WWE RAW Results (05/12/08) Jim Ross welcomes us to the Joe Louis Arena as we go into the show with the lights out in the arena. The lights come back on and William Regal is in the ring...
Jeff Hardy is on fire! There is no mistaking the fact that Jeff Hardy is on what is undeniably his best role since becoming a star within the confines of World Wrestling Entertainment. On the verge of a push to the main-event scene, can Jeff Hardy succeed and finally prove all his doubters wrong? Can Hardy overcome the "spot-monkey" title and make it big, or will Hardy forever be...stuck in the middle? There are a lot of wrestlers the WWE have at their disposal, so along with Jeff Hardy I would like to discuss some other names I personally feel could make it big. I'll even throw in some names that I feel the WWE may have dropped the ball on some time ago.
Did you know that Jeff Hardy started his WWE career at sixteen years of age? Amazing when you think of all Jeff has done for the business already, and he still has a long way to go. Brought in with his brother Matt Hardy as The New Brood with Gangrel, fans watching at that time could see that both these men were something special. it wasn't long before both Hardy's became known as Team Xtreme for their dare-devilish ways and insane high-spot bumps they would take. On April 12th, 2001 Jeff shocked the WWE world when he defeated Triple H to capture his first Intercontinental Championship; as well as what I believe was his first singles title. Although he lost the title back to Triple H just four days later, it was the start of something special.
Hardy has also had stints as the (now defunct) WWE Light-Heavyweight, European, and Hardcore Champion. It was with these singles titles that Hardy was able to establish himself as an entity without his brother Matt. When the time officially came to split the two, Jeff was a bit more stable on his own. Despite problems that have followed, as well as a stint in TNA Wrestling, Jeff Hardy returned to the WWE on August 21, 2006. Immediatley upon his return, fans could see a more focused and energized man. The WWE put a lot of faith in Hardy as they put the IC title around his waist again, where it currently resides.
In recent weeks, we have been treated to the steady rise of Jeff to the main-event playground. Despite once being known soley for those insane bumps, it appears that now is the time he may be ready to advance up the ladder. Triple H put him over at Armageddon, which may mean that even Triple H thinks this is Hardy's time to shine! I believe that if Hardy can stay focused and on the path he is currently riding, the sky is the limit. Once billed as a young Shawn Michaels, Hardy needs to take the ball and run full speed ahead.
So, with the rise of Jeff Hardy, it could open some eyes for others to really step up their game as well; or they too could forever be stuck within the "mid card" trenches for their careers. With that said, I want to pick five other wrestlers who I believe have the potential to rise in the ranks and really make a name for themselves. I'd also like to hear some of your picks as well.
One of the first names that comes to my mind is, none other than Jeff's brother Matt Hardy. This is a guy that continuously busts his butt for the WWE and (so far to my knowledge) never complains. He had a pretty entertaining run as Crusierweight champion at one point with his V1 gimmick and really seemed to enjoy himself. Since returning after an unexpected firing, Hardy seems to have a continuous fire lit under him. I like his program with MVP and I enjoy even more, the time the creative team is taking with this fued. I say upon Matt's return, put the United States title on him and let's see what he can do! I could even see a World Heavyweight Title program with Edge in the future if done right.
These next two guys I see have so much talent and potential it's almost sickening. I'm talking about Paul London and Brian Kendrick. An amazing tag team combo with potential to rise higher. Remember, guys like Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho aren't that big and they succeeded, so these guys can too. Can you say Team Xtreme 2?! Imagine where that could lead!
A third wrestler who I feel has the potential to really become something special if given the proper chance, is Shannon Moore. I have mentioned his name many times before and it's no secret I am a big fan of his, but keep in mind he started his young career with the likes of Matt and Jeff Hardy. If booked right, I feel that Shannon could be the next big talent for that mid-card position, then rise from there.
I said I'd throw out some names that I feel the WWE dropped the ball on too early, who were also stuck in the middle for the majority of their careers. The top three names that come to my mind are: Raven, Rhino, and Christian Cage. All three are coincedently on the TNA roster. Hmm.
So ends another edition of The Dog Pound. With this rise of Jeff Hardy, keep an eye on guys like Mr. Kennedy, MVP, and even Shelton Benjamin; who seems to have been re-ignited over in ECW. Everyone mentioned has the potential and as long as they realize that, let the chips fall where they may. I for one will be looking foward to seeing how Jeff handles his new role. Main event, here we come!
