wrestlingfan
Championship Contender
He needs a gimmick, better, mic skills, ring talent. I like Gunner but I'm not completely sold on him. He could be repackaged.
Gunner: What's Missing?
- Thread starter It's Damn Real!
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Zeven_Zion
King Of The Ring
He needs time and feuds with people he can learn from. Gunner has a level of talent that will suffice. He's not unwatchable, but he's no pro wrestling marvel either. He seems like a guy that learns quickly. Put him in good, long feuds with guys like AJ Styles, RVD, Sting, Flair, Angle and such. Win or lose, it doesn't matter.
See, this is why you need the "old people". When I was typing who he could be in the ring against I had a hard time coming up with guys after Sting and Angle. What happens when Sting and Angle are gone? Sure, they can mentor him and tell him what to do, but we all know it's better when you do it. You'll get the WWE effect. A bunch of greenhorns not knowing what the fuck they're doing.
Anyhow. Like I said, Gunner needs time, he needs to stay on the radar and he needs to learn. He's got a good look going on, he's developing himself as time goes by, he's on the right track. Oh, and change your freakin' name. Gunner's fine but I've never been a huge fan of single word names like Crimson or Gunner. Sounds like a character more than it does as an individual. I know it's wrestling and everything, but still ... human names are better.
See, this is why you need the "old people". When I was typing who he could be in the ring against I had a hard time coming up with guys after Sting and Angle. What happens when Sting and Angle are gone? Sure, they can mentor him and tell him what to do, but we all know it's better when you do it. You'll get the WWE effect. A bunch of greenhorns not knowing what the fuck they're doing.
Anyhow. Like I said, Gunner needs time, he needs to stay on the radar and he needs to learn. He's got a good look going on, he's developing himself as time goes by, he's on the right track. Oh, and change your freakin' name. Gunner's fine but I've never been a huge fan of single word names like Crimson or Gunner. Sounds like a character more than it does as an individual. I know it's wrestling and everything, but still ... human names are better.
What does he need? Well, let's start with personality because holy crap is he boring. I mean, you can say he's in need of a gimmick. But a gimmick is worthless if the person portraying it doesn't have any personality. His in-ring work is fine, I guess. Not particularly impressive, but I'm not going to pick him up on it. Considering his limited personality, his mic skills aren't horrible. They're like his ring work, just kind of... there.
On a slightly different note, his look isn't impressive. It isn't cool. It isn't noteworthy. Unless of course that note is "holy hell, doesn't he look generic". Because seriously, he is severely generic. Muscular? Check. Tattooed? Check. Doesn't smile? Check. Sounds like... just about every wrestler on television. Randy Orton, Crimson, Matt Morgan, Wade Barrett to name but a few. Remove "tattooed" from the criteria and the list increases to a ridiculous degree.
On a slightly different note, his look isn't impressive. It isn't cool. It isn't noteworthy. Unless of course that note is "holy hell, doesn't he look generic". Because seriously, he is severely generic. Muscular? Check. Tattooed? Check. Doesn't smile? Check. Sounds like... just about every wrestler on television. Randy Orton, Crimson, Matt Morgan, Wade Barrett to name but a few. Remove "tattooed" from the criteria and the list increases to a ridiculous degree.
Kenny Powers
Bulletproof Tiger
It's been said before but the guy needs some personality and actual gimmick. Every time I see him in the ring or cutting a promo, I want to change the channel. (Something I usually do for Mexican America or Eric Young). Gunner is the bland security guard/bouncer guy, just like Test was. He can't get over just on his size alone like Test and Kevin Nash. He isn't bad in the ring or even that bad on the mic. He is just monotone.
He looks like a guy would see at a tattoo parlor or biker rally. Just a random dude. If he is Mr. Intensity, then he needs to show me something intense. Throw a pie or something.
He looks like a guy would see at a tattoo parlor or biker rally. Just a random dude. If he is Mr. Intensity, then he needs to show me something intense. Throw a pie or something.
GrandSword
Burning Hammaaaaah!!!
Watch Alex Shelley
In any case I think Gunner is fine, he actually works out unlike alot of TNA talent and has just been pushed too hard as of late is all. Give him time, he'll work out.
Crimosn's the one I can't stand. This guy is leading the BFG series and yet where is he? Haven't seen him in weeks. I guess I could have a 6 month undefeated streak too if in the last 6 months I was on tv only 4 times...
worst undefeated streak ever... the poster that said no skills, no charisma etc etc.. well that's how I feel about Crimson...
JJYanks121
The Mouth of the South Shore
Totally agree with you man. Many have been gushing over Crimson but I've said for months that he and Gunner are the same person and neither is that interesting. Both are supposed to be "intense" guys that are just dominators, but neither actually exudes that or remotely shows it in the ring.
When you watch a Crimson match, you see a guy who has a decent finisher but getting there is the problem. He's ok and all, but nothing about his ring work stands out. He's not particularly brutal with any move which hurts him a lot. Same with Gunner, really. If they are supposed to be intense or whatever, make sure their offense and not just their finisher looks brutal.
With both guys, it's about seasoning and lots of it. It seems ya'll are finally seeing that a bit and it's appreciated. I mean, I appreciate pushing young talent as much as the next guy, but it has to be done right. Gunner certainly deserves the push WAY more than Crimson as he'd put in his time on the independent circuit for a lot longer, but that's not to say that he'll be better in the end. They both could be great, they both could suck. Right now, they are both incredibly generic characters with the dreaded "potential" label. A bit of character development would help, but the thing that will help the most is the little things in regards to ring work and being a character. Facial expressions, the way opponents sell their offense, the way they work their offense, that sort of thing. Do that and they might have something there. Until then, I wouldn't go all out with either, especially not going into your biggest PPV of the year. A feud against each other on the show? Maybe. That would certainly be better than either getting the title shot this earlier in either of their tenures.
He's Phenomenal
Getting Noticed By Management
When I saw the title of this thread nothing sprung to mind. But the more I thought about it, the more I think about the opportunity TNA missed with Gunner as the TV Champion. Gunner is a legitimate beast and he could've had a long, dominating, run with the TV Title. Not that it really matters now because he's handled himself pretty well without having the Title.
Although Gunner's mic skills seem to be fairly decent, I think it would help his character if he was the silent assasin type. I would love to see Ric Flair as his manager and just have Gunner do what he's been doing but with Flair doing his talking. As we all know Flair is one of the (if not the) best mic workers of all time. And with Flair on hiatus at the minute and no natural storyline to return to (apart from being apart of Immortal, like Gunner), I think him as Gunner's manager could work.
I'm firmly of the belief that Gunner has what it takes to become a staple in the main event scene. In the time he's been in TNA he's really impressed. Even as the jobber security guy he showed he had something about him. And the fact it's only taken him a few months to legitimize himself as a serious player is real testament to his potential and abilities.
Although Gunner's mic skills seem to be fairly decent, I think it would help his character if he was the silent assasin type. I would love to see Ric Flair as his manager and just have Gunner do what he's been doing but with Flair doing his talking. As we all know Flair is one of the (if not the) best mic workers of all time. And with Flair on hiatus at the minute and no natural storyline to return to (apart from being apart of Immortal, like Gunner), I think him as Gunner's manager could work.
I'm firmly of the belief that Gunner has what it takes to become a staple in the main event scene. In the time he's been in TNA he's really impressed. Even as the jobber security guy he showed he had something about him. And the fact it's only taken him a few months to legitimize himself as a serious player is real testament to his potential and abilities.
New Hot Fed
Championship Contender
I can't help it, everytime I see him doing Lesnar's move, I think rip-off. It's not difficult coming up with an interesting move. Look at Crimson before he had a unique finisher but they changed it recently to the worst finisher ever, the same move the WWE wrestler Albert used to do. (it was lame now it is still lame)
Something I like about Gunner however is his running impact knew blow whatever. Maybe that could be his finisher? Quick, sudden and powerful.
I don't see what you guys are talking about. If you watch his breakout singles run as TV champion, he came off very well as a crazy heel.
He has a great look. He isn't even close to the size of Test (come on now), he's about the same height as Randy Orton. Test was the size of Batista.
His mic skills are extremely fine considering AJ Styles and Kaz. I know very well not to take anyone seriously here if they think AJ Styles has good mic skills and isn't bland himself.
Gunner does not need a gimmick. How many do you all complain about? Why can't he be a Triple H type of wrestler? A wrestler's wrestler. That's what he looks like. Let him be that.
I think he needs a new theme, a new entrance to make him look better. Entrances often present the type of wrestler you are. He doesn't have a good one at the moment.
I'm sorry, but how the hell can you complain about he is a random dude when he looks EXTREMELY more marketable than a guy like Sheamus and Barrett who got over in WWE? I'm not comparing it but let's be honest, none of them look like real main eventers and need a gimmick change.
Gunner will gain credibility by putting him in feuds and showcasing his heel abilities or face abilities. You really can't criticize him when him and Crimson haven't had a legit feud that showcased their all around talent, skills for more than 3 weeks.
Gunner's potential is Triple H/Edge (In my opinion). A guy who will do unpredictable shit and win in the dirtiest of ways.
He has a great look. He isn't even close to the size of Test (come on now), he's about the same height as Randy Orton. Test was the size of Batista.
His mic skills are extremely fine considering AJ Styles and Kaz. I know very well not to take anyone seriously here if they think AJ Styles has good mic skills and isn't bland himself.
Gunner does not need a gimmick. How many do you all complain about? Why can't he be a Triple H type of wrestler? A wrestler's wrestler. That's what he looks like. Let him be that.
I think he needs a new theme, a new entrance to make him look better. Entrances often present the type of wrestler you are. He doesn't have a good one at the moment.
I'm sorry, but how the hell can you complain about he is a random dude when he looks EXTREMELY more marketable than a guy like Sheamus and Barrett who got over in WWE? I'm not comparing it but let's be honest, none of them look like real main eventers and need a gimmick change.
Gunner will gain credibility by putting him in feuds and showcasing his heel abilities or face abilities. You really can't criticize him when him and Crimson haven't had a legit feud that showcased their all around talent, skills for more than 3 weeks.
Gunner's potential is Triple H/Edge (In my opinion). A guy who will do unpredictable shit and win in the dirtiest of ways.
What's missing is pretty simple to me: character. TNA can shove Gunner down the viewer's throats all they want, have him beat all the estabished stars and even the top champions all they want, but until they give him some character the audience has nothing to grab hold of. He's just a generic wrestler winning matches right now.. with no personality and no character to separate him from anyone else. Its the same problem with Crimson.
They're trying to rehash Goldberg in a sense, by making these unknown wrestlers just win matches and go on streaks, but Goldberg had a "mystique" about him. He was unique for his time, and you can't recreate that mystique because its been done before. So the mystery isn't a pro for these TNA wrestlers as it was for Goldberg its now a con and TNA needs to show more of who Gunner is to the audience so they have something to relate to and get behind. I have no problem with his ability in the ring, or his look for that matter, he just needs some personality and a gimmick that sets him a part from others right now, and that's whats missing.
Not to mention him being connected to Immortal right now is a negative because its holding him back; he's seen as nothing but a lackey far down the line of importance in that stable, where if he wasn't in Immortal he'd likely be taken more seriously.
They're trying to rehash Goldberg in a sense, by making these unknown wrestlers just win matches and go on streaks, but Goldberg had a "mystique" about him. He was unique for his time, and you can't recreate that mystique because its been done before. So the mystery isn't a pro for these TNA wrestlers as it was for Goldberg its now a con and TNA needs to show more of who Gunner is to the audience so they have something to relate to and get behind. I have no problem with his ability in the ring, or his look for that matter, he just needs some personality and a gimmick that sets him a part from others right now, and that's whats missing.
Not to mention him being connected to Immortal right now is a negative because its holding him back; he's seen as nothing but a lackey far down the line of importance in that stable, where if he wasn't in Immortal he'd likely be taken more seriously.
JJYanks121
The Mouth of the South Shore
I don't think the group thing hurts at this juncture. I mean, the group is too big so in that sense, it does hurt, but maybe it will help moving forward.
I would liken his position to another guy from like 2003. Generic big guy with some crazy tattoos gets put in a big heel group. Others in the group are talked about more, but he ends up becoming a big star with the right storyline. His name? Dave Bautista.
The difference between the two though is Batista was a lot bigger and was billed as such. Gunner is "Mr. Intensity" but doesn't do anything intense. Batista was "Evolution's Animal" and while he never spoke, his offense was brutal. If Gunner is to make an impact (no pun intended), he needs to be like THAT on offense. Be stiffer, hit more high impact power moves. Make it look like you HURT people in your matches. Then do the little things like get the anger going when you brutalize another victim. Do THAT and maybe we'd take you seriously as an "intense" guy.
So basically, I just wanted to kinda give you a response to your point on the group holding it back. It doesn't really, but the lack of character and the overall bland presentation of the fella is what does hold him back.
MrHashasheen
Enjoying Wrestling
You mind actually telling us what the heck this Universal Soldier gimmick is? On-topic, he's one of my favorites in TNA, though his lack of gimmick means I can't really get behind him in any sort of storyline thus far. He's far better than Crimson, that's for sure.
Gunner has a gimmick. He just hasn't shown it because he hasn't been in a single feud. No, him taking a piss and EY talking to him there does not count as a feud. Closest thing he's had to one was with AJ Styles and it lasted a week alone. He's behind Crimson. Because Crimson has had several, albeit small feuds already. Gunner has yet to even see the light of PPV day alone. His only showing being a Trios match. It's not really a matter of time, development or gimmick. It's a matter of exposure at this point. We know what he can do, but we haven't seen much of it.
New Hot Fed
Championship Contender
Also Batista pretty much impressed me by his look the moment I saw him on Smackdown. The guy was a freak!
Secondly, even as a rookie, Batista was recruited in Evolution as well as Orton. These two had the opportunity to work alongside two of the best ever- HHH and Flair.
TWJC: The Beginning
Royal Rumble Winner
He doesn't sell. You can be a dangerous badass and still sell. As a babyface, he has to draw sympathy. Randy Savage was a well built scary dangerous dude. You have to sell based on your persona and body type. He needs to sell like Savage, not really cowarding away, but hobbeling and swinging wildly at anyone who come close.
His other problem is that even though he's intense, he doesn't express it on his face that much. He needs to do that more.
He also needs to learn to tell a story in the ring. "he has a nice moveset" is a shitty reason to like him in the ring. Pretty much any wrestler can do about 50 moves, it's how you put them together.
His other problem is that even though he's intense, he doesn't express it on his face that much. He needs to do that more.
He also needs to learn to tell a story in the ring. "he has a nice moveset" is a shitty reason to like him in the ring. Pretty much any wrestler can do about 50 moves, it's how you put them together.
I_Am_Electro_Boy
Simmer down and pucker up...
I don't think anything is really missing I just think everything he's got he isn't great at. His intense guy gimmick is fine but he needs to learn how to play out that gimmick. When he's doing promos he doesn't seem to know how to deliver lines or how to react to things. He has a nice moveset but like someone else said he doesn't know how to put the moves together. So I don't think it's a case of what's missing I think it's a case of what he needs to improve on.
BoltCorpse
Dark Match Jobber
I think Gunner needs to break away from Immortal. It's hard to get over with the fans, when you're used as a henchman in a group, that's far too overcrowded to begin with.
Gunner is versatile in the ring and has decent mic skills. He just doesn't have any presence, because he's being overshadowed by Bully Ray, Anderson, and Abyss. If the writers over at TNA, made a storyline that consisted of Gunner trying to break away from Immortal; then I'm sure he'd gain the popularity that he deserves.
Gunner is versatile in the ring and has decent mic skills. He just doesn't have any presence, because he's being overshadowed by Bully Ray, Anderson, and Abyss. If the writers over at TNA, made a storyline that consisted of Gunner trying to break away from Immortal; then I'm sure he'd gain the popularity that he deserves.
