Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Why did TNA stop using the six sided ring?
When Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff came into the
company, they pushed to get rid of the six-sided ring that TNA had been using
since 2004 and replace it with a traditional four-sided ring. The feeling
at the time was that the traditional ring looked better on TV and would somehow
cause viewers to take TNA more seriously as they prepared to compete with WWE.
Smackdown needs new top guys. I know this is definitely out of the box, but what about Chris Masters? Former (brief) main-eventer, he has shown tremendous improvements in both in-ring style and in-ring/out-of-ring charisma. He's got some name recognition from NXT. When I was sitting by the stage at Smackdown, his fan interaction during the NXT taping was great. Maybe he's not world-title material (yet) but I could easily see him holding a secondary title immediately. Thoughts?
I actually think Masters getting a bit of a push
would be a good idea. They would need to move away from the "bouncing
pecs" gimmick, but his in-ring work has shown tremendous strides, and his
house show matches with Jack Swagger have gotten very good reviews.
Masters would need some solid wins to get fans to take him seriously after being
pretty much glorified enhancement talent in recent years, but it isn't out of
the question to rebuild him to a point where he would be a believable
Intercontinental Champion.
I'm thinking about the title match at the PPV, Christian vs Del Rio. Do you think that the WWE, riding a wave of Edge sentimentality, will put the belt on Christian? Even though VM never thought of him as a main eventer? I have heard they want to still hold off on Del Rio being champ, so maybe it will happen. What are your thoughts?
There's two directions WWE can go in here.
One is to immediately "cash in" on Edge's retirement and have his best
friend "win it for him" and give Christian a run as World Champion
now. The other option is to put the belt on Del Rio, and create a
situation where Christian chases him for the title over the summer, leading to a
bigger match down the line at Summerslam or another PPV. I think both
options have merit, it is just a matter of which one they go with.
With Edge's retirement, would you say that Smackdown has a unique opportunity to
build (or rebuild, for Swagger and McIntyre) new talent, the Smackdown match pitting Rey vs. Drew McIntyre could be a good example. Having veterans like Christian, Rey and Kane working with younger guys could create an atmosphere of opportunity for Drew, Jack
Swagger, Ezekiel Jackson, Alberto Del Rio and others. Who do you see in the Smackdown title picture in the near future?
I would say it is more than an opportunity for
WWE, I would say it is a necessity. Even with a draft to shake up the
brands, WWE has to start building up more of their younger talent to a point
that the audience accepts them as main eventers. You named several pieces
of talent that WWE should be focusing on, and there's plenty of others, like
Wade Barrett and Kofi Kingston, that can be pushed as well.
I'm a big fan of Edge so it's sad to see him retire. Do you think anything can be done surgically or any type of rehab so that one day he could return? Or is this very similar to Steve Austin's career end.
And in Edge's absence do you see Christian getting a world title run, main event push? He is certainly deserving of it, and it would be different in today's world to have a veteran star go to the next level.
From what I understand, Edge getting back in the ring simply is not in his best interest for his long term health. That isn't to say he couldn't come back and work a match, or do some spots, and protect himself in doing so, but unless he decides to totally disregard his well being and future, his career is over. Certainly, Christian could end up getting a big push as a result of Edge (and in a way, Undertaker) not being around to carry the Smackdown brand.
You can send us questions for the PWInsider.com Q&A by clicking here.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
