Posted in: Fact or Fiction FACT or FICTION: WWE Draft Lottery, Babyface Khali and More!
By SkittleZ
Jun 18, 2008 - 8:41:16 PM
Yes it has returned after an extended absence. Welcome one and all to the June edition of LoP‘s Fact or Fiction! We have some interesting characters gathered here today including three Main Pagers (two of those being recent promotions), a British hoodlum who is well known around these parts as well as two younger individuals who're experiencing their first Main Page exposure. Figured we would break them in sooner rather than later. And if your math is any good, you may have realized I listed six people. That wasn't a grammatical error. Due to some miscommunication on my part, there will be six people involved in this tango (rather than the ordinary five). So for those who aren't familiar with how this column works, listen up. We will be taking a look at five different topics and declaring them either “FACT“ or “FICTION“, as well as give reasons for answering the way we did. But before we get things rolling, introductions are in order. Please feel free to click on the links below, in bold, to get a look at everyone's latest column.
FACT or FICTION: Out of the entire WWE roster, Umaga is most in need of a brand switch via the upcoming Draft Lottery.
(anonymous) There are a lot of stars who could do with a brand switch. We've got stars like Charlie Haas, Kenny Dykstra and even Big Daddy V who don't even appear on television and could do with being a fresh face on a different show. But, there aren't to many prominent upper mid-carders who I can see benefiting except for three in my book. Umaga, Rey Mysterio and Carlito. Carlito's being destroyed on Raw and a move to somewhere like Smackdown or ECW could give him another chance to shine. Meanwhile, Umaga's getting really stale and has feuded with nearly everyone possible. But, I don't think he should go anywhere. Recently, we've seen Umaga get quite a few face teases. Turning on Orton an Edge, destroying unpopular segments and even the crowd occasionally gives him a favorable reaction. I think a fully fledged face turn on Raw would be fantastic. Scaring Santino or feuding with someone like Bradshaw or even Regal ( plus "Umanga" promos) would be the most entertaining option.
Which leaves us with Rey. Rey's been on Smackdown for ages. He's had a lot of feuds and it's time to move on. His fast style could really work on Raw against opponents like Michaels and Jeff Hardy, whilst the Raw heels need someone new to feud with. I also think Rey is more stale than Umaga right now. A new start on Raw would be most beneficial. Basically, I'm saying FICTION.
(SkittleZ) Up until WrestleMania, I sincerely felt that Jericho would benefit from a change of scenery just as much (if not more) as Umaga. However, Y2J finds himself smack dab in the middle of a tremendous feud with Shawn Michaels so those feelings have swayed somewhat over the past several weeks. Since around SummerSlam last year, Umaga's the one who's been getting bulldozed over and over again by the opposition. All the time and effort WWE put into building Umaga's credibility has all but evaporated over the last year due to the jobber syndrome he appears to be suffering from. It doesn't matter very much if Umaga ends up on ECW because of the talent exchange. Just get the damn man off RAW where he has quickly become a laughing stock among the IWC. Umaga has the ability to put on solid matches with all of SmackDown's elites (Batista, Undertaker, Big Show, Matt Hardy, Finlay, etc.) and could really elevate the brand in my opinion with a Randy Orton-esque title reign. Adding a talented big men such as Umaga to the brand will help breath some fresh air into the main event picture. So obviously, I say FACT.
(Hustle) This is a tough question to answer, as there are 4 or 5 names that could realistically be the answer for who is most in need of a brand switch. For the sake of this column, though, I'll say FACT. With names like Triple H, John Cena, and Randy Orton all on Raw at the moment, it will be next to impossible for Umaga to be anything more than he is or has been recently. The same can really be said about anybody currently not in the "Holy Trinity" on Raw, with the exception of Jeff Hardy. If he can move away from the entire trio, he should be able to do just fine, especially with some fresh feud opportunities... *cough* Undertaker *cough*.
(Pnk) So here's the deal. Before No Way Out, I would have said no to any need to move him at all. Then Jeff Hardy beats him, soon after returning for being a crack fiend (allegedly). So now, yeah Umaga needs a move to the blue label. But is he in most need of the move? Nah. In fact, I can think of plenty other people in more need of a move for example. Batista as a face on Smackdown got old a year ago. He has done everything humanly possible he can on the brand, and Edge Vs. Batista is not something I want to see yet again. Especially when Batista has to sell a spear. Jericho, as I have argued in the past may be the most in need for a change although lately with his heel turn, that may not be needed anymore. He finally got a direction so he could possibly be just fine on RAW. There are plenty of other people who need to be moved around. Is Umaga the most in need of this change? No. Therefore FICTION.
(Mavsman) BIG FACT. If I can, in my first column, Nothing But Net: The Anatomy of a Monster [/cheap plug] as I was talking about Umaga’s lack of fresh feuds on Raw, I wrote, “ This basically boils down to Umaga being out of things to do on Raw without turning face. He’s feuded with HHH and Jeff Hardy. He semi-feuded with Shawn Michaels in the DX days (New DX, not old DX, big difference there). The only possible feud that is really left for him to do on Raw as a heel is a feud with Chris Jericho. That will buy you a couple of months, but not much else. Now, look at Smackdown. Due to the ECW-Smackdown exchange, he could feud with The Undertaker, Batista (already been done, but there’s still some life there IMO), The Big Show, CM Punk, Matt Hardy, and others such as Kane (also been done, but in a year or so we could be ready for it). It really makes more sense for him to move to Smackdown, which has been rumored to happen anyways. This would be a good move by the WWE.”
Keep in mind that this was written before the ECW-Raw exchange was reported, but most of the names on there were Smackdown guys anyways. The only two who weren’t were CM Punk and Kane, and I predict CM Punk gets drafted to Smackdown anyways. This is the most urgent roster move the WWE needs to make. Umaga has tons of potential but has been given shit for a push lately. Hopefully that changes with a move to Smackdown.
(ManWithThePlan) First off, let me just say that I’m one of the biggest Youmanga fans ever! Yes, I say Youmanga because I’m English and Mister Regal, as drugged up as he is, set the bar on that one. Blame him. Back to the point. I love the Samoan Bulldozer and genuinely believe this guy can have a run with one of the top tier titles. On Raw he may seem displaced. On Smackdown, given the penchant for it being the home of the big man, he’d fit right in. Youmanga/Taker Hell in a Cell please. I say a nice big fat juicy biased FACT.
FACT or FICTION: The Paul Burchill/Katie Lea incest angle will flop faster than good guy Santino Marella.
(anonymous) I don't want to think about this. FACT. Now I've got to get those nasty images out of my head.
(SkittleZ) I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say FICTION. Average wrestling fans knew very little about Santino when he burst onto the scene early last year. I think it's safe to say that the 'Milan Miracle' did little to help get Marella over with the fans. Something just didn't click. His in-ring talent was average at best and his clean cut foreigner act wasn't winning him much of a following. And kicking off his career with a string of lifeless matches against Chris Masters didn't help his cause either. At least Burchill has been placed in a respectable feud against Mr. Kennedy. The 'E should've learned their lesson from the Katie Vick storyline but I suppose Vince is so sick and twisted that a rehashed edition was simply irresistible. The incest angle may fail in the long term but I can see some early success from Burchill and his hot sister. Shit, I'd hit that.... wouldn't you? If she wasn't my sister of course. Yeah, that would be kinky.
(Hustle)FACT. Hasn't it technically flopped already? One week, they're siblings who fuck each other, and the next week there's no mention of them being related, only to go back to being cast members of the "Taboo" porn series the following week.
(Pnk)FACT. Although, hasn't it already? Incest twins are the grossest things ever. Even though I know it's an angle and they aren't even related, every time I see them I imagine they are related and bumping ugly parts before matches. But from what I've been able to tell, it seems that the WWE can't make up their mind if they are screwing one another or not. One week we get a sign of a closer relationship than needed, the next we get what seems to be a normal one. They need to make up their minds. But in that case, obviously it's already flopped.
(Mavsman) Santino’s face run lasted all of two or three months. Paul and Katie Lea first appeared on Raw in February. And honestly, I don’t think the incest angle is even going on anymore. Even on the racier Raw, where we have seen necrophilia and retarded nephews of the General Manager, Vince (or someone with enough influence to change Vince’s mind) realized that brothers and sisters “loving” each other on our television weekly might be counter productive to gaining more viewers. Also, parents of younger children who watch wrestling might stop allowing them to tune into Raw. There goes another demographic. So, given all that, and considering I only remember the incest angle being hinted at a couple of times over about a month, I will have to say FACT to this one.
(ManWithThePlan) I didn’t know it was still in the expected books. =/ If it is then I say FACT. It may even become Katie Vick Mark II. I’m shuddering at the thought. This feud with Kennedy might be interesting though. I’d love to see a mini-stable when Regal comes back. Oh, and what face run? SANTINO NEVER HAD A FACE RUN! IT DIDN’T HAPPEN! OK?!
FACT or FICTION: CM Punk will never be allowed to transform into a main event star because of his constant backstage heat.
(anonymous)FICTION. CM Punk will never be a main event star because he's an overrated, undersized guy who doesn't fit the WWE main event style. If he wins anything, it's going to be the ECW title but, he's not getting anywhere near the others. I just don't think his mic work is good enough and his ring work is too spotty and messy (queue hate mail). If they pushed him to the title he'd end up being like Rey Mysterio. He'd be an unrealistic champion and he'd lose fans because of it. The role of a popular upper-midcarder is made for him. He'll always be a nearly man but never because he was an idiot backstage.
(SkittleZ) Well, Punk has certainly done himself zero favors with his backstage antics. He was swabbing spit with Maria within his first few months with the company and talking back to legend Tony Atlas during his ECW Championship reign. While the latter can be disputed, it's no secret that Punk is a guy who likes to speak his mind. WWE tends to frown on outspoken talent but I think Punk will be just fine. His RoH fan base has followed him into WWE and the guy is mega over with live audiences around the globe. Jeff Hardy may have been originally booked to win Money in the Bank but Punk isn't exactly what I'd called a poor substitute. Whether he is able to cash in on the MITB opportunity is yet to be seen although I foresee Punk having a bright future with the WWE. Will that translate into a permanent spot in the main event? Eventually it will. Perhaps not this year but definitely before 2009 comes to an end. This one is FICTION.
(Hustle) I'm gonna say FICTION for this one. Why? Because I think the stories of Punk's backstage heat are, for the most part, bullshit. How's that for a simple and straight-forward answer? I'm not saying that Punk is on his path to becoming the single biggest star in the history of the business or anything, but you can't believe everything you read on the internet, people. It'll give you cancer.
(Pnk) I'll go with FICTION for this one. He has heat? Are we all 100% sure about it? Honestly, MitB should have been a sign that he's eventually going to get the shot at a main event spot on the blue or red brands. What he'll do with it? Well that's up to him. I really can't see him holding on to a main event spot for too long. Oh me, of little faith.
(Mavsman)FICTION. There comes a time in every jackass wrestler’s life, where no matter how much heat you have on you, if you are extremely over with the fans, the WWE will push you. In the end, it is about money. They want Punk to go out there and sell T-shirts and hats and all the other crap they can put his face on. He may be an asshole backstage, and he may rub some people the wrong way, but when push comes to shove, the fans want to see him. As an entertainment company, if you don’t give the fans what they want, you are risking losing business. In a day and age where ratings are plummeting, you can’t afford to lose customers, and I think at the end of the day, the WWE knows that.
(ManWithThePlan) CM Punk is a dick. He is bland. He’s average. He’s cocky and arrogant (apparently) and has his own Moves of Doom that are even less entertaining than those Mister Cena employs. His entrance music is cringe worthy and he didn’t, and doesn’t, deserve the Money in the Bank briefcase. His finisher is awful; what’s worse than a fireman’s carry? A knee to the head. He has no lips. And there‘s more charisma in the little finger of someone with chronic leprosy. He is just downright, 100% crap. And yet for some truly unfathomable reason he’s over with the fans!
Will he ever become a true main event star? Bias aside, I still struggle to see it. While he is good in the ring, he just isn’t outstanding. I don’t know how much merchandise he shifts and while his pops are pretty healthy for now they are by no means the biggest of the night. I think before backstage heat it’s these factors that will stop him from main eventing. I’m saying FICTION though knowing how much the ‘E likes to fuck up I’m most likely wrong. I say send him to Raw and put Terminator Levesque circa ‘03 up against him. Hopefully there he’ll get left behind.
FACT or FICTION: The Great Khali can be successful portraying a babyface.
(anonymous) This has got to be FICTION. In today's smarkish world, a Khali babyface turn would be impossible to complete successfully. Too many people hate him because he isn't a great wrestler, he can't talk on the mic and he has been pushed down our throats too much. Even if he cured the common cold, cancer and cataracts, he'd still be hated by the majority of wrestling fans.
(SkittleZ) I've been pulling for this since Khali's program with Big Show expired. Where do you go from here with the Punjabi Nightmare? He's been tossed around brands since 2006 and has basically put over every major babyface. It appears as though a Khali face turn may already be in the works and I applaud that move. It shows that the Creative Team aren't so mentally handicapped after all. Start him off by squashing a few heel jobbers and midcarders, get Khali a nice line/catchphrase and include him in some funny skits. It ain't that difficult people. I compare it to Santino's situation (only flip flopped). The crowd wasn't buying Santino so management switched him into full blown heel and Marella's character took off. Just think of that same formula being applied to Khali. While its unlikely we'll see Khali winning many championships, he can undoubtedly contribute in other ways just as Santino has done. I claim FACT with quite a bit of confidence.
(Hustle)FACT. The comedic possibilities of a Khali face turn are rather plentiful. Hell, even if they don't make it comedic, it could easily work out, maybe as some sort of a "bodyguard" character for some Diva or a smaller wrestler. It would also be fun to have John Cena take him under his wing, so to speak, and teach him the hip-hop culture. Yes, that idea was tossed around on LoP a while back for Cena and Umaga, but so what?
(Pnk) That one will be a sure fire FACT. He's strong, he's funny to watch attempt to talk. Honestly, if Khali turns into a face, he'd win over everyone. He can even throw those fun Bollywood parties and invite fans from the crowd to dance with his harem. He has a character that could pull off being a good guy. I'm a firm believer being a BIG guy doesn't need to force you into a MONSTER character. He can be the friendly giant of sorts.
(Mavsman)FACT. I am of the belief that anybody can portray a babyface depending upon how they are booked. The Great Khali is almost to the WWE what Yao Ming is to the NBA in Japan. He is helping the WWE reach a previously unreached demographic, and a babyface turn could help solidify WWE's presence in India. I can easily see Khali in a gentle giant role. Holding babies backstage, saving jobbers from destruction, simple things like that can make him look like a compassionate person. With all that being said, I can see the WWE pulling the trigger on a Khali babyface turn.
(ManWithThePlan) Hmmm. I'm going with a great big fat juicy FICTION. I mean come on, this guy can't even successfully portray a heel now can he? As a matter of fact, it's a struggle to say he can successfully portray a wrestler full stop. The great lummox can barely bloody move. He can't sell for white steaming dog turd (sorry about that graphic image there folks) and I'll be damned...he brought a goat into a wrestling ring!
I've heard the rumors. Khali can wrestle, they just don't let him. Well I can only judge by what I see and what I see, every time the guy steps into the ring, is one giant enormous car wreck of a match. Be it against Big Show or Rey Mysterio the guy couldn't pull out a decent match if it slapped him hard in the face and pissed in his hair. Khali can't portray a babyface. Khali can't portray anything unless it fits into the definition of "Giant useless waste of space". I'd love to see him dance in a Bollywood movie though. That would be sweet.
FACT or FICTION: Spending a few months behind bars will do Nick Hogan more good than harm.
(anonymous) Nick Hogan's in jail? First I've actually heard of it. *Goes on the internet to see the story* Fair enough then, FACT. If Nick wants to drive like a manic (he'd been ticketed 5 times before this) then he deserves everything he gets. I'm glad the judge had the balls (or other organs if it was a woman) to give him a sentence as so many would be lenient on a celebrity. Going to jail will give him a new perspective, take him away from the perfect life he's been given and give him a sense of reality. When he comes out he'll be a better man for it and he might even teach his father to be less of a douche-bag as well.....Maybe not the last bit.
(SkittleZ) The kid got off easy in my opinion. Nick's friend will be hospitalized for the rest of his life and all he got for it was eight months in the slammer. Big deal. Do your time and shut up. House arrest? Who do you think you are? ... Paris Hilton? Hogan is in there with a pair of juveniles. It isn't like the kid has to watch over his shoulder constantly for large black men looking for some midnight lovin'. I'm sure Nick is pampered and catered to a certain degree. Without question, I'm going FACT here. As sad as it sounds, something like this will force the Hulkster's son to put life in perspective. Hopefully, Nick treats his sentence as a learning experience. If he decides to simply do his time and run back to daddy, I envision several more screw ups down the road.
(Hustle) Let's go with FICTION again. I don't think prison will do anything to help that idiot. Personally, I don't think this will be his last stint behind bars. He's just stupid enough to not stop driving recklessly, even though he obviously has some of the world's worst driving skills. If I were a friend of his and I didn't have my own car, I'd go out and purchase a bus pass, posthaste. You wouldn't be able to pay me to get in a vehicle with that asshat.
(Pnk)FICTION. Why? Because he's a douche who thinks that he shouldn't be in jail. Being in there a little longer isn't going to change that. He said he wishes he would have gone to trial but trust me he would have gotten ALOT more time had he gone to trial. He's going to come out of there crying how he's been mistreated and abused and it's not fair he had to suffer. I don't understand what he's crying about anyways. His room in prison is bigger than my dorm room freshman year, he's alone so no need to worry about playing tummy sticks at night with his roommate. Moral of the story is he should be thanking his lucky stars his "friend" (can he even call him that anymore or pretend he is after the bad things he's said about him?) hasn't given up living yet because if he dies, that's manslaughter. He'll get a lot more than 8 months for that. What a cry baby.... He's going to come out of there even more of a spoiled brat.
(Mavsman) I haven’t even been following this story that closely. Didn’t he kill a guy? Oh, he’s not dead he’s in a coma? Huh. Who knew? As far as the question goes, FACT. Nick will hopefully realize just how good he has it on the outside and straighten up during his eight month prison sentence. Wait… his friend in the crash is going to need to be in a nursing home for the rest of his life, and Nick only gets eight months!? I wish MY dad was Hulk Hogan…
(ManWithThePlan) To be quite frank I really don’t give a toss as to what any of the Hogans are doing. I have no time for the lives of celebrities these days. Let him say what he wants, let him do what he wants, let him curl up and cry like a baby, I seriously don’t care. But, as for my answer, because his dad is all weird up there, I’ll say FICTION.
I'm afraid the June edition of LoP’s Fact or Fiction has come to an end, kiddies. Don't be shy folks... tell us what you thought of this clusterfuck. Please send your feedback to any of the participants via the links below and if you had a blast, there's more where this came from! You can check out full length columns by these individuals as well as others in the LoP Columns Forum. We hope you enjoyed it and don't forget to be on the look out for a brand new FACT or FICTION next month, exclusively here on LordsofPain.net!
Click Here to Email anonymous (beware though as he may be slightly intoxicated)
Click Here to Email SkittleZ (if you're single and looking for a life partner)
Click Here to Email Hustle (but brace yourself.... this guy has a potty mouth)
Click Here to Email PnkTinkerbell (good luck... it's THAT time of the month if you get my drift)
Click Here to Email mavsman22 (and expect to be bombarded with uninteresting sports talk)
Click Here to Email ManWithThePlan (a foreigner who loves to feel wanted so be sure to lay it on thick)
