Yeah, I totally forgot he was drafted to SmackDown, that maybe makes the feud with The Miz not possible, I really don't know. But, one thing is for sure, the way the crowd reacted to him he has big things coming his way on SmackDown. It's gonna be great!
Alex Riley's Face Turn
- Thread starter GW_Hart86
- Start date
Yeah, I totally forgot he was drafted to SmackDown, that maybe makes the feud with The Miz not possible, I really don't know. But, one thing is for sure, the way the crowd reacted to him he has big things coming his way on SmackDown. It's gonna be great!
That turn was building, and it was perhaps the best executed segment in-ring on Raw all night (though I love how R-truth is channeling his inner Pillman) And the fact that Miz never really got offense in made it all the better. That gives Miz a reason to go gunning for A-Ri
LOL. I burst out laughing reading the words 'Show-Stealing' and 'Miz' in the same sentence. Riley finally ditches the useless piece of skin Vince is trying to shove down peoples' throats because his name isn't 'John Cena', and now hopefully he'll get a nice push on Smackdown and have some good matches with the guys over there like Rhodes, DiBiase, Bryan, Cara, Chavo, Sheamus, Yoshi, Christian, Regal, Baretta, Kidd, Gabriel and so on.
Serious Mozzarella
Special Victims Unit
It was kind of like a personal swerve, because I always thought "manager/subordinate" types were the punching bags of their respective wrestlers. Riley always came off as the kind of guy who would never stand a chance against someone like The Miz, who was doing a pretty decent job with people like Cena. It shattered the manager stereotype that they're all just punching bags.
Alex Riley is bigger and stronger than The Miz, and I like the idea that he was able to beat the crap out of him the entire time, and just chose not to.
Alex Riley is bigger and stronger than The Miz, and I like the idea that he was able to beat the crap out of him the entire time, and just chose not to.
hollowpoint
The Greatest of the Universe!!
Three words....ABOUT DAMN TIME! Of course I didn't think he would beat the crap out of the Miz like he did (which was AWESOME), but I think it is a great move for both parties. As much as The Miz has done to establish himself as a main event player, he hasn't done anything alone. With Riley now gone, he's either gonna swim with the big fish, or drown. Same thing for Riley. Now that he's away from Miz, he's got to prove that he deserves a spot on the SD! roster. He could easily have programs with Wade Barrett for the IC title, or go at it with Cody Rhodes. Only time will tell, but for right now, thank goodness.
MizfitPeep
Dark Match Winner
I loved that whole segment on Monday. The chants for Alex Riley were just awesome to hear. I kinda hope they just ignore the fact that Alex Riley was drafted to Smackdown, at least for a while. I would love to see a program with him & The Miz. It's something, as a fan of both, that I'd be interested in. Then when it's all over, Alex Riley can move over to Smackdown where was intended to be.
This is great. Miz is so hated that even someone like Riley, who has never done anything remotely resembling acting like a face, legitimately can turn face by telling Miz off. Now he can possibly feud with Miz for a PPV match then move on to Smackdown where he got drafted to, where he can be a face on his way up the card and doing things far more important than carrying that dumb briefcase around for The Miz. I think this will be good for Riley because he can do so much better than being an underling for Miz and this is the beginning of him showing the world that.
I'm just so happy that the face-turn angle worked out that well. It doesn't mean anything but Miz being extremely over with fans. I mean let's face it, A-Ri hasn't done shit in WWE during his career except carrying the stupid briefcase and cut generic promos, and people usually tend to not care about these kind of sidekicks, but he turned on Miz and got people chanting his name that loud.
That means A) Miz is right. He has made it in WWE and he's here to stay. B) We might have a young up and coming babyface who by the way can hold the mic and cut a decent promo, something that hasn't happened during the youth movement.
I'm so happy for this.
That means A) Miz is right. He has made it in WWE and he's here to stay. B) We might have a young up and coming babyface who by the way can hold the mic and cut a decent promo, something that hasn't happened during the youth movement.
I'm so happy for this.
martymcfly
Getting Noticed By Management
I think it's a little early to call Riley a face after this exchange. A face would have played to the crowd, acknowledged them, struck a pose for them, cheered, something. He didn't do that at all, which makes me think that it is probably more likely that there is not going to be a miz/riley feud, and riley will probably show up soon on smackdown as a heel character on his own.
I marked out! Not when Reilly first hit Miz but sometime when they where outside the ring when it became apparent that Reilly was giving a superb beat down, i think the reason i did MARK was because like some of you over the past couple of months i have been noticing Reilly a lot more. Not just on the mic but also in his in ring skills which will get better and better and got a feeling he was about to break away from The Miz and found myself hoping that he really did have the 'right stuff'
The potential is easy to see and Reilly needs to capitalise on the ability,charisma that he has. So when that segment was finished i was quiet happy that Reilly shone.
A-Ri 'SELLS' while in the ring better then most other mid-carders and better then all the other guys as green as he, and after RAW we can see that he can give a believable and intense beat down. My only criticism of the segment was that there where key moments that Reilly could have worked off of the crowd reaction a little more but overall it is a small thing that he will no doubt learn as time goes on.
I have no idea where this feud will lead so the only thing i can hope on is that whatever it is, that its done right.
A number of guys past and present who looked 'goofy' ala Reilly, when they first came into the Business who also had enough charisma to evolve became top guys (The Rock, Austin, HHH, Orton, Cena ect ect)
Each of these guys and more used what they started with and made it Evolve with them and there in-ring opportunities.
I hope this is the start of something special for A-ri because lord knows the WWE needs more young guys to step up to the plate now more then ever.
The potential is easy to see and Reilly needs to capitalise on the ability,charisma that he has. So when that segment was finished i was quiet happy that Reilly shone.
A-Ri 'SELLS' while in the ring better then most other mid-carders and better then all the other guys as green as he, and after RAW we can see that he can give a believable and intense beat down. My only criticism of the segment was that there where key moments that Reilly could have worked off of the crowd reaction a little more but overall it is a small thing that he will no doubt learn as time goes on.
I have no idea where this feud will lead so the only thing i can hope on is that whatever it is, that its done right.
A number of guys past and present who looked 'goofy' ala Reilly, when they first came into the Business who also had enough charisma to evolve became top guys (The Rock, Austin, HHH, Orton, Cena ect ect)
Each of these guys and more used what they started with and made it Evolve with them and there in-ring opportunities.
I hope this is the start of something special for A-ri because lord knows the WWE needs more young guys to step up to the plate now more then ever.
ultramattman
Pre-Show Stalwart
I agree, I'm not convinced at all that A-Ri is turning face, just branching off on his own. Really, it depends on what they want to do with Miz. If they want a full-on Miz v. Riley feud, then he turns face. If they have something else planned for Miz, then Riley can go to Smackdown and feud with Daniel Bryan or something. I'd prefer Riley to continue on as a heel, but if the crowds are really cheering for him, go with it.
ianskarbek
Dark Match Jobber
I would really like to see riley make a run. He showed last week that he can bring it in the ring (aside from the fact it was pretty much a cheap shot), and has always been a great accessory to the miz. I think his biggest challenge will be making his own brand once his potential miz fued loses its shine. Also, if riley becomes leaves miz for good, does miz get paired up with truth/swagger for some tag matches?
Cracka Jack
\_0]
Good job, WWE! You managed to get a guy pretty damn over as a face in no time at all. I'm not sure what to expect from a feud between these two. Miz will of course get some measure of revenge next week, and should look more dominant overall in the feud, but Riley can still get some cheap roll-up or interference-heavy wins over Miz. One problem is that A-Ri's on Smackdown right now, but the line between brands has seemed pretty pointless at times (see: most of them). Either way, Miz should help make Riley look as good as he can. I do question just how well Miz can make someone else look, though. Here's hoping for the best.
ianskarbek
Dark Match Jobber
How about RAW signing a-ri back!? Also, that new intro for riley was sweet. Loved the lights and the music. I was never a fan of riley coming out to miz's intro, and I'm glad that he finally got his own. Really looking forward to watching riley develop.
I felt smackdown could have used Riley a little more and this just goes to show how bullshit the draft is. I'm really shocked how over Riley is becoming because he just looks like a heel to me. My problem is after this Miz feud Riley should go back to smackdown because when jomo comes back I doubt they use Riley.
Mr. Artistic guy
Better Off This Way
I think I'm going to be calling A-Ri 'Mr. Natural' from here on in because wow. How much more on-point could his whole segment have gone last night? The music and lights were definitely on the up side of average and good for someone only coming into their reign as an individual superstar. The way he spoke on the mic..... I don't know if it was the fact he's been in the corner of Miz for so long but it just felt so genuine. And his brawl sold it as well. It was just so damn realistic, and however he does it, it was superb.
Sometimes when you have a brawl like that it flounders as soon as it begins to look unrealistic, and that one was never in any danger of that. He just kept on the attack and layed in stiff shots. Dude is better than The Miz. End of. He's just a natural.
Sometimes when you have a brawl like that it flounders as soon as it begins to look unrealistic, and that one was never in any danger of that. He just kept on the attack and layed in stiff shots. Dude is better than The Miz. End of. He's just a natural.
Trill Co$by
Believes in The Shield!
I know it seems a bit early to tell, but I think I'm seeing dollar signs with Alex Riley. I mean this guy just became one of WWE's top faces in two weeks flat. Did you hear the reaction he got when his theme song hit? I hadn't heard a reaction like that in YEARS. Riley went from being a heel lackey to being a big time face in no time. After he feuds with Miz, I'd like to see him feud with R-Truth or Del Rio...
I can't believe I'm saying this... but I don't see why Smackdown would even benefit Riley. But looking at the talent on Smackdown and then at Riley... he just doesn't fit there. But on Raw, it's like there's nothing but shining hope for him.
I can't believe I'm saying this... but I don't see why Smackdown would even benefit Riley. But looking at the talent on Smackdown and then at Riley... he just doesn't fit there. But on Raw, it's like there's nothing but shining hope for him.
The Dragon Saga
Whale in a Teardrop
I've liked Alex Riley since I watched him on FCW. Very good wrestler when given the chance, sells his opponents attacks to a tee, he's naturally very good on the microphone, something which can be seen when he was on NXT and now. He hasn't just got it from hanging around The Miz, he had it well before then, and he has the all important look.
Alex Riley looks like a guy who you can stick on a poster and people will take notice of, due to the fact he has that look. He does seem very generic and all, but certainly if his attitude stays the same as it has been over recent weeks then there is no reason as to why he can't sell.
Alex Riley looks like a guy who you can stick on a poster and people will take notice of, due to the fact he has that look. He does seem very generic and all, but certainly if his attitude stays the same as it has been over recent weeks then there is no reason as to why he can't sell.
the_vipers_enigma
Pre-Show Stalwart
Well I see only good things in Riley's future.With that crowd reaction and with his charisma,mic skills and wrestling skills(better than the Miz) Vince could make him the best in the mid card and then move him to the main event.If WWE doesn't skrew him he could be the next face of WWE
FightOwensFight
Formerly Global Conquest
I am going to join in the chorus and jump on the Riley bandwagon as well. From first seeing him on NXT you could tell he was comfortable on the mic and if focused could cut very good promos. He obviously has the build and look Vince likes and while we have seen little of him in the ring, what has been seen says he will be just fine. His music when he came out last was very good as well. I can see this being a cross-brand kind of thing with Miz attacking Riley on Smackdown! (as that is technically his show) and a little back and forth. Wouldn't mind it ending at SummerSlam and then having them each stay strictly on their shows and move on to other things.
Either way, I am really looking forward to this. WWE is really doing some things well right now with an interesting Cena-Truth storyline, Rhodes continuing to grow on Smackdown! and likely starting a program with Daniel Bryan, the whole Christian-Orton angle and everyone waiting for Christian to snap. Now this with Riley and Miz with Riley immediately being a legitimate face in a company that has far too few of them.
Either way, I am really looking forward to this. WWE is really doing some things well right now with an interesting Cena-Truth storyline, Rhodes continuing to grow on Smackdown! and likely starting a program with Daniel Bryan, the whole Christian-Orton angle and everyone waiting for Christian to snap. Now this with Riley and Miz with Riley immediately being a legitimate face in a company that has far too few of them.
TheNewStyle
Pre-Show Stalwart
I am extremely impressed with Alex Riley now. Eight days ago, I just thought of him as nothing more than a worthless extra lackey for The Miz to take his beat downs and interfere at every chance he gets but then last Monday, the thought changed when he put on a believable beat down on The Miz as if he was his long time rival. Then fast forward to this week and WOW! They have big plans for him, that's for sure. At first the last thing I wanted was him apologizing for the attack, but no, with Michael Cole interviewing him, hearing the words "I never felt any better in my life" was simply AWESOME. Then him snapping and putting Cole in that corner seemed totally legit until The Miz broke it up and still got his ass handed to him. Just think about it, three weeks ago when he came out to challenge John Cena, he got heavy boos, but now the tables turned and he's getting massive cheers. His entrance is also great!
(On a side note: The Miz wears some of the most fragile clothes ever, his shirt was ripped just by him falling on his way by the ramp.)
(On a side note: The Miz wears some of the most fragile clothes ever, his shirt was ripped just by him falling on his way by the ramp.)
So i was thinking, what if The Great One himself, The Rock, start talkin about how Alex Riley reminds the Rock of himself. Therefore Alex Riley get's most of the Rocks fans to start liking Alex Riley? Then somehow have John Cena reminding us of what he had to go through with Alex Riley and the Miz. That can all start the heel turn of John Cena with The Rock and Alex Riley being the faces and Cena being the Heel? Just wondering what you guys would think if that happened.
HorsemenNo4
Alliance to End Hulkamania
I didn't think much of Riley as a heel. Since SO many FCW stars are coming into WWE as heels, it's easy to get lost in the mix. Making Riley a face sets him apart from his counterparts. He's been getting a great reaction from the crowd.
I'm surprised Miz didn't get the upper hands on Monday. I was expecting the segment to end with Miz standing over Riley's beaten down body. Instead Riley came out on top again with a great roar of the crowd.
Hopefully this keeps going!
I'm surprised Miz didn't get the upper hands on Monday. I was expecting the segment to end with Miz standing over Riley's beaten down body. Instead Riley came out on top again with a great roar of the crowd.
Hopefully this keeps going!
Did you hear the fucking reaction the crowd gave him? That was mainevent cheering right there..
His theme song is extremely good, he's a solid build, and he's got almost Miz-like mic skills. Both this week and last week when he was brawling with Miz, it legitimately looked like he wanted to beat the shit out of him. Obviously he didn't or he would've have been allowed to do it this week, but it's just so real.
This kid will be a star, just you wait..
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His theme song is extremely good, he's a solid build, and he's got almost Miz-like mic skills. Both this week and last week when he was brawling with Miz, it legitimately looked like he wanted to beat the shit out of him. Obviously he didn't or he would've have been allowed to do it this week, but it's just so real.
This kid will be a star, just you wait..
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therockisback!!!
Dark Match Winner
I like where the WWE is gonna end up heading into next year i think Miz, Cena, R-Truth and Riley are gonna be the key too a good year i can see Alex Riley As a future Face of the company maybe after Cena leaves and Miz is already the number one Heel and Truth Knows that so i think that we gotta be prepared for a great last half of the WWE Year. Riley generated so much Pop WWE would have to be fools to not let this carry out and get bigger. Everyone has been waiting so long for this Feud.
