Green Eyes #14: The Powerhouse

[Mister E]

Green Eyes #14: The Powerhouse

Good evening one and all. Allow myself to introduce…..myself. I am Mister E but a long long time ago in a land far far away I went by the name Eoghan. I am back with Green Eyes #14. The most Irishy little wrestling column ever to grace the CF. In this edition I want to look at Sheamus’s chances of glory at the upcoming Tables Ladders and chairs PPV but not before looking at some of the powerhouse stars that have come and gone over the years in the good old world of wrestling.

Ahmed Johnson

Some of you may not remember the Pearl River powerhouse but back in the mid 90s, Anthony Norris exploded onto the scene as Ahmed Johnson. Johnson boasted a scary physique that complemented his dark demeanour. He did however prove quite a hit with the fans and quickly became one of the main faces in the WWE. Ahmed’s rise was fairly typical for a face that was getting a decent push in WWF at the time. After briefly feuding with Jeff Jarrett he would go on to team with Jake the Snake and Yokozuna at Wrestlemania 12. Following this he would defeat Goldust for the Intercontinental title at the King of the Ring. With Razor Ramon having packed up his toothpick and left for WCW, there was a big gap to be filled in the WWF’s upper mid card. Johnson looked like the man to take that spot and was acknowledged as rookie of the year by the esteemed Todd Pettingall on WWF Mania. He would go on to start teaming with Shawn Michaels and begin making his way in to the main event scene. Ahmed seemed destined for world title success. This notion was realised when Ahmed earned a world title shot by winning an 11 man battle royal!

But popularity is a fragile thing. WWE’s newest acquisition, Ron Simmons, arrived and was due to feud with Ahmed. Simmons, under the name Farooq Asaad was a former WCW champion and would have provided a more that adequate platform for Ahmed, who was looking set to make it to the next level. But alas, it was not to be as Ahmed would suffer kidney problems leaving him sidelined for the next four months. His injury was credited to Farooq and in his absence he was forced to vacate his Intercontinental title and give up his world title shot. When he finally returned, he was a mere shadow of his former self. He engaged in a relatively half ass feud against Farooq and the Nation of Domination. This eventually led him to attacking the Undertaker and joining the nation, thus turning heel. A glimmer of hope appeared as Ahmed was awarded a world title shot against the dead man. But….again Ahmed would suffer an injury and he ended up getting attacked by the nation a mere few weeks after joining them. Was he face again? Was he still heel? I don’t think anyone gave a monkey’s shit because whatever crowd reaction he used to get, he got sweet fuck all once he got back in the ring. He would eventually leave WWE after another brief feud with the Nation.

One can only wonder where Ahmed might have gone had he not suffered the injuries. All the boxes appeared to be ticked. He was over with the crowd. He had performed solidly in the mid-card. He had performed well in the few tag team main events he found himself in so when he earned a WWE title shot, few were surprised. It may have been too much from Ahmed to take the belt at his first attempt but it had the potential to pave the way for future world title success. Ahmed’s injury stopped him short in a push that, in my opinion, is very rarely seen in WWE these days. In the end, there were rumours of backstage politics cited as the reason Ahmed faded away in WWE but one can only imagine what might’ve been had he not suffered that first injury.

Sid

Sid was one scary ass son bitch. But rather than telling of his WWE and WCW tenure, let me paint a little picture for ya:

<Sid Vicious approaches Vince Russo’s office>

Vince Russo: Hey Sid come on in there. Great to see ya. Hows my top man doin?

Sid: What is it Vince? WWF beat us pretty bad again last Monday. Is everthing gonna be ok?

Vince Russo: Of course. I got a brainwave this morning eating my Special K. This is going to be huge. Bigger than Austin, DX and Beaver Cleavage put together. I’m going to turn you into a luchador!

Sid: What?!?

Vince Russo: Think about it. Every one loves those crazy little bastards. But none of them have the size or strength that a world champion should have. That’s where you come in Siddy boy. I’m going to turn you into the head of the LWO, the Luchador world order.

Sid: How the hell am I gonna pass for a luchador? I can barely do a hip toss.

Vince Russo: It’s cool, don’t worry. I have it all planned out. We’re going to gradually work the luchador moves into your arsenal. I know it might be tough but we’ll get you the best trainer in the world. We’ll work on you’re speed and agility and before long you’ll be moonsaulting, hurricanranaing and spring-boarding with the best of them.

Sid: I dunno Vince, I’m really more of a brawler.

Vince Russo: Trust me on this one Sid. This will be huge. It will save this company. Tell you what, we’ll start slow. Tonight, in your tag match I want you to give Steiner a simple elbow smash from the top rope. Then gradually as you become more comfortable up there we’ll get more high flying moves for ya.

Sid: Ok, but I’ve rarely do moves off the top. You sure I’ll be ok?

Vince Russo: Oh yes. I have a really good feeling about this. Raw won’t know what hit them. Once you master the luchador character we’ll put the belt on you and you’ll be the top star of the company. Our market value will triple in Mexico and we’ll take all those sucker viewers back from Raw.

Sid: Maybe it ain’t such a bad idea.

Vince Russo: It’s a great idea Sid. Now get out there and show me what you can do from that top rope.

Sid: You got it Vince. Wish me luck.

Vince Russo: Break a leg.

......

Kane

One of the most consistent yet continuously under rated powerhouses of the last decade, Kane has been the constant when it comes to brute force in the WWE. Initially his move set was designed to mirror that of the Undertaker’s but as time went on Kane evolved into a monster force in the WWE. He would prove to be violent, ruthless and extremely short tempered; quickly establishing himself as one of the dominant heels during WWE’s blossoming attitude era. Perfectly complementing the beast like strength was the dark personality associated with the big red machine. Initially Kane could not talk. Nowadays we can’t seem to shut him up but, none the less, one of the key factors in Kane’s prolonged WWE career is that he has always had the perfect attitude to accompany his colossal strength. Keeping to himself at first, Kane would communicate through Paul Bearer, occasionally getting on the mic with his voice box to give us a word or two. It wasn’t until he teamed with X-Pac that we got to hear Kane utter words independently of said voice box. Ironically his first voice box-less words were “Suck It”. This of course proved to be a cure to his linguistic ailments and before long Kane was doing everything bar a rendition of Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma.

Kane’s powerhouse status was evident right from the start. The mask, for me, was the first indicator. Any big son bitch who dons a mask ain’t a fucker you wanna be messin with. Also it was a great way to make sure fans didn’t draw similarities between the Kane and the legendary Isaac Yankem or, of course, the ever popular fake Diesel. He arrived at Badd Blood 1997 and ripped the door straight of the cell during HBK and Undertaker’s Hell in a cell match. If this wasn’t enough he decimated the Undertaker leaving HBK with the pinfall victory. He would spend his time demolishing opponent after opponent over the next few weeks. He made his official wrestling debut as Kane against Mankind and quickly dismantled him grabbing all the headlines at Survivor Series 1997. Ahem…ah yes. Mankind, a chap that held numerous victories over the Undertaker and generally a guy you didn’t fuck with, was destroyed by Kane. His powerhouse status was solidified. He finally forced the Undertaker into a casket match at the Royal Rumble in a feud that would continue into Wrestlemania.

To go into the details of every storyline Kane ever entered is a column in itself, and a very long one at that. But suffice it is to say that over the years, from 9 tag team titles, to unmasking, to Katie Vick, to marrying Lita, to teaming with the Big show, to May 19th, to carrying around a bag with a mask in it, Kane has always given us that match where the power house is in charge. It’s disappointing that we’ve only seen one world title reign from Kane up until now and a very brief one at that. One thing I would be positive of is Kane’s status in the upper mid card. His service to the company is such that he will never find himself on the wrong end of a squash match although he will at times be putting over the up and coming talent. Rumours over the last year or two have suggested the Big Red Machine may be close to retirement but at 42 I feel Kane has plenty to offer the world of wrestling still including, hopefully, some world title reigns.

Sheamus

The Irish Curse Sheamus O’Shaunessy has grabbed this writer’s attention for very obvious reasons. From the mean streets of Dublin, the man who born as Stephen Farrelly learned his trade in Ireland’s very own Irish Whip Wrestling, rising to the top be defeating then IWW champion D-Lo Brown. With his size, power and almost stereo typical Irish appearance, it wasn’t long before Sheamus (the Irish word for James) caught the eye of the WWE. After several try out matches, Sheamus was signed to a developmental deal and began training at FCW. His successful run culminated with his capturing of the FCW title and from there he began to work dark television matches on Raw and Smackdown before making his debut on ECW in June 2009 against Jimmy Nobody. Jimmy proved stern opposition but Sheamus was always going to come out on top in that contest.

Not afraid to speak Irish, not afraid to mix things up, Sheamus continued to run through jobbers until WWE decided to put him in a short program with Goldust. This was an excellent decision by WWE in my opinion. The crafty veteran Goldust gave Sheamus just the kind of experience he needed to up his game in the main WWE roster. It was during this time that he received his first loss in WWE also. This, again, was a very good move for Sheamus’s character as it ensured he didn’t get bogged down with the same crappy “undefeated” streak that followed Snitsky, Umaga and Khali around for a year before they were sent out to pasture. After defeating Goldust in a hardcore rules match, Sheamus went on to feud briefly with Shelton Benjamin. Again Sheamus gained valuable experience and at this time I thought he was being groomed for an end of year feud with Christian for the ECW title.

But low and behold, Sheamus now finds himself on Raw. Initially I wasn’t happy to hear this. Flashbacks of Snitsky and Mike Knox came to mind and I was certain Sheamus was going to be fobbed off along the same lines. But, I think it’s fair to say he’s making a bit of an impact. Jamie Noble’s career was ended by Sheamus within weeks of his debut. Following this was a devastating kick to the head of Jerry Lawler. I mean pow! Batman and Robin style. I can’t remember the last time someone didn’t respond to an open challenge but it seemed no one was willing to take on Sheamus in the garden. At the end of the MSG Raw last week I was thinking Sheamus could very well make the main event in Raw over the next six months but alas, he’s gone and done it for the next pay-per-view.

He now joins the list of esteemed Irish wrestlers who have made it to a WWE main event.


List of Irish wrestlers who have made it to a WWE main event:

1. Finlay
2. Sheamus

But what goes up must come down right? Surely Sheamus, this relatively unknown Irishman with milky white skin and ginger hair, cannot take the WWE title from the industry's biggest star? Well I’m going into the TLC pay per view with my optimistic hat one so I’m going to have the statistics tell me whether or not Sheamus can do it.

Firstly there’s the Irish statistic. How many of the current world titles (on the main roster) have been held by someone Irish?

Irish Reigns:
WWE Title = 0 Irish Reigns
World Heavyweight Title = 0 Irish Reigns
ECW Title = 0 Irish Reigns
Intercontitental Title = 0 Irish Reigns
United States Title = 1 Irish Reign
Tag Team Titles = 0 Irish Reigns
Women’s Title = 1 Irish Reign (seriously, look it up)
Divas Title = 0 Irish Reigns

So with combined Irish reigns tallied, we see that the Emerald Isle has conquered exactly 25% of the WWE’s current championship portfolio. That stat doesn’t exactly fill me with hope but I guess one could also argue that the Irish are due a title reign.

So let us look at a more direct route. The less than a year statistic. That is, a new WWE star that has had a WWE title shot within a year of joining the main roster.

Title Wins in first year:

Kane – The Kane character won the title at the King of the Ring 1998, a mere 8 months into his WWE tenure. Despite losing the title the next day, Kane has gone on to be a main stay in the WWE over the past decades. Two Intercontinental title reigns amongst numerous tag title reigns, Kane went on to be a decorated WWE performer and has often found himself in the main event scene. In spite of a lack of world title reigns, I would still very much consider Kane’s time in WWE a success.

Big Show – Show is similar to Kane in that he won a title inside his first year. Despite a short reign he went on to win the world title again as well as the United States title and had several tag title reigns. Show has lingered around the main event scene for most of his WWE tenure and despite several failed attempts to re-capture the world title, I would again deem Big Show’s WWE career a success thus far.

Kurt Angle – Kurt won the belt inside his first year and has since become one of the best in the business. Kurt would become a main stay main eventer with numerous title reigns during his WWE tenure before Kurt decided to head for the pastures of TNA. He subsequently became champion there and has remained firmly in the main event scene. His WWE career and subsequent TNA career have been hugely successful.

Brock Lesnar – Brock broke all the rules. The minute he arrived in WWE FUing everyone in sight it was going to be only a matter of time before Brock won the world title. Within six months he accomplished this fete and added several more title reigns to his WWE portfolio. He opted to leave WWE to pursue other interests and has since become UFC heavyweight champion. It’s a shame Brock left the wrestling business because had he remained I’d have no doubt he would have been one of the greats. Of course, there’s nothing to say he won’t appear in wrestling again in the future but until then I think Brock can look back at his wrestling career as a success.

Title match defeats inside their first year:

Ken Shamrock – Initially brought in as an enforcer, Ken crossed over from the MMA discipline. He would challenge Shawn Michaels for the WWE title but to no avail. He failed to regain much more main event exposure after this and in spite of Intercontinental title and tag title reigns I would deem Ken’s WWE tenure a little disappointing.

The Patriot – Who? He beat Bret Hart then lost a match against Bret Hart for the WWE title. Good luck and goodnight. Terrible.

Rikishi – Rikishi actually received a title shot against HHH inside his first few weeks on Smackdown. He would not defeat the Game here but things appeared to be looking up for the Samoan. However he would achieve only Intercontinental and tag success but not enough main event status in WWE. The highlight of his WWE career was possibly a Hell in the Cell match at Armageddon 2000 for the WWE title but after that Rikishi slowly faded into the mid card before eventually being released from the company.

Umaga – A near year long undefeated streak culminated with Umaga being defeated by John Cena. He would go on to become Intercontinental champion but never regained main event status in the WWE. He would linger around Raw’s mid-card putting over HHH and Jeff Hardy before being drafted to Smackdown and finally being released in 2009. After his early success and dominance, it is hugely disappointing that Umaga didn’t go on to become world champion.

Perhaps the above lists are selective but looking at the stars I chose, it would be well within in Sheamus’s interests to get the belt against Cena at TLC. After earning a title shot so quickly, it could be a very slippy slope for Sheamus if he doesn’t make the most of this shot. He’s apparently the work out buddy of HHH so that clearly hasn’t done his world title aspirations any harm. When it comes to the unstoppable monster heel type character, there’s been far too many that have come and gone in WWE. I’m pushing for Sheamus to be a big star in the WWE so I’ll go as far to say that I think he could very well take the belt off Cena at the TLC pay per view. If not I would be hoping Cena doesn’t get the clean win and retians via DQ or something along those lines. Sheamus has a good look, I like his mic work, the white skin and red hair make up a scary persona and above all the man is Irish. Come on Sheamus!!! Bring it home son!

After all, we Irish, we need a little success after recent disappointments…….

I had to get at least one dig in at the bloody playoff match. I know Big Show and Kane have ECW title reigns but I chose not to include them as world title reigns. Should they be included? That’s a different debate for a different day. That’s it for now folks, hope this was an enjoyable read. I thank all who have read this far and I hope you will catch me next time.

Slán

Mister E

[Super Chrisss]

It would be just as much in Sheamus's best interest, as it would be the fans', to have him win the belt at TLC. However, there's no way that's going to happen. Sheamus is simply filler for Cena to feud with until the Royal Rumble. Hopefully I'm wrong , but I doubt it.

I would have talked a bit more about Sheamus in your profile section. I know he's new and there's not a lot to you can say, but you could have made some fantasy bookings for The Celtic Warrior.

Some parts felt a bit cluttered, but other than that, job well done Mr. E. LOL @ the Vince Russo/Sid storyline.

[Box Car Rocco]

at the Sid part. That was a very good change of pace from the rest of it.

I haven't seen much of Sheamus, so I don't know if he's done anything to much lately to deserve this, but it just seems all to quick to me to give him a world title shot. A lot of people seem to be high on him so he can't be all that bad, I might even look up that hardcore match between him and Goldust that you mentioned.

[Freeman]

Hahahahaha!

Henry's handball knocking out the Irish!

Hahahaha!

Haha!

Ha!

Sorry man, couldn't resist. I remember a little while ago a certain someone told me to watch out for a guy called Sheamus O'Shaunessy, and I remember thinking "who the fuck's that?" But look at him now! You sure know how to pick 'em.

I liked how you mixed things up in the Sid section, but did you really have to include the picture? That makes me physically sick everytime I see it, urgh! The Irish section was funny as well, some good humour there.

I'm a sucker for list columns, so I was always going to enjoy this, however in some places it was a bit too factual and biographical for my liking; I would've preferred more opinion. Also, I think you possibly had enough material to have written a whole column about Sheamus without the powerhouse stuff. You obviously feel pretty strongly about him (no homo?) so perhaps you could have just dived straight in and focused on him throughout? Just a suggestion.

Having said all that; good stuff, I enjoyed it. However I would find it hilarious if Cena somehow cheated to win (if that's possible in a Tables match?!) at TLC, thus screwing the Irish out of glory yet again :P

[XanMan]

I don't know Eoghan, I felt like this column was oddly structured. I really don't know what the point was of you looking at past powerhouses, or why you only looked at a brief few. It didn't just didn't seem to make sense. It just felt like filler. I thought the Sheamus part was good; it's a shame you didn't think it could stand on its own.

[Mister E]

Super Chrissss: Cheers Chris, yes I do hope Sheamus gets the belt at the PPV or I fear he may disappear. Thanks for feedback.

Box Car Rocco: Yes it is a bit quick but stranger things have happend. I have a feelig WWE are going to really get behind their new talent so why not start with Sheamus? Cheers for feedback!

Freeman: Oh dam you! But apart from that, thanks for feedback. Opinion and fact are always things I try to mix up as mush as possible so I'll bear that in mind. I too am a sucker for the lists!

Xanman: I see what you're saying Xan, I was going for a straight forward list of Powerhouses but when I got to Sheamus, I just got a burst of ideas. I had thought of developing them into a single Sheamus column but I opted to include the work I had already done. I could've picked a lot of stars to include in Powerhouse I went with three so I could go into detail with them rather than skim through 9 or 10 wrestlers. Cheers for feedback, much appreciated.


I think the general gist I'm getting from everyone is that maybe this could've been a stand alone Sheamus column so I'll certainly bear that in mind in the future. Not one grammer issue though? I think thats a first!

Thanks all!

Eoghan

[Uncle Joe]

Fuck, thought I fed this. Anyway . . .


Sheamus sucks. Balls, like a lot of balls. Tons of them too. But, at least they are doing their damndest to build up new fags. The main part was well written, it's a Sheamus you didn't just put that out.