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...
Well, the Royal Rumble has come and gone, and we fans are once again left having to grace the presence of one John Cena. But, rather than spend an entire column ranting on how Cena came back at the wrong time, and how the product may take another dive; I want to focus this column on someone I have been very impressed with since his debut. A man that has shown me that there is indeed hope for solid WRESTLING performers in the future of the company.
Kofi Kingston made his debut for the ECW brand on January 22, 2008, and right away I was impressed with how solid this guy is as a performer. Sure, his opponent was a guy by the name of David owens, but everyone has to start somewhere. Going back and watching the debut match over again, I can only see one or two slight spots where Kofi may have messed up. Again, very solid.
When the vignettes began airing, at first I was skeptical. It reminded me of the old Carlito Caribbean Cool vignettes and I remember his debut as well. Aside from beating John Cena in his debut match, I was not impressed to say the least. In the end, Carlito grew on me and I soon accepted what he had to offer. So, along came Kofi Kingston who I had heard a lot about, but had never got a chance to see. As the vignettes roled week after week, the buzz began to build.
Now, aside from CM Punk, John Morrison, Elijah Burke, and now that guys from Smackdown appear on the show, I never found myself really caring about ECW too much. That changed the night Kofi was scheduled to debut; I wanted to see what this kid brought to the ring! I was not let down.
From the very start of his entrance I knew this kid had "IT". It seemed like it took the crowd a few seconds to realize who it was, but popped right away when they did. This is instantly good for a successful career, as there are some wrestlers on the main shows that still can't get ANY pop! (cough*Snitsky*cough). At the same time, Kofi looked instantly comfortable out there and ready to show everyone what he had.
Once the action started, Kofi seemed right at home. What I liked most about him in the ring was that he didn't feel the need to rush. He was able to show the crowd some amazing ring work and not feel pressured to pull out every trick from his bag. This is essential because as his character develops, so should his move-set. Of course the two moves that stood out most for the crowd was the double-knee drop with the "shake" beforehand, and of course his finisher: the 450 kick, with a very appropriate name!
Once Kofi hit that, the match was over and the first win of his televised WWE career was in the books. Now, what lies ahead for the man that sense's "trouble in paradise?" I can't tell right now, but I do have one wish and hope: that the WWE actually realizes the skill and potential this man has, and that he doesn't suffer the same fate of say Shelton Benjamin.
The future of the WWE is bright, but it's up to them how they choose to use the talent around them, which is not always thought of in the best of manners. Sure they have solid performers like Cena, Orton, Kennedy; but they also have the next level of up-and-coming guys like Kingston, Burke, Rhodes, and even Kenny Dykstra. I see good potential, and guys like Kofi will bring us to paradise!
That's all for now peeps but remember, you're always welcome...at The Dog Pound.
