Is Anyone Really Looking Forward to 2015?

[Navi]

I was looking at some of the threads there on the forum recently, especially one the ones on who could beat Lesnar, and found myself thinking, I'm not really looking forward to Mania this year.

With all the injuries to Bryan, Reigns, BRB, and now Sheamus, a lot of meat has been taken out of the main event and upper midcard. Also take into affect that fact that Ambrose and Orton were out filming movies for awhile and there goes more of the main event picture. Leaving us with Cena and an absent champion.

The Rumble is next month, and the winner should be main eventing Wrestlemania 31. Now the plan was to have Roman Reigns ready to win and take on Lesnar. I don't see that happening. With his surgery, and time off, there is no way to build a storyline that will make any sense. There is actually no one else on the roster other than Cena, that has any kind of story line going with Lesnar.

Are we looking at a Lesnar/Cena main event closing the show. I sincerely hope not, but unless you bring in a another part timer that's the way it's shaping up.

Unless the WWE can pull a rabbit out of their ass, and I don't mean Adam Rose's bunny, heading into 2015 I don't see a lot happening. You would think that they would already have the card almost ready to go and stories that should come to a conclusion there would already have been started. Right now though the WWE seems to be running on kangaroo petrol, stopping and starting every couple of weeks. Just when you think something is going to happen, boom, it doesn't.

So this is either going to be a wild ride starting in January, or the most boring Wrestlemania season I can think of in years. Thoughts?

 

[pepentorresHHH]

Well if the question is if im looking forward to Wrestlemania season or the whlole 2015 then i'd have to say Not for now on the next 2 months but yes for 2015 as a whole.

Like you said a lot of top talent is out but they should be coming back imminently. Randy orton is healthy and finished shooting his movie...l apparently he'll be back by TLC to resume his feud with Rollins, Roman Reigns said he would be back within a month back at Survivor Series so that would mean 2 or more 3 weeks until he is back. Brock will come back by the end of the month / start of the new year to start his build for the title match at the Rumble. Bad News Barret is also expected back within a month so the end of december / start of january will be when things start picking up again.

As far as Sheamus goes, he is a top talent but we won't know when will he be back. Daniel Bryan is another wildcard. If he rehab improves and can come back as a suprise entrant at the rumble I see him winning it. The return of the leader of the yes movement to active competition will provide a jolt to the product.

Lets not forget Wrestlemania season also brings other part timers / legends back. You better believe we'll see Hogan again soon as a result. Jericho has been confirmed as having a "night off" from touring with Fozzy the night of Wrestlemania. And STING will be back for his build for his first time in a WWE ring against Triple H (for now it seems that way).

So like you said the next month seems lackluster but in reality thats just temporary most injured superstars will come back in a months time and the legends and part timers will follow after Rumble.

Also all this injuries have allowed others to step up and become challengers and foes to the bryans and reigns and ortons when they come back with the rise of Ambrose, Rollins, Ziggler, All of the Wyatts, Rusev.... Among others

With a full roster again ( and the return of Daniel Bryan ) 2015 could prove to be a great year

 

[Fillet Club]

I'm definitely more apprehensive than I was this time last year, hell this time last year I was actually really looking forward to 'Mania.

But we've had a really really shitty second half of the year, granted the WWE haven't been helped with injuries taking out both Bryan and Reigns, but we can't keep blaming it on injuries. It's only been two guys (yes Bryan is one of the top guys) and the blame has to be thrown at the WWE themselves, some very bizarre booking ideas, stupid bait and switches, BREAKING THE FREAKIN' WYATT'S UP and then they gave the title to a guy that really just doesn't bloody care (again as I've said before I don't blame Lesnar).

But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they can really build some momentum from January onwards, pull out some surprises and get us really excited for Wrestlemania.

 

[HurriKane]

NXT is gonna be on fire in 2015. I hope to see Dolph Ziggler, All 3 former Shield Members, Rusev, and Cesaro all step up and shine even more in 2015 hopefully. I'm not sure about WM, but I have faith WWE will give us a pretty good card, especially with Sting's return.

So I think I'm pretty excited for 2015. All these new talent in WWE, even outside of WWE you have Lucha Underground, and TNA hopefully changing the way they do things on their new network. So yea. I think its going to be pretty bright.

Of course, this is wishful thinking.

Edit: I didn't read the whole question, so I wasn't sure if this was just about Wrestlemania or all of 2015 before I wrote all that. I'm excited for 2015 in general as far as WM I'll pass judgment when the card is announce, but with Sting in his first WWE match, I'm already pretty excited for it. So yea I guess I'm looking forward to 2015 no matter which way you put it.

 

[Wyatt_Promo_God]

Yeah I am because they have great talent from top to bottom.

Bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose - All Main Event Talent

Roman Reigns - not exactly there yet in terms of talent but still has huge potential. The right feud for Reigns like maybe a Bray Wyatt vs Roman Reigns feud for the WWE Championship after WrestleMania 31. It can kickstart Reigns career into the right start and he can become the next mega star. I know WWE is going to push him harder than anybody else in 2015. Right now, he's below average in the ring and he still needs to gain more confidence on the mic but the tools are there.

Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Damien Sandow (Hopefully with a different gimmick eventually) Wade Barrett, Sheamus are all solid midcarders or even upper midcarder and occasional main eventers.

You also tag this with the idea of Daniel Bryan returning to the ring in 2015 and feuding with Seth Rollins or recapturing his magic with Bray Wyatt. This year could be great as far as talent creative just needs to stop being lazy or cut Raw down to three hours because it's a fucking mess right now, a joke, A FACCOD

 

[MR K]

I'm excited to see what they do with the NXT guys. Lets hope they get moved up and used in the right way. They all have the talent to be great. I know I kinda bang on about it a lot but I cant wait to see Kevin Steen in a WWE ring.

 

[Softcore Holly]

2015's WM season seems a bit more predictable than usual. HHH vs Sting, Reigns winning the Rumble to win it off Brock, Brock Cena 3(I wonder whose going to win that one?) . Sheamus and DB are maybes at best but the show should go on fine without them, they'll most likely be in the panel or whatever so least we'll know they're alive.

But post WM31 should be fun. Ascension's supposedly coming up soon, so with the recent additions of Miz/Mizdow and New Day the tag division will look a lot better than it was this year.

Whenever Rollins cashes in will be huge, with the Authority gone he'll be the sole top heel and really have the chance to shine.

Reign's big test will begin at WM31, he has a lot of skeptics(admittedly myself included) and really high expectations, so lets see how he does.

The midcard will get better with the return of BNB and rising stars like Ambrose/Ziggler. I expect Adrian Neville, Zayn, and Breeze to move up to the main roster in 2015 so that's a nice influx of talent right there. Wouldn't surprise me to see Itami and Balor move up too. This year hasn't been all that great for Bray or Cesaro but I'm hoping for better things in 2015.

I expect Charlotte to be called up as well so that'll a huge addition to the Diva's roster.

And lastly I expect to see the older guys like Kane, Show and Henry as well as part timers like Y2J and RVD take less of a role than they did this year. Too much younger talent that needs the time that won't do much for these guys anymore. Oh right and of course 2015 won't end without Big Show turning face at least once.

So while I'm not really excited since I try to stay cautiously optimistic, I do expect 2015 to > 2014 pretty easily.

 

[Navi]

Well if the question is if im looking forward to Wrestlemania season or the whlole 2015 then i'd have to say Not for now on the next 2 months but yes for 2015 as a whole.

As no one can predict the future, I'm talking about the WWE in general. It just seems that they are stuck in a rut and can't get out of it. And yes I'm thinking about the run up to Mania and beyond.

Look at it this way. Last year at this time, we were getting into the Daniel Bryan story, and all the conversation was about what number would he come in at in the Rumble? Would he even be in the Rumble? What will happen if he's not in the Rumble? And why is that bastard Batista coming back to ruin everything?

Well as we found out, he didn't come in at all, and we rode the YES movement from there on in till he won the title at Mania. Then the unthinkable happened. After the feel good moment of the year, out he goes with an injury and quite honestly the WWE hasn't seemed to recover from it.

They built everything on Bryan winning that title and riding it through the rest of the year, and talk about having to change horses in the middle of the stream. Then they break up the Shield and start pushing Reigns, and he goes out with an injury. Now they have completely fallen off their horses and are treading water. They stick the title on Lesnar and he says "Thank you very much, see you in about 4 months."

So here we are a month before the Rumble. John Cena is the only one on the roster with any history of feuding with the champ. Outside chance maybe Rolins, or they could put Ziggler in. Seeing how Lesnar threw Cena around, if he gets into the ring with Rollins or Ziggler, both could be picked up and thrown into the balcony, match over Lesnar retains.

Yes Reigns is due back, so is Orton and BNB, but where do you start with them? There is no story for them to get into that could possibly make sense leading into a championship match at Mania. Especially for Reigns.

I just see Wrestlemania as the stopping and starting point of a lot of feuds, and right now we don't have a lot to stop and maybe some to start up. To say there is a lot of faith i the WWE right now, would be a lie. We've seen what happens when a couple of big names go out, and God forbid it happens next year. They put all their eggs into one basket, and don't really leave any room for options when they need them.

 

[MartialHorror]

I wonder how fans would react if Roman Reigns wins the Rumble. If he's forced in there, his victory wouldn't matter. Unless he shows up really soon, it would be hard to do anything with that. Batista can survive fans turning on him, Reigns cannot.

But nah...not really. WWE had a good first half in 2014, but bad decisions and unfortunate incidents has left me questioning whether that $9.99 is really worth it.

 

[NegativeFeedback]

I'm honestly not looking forward to anything until John Cena retires. Sounds petty and smarky and whatever, but it's the simple truth. I like John, I do, but I don't like how WWE shoves him down our throats. Same goes for Orton.

I'm very happy with NXT and how they kick the main eventers out once a year. I'll continue looking forward to NXT knowing that they will always be keeping things fresh.

But as for the main roster, nope. Even if Dean and Seth are fighting for the WWE title at SummerSlam, it will be ruined by the fact that John Cena is facing Triple H in the "real" main event.

 

[MR K]

I get where you are coming from Navi, I know the attitude era gets a lot of stick (which is unfair in a lot of instances) from an in ring action stand point. However it always delivered from a storyline stand point, There always seemed to be long term plans in place. The main event stories all seemed to intermingle. the run from survivor series to Mania was always exciting.

These days the writers seem to be chopping and changing with no real plans from one PPV to the next. It's sad really. This year we as fans really have nothing to be excited for at the moment.

 

[MartialHorror]

I'm honestly not looking forward to anything until John Cena retires. Sounds petty and smarky and whatever, but it's the simple truth. I like John, I do, but I don't like how WWE shoves him down our throats. Same goes for Orton.

I'm very happy with NXT and how they kick the main eventers out once a year. I'll continue looking forward to NXT knowing that they will always be keeping things fresh.

But as for the main roster, nope. Even if Dean and Seth are fighting for the WWE title at SummerSlam, it will be ruined by the fact that John Cena is facing Triple H in the "real" main event.

To be fair, it actually DID see that Cena was taking a step back until everyone who was getting pushed seemingly got injured. Bryan's injury forced Cena to take the belt because no one else was ready for it (except maybe Bray, but they needed a face to fight Lesnar). Reigns injury forced Cena to become the number one guy. I find myself wondering if the buyrate for Hell in the Cell was weak because Ambrose has been demoted since then.

Right now, it's either going to be Cena, Ryback (mediocre in the ring, tends to injure people), Ziggler (injury prone, apparently) or Ambrose (who as I said, seems to have been demoted). Or Rowan, whom no one cares about. It takes time to make new stars. If Cena retired right now, it would be hilarious how screwed the WWE would be.

 

[jack knife bad guy]

Interesting thread. . Yeah not as excited as I should be for wm31and the months prior. But I don't know why w/sting coming back (probably bc I hope it will be with taker and it'll be w/ HHH) but that wouldn't be bad it just feels like we still never get what we want. . But if that was at rumble. . I'M DOWN. . And we DOget two matches with sting.. or Lesner the champ fighting a suitable opponent (which I like reigns leaner, but it still isn't big enough for me) reigns feels like a monster draw for the future but not yet. . I sort of want to see Brock beat rock.. many people on here would hate to see 2 part timers in the main event, but I'm not totally against it.. they are in their prime so why not write classic stories with giant characters fire one last time building towards something greater. . I agree with Vince. . The rock wrestles this year and loses. . Then doesn't compete but watches his nephew?? Reigns win next year and then wrestles Roman the following year and loses pushing Roman to the clouds..that's the point.

 

[MCMG]

I was excited for 2014 and I have enjoyed this year. There has been some fantastic matches, feuds and moments. Plus, several new names getting their chance.

It is difficult to predict stuff in wrestling but I'm looking forward to 2015. The amount of talent on the roster is obvious. Moreover, that talent is fresh; yet to be overexposed. I'm talking about Reigns, Rollins, Ambrose, Wyatt, Harper, Rowan and Rusev. Going further, can Reigns cement himself as a top guy? Is Rollins really the real deal? Will the WWE persist with Rusev?

Then they are the upper mid card guys. Ziggler, Cesaro, Barrett, Sheamus amongst others. I'm interested to see if Ziggler can keep this momentum going. If BNB doesn't get injured, I reckon he can be massive. Can Cesaro breakthrough? Let's hope.

There is also wrestlers in NXT. I'm desperate to see Sami Zayn, Neville, Big Cass/Enzo on the main roster. Also how Kevin Owens does in the WWE.

Taker's last match? Sting's "first"? Is Brock done?

So there is a whole bunch of wrestlers who I'm interested in. I've not even mentioned the likes of Orton, Cena, Bryan and Triple H. I'm guessing it's a lot easier to write for good wrestlers and the WWE has a long list of those. Ok, maybe the main-event scene isn't as stacked as it once was. Maybe the writers are useless and Vince is "out of touch" but the roster alone has me excited.

 

[TheICChampion]

The roster is exciting but again it's the stories that make all the difference. I'm kind of looking forward to 2015 if only to see what kind of impact all the new guys will make. Adrian Neville vs. Sami Zayn is the best thing going right now, and this year only really behind Ambrose and Rollins. That's kind of sad but not really surprising. Despite that, I almost don't want to see them get called up, and that's mainly due to one thing: Vince McMahon. Sure, maybe they'll get a strong start. I give that a few months, tops. Let's face it, this is really all we have to look forward to until Vince finally croaks (cuz he ain't EVER going to retire). But, hey, maybe I'm wrong. And I really hope I am. Maybe if we're lucky they'll listen to us (the fans, not the IWC) and push who we want, as long as we make it crystal clear like with Daniel Bryan. I'm just not getting my hopes up too high.

 

[Mudlup50]

Personally, I don't think Raw has been that bad recently. And I know people will disagree and that's all fine and dandy but we've had quite a few memorable moments this year: Streak ending, Shield breaking up, Shield beating Evolution, Bryan winning the gold at Wrestlemania, Paige's debut, so many young guys getting pushed, Sting's debut, etc.

Think about all the talent that has received a push this year: Bryan, Bray, Reigns, Ambrose, Rollins, Ziggler, Ryback, Harper, Rowan, Paige, Bella's, Cesaro(at the beginning of the year), Rusev, etc. That's quite a list of talent to be pushed. Each of these guys have had a moment where I wondered personally, if they were going to the main event.

To the question, I am moderately excited for 2015. I don't think it'll be a bad year, I picture someone young winning the Rumble and beating Lesnar at Mania(or Rollins cashing in), all of the talents listed will be doing something next year. We could see a year where Cena/Orton aren't in the spotlight next year. I'm sure I'm just thinking hopefully but we can hope. Ambrose outsold Cena on Black Friday, so obviously the fans wanna move on.


Granted Mania plans need to be changed. I never thought Reigns would be out this long, I have no problem him being in the main event but I fear it's too soon for him. Maybe let Ambrose win or Bryan? Or again, let Orton win it to fight Lesnar at Mania and lose just to have Orton snap, punt Lesnar and Rollins cash in on him. This is why I think there's hope, there is a lot of possibility for Wrestlemania. I just think a lot of people are assuming the WWE is stilling using it's plans from like May.

 

[chuckmdubya]

it seems like WWE is really counting on some part time guys and some injuries to heal. There is not a lack of talent in their pool, they have several legends that could possibly be competing or at least appearing. (Austin, Rock, Hogan, Taker, HHH, HBK, Sting, and even Foley.) Couple that with injury returns from Reigns, Bryan, and Barrett, along with shelved talent like Orton, Mysterio, Jericho, and Van Dam and there is a lot of potential for WM and the rest of 2015. And as always, an angry CM Punk could always change his mind.

I think 2015 has potential to be great.

 

[6timehitta]

I'm excited for the most part. Barrett, Bryan, Reigns, and even Sheamus are returning after injuries took out most of their 2014's and should all be better than new. The next few years will be pretty interesting as it will really take the most recent headliners like Cena, HHH, Lesnar, and to a lesser extent Orton out of the main light and push guys like Barrett, Ziggler, Sandow, Cesaro, Rusev, Reigns, Ambrose, Rollins, Wyatt, and a few guys from NXT to the main event and give them the chance to shine.

Not saying that Cena or HHH or even Lesnar will be completely off our TV's by 2015, but the light will hopefully be on the younger talent, who at the time hasn't been as big as a draw as Cena or HHH, or even Lesnar for that matter, but that the higher ups will allow them to try.

 

[FightOwensFight]

The thing I would say I am looking forward to the most is the Rumble. With all the people out on hiatus or injured, if the timing works out, you could have some pretty exciting entrants into the match. Reigns and/or Bryan are obviously the big ones. Orton will most certainly be back by then so not him, but Barrett could come back then and not sure on Sheamus, but maybe him as well. Mysterio is rumored to be coming back, so that would be a good way to come back. Jericho is always good to come back around that time. You could theoretically have as many as 4 or 5 "returns" at the Rumble, while also "re-stocking" for the run to WM.

I have some level of confidence that once the people currently out of the picture for whatever reason (Reigns, Orton, Barrett, Sheamus, Bryan) returns it will be a pretty good year. If they stay out longer than expected, we could be looking at more of the inconsistent booking that seems to have plagued the last few months.

 

[L@RISANO]

I was excited for 2014 and I have enjoyed this year. There has been some fantastic matches, feuds and moments. Plus, several new names getting their chance.

It is difficult to predict stuff in wrestling but I'm looking forward to 2015. The amount of talent on the roster is obvious. Moreover, that talent is fresh; yet to be overexposed. I'm talking about Reigns, Rollins, Ambrose, Wyatt, Harper, Rowan and Rusev. Going further, can Reigns cement himself as a top guy? Is Rollins really the real deal? Will the WWE persist with Rusev?

Then they are the upper mid card guys. Ziggler, Cesaro, Barrett, Sheamus amongst others. I'm interested to see if Ziggler can keep this momentum going. If BNB doesn't get injured, I reckon he can be massive. Can Cesaro breakthrough? Let's hope.

There is also wrestlers in NXT. I'm desperate to see Sami Zayn, Neville, Big Cass/Enzo on the main roster. Also how Kevin Owens does in the WWE.

Taker's last match? Sting's "first"? Is Brock done?

So there is a whole bunch of wrestlers who I'm interested in. I've not even mentioned the likes of Orton, Cena, Bryan and Triple H. I'm guessing it's a lot easier to write for good wrestlers and the WWE has a long list of those. Ok, maybe the main-event scene isn't as stacked as it once was. Maybe the writers are useless and Vince is "out of touch" but the roster alone has me excited.

This.

Precisely how I feel about things. Right now there is a lull. We know that Brock Lesnar's title reign has been weak due to his lack of appearances and lack of chalengers beside Cena. Injuries to top Faces being pushed have also hurt.

However by the Royal Rumble hopefully, as MCMG has pointed out going into 2015, the Roster will be much more healthy and thus, the Main Event will get a much needed boost.

Let us see how things are shaping come the Rumble where there will definitely be a much clearer picture with regards to the Main Guys and the programs being setup in time for WrestleMania 31.

 

[BillAlfonsos_Whistle]

It's all about expectations.
You have to know Vince and the WWE were targeting WM30 for probably more than half a decade as the most important show they ever put on. It came across that way and was absolutely flawless. If you think this year can stand up to that on any level you will be let down.

I am excited to see some of the young guys get their shot at first legit Mania moments. I look forward to an incredible Wyatt/Amrbose TLC match that will propel both wrestlers. I also think a few people are missing an obvious possible Main Event match. Triple threat for the WWE championship. Rollins (MITB) vs. Reigns (Rumble winner?) vs. Ambrose (Current Champion?)

Yes it would be rushed.
If they really BELIEVE IN THE SHIELD they might put that match before Sting vs. HHH for control of the WWE.

 

[ans1928]

Agreeing with mostly everyone in saying that I am excited for 2015. Though in the short-term there may not be much to work with, once those big names come back (Bryan, Reigns, Bad News Barrett, Orton, etc.), the WWE may have a great product on their hands. It is unfortunate that these guys have missed time due to injury and their out of the ring ventures, but looking on the bright side, it has allowed the WWE to develop other stars such as Ambrose, Wyatt, Ziggler, Rollins, Rusev, Luke Harper, and Eric Rowan. The first 4 guys I just mentioned have all shown that they're capable of being main event guys. Once Bryan gets back, along with Reigns and Bad News Barrett, I think we're gonna have a really good idea as to what the WWE has in store for the long term. Not to mention if they can figure out a winning formula for Cesaro who has tremendous in-ring ability, 2015 could shape up to be one of the better years in recent memory. Will Wrestlemania 31 be great? Arguably not. But everything else past it could pan out to be really good.

 

[HBKistheHOF]

I'd really like to say yes but I have a lot of fears heading into 2015.

Like what if Bryan doesn't end up returning? What if once Reigns comes back he is pushed way too hard & Ambrose/Rollins are put on the backburner? What if Ziggler's big push is forgotten about for the 3rd or 4th time? What if Cesaro never gets back on track? What if Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens don't debut on the main roster or worse yet have really terrible/forgettable debuts? What if Rusev is just eventually fed to Cena & forgotten about? etc.

WWE is in need of so much rebuilding right now & it just seems like there is a lot that could go wrong within the next year or so but I'm going to try to stay positive. I've really enjoyed the product this year & although the roster can seem sort of thin at times there is also a whole boat load of talent that I think is head & shoulders above most of the names WWE has had in the last several years. So if WWE can make some good calls & plan accordingly, I think 2015 could end up being better than most of us expect.

 

[TWJC: The Beginning]

Wrestlemania could be pretty awesome. Sting vs anyone, Lesnar vs anyone, who they put with their long term assets (Reigns, Rollins, Ambrose, Wyatt), what they do with Ziggler, etc. Plus Cena always turns it up that time of year.

For the rest of the year, I'm definitely look forward to that too. All the young talent, all the guys in NXT. It's really very exciting.

 

[Navi]

Wrestlemania could be pretty awesome. Sting vs anyone, Lesnar vs anyone, who they put with their long term assets (Reigns, Rollins, Ambrose, Wyatt), what they do with Ziggler, etc. Plus Cena always turns it up that time of year.

For the rest of the year, I'm definitely look forward to that too. All the young talent, all the guys in NXT. It's really very exciting.

I was thinking this way until I saw the podcast between Austin and McMahon and my mind changed.

Just the way that Vince talked about the roster, which he didn't seem too crazy about. The fact that he thinks Cesaro isn't credible and the only person that's reached for the brass ring is Cena. It just looks like McMahon himself has some questions about what he created going forward.

They have tons of talent. It's not used properly but it's there. Yes they've been hurt big time by injuries, but that's the time to bring others along and they were doing it with Ambrose. Now that Reigns is coming back and Barrett, Ambrose has been in a a way demoted to a feud with Bray Wyatt.

They could have teased us with Ambrose/Rollins with some insertions from Reigns, right through to Mania and had a great 3 way match. No they dropped the ball on the Ambrose/Rollins feud and burst that balloon. Even if they start up again it won't be the same.

I just don't see any of the story lines they have going for them now being absolutely to die for, must watch TV. And with the Rumble next month, and Mania 3 months away, they'd better get started and quick.