Guys you've never heard of to keep your eye on

[Remix]

With WWE's youth movement in full swing of late, I thought it would be a good idea to examine the entrails and bring WZ's attention to three guys in FCW who have all the skills needed to be stars some day soon.

Johnny Curtis

This guy is FCW's top babyface, and there's a reason for that. He's one of the best guys there. He worked a heel gimmick earlier this year where he was pretty much insane. This video pretty much exemplifies this gimmick.

[YOUTUBE]xilqHiZrGFM[/YOUTUBE]

Yeah.

A few weeks after this video he turned face, pretty much dropping the gimmick in the process. In the ring, he's pretty decent with a good mix of power and agility based moves. His strikes aren't the best, but other than that there's very little to fault. Here's a decent length match for you to judge.

[YOUTUBE]WiNTPRsZw9Y[/YOUTUBE]

Also, I'm a big fan of his FCW theme.

[YOUTUBE]1lkIGleGG5U[/YOUTUBE]

Jinder Mahal

Unlike Curtis, this pick is less based on how good he is than how much I think he'll draw. Jinder, by his own admission was hired for one reason. He speaks Punjabi and English. There's no way this guy won't be a massive draw in India. To give you an idea of why that's important, the estimated population of India is 1,188,521,000 people and a growing ecconomy. Vince would be a damn fool not to try and get a slice of that. Jinder's a guy who can go a long way to doing that, and will thus be pushed upon his WWE debut. Khali was hired and pushed because of India, and Mahal's younger and better than Khali. This video more or less sums him up

[YOUTUBE]-Xl7peiSRBA[/YOUTUBE]

Richie Steamboat

In a return to tallent based picks, Richie Steamboat is definately worth a mention. He debuted in FCW earlier this year, and has been darn good. In spite of injuring his PCL in March he's had a pretty good year, producing good matches before, and after his injury. I'm not sure if he's got any charisma, but either way he'll make it to the midcard in WWE at worst based on his ring work alone. Only problem with him (other than his unknown mic skills) is that he's pretty small, which is always a problem in WWE. Back to the positives, he's only 23, so he's got a long shelf life. It also doesn't hurt that he looks and wrestles like his Dad. Here's a video of the man in action.

[YOUTUBE]VW_A3qDsPgU[/YOUTUBE]

There are definately others in FCW that are worth looking up, I can name a few off the top of my head (Bo Rotundo and Los Aviadores (they count as two)). However those three are the ones I can see being the most successful in WWE who down there. Now, there are bound to be others that will be successful that I haven't mentioned, but those three are the ones I'd buy stock in because, barring injuries they will do very well for themselves in WWE.

Your thoughts?

 

[MrHashasheen]

Your thoughts?

Interesting. I'm most intrigued by Steamboat as a second-generation star and Jinder Mahal, but Johnny Curtis seems like a pedophile with the small moustache he's got on his profile pic.

I'd put some money on Mason Ryan, the current Florida Heavyweight champion. Dude got a Goldberg-push and even he realises it was a bit too fast. Reminds me a bit of Batista in his look, but he's definitly going to help conquer the British Market along with Sheamus, Barrett and McIntyre. Plus he's Welsh and trained under Orig Williams. Carrying on a legacy, indeed.

 

[Remix]

Interesting. I'm most intrigued by Steamboat as a second-generation star

He is pretty darn good, especially considering he's only been in the buisness for a year. Got a good wrestling background as well, having been trained by Harley Race.

and Jinder Mahal

Good choice. He'll be able to get a hell of a lot of cheap heat very easily, in addition to being a draw internationally.

but Johnny Curtis seems like a pedophile with the small moustache he's got on his profile pic.

and then he goes and pours roses on himself during his entrance. Seriously though, don't write him off. He's good and far from the oddest looking guy in FCW. (that goes to Wes Brisco, with his rediculous tattoos)

I'd put some money on Mason Ryan, the current Florida Heavyweight champion. Dude got a Goldberg-push and even he realises it was a bit too fast. Reminds me a bit of Batista in his look, but he's definitly going to help conquer the British Market along with Sheamus, Barrett and McIntyre. Plus he's Welsh and trained under Orig Williams. Carrying on a legacy, indeed.

There's one problem with that though. He's shit. He looks like a star but he's the furthest thing from a star. His charisma is lacking, he's uncoordinated and has a one dimensional moveset. Now you can be a star in spite of one of those things (see Bret Hart who has no charisma, Goldburg who was clumsy, and Hulk Hogan who was one dimensional for most of his career), but to lack all but one of the qualities that could make someone a star (he LOOKS great) is a death knell for him becoming a star. In short he's a slightly better Rob Terry.

 

[MrHashasheen]

He is pretty darn good, especially considering he's only been in the buisness for a year. Got a good wrestling background as well, having been trained by Harley Race.

Harley Race? Not bad. I'd have thought his dad would have trained him.

Good choice. He'll be able to get a hell of a lot of cheap heat very easily, in addition to being a draw internationally.

Indeed. Khali might be kept on in some form though when he debuts, as a manager/"relative" or tag-team partner before Jindal turns on him.

and then he goes and pours roses on himself during his entrance. Seriously though, don't write him off. He's good and far from the oddest looking guy in FCW. (that goes to Wes Brisco, with his rediculous tattoos)

Yeah, but Wes is a Brisco. He'll get IWC heat if he doesn't chain-wrestle for an hour.

But yeah, I'll keep an eye on Mr. Creep Stache, despite my bad feelings about him.

There's one problem with that though. He's shit. He looks like a star but he's the furthest thing from a star. His charisma is lacking, he's uncoordinated and has a one dimensional moveset. Now you can be a star in spite of one of those things (see Bret Hart who has no charisma, Goldburg who was clumsy, and Hulk Hogan who was one dimensional for most of his career), but to lack all but one of the qualities that could make someone a star (he LOOKS great) is a death knell for him becoming a star. In short he's a slightly better Rob Terry.

Charisma can be learned, as can coordination and wrestling skills. He's been doing this since January after, so I don't expect much besides Goldberg-lite wrestling. But if he can get up to Goldberg/Batista wrestling levels and charisma, he's a set for the main roster. Dude has potential, and being a student of Orig Williams means something to Welsh fans.

 

[6timehitta]

I'm really looking forward to seeing Mason Ryan. He will be a big draw in Europe, if they dont make him a heel. He is FCW Heavyweight Champion right now, so IDK how long it'll be till he debuts. But He is big, strong, and a decent worker.

Tag Team wise, I wanna see The Colossial Connection!!!!!! Dick Murdoch's son, Brodus Clay, along with Donny Marlow, Haku's son, these guys can be a great force, both have great size even though Clay could be limited because of his weight. I can't wait for them to do a program with The Uso's, The Hart Dynasty, The Dudebusters, or even a tag team also coming up from FCW

 

[M-Eklipse]

I think Johnny Curtis is definitely the most promising of the three. He has a good look, from what I can remember is alright in the ring, and I'm not too sure on his mic skills. I know I liked his work as a face better though, much better then that creeper heel thing he had going on at one time.

I agree that Richie Steamboat would be a good mid-carder, but like you said his size is gonna work against him. He's good enough in the ring to be a good singles star, and could probably work well in a tag-team too.

As for that Jinder guy, I'm not to sold on him yet. I don't really wanna base my opinion on one video, so I'll have to take a look at some more of his work to get a better opinion on him.

I would like to add to the list or give some more in-depth opinions on these guys, but the guy I used to go to for my FCW videos stopped posting them a while back. Oh yeah, and Mason Ryan is definitely shit, how a guy that green is holding the championship right now it beyond me.

 

[MrHashasheen]

Mason Ryan is definitely shit, how a guy that green is holding the championship right now it beyond me.

He is very green, but even he knows him holding the championship was a bit fast.

http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/284189679.php

But yeah, I've got big hopes for the guy. If I'm still watching wrestling in 2014, then I know he's goiing to be a big part of the WWE by then.

 

[Y2JChrisJericho]

I've seen Curtis more than any of the 3 mentioned, not really impressed with what he has to offer but he isn't too bad.

Steamboat is the wrestler out of those 3 that I'd most likely keep my eye on. I love second/third generation wrestlers, I'm intrigued with what they have to do, and how they compare to their fathers/grandfathers in all honesty. It just seems like a feel good, legit, story seeing a Father-Son bond like that...I know it sounds corny, but hey, I'm a mark for it haha.

Jinder doesn't look to bad, if WWE keeps him around maybe just use him in a stable with Khali? I mean it isn't like Khali is any use as of late, and they can limit Khali, have him be the "enforcer" for Jinder, it would mean less matches for Khali, and Khali does have the Look (obviously) of being the enforcer. Have Ranjin Singh as the mouthpiece as well until Jinder starts to improve on his promo work, plus, if Jinder comes in as a heel, this can lead to a face turn for him, and a heel turn for Khali (which I think he needs).

Gosh, watching Jinder makes me want Muhammad Hassan back though for some reason haha, that guy was great.

 

[Vega]

Nice list, but I don't think Mahal will make it further than Primo. He doesn't catch me. I'm not too sure about Curtis. He can wrestle, but I somehow think he's not special enough to go to the top. He seems to be a bit weird, I don't know if th wil help him.

My top pick is Steamboat. I really like him and I think he can make it to a nice position in the company. Accompanied by his father and with his nice ability, attitude and moveset, he'll easily get a lot of cheers and over. I don't think he's too small, he's 6'2" if I'm informed right. A lot of wrestlers only start to get bigger or more defined muscles when they're around 25, not a real problem I think. Oh, and you should've mentioned that he already made a WrestleMania appearance at WrestleMania IV.

 

[M-Eklipse]

He is very green, but even he knows him holding the championship was a bit fast.

http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/284189679.php

But yeah, I've got big hopes for the guy. If I'm still watching wrestling in 2014, then I know he's goiing to be a big part of the WWE by then.

I wouldn't be so against the guy if they would've just given him more time to grow as a wrestler and flesh out his character. Instead, it seems like they said: "Oh, big guy with muscles, lets give him the Championship asap." Like you posted, even he knows he's too green for the title...but still, I've been cut off of FCW for a while and haven't seen the guy in forever, so I can only go off of his early work.

 

[Malenko316]

There's just one tiny flaw in this whole argument - the 3/4 listed are all being polished (or in Ryan's case, receiving basic training), in the fcw (hence wwe) 'style'. That means what we get will be more clones, with between Barrett and Otunga carisma. OK, I will conceed that so far Rotundo Jr has been doing fairly well. But look at recent guys who have been called up:

Alex Riley
Tyler Rex
Joe Hennig
David Otunga
Health Slater
Justin Gabriel/Angel
Daniel Bryan
Seamus
Drew McIntyre
Kaval
Wade Barrett
Husky Harris
Uso's
(Michael Tarver/Skip Sheffield/Darren Young)

If you look at the skill level and success, the only people who a primary FCW products are the Uso's, Harris, Hennig, Barrett - only one of those, Barrett came out looking ready for the push. Bryan/Gabriel/Seamus/McIntyre/Kaval all cut their teeth around the world. So, yes, Mahal, Curtis and Steamboat might get handed a push, but I don't hold out high hopes. Mason may be the greenest, but I think if Skip doesnt work out, he could be pushed as the new Batista.

For me, I think you look at Xavier Woods (perhaps a way of saving the decline of Truth) or Epico/Hunico. Now I dont think the Mexicanos can save the tag division, but if rumours of Dr Wagner Jr and other CMLL/AAA talented being sounded out are true, then with Mysterio and Dos Caras/Del Rio, that might be a good receipe. Yes, india is a market Mahal could help tap, but at present I'd guess there are more Latinos in the USA with disposable income for VKM to con money of.

Pax Vobiscum

 

[Remix]

Harley Race? Not bad. I'd have thought his dad would have trained him.

He's recieved training from multiple sources. And as his dad's working for FCW as a trainer, he is being trained by his dad right now.

Indeed. Khali might be kept on in some form though when he debuts, as a manager/"relative" or tag-team partner before Jindal turns on him.

It would make a lot of sence to bring him in with the other Indian guy.

Yeah, but Wes is a Brisco. He'll get IWC heat if he doesn't chain-wrestle for an hour.

...You know how we shit in Vance Archer for having a tramp stamp? Wes has a tramp stamp as well as tatos on his leg that make him look like he was in some horrific accident. Not a good look, which REALLY goes against him.

But yeah, I'll keep an eye on Mr. Creep Stache, despite my bad feelings about him.

Good choice.

Charisma can be learned, as can coordination and wrestling skills. He's been doing this since January after, so I don't expect much besides Goldberg-lite wrestling. But if he can get up to Goldberg/Batista wrestling levels and charisma, he's a set for the main roster. Dude has potential, and being a student of Orig Williams means something to Welsh fans.

But because of how shit he is right now he won't be coming up for a long time, and may get released before then on the grounds of being a piss poor investment.

There's just one tiny flaw in this whole argument - the 3/4 listed are all being polished (or in Ryan's case, receiving basic training), in the fcw (hence wwe) 'style'. That means what we get will be more clones, with between Barrett and Otunga carisma. OK, I will conceed that so far Rotundo Jr has been doing fairly well. But look at recent guys who have been called up:

One flaw in your arguement is that none of the guys listed are clones of the "WWE Style". Steamboat, more or less imitated his father, Mahal hasn't been there long enough to learn a WWE style, and while Curtis is closest to having that style he does have a pretty good arsenal to use in it.

If you look at the skill level and success, the only people who a primary FCW products are the Uso's, Harris, Hennig, Barrett - only one of those, Barrett came out looking ready for the push. Bryan/Gabriel/Seamus/McIntyre/Kaval all cut their teeth around the world.

You know Barrett spent three years in the UK Scene before he got signed, right? As for the guys you listed, your right, none of them are ready for a massive push right now. And in some cases they shouldn't have been called up. However I wouldn't expect all the guys I listed to get a massive push upon debuting either. Cena wasn't exactly pushed to the moon when he debuted, was he?

So, yes, Mahal, Curtis and Steamboat might get handed a push, but I don't hold out high hopes. Mason may be the greenest, but I think if Skip doesnt work out, he could be pushed as the new Batista.

Skip > Mason. By a considerable margin.

For me, I think you look at Xavier Woods (perhaps a way of saving the decline of Truth)

Not listed because he's well known for his TNA work.

or Epico/Hunico. Now I dont think the Mexicanos can save the tag division, but if rumours of Dr Wagner Jr and other CMLL/AAA talented being sounded out are true, then with Mysterio and Dos Caras/Del Rio, that might be a good receipe.

Very true, Los Aviadores (Hunico and Epico) are a damn good tag team, and I really debated whether or not I should include them, ultimately picking Steamboat over them. However they are hampred by the poor tag division in WWE, and by the fact that Epico is a lot greener than Hunico which means the latter may get called up on his own.

Yes, India is a market Mahal could help tap, but at present I'd guess there are more Latinos in the USA with disposable income for VKM to con money of.

There are ten times the number of Indians in India than people in the USA, and is predicted to become an ecconomic superpower. If WWE doesn't want in on that slice of the pie they're ******ed. That's why Jinder is a solid pick to be called up and given a good position soon.

At worst, Curtis and Steamboat are good enough to be midcarders with an assload of potential untapped. All things considered, there are worse spots to be in in WWE than that.

 

[MrHashasheen]

He's recieved training from multiple sources. And as his dad's working for FCW as a trainer, he is being trained by his dad right now.

Right forgot about that. But yeah, between Smiley, Race and his old man, he's definitly going to be a technical prodigy.

...You know how we shit in Vance Archer for having a tramp stamp? Wes has a tramp stamp as well as tatos on his leg that make him look like he was in some horrific accident. Not a good look, which REALLY goes against him.

Oh my god... I can imagine it now. He shows up at a Smackdown taping dressed in pants instead of tights to cover it, makes his way to the ring with WZ posters around the walkway chanting "Tramp-STAMP! TRAMP-STAMP!"

But because of how shit he is right now he won't be coming up for a long time, and may get released before then on the grounds of being a piss poor investment.

Yeah maybe he'll end up like Morgan did. Under-utilised. But like I said, if I'm still watching 2014, he's probably going to be a part of the WWE main roster by then. If not a 2-time champ like Sheamus.

 

[Remix]

Right forgot about that. But yeah, between Smiley, Race and his old man, he's definitly going to be a technical prodigy.

He's also had a tour in Japan too, just to add to his resumee. But yeah, he does wrestle well.

Oh my god... I can imagine it now. He shows up at a Smackdown taping dressed in pants instead of tights to cover it, makes his way to the ring with WZ posters around the walkway chanting "Tramp-STAMP! TRAMP-STAMP!"

From the waist down he looks like a burn victim. He's pretty good, but I just can't get over how stupid he looks. It kill

Yeah maybe he'll end up like Morgan did. Under-utilised. But like I said, if I'm still watching 2014, he's probably going to be a part of the WWE main roster by then. If not a 2-time champ like Sheamus.

Morgan had a lot more of an upside than Mason does. Morgan's bigger than Ryan, has more charisma than Ryan and is probably better than Ryan. If I'm honest I don't see anything in Mason Ryan. I didn't see anything in him when he was on Gladiators, and I still don't now.

[YOUTUBE]Ppz0MrUnJL8[/YOUTUBE]

And if he's not going to be worth a damn for another 4 years, it's hardly worth keeping an eye on him is it?

 

[6timehitta]

I never said Mason Ryan isn't green, I was claiming that I wanted to see what he could do against, say a Wade Barrett, JoMo, Sheamus, or even Kozlov. He won't be ready for another few yrs, but I can't help but think he could be the next Batista ^_^

 

[MrHashasheen]

And if he's not going to be worth a damn for another 4 years, it's hardly worth keeping an eye on him is it?

Way to twist my words. All I said was that a few years from now, if I was still watching wrestling, he may become a big name for the WWE. Look at Batista's ******ed Leviathion gimmick. Look at what Cornette said about his training in OVW. Guy couldn't sell a punch when he first came in to OVW.

 

[6timehitta]

Thank You, MrHashasheen!!! You can train to get basic skills i.e grappling, striking, matt work. I'll tell you one thing, Vinnie Mac has a soft spot........ Maybe a really hard spot, for big muscle bound freaks!!!! Brock, Batista, and Warrior, just to name a few. Mason Ryan could be the next Batista, probably not in 2014, im thinking 2012-2013. He will come in as an enforcer for a puny heel. I'd like to see him come in and aid The Miz after A-Ri is left to his own things. Mason Ryan isn't going to be a technical wizard by anymeans, neither a high flyer, or a mic god. But He has power, one thing The Genetic Jackhammer jizzes in his pants for.

 

[Remix]

Way to twist my words.

Thanks, I tried hard on that.

All I said was that a few years from now, if I was still watching wrestling, he may become a big name for the WWE.

There's the same chance of that happening as Rob Terry becoming a huge name for TNA.

Look at Batista's ******ed Leviathion gimmick. Look at what Cornette said about his training in OVW. Guy couldn't sell a punch when he first came in to OVW.

Mason Ryan can't sell a punch either. However in addition to that he's got nothing going for him outside his muscles. He's less of a Welsh Batista than he is a Welsh Titus O'Neil. Big but that's it. Honestly, I'd call Otunga up over him right now, and that's saying something.

Thank You, MrHashasheen!!! You can train to get basic skills i.e grappling, striking, matt work. I'll tell you one thing, Vinnie Mac has a soft spot........ Maybe a really hard spot, for big muscle bound freaks!!!!

It's all well and good to say "But Remix, Vince loves big guys" but there are simply too many guys in FCW better than him. The guys I listed could be a good addition to the roster if they were called up tomorrow. Mason Ryan is someone who might be worth a damn in 4 years, but until then will be utter shit.

Brock, Batista, and Warrior, just to name a few.

Way to name three guys who were considerably better than Mason Ryan.

[quote4]Mason Ryan could be the next Batista, probably not in 2014, im thinking 2012-2013. He will come in as an enforcer for a puny heel. I'd like to see him come in and aid The Miz after A-Ri is left to his own things.[/quote]

What would be the point of that? Miz is not in a position to be elevating people right now. He's on the cusp of the Main Event. Burdening him with a sack of shit like Mason Ryan is not what he's going to need any time soon. Before you point out Alex Riley, having him hang around makes sence. He was supposedly hand selected by the Miz to be his rookie and they got on like two peas in a pod and can actually aid the Miz when it comes to cutting a promo. Mason Ryan is simply a burdan.

Mason Ryan isn't going to be a technical wizard by anymeans, neither a high flyer, or a mic god. But He has power, one thing The Genetic Jackhammer jizzes in his pants for.

He's also not good. Especially when you consider that Vince already has a big guy to wank over on Raw who's miles better than Ryan in Ezekeil Jackson.

This thread is to bring to people attention to some of the people down in FCW who are tallented but the majority won't have seen or watched. Mason Ryan is not tallented and therefore was not mentioned.

There are at least 3 guys I'd mention as mostly unknown tallent in FCW before even considering the possibility of Mason Ryan.

As a point of comparason this is Wade Barrett three years ago (it's a tag match, so sue me):

[YOUTUBE]mIRpB1iMto0[/YOUTUBE]

This is Mason Ryan now:

[YOUTUBE]pIJH_0ZoI2g[/YOUTUBE]

He is not someone who is an unknown tallent in FCW because he flat out lacks the second word. In relation to the thread title he is not worth keeping an eye on because he is not worth watching in the ring, nor is he going to be called up any time soon.

 

[6timehitta]

OK OK OK, like I said give him time, last time i checked, you weren't a mindreader and tbh I think Mason Ryan might not have been better than Brock or Batista, but he is damn sure better than Warrior!!!! Anyway Ryan has potential, and Big Zeke is a bit on the old side, and probably will only be wrestling another 5 yrs, maybe! Not only that it would be a decent angle to have Mason Ryan, When Ready Of Course, to come in and do a few sqaush matches to build his gusto. He can easily be The Welsh Batista, or if anything, no wore than "Mr. I'll Beat You With A Damn Splash And I'm 280lbs" WTF????

 

[MrHashasheen]

Wow... this got heated up pretty quick...

@AJ:Yes, you formed the thread around people you percieved talents, but as the title suggests, its people in FCW who may or may not become a major part of WWE. Richie might not make it to WWE, Wes might not make it, Ryan might not make it, and maybe Creepy McStache might. I'm just making an educated guess that based on Mason's build and the fact he has a clear amount of training to go with time to spare (Ryan Reeves/Skip Shefield was on Tough Enough and NXT after all), and his current push, its not bad to assume he's going to be in the distant future...

 

[Tech N9ne]

Good thread. This is my first post on this site. I like your idea. I will keep my eye on all 3 of them. Steamboat in particular. I am a fan of the 2nd and 3rd generation guys coming in. I consider Richie's father to be one of the best in the ring ever. It will be interesting to see how much Richie took from The Dragon.

 

[6timehitta]

I too would like to see Richie succeed in WWE, but i think he will fall to the mid card like Zack Ryder, Yoshi Tatsu, Evan Bourne, and Primo. I really hope not cuz id love to see him in a long feud against Kaval. Much to the chagrin of Remix, I am not a Mason Ryan mark, and I do like other wrestlers in FCW, just rying to prove my point and stand up for big, musclebound freaks ^_^

 

[6timehitta]

Also I will throw another name out there for discussion.

Brad Maddox a.k.a Beef Wellington

He was in OVW when it was a WWE devoplomental territory and released, but now he's back. He was a very good wrestler in the indies and now I think if you make him turn back into Beef Wellington, he can be the epitome of a Comedy Jobber