The 25 Best Wrestlers on Television
The name says it all. This is a list of who I feel are the best wrestlers to be on Television during the calendar year of 2008. The reason why I limit it to Television is because, in all honestly, 90% of all the pro wrestling I am exposed to, and 100% of all the wrestling I write about in this column is shown on Television. With that in mind, some wrestlers like Bryan Danielson, Nigel McGuinnes, and Austin Aries will NOT be appearing on this list, because they are not showcased on a weekly television program that I have access to. On the other end of the spectrum, wrestlers like John Cena, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels will not be featured on this list either, because I do not like them, and I am horribly biased.
In my criteria for making this list, I have limited it to wrestlers who appear on a weekly television program. As such, this list will be primarily wrestlers from WWE or TNA. However, I have also chosen to include several wrestlers that appeared during TNA’S World X-Cup Tournament, because they were showcased rather well on TNA Television. That, and as I said before, I’m horribly biased. As well, in using the WWE Power 25 Rule, I have decided to list entries who are regularly showcased as a tag team as a tag team. ON WITH THE LIST!
25. Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino, Speed Muscle
These guys make the list solely for their fucking FANTASTIC, possibly MATCH OF THE YEAR with The Motor City Machine Guns earlier this year. It was just simply mind-blowing. If you have not seen it, go YouTube it.
24. Montel Vontavious Porter
This man is a consummate pro. Despite his arrogant Terrell Owens-inspired gimmick, he is an underrated wrestler, and the fact that he still puts out a great effort despite his “Losing Streak” gimmick this year earns him a lot of respect.
23. Evan Bourne
I have to hand it to this guy. The former Matt Sydal has done what few others have done, and that’s break Vince’s strident rules against certain moves, namely high risk moves like the Shooting Star Press. Possibly because the dude can fly like a bird. Although he has almost NO personality, his arial talent makes up for that in spades.
22. Ultimo Guerrero and Rey Buccanero, Los Guererros
Being the backbone of the World X Cup-winning Team Mexico, these guys were going to find a place on this list somewhere. The World X Cup probably produced some of the best television TNA had all year. Also, I find something oddly humourous about the name “Rey Buccanero.”
21. Alex Koslov
I’ll level with you. This guy makes the list solely for the reason that he has two moves named “Glasnost” and “Perestroika.” I mark out for shit like this.
20. Homicide and Hernandez, The Latin American Xchange
Frankly, you’d have to be blind, or a complete and total WWE Apologist not to recognize the talent the LAX has. TNA has a healthy tag division as it is, but these guys make it look even better. Also, while I have the LAX on your mind for a moment, let’s clear something here. It’s THE LAX, alright? Not just “LAX.” THE LAX.
19. Ted Dibiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes, Simply Priceless
Who would have thought that by simply turning him heel, Cody Rhodes would actually develop some personality? The guy LITERALLY went from Plywood to awesome smug heel overnight. Then again, it’s easy when you have the charismatic son of Ted Dibiase to play off of. Afa Jr. isn’t included here, because Afa Jr. doesn’t deserve it.
18. AJ Styles
Many people complained about AJ Styles’ role as “Comedic Sidekick” for the past couple of years, that he deserved better. Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t, the point is, he played the role spectacularly. He just oozed obnoxiousness, especially when he was named the Crown Prince of Phenomenal. What’s even more phenomenal is how AJ Styles subtly, yet successfully managed to make himself a Face again with little to no effort. And lest we forget, the guy is one of the best, all-around pure wrestlers on TNA right now. Unfortunately, the fact that he was indeed showcased as a sidekick for the better part of this year keeps him this low.
17. William Regal
Who would have thought that Regal would see such a renaissance in his career in 2008? Dude wins the King of the Ring Tournament, comes within an eyelash of breaking into the main event, gets busted for drug use, and THEN comes back to win the Intercontinental Championship without losing one flicker of the steam he built up prior to said suspension. Regal deserves his spot on this list for determination alone.
16. Awesome Kong
Awesome Kong is probably one of the scariest wrestlers I have ever seen in the ring. No, not because of her looks (because that would be shallow and dickish), but her sheer power and stiffness. I don’t know if it’s the Japanese training, or the really intimidating facial expressions she gives, but EVERYTHING she does looks dangerous. However, I fear that TNA’s Women’s Division might be painted into a corner if she’s TOO dominant for too long…
15. THE Brian Kendrick
At the beginning of 2008, Brian Kendrick was a go-nowhere curtain jerker, one half of a team that was not going anywhere because Vince McMahon had a vendetta against the other half, Paul London. At the end of 2008, THE Brian Kendrick has remodeled himself into a unique heel who is really fun to watch on television. Admit it, you’re a THE Brian Kendrick mark too.
14. CM Punk
I hate to use a cliché, but CM Punk is living proof that miracles can and do happen. Case in point, he is a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Just look at him, he is the antithesis of EVERYTHING Vince likes in a World Champion. Yet, even though his World Championship run was a tad compromised, the man can say in all sincerity he is indeed a former World Champion, and did it without compromising one bit about his look or his style.
13. Kofi Kingston
In an honest world, this guy would have won WWE’s Fake Award for Best Newcomer. Because he is definitely WWE’s Rookie of the Year. It’s people like Kofi Kingston that make me slightly optimistic about the future of WWE. Mostly the hope that WWE will move away from the ‘Triple H Method’ of wrestling, and actually allow some innovation and excitement.
12. Kurt Angle
I cannot, in good conscience, have this list without Kurt Angle. Not just because he’s a phenomenal wrestler, but because he is CONSTANTLY on TNA Television. At times, he is absolutely plastered all over Impact. But, the fact remains, the man has the Bret Hart Effect going for him when it comes to wrestling (as in, he could have a Five-Star match with a broomstick).
11. Beth Phoenix
I decided to list Beth Phoenix separately, and not as part of ‘Glamarella’ (*SPOILER ALERT* a certain Eurotrash Superstar is listed ahead…), because Beth Phoenix’s efforts need to be recognized in a listing all unto herself. She is the saving grace of WWE’s Women’s Division. When comparing The WWE and TNA, in regards to Women’s Wrestling, it’s like comparing dog food to Kobe Beef. However, Beth adds a great deal of legitimacy, and tries her best to make due with whatever is given to her, and you know it.
10. Jeff Hardy
Originally, I had Jeff Hardy at #16. Originally I asked, “who would have thought that JEFF HARDY, of all people, would be a constant fixture in the WWE Championship scene?” Now, I think a more poignant question is, WHO THE HELL WOULD HAVE THOUGHT JEFF HARDY WOULD BE WWE CHAMPION?!” Seriously, it’s the biggest legitimate shock of the year, and I think winning the WWE Title justifies him being bumped all the way to #10. Jeff had one hell of a rollercoaster ride in 2008, from being on top of the world, to being suspended again, to itching and scratching his way back to the top, to becoming a WORLD FUCKING CHAMPION. Good work, Jeff, you did it!
Now, don’t fuck it up…
9. James Storm and Robert Roode, Beer Money Inc.
There is just something delightful about this pair. Far from being the best in-ring tag team in TNA, their charm comes from the Charisma that just saturates whatever segment they are a part of. Very few can cut a classic heel promo like these guys. Hell, no one can come close to grasping the “Old School Heel” gimmick quite like Beer Money. James Storm in particular is on the very cusp of being a big fucking deal, mark my words.
8. Randy Orton
Five years ago, Randy Orton sucked. He was as green as grass, and SMACKED of undeserved opportunity. But, in the past year, it’s quite obvious that something happened, and the Randy Orton of 2008 is NOT the Randy Orton of Five, Three, even a year ago. Orton got real serious about his work, and it shows, being one of the biggest heels WWE has going for them right now.
7. Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe is the exact opposite of CM Punk. While Punk is a “Never Thought It Would Happen” success story, Samoa Joe is a “Couldn’t Have Happened Soon Enough.” Everyone was just itching and scratching for TNA to pull the trigger on Samoa Joe for so very long, and TNA FINALLY did it in 2008. The unfortunate thing is, due to shitty Russo booking, the whole thing was rather bittersweet. Instead of making Joe look like a dominant badass, Joe actually came off as kind of a weak whiner of a champion. That’s just my opinion, though. Joe makes it this far in my list because, despite Russo’s shitty booking, he’s still seen as a big star in TNA.
6. Santino Marella, AKA “Eurotrash Superstar”
First things first. As I’m sure EVERYONE knows, Eurotrash Superstar does not make this list, especially this high up the list, because of his wrestling skill. Because, well, he is not very good. HOWEVER, Eurotrash Superstar has proven himself to be one of the greatest comedic heels of, well, “all the times.” I’m serious, and you probably agree with me. Eurotrash Superstar is ALWAYS entertaining with a mic in his hand, and it’s this unbelievable ability that puts him so high.
5. Angelina Love and Velvet Sky, The Beautiful People
Shocked that The Beautiful People would be the highest-ranking females on this list? I wouldn’t be. The Beautiful People are one of the best acts in all of wrestling right now. Their promos are superb. When they come to the ring, there is always an aura about them, that they indeed are a big fucking deal. And Angelina Love is a surprisingly good wrestler (Velvet Sky is good, but Angelina is better). And you know what? This all can be seen in TNA’s Ratings Breakdown. Throughout 2008, The Beautiful People were TNA’s biggest draw, consistently. Even when the show pulled terrible ratings, any segment the Beautiful People were showcased in resulted in a huge spike. The only shame about this act is that Angelina Love has not been given a Women’s Title run, because that would be unbelievably awesome. That, and having to be paired with Kip James.
4. John Morrison and The Miz, Mizorrison
You cannot talk about the future of pro wrestling without mentioning Mizorrison. In one year, John Morrison and The Miz have gone from a comedy act on WWE’S Third Brand, to being a major fixture on WWE Programming, some weeks being featured on all THREE WWE Shows. They have also held BOTH WWE’s Tag Team Titles in one calendar year. They have feuded with DX, and came out looking GOOD. Not to mention, Their Online Show, The Dirt Sheet, has helped make them incredibly awesome. John Morrison, just like James Storm of Beer Money, is just BEGGING to break into WWE’s Main Event Scene, and even become a World Champion.
3. Edge
I think it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: I’m a massive Edge Mark. Anyone who has read this column for the past four years knows that I think Edge is fucking fantastic, and, up until this year, the best thing WWE had going for it. His feud with the Undertaker this year produced probably some of the best matches of the Undertaker’s career. Unfortunately for Edge, his spot on this list was knocked down a few pegs for a few reasons. The first is his involvement with Eddie Guerrero’s Widow. The second was his sabbatical during the Fall that cooled down his momentum a bit. The third, well, you’ll see when you get to Number One.
2. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, the Motor City Machine Guns
Despite their horrible booking last year, despite the infrequency of their TV Time throughout the first half of this year, and despite the fact that TNA’s Booking Committee almost flat-out refused to get behind them for most of this year, the Motor City Machine Guns still managed to be the best thing going for TNA right now. Most of it comes from the past two months. If you have been keeping up with TNA at all, you will agree. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin are the posterboys for Pro Wrestling in the Post-Monday Night Wars Era. Absurdly athletic, yet maintaining a sharp mind for psychology, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley draw you into a match like few others can. Their personalities compliment each other, and make for incredibly awesome television. Their talent in ALL facets of pro wrestling is undeniable, and the fact that they’re so young makes me look forward to Wrestling’s future.
And Finally, Number One…
1. Chris Jericho
2008 was the Year of Chris Jericho. Hands down. No argument whatsoever. 2008 was the year of Chris Jericho. In November 2007, when Jericho returned, I excitedly exclaimed that with Jericho back, WWE Television would be saved. Thankfully, Jericho did not make me a liar. In fact, he actually exceeded all expectations I had for him, and I will admit, my expectations were very high. This year Jericho completely and successfully reinvented himself in a matter of WEEKS. His feud with Shawn Michaels was stellar, His World Championship run (I know, I know, he had two, but it really should be seen as one long, uninterrupted run) was one of the best of this decade, and his promo work was above and beyond some of the best ever filmed for television. Which is saying something, because Jericho has a long history of great mic work. But this year, Jericho worked his ass off and succeeded in remaking himself, in making WWE Television Slightly better, and in actually making what could have been a forgettable feud with Shawn Michaels (which started as a run-off from Shawn’s Feud with Ric Flair), into one of the best programs WWE has put on, at least in the past Ten Years. For all of this, and so much more, Chris Jericho is the Best Wrestler on Television for 2008.
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I’d like to thank each and every one of you who follow this column. Whether you love it or hate it, I appreciate your patronage greatly, and am slightly humbled that my angry ranting and smart-assed jokes have such a following. I also greatly appreciate the patience you guys have with my highly demanding school schedule. I look forward to many more RAW Reflections, TNA iMPACT! iNFERENCES! and maybe even the odd TNA PPV in 2009!
Once again, thank you for reading!
Al Creed
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