the ring, simply because of his technical skills. Benoit is the kind of wrestler that shouldn't have to talk. His game IS in the ring. This is what they should build up Benoit as.....the human torture device(literally). He should be stretching guys left and right, and if there are guys he's fighting that can wrestle with him.....the should bill it as such. That is how Benoit would be solidified as a REAL main eventer.

[Guest Trivia247]

Benoit has to get out of being bogged down by facing only Kliq members I E HHH and anyone related to HHH.

 

Benoit will be a great champion if he can take on ALL comers, not some comers.

[Guest Goodear]

Benoit as the World Champion from this point out should be pushed as a machine. Not literally of course, but as a wrestling machine. A guy that no matter what can beat anyone at anytime in the ring, simply because of his technical skills. Benoit is the kind of wrestler that shouldn't have to talk. His game IS in the ring.

It sounds like you don't want to have Benoit talk at all and that is just not going to work as far as focusing the shows around him. To be a main event talent in WWE, he has to be able to go out there and do nothing and still get a reaction from the crowd. It has to get to the point where whenever Benoit shows his face that the crowd explodesssssss... And being a machine simply leads to a lot of matches that aren't main event caliber because of a lack of emotional investment. Benoit should be built around his sacrifices and devotion to the craft, being quiet just makes him kind of indistiguishable from any number of guys that don't talk and aren't important. To be a main storyline focus, Benoit has to be able to tell stories... otherwise we get Triple H doing it for him (effectively mind you... but not good for Benoit in the long run).

[Guest Goodear]

Benoit has to get out of being bogged down by facing only Kliq members I E HHH and anyone related to HHH.

 

Benoit will be a great champion if he can take on ALL comers, not some comers.

So basically he has to fight Kane? Look mang, beating Triple H and Shawn are GREAT for Benoit and provide just about the best in-ring rub the guy can get. That is how you become a main guy, by beating the OTHER/FORMER main guys. How anyone can have qualms about the in-ring action for this push I don't quite get at this juncture. It is the out-of-the-ring stuff that Benoit needs to work on, specifically making himself look good instead of putting over the other guy.

 

More interviews like the "AND TAP AND TAP AND TAP" need to be cut as soon as possible, yes they do.

[justsoyouknow 0]

Judging by what happened last night at Backlash, all that's going to happen is HHH is going to come out at the beginning of Raw tonight, claim that Benoit didn't beat him in the Triple Threat match, and then they'll set up the match at the next PPV...HHH vs. Benoit, where Benoit finally jobs.

 

Benoit with the belt is great, but when you're getting out-popped by Chris Jericho, who's saddled with a horrible midcard feud, maybe it's time to rethink how you're being pushed.

[pochorenella 0]

Wow. I can't believe the negativity here. (though RRR is the ringleader, which I can believe).

 

First, Benoit wins the Rumble, at #1 no less.

 

Then Benoit beats HHH, a man hated on multiple levels, in a fantastic match at the biggest PPV ever, by making him tap to the Crossface.

 

Fast forward a month. Benoit beats the odds and retains in a rematch- this time by making *HBK* tap to the SHARPSHOOTER in ALBERTA CANADA. That right there is closure to Montreal in match form, and the closest thing to a public apology to Bret from Vince we'll probably ever get.

 

So Benoit beat both Kliq members in matches where the odds were heavily stacked against him. And I gotta say I give HHH and HBK both props for their roles in all this too. And yes HHH did try to verbally bully Benoit and dress him down before Mania- but Benoit still beat him, didn't he? The issue I always had with HHH's "better than you" promos (and I assumed most of us were on the same page- silly me) was that he'd talk all this shit and then prove himself right by beating the faces when it was time for the big match. There's nothing wrong with a heel talking trash if the good guy actually wins in the end. I think some of you would be happier if HHH came out and said he sucked and had no chance against Benoit. That would make Benoit look really good beating him, wouldn't it?

 

As for working only with HHH and HBK, those 3 are the elite of Raw. If Benoit was mucking around with Kane or Edge or Orton or anyone else, you same people would be complaining how he's being wasted on the midcard while HHH and HBK get to be the stars. You can't have it both ways.

 

Benoit has made it, bottom line. And some of you are so in love with bitching and complaining you can't stop even when you finally get your way. This isn't like Jericho, where he was set up as bowling pin just so HHH could knock him down. This is the real thing.

I agree. Benoit's been given a great push by not only beating the top two stars on RAW but actually making them both submit, no less. Who else is there on RAW that can be considered a worthy rival now? Kane? Don't make me laugh. Jericho? Would be cool as hell, but face vs. face is unlikely, unless they do it tonight in Canada to please canadian fans as a one-night thing. Edge? Not yet, my friends. Maybe HBK again in a one-on-one match if he turns full heel tonight?

 

I guess some people want Benoit to be like Bret, in that he wrestled anybody on RAW. Well, that would be nice but back then they didn't have one PPV per month. Now you have to actually build some contenders for PPVs not just RAW throwaways.

 

So, unless Benoit actually beats HHH and HBK, both on the same night, every RAW from now until next year, then I guess some will never be happy.

[Guest Choken One]

Jericho has always outpopped Benoit, it's the nature of the beast.

[Styles 0]

Judging by what happened last night at Backlash, all that's going to happen is HHH is going to come out at the beginning of Raw tonight, claim that Benoit didn't beat him in the Triple Threat match, and then they'll set up the match at the next PPV...

...then Shawn Michaels comes out and says, him and HHH have a 10 year issue that still needs to be settled, and no offense to Benoit but he wants in...again. And so, Bischoff makes another Triple Threat for Badd Blood, called "The infinite confrontation".

[Lil' Bitch 0]

...then Shawn Michaels comes out and says, him and HHH have a 10 year issue that still needs to be settled, and no offense to Benoit but he wants in...again. And so, Bischoff makes another Triple Threat for Badd Blood, called "The infinite confrontation".

 

*cue Lamb Chop's Playalong theme

 

This is the fued that never ends

Yes, it goes on and on, my friend

[Hektik 0]

You know, one of the things I do not get is that somewhere people began to think that Pops = Money. Road Dogg, Godfather, Jim Duggan, and Junkyard Dog used to get huge pops. That doesn't mean anyone is going to pay to see them. You need to look at the ratings and buyrates to see how Benoit is really doing. I will say that they have done a better job with Benoit's title run (who is labeled as a short term champion) than they have with Eddy (who is expected to carry Smackdown for the rest of the year).

[Styles 0]

You know, one of the things I do not get is that somewhere people began to think that Pops = Money. Road Dogg, Godfather, Jim Duggan, and Junkyard Dog used to get huge pops. That doesn't mean anyone is going to pay to see them. You need to look at the ratings and buyrates to see how Benoit is really doing. I will say that they have done a better job with Benoit's title run (who is labeled as a short term champion) than they have with Eddy (who is expected to carry Smackdown for the rest of the year).

Good main events=money. Benoit delivers good main events. Bradshaw will not. Which will get a bigger buyrate?