FEEDBACK ON WWE 2009 DRAFT
- 04/15/2009 (12:56:14 am)
- Georgiann Makropoulos
What are your thoughts..
Thanks to AJ Pan for this great article:
The 2009 World Wrestling Entertainment draft took place last night on the USA Network. For those of you not familiar with it, it is WWE's version of the NFL lottery in a sense, the difference being matches determine which "brand" (RAW, SMACKDOWN, ECW) will receive a pick. Also, the "picks" are random and not chosen by a coach (or in wrestling's case, general manager.) Usually it makes for a fun show, but (one man's opinion) I was rather disappointed. This year it didn't come off well due to a few reasons:
1) Since the Royal Rumble (WWE's big January Event) talent from all 3 brands were appearing on all of the TV shows, so it rarely made a difference. It should be sporadic when talent from another brands appears and should only be frequent a month before WrestleMania, just to advance storylines.
2) With Television network news being discussed frequently, we knew that RAW is the major show as it is WWE's "child" and it does the best rating and on the only stable network. SMACKDOWN is aired on MYNetwork TV, which is in turmoil, so their future on the network isn't set in stone, so why send major stars over there. ECW is just not given any attention to, which is both good and bad. It is bad because, like in the draft, it got the short end of the stick in picks. It is good because the WWE Creative direction is so horrible, they do not give it much attention to screw up, so if you want to watch a plain, good wrestling show, watch ECW on SciFi on Tuesday nights.
With that, I will give you my thoughts on the draft picks, where they ended up and what I see happening:
Draft Pick #1: Montel Vontavious Porter <Drafted from Smackdown to Raw>
The current WWE United States Champion, MVP, brings the title to RAW, leaving Smackdown currently with only the WWE Heavyweight Title, WWE Divas Title & Unified Tag Team Title. Before the draft, I saw this one coming as I think MVP has proven his worth to the company. He went through a few months of losing consistantly. No matter, his matches were still top notch and when he was given the chance to shine, his matches were damn near pheonominal. His gimmick is somewhat fresh and now as a "face" (good guy), he has a chance to really step up his game and make his mark now in the business.
The current WWE United States Champion, MVP, brings the title to RAW, leaving Smackdown currently with only the WWE Heavyweight Title, WWE Divas Title & Unified Tag Team Title. Before the draft, I saw this one coming as I think MVP has proven his worth to the company. He went through a few months of losing consistantly. No matter, his matches were still top notch and when he was given the chance to shine, his matches were damn near pheonominal. His gimmick is somewhat fresh and now as a "face" (good guy), he has a chance to really step up his game and make his mark now in the business.
Draft Pick #2: "The Big Show" Paul Wight <Drafted from Smackdown to Raw>
At WrestleMania 25, The Big Show was involved in the co main event when he faced John Cena & Edge in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Title. Show's problem (through no fault of his own) since arriving in WWE in 1999 is that creative has never had a straight path for him. With his size and athletic ability, he should be used in a manner such a The Undertaker. You never see Undertaker played for a fool. Show is one of the many who have taken this abuse. He has a great work rate, can cut a good promo and yet his major storyline heading into WrestleMania was being involed in a love triangle with Edge and Vickie Guerrero. I see him getting lost in the shuffle on Raw, although he has proved he can have really good matches with John Cena.
At WrestleMania 25, The Big Show was involved in the co main event when he faced John Cena & Edge in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Title. Show's problem (through no fault of his own) since arriving in WWE in 1999 is that creative has never had a straight path for him. With his size and athletic ability, he should be used in a manner such a The Undertaker. You never see Undertaker played for a fool. Show is one of the many who have taken this abuse. He has a great work rate, can cut a good promo and yet his major storyline heading into WrestleMania was being involed in a love triangle with Edge and Vickie Guerrero. I see him getting lost in the shuffle on Raw, although he has proved he can have really good matches with John Cena.
Draft Pick #3: Melina <Drafted from Raw to Smackdown>
The current WWE Women's Champion, Smackdown took a belt back from Raw, which would now give Smackdown two sets of female champions. The women's division is always a tricky point in WWE. WWE Creative flip back and forth on whether they want to treat these girls as serious athletes or just eye candy. Melina has worked very hard to improve herself and a change of scenery might help her. She can have fresh matches with Michelle McCool, Natalya (Daughter of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart), Gail Kim... just to name a few.
The current WWE Women's Champion, Smackdown took a belt back from Raw, which would now give Smackdown two sets of female champions. The women's division is always a tricky point in WWE. WWE Creative flip back and forth on whether they want to treat these girls as serious athletes or just eye candy. Melina has worked very hard to improve herself and a change of scenery might help her. She can have fresh matches with Michelle McCool, Natalya (Daughter of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart), Gail Kim... just to name a few.
Draft Pick #4: Matt Hardy <Drafted from Smackdown to Raw>
His past year in the WWE has been on an upswing. He was the ECW Champion (which some might have seen as a demotion, but he took the spot that Chris Benoit should have taken for ECW, the role of the veteran helping out the younger guys unselfishly) and going into WrestleMania, was put in a major feud with his brother Jeff. The matches with his brother and feud showed he has the promo skills now to compete at the big time. His work rate was never in question. In a move to Raw however, he is another who I feel might get lost in the shuffle. It's a shame and I hope I am wrong, because he has shown an evil side and would be another great opponent/antagonist for John Cena.
His past year in the WWE has been on an upswing. He was the ECW Champion (which some might have seen as a demotion, but he took the spot that Chris Benoit should have taken for ECW, the role of the veteran helping out the younger guys unselfishly) and going into WrestleMania, was put in a major feud with his brother Jeff. The matches with his brother and feud showed he has the promo skills now to compete at the big time. His work rate was never in question. In a move to Raw however, he is another who I feel might get lost in the shuffle. It's a shame and I hope I am wrong, because he has shown an evil side and would be another great opponent/antagonist for John Cena.
Draft Pick #5: "The Game" Triple H <Drafted from Smackdown to Raw>
Well, that didn't last long. A year after he was drafted to Smackdown, he is back on the flagship show. To those who do now follow wrestling, Triple H is married to Vince McMahon's daughter Stephanie. He has been on Raw throughout all of the years they have been doing different brands, minus the last year. I was surprised he went the whole year. I actually didn't mind him as much on Smackdown, as he was working with fresh talent and in a different environment. What else can he had or bring to Raw? In the past, he has destroyed all competition who could have been bigger stars (Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Scott Steiner, Bill Goldberg... to name a few). As well, he is the current WWE Champion, so now Smackdown doesn't have a Heavyweight Champion. Their main title is the Women's Title. Good going Hunter.
Well, that didn't last long. A year after he was drafted to Smackdown, he is back on the flagship show. To those who do now follow wrestling, Triple H is married to Vince McMahon's daughter Stephanie. He has been on Raw throughout all of the years they have been doing different brands, minus the last year. I was surprised he went the whole year. I actually didn't mind him as much on Smackdown, as he was working with fresh talent and in a different environment. What else can he had or bring to Raw? In the past, he has destroyed all competition who could have been bigger stars (Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Scott Steiner, Bill Goldberg... to name a few). As well, he is the current WWE Champion, so now Smackdown doesn't have a Heavyweight Champion. Their main title is the Women's Title. Good going Hunter.
Draft Pick #6: CM Punk <Drafted from Raw to Smackdown>
Mr. Money in the Bank for 2 years running. For those not in the know, Money In The Bank is a match held at WrestleMania since 2005. A briefcase is suspended above the ring holding a contract which gives the holder a title shot at either the World Heavyweight, WWE or ECW title (whichever he chooses) anytime he wishes over the next 12 months. I am a big fan of Punk's, but I didn't agree with him getting Money In The Bank a second year. Money In The Bank should be used to get another talent "over" when they are on the verge of breaking out. Punk didn't need the win. It seems this was the only way WWE Creative could figure out how to bring him back to the main event mix. I feel this was a demotion for Punk. Maybe he could have some strong matches with Edge though, that might help.
Mr. Money in the Bank for 2 years running. For those not in the know, Money In The Bank is a match held at WrestleMania since 2005. A briefcase is suspended above the ring holding a contract which gives the holder a title shot at either the World Heavyweight, WWE or ECW title (whichever he chooses) anytime he wishes over the next 12 months. I am a big fan of Punk's, but I didn't agree with him getting Money In The Bank a second year. Money In The Bank should be used to get another talent "over" when they are on the verge of breaking out. Punk didn't need the win. It seems this was the only way WWE Creative could figure out how to bring him back to the main event mix. I feel this was a demotion for Punk. Maybe he could have some strong matches with Edge though, that might help.
Draft Pick #7: Mike "The Miz" Mizanin <Drafted from ECW to Raw>
Most people would see this as a step forward, but for some reason, I don't see The Miz getting as much attention on Raw as he has when he was teamed with John Morrison. The former MTV Real World star was placed in a great position (most likely by accident) when he was paired up with Tough Enough winner John Morrison. They became an incredible tag team and that is something that is lacking in today's version of professional wrestling/sports entertainment. Miz has grown in leaps and bounds in his wrestling ability and I feel he could have used another year with Morrison before the split. So add Miz and Morrison to the list of guys like The Hollywood Blondes (Steve Austin & Brian Pillman), AJ Styles & Tyson Tomko and many others who had so much potential and were broken up too soon.
Most people would see this as a step forward, but for some reason, I don't see The Miz getting as much attention on Raw as he has when he was teamed with John Morrison. The former MTV Real World star was placed in a great position (most likely by accident) when he was paired up with Tough Enough winner John Morrison. They became an incredible tag team and that is something that is lacking in today's version of professional wrestling/sports entertainment. Miz has grown in leaps and bounds in his wrestling ability and I feel he could have used another year with Morrison before the split. So add Miz and Morrison to the list of guys like The Hollywood Blondes (Steve Austin & Brian Pillman), AJ Styles & Tyson Tomko and many others who had so much potential and were broken up too soon.
Draft Pick #8: "The Big Red Machine" Kane <Drafted from Raw to Smackdown>
Kane falls into the category as Draft pick #2, The Big Show. He is a guy, who should be seen as a monster and never seen as a guy who can be beaten on any night and when he does get beaten, it should mean something. Kane has been the butt of the joke many times. In his career, he has been WWE Champion for a total of 24 hours which is a shame. This gimmick, which in all honesty, should not have lasted when he removed his mask years ago, has been able to keep itself fresh and endearing to fans. I hope he can maybe achieve something this year and maybe get a brief Title run.
Kane falls into the category as Draft pick #2, The Big Show. He is a guy, who should be seen as a monster and never seen as a guy who can be beaten on any night and when he does get beaten, it should mean something. Kane has been the butt of the joke many times. In his career, he has been WWE Champion for a total of 24 hours which is a shame. This gimmick, which in all honesty, should not have lasted when he removed his mask years ago, has been able to keep itself fresh and endearing to fans. I hope he can maybe achieve something this year and maybe get a brief Title run.
Draft Pick #9: Chris Jericho <Drafted from Raw to Smackdown>
Here is one of the few "names" that I actually think benefited from a move from Raw. He has gotten lost in the shuffle and got lost on a slope, despite stellar performances both in the ring and on the mic, when Mickey Rourke was forced to pull out of his original match with Jericho at WrestleMania. Jericho is one of those reliable guys WWE has and they rarely get the use out of him that they should. Hopefully he will get a chance to become a top star and rival Edge as the top "heel" in the WWE.
Here is one of the few "names" that I actually think benefited from a move from Raw. He has gotten lost in the shuffle and got lost on a slope, despite stellar performances both in the ring and on the mic, when Mickey Rourke was forced to pull out of his original match with Jericho at WrestleMania. Jericho is one of those reliable guys WWE has and they rarely get the use out of him that they should. Hopefully he will get a chance to become a top star and rival Edge as the top "heel" in the WWE.
Draft Pick #10: Vladmir Koslov <Drafted from Smackdown to ECW>
All I can say is thank goodness they were smart enough not to draft him to Raw. Koslov is pretty much still a rookie and was given the ball way to soon. He has already been in matches with Triple H, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels...only Undertaker has been able to carry him to a passable match. Well, Undertaker and Stevie Richards (shame he was released but that's another blog) In ECW, he has the chance to try and grow with guys like Finley, Mark Henry, Christian Cage and Tommy Dreamer. This was a good move for the Russian.
All I can say is thank goodness they were smart enough not to draft him to Raw. Koslov is pretty much still a rookie and was given the ball way to soon. He has already been in matches with Triple H, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels...only Undertaker has been able to carry him to a passable match. Well, Undertaker and Stevie Richards (shame he was released but that's another blog) In ECW, he has the chance to try and grow with guys like Finley, Mark Henry, Christian Cage and Tommy Dreamer. This was a good move for the Russian.
Draft Pick #11: Maryse <Drafted from Smackdown to Raw>
This evened out the Women's Division as Raw received a Women's Title back. What does this mean? Well, Maryse has shown promise, so with gals like Mickie James, Beth Phoenix and Jillian Hall, she can take the advantage and hopefully turn into a decent little wrestler.
This evened out the Women's Division as Raw received a Women's Title back. What does this mean? Well, Maryse has shown promise, so with gals like Mickie James, Beth Phoenix and Jillian Hall, she can take the advantage and hopefully turn into a decent little wrestler.
Draft Pick #12: Rey Misterio Jr. <From Raw To Smackdown>
Rey brings a singles championship to Smackdown as he is the WWE Intercontinental Champion. This is actually good for Smackdown as last time he was over there, he kind of carried the brand. Rey is another tested and tried performer for WWE and can rarely have a bad match. Bringing Rey back can help the brand.
Rey brings a singles championship to Smackdown as he is the WWE Intercontinental Champion. This is actually good for Smackdown as last time he was over there, he kind of carried the brand. Rey is another tested and tried performer for WWE and can rarely have a bad match. Bringing Rey back can help the brand.
We now have the supplemental draft which takes place tomorrow on www.wwe.com. I hate to say it, but this has become the kiss of death as after this takes place, once talents are moved, they are never to be heard from again and "Wished will on their future endeavors" within a few months. Lets hope that by next week, things are shaken up in the land of WWE.
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From Mike:
My only complaint with the draft is that JR wasn't moved back to Raw. I compare Michael Cole to Sean Mooney in the sense that there is no chemistry with anyone he is paired with. JR needs to be back with the King!
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