WWE's Future Grapplers: Analyzing Our Young Stars

Hello everyone. As always, I would like to thank you for spending some time with me today.

Let me start of by saying, I don’t for the most part get involved in conversations about who should and shouldn’t be pushed for the title.

It seems though as of late, this is a constant topic brought up by the fans in here.

I don’t have problem with this; that’s why we are here. I do have to say though, that some of the arguments made on here are very flimsy at best.

After giving it much thought, I decided that I would chime in with my two cents on the issue.

I also feel I have to mention that I rarely "mark out." To many people do that these days, and I feel that’s part of why so many complain.

During my almost 30 years of watching wrestling, I have marked out for only six wrestlers.

The six wrestlers I have "marked out" for were Randy Savage, Bret Hart, the Undertaker, Sting, Jericho and Kurt Angle.

When I think of what it takes to make a heavyweight champ, I break it down to four categories.

The first thing I think to myself, is this guy a good ring general?

To me a good ring general has to be able to do a lot in the ring. First and foremost, they must always keep their opponents safe.

A good ring general also has to be able to not only make his offense look good, he also has to be able to sell his opponents offense well.

For the most part, a good ring general also needs not only set the pace of the match. He also needs to tell the story of the match for the audience.

My next question is, how technically sound is this wrestler?

While this isn’t as important as the first quality that a champ should have, it is important because the first two a lot of times will go hand in hand.

Technical grapplers must have the capability of performing a couple of important things in the ring.

They should be able to make all their moves look solid. Even something as simple as a arm bar should look effective.

Also, any technical grappler worth his grain in salt should, know how to pull of a good looking counter or series of counters.

Most importantly, a technical grappler should do all of the above without hurting anyone.

The next thing that I expect from a good champ is his ability to cut a promo and how well he works the stick.

This isn't a top priority with me, but it does hold some merit.

When most wrestlers go out to the ring to cut a promo, the WWE will give him or her criteria to work with.

It is then up the wrestler to sell it well, and get the criteria across to the audience. He may only get a few minutes, but to a good guy on the stick that shouldn’t matter.

Whether you’re a heel or face, it is key to get the audience to react in the appropriate behavior, in which you want them to.

When cutting backstage segments, a wrestler should also be able to sell and entertain whatever story it is they are trying to pass off.

The last thing I look for in a future champ is strength, size, and physique.

This is the least important to me to be honest, but it is somewhat important.

While you don’t have to jacked like Batista or HHH I do think you need some size. I set the minimum bar to a guy the size of HBK.

Any one smaller then HBK to me isn’t a credible champ. I can see the flaming arrows coming from the Mysterio and Hardy fans.

I am sorry to offend fans of those wrestlers it is just how I feel.

The reason I am telling you all this is because. When I list my pluses and minuses for the wrestlers I mention I just want you to understand how I judge them.

I will be discussing some of the more talked about names. If you disagree with me feel free to let me know.

Like I always say I am always up for a good rasslin debate.

Also just so everyone knows, I am a fan of every wrestler I am about to list exept one of them.

So without further adieu, I break down some of out most current and popular prospects.

John Morrison

This guy is amazing; he has the look, the ability and style to be a top star. When I watch this guy wrestle, he impresses me more and more.

He has come a long way since his debut in the early 2000s. The possibilities for this guy is endless; the only one who can stop him is himself.

With all that being said, there are a couple things I would like to see from him before I say he is ready for the heavyweight title.

Morrison has to get his work on the stick a little better. That is not to say that he is bad; he is ok right now but he can be much better.

I would also like to see him mix up his offense a little more. He is exciting right now but acts get stale after a while.

I would hate for Morrison to become a one-trick pony. He is extremely talented and I would like to see him shine.

My only complaint is we aren’t seeing him tested enough. That isn’t on him though that is on the WWE.

It is easy for him to have a good match with guys like Jericho. He can make my grandma look good.

I need to see him tested by having to carry more prominent matches on his own, before I can say he is ready for the title.

Tyson Kidd

This guy has some really good skills in the squared circle. It seems like he is already generating the ability to be a good leader in the ring.

I like his heel persona and he can definitely generate some heat in the ring. From the few times I have heard him get stick time, he seems okay.

My biggest problems I have with Kidd is his size. For starters he is only 6 feet tall and only weighs a 195 or so soaking wet.

While I know this isn’t his fault, it is what it is. I think this can be overcome though if he works hard enough.

If he tacks on another 20 or 30 pounds and gets some more work in prominent matches, there is no reason in the next two years he couldn’t be a Heavyweight champ.

Evan Bourne

I really like this kid; he has some jaw dropping abilities inside the wrestling ring. He is a lot like Jeff Hardy: a human highlight reel.

His work in ROH is incredible, and his ability to awe the crowd in the air is second to none right now in the WWE.

He at least in my mind in the WWE will never be more then a upper-midcarder.

I have heard his promo work and I am less than impressed. Even if he did improve that, it would still be tough to sell him being so small.

His technical ability in the ring is decent but nothing to write home about.

Bourne's bread and butter is being a high flyer, if he packed on more weight that would only take away from what makes him great.

I don’t feel he has the leadership skills needed to carry others to a great match.

I could be wrong on this though I have been before in the past.

The most I ever see him winning in the WWE is tag gold and the U.S or IC title.

Shelton Benjamin

Let me just say to start off he is not a up and comer like some think. The man is in his 30s; he is hardly a rookie.

That being said, the time for Benjamin to be the heavyweight champ is now.

He is at this point in his career a legit ring general. He can not only show up the top vets in the business, he can also out show them.

He has the ability to carry a piece of wood to a good match; that’s how great he is in the ring.

Shelton Benjamin has a credible size and look to be a heavyweight champ.

While some may point out his lack of charisma, which I will not argue. that does not mean he wouldn’t be a good champ.

Let me just name a few guys for you: Chris Benoit and RVD. Those two were awful on the stick yet they were still heavyweight champs.

The WWE is really dropping the ball with this guy.

M.V.P.

This guy has it all. He is great in the ring, he can cut a mean promo, and he also has the look and ability to carry a match.

I think M.V.P. is on the cusp of being ready for a title run if he isn’t ready already.

I have to be honest though, there is something about him that has me thinking he isn’t just ready yet.

His technical ability could use some polishing up but for the most part it is good. So for me that really isn’t a issue.

I wish I could put my finger on it but to be honest I cant.

I would like to see them put the title on him if, for any reason just to see if he does has it.

Dolph Ziggler

This one will be short and sweet.

I don’t like him at all. When he wins it is ugly, and when he loses it looks even worse.

He is lousy on the stick, ok at best in the ring, and just overall stinks.

Well that’s it for me folks, if I missed anyone it's because I don’t have a opinion on the wrestler right now.

I am sure; I will get some heated feedback on this if I do that’s ok.

I only ask that you respect my opinion, as I would do the same for you.

As always, have a good night and God bless.