WWE News: Reviews, Analysis and Rumors for Week of Date Jan. 8
The Royal Rumble is now just two weeks away, and while there wasn't much development on that front in the WWE this week, there was still plenty to talk about. Not only was the first batch of this year's Hall of Famers revealed on RAW, but there was also the much-anticipated re-debut of Brodus Clay.
In addition to that, Chris Jericho made yet another appearance, but things continue to get stranger on that front. Not even the WWE has been able to resist talking about Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin gave him high praise.
There was also some news on the business front regarding John Cena's true monetary worth to the WWE. There is never a dull week in the WWE, and that was clearly on display this week. Here are the biggest stories and rumors involving the WWE for the week of Jan. 8.
What Is John Cena Worth to WWE? Apparently $106 Million!
1 of 5Regardless of the split fan reactions John Cena gets on a weekly basis, there is no question that he is the WWE's most important asset. Not only do people still come out specifically to see him, but his merchandise sales continue to be through the roof.
Wrestling News World posted a tweet from ESPN's Michelle Steele that stated that Cena made the company $106 million in 2010.
While it isn't clear, it would seem as though that number would include a number of things, such as merchandise, pay-per-view and ticket sales.
My Take
I wasn't surprised to hear that Cena made the WWE a big chunk of change, but $106 million is a pretty eye-popping number. As a wrestling fan, my first reaction was to relate his worth to the company to whether it would be feasible to follow through with a heel turn.
In my opinion, the $106 million shouldn't influence that decision.
It has seemed for the past couple months that a slow buildup toward a Cena heel turn has been taking place, as he has begun to address the boos he receives. I'm not going to say that turning him heel wouldn't be a risk, but I don't think it would hurt the company financially.
WCW turned the biggest face of all time, Hulk Hogan, heel in 1996 and it set off a golden age in the company's history. I'm not saying that will happen if Cena turns heel, but I do think fan interest will be increased significantly, and that will account for revenue in its own right.
Also, whoever Cena ends up feuding with will get a major reaction from the fans and could become a huge star as well.
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Chris Jericho Is Speechless... Again
2 of 5After an awkward return to WWE nearly two weeks ago where it was revealed that he was the one behind the cryptic "It Begins" promos, Chris Jericho made yet another appearance on RAW.
This one was much like his first, though, as he entered the arena with his chain mail and Christmas light jacket and played to the crowd for a few minutes.
This time instead of simply saying nothing and leaving, though, he broke down in the middle of the ring and began to cry. That means that Jericho has now made two appearances, but he has yet to say a single word to the WWE Universe.
My Take
I have to admit that this angle may seem lame now, but there has to be some sort of payoff. I liked his re-debut much more than most because I viewed it as the start of a heel turn. He was cheered immensely when he first came back, which was to be expected, but since he neglected to say anything, he was already getting booed.
Jericho himself has said many times that he wouldn't return to the WWE unless something fresh and interesting could be done with his character.
With that in mind, I have no choice but to be optimistic. When you consider how dark the promos touting his return were and how he seemed to be mentally unstable on Monday, I could see Jericho having somewhat of a psychotic character, which could be great if done right.
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Austin 3:16 Says "Nice Job Mr. Tebow"
3 of 5"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is without a doubt one of the most iconic wrestlers in WWE history, but even he can't help but be impressed with Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.
In a recent interview with WWE.com, Austin said he would relinquish his famous "Austin 3:16" slogan to "Tebow" if he passed for 316 yards against the New England Patriots this weekend.
According to the interview, Tebow ironically passed for 316 yards in the Broncos' playoff upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. He also averaged 31.6 yards per completion in the game and the overtime drew a 31.6 rating.
While Austin doesn't think Tebow can replicate his success, he would be more than willing to hand 3:16 over to the religious Tebow in the event that he does.
My Take
Even if Tebow miraculously throws for 316 yards again and finds a way to beat the heavily-favored Patriots, I don't think he'll want to take Stone Cold's iconic "Austin 3:16" moniker. What this situation did get me interested in, though, is some sort of interaction between the two at WrestleMania 28.
The event will take place in Miami and since Tebow attended the University of Florida, it is certainly in his neck of the woods. Also, the NFL will be firmly in the middle of its offseason. Vince McMahon loves celebrity involvement at WrestleMania since that is the basis of the event, and quite honestly there may be no bigger star in the country right now than Tebow.
I'm not suggesting he should wrestle in a match, but getting him in someone's corner or something of that nature would be a huge win for Vince.
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Brodus Clay Finally Debuts, but He's Extra Funky
4 of 5After weeks and months of teasing, Brodus Clay finally made his re-debut on the latest edition of RAW. Clay was the runner-up on the fourth season of NXT and he served as Alberto Del Rio's bodyguard for a few months.
Clay wrestled some squash matches on Superstars a couple months ago and seemed as though he would return as a monster heel.
The WWE creative team shocked the wrestling world, though, with Clay's revamped gimmick. Ring announcer Justin Roberts introduced him as the "Funkasaurus" from "the planet Funk." He then came out with FCW Divas Naomi Knight and Cameron Lynn by his side and they danced their way down to the ring.
Once there, Clay made quick work of Curt Hawkins and then danced some more.
My Take
How amazing was that? My initial feeling when Clay came out was confusion as I wasn't exactly sure what I was seeing, but that confusion quickly turned to joy and adulation as I was really into his gimmick.
I couldn't stop laughing during his entrance (in a good way) and even his brief squash match with Hawkins was incredibly entertaining as he gyrated when put in a waist lock and made a number of audible and hilarious comments.
A lot of fans have voiced their displeasure for this new gimmick, but that's simply because they're taking things too seriously. Would Clay have been a good monster heel? Probably, but there have been a million of those over the course of wrestling history.
This new gimmick allows him to showcase his personality and have fun. Prior to the "Funkasaurus" I couldn't have cared less about Clay, but now I eagerly anticipate his next match.
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Edge, Four Horsemen to Enter WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012
5 of 5The first two inductees for the WWE's Hall of Fame class of 2012 were announced on RAW in the form of Edge and the Four Horsemen as a stable. The ceremony will take place on the night before WrestleMania as tradition would have it, and there will be several more inductees announced in the coming weeks.
Edge, who was forced to retire last year due to a serious neck injury, will be the youngest ever inductee at age 39. The Four Horsemen never actually competed in a WWE ring as they existed in the NWA and WCW, but their mark on wrestling history is indelible.
The Hall of Fame promo featured Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham and J.J. Dillon as the Horsemen who will be honored.
My Take
It is basically impossible for me to argue with either of these selections as a wrestling fan. While some might say that Edge's induction should have been held off for a little while due to his recent retirement, he is one of the most decorated WWE superstars of all time with 11 world championships.
Edge is more than deserving to be mentioned alongside the immortals (and Koko B. Ware).
The Horsemen are a great choice as well and I think it's a great touch that they are going in as a group. Interestingly, Flair has already been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as an individual and he is under contract with TNA. Despite that, Flair told New York Newsday that he will be at the ceremony.
That is spectacular news, as the Horsemen simply wouldn't be the Horsemen without Flair.
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