My Weekend of (British) Wrestling 24 - XXX Wrestling

Sunday 26th January 2014 - Triple X Wrestling presents 'Clusterf*ck III' - Club M, Coventry

I finally got my fix of British wrestling off and running in 2014 with a trip up the M40 to Coventry's Club M to see a promotion that I'd not seen before - Triple X Wrestling. On the lead up to it, I was excited as it's been a while since my last show and the card looked very appealing with the talents of Zack Sabre Jr, the Dunne Brothers and Mark Andrews on show.

Zack Sabre Jr

We arrived at the venue and entered the room where the show would take place... this is when my heart nearly sank. Nearly.

In previous editions of My Weekend of (British) Wrestling I have often stated my dislike of low ceilings. I feel it really limits the wrestlers to what they can do. This venue had a low ceiling. Due to it being a new promotion (to my eyes) and the talent that were due to appear, I chose to look past this... these guys could get past such an obstacle and put on a good show, right?

Before the show a comedian, Steve 'Bulk Hogan' Dodd warmed the audience up with a nice set of corny jokes. A really nice pre-show idea that already got everyone in the mood for a good time. Next up, Omar Ibrahim (a former(?) wrestler and our MC for the evening) continued to entertain and get us ready for the wrestling by telling us wrestling stories that he had been a part of. It's always good to hear accounts of wrestlers, past and present, that have been around and have first-hand knowledge. Ibrahim would do an excellent job throughout the night of adding comedy to his announcing and bringing something different to the show.

Searching through Facebook I found the show poster, which gave each match a name based on what we were going to see - Technical match; Power match etc - and I really liked this touch. To fans that weren't aware of each guy's style, this cleared it up a little.

The first match of the evening was billed (on the poster) as the 'Rookie's match', pitting 'Indy Guy' Kieran Young against 'Sleazy Bastard' Dave Mercy. I'd wondered what Dave Mercy's gimmick would be leading into the show and as his music hit and he entered ringside it became clear. R Kelly's Bump 'n' Grind would accompany Mercy - sleazily - down to ringside and I couldn't help but think of my pals The Magnums - the other sleazy geezers of British Wrestling. Maybe they could team up sometime in 2014?

This match was good fun and got everyone laughing. It also became apparent as to why the show was an adult themed, over-18s only occasion. This match would also be the beginning of a hell of a lot of swearing throughout the night. At times it really added to the matches; not only would a guy throw a punch but he would follow it up with "take that, you c*nt!"... all of us in attendance were all big enough and ugly enough to take such language, and as I said, it kind of added something to the show.

The Dunne Brothers (Damian & Pete)

Unlike some other 'over-18s only' shows I'd been to, Triple X Wrestling didn't go over the top with violence and swearing. Some companies use this as an excuse to get everything... including the kitchen sink... involved just for the sake of it. Triple X limited themselves to tables and a couple of chair shots (in the Tables match) which was a good-enough amount of weaponry.

The second match would be for the Triple X Wrestling Championship. This was a surprise to me as I'd normally expect the company's title to be its main event of the evening. I suppose with the talent on display later in the show, this match was fitting early on. 'Wild Boar' Mike Hitchman would challenge Devilman for his championship in a match that was very slow to get going. This bout didn't really work for me as it lacked any flow. The audience started to get into it in the last couple of minutes when Wild Boar would attempt a Superplex and moments later Devilman would use Wild Boar's position on the top turnbuckle to deliver his Hellbound finisher.

The name of the show was the comically entitled 'Clusterf*ck III' which still baffles me as it sets itself to be called such if it goes badly. The third match shared this name. The rules were the same as a Royal Rumble match with the exception that when you got down to the final four, it then became a fatal four way with the first to get a pinfall or submission deemed the winner (and earning a championship match at a later date).

This match was due to include Jonathan Gresham, a US indy guy that if I'm honest, I haven't heard of. This isn't unusual for me when I go to shows; I'm starting to think that some promoters get these indy guys from America because they think that their audience know who they are, too. I'm pretty sure that, in most cases, 95% of their audience have no idea who they are - probably knowing wrestlers such as John Cena and The Rock, but that's it. I understand that having these guys over can be an advantage to the guys that they face in the ring (learning-wise), but in most cases I do wonder if the cost of the booking warrants a place on the card.

But anyway... Gresham was unable to make the show due to flight technicalities. The match didn't suffer as a result. The guys in this match all played their parts and made for the match of the night at that point. Although Eddie Dennis would come away victorious by pinning Local Jobber #2, there were good performances from Chris Brookes, Damian Dunne, Scotty Essex and most notably, Tyler Bate.

One of those dead lift German Suplexes...

Bate, who I'd previous seen at a Kamikaze Pro show, is another one for the future in my opinion. On that occasion he was teaming with another youngster, Dan Moloney. Bate has got a great look and a solid gimmick - if I'm understanding it right. He appears to be a 1920/30s Strongman; great physique, no elbow or knee pads and a well groomed moustache. He also has a move set that includes feats of strength a la his gimmick. My particular favourite was the dead lift German Suplexes that he delivered throughout the clusterf*ck match.

My girlfriend was very impressed with his physique and moustache... the only way I could put her off was by letting her know that he's a little young for her!

Other notable showings in this match came from Big Grizzly, who made people gasp in awe on arrival; taking down all that stood in his way and laughing in the face of smaller opponents that tried their luck with him. Grizzly's impressive introduction was equally matched when Scott Grimm entered the scene. Great power moves stamped his claim to winning the match, but it was Welshman Eddie Dennis that would outsmart everyone: Confusion fell upon everyone in what was thought to be the final four with the referee refusing to count pinfalls. This was due to the fact that Local Jobber #2 had not been eliminated. As he entered the ring again, Dennis was smart enough to toss Damian Dunne over the top rope and pin LJ#2 as everyone else laid defeated.

The next match was a mouthwatering prospect as 'White Lightening' Mark Andrews would attempt to stop 'Flash' Morgan Webster from obtaining a Triple X Wrestling contract. This was the match that would potentially suffer from the low ceiling as it featured two guys that would benefit from a high-flying contest. Webster would get the underhanded win - and Triple X contract - after a helmet shot to Andrews.

Along with Tyler Bate, Webster's gimmick was another that I really enjoyed. Swaggering around as a Mod (as in Mods and Rockers), Webster really played the part well and had a fitting theme music.

Fifth on the card saw a Tables match between The Hunter Brothers and fan favourites, The Henchmen. This was a impressive display between the smaller Hunter twins and the Natural Distaster-esque Henchmen. Plenty of back and forth before the tables would be broken, not just in the ring but also out amongst us in the audience - one of the Hunters being Powerbombed through one table. The finish would come when the referee was down, failing to see the second Hunter go through a table. As he came-to, the Hunters would place the second Henchman on the broken table to con themselves a win.

The main event of the evening saw two guys that have travelled to Japan to learn their craft - Zack Sabre Jr and 'Dynamite' Pete Dunne. This was a match that I felt would be really good but could be a little different to what I'm used to. I was right on both accounts. After only seeing a couple of Japanese-style matches, probably ever, this match seemed that it took on that style. It was stiff at times, it was very technical, too; both guys going for holds and submissions at every opportunity to test their opponent.

As the match went on - I would have thought it went a good 25minutes or so - I couldn't recall seeing either use the ropes (apart from to gain a little momentum). The only thing in recent memory that I can liken that to was Antonio Cesaro vs William Regal on NXT a few weeks ago. I hope that is taken as a compliment as that's how I intend it!

Results

• 'Sleazy Bastard' Dave Mercy defeated 'Indy Guy' Kieran Young to earn the #10 spot in the Clusterf*ck match
• Triple X Championship: Devilman (c) defeated 'Wild Boar' Mike Hitchman
• Clusterf*ck match: Eddie Dennis defeated Local Jobber #2, Tyler Bate, Chris Brookes, Damian Dunne, Scott Grimm, Big Grizzly, Terry Seddon, Scotty Essex and Davy Mercy to earn a future Triple X Championship match
• 'Flash' Morgan Webster defeated 'White Lightening' Mark Andrews to earn a Triple X contract
• Tag Team Tables match: The Hunter Brothers defeated The Henchmen
• Zack Sabre Jr defeated 'Dynamite' Pete Dunne (Match of the Night)

Overall, a really good show. Well worth the 126 mile round trip up to Coventry. As I mentioned before, I'm always worried when there's a low ceiling but everyone on this show was talented enough to work around that - credit to all the wrestlers for that (I'm sure it's not the first time they have come across this problem!).

Another positive that really impressed me was the production of the show. Being in a nightclub probably gave Triple X the advantage of having screens at various places on each wall; this allowed entrance videos to play and gave a very professional feel to the show. The videos looked really well put together and added to the entrances and the show as a whole.

Check out Triple X Wrestling on Facebook and look out for future shows. I'm very pleased that I started 2014 off with this worthwhile trip!

Show poster complete with match types

Support British Wrestling

@jimmosangle

I'd Appreciate Your Input 5: Elimination Chamber

It's been a while since I've done an I'd Appreciate Your Input, but something got me looking ahead to the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view this week.

I know we're just a day away from the Royal Rumble, but it seems unanimous that the returning Batista is a certainty to win it. So that got me thinking "what happens at Elimination Chamber?"...

Batista returns to confront Orton

Let's say for argument's sake Batista does win the Royal Rumble. He is then a fix to main event Wrestlemania and challenge the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Therefore at Elimination Chamber I would have thought a throwaway, make-the-animal-look-strong match will be on offer - maybe Batista vs Del Rio (as a result of all the big talk Del Rio has had for Batista in the lead-up to his return).

What then for the WWE World Championship and the Elimination Chamber?

I know it's not set in stone, but Brock Lesnar laid claim to being the number one contender a few weeks ago. He, along with mouthpiece Paul Heyman, stated that whoever won the Orton/Cena match would face him at Elimination Chamber... therefore what is the point of the Elimination Chamber match this year?

Brock F5s Mark Henry

If WWE are going with Batista to win the Rumble then surely his number one contendership for Wrestlemania isn't in doubt. If Brock is the number one contender for Elimination Chamber then that leaves nothing to play for in an Elimination Chamber match.

I'd Appreciate Your Input on:

• IF it's Batista vs Del Rio and Brock vs Orton/Cena (WWE title) then what do you think the purpose of an Elimination Chamber match will be this year?

• OR will Brock's claim for a title match at Elimination Chamber be contested by others leading to a Chamber match involving say, Orton, Cena, Bryan, Punk and Big Show (likeliest?)?

As with the previous posts; any feedback is welcome in the comments field below as well as contacting me on Twitter - @jimmosangle. You can also comment on the Facebook post on the Jimmo's Angle page.

@jimmosangle

Daniel Bryan's Time?... YES!!

What a difference two years make...

Monday night on Raw, Daniel Bryan got his revenge on Bray Wyatt, turning on him and taking out his frustrations in the confines of a steel cage; warranting a huge 'YES!' chant from the Rhode Island audience; quite possibly the biggest one to date. As a fan, it made what hair I have left stand on end; a truly epic last few minutes to Raw and a reminder of why I watch: for moments like that.

Nearly two years ago, at Wrestlemania 28, Daniel Bryan lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Sheamus in a record 18-second defeat. No champion should be treated in such a way, but remarkably, just like this summer, Daniel Bryan would grow further in popularity after losing a major title. That fateful Wrestlemania, the 78,000+ crowd would start a rapturous 'YES!' chant that would follow Bryan around ever since. For such a simple chant, it has helped to propel Bryan to where he belongs (almost), and has also made a statement when the WWE Universe feels aggrieved at what they have been given (eg, Orton vs Cena).

Bryan at Wrestlemania 28

Following on from this, Bryan would go through 2012 having standout pay-per-view matches with CM Punk before forming an unlikely alliance with Kane. Together, they would form Team Hell No and become Tag Team Champions. Despite holding the belts for just over eight months, the biggest achievements to come out of the team would be their connection to the audience, the comedy and entertainment that they provided, and most importantly, raising Bryan to an even higher level of popularity. It was natural, organic. It was something that I had not seen for as long as I could remember.

This past summer would see mixed results if you're a Daniel Bryan fan. Although he won the WWE Championship (twice), it never felt that he had made it. As JBL likes to put it, he had a 'cup of coffee' with the title. The back end of last years pay-per-views were frustrating to say the least and a, somewhat, demotion to joining the Wyatts seemed a further middle-finger to the fans. Now it seems that it was all an act to extract his revenge on Wyatt in a situation where Harper and Rowan couldn't help their leader.

This brings me to a theory that I like more and more, the more I read it...

The Big Red Conspirator

Generally, I hate predictions and random theories that the IWC come up with (even though I'm guilty of making them myself!). Most are more hope than logic. One that I have read on more than one occasion in the last week is that Kane is Daniel Bryan's 'inside man'. I really like this idea.

I'm now going to go into fan/mark mode to explain the ramblings in my head:

You see, Team Hell No didn't really have a definitive end in my book. Orton came between them towards the end before both Bryan and Kane stated their ambitions to become WWE Champion. Kane was then taken out by the Wyatts and was abducted, not to be seen for a couple of months. On return, he gained no revenge on the Wyatts for what they had done to him and offered his services to The Authority (specifically Stephanie). In the last couple of months in his role as Director of Operations he hasn't really offered much to be honest - this seemed very weird to me. When he has, it hasn't been that heelish, either. Yes, he did make both 3-on-1 handicap matches involving Bryan vs the Wyatts and Punk vs The Shield, but maybe both cases were to get to the point we find ourselves in today; Bryan getting behind enemy lines and Punk causing cracks in The Shield's united front. Maybe Kane is there to destroy The Authority from within?

Kane's abduction...

Regarding Bryan's handicap match; between them, Kane and Bryan would know that the Wyatts would be too much for Bryan and that he would have to be 'weakened' to the point where he would have no choice but to join them, making Wyatt believe that he is as all-powerful as he thinks he is. This then led to the Steel Cage match this Monday on Raw where the odds were surely in favour of The Usos, right? Kane would have possession of the key to the chained door of the cage. In this situation, apart from pinfall, the only way to win is over the top... therefore the quicker Usos were always going to have the advantage. Therefore, the reason for Kane having the key is so that once the Usos escaped, Wyatt would be alone in the cage with Bryan; with no back-up from Harper and Rowan. Enter revenge.

(I urge you to read Brandon Stroud's (@MrBandonStroud) Best and Worst of WWE Raw (link) as he gives his own unique, funny spin on this theory!)

I realise this could all just be coincidence and total crap, but it makes SENSE to me. It would be awesome if this scenario played out and Kane was looking out for his pal, but I suppose we'll have to 'wait and see' in the coming weeks... my perfect end to this theory would be Bryan winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania, in the main event, thus solidifying him as a top player, followed by a reveal on Raw the night after that Kane was behind it all. A huge story arc that would have a very rewarding and pleasing end to it. And in the twilight of his career, Kane would be responsible (in part) for making the next big thing.

In no way am I saying that WWE planned all this, it's kind of fell into their laps, though, if they choose to use it.

Ramblings over...

That Austin 3:16 moment...

Daniel Bryan's rise to the top this past summer was likened to Steve Austin's. That's a huge compliment but not too far fetched, in my opinion. Austin gave his acceptance speech at the King of the Ring tournament in 1996 and began his meteoric rise to the top; he was OVER and a little under two years later, he was given 'the ball' and ran with it - it was hugely successful. When you hear the name Steve Austin, it's usually up there with the other big names of wrestling.

The historic '3:16' speech from 1996

Bryan's situation is no different; at Wrestlemania 28, 'YES!' chants began and have echoed around arenas ever since. His popularity has gone from strength to strength and we are at a point where we have the biggest Wrestlemania to date on the horizon. This is the opportunity to make the next Steve Austin, or more appropriately, the first Daniel Bryan. I don't remember the last time that someone got the red-hot reactions that Bryan receives week after week and this must be capitalised upon.

I think we've got a very unpredictable couple of months ahead of us; there doesn't seem to be locked-in matches for Wrestlemania yet (only pencilled-in ones), and with the returns in the coming weeks and Daniel Bryan's freedom from the Wyatts, things are looking very positive and interesting. Add the introduction of the WWE Network next month and it is safe to say that it is a great time to be a wrestling fan.

@jimmosangle

My Weekend of (British) Wrestling 23 - What's to come in 2014?

It feels like forever since my last 'Weekend of Wrestling' post, but after looking through my archives I've noticed that it was only the end of November at the much needed, family fun show that James Mason and Alan Ravenhill put on in Brackley!

James Mason (photo: Superkick.co.uk)

As I've stated many times, these shows are a winner in anyone's book, and it's probably this reason that I put it in another category to anything else that I watched at the back-end of last year.

I need to make a confession before I move on into 2014: I fell out of love with British Wrestling towards the end of 2013. I think I felt a little burnt out from doing a show review after every show I went to. I contemplated stopping doing them but who am I kidding; the next show I go to WILL have a review conducted - good or bad - so I might as well pick myself up and get ready for a resurgence in 2014!

In all seriousness, a few things really bothered me about British Wrestling towards the end of last year. I'm going to do my best to not name names or promotions but it'll probably be abundantly clear who I'm talking about based on my previous ramblings! As I've stated several times (almost to cover my arse from the too-obvious comebacks that I'm likely to get on the matter) I am not a promoter, never plan to be, and have never run a show. I have, however, been around a fair few people that have. I've also got an idea of basic costs of shows. This is why I hear things, total-up costs in my head, and find myself fuming at some things in British Wrestling. It really bothers me that people do not seem to learn from their mistakes, continue to do things the same way, and believe in their own crap due to having [sort of] 'back-up' from people in 'higher places'. I can't think of a better way of putting it than that so that I don't name names...

A huge probem that really offends me (even though it doesn't directly affect me) is that some promoters still have the nerve to NOT pay the talent that have been on their show. This is completely unacceptable and it baffles me why talent would continue to work for companies where this happens.

Both of the above things had me shaking my head to the point where I had to step back and take a break... only giving Welsh Wrestling (under Mason/Ravenhill in Oxfordshire) the benefit of my time as (1) it was just up the road from me and (2) it's simple, easy to digest, good family fun that you cannot help but smile your arse off all the way through. It's well organised with no egos.

Now I've got that off my chest I wanted to focus on what I've seen in 2013 and what I'm hoping for in 2014:

2013

Last year was the first year where I went to shows on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong, I'm fully aware that I only went to shows that are fairly local to me, but still, I went to a fair few and a few different promotions.

In Oxfordshire, I went to shows in Banbury (NBWA) where I saw an underrated triple-threat match between Justin Sysum, Kenbai and Sam Wilder, as well as several other shows in the county for GSM/Welsh Wrestling. In Birmingham, I had the privilege to see the finest live match I've ever seen when Emi Sakura defeated Shanna (yes, a ladies match!) for AWW, as well as a huge babyface reaction for the usually unpopular Magnums at a Kamikaze Pro show!

The Magnums got a huge ovation at this show

A lot of my 'Weekend of Wrestling' posts were devoted to Pro Evolution Wrestling shows down in Gloucestershire (and surrounding areas), though. This is a promotion that I have a lot of time for and I am sorry that I haven't been down in a few months - this must change in 2014! I've seen a lot of good stuff on these shows, including anything The Magnums do (I have no shame in being a Magnum mark), Chris Andrews' theme music and great little matches involving Justin 'The Hammer' Sysum against Andrews, as well as one against former TNA star Doug Williams.

With the addition of The Alpha Males (Iestyn Rees and Charlie Garrett) to the tag team ranks, I expect more great shows from Pro EVW this year! (cheap plug: my interview with Iestyn is my most viewed article - give it a read, like it, and BOOK HIM on your shows - a really nice guy and top UK talent!)

2014

In 2014 I hope to get to a lot of shows as I did last year. The difference with this year is that I hope to get further a field and see something different. Ref Paz - the Safest Hands in British Wrestling - showed me a Progress Wrestling DVD a few weeks ago and this is a promotion/show that I would love to go and see. I'd also like to get up to House of Pain Wrestling in Nottingham as well as Southside Wrestling.

I'd even like to get up to Preston and see Preston City Wrestling (PCW) - a bit of a trek but one that I think would definitely be worth my time.

Basically, the aim this year is the same as it's always been - to promote British Wrestling. That being said, bad shows need to be exposed, too, and I'll continue to call them out. There's no point in sugar coating problems and saying something was good when it was complete and utter shite. By doing anything other than this would be doing British Wrestling a disservice.

Thoughts

There seems to be a debate at times about where British Wrestling is at. I completely agree that it is on the rise and doing well - we have such great talents in this country; too many to list - but we must be aware that there are a lot of cowboy promoters; WWE-wannabe promoters, if you will; that are making wrestling in this country look like a joke. That sort of thing needs to stop otherwise international talent will lose faith in us. Luckily, there are a lot of companies that are making a genuine effort to give British Wrestling a good and reputable name.

Sometimes I think that a TV deal is the only thing missing from putting us on the map in a big way in the world of wrestling. That ever happening remains to be seen as it is still a very American pastime that has been gone for a generation in this country.

Now that I have gotten through this post, I feel more positive about 2014. I think it'll be another good year for British Wrestling, hopefully making further progress and getting the good name of wrestling in this country recognised by more and more people - in this country and abroad.

Hoping to get along to one of their shows...

I look forward to getting to more shows and extending my readership - hopefully with people enjoying what I write as well as it encouraging people to get along to their local - and not so local - wrestling events.

If anyone has any views/comments or would like to get in touch over the great subject of wrestling then please feel free to comment in the field below, contact me on Twitter (@jimmosangle) or 'like' the Jimmo's Angle Facebook page!

Support British Wrestling

@jimmosangle

Unification: Are we turning a corner?

Despite it being last month that the WWE unified the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships, I thought with the Royal Rumble approaching it was about the right time to give my thoughts on the unification.

To start with I just wanted to share my problems with the unification... three things really bothered me going into the match and since...

Firstly, the amount of time they gave to build the 'most important match in WWE history'. Three weeks. That's how much time you give to this type of match (which, if it's that important, why are you having it under TL-f*cking-C rules??!). Luckily, they had two guys (Cena and Orton) who were competent enough to sell the match with that much time until the PPV. Along with the history-video-packages, they did a nice job.

The second problem I had was with how 'prestigious' the World Heavyweight Championship was going into the match. Now that the match is over, it doesn't really matter that it was completely worthless for as long as I can remember; it just gets added to the pile of stuff that happened and is forgotten about, thus letting WWE off for the poor job that they've done with the title all this time. As I've said in a previous article; I LOVE how Michael Cole repeatedly says that the World Title is 'prestigious' and we're meant to listen and eat that crap until it tastes good. The biggest problem with this World Heavyweight Championship is that it is NOT the World Heavyweight Championship that they are claiming it is, which leads me to my third problem...

Chris Jericho was the first Undisputed Champion in December 2001. This happened. I have proof... and yet this has been completely overlooked (apart from an explanation from Michael Cole on an episode of Smackdown where he made reference to it and gave more fuel to the argument's fire). When Jericho unified the WWF and WCW Championships, the newly created 'Undisputed Championship' swallowed the lineage of both titles. The 2002 reintroduction of the World Title was therefore a new title that looked freakishly like the 'big gold belt' from WCW's run (weird, eh?) but would have its own path now.

See! PROOF!!

I also got to thinking that back in 2001, Austin, Rock, Jericho and Angle - the four biggest stars at that time - sold that mini-tournament (along with bosses Vince and Flair (16 time World Champion)) on their own... The 2013 unification match had an ensemble of former World Champions in the ring such as Jack Swagger, Christian and Rey Mysterio - what an embarrassment in comparison.

Luckily, WWE have chosen their words wisely and the title is now called the WWE World Heavyweight Championship - which, I suppose, they can rightly call Randy Orton the FIRST ever holder of.

Now before this spins off into a huge negative rant of what I didn't like about the unification match build, the point of this article is to explore the future and the possibilities that can stem from having only ONE unified champion in WWE.

I think it is a great move provided the WWE gives it the proper attention needed to make it the biggest prize available to WWE Superstars. The same can now be said for the Intercontinental Championship, which should surely be held in a higher regard now.

Intercontinental Championship

With the World Heavyweight Championship unified, it should now be the job of the Intercontinental Championship to be the stepping stone on your way to the main event (as the case always used to be). This should never have been the job of the World Heavyweight Championship in any case: if you hold the World Championship it shouldn't be your test to see if you can then hold the WWE Championship. This is where WWE went wrong with this belt and its decline in prestige was inevitable.

Big E Langston is the current IC Champion and things already seem to be heading in the right direction. He is a strong champion already (only having the title for a matter of weeks). He has had stand-out matches with Damien Sandow and Fandango in his run so far and they have been different from the norm; he has been challenged and tested; it hasn't simply been a walk in the park. He has had to earn his wins; and they have been clean wins. The only downsides to these matches are that a regular program hasn't come from these matches. Despite him defeating Damien Sandow, I felt that a series of matches/feud could've happened to elevate both guys, and the title, further. We'll see as time passes, I suppose...

A clear division is also coming together, too. As I said earlier, with one World Champion on the show, the mid-card title has now got a purpose and a more obvious spot on the show. With this being the case, a group of contenders are vital and I believe that this has been thought about and put together nicely in the last few weeks. Big E (Champion) has already taken on two worthy opponents in Sandow and Fandango. Tied in with those guys is Dolph Ziggler - who, let's face it, with one World Champion about is going to have to earn his stripes all over again to be considered for the main event. WWE also attempted to raise the stock of both Kofi Kingston and The Miz. I think with The Miz' motivation and face/heel dynamic being unclear here, it hurt their program and it didn't pan out as they had hoped. Both guys are kind of back to the drawing board again.

Needed Returns

I did an article a few months ago on the Unneeded Returns of RVD and Christian. As it stands, I was right to say that they were short-term, who-gives-a-f*ck returns as both guys were never really given the ball to run with in their respective WWE/WHC quests.

On the other hand, with Wrestlemania season getting under way, we're going to get some welcome returns, short-term or otherwise. Brock Lesnar made his return this past week on Raw and looked dominant as soon as he walked out. This is the thing I love about Brock; he legitimately looks mean, angry and like he could kill you at any given moment. There just isn't ANYONE around that is like that. He comes back and takes out the biggest hero of the day - that's why it's so easy and natural to hate him. Brock is a straight-up bully; this is how a heel should be.

Seriously, would you f*ck with this guy?

The other upcoming return is that of Batista. Again, he is a presence and someone that you can believe will kick ass from the outset. He'll also seem like a fresh face when he comes back as he's been gone long enough that things have moved along; there are endless opportunities and matches that he hasn't had yet. He is also a multi-time World Champion, with reigns that had worth to them.

...or this one?

The thing that both of these guys have got in common is that being former World Champions mean that they can be inserted into the World Title picture as soon as is needed. This is because they are some of the last group to have a major push - that was 8-10 years ago and things have drastically changed since then. Thinking about this earlier, it dawned on me that this just shows what can happen when WWE does have faith in a particular talent; Brock was gone for 8 years and came back and was a dominant force from the get-go. Somehow, I don't think that Batista will be coming back for a US title match either...

Contenders

The Intercontinental title picture is coming together nicely (at least at the moment, anyway!) and it looks as if the WWE World Title picture is taking shape, too; we have Orton and Cena at the top of the pile. Brock is back and has stated his ambition to win the title. Batista will be coming back and is pencilled in to win the Royal Rumble. If he stays around long-term then he'll probably be in title matches more often than not. Along with Punk and Bryan on the fringes, that's six guys (five when Brock leaves for months at a time) that can realistically lay claim to the biggest prize. This is how it should be.

With this said, the WWE's divisions don't look in bad shape. I don't think we'll see it right away, but in the coming months a clearer picture will become apparent where the ONE WWE World Heavyweight Champion will have its worthy contenders, the IC title will have its contenders and the Tag Team division will also see more traditional teams trade the belts (once the Rhodes brothers go their separate ways).

The Winner of the Royal Rumble match...

Another element that has a chance to regain its prestige (hey Cole, there's that word again?!) is the Royal Rumble winner. I think that over the last decade, the Royal Rumble winner hasn't been as big a deal as it should've been. Whenever the winner has challenged for a title (usually the World Heavyweight Championship) and then had their match in a less-than-flattering stage of the Wrestlemania card, it has diluted the point and worth of winning the Royal Rumble.

With the Rumble winner now being in the position that they will challenge ONE World Champion, it will become a bigger deal and, similarly to if there were only the one Money in the Bank winner, that particular wrestler will be seen as a bigger deal and (hopefully) taken more seriously - with a view to becoming a - or the next - star.

Ah, a logo from the good ol' days...

Things are looking brighter - Wrestlemania season, and the near future, looks intriguing!

@jimmosangle