Wrestling’s next big thing is on ECW
There’s no denying that Evan Bourne is on the verge of becoming a breakout star on ECW. However, the guy who I believe is eventually going to end up becoming a world champion on Raw or Smackdown is Jack Swagger.
Since Swagger made his debut on ECW last month, I have been more and more impressed with him each week. I can see why Swagger, who wrestled under his real name of Jake Hager in Florida Championship Wrestling, was considered the crown jewel of WWE’s developmental system.
Swagger, who is listed at 6 feet 4 and 263 pounds, certainly has all the physical qualities of a main-eventer. An accomplished amateur wrestler (as well as a football player) at the University of Oklahoma, he is athletic and appears to be a natural in the ring.
He also has “it.” Swagger carries himself like a star and has the cocky facial expression down pat. If he continues to develop on the microphone and fine tunes his character, it will just be a matter of time before Swagger is wearing gold.
Going back to Bourne, it’s good to see the powers that be in WWE are listening to the fans and giving him a push. Not only is he one of three candidates in the running to receive an ECW title shot against Matt Hardy at the Cyber Sunday pay-per view this weekend, but it’s clear that WWE wants him to win the voting. Bourne won a triple threat match between the three potential challengers last night on ECW by pinning Mark Henry.
A Bourne-Hardy title match could be awesome, and it would be a surprise if Bourne doesn’t win the voting. Henry, a heel, doesn’t figure to get a lot of votes, and it’s doubtful that Finlay has enough fan support to beat Bourne.
The one thing that is holding Bourne back is his promos. Right now, he isn’t even serviceable on the mic. If he can improve his speaking skills, the sky might be the limit for “Air Bourne.”
Comments
What has happened to Nailz??
Posted by: Geoff Shafer | October 22, 2008 10:34 PM
As sad as it is to say, working this program with Swagger can actually help Tommy Dreamer out. I doubt Dreamer will win in the end, but right now Swagger's getting people to care about Dreamer with his snide comments and attitude.
I agree with you - I see the potential.
Posted by: Chris Slater | October 23, 2008 12:54 AM
Interesting that ECW seems to be the 'it' show among younger hardcore fans right now. You wonder why raw wouldn't just fill their first hour with guys like this (though I guess with the Miz/Morrison appearances they're leaning that way)>
Posted by: GMan | October 23, 2008 10:38 AM
as someone who has survived the mid 80's dominance of wwf(e), the rebirth of wcw and the monday night wars, i have seen many performers. i just do not understand what the wwe sees in miz and morrison. miz is no more than a reality show reject. morrison's championship push was the result of a tragic and unfortunate incident. i guess they really need more inmates to run the asylum.
Posted by: mjk | October 23, 2008 12:17 PM
Geoff-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Wacholz
That should clear things up.
Posted by: Sean | October 23, 2008 1:24 PM
Bourne, I'm starting to like/give a care about it only took a few months but it's there now. Though (is a female so I can say this or at least that is my excuse) I have to say his haircut I find very unappealing.
Swagger, not even close to reaching my must see yet but from the way he's been talked about on ECW- I'm sure, he's a main eventer waiting to happen. Which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing yet. He is awesome in the ring though from what I have noticed.
I'm pretty sure it will be Bourne/Hardy at CS and in all honesty, it is what I would personally rather see. Hardy made it apparent that's who he wanted to face in his blog, and the WWE is doing everything short of posting a giant billboard saying "vote Bourne" anyway.
Posted by: Kitty | October 23, 2008 2:32 PM