WWE Elimination Chamber 2012: Could This Be Wade Barrett's Night to Shine?

Friday, January 20th.  That’s the last time Wade Barrett picked up a victory on WWE TV.

The Internet Wrestling Database.  Very cool site, by the way.

A month may not sound like much, but in pro wrestling terms, it’s a lifetime. Think about it.  Nearly four weeks without a win, four weeks of doing the job in a company that’s all about the Superstar of the moment and riding momentum to the top.

Barrett had that momentum.  By the truckload.  Now?  Not so much.

When the “Barrett Barrage” first began in October of last year, it seemed too good to be true.  After all, Wade was one of those WWE Superstars who always seemed just on the verge of breaking out, but every time he got close, it just sort of fizzled out.

An old-school heel in both his ring work and his personality, Barrett provided a good old-fashioned bit of cold-blooded viciousness every time he stepped through the ropes.

As leader of the short-lived Nexus, Barrett proved that he could handle the spotlight, and likely did better than most fans expected, as he was thrust into such an important role, so early in his WWE career.

So, when he proclaimed that both Nexus and the Corre were nothing more than hangers on, who were stealing his thunder, and that he could succeed on his own, it instantly became a “we’ll see about that” situation.

True to his word, Wade set out on an impressive run that strengthened his character more and more with each passing week.  Piling up an impressive list of victories, Barrett suddenly became the Superstar to beat in the company.

From zero to hero, in like 2.8 seconds.  Not bad for a British import.

But, as often is the case with many workers in WWE, Barrett’s series of highs have recently began encountering some lows.  

Wade Barrett appears to be losing steam.

In order to keep all of this in perspective, I will say that the business is not just about wins, it’s also about losses.  Not everyone can win, every night, despite the circumstances.  That’s just not the way it goes.

Not everyone can be John Cena, after all.  

No hate mail for that one, everyone take it easy.

The point is, it’s not the end of the world that Wade cannot string together more than two victories at a time, as it does not necessarily mean that he’s headed back down to doing nothing again.

Right?

For anyone who considers themselves smart about the business, or as smart as we can be due to the fact that we’re not actually in the WWE locker room, we all share a certain intuition.

It’s that little voice in the back of our heads, the one that quietly reminds us that there are no such things as coincidences, that everything happens for a reason.  There are no absolutes except the unknown, including the fact that we, both individually, and collectively, should never say never.

So, while we may be attempting to give WWE creative the benefit of the doubt when it comes to Barrett, we do so very cautiously, and in uneasy agreement.  

And, Randy, just so you know, you’re not helping us any.

Yes, Randy Orton, the Apex Predator, the Viper, Mister snake in the grass himself, is the primary opponent for Wade, and the same man who we all thought was going to help bring Barrett along.

But, since returning recently from injury, Orton cannot be beaten, and definitely seems to have Wade’s number when it comes to winning matches.  

Of course, every time you think you have WWE figured out, Vince McMahon steps up to the plate and throws you a massive curveball.

SPOILER ALERT!!  THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH CONTAINS INFO FROM THE FEBRUARY 18TH EDITION OF FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!

Man, don’t you hate those crazy warnings?  We had a nice little column going here, and now the flow is all broken up, and we have to somehow get back on track.

Speaking of perfect segues, the fact is that Barrett may also now be getting back on track, because his No. 1 dance partner is out of the pay per view on Sunday.

Orton will miss the Elimination Chamber match due to a concussion he received in his recent match against the Big Show.  Daniel Bryan is being given credit for his injury, which sets up heat for them down the road, and also perhaps opens the door for Wade to walk in and leave with the World Championship.

Does no Randy equal 10 pounds of gold for Wade?

It seems too easy, and to be honest it makes more sense that Bryan goes over in the Chamber, then faces Orton and Sheamus at WrestleMania.

Daniel retaining the championship provides a more stable title picture heading to WWE’s big show in April, and dropping the strap then would perhaps mean more.

But, the thought of Wade hoisting that World Championship above his head on Sunday is an image that the company may find too appealing to pass up.

Barrett versus Orton versus Sheamus at WrestleMania?

Wade Barrett has come a long way in a short period of time in his WWE career.  This Sunday, he may reach the ultimate goal that every Superstar strives to attain, with a world title victory.

Impossible?

Never say never.