Hernandez should be the next TNA World Heavyweight Champion

[Uncle Sam]

Having not bothered to catch TNA beyond YouTube highlights in the month of December, I've gathered that Hernandez earned the briefcase with a world heavyweight title shot in it at Feast or Fired. I appreciate that Feast or Fired is yet another match in TNA where one of the winners essentially loses but what the hell.

Before anyone points this out - and I think they will anyway - I am perfectly aware that, should Hernandez not actually complete forget he has a title shot, he'll lose in a pre-advertised match to Sting or whomever is champion at the time on 'iMPACT!'. It will have no shock factor and be exactly like what happened to Kaz with the exception of Hernandez actually being talented.

But, what if they didn't? What if Vince Russo and his team of fellow "it's a wonder they can dress themselves" came up with a wacky idea that actually surprised and satisfied viewers, rather than making their faces and their palms meet with such force that they fall into a coma. What if big Hernandez did an Edge, picking off a wounded Sting and taking the title? What if he even beat Sting cleanly in the main event of a pay-per-view?

Is it a good idea? What would be the ramifications for TNA, Hernandez and the ratings?

I mean, obviously, this would happen to a lot of people:

 

[IrishCanadian25]

This thread is destined to get under 10 pages, because the answers are pretty simple.

1. If Russo and Co. "pulled an Edge" with Hernandez, allowing him to pick off a weakened Sting, that would only serve three purposes - a) make Sting look like a face, b) make Hernandez look like a heel, and c) convince people that the once innovative TNA is now officially a WWE rip-off. None of those three outcomes are positive right now.

2. Hernandez as champ? Laughable. He's not ready. When he proves he can draw in a major storyline not involving a tag team partner, THEN I'd buy him as the promotions only #1 champion. Matt Hardy got away with it because, well, it's ECW. Whomever TNA has hold their top belt has to be a proven draw, because they can't afford it otherwise.

3. Hernandez can take the belt when TNA makes strides to expand to more West Coast Markets. It sounds shitty, but Hernandez as champ is more logical if TNA is trying to penetrate more Hispanic / Latino markets. Right now, they are trying to break into Canada, so a Canadian Champ would make sense - too bad the most viable one is going back to WWE.

As a side note, if we do get to 10 pages, I may test out the Bitch Wing on a regular...

Better yet, if it succeeds, I'll bump you ahead of Luther for the next admin spot.

 

[Cena's Little Helper]

Having not bothered to catch TNA beyond YouTube highlights in the month of December, I've gathered that Hernandez earned the briefcase with a world heavyweight title shot in it at Feast or Fired. I appreciate that Feast or Fired is yet another match in TNA where one of the winners essentially loses but what the hell.

Before anyone points this out - and I think they will anyway - I am perfectly aware that, should Hernandez not actually complete forget he has a title shot, he'll lose in a pre-advertised match to Sting or whomever is champion at the time on 'iMPACT!'. It will have no shock factor and be exactly like what happened to Kaz with the exception of Hernandez actually being talented.

But, what if they didn't? What if Vince Russo and his team of fellow "it's a wonder they can dress themselves" came up with a wacky idea that actually surprised and satisfied viewers, rather than making their faces and their palms meet with such force that they fall into a coma. What if big Hernandez did an Edge, picking off a wounded Sting and taking the title? What if he even beat Sting cleanly in the main event of a pay-per-view?

Is it a good idea? What would be the ramifications for TNA, Hernandez and the ratings?

I mean, obviously, this would happen to a lot of people:

Personally, I think you are overstating the surprise people would feel if Hernandez won the belt. I think it is pretty obvious that he will be a main-eventer in TNA this year or very early next year (that is to say, he will either be the champion or have been the champion who is in contention for a second reign).

However, if they hot-shotted him the title within the first quarter of this year, I would be perturbed more than anything else. The Main Event Mafia vs. The Frontline storyline has, easily, at least another four months in it. And, it is my opinion that the championship plays a very crucial role within the storyline, as it will likely be what tears the Main Event Mafia apart.

If I could chart out the course of the championship over the next 10 months, here is what I would do:

1) Hernandez redeems his title shot in either February or March and loses to Sting in a way that still puts him over. Furthermore, have either Booker T or Steiner interfere in this match to set up a high-profile feud for Hernandez with a veteran while he waits for a second shot at the title at a later date.

2) Have Sting drop the belt to Kurt Angle after they disagree over the aims of the Main Event Mafia.

3) Have Kurt Angle drop the belt to A.J. Styles, thus effectively ending the Main Event Mafia vs. The Frontline angle.

4) Have A.J. Styles turn heel in the summer of 2009 and have him drop the belt to Hernandez at Bound For Glory.

 

[Uncle Sam]

This thread is destined to get under 10 pages, because the answers are pretty simple.

It's no "Should Shawn Michaels be in the HOF?" but I do try.

1. If Russo and Co. "pulled an Edge" with Hernandez, allowing him to pick off a weakened Sting, that would only serve three purposes - a) make Sting look like a face, b) make Hernandez look like a heel,

But the WWE did it with Punk, did it not? You book Hernandez as a face, people will think he's a face - one blip won't make a difference. Personally, I think Hernandez as a heel champion would be pretty interesting. The opportunist angle wouldn't go down well, considering Hernandez's size and style, but he could be a heel nonetheless.

As for Sting being a face, he's a tweener as it is, with definite heel characteristics. Him turning face wouldn't make a whole lot of difference.

and c) convince people that the once innovative TNA is now officially a WWE rip-off. None of those three outcomes are positive right now.

As much as a clementine would be considered a rip-off of an orange if you juiced it. That's actually kinda colourful and more than a little nonsensical. The point of it being, TNA can go one of two ways: they can jump on the bandwagon or take a risk. I've never known them not to jump on the bandwagon - it's why the Feast or Fired exists anyway, as a second rate Money in the Bank.

Edit: I actually suppose Hernandez as champion is a little from column "A" a little from column "B". It's taking a risk by jumping on the bandwagon. The risk bandwagon. The CM Punk bandwagon.

2. Hernandez as champ? Laughable.

This is the company that gave Samoa Joe the belt. And Kevin Nash as a mouthpiece. People laughed.

He's not ready.

See above.

When he proves he can draw in a major storyline not involving a tag team partner, THEN I'd buy him as the promotions only #1 champion.

Only? I can't dig that, suckah. Shit, shoulda made a thread about the Legends title being for the old'uns and the world title being used to push the young'uns.

Matt Hardy got away with it because, well, it's ECW. Whomever TNA has hold their top belt has to be a proven draw, because they can't afford it otherwise.

TNA and ECW are generally on the same level, at least ratings-wise. It could be said that they're on the same level success-wise as well, especially if you subscribe to Slyfoxism.

3. Hernandez can take the belt when TNA makes strides to expand to more West Coast Markets. It sounds shitty, but Hernandez as champ is more logical if TNA is trying to penetrate more Hispanic / Latino markets. Right now, they are trying to break into Canada, so a Canadian Champ would make sense - too bad the most viable one is going back to WWE.

So you're asking me to make a thread about Robert Roode as champion now? I refuse. At least until Will gets back. He said January, right? "Robert Roode should be the next world champion" coming soon...

As a side note, if we do get to 10 pages, I may test out the Bitch Wing on a regular...

If you do that, you'll never hear the end of it.

Better yet, if it succeeds, I'll bump you ahead of Luther for the next admin spot.

I think it warrants you bumping me ahead of Sly as well.

Personally, I think you are overstating the surprise people would feel if Hernandez won the belt.

So you're entirely sure that people's heads wouldn't explode. I'm pretty sure they would.

I think it is pretty obvious that he will be a main-eventer in TNA this year or very early next year (that is to say, he will either be the champion or have been the champion who is in contention for a second reign).

Like I said, I've only been given the jist of TNA for the last few weeks. That said, I honestly don't think it's obvious. I'd actually be fairly surprised if they ever gave him the strap; I don't see it happening. And I like to see things I don't see coming. A lot of people do, if they mean what they say and they say what they mean.

However, if they hot-shotted him the title within the first quarter of this year, I would be perturbed more than anything else.

Perturbed - flustered: thrown into a state of agitated confusion

Confused, maybe. Agitated, really? Would you honestly be agitated more with Hernandez as TNA champion than this whole Main Event Mafia repetitive, uh, stuff we're seeing now?

The Main Event Mafia vs. The Frontline storyline has, easily, at least another four months in it.

Oh shit, no!

And, it is my opinion that the championship plays a very crucial role within the storyline, as it will likely be what tears the Main Event Mafia apart.

You could give it to him in the second, third or even fourth quarter of the year. I see you have your own plan detailed in the upcoming part of the post, perhaps I shall read it.

If I could chart out the course of the championship over the next 10 months, here is what I would do:

Too lazy to do the whole year? I hear that.

1) Hernandez redeems his title shot in either February or March and loses to Sting in a way that still puts him over.

Well there goes the "other quarters" plan. It's gone. No, it ain't coming back. Just out of curiosity, would this be on free TV or PPV? Do you want to give Hernandez the Kaz treatment? I know he's versatile, but I'm not sure anyone is versatile enough to bounce around the card at such a high velocity. Kaz sure as shit wasn't.

Furthermore, have either Booker T or Steiner interfere in this match to set up a high-profile feud for Hernandez with a veteran while he waits for a second shot at the title at a later date.

Booker, definitely. If I had to say the name of someone who I don't think Hernandez would work well at all with, I'd say Scott Steiner.

2) Have Sting drop the belt to Kurt Angle after they disagree over the aims of the Main Event Mafia.

We're into June here, and we've still got the Mafia? Ugh, damn it. This is what will happen as well.

3) Have Kurt Angle drop the belt to A.J. Styles, thus effectively ending the Main Event Mafia vs. The Frontline angle.

Works for me.

4) Have A.J. Styles turn heel in the summer of 2009 and have him drop the belt to Hernandez at Bound For Glory.

Maybe a bit risky for a Bound For Glory main event. I like it, but I couldn't see TNA going for it.

 

[CCS]

Hernandez hasnt been built up good enough to be a world champion yet. If he won the title people who dont watch TNA would probably say "Who the Fuck is that?" TNA needs a wrestler who people actually recoginze to be their world champion. Not someone that nobody really knows and to my knowledge no one really likes. If they want to have a shock champion they should put the title on AJ Styles , Booker T, or even Rhino. All of those wrestlers have a fan base and people know who they are. Hernandez is a ok wrestler and has a good look but making him a world champion is just a bit far fetched. One day he really could be a legit contender for the world title if they build him up right. But right now he's better suited being a mid-card champion.......if they ever make a mid-card title.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Hernandez hasnt been built up good enough to be a world champion yet.

Edge came from losing his Intercontinental title to Ric Flair by DQ to win the WWE title. CM Punk came from not being good enough to win the ECW title to win the World Heavyweight Title. Kurt Angle had Davairi as his manager. Point being, the point of a surprise champion - and the Money in the Bank, of which the Feast or Fired match is a rip-off - is that it's a surprise.

If he won the title people who dont watch TNA would probably say "Who the Fuck is that?"

I'm going to be citing the "Samoan incident" a lot in this thread, aren't I?

Not someone that nobody really knows and to my knowledge no one really likes.

I've never met a person who knows who Hernandez is that doesn't like him. At the show I saw him at, he got the best reaction of the night, on par with AJ Styles and Kurt Angle, just ahead of the Motor City Machine Guns.

If they want to have a shock champion they should put the title on

Please, do continue.

AJ Styles,

Love it.

Booker T,

Current Legends champion. Not to mention that it's all downhill from here.

or even Rhino.

The reason you even put the "even" in there is because the last time Rhino was a legitimate world champion, ECW died. I don't count his time as Jeff Jarrett's only alternative to be a legitimate championship reign.

At least Hernandez being given the belt could and should be seen as a wrestling company investing in new talent - having him over Sting, Kurt Angle and, uh, Jeff Jarrett makes him like great. Having Booker T or Rhino at the forefront makes people think "erm, I was gonna watch Sting's match but it looks like this is the place where WWE midcarders come to die."

All of those wrestlers have a fan base and people know who they are.

Calling the fanbases of Booker T and Rhino "dwindling" would be generous.

Hernandez is a ok wrestler

He has a Slyfox thread that praises him. You know the other guys that have that? John Cena and Batista. I think I'm on to something.

and has a good look but making him a world champion is just a bit far fetched.

Precisely.

One day he really could be a legit contender for the world title if they build him up right.

Why spend years building a wall when you can just chuck one together with the same effect?

But right now he's better suited being a mid-card champion.......if they ever make a mid-card title.

How many times; it's called the tag team championship!

 

[MisterRob]

I don't believe TNA or the booking commitee is going to actually do something unpredictable and different, and actually give Hernandez the title, but I have to say, I like the idea. I don't watch TNA regularly, but I find it stale and a few twists would actually be more interesting then Sting with the championship and the Main Event Mafia dominating everything. I think what TNA needs to do is put the World title on someone from the Frontline, to coutner balance the domination of the Maint Event Mafia who seem to have everything given to them, booking wise, right now. Its hard to get behind the Frontline because they're barely being given a bone, and to have the Champion on their side while the heels do everything they can to keep power and show up the young stars I think would breath some life into the storyline. It would also give the Frontline more credibility, because right now they've got none, they can't even win a match. And Hernandez, in fact LAX as a pair, would be a nice addition to the Frontline and give them more credibility in my eyes. Joe and Styles have already been involved with the championship, Hernandez would be something different.

 

[klunderbunker]

I'll say why not? TNA right now has one major criticism above all the rest: they rely on rejects too much. Hernandez is more or less a TNA original. He's got a decent look, he's got the power, he's got the size. Why not give him a short to medium length title run? Put him in the Frontline, and then let them start taking over. It would be a shock, it would help establish TNA with Latinos which helps to open more doors in Mexico and Latin America, and it helps to get them away from the WCW and WWE guys. I really see no downside here, even if it's a month long reign or so. If it fails, he goes back into one of the top tag teams in the company, and they look that much more deadly.

 

[MisterRob]

Hernandez hasnt been built up good enough to be a world champion yet. If he won the title people who dont watch TNA would probably say "Who the Fuck is that?" TNA needs a wrestler who people actually recoginze to be their world champion. Not someone that nobody really knows and to my knowledge no one really likes. If they want to have a shock champion they should put the title on AJ Styles , Booker T, or even Rhino. All of those wrestlers have a fan base and people know who they are. Hernandez is a ok wrestler and has a good look but making him a world champion is just a bit far fetched. One day he really could be a legit contender for the world title if they build him up right. But right now he's better suited being a mid-card champion.......if they ever make a mid-card title.

You're missing the important part of things. People who don't watch TNA won't be WATCHING TNA to say "who the fuck is that?" TNA hasn't drawn in any new viewers in how many years? That's not going to change whether they put the title on Hernandez or not. That has no bearing at all on the topic at hand. They don't need someone whose recognized, because the only people who are going to recognize the champion anyway are the people watching TNA, who certainly know who Hernandez is. I guarantee you people who pass TNA and see Samoa Joe as the champion, or the same goes for AJ Styles, are going to say "Who the fuck is that?" Because no one knows them except already existing wrestling fans. People who have no clue about TNA aren't even aware that Kevin Nash, Kurt Angle, etc are even STILL wrestling since they left the WWE. Thats how good TNA are at getting themselves out there in the mainstream media. Horribly!

Do something different. Whats it going to hurt? If anything they could get more interest from Hispanic viewers who may be drawn to TNA by LAX. Its certainly not going to hurt the ratings, their ratings never change.

 

[IrishCanadian25]

Edge came from losing his Intercontinental title to Ric Flair by DQ to win the WWE title.

Edge didn't win "from out of nowhere." He won the first EVER Money in the Bank, at WrestleMania no less. Edge's heel turn with the MITB after Cena's New Year's Revolution PPV was one of the greatest sudden turns ever. I watched it at a Hooters, and the place went WILD when Edge got the pin.

CM Punk came from not being good enough to win the ECW title to win the World Heavyweight Title.

And yeah, THAT turned out AWESOME...Punk is now the #1 contender for the mid-card belt that hasn't been defended in over a month. Bully for him.

I'm going to be citing the "Samoan incident" a lot in this thread, aren't I?

If the shoe fits...

I've never met a person who knows who Hernandez is that doesn't like him.

I've never met anyone who knows who I am and doesn't like me. Give me the title.

At the show I saw him at, he got the best reaction of the night, on par with AJ Styles and Kurt Angle, just ahead of the Motor City Machine Guns.

How many people at that show. And had he not been there, I am sure nobody would have shown up.

The reason you even put the "even" in there is because the last time Rhino was a legitimate world champion, ECW died. I don't count his time as Jeff Jarrett's only alternative to be a legitimate championship reign.

Yeah, that was Rhino's "thank you for all you've done" reign.

At least Hernandez being given the belt could and should be seen as a wrestling company investing in new talent - having him over Sting, Kurt Angle and, uh, Jeff Jarrett makes him like great.

But he's just not ready yet. I wouldn't buy him as a champion yet. Someday for sure.

Having Booker T or Rhino at the forefront makes people think "erm, I was gonna watch Sting's match but it looks like this is the place where WWE midcarders come to die."

As opposed to "who the flip is this guy?"

 

[CCS]

Edge came from losing his Intercontinental title to Ric Flair by DQ to win the WWE title. CM Punk came from not being good enough to win the ECW title to win the World Heavyweight Title. Kurt Angle had Davairi as his manager. Point being, the point of a surprise champion - and the Money in the Bank, of which the Feast or Fired match is a rip-off - is that it's a surprise.

When Edge cashed in his Money in the Bank he was being pushed to the sky by WWE. They had big plans for him and built him up to be a huge heel before they had him win the title. Even Matt Hardy said that Edge was WWE's "Golden Boy" at the time. For CM Punk's push was kind of a right place right time thing. Jeff Hardy was supposed to win the MITB ladder match. But then he got suspended so CM Punk got it. Punk got the push because he was over with the fans and was "straight edge" and WE wanted to push that kind of superstar. Hernandez fits neither of those bills. He isnt a big mid-card heel and he isnt a potential role model.

I've never met a person who knows who Hernandez is that doesn't like him. At the show I saw him at, he got the best reaction of the night, on par with AJ Styles and Kurt Angle, just ahead of the Motor City Machine Guns.

That's all fine and skippy untill you realize that not alot of people know who Hernandez is. TNA needs a champion that people will know and get behind. Hernandez could do that if they gave him the right push. But cashing it in Edge style would just be a gigantic fail.

At least Hernandez being given the belt could and should be seen as a wrestling company investing in new talent - having him over Sting, Kurt Angle and, uh, Jeff Jarrett makes him like great. Having Booker T or Rhino at the forefront makes people think "erm, I was gonna watch Sting's match but it looks like this is the place where WWE midcarders come to die."

TNA IS the place where former WWE stars go to die. And TNA is living off those old superstar's reputations. I agree that having Hernandez as world champion would make it look like TNA's investing in the future , But does anyone really even want to see TNA putting young unproven wrestlers mainevent roles ?

Why spend years building a wall when you can just chuck one together with the same effect?

Because if they rush it no one will believe him as a legit champion. CM Punk's push before he won the WHC was terrible. And the result was the fans not believing in him as champion. If TNA took the time to build Hernandez up the fans would eventually get behind him and cheer him or boo the hell outta him. (depending on if he was heel or face)
That would make the fans even more happy when he finally won the world title.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Edge didn't win "from out of nowhere." He won the first EVER Money in the Bank, at WrestleMania no less.

Yes, but the point was that he was a midcarder that suddenly shot into the main event. Having a briefcase was hardly "building him up" now, is it?

Edge's heel turn with the MITB after Cena's New Year's Revolution PPV was one of the greatest sudden turns ever.

He was already heel, wasn't he? He was feuding with Flair and couldn't be trusted not to DQ himself every time he had a title match.

I watched it at a Hooters, and the place went WILD when Edge got the pin.

That makes me happy.

And yeah, THAT turned out AWESOME...Punk is now the #1 contender for the mid-card belt that hasn't been defended in over a month. Bully for him.

Hernandez has got a much bigger safety net than Punk though. If WWE is a skyscraper, you can fall from the top quite badly. In comparison, TNA is like a bungalow.

If the shoe fits...

Don't tell Samoa Joe, but I think Hernandez would actually be a better world champion.

I've never met anyone who knows who I am and doesn't like me. Give me the title.

You get yourself a TNA contract and I'll give my person recommendations to Jarrett and co. myself.

How many people at that show.

Twelve. Nah, dunno. A few thousand maybe.

And had he not been there, I am sure nobody would have shown up.

I didn't say he was a standalone draw but he's definitely popular with TNA's core fanbase - the part that makes up the "1" in the "1.?".

Yeah, that was Rhino's "thank you for all you've done" reign.

I'll thank him when he pays for that vase!

But he's just not ready yet.

Samoa Joe.

I wouldn't buy him as a champion yet.

Samoa Joe, CM Punk.

Someday for sure.

> Samoa Joe, CM Punk.

As opposed to "who the flip is this guy?"

Better a fanbase that will grow than a fanbase which is declining. TNA can't feed off ready-made meals for ever. Someday it'll have to stop pillaging Mama WWE's fridge/freezer and cook for itself. Some of those meals are so moldy and stale as well...

 

[Uncle Sam]

When Edge cashed in his Money in the Bank he was being pushed to the sky by WWE.

But was in a midcard match with the most washed up wrestler on the roster. I'm sure they can have Hernandez wrestle Scott Steiner at some point, no matter how against it I was.

They had big plans for him and built him up to be a huge heel before they had him win the title.

TNA can have big plans for Hernandez and build him up. We've got the rest of the year for the big H to make his challenge for the title, that's lots of time to give him more exposure.

Even Matt Hardy said that Edge was WWE's "Golden Boy" at the time.

That was probably because he wanted to look hard done by in comparison.

For CM Punk's push was kind of a right place right time thing.

Some might say he was the wrong person at the wrong time.

Punk got the push because he was over with the fans and was "straight edge" and WE wanted to push that kind of superstar. Hernandez fits neither of those bills. He isnt a big mid-card heel and he isnt a potential role model.

Hernandez is over with the fans and he's done nothing that makes him a bad role model. Besides, I'm sure TNA has its own criteria that it wants its champion to fulfil. I doubt they write them down because then the booking wouldn't be all over the place. All the same, TNA is a very different environment to WWE.

That's all fine and skippy untill you realize that not alot of people know who Hernandez is.

So tell them. Let TNA make something, someone for once. They did it with AJ Styles and they almost did it with Samoa Joe.

TNA needs a champion that people will know and get behind.

You don't have to be known for people to get behind you. Joe caused no great slump in ratings or merch sales and I'd say that Hernandez is, and can be, a great deal more marketable.

Hernandez could do that if they gave him the right push. But cashing it in Edge style would just be a gigantic fail.

Then cash it in like Rob Van Dam.

TNA IS the place where former WWE stars go to die. And TNA is living off those old superstar's reputations. I agree that having Hernandez as world champion would make it look like TNA's investing in the future , But does anyone really even want to see TNA putting young unproven wrestlers mainevent roles ?

Hernandez isn't unproven. He's had the best match on the card at numerous shows.

 

[Uncle Sam]

That's some fine posting Sam. Damn fine. However, you forgot to mention a few things.

Firstly, you forget that Hernandez is the driving force behind LAX, undoubtedly the greatest tag team of the last decade. What's this America's Most Wanted bullshit? If ever put to a vote - and with hardcore rules in effect - LAX would come out on top out of those two, I'm sure. But, while Homicide is a great little man, Shocky apparently dislikes him somewhat, yet being a fan of Hernandez. This proves that 1) Hernandez is fucking incredible to earn the appreciation of Slyfox, Shocky and your fine self and 2) Hernandez is what makes the best modern tag team so good.

Secondly, Hernandez has many features that make him a worthy champion which you have not yet mentioned. Firstly, he is the finest big man in wrestling today. So Vladimir Koslov possesses the complex psychology necessary to grimace and jiggle his semi-moobs in a "you're gonna drown in these her motherfuckers" kinda way, who cares? Hernandez has incredible strength, a painful-looking arsenal and has more finesse to his athleticism than Big Van Vader and Bam Bam Bigelow ever did. He gives off a "I'm going to fuck you up in a variety of entertaining ways" vibe that makes him the desirable head of any company.

Don't be so complacent in future, you look like a massive twat.

 

[Cena's Little Helper]

That's some fine posting Sam. Damn fine. However, you forgot to mention a few things.

Firstly, you forget that Hernandez is the driving force behind LAX, undoubtedly the greatest tag team of the last decade. What's this America's Most Wanted bullshit? If ever put to a vote - and with hardcore rules in effect - LAX would come out on top out of those two, I'm sure. But, while Homicide is a great little man, Shocky apparently dislikes him somewhat, yet being a fan of Hernandez. This proves that 1) Hernandez is fucking incredible to earn the appreciation of Slyfox, Shocky and your fine self and 2) Hernandez is what makes the best modern tag team so good.

Secondly, Hernandez has many features that make him a worthy champion which you have not yet mentioned. Firstly, he is the finest big man in wrestling today. So Vladimir Koslov possesses the complex psychology necessary to grimace and jiggle his semi-moobs in a "you're gonna drown in these her motherfuckers" kinda way, who cares? Hernandez has incredible strength, a painful-looking arsenal and has more finesse to his athleticism than Big Van Vader and Bam Bam Bigelow ever did. He gives off a "I'm going to fuck you up in a variety of entertaining ways" vibe that makes him the desirable head of any company.

Don't be so complacent in future, you look like a massive twat.

In an attempt to keep this thread going (since you seem so determined to get it to ten pages, and I find such determination admirable), I will now ask you this question: What makes LAX the greatest modern tag team?

If you believe that they are the greatest modern tag team, I would have to disagree with you. Ultimately, I think that LAX consists of two very impressive wrestlers whose individual contributions significantly outweigh their chemistry. Do the two wrestlers who comprise LAX have the most promise as singles performers in comparison to other current tag team wrestlers? Yes. But, it does not necessarily follow from this that they are the greatest tag team of modern times.

 

[Uncle Sam]

In an attempt to keep this thread going (since you seem so determined to get it to ten pages, and I find such determination admirable),

I'm gonna recommend you to all the mods.

I will now ask you this question: What makes LAX the greatest modern tag team?

Really, it depends on your definition of modern. If we say between 2000-2008, then yes, I believe LAX are the greatest modern tag team. Despite Y 2 Jake's hideous assertion that TNA teams are "nothing to write home about", I assert that they are more to write home about than any other teams in the last eight years. Yes, better than the Hardys, the Dudleys and even Edge and Christian. And within the TNA teams, LAX stand out above AMW, Staniels, Triple X and, quite obviously, the Guns.

Of course, this is ignoring "Slyfox rules" which take into account ratings and money exclusively, even excluding psychology and storytelling. If you want to go by them, I'd suppose Cena and Michaels or Mysteria and Batista may well be the best tag team of recent years.

If you believe that they are the greatest modern tag team, I would have to disagree with you. Ultimately, I think that LAX consists of two very impressive wrestlers whose individual contributions significantly outweigh their chemistry.

That's the thing though, they have great chemistry. They use double team moves and work as a unit, but aren't simply clones of each other like so many teams are. Sure, they may seem less cohesive as a result, but they become more entertaining, unique and seemingly versatile at the same time. I'm also taking into account the awesome gimmick (better when it was more "militant thugs" than "rainbow ponchos" of course) and theme music. I think, subjectively speaking (is that even a phrase?), they are easily the most unique, versatile, striking and entertaining team that I've witnessed.

Do the two wrestlers who comprise LAX have the most promise as singles performers in comparison to other current tag team wrestlers? Yes.

Hey, hey, c'mon now. This is a time when Alex Shelley, James Storm and Robert Roode are tag team wrestlers. Homicide at least is not as promising as those guys.

But, it does not necessarily follow from this that they are the greatest tag team of modern times.

Indeed not, but they've been involved in the best matches in TNA. As TNA was at its peak, they stole shows with their matches with the likes of Staniels and AMW. As TNA sank into chaos, they were the only performers on the card that were guaranteed to put on a quality match and not be bogged down in silly gimmicks. Even Salinas and Hector Guerrero couldn't ruin them.

 

[Uncle Sam]

I hear that the Tex Mex T-Rex absolutely kicked the fuck out of everyone else in the eight-man tag match he was in at Genesis. I hear he was so dominant, people were sure he was going to fill in for Rhino in the world title match that night. Reading what happened, I think it would have been better if he had. Much better.

I sort of get the sense that Hernandez, and maybe Homicide as well, is being built up as something big right now. Saying that, so was Kaz. Look at him now, relegated to injuring himself while running around as a character from a near failed video game.

I'm more optimistic for Hernandez. For now.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

I'm going to be flat-out honest. If Hernandez wins the World Heavyweight Championship, it would be T.N.A.'s version of C.M. Punk, only with talent and people loving the change. Myself included.

Fact is, I'm not just disappointed in Sting and T.N.A. creative after Genesis, I'm downright sickened. Sting is an icon, a legend, a future destined Hall of Famer.. and they literally just had him (barely) defeat a guy that was apparently (for lack of better words) fucked the shit up. Seriously? Sting had to have Rhino at his weakest point, to even remotely "slide" by? That's not just making the company as a whole look bad for their Champion.. but that's hurting and damn near suiciding Sting's reputation as a World Champion. It's pathetic and it's now definately time for a change.

On top of everything else, I think it's high time Mexico had someone to look up to, other than what they've had for the previous several years.. in which they've looked "up" to Rey Mysterio.

Hernandez gets my solid, unconditional vote to become the next T.N.A. World Heavyweight Champion. You have limitless possibilities once he gains the gold. Unlike Kevin Nash, or Kane, or even The Big Show.. Hernandez IS the best "Big Man" in the business right now, and he can wrestle against anyone, be it cruiserweight or heavyweight. Not to mention, heel or face.

I'd love to see this happen.. but facts are facts, and in the end.. Hernandez is a T.N.A. grown talent. So unless.. no, unTIL he leaves, becomes remotely popular in the W.W.E. then comes back, he won't likely get anywhere near the Heavyweight Championship.

 

[Father:_Polley]

Given the fact that TNA is currently doing its best to hold on to its superstars, I could see TNA giving the big guy at least a shot at a belt in the near future. Rhino is getting too far past it to be a real challenger, despite his name value and Hernandez has the power of Rhino with the ability to appeal to the more spot obsessed fans of TNA.

I think at least giving the guy a run can do no harm. If anything it would stop fans accusing TNA of being predictable and obsessed with promoting the ex-WWE guys

 

[Miko]

Hernandez would be a different choice for a champion, different as in good or bad I couldnt say until all's said and done. He's like what RVD was, popular and there's no reason not to try him (excluding the whole pot thing) so might as well give it a shot when they feel he's ready. As far as big men go anyway Hernandez>Matt Morgan. If he fails he fails, I still call him as a better choice than Samoa Joe.

Hernandez has got a much bigger safety net than Punk though. If WWE is a skyscraper, you can fall from the top quite badly. In comparison, TNA is like a bungalow.

This is precisely the reason why there is no harm in trying it out. He's different, he's marketable and no one will really care if he fails, they will just continue to chant "TNA TNA TNA". If he succeeds then thats all the better.

Really, it depends on your definition of modern. If we say between 2000-2008, then yes, I believe LAX are the greatest modern tag team.

In a decade of shitty tag teams kudos to them.

I assert that they are more to write home about than any other teams in the last eight years. Yes, better than the Hardys,

Only because of their short time together in this century.

the Dudleys

Best jobber tag team in the world. Still thats like coming 4th in the 100m, no one really cares.

and even Edge and Christian.

See the Hardys

And within the TNA teams, LAX stand out above AMW, Staniels, Triple X and, quite obviously, the Guns.

Obviously.

I hear that the Tex Mex T-Rex absolutely kicked the fuck out of everyone else in the eight-man tag match he was in at Genesis. I hear he was so dominant, people were sure he was going to fill in for Rhino in the world title match that night. Reading what happened, I think it would have been better if he had. Much better.

Nah, give Sting the longer title reign and let Hernandez challenge him when people really think that a) Hernandez can win and b) Sting may just lose. I didnt think the booking was that bad. Although Sting barely scraping past Rhino was a fucking joke.

I sort of get the sense that Hernandez, and maybe Homicide as well, is being built up as something big right now. Saying that, so was Kaz. Look at him now, relegated to injuring himself while running around as a character from a near failed video game.

Kaz couldnt get by on his Muriachi good looks forever, that was his downfall. Hernandez on the other hand doesnt look like any other Mexican I've seen, he's also more talented. Not that playing the guitar isnt a talent of course.

I'm more optimistic for Hernandez. For now.

Me too actually, reading this thread has got me sold on the idea. Now that I think it might happen I am willing to put money on it not happening though, so sorry about that.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Well, from the start I said that they would give this match away on free TV with no advertising beforehand. I also said Hernandez would lose. On that latter point, I was wrong. Both technically and morally - for what that counts for in the world of professional wrestling - Hernandez defeated Sting. I didn't see the entire match, and won't until Saturday, but Hernandez had Sting beat, ready for the Border Toss. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Hernandez is now officially being booked to be stronger than Sting. The world heavyweight champion. Sting has already been shown to be a pussy though, barely beating a fucked up Rhino on Sunday.

Of course, this means little. This is TNA, schizophrenics do the booking here. They change their minds completely from one day to the next. But, if TNA were sensible and consistent with its booking (which it isn't), then Hernandez will at the very least be continued to be booked strongly, and get another title shot in the future.

All in all though, yeah, it was bullshit. Ever since TNA removed its "no cop-outs" clause of DQs meaning titles change hands, there's been limitless cop-outs. And let me just get something straight, Hernandez kicks the fuck out of everyone, night in, night out, wins the briefcase fair and square, has the champion beat and he doesn't get a title shot, but the Dudleys do because they asked for one? Yeah, fuck you too TNA.

It should also be noted that Hernandez is a master of the "Guerrero technique", throwing in random Spanish phrases to cover up his weaknesses on the microphone. Not that he's even that weak on the mic - he's better than half the TNA roster already.

Briefcase or no briefcase, Hernandez should still be the next world champion.

 

[Uncle Phatso]

Sting did look like a bitch yesterday. I saw him getting tossed around the ring, by a very well built man. And I fucking love Sting, I've been a fan of his since old wcw days. Since I started watching wrestling. But what we really saw, was sort of a sham of a match just taking that case off of hernandez. Ohhh booker, scott, and kurt are out there, they'll have a clean match and let there world champ get his ass handed to him by a rather large man with a horrible looking sanchez mustash * tip there hernandez, don't grow a mustash in 2 weeks then try to grow the rest in one week*

Hernandez is a good wrestler, and its a shame to see what tna done to him. Hopefully he gets somthing out of it. But I guess the best he can is to beat the shit out of booker t for throwing that shirt. And possibly take his legends belt, and join the frontline.

 

[Uncle Sam]

The rule is, if you look like a tough fuck, you can grow whatever type of silly facial hair you want. Hernandez is the toughest looking fuck in wrestling. He also wears a rainbow-coloured poncho on occasion.

Absolutely incredibly, I think Sting has made the TNA belt almost valueless. This is pretty much due to him constantly holding onto it but looking absolutely pathetic while doing so, even though he's a fucking face. He's got no authority. It's almost to the point where it's like, "let Sting have his little toy". The only belt that means less is the legends title. Note to self, make a thread on that.

Even though I was watching it on YouTube and even though I knew the bullshit outcome already, I pretty much came in my pants when the LAX music hit. Overreacting? Perhaps. I was even excited when Hernandez had Sting up in the Border Toss - I knew he wasn't going to hit it.

As for Hernandez's mic skills: they might not be Rock-like, but they're a step above "functional" - certainly better than the unintelligible ranting of some wrestlers, or the monotone droning of others.

Edit:

Without a mouth piece - a decent mouth piece - I doubt he ever would be. I'm not a big fan of LAX breaking up just yet anyway; it should be left until after Bound For Glory.

Without a mouth piece, Hernandez would just be another Matt Morgan. Bland and uninteresting. He could still "make it". He'd have a better chance than Morgan, much better. He'd never really be held as highly if he did though. Like a Chris Benoit or Rey Mysterio. Shame too, because I'm a huge fan of the guy. In-ring, he's untouchable.

Which is precisely why, with a decent mouth piece, it could work. It's difficult to speculate, but I think it really could work, some way. Like Jake said though, they'd likely just Kaz him.

It's amazing how wrong someone can be, yet while being so right.

 

[klunderbunker]

This is TNA 101 at its finest. They build up a guy like Hernandez that could do something for them in more than one way. He's young, he's big, he's strong, he can connect to Latin viewers and help reach a new market for TNA, and above all else, he plays his character well. I see very little wrong here. So what does TNA do? They make him look weak and put freaking 3D, who have coasted by on name alone for years now in the match instead. Why not build up Sting vs. Angle for one reason or another and then add in Hernandez. If they're so hell bent on not putting the title on him just yet, put him in the multiman match. That way if he doesn't get pinned he loses the brieffcase and has to earn his way back up and also doesn't have to give up the fall in order to lose the match. But of course, let's just throw it out there in a DQ on free tv. Such a waste.

I get that TNA will likely put the title on him in the end and we'll have the big victory for Supermex, but the problem with that theory is two fold. What good is a champion that loks weak in the buildup? That's why Goldberg in WCW worked so well at first: he was invincible and the title change was shocking. The other aspect here is that while it's one thing to have a drawn out storyline leading to one big payoff moment, if you lose all your fans on the path to that payoff moment, there's no point to it.

 

[klunderbunker]

The rule is, if you look like a tough fuck, you can grow whatever type of silly facial hair you want. Hernandez is the toughest looking fuck in wrestling. He also wears a rainbow-coloured poncho on occasion.

Absolutely incredibly, I think Sting has made the TNA belt almost valueless. This is pretty much due to him constantly holding onto it but looking absolutely pathetic while doing so, even though he's a fucking face. He's got no authority. It's almost to the point where it's like, "let Sting have his little toy". The only belt that means less is the legends title. Note to self, make a thread on that.

Even though I was watching it on YouTube and even though I knew the bullshit outcome already, I pretty much came in my pants when the LAX music hit. Overreacting? Perhaps. I was even excited when Hernandez had Sting up in the Border Toss - I knew he wasn't going to hit it.

As for Hernandez's mic skills: they might not be Rock-like, but they're a step above "functional" - certainly better than the unintelligible ranting of some wrestlers, or the monotone droning of others.

This is exactly what my issue was with Punk's WHC reign. There's no point in having a world champion if you make him win every match but barely survive in the process. I think Punk won one title match as champion clean and all the others there was interference during. I can't remember Sting's last clean title win as Rhyno was banged up already in the night. Sting looks so pathetic right now with the belt. I kind of get that they're building up towards the Sting vs. the Mafia thing by making him the fall guy and not letting him beat people down, but what's the point? Put the title on any of the good heels in the Mafia and this works miles better. Hell even Steiner would be better right now. Wake up TNA.