I've found myself actually watching wrestling over the last week, and it's been better than it has a recent memory. Some storylines are a little more appealing, and even the wrestlers who have talent are given a good amount of spotlight, while the ones that I personally think suck have taken a back seat for a change. Still, I can't find myself getting into every match, and I'm more drawn to the wrestlers who are actually good at what they do. So, for the benefit of those with flash photography..........(wait, that's an old wrestling quote).........I mean for the benefit of the current fans of WWE, I thought I'd mention some of the wrestlers worthwhile to watch on a weekly basis.
Unfortunately, the weekly ECW program has little to offer. Only two wrestlers on that roster are still impressive, and one of them is currently injured. But that's OK, because we've got veteran Finlay there to still hold the torch. He might not be a champion currently, but he still knows how to put on a great match thanks to his experience. And it doesn't hurt to have his midget manager Hornswoggle get onvolved for a few laughs.
Smackdown fairs a little better, but most of its best wrestlers aren't major players. The show does sport two big wrestlers who can actually wrestle: Festus and Vladimer Kozlov. Both have some natural talent, and don't let their size carry them like many others have. On the other side of that coin would be smaller wrestlers like Hurricane Helms and Primo. Helms is the more veteran, and has recently made a comeback after recovering from neck surgery, and Primo comes from a wrestling family, so he's got the skill. Of course, I do have to mention one main event player: Triple H. He's one of the few athletes who can put forth a great character, make his opponents just as good as him, and can wrestle altogether. Definitely the guy the up-and-comers can rely on and learn from.
Of course, the top WWE program is Raw, and boy does the list of talent there carry on more than its other shows combined. CM Punk, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio.......these guys put on amazing matches based on their skill alone. They each offer something unique that you don't see anywhere else. Even their women's division has the top talent compared to Smackdown. Mickie James (my personal favorite), Beth Phoenix, Melina, and Kelly Kelly are the only women I've seen who take their wrestling seriously, and are trained well enough to put on a great match. Also, Raw has in its roster 2 of the best heel wrestlers (bad guys) that compete today: Randy Orton and Chris Jericho. Orton earned his way to his top spot, and from what I've heard he's pretty much a jerk in real life, so he's perfect at playing the villain. As for Jericho, it's hard to describe how good he is. I met him at an autograph signing, and he was a really cool guy. You wouldn't think that he could be an arrogant prick on TV.......but he does it better than anyone. And he's got the wrestling talent to back it all up.
There are 2 other top players on Raw that I absolutely have to mention. First there is the current World Heavyweight Champion, and the icon of this generation. First there was Hulk Hogan, then Stone Cold Steve Austin.......and now we have John Cena. Although there's some mixed feelings about his character, I see why he's where he is. He pushes harder than anyone else, especially himself. He can wrestle, he can use the mic, and he is in great condition to do what he does. Yes sir, he's WWE's best champion right now, and it'll be a little while before the next generation steps up to take his place. In the end though, the one who I feel is the most entertaining is currently the most veteran wrestler still in the ring. The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels. It's sad that he's not at champion status, and has kind of been there to help others, but he still puts on a hell of a show. No matter what storyline he's involved in, he drives it better than his counterpart, and makes it look real. And when he gets in the ring, he still has the outstanding moves he's had through his whole career. He's been involved in some of the greatest matches ever seen, and there's no denying his entertainment value in any way, shape, or form.
I've made my point. Wrestling has fallen over the last few years, but it may never die. It's still entertaining when it's in the right audience. And for those like me, those childhood memories don't go away easily. I think a future post will have to be a look back at my favorite wrestlers back then, especially those in the WWE's Hall of Fame.
Until that one, you should all know what other posts are coming up. I've got a list going, so make sure to check 'em off as they come. But at this moment right now, when you know this blog is over, you should be searching for your own entertainment. Because the second I hit the "Publish Post" button, I'll be on a search of my own. Get to it ladies and gentleman!
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