So. The TNA title isn't a world title, huh? OK, so I'm not above poking the troll a little.

BTW, I'm one of the few that can say they've seen the Million $ Man defend the WWF Heavyweight Championship. I was at a house show on Friday between Andre winning the title on Thursday (wasn't it?) and selling it to DiBiase and Jack Dempsey's (wasn't it?) announcement on Superstars on Saturday that the title had been held up. OK, it didn't happen on television and the belt did look a bit...different...but how many people can say that?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I was just talking about WWE's world titles. Perhaps I can address the subject of future TNA world champions at some point.

who did million dollar man defend against

Since 1990 the WWF/E has had a first time World/WWE champion every year apart from 1995 and 1997. So chances are we'll see another in 2009.

John Morrison may become world champ but he's going to need to work on his mic skills, and his persona. It just not cutting it. The whole "palace of wisdom" and "shaman of sexy" thing is forced and contrived. Say what you will about jeff hardy's promos, but Jeff is Jeff. John Hennigan is trying to be something he isn't.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I agree that it seems like Hennigan is playing a character rather than amping up his own personality.

What about Shelton? This guy could have been a main event player years ago if ring ability was the sole requirement! But lately his promos have got stronger and his match with Taker last week was one of the strongest TV matches in a while.
If he can continue to develop his mic skills I could buy into him getting involved in the title picture! Thoughts?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: No doubt he has the talent. I just get the sense that the powers that be in WWE will never seen him as world champion material.

Kennedy should have won the title in 2007. He's stuck in midcard now and i don't see him getting anywhere near the title scene until 2012.

I was reading in the WWE entry on wikipedia that MVP was diagnosed about a year ago early with some kind of heart related medical issue by the WWEs wellness program.

I wonder if that is part of the reason MVP has been handled the way he has of late, ie his prolonged losing streak and step away from the limelight?

Do you consider R-Truth as a former world champion, or did you just forget him?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: He never was a world champ in WWE and when he held the NWA title it didn't mean a whole lot. I'm a big fan of his but I don't think he'll ever get a mega-push.

The "world champion" is no longer the same thing as "headliner," so all of these guys could reasonably win the title (although I'd place Mr. Kennedy last on the list of likelihoods).

One unforeseen factor that could work against Ted DiBiase is that he has two brothers learning the business, so if WWE picked them up, it could sidetrack his road to success and water down his effect.

As far as MVP goes, I could see him winning the Money in the Bank match and getting his championship reign that way. I do believe WWE has a championship reign in line for him, even if it's just to reward him for being so great in this loser role. How cocky and vane would he be as champion and people could goad him about the losing streak but his championship arrogance would hold up against it.

Surprised you didn't mention Shawn Michaels but, as a segway, John Morrison should be the next Shawn Michaels. Break away from the Miz, big run as the U.S. Champ or Intercontinental Champ, bringing more importance to those championships, and take the next step to World Champion. Sound familiar?
BTW, I just don't see it in Jack Swagger. He is new and fresh, but he just bores me.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Shawn has already been world champ multiple times. The list was for guys that have yet to win it.

I think Umaga might have a better chance of winning a world title before most of these guys.

I'm surprise that Kofi Kingston didn't make your list. He's been around, what, a little over a year and has had a great run. Charisma, good moves in the ring and a couple of belts already. Jamaican me crazy!

I have been massively impressed with Morrison, how long do you think his teaming with Miz will last?

Not convinced by Kennedy and MVP personally

Great blog by the way, it's brilliant reading intelligent comment on Wrestling!

Kennedy probably has the best chance outt've all those guys...only if he can stay healthy...

mvp is on a losin' streak and doesn't have the momentum to win a world title anytime soon...

John Morrison is Tag teamin' with Miz at the moment...

Shelton could win it...

and ...yeah...Idk

Hm.. what about Cody Rhodes? He seems to be a good follower of Randy Orton, i don't know but i think he might get a good push into a maineventer possibly in a couple of years.

I disagree with Mr. Sarcasm about DiBiase's brothers being potential impediments. Having a younger brother who spun his wheels in the midcard didn't keep Bret Hart out of the main events. Indeed, working with Bret turned out to be Owen's own ticket to the top of the card.

As for John Morrison, I think he is at his best as The Shaman of Sexy. Some performers (Batista) are better as themselves; others are not.

Kev:

I'm disappointed you did not read into my sarcasm of the Shawn Michaels comment. Also surprised you didn't acknowledge the revisionist history of Michaels early singles career.

I am reallt susprised about you leaving two out two wrestlers: Vladimir Kozlov (mainly because it really does seem like WWE believes in him as a champion) and Evan Bourne, who is really over with the crowd, and could play a heck of a role in the Money in the Bank if he is recovered by Wrestlemania...

I love Kofi, but I don´t see him as a chamion this year, althoguh maybe he has a chance in the future, if circumstances are appropiate.

And I dont really believe in Matt as a champion right now... I know at least 5 wrestlers who I find more believable as champions now...

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I think Bourne has a bright furture, but I don't know about being world champion. His promos would have to get a heck of a lot better.

As for Kozlov, I thought a couple months ago that he was getting the belt. Now, I don't think so, but it's not totally out of the question.

Well no one can blame you for the MVP mistake, it seemed like he was on a clear path towards the title this time a year ago. He was very over, had good mic skills, and was a quality worker. Like others, I too can see him coming out of his funk by winning MITB.

I just don't ever see Matt Hardy being world champ. I'm pretty sure this will be the angle if it plays out that way (but it's also 100% accurate), no matter what he does, he'll never be Jeff. He connects, but not at that level.

Look for Michaels to start a program with Morrison soon. They already kind of hinted at it when Morrison used Michaels' own moves against him in a dx v. mizorisson program this year.

Interesting to note that you left out Cody Rhodes. I think his promos are better than DiBiase's and his wrestling skills are better as well. Thoughts?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I like Cody and I wouldn't discount him, but I think DiBiase has more upside.

Eck, Given all the rumours it really seems strange that you left out the one man who will have a tonne of momentum with a potential comeback.... Christian Cage. And seeing as we are talking only the two top WWE titles surely captain Charisma rates a mention.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: 1. He isn't officially on the roster; 2. I have some doubt as to whether WWE would put the belt on him.

Manu is not impressed.

Pretty much everybody thinks MVP's losing streak is WWE's way of pushing him aside or punishing him but think about 'the obvious' for a second, why would they keep someone with that massive of a losing streak on tv this long? Simple, they're doing a type of push they've never done. They're tearing him down then when you least expect it he'll shockingly win a big match putting him directly into championship status. I would say the Royal Rumble match but at this point I'm not exactly sure if he's even in it...he might be. ... It could end up being MITB but MVP winning a world championship at Wrestlemania 25 is almost inevitable. Any thought?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Sorry, but I had to edit out some of your comments because they gave away something on Smackdown that hasn't aired yet. Some readers want to be surprised.

To put a world title on MVP now would really cheapen it as MVP as lost to so many bums now it would say that any loser can win a world title. I feel he needs to turn face and rebuild his character because the potential is still there for him to go all the way. John Morrision needs to lose the Miz because he has bags of potential as a singles wresler. I agree with u Kevin about Jack Swagger, Matt Hardyand Mr Kennedy but I need to see a bit more of dibiase jr to make my mind up about him because I think Cody Rhodes is very ordinary and is only there because of his dad.

I have just seen the movie The Wresler as it has just been released here in Australia. If any wresling fans have missed it, check it out Mickey Rourke is amazing and deserves an oscar for his role

"who did million dollar man defend [the WWF title] against"

Um, it was so long ago that I really don't remember. What I do remember is that I couldn't understand why they would give that person a title shot - it didn't seem to fit.

I did see DiBiase, Slick and some others at dinner before a card one night. Gawd, he looked so much bigger than even in person in the ring - talking height as well as girth. Not that he looked fat...

Last year, CM Punk would have been the frontrunner in this discussion. Do you see him getting another title run or ever getting back to main event status?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I think with the proper buildup he could get there again, but it's possible that the WWE brass don't see him as any more than what he was -- a one-time fluke champ.

I don't see either Rhodes or DiBiase winning a championship belt (another than the tag title) as long as they are part of Legacy. Title runs will be reserved for the head of the faction - Randy Orton.

i fink dat da wwe is getting WWWWWAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY to predictable. it was obvious dat hardy would lose 2 swagger. and da wwe title is probably guna go 2 eitha 2 people taker or triple h. i rekon dat hbk will get a run 4 da worlrd championship. but will lose it 2 jbl. chirstian cage will return and will get a title shot. but won't won. wen bourne cums bak he will team wif mysterio and day will take da titles from miz n morrison. r truf or hurricane helms will take da us title. ecw is a real slow programme so its hard to say how dat will go. but in my opinion day should have left ecw how it was cause da new versions a wimpy version of it. just my opinions.

I feel like Kennedy is a lock for a run, but he needs to show he's durable in the same way Jeff could show he's clean. Kennedy is one of the few that I could see on an Austin/Rock level more than the CM Punk level after a title reign. MVP is due too, and I think he could get his first since he's in a position to hotshot into the picture and could really go either way as heel or face since he was becoming so sympathetic at the end.

I really don't think any 2nd gens are ready. Maybe DiBiase learned some charisma filming his movie, but he sure didn't have much before he left. Rhodes is looking more Rocky Maivia than the Rock lately too. I hope I'm wrong in the same way Bishoff was about Stunning Steve way back when, but to start 2009 they seem to be missing "it." Plus their music sucks and was a dead giveaway about DiBiase's turn since Cody was still using it while he was out.

The only two that I'm not so sure about is Kennedy and DiBiase. Kennedy has a great gimmick but I feel he needs more time. He bores me to death in the ring and he's not as solid as people think he is. As for DiBiase, I haven't watched him enough to make a fair judgement so I'm more or less going to remain neutral about him.

I agree with all the others, especially Morrison and Hardy. I too feel like the WWE constantly buries Matt Hardy. I understand that Jeff is the most popular of the two but Matt ALWAYS wrestles solid matches. And then Morrison reminds me of a younger Michaels. He's a great wrestler and was kicking butt in last year's rumble. He may be full of himself but he can back it up. He'd do great as champ. His mic skills are getting better and his wrestling's already pretty solid.

MVP is greatness. I hate it for him and his whack losing streak...sort of but one can't deny he's a good wrestler. He was great as US Champ and I'm sure he could carry one of the belts with ease.

Swagger....I was ticked but what can i say? He'll do great things as well if he continues to stay solid and live up to the push.

As for Shelton Benjamin, I am disappointed in him right now. He's an excellent wrestler. Proved that a few years ago when Eric was still GM. His match against HBK during the Gold Rush Tournament was a classic. Ever since then though it seems like he's digressed. :|

I do believe that John Morrison, Evan Bourne, Koffi Kingston, as well as Matt Hardy have the talent to become a future Heavyweight Champions. The problems that I see from each one of them are:

John Morrison: He has the skills, can wrestle, good charisma (remembering that charisma goes both ways; heal or face) and good physique. His biggest problem will be his voice is not as impotent. He tapped out too many times against John Cena, which makes him look weaker than high caliber champions. Never had a chance to beat someone big (i.e. Cena, HHH, HBK, Undertaker, Umaga, etc.). That fact will make him look weak against the eyes of the fans.

Evan Bourne: His time will come, just not now. He is the new Rey Mysterio in the making. How many years did it take for Rey Mysterio to become a champion? That'll be the approximate time for him as well. He needs to work on the microphone more.

Koffi Kingston: Has all the skills and charisma needed to become a Heavyweight Champion. Only needs microphone skills.

Matt Hardy: Unfortunately, he still is under the shadow of his brother Jeff. As he said himself in "Twist of Fate", everyone looks at the crazy things that Jeff does, making his leg drops not as fancy and grate as they really are (i.e. over the cage vs Edge). He has the charisma microphone and wrestling skills. He needs to change brands. ECW can help you out to win fans, but the big bucks are at RAW and Smackdown. I think 2009 will bring something good for him.

I am really suprised that Kozlov was left off this list. He has a lot of ability and his ethnic background is an advantage to him as a heel. If he could learn some more English then he would be a great heel for some time. I also think that Swagger has a lot of potential, but needs a lot of work on his mic skills. It is hard for me to imagine MVP as champ after this losing streak.

Out of the people mentioned so far as being potential wwe champions, MVP would have to top the list. His in-ring skills have continued to improve over the years, is great on the mic and could work well as a heel or face. He reminds me of the rock when he started playing a bigger part in the nation of domination (the arrogance, good mic skills). However, I don't see him becoming champion in the coming months cos of the long losing streak, having lost to jobbers like funaki. This could demean the WWE championship. Most likely scenario, he wins the 2009 Money in the bank ladder match. Could do with a push as a face and if he's over with the crowd, he could cash in MITB towards the end of the year.

In relation to John Morrison, he has the in ring skills but needs to vastly improve on his mic skills to be a wwe champion. Plus he looks too much like a pretty boy to be champion.

Kennedy has had the potential to be a champion but has had a terrible run with injuries over the years. Good on the mic, plenty of charisma and good in ring skills. I believe he would've been scripted to win the championship in 2007 after winning the money in the bank match but his injuries hindered his chances.

In relation to Priceless, I can't see either being champ in the near future. However, I believe Dibiase has a greater chance of being champ than Rhodes. Both most likely to win IC title at some stage. Rhodes would have to bulk up in size cos he's too small to be champ. Also, he lacks charisma and needs to improve in ring skills. Their chances of becoming champions will depend on how successful The Legacy is in launching their careers.

Kozlov looked like at one stage of having a good push and a strong chance of becoming champion. However, I believe his storyline push was stuffed up cos he was rushed into the championship scene without beating any quality opponents cleanly like the undertaker or triple H or winning a second tier title like US championship. However, it could be the case that top stars were reluctant to cleanly lose to a newcomer. Additionally, I think the soviet thing has no place in today's time and won't create enough hostility from the crowd to push him to be a top heel in wwe. It would have 20-25 years ago during the cold war.

People go on about how special shelton benjamin is but I don't see anything special about him apart from in ring skills. He has no mic skills whatsoever and hardly any charisma. I believe in ring talent alone is not enough to become champion.

I don't watch ECW so I can't really comment on whether Jack Swagger has what it takes to be a champ. In don't count ECW title as a real championship.

On a separate note, I believe there should be more quality stables in wrestling and more established tag teams. They have been missing from wrestling for too long. Quality stables from past include Original NWO, DX and the corporation. Quality tag teams from past include The Road Warriors, British bulldogs, Hart Foundation, Outsiders, New Age Outlaws.
Let me know what you think about my opinions.