WWE Articles

Articles and opinions on the biggest company of all of sports entertainments.

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Is the WWE treating Dolph Ziggler fairly?

We have seen three WWE pay-per-views since the memorable Survivor Series where Dolph Ziggler was the lone survivor pinning three of the Authority to kick the dictators out of power; with the help of Sting of course. At Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Ziggler won back the Intercontinental championship off Luke Harper. At the Royal Rumble Ziggler entered at 30 and was eliminated by Kane and Big Show, and then last night at Fastlane Ziggler got pinned by Kane as his team lost the 6-man tag team match. Considering the Show Off was the reason the power force, The Authority were temporarily out of power, should his career kicked on since then and has he been fairly treated?

It has been exactly three months since Ziggler was hauled on top of Rollins by the Vigilante, Sting, to kick the Authority out of power, and being one of the most loved faces on the roster, everyone wanted and expected a large push for Ziggler after he was the hero of Survivor Series.

Things seemed to be ascending further for the former world champion as at the next pay-per-view TLC, when he won the IC title in a thrilling ladder match in front of his home crowd against Luke Harper to become a four time Intercontinental championship.

This is the moment it started to go downhill for the show stealer.

When the Authority returned they fired Ziggler, after losing the title to Bad News Barrett and the show was not the same without Dolph’s presence. When he returned he qualified for the Royal Rumble and entered at number 30. However, criminally, he only lasted two and a half minutes and for a loved talented face this was unacceptable. Ziggler deserved much better than this. Since then his record has been poor and the WWE has buried Dolph. He was used to push Bray Wyatt, making the Eater of World’s look strong before Wrestlemania, but surely someone other than one of the most talented on the roster should have been used for that.

He then earned one DQ win against Rollins before getting pinned on the following Smackdown, as these two have had a pretty even on and off feud but the inconsistency didn’t fit well with the fans. Then the worst of all was last night at Fastlane. He, like Rowan, had a very poor show. He then got pinned by Kane. Of all people Kane. It’s been many years since the Big Red Machine actually was capable of winning matches. Now, he is in no path to Wrestlemania and surely he must be there.

Rolling Stone named Ziggler the 2014 Wrestler of the Year, so surely he must have a meaningful match at the year’s biggest show. For me I would like to see him face against a heel Sheamus, for a good match and he should win. However, other options are Daniel Bryan, but this would entertain the crowd but would likely end in Byran winning and the match being ultimately pointless. With the poor writing, a boring tag match involving the likes of Kane, Ryback and Big Show is likely, and the result would be completely irrelevant.

Writers need to get their act together with Ziggler. He can talk excellently, and is an amazing athlete. WWE needs to stop burying Dolph and let him flourish as the best face in the company. Everyone loves the show off; let him get to that main event status. 2015 is last chance saloon for Dolph as he must cement his brilliance in the business.

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[wwearticles]

Fast Lane preview and predictions

Fast lane is getting ever closer and with only a few hoursleft it looks to be shaping up to be an exciting pay-per-view with hopefully some surprises, and hopefully will leave the fans content unlike at the recent Royal Rumble.

Predictions:

Rusev w/ Lana vs John Cena This rivalry started after the Rumble and both men have beaten down on each other recently on Raw. John Cena has the chance to be the first man to beat Rusev via pinfall or submission in the WWE and to become United States champion for the first time in over ten years.

What I would like to see: Either Sheamus returns to get involved with the feud or Rusev to cleanly win via pinfall using a new finisher. Prediction: Whatever happens, Rusev will retain, whether using the Accolade to Cena, or being counted out or disqualified.

Nikki Bella w/ Brie Bella vs Paige The last few weeks we have seen the Bella twins play many games with Paige, such as stealing her gear and Paige will certainly be looking for revenge. The former Divas champion won her first title in the company the night after Wrestlemania and has lost it twice to AJ Lee.

What I’d like to see: The Bellas attempt to sneak a dirty victory but Paige overcomes and picks up the win. Prediction: Paige wins.

Roman Reigns vs Daniel Bryan Since winning the Royal Rumble it certainly has not been smooth sailing to the main event of Wrestlemania for the big dog. Having to face Daniel Bryan, who never actually lost the WWE World Heavyweight championship, for the right to face Brock Lesnar, is certainly not an ideal situation for the Rumble winner.

What I’d like to see: A memorable match with lots of twists and turns but in the end Roman Reigns comes out on top. Prediction: Double count out or something ridiculous.

Bad News Barrett vs Dean Ambrose After forcing Barrett to sign the match contract, the Lunatic Fringe finally gets his shot at the Intercontinental championship. Truth be told, there is no way BNB would be able to get a clean victory over Dean Ambrose.

What I’d like to see: Dean Ambrose wins cleanly Prediction: Bad News for Dean as Barrett retains via getting disqualified.

The Usos w/ Naomi vs Tyson Kidd and Cesaro w/ Natalya Tyson Kidd and Cesaro have quickly climbed the short ladder in the tag team division and very quickly became number one contenders after a couple of victories against the Usos. The twins have held the tag titles twice, most recently winning them off The Miz and Damien Mizdow and have held the titles for almost two months.

What I’d like to see: The Usos winning a good even match up. Prediction: Kidd and Cesaro will pick up a cheap victory and will hold the titles before they are ready proving the lack of quality in the tag division.

Goldust vs Stardust The Rhodes brothers have been having many problems of late, with Cody becoming seemingly lost with his new persona. Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes couldn’t fix the problems with his sons on the last edition of Raw as Stardust hit is brother with Cross Rhodes.

What I’d like to see: The match cancelled because nobody really cares. Prediction: Stardust over Goldust.

Dolph Ziggler, Ryback & Erick Rowan vs Seth Rollins, Big Show & Kane w/ J & J Security On Thursday, Smackdown ended with Rollins pinning Dolph Ziggler and then the Authority beating down on the three ex-fired superstars. These problems go all the way back to Survivor Series, which has caused an on/off rivalry with Ziggler and Rollins, both beating each other time and time again.

What I’d like to see: Ziggler hits Rollins with a Zig Zag for the pinfall win, the Authority then beats down on the three victors, but Orton returns and hits some RKOs for the save. Prediction: Big Show will knock out Kane, J&J will get up to their usual tricks, Rowan will have a poor match and Rollins will get pinned by Dolph.

Finally,

Triple H confronts Sting

What I’d like to see: Whatever they’ve got planned; I can’t wait to see it. Prediction: Triple H tries to beat down on Sting but fails and gets hit with another Scorpion Death Drop.

See you at Fast Lane! Enjoy the ride.

[wwearticles]

Three highfliers who should return to the WWE

John Morrison

John Morrison left the WWE in 2011 and his amazing athleticism and unique moves has surely been missed by the WWE universe. His return could easily fill the gaping hole for exciting and loved mid-carders.

The five time tag team champion and 3 time intercontinental champion had great ring presence and highflying moves could rejuvenate the currently boring storylines in the mid-card. Also, his rockstar character is much more entertaining than some of the current personas, such as an Adam Rose.

Morrison is currently working with Lucha Underground, but he has been recorded to say he’d be open on a WWE return and I would love to see a return of the Shaman of Sexy.

Evan Bourne

Matt Sydal, known as Evan Bourne to WWE fans, first signed for WWE in 2007, and could be the kind of electrifying superstar the current show is missing. I can’t help but feel sorry for Bourne. Many injuries held him back and ultimately lead to his release from the company.

The former tag champion won the 2008 Slammy award for “Best Finishing Manoeuvre” for Air Bourne. I personally remember the move done from the top of a ladder onto everyone in the 2011 Money in the Bank match, and surely it is thrilling action like that missing on the lower levels of the card.

Sydal is currently working with Ring of Honour, but surely if he can prove his fitness, resigning him should happen.

Jeff Hardy

I have always said the Jeff Hardy is one of the most loved, most exciting superstars of all time. The Charismatic Enigma had a great connection with the crowd and truly had no regard for his own wellbeing.

In his time with the company he became the eighteenth “grand slam champion”, winning almost every title possible to him. The highflier was a human highlight reel; he did things in the ring nobody else would even think of.

Sure, he had his issues, causing him multiple suspensions, but now working with TNA, he is clean and in great shape. At the moment he is loving being able to work when he wants as the TNA schedule is not as demanding as the WWE so he can spend time with his family, but at only 37, Jeff still has a few years left and one last run in the WWE would satisfy so many of his fans. Let’s not forget the stars last words in the WWE, “this is not goodbye for ever, this is only goodbye for now, and if the time is right, I’m sure I’ll see you all in the future, goodbye.” He is my favourite superstar of all time, and me, and so many others would love to see the return of the Extreme Enigma, who would only enhance the roster.

[wwearticles]

Is Sami Zayn ready for the main roster?

Last week's NXT TakeOver: Rival saw Sami Zayn's 62 day reign of the NXT championship come to an end at the hands of Kevin Owens. Following this Sami travelled with the main roster on the tour of Abu Dhabi but is he ready to join the top guys on Raw and Smackdown. The 30 year old NXT star had two matches on the tour. He spoke to the crowd in Arabic before he won both matched. The first of which against Tyson Kidd and the second against Bo Dallas, both of which mid-careers on the current roster. Zayn has been in NXT for over two years and has reportedly been assembled in Triple H's new backstage clique made up of Zayn, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor and Hideo Itami of which the COO intends to make the future of the company. This doesn't make them set for determined great careers but surely doesn't put the likes of Zayn in a bad position. The explosive highflier, who the crowd clearly feel positively towards him, is maybe the closest to his breakout opportunity. Considering he is no longer the NXT champion and Finn Balor is the number one contender, where does this leave Sami? Maybe he has done all he can in NXT and must be allowed to make a name for himself amongst the top superstars. However, the current roster is packed with unused talents with no path and no story. Would Sami be able to make it in the jungle where everyone is fighting for a place on the card? With too many mid-carders as is it surely adding another would not be a wise move. Although, with Bo Dallas yet to make his return to WWE television, could his return be met by an upcoming Sami Zayn. With both men wanting to prove themselves as worthy stars it could be an exciting story to watch. Maybe the company needs to lay off all the dead wood on the company and allow room for the young NXT stars to get a spot on the card. The former NXT champ might just add the little bit of excitement needed on Raw and Smackdown. Whatever happens, the future looks bright for Sami and other young stars in the developmental system.

[wwearticles]

Could the WWE make room for a 6-man tag team title?

The last few years has seen many dominative three-pieceteams that has taken the WWE by storm, most recently The Shield, The Wyatt Family and currently The New Day is trying to climb to the top of the tag team division. Could there be room for 6-man tag team title?

There are currently only four titles in the WWE, which does make those four more important but with the current roster so large it could be argued limited title opportunities create a lot of dead weight within the company. This title would allow at least six or more superstars to be involved in a rivalry or storyline and considering lots of superstars have no current path this could be a possible option.

For years, we saw two tag team titles, with the World tag and the WWE tag, and this worked very well. So could adding a 6-man title add a new dimension to tag team wrestling, which could be more interesting that one tag title or having two titles of the same demeanour like previously.

However, the obvious problem is there are not currently many stables in the company. The New Day is currently competing as a trio, but not anyone else. However, I’m sure with the resources to hand more trios could be made if given the opportunity. And of course the more stables the more potential storylines.

With so many superstars and not a lot of paths to take, this could easily be an option and could be something new and exciting for the fans to get into. Many low and mid-carders need rejuvenating and this would easily be an interesting option for the WWE to take. Would you like to see this title made?

[wwearticles]

How should Sheamus return?

Over the last few episodes of Raw and Smackdown we’ve been shown video promos advertising the return of the multiple time champion Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior has been in and around the company for about 8 years but his character has become somewhat predictable and stale. It’s clear Sheamus must return in style but how will the writers maximise the potential of the former King of the Ring. <b> Turn Sheamus heel <b/> 
Many reports have suggested that the Celtic Warrior will return as an enforcer for the Authority. With tensions rising between Kane and Big Show, could Triple H be looking for another powerful superstar to keep the business running as smoothly as possible. Sheamus has portrayed a heel before and with the main roster seriously lacking major heels, turning the 2012 Rumble winner would surely be an obvious option.

<b> Add Sheamus to the Cena Rusev feud <b/> The Irishman has been off WWE television for a number of months now to allow him to have surgery but for storyline purposes it was made to appear that Rusev and Mark Henry had caused the damage to Sheamus. Could we see the former World Heavyweight champion look for revenge on the Bulgarian brute. He’s also had his problems with John Cena before, after all he won his first WWE champion against the leader of the Cenation. With Cena and Rusev heading into a match a Fast Lane, could Sheamus return to the frame announcing his intentions to try a regain the U.S championship.

<b> Road to Wrestlenania? <b/> It appears that most top superstars have their dance partner heading to the years biggest show. So who could the Celtic Warrior face off against at WM31? If he is still interested in the U.S title could we see him go up against Rusev or Cena? Or both in a super sized triple threat match? It would surely be an interesting match with such strength in the ring. However turning Sheamus into a heel and an enforcer for the Authority appears to offer many more options. He could then go up against an enemy of the leaders of the company. At the moment, I see Ambrose and Ziggler as top stars without clear WM31 opponents. Dolph has already mentioned his toughest match was against Sheamus so could we see the Show Off go into battle with the Celtic Warrior. Or could the Irishman take a disliking to the Lunatic Fringe? This would surely be a very entertaining match and one I would love to see. It was also reported that last year’s Wrestlemania had Sheamus pencilled in against Daniel Bryan, however, as we all know he went on the steal the show. But if Bryan was to lose on Sunday could we see this match rescheduled for this year?

Whatever happens Sheamus’ character needs some work but it can be done and there are many options for the Celtic Warrior post his return.

[wwearticles]

Is the WWE putting the former Shield members in the right battles towards Wrestlemania?

This week saw the DVD release of “WWE: Destruction of the Shield” and it has been over two years since the three-piece faction made their explosive arrival on to the scene at Survivor Series, where they began their domination of the WWE. In this time, all members won championship gold and most notably, the group overcame Evolution. Now, over three quarters of a year has passed since the self-proclaimed future stabbed his brothers in the back and joined the Authority.

All three are now going it alone in the singles division and are setting up a fine career ahead of them but are they being put down the correct paths by the writers at WWE.

Dean Ambrose

Let’s start with the Lunatic Fringe, Dean Ambrose. You could say the longest reigning United States champion of all time has been the least successful of the three ex-hounds of justice. The unstable fan-favourite respectively main-evented two pay-per-views since the Shield’s split, but lost both bouts, to Seth Rollins with the aid of Bray Wyatt, sparking a feud between the two and then to Wyatt himself. The feud between Ambrose and Wyatt really did not help Ambrose. The rivalry may have given us some great matches but with the writers trying to push Wyatt making him look strong on the road to his inevitable Wrestlemania match with the Undertaker, Ambrose was made not to appear a big match superstar. In recent weeks, we’ve seen Ambrose pin low and mid carders on his mission to become Intercontinental champion. Sure, many major stars have had name-making Intercontinental championship reigns. Triple H, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, etc. but Dean Ambrose has already had that reign with the U.S championship, so surely isn’t Dean more ready for the big push in the company? After all, the fans go wild every time his music hits and his speaking ability is as good as anyone on the roster. The IC title has never been contested at Wrestlemania, so could Ambrose change that if he were to win it against Bad News Barrett on Sunday? And is that really what fans want to see? A mid-card fight between one of the year’s best performers and a boring character such as BNB? Unfortunately, not many top guys are without a partner heading into WM31. At the moment I see Sheamus and Ziggler without a clear Wrestlemania opponent. If Sheamus returns as a heel, could we possibly see the Celtic Warrior take a disliking to the Lunatic Fringe? It would certainly be an interesting battle, and one I would like to see. I can clearly picture Ambrose as a future WWE World Heavyweight Champion but he seems to be in a tricky situation now and he should be put back in the main event picture as soon as possible and the feud between him and Rollins must go on for years to come.

Seth Rollins

The last 10 years has been defined by a rivalry between Cena and Orton, but with both of these guys not getting any younger, a new rivalry to see us through the next generation of sports entertainment is needed, and surely with the chemistry they have in the ring, Ambrose and Rollins must be those guys. They’ve already had countless scraps and will surely have many more to come. Since destroying the Shield, Seth Rollins has become potentially the most important cog in the WWE. With the roster seriously lacking in quality heels, Rollins’ in-ring ability and second to none mic skills, makes him indispensable to the company. Since attacking Reigns and Ambrose, Rollins became Mr. Money in the Bank, which gives him lots of opportunities and a Wrestlemania cash-in could definitely be in the cards. Since joining the Authority, Rollins has been nursed under the wing of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon and has put Randy Orton out of action, which has likely set up Orton to return angrier than ever and set up and Wrestlemania match. This is definitely the right path for Rollins. At the moment Rollins is in no man’s land and appears to just be waiting for Orton to come back. Even if Orton goes over Rollins at Wrestlemania, the futures day may not be all that bad as he could go on to cash-in his contract on potential new champion and former Shield brethren, Roman Reigns, which is what I see as a viable option, as Rollins may want to wait for a new champion to be crowned because after the Royal Rumble, Seth may not want another piece of Brock Lesnar and who better than an ex Shield member. Or is another option that Rollins cashes in before Wrestlemania and worms his way into the main event of the year’s biggest pay-per-view. If Orton does not return before Wrestlemania then could we see Rollins go up against Reigns at Wrestlemania and then an episode with Orton after Wrestlemania? However I don’t see this happening as Lesnar would then be left out in the cold and that is almost unthinkable, unless the match becomes Reigns, Rollins and Lesnar in a triple threat. My money is still on Rollins vs Orton, with Randy winning but with Seth going on to cashing in after the main event.

Roman Reigns

Do you cheer him? Do you boo him? Everyone has an opinion on the Big Dog after the “controversy” at the Royal Rumble. Is he the next Cena? Being forced down our throats as the face of the company. The old powerhouse of the Shield has perhaps been the most overachieving of the stable since the split. Spending three months out injured with a hernia, but still has been involved in an eight man ladder match for the world title, a pay-per-view match against Randy Orton and of course the 2015 Royal Rumble winner, the latter of which happening after his return from injury. Many of the WWE universe was not happy with the outcome of the Rumble. Was this because they feel Reigns is not ready to be the top guy? Or because they purely wanted Daniel Bryan to win? Or simply because the outcome was so predictable? I think it was all of that. But now, however, heading into Fast Lane, the writers have got themselves and Roman in a tricky situation. If Roman Reigns wins, how will the fans respond to Daniel Bryan not main eventing Wrestlemania? If Roman Reigns loses or draws, that will make them and the writers look weak and will leave Roman Reigns in limbo heading to Wrestlemania. Bryan could have that dream match with Ziggler if he loses but what for Roman Reigns? That is why Roman Reigns will make his way to the main event of WM31, but the worry is definitely how the fans respond. However Roman must prove himself to everyone on why he deserves to be at the top of the food chain. Especially, with him not being as good on the mic as many others, maybe Reigns just is not ready to be the top guy. Unfortunately, I don’t see any other path suited to Roman Reigns. Physically, he is the perfect superstar, but he’s still very young with a lot to learn. Maybe a triple threat between him, Bryan and Lesnar is the way to go, with Roman not winning, which could maybe lead to more high-card rivalries and more learning curves for Roman. He is definitely the most controversial of the three and I am sure we shall learn a lot about the writer’s intentions for Reigns and we will all be watching closely.

I see all three superstars as future WWE champions, and the future of the company. Seth Rollins can be a heel for years to come. Dean Ambrose has the capability to portray a face or a heel and will excite the fans with his unpredictability. And Roman Reigns can be the face of the company with the right guidance and when he is ready. The future is bright for the former Hounds of Justice, and could we ever see a Shield triple threat match? Or a reformation of the faction? Whatever happens it’s going to be exciting and are possibly future Hall of Famers.