Part 2
The New Superstar Initiative
In 2008, one of the ways ECW had tried to set itself apart from the rest was introducing the 'New Superstar Initiative'. It has been a successful venture on the part of ECW. Sure, there have been a few random wrestlers who didn't make it past their first match, let alone being a jobber, but it has been very interesting to see the progression of those who have made it.
When referring to those who have made it, the few that come to mind include the following:
1. Evan Bourne
From the moment he entered the ring, I saw a future star in the form of a Mysterio/Kidman hybrid. Within his first year, he already received a shot at the ECW title. Not necessarily because management pushed him to that spot, but because the FANS chose him to do so at Cyber Sunday.
He has been on the shelf as of late, but I think he is going to have a big comeback probably starting with a feud against Mike Knox. If he is truly the star that I hope he will be, he will elevate Knox to the next level as well because that is the ART of wrestling—when two opponents leave a match knowing that they just elevated their own careers as well as their opponent's.
2. Jack Swagger
When I first saw this guy making an entrance, I had my doubts. He just seemed... odd, I guess. It's been maybe six months since he made his debut and this guy is almost primed for a run at the ECW title.
If they want to handle him right, I think they should have him feud with another young guy who is somewhat over with the fans: Ricky Ortiz. I noticed this from the first time the two had a face-to-face meeting in the back; there is an angle there. Not to mention, this could really establish a mid-card matchup for ECW, something that hasn't been there before.
3. Ricky Ortiz
This guy needs to wrestle more and needs a feud badly. As I said above, a Swagger/Ortiz angle could probably do wonders for ECW. They are two young guys who have made it and who are hungry to become truly over with the fans. They both have great in-ring skill and can work decent promos.
I say put them together and see what happens. Again, I don't know why, but when I saw them converse a few weeks ago; I got excited at the thought of a possible feud.
New GM
Teddy Long became the new GM of ECW and I thought he immediately added a little more interest. I think his position is the best way to use the GM—only when needed. No big storylines are needed, he is the authoritative figure and he let's the show go as he sees fit.
Having (yet another) corrupt GM storyline would fade out the other angles on the show, which in turn would conflict with rising younger stars who are already given little time to shine.
Deserving of Gold
Finlay/Hornswaggle have been a great addition to ECW. Their duo is entertaining and Finlay, has earned a run at chasing and/or winning the ECW belt. Yet, I feel that they have used him too much as a "side show" in that he has never really gone after the title as much as just being involved in main event matches.
1 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete