Beyond The Walls #22 - Oh, You Know It!

[Super Chrisss]

Hi everybody! How's it going? Good to see you're still BALLIN'! Even if you're not as fly as me, don't worry about it. Super Chrisss is here to put you back on track. You see, not only do I rhyme, but I also write columns. Who would have guessed?

We are officially three days removed from SummerSlam and I can honestly say the event was so good that I'm still dreaming about it. Okay, maybe not but it did come off much better than Night Of Champions, and had better matches than The Bash did. So SCORE!!

If there's anyone out there who doesn't think that DX/Legacy and Punk/Hardy were amazing matches I'd like to hear from you right now. And for those of you who enjoyed the Khali/Kane and Swagger/MVP matches I'd like you to stop reading immediately and head over to wwekids.com because your opinions don't even matter. Thank you very much.

That being said, let's get started.

"Ohhh Radio, Tell Me Everything You Know..."

He is a former tag-team champion and is also one-half of the youngest tag-team champions in WWE history. He is half-man, half-woman, and half-amazing. He has the look of a future World Champion. His entrance music is catchy. He's got the best catchphrase ever. He is

Zack Ryder!

That's right, folks. Everything I just said is 100% true (except for maybe the whole transvestite part. But then again, with those goggles of 'his', you never know). Zack Ryder, one of the former Edgeheads who never was, is indeed destined for greatness. Not just ECW Champion success, but FUTURE WORLD CHAMPION greatness. Oh, you know it!

Before Theodore Long ever debuted the "ECW New Talent Initiative", WWE's ECW was always home to many young and unproven stars. Both newer wrestlers and those who "just seemed to be missing something" were sent to ECW to gain some experience before they were moved over to one of the bigger brands, whether it be Raw or Smackdown. Names such as CM Punk, John Morrison, and Jack Swagger all spent a large amount of time on ECW and each had a lengthy run with the ECW Championship in order to prove to WWE management that they could catch the ball and run with it. Now, not every ECW superstar is as successful as they wish they were. Guys like DJ Gabriel, Ricky Ortiz, and Chavo Guerrero failed to impress management and the fans for one reason or another, but I guess that's how the cookie crumbles.

But not for Zack Ryder.

Although he's a former WWE tag-team champion and was once a part of a major stable on Smackdown called "La Familia", Ryder and his ex-partner Curt Hawkins really seemed to go nowhere once they lost their tag belts to Carlito & Primo last September. Despite getting a rub from one of the WWE's biggest heels, Edge, Ryder & Hawkins did a whole lot of jobbing once "La Familia" disbanded. But that shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone. With their matching long, blond hair and unimpressive move-set they were just as plain and ordinary as they were when they went by the name of The Major Brothers upon their debut.

One loss followed another, and another, and just when the future looked rather 'endeavoring' for Ryder & Hawkins, someone finally realized that one of the company's future stars was right under their noses. Oh, and that 'future star' was not Curt Hawkins, no siree. Therefore, one haircut, gimmick change, and draft trade later, the "new" Zack Ryder found himself on ECW, ready to slaughter the competition.

And that he did. Ryder may have suffered a loss or two to Christian and Shelton Benjamin in the last few weeks but so what? Almost every match Ryder has competed in since his move to ECW last spring has resulted in a win for him. Those few matches he did not win, he proved he had the ability to hang in the ring with guys who have been wrestling alot longer than he has. Woo Woo Woo!

Seriously though, there's no reason Ryder shouldn't succeed in ECW. Successful gimmick? Check. Cool entrance music? Check. Believable finisher? Check (the Zack Attack is just great). Winning catchphrase? You know it!

As a matter of fact, the only person that can stop Zack Ryder from making it big in the WWE is Zack Ryder himself. Nervousness and inexperience has caused him to be overwhelmed by the fans' reaction during his main-event match with Christian and segment on the Abraham Washington Show over the past month, as he was visibly shaken up on screen both times. But then again, when a crowd starts screaming "This Is Stupid!" during your promo-time, let's see you stay focused. Hey, at least Ryder was getting a reaction!

As long as Ryder doesn't get the Ricky Ortiz treatment by having his push fade away into nothingness after just one match, I don't rule out Ryder's chances of winning the ECW Championship before the next draft. However, I do believe there is another way to get Ryder to the top without having him go over Christian, Dreamer, and Regal in such a short time. Why not have Ryder win another title first? Maybe Ryder could become the

[Uhh wait a second, Super Chrisss. I thought that championship was defunct. Next you're going to tell me that Kelly Kelly's boobs aren't real.]

Sorry for being the bearer of bad news, but her tits are so small she had to have breast implants three times already! But yes, the European Championship has been lying around somewhere in Connecticut doing absolutely nothing. It's time to resurrect the title and what better brand to have it on than ECW? I mean, if Raw & Smackdown are two-hour long shows that have four championships each (the tag-titles count for both brands) then mathematically speaking, shouldn't an hour long ECW have two titles, and not just one?

Let's face it people; not everyone can be a champion. Even if a brand only has fifteen or so active superstars there's no reason behind having only one championship to contend for. Imagine how much faster guys like Punk, Elijah Burke, or Kofi Kingston could have reached the main-event if they weren't rushed into the ECW title scene before their time. If the current ECW championship is on par with the US and Intercontinental titles, wouldn't the ECW championship's prestige be raised even higher by having another class below it? Hell, ECW could even get two matches on a PPV - imagine that!

Should Vince one day decide to start giving a fuck about ECW, then establishing a secondary title such as the European Championship would be taking a huge step in the right direction. The current ECW "main-event scene" is already fairly packed with Christian, Dreamer and the Regal-mates, so why not give the lower, lower guys another title to fight for? As much as I love Paul Burchill, The Hurricane, and Goldust, those guys won't be taking down Vladimir Koslov or Ezekiel Jackson anytime soon. So rather than being pushed for nothing, why not have each and every one of these guys feud with the newly-crowned European Champion, Zack Ryder.

Ryder would be the perfect guy to wear the European Championship right now. He's the ECW equivalent to RAW's Jack Swagger and Smackdown's Dolph Ziggler. He's a main-event waiting to happen, and many casual and non-casual fans are well aware of this. I'm not saying that winning the European or ECW Championship will guarantee Ryder a World Title run, but it sure is a start. Ryder could have great matches with Hurricane, Goldust and Shelton Benjamin over the title (even if they are all above the title). A solid reign with the European Championship would get Ryder over with the fans, maybe even test him out on PPV every now and then, and establish him as a solid mid-carder without even winning the ECW title. Plus whoever beats him for the championship will get a rub as well, whether that being Sheamus, Yoshi Tatsu or another new-comer. With Zack Ryder as European Champion, the possibilities are endless.

The next time you see a Zack Ryder match on ECW or Superstars or wherever you get your 'Ryder-glider fix', remember his name. Watch his entrance and the way he walks to the ring, destined for greatness. Listen to his theme music, and connect with him. Hail him as a future Champion, whether it be European or ECW or World Heavyweight. But no matter what, always remember his catchphrase, and Woo Woo Woo along. You know it!

Now wasn't that fun? As you may know, I'm not one for saying goodbye, so let's get to the chase.

First of all, I'd like to send a big thank-you to the late, great JoeyShinobi. Some of you might not have heard but this great columnist is taking an extended leave of absence from posting columns on the Main Page. Whether he returns next month or next year, I just wanted to thank him for helping me out along the way. A great guy, really.

I have been one busy bee as of late, and that trend is sure to continue in the coming months. With school coming up and two concerts to attend next month, as well as trying to maintain some sort of social life, it will be difficult for me to post as often as I used to. Never fear loyal fans - I don't plan on bailing on you anytime soon, as I have no intention of turning my back on my 'fanbase'. Who do you think I am, Jeff Hardy?

Oh, and for the record, despite one or two poorly executed matches, this year's SummerSlam was probably the best Summerslam in about five years. Hogan/HBK? Yawn. The returns of HHH & Rey Mysterio? No thank you. CM Punk/Jeff Hardy? Yes please. I don't think SummerSlam has ended as perfectly as it did last Sunday since Orton won his first World Title from the-man-who-must-not-be-mentioned. Correct me if I'm wrong - I dare you!

That'll do it for me bros. There are some awesome columns out right now in the CF, so be sure to check them out! Just don't forget to step away from PG and go Beyond The Walls!

Yes, I do plug my own columns now. Sue me.

[Box Car Rocco]

Wow. I never even knew the new Ryder looked like that. I also had no idea about anything he's done since being one of the Edgeheads so this was very handy in that sense. I also liked how you suggested something for Ryder to do in the future and become successful.

Since I haven't seen him since becoming Flair 3x, I'll say good job and move on

[Lazyking]

Yeah super c you are my favorite columnist woo woo woo YOU KNOW IT !

Seriously, good job but please no on the ecw title how about the Ecw Tv. title. Best part it will only be defended on ecw not ppv. So, when the champ loses the title he can set his sights on the ECW World Title (yeah, I know but wiki says its a world title)

Good read man.

[Freeman]

Nay for Ryder.

Yay for the European Title.

What? You want more? Oh alright...

As much as I don't like Ryder and his silly catchphrase, I have to say that this was a job well done Chrisss. Although I don't agree with your points, this was very entertaining, and you had me laughing, so props man.

Anything that gets the European title back, even putting it on Ryder, gets my vote, I love that strap. However, as much as I am biased towards it, I must disagree with it being the second title on ECW. If they were to give ECW a second title, there would be none more suited than the old ECW Television title.

Absolutely one hundred percent agree that there should be another title on ECW though. Whether it be the European, ECW Television or even the old ECW Tag Titles, something should be done.

Oh and the way you kind of transitioned from one topic to the other, but still made it sound like you were talking about the same thing? Skillfully done sir!

Overall, top stuff Chrisss, a very enjoyable read with some interesting points and some good humour. This is the best month you've had since I started reading you, well done.

[Petre Dyche]

Dude, as a card-carrying member of the Zack-Pack, I say touché sir. Ryder has so many upsides it's like that picture Crazy Stairs. Every match he's in sees a great ebb and flow, and regardless of defeat, ie against Christian, or a victory, ie against most others, both combatants look a million bucks.

[Uncle Joe]

Reading this gives me hope that Cody and Ted will be something (or at least one of those two will) after Legacy's eventual break up. If you thought these dudes were lackeys, the Edgeheads were the arbiter supreme. I forgot his partners name, but Zack Ryder is pretty goddamn entertaining. Hopefully he doesn't go the way of Rob Conway.


Good column dude.

[Jason Boy]

Zack Ryder is gay this column wasn't. Let's Leave it at that !

[Pinky]

I agree that ECW needs another title and the European is as good as any.

However I do think you're jumping the gun a bit saying that Ryder is a future World Champ. He doesn't have the look and physique of a Jack Swagger or the rabid fan base that CM Punk used to have.

[Benjamin Button]

I've come to expect good columns from you. Good ideas, great delivery.

[Andy_Savana]

I just read that someone has come to expect good columns from you.

I actually came to expect shit narratives.

Pleasantly surprised at this excellent column. Since it is actually a column.

I for some reason cannot dig Zack Ryder. He just is annoying and not in the good heel way.

[Super Chrisss]

Box Car Rocco - I can't say I blame you for not being a regular of ECW. It took me awhile to get into it following the "trade" a few months back. I highly suggest YouTubing his match against Christian. Not the match of the year, but it shows his potential. Thanks for the feedback bro.

lazyking - I'M your favorite columnist? I didn't know today was April Fools Day. I too was leaning towards bringing back the ECW TV Championship, but since WWE is trying to distance itself as much as possible from the old ECW, it doesn't seem plausible in my eyes. Thanks for the feedback man!

Freeman - As for my views on the ECW TV title, see my response to lazyking. I really think you should dig Ryder, he's got "it", don't you think? Believe it or not, it's pretty difficult for me to tickle some peoples' funny bone, so I'm glad you found some stuff funny. And thanks for singing my praises as well. Your words are so sweet lol

Petre Dyche - THANK YOU SOMEONE FOR AGREEING WITH ME. I was starting to get down on all the Zack-haters. Interesting words you used with "ebb and flow". Consider them stolen! Thanks for the feedback dude.

Uncle Joe - Now that I think about it, he really does remind me of Rob Conway. Shit. Let's hope he's luckier than the French-wannabe! Thanks for the feedback and LOL @ Edge's lackeys. The other half was called Curt Hawkins, by the way.

Harry Potter A.K.A. Jason Boy - Your feedback was as gay as your name. Just kidding bro, glad you liked it.

Pinky - I'm glad you semi-agree with me then. No, he may not have Swagger's body or Punk's fanbase, but he's got an arsenal many wrestlers would love to have, and his charisma is undeniable. Whether he makes it as big as I want him to is up to him. Thanks for the feedback dude.

Benjamin Button - Why thank you then. I do try my best. So I'm guessing you liked it then?

Andy_Savana - You're a funny guy, really! Well I'm glad you enoyed my column, but not happy you're another Zack-hater. Can't win 'em all I guess. Thanks for the feedback though!

[DA I VAN]

Ryder kicks ass and I do know it. Super Chrisss your a good writer man, I look forward to reading your next stuff.

[Super Chrisss]

NEXTTOBELOST: Why thank you for digging Ryder & myself. That's some nice feedback right there!

[Andy]

Why do these guys not like Ryder!? He's (one of) the next big thing(s)! You managed to blend in the past with the present and future. That equals an interesting read when writing about a single superstar. The idea of a European Title on ECW is a promising one, and as you say, it could kick-start some careers. Ryder seems as if he will get popular as a heel which may force a face turn in which he could either crash or burn. However I would have like you to have gone into a little more depth with Ryder as I believe that another 500 words could have made this excellent. this years Summerslam the best in five years? That's a bold statement. If Punk hadn't have won, I would have considered it below average.

It wasn't just the content that made this good; it was the use of grammar and I cant recall any spelling mistakes. Keep it up.

[XanMan]

I don't watch ECW, but I've caught Ryder on Superstars a couple of times, and I like what he's doing, and love his finisher. He definitely has potential I didn't see when he was an Edgehead or one of the Majors Brothers. Nice job, here, Chrisss. No obvious mistakes and a very compelling case was made.

[BeyondKnight]

As my ETA partner above me said, this was a well developed and put together column. As far as the content is concerned, I think you are delusional, but then again maybe I am the one that is inching further and further towards out of touch.

ECW doesn't needs a title about as much as we need a 3rd women's belt.

~BK

[Leonard]

Hi Chrisss. This was well reasoned, I thought, and is nothing that we haven't come to expect from you. Very pleased that you took on the topic of Zack Ryder because I too see great things coming from him in the future. When he debuted with his new gimmick and crazy attire, I actually called my mom right then and had her turn it on and witness his crazy half-pants. They still crack me up to this day.

If a secondary title would be introduced on ECW (which I am an advocate of, by the way), I would like it to be the Television Championship, especially because then it gives the weekly show a little more importance. I am a fan of the European Championship as well, though, so you'll really get no argument from me. Nice work.

--Leonard

[Super Chrisss]

Andy - What can I say, my man? Since you either love or hate my columns, whenever you're in 'loving' mode I am always that more pleased. It's good to see that you pretty much agreed with my points and a Ryder face turn is undeniable, but only IF his gimmick really takes off. Thanks for the advice and comments dude.

XanMan - We're in the same boat then, because I thought the Majors and the Edgeheads were twins split from birth. I'm glad my ideas are catching on and you like his style. Thanks a bunch for the feedback!

BeyondKnight - TWO MP's feedbacking my column? Good Lord, who's butt have I been kissing lately? Haha maybe we're both crazy and we just don't know it! A 3rd women's title would be more than a joke - it would be a sheer insult. Thanks for reading and commenting man!

Leonard - I'm sure your mom had a real kick out of that! Zyder's got all the tools he needs to go far, now it's up to him to see how well he uses them. As much as I would love seeing the Television Championship make it's return, I just can't see it happening in anti-ECW WWE. one can always dream though. Thanks for the feedback good sir.

[Baba O'Riley]

Hey Chrisss, I enjoyed this, it gave me information on Ryder's new character, information I didn't know as I don't watch ECW.
Alot of people say which title's to bring back, and I think your idea to bring back the European Championship is a good one, as ECW could do with another title.
Overall, good column, I enjoyed it and catch ya next time

[Super Chrisss]

SenileTurnip - I'm glad I was able to open your eyes to the light, or the "Ryde" way as I like to say. Not that many people agreed with me about choosing to bring back that particular championship so your words bring e pleasure. Thanks for reading and responding bro.

[MyLeeCyrus]

You're crazy, you're deluded, you're... Potentially right. Ryder could do it, but I think he's going to need a lot of character tweaks. Can you honestly see the world champion on either Raw or Smackdown shouting "woo woo woo" at the top of his voice?

He's got a looooong way to go, but the upside is that if he ever does become the world champion, you'll look like some sort of psychic, wrestling-column-writing messiah.

Good read, mate, and you backed up your points well, even if I can't bring myself to agree with you.

[Super Chrisss]

MyLeeCyrus - Haha Flair said "Woo" didn't he? Ryder may say it like two times more, but it still counts! Judging by how he's been booked lately, I am fearing for his safety. If I am correct (even if the year is 2011) I will remmeber your comments and hold you to them! Thanks for reading bro.