Kofi Kingston is 'Good for Business'

[Kitten Cutter]

Kofi Kingston is nearing the biggest push of his career. Yes, better than his time with Randy Orton. And if things go the way it should, he can be what saves the WWE from whatever mediocre funk it seems to be in.

Allow me to explain: the truly best days are when Vince had two top faces and two top heels. What I mean is that he always had at least 1 of 4 guys to headline PPVs in some fashion that were true main eventers and not just mid-carders having moments of brilliance.

As of now, the WWE is floating along trying to use Sheamus alongside John Cena as its top two faces, while using an established CM Punk as its #1 heel. (The Rock, Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, and HHH are all way too part-time to truly count.) And while the WWE is brimming with high-potential heels like Dolph Ziggler, Antonio Cesaro, Damian Sandow, The Miz, Cody Rhodes and a host of others, there are LITERALLY precious few serious faces.

Santino Murella can wrestle and is massively over, but a joke of a finisher and a lack of real size (and the offense to overcome it like Daniel Bryan has) keeps him from the main event. Zack Ryder is practically in the same boat, seeing as his internet show can't seem to maintain a decent push for him (and the Ruff Ryder really isn't much better as a finisher). R-Truth talks to an imaginary child. Kane and Daniel Bryan have joined the tag team ranks for the near future. Brodus Clay is losing steam. Tyson Kidd, Justin Gabriel, Sin Cara, and Rey Mysterio all seem to have joined the tag team ranks as well. And apparently no one seems primed for a face turn quite yet.

Kofi Kingston is the only serious mid-card face, and that's even with the persona of smiling all the time! Despite the seemingly pile-up of losses, Kofi remains a credible contender for any of the mid-card titles, as shown by his 4th Intercontinental title victory and 2 previous U.S. title reigns. He's held the tag team titles 3 times, and helped resurrect the entire tag division. And as recently as Main Event, we saw more coverage than ever on his life.

I bring this up because on a previous post, I mentioned Wrestlemania hasn't had a feel-good newcomer to the title since Rey Mysterio won at Wrestlemania 22. Since that night, we've seen nothing but already established contenders compete for belts they've already held the equivalent to. In fact, when was the last real feel-good moment of an unexpected World title win? CM Punk in Chicago maybe, when after a hard-fought match against the top face, Punk won his first WWE title to an emotion-driven crowd? THAT was real emotion, and even though Punk had won 3 previous World titles, it was a smash in the glass ceiling for a guy who was long considered an indy darling and another buried treasure of wrestling ability. WM 20, 21, and 22 all provided 4 straight first-time World champions win grand victories (Benoit, Cena, Batista and Mysterio), and all received real moments that people will remember for their lifetimes. How many people will care for Cena's 5th title win, or Orton's 7th title win? Does anyone even remember which belt they won?

To create that moment, a wrestler like Kofi Kingston needs to make that next step up. Maybe winning the Royal Rumble, maybe winning the Elimination Chamber or even Money in the Bank (although it never quite works as well as it did before) but Kofi Kingston is the best choice to be the underdog favorite to win the Royal Rumble and maybe get a title shot vs. Dolph Ziggler (should he cash in MITB and hold onto it until then) for their natural feud for the World Heavyweight title, or maybe WM 30 for the WWE title (vs. CM Punk, who I still wonder how they've only had one match against each other).

I know Kofi has plenty of doubters out there for myriad reasons, and the IWC LOVES its heels and thinks all faces need to turn heel and tell every child to fuck off and go watch Sesame Street, but imagine a Wrestlemania with The Undertaker, The Rock, CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, HHH, and John Cena in whatever combination they put together, and added in there is an incredible 30+ minute match that sees, for the first time in a LONG time, a young, underrated upstart winning his first World title at the grandest stage of them all! Why not establish an up-and-coming midcarder into the main event with a hard fought road from being the rookie sensation of ECW to being part of the epic main event of Wrestlemania 29? Why not create a REAL feel good moment like Wrestlemania is supposed to do for ALL of the fans of ALL ages and persuasions? Kofi Kingston could be that superstar, if only they'd give him the opportunity to let him complete the journey that only few others had.

 

[SuperSteve16]

I completely agree with Kofi Kingston being just not one of the best wrestlers in the WWE today, but one of the best wrestlers of the past few years. He has been arguably the most consistent wrestler since his debut and has always been underrated. He should have became World Champion when he was feuding with Orton, but now is the perfect time to go all the way in his push as he has more experience, confidence and charisma then ever before. Kofi Kingston is extremely popular and theirs no doubt that he sells. He deserves to become World Champion and I hope the WWE realises this before , like so many before him, they miss their chance with him.

 

[J.J.]

I hope he continues to show aggression as he has as of late. I seen him pick up steam like this 2-3 years ago and was kept in the mid card scene. I like how his development was never rushed and has held his own in the tag scene as well within the mid card scene with a few main event teases her and there. Many question his promo ability - it isn't terrible, but I have certainly heard better. He entertains with his leaping and highflying abilities, that'll carry him over as opposed to having to be on the mic. I don't care for a heel turn, but at end of the day I still only view him as a modern day Ricky Steamboat.

 

[a member of wwe universe]

I completely agree with Kofi Kingston being just not one of the best wrestlers in the WWE today, but one of the best wrestlers of the past few years. He has been arguably the most consistent wrestler since his debut and has always been underrated. He should have became World Champion when he was feuding with Orton, but now is the perfect time to go all the way in his push as he has more experience, confidence and charisma then ever before. Kofi Kingston is extremely popular and theirs no doubt that he sells. He deserves to become World Champion and I hope the WWE realises this before , like so many before him, they miss their chance with him.

Im gonna have to disagree. He is what THE Miz quoted as the guy who is beloved by the children and women with his persona AND yet, they dont care about him at the end of the show. They dont invest their emotion, attention and are not attracted to him like Jeff Hardy or Cena (who are also beloved by the same demographic). You can take it as subjective point of view but its the truth. Until i see some solid evidence and not make up opinion, im not buying him as a top guy

 

[cm ben]

I'm torn on this. I was thinking the same thing as you OP, a few weeks ago. Cena was injured, Ryback hadn't been called up yet, and I was trying to think who could possibly fill in for Cena in case he couldn't wrestle. Kofi was the best candidate. That being said, I doubt the match would sell at all, at least not right now--I still consider Kofi "weak;" on a normal RAW, CM Punk would beat him without a commercial interruption, I bet. That could all change, of course, but WWE will have to invest some real time in him first.

As much as I love Kofi and would love to see him succeed, I do agree with others that he's better suited for the mid-card. Maybe it's just because I haven't seen otherwise, but his moveset, character, clothes, etc. just don't scream main event to me. I think a good compromise could be to give him a role like John Morrison's before he left: very high-tier midcarder who can "fill in" for the main event every once in a while. Kofi's been around long enough that he ought to be a considered a legitimate threat by now, not jobbing (or just losing, whatever) in singles bouts to the guys in PTP, Alberto del Rio, etc.

 

[jacdnwarrior]

I like Kofi as a performer and think he has been consistent. That being said he's not some one who screams main event, so for that reason, I don't think he gets the shot. I just don't. I haven't seen enough of him on the mike, his inring work is good and you see him shine with some performers, but the killer instinct needs to be shown more. WWE has given very little attention to pushing him as a main eventer and it really shows here. If he can deliver that against The Miz, then I might agree with you. Even a a goo showing with Miz, might not help, we've seen far too many performers who were just as good if not better than Kofi, come and go without even a shot in the main event.

The WWE may have little to no choice and still they won't give it to him. They'll find some one else to put in that position. Ryback who has had a handfull of matches, gets overwhelming fan support and a heavyweight title match at a ppv. The build up for some performers marching to main event is just crushing for guys like Kofi and Truth to have to watch, who wish they could get the company behind them in that manner.

 

[SinCityBlitz]

Im gonna have to disagree. He is what THE Miz quoted as the guy who is beloved by the children and women with his persona AND yet, they dont care about him at the end of the show. They dont invest their emotion, attention and are not attracted to him like Jeff Hardy or Cena (who are also beloved by the same demographic). You can take it as subjective point of view but its the truth. Until i see some solid evidence and not make up opinion, im not buying him as a top guy

You do realize that the way you described Kofi is the same way you could have described both Cena and Hardy before their main event pushes? I don't understand how you can compare them when Kofi hasn't had a chance yet.

If pushed right he could easily be one of the top guys in the WWE but I seriously doubt that creative has any clue on how to push someone. he will get the typical WWE push which is he will semi main event for a few months before being fed to the "next" top guy. Hollywood writers suck.

 

[H33LTurn]

I guess it all depends on personal taste but I just cant take him seriously. He doesnt pose a logical threat to anybody on the roster. Theres nothing special about him other than the acrobatics that he can perform in the ring. His character is bland and with nothing unique to bring to the table I see it as wishful thinking to imagine him as anything other than a transitional champion for whoever's going to be IC champion next.

 

[a member of wwe universe]

You do realize that the way you described Kofi is the same way you could have described both Cena and Hardy before their main event pushes? I don't understand how you can compare them when Kofi hasn't had a chance yet.

If pushed right he could easily be one of the top guys in the WWE but I seriously doubt that creative has any clue on how to push someone. he will get the typical WWE push which is he will semi main event for a few months before being fed to the "next" top guy. Hollywood writers suck.

Sorry but hardy (2007-early 2009) and cena (2003-2004) were both legitimately over during their early year.

Cenas feud with brock, angle, taker, booker t, eddie have proven creative had confidence in him. Crowd bought into him, he drew reaction in promos and THROUGHOUT the match (not just entrance). Merchandise increases exponentially with his popularity of his gimmick. Sorry a decade ago, the competition was stacked. If cena was like kofi kingston of today, he wouldnt have been anywhere near the mainevent scene.

Same thing with Hardy. His merchandise was always on top consistenly. He was the only top midcarder drew reaction with momentum going forward and not flip floping the division like most midcarders do today. Clearly he gets great reaction in match and even in his boring stale promo.

I am willing to do alittle more research on their sales figure if you dont buy in. Feel free to deny the fact but again its the truth and i know majority of ppl would agree with me

Again Im not discrediting kingston in anyway. But the guy needs to step do something, tell it to the people that he has what it takes. Like how miz, ryder, ( despite the position they are in right now) punk etc rise through the ranks when everybody having dreams about morrison, mcyntre, debiase, swagger etc.

What im describing kofi kingston is based on his five long years career with wwe. Im judging based on current results, facts, history and not on subjective opinions. You are basing on "what if," what should creative have done, etc

 

[Rabbid Wolverine]

He needs a character re-toolong, i dont buy him as a top guy right now. Maybe something along the lines of a booker T look, if ppl say its a rip off, so be it. There have been a lot of talented guys who could wrestler in the past but it was their character that didnt get over. I have a feeling this will be the case.

 

[Kitten Cutter]

I've been waiting ALL DAY to respond to some of these!

Such as:

What im describing kofi kingston is based on his five long years career with wwe. Im judging based on current results, facts, history and not on subjective opinions. You are basing on "what if," what should creative have done, etc

You know it took Jeff Hardy nearly 10+ years before he became World Champion? He was a true jobber as early as 1994, wasn't even on the Superstar map until 1998 and and didn't win his first singles title (the Intercontinental title) until 2001. Kingston to his credit already has 4 Intercontinental titles, 2 U.S. titles and 3 tag team titles in just five years. Seems like he's doing well. Kingston won the Intercontinental title the same year he debuted, 2008, and has never gone more than 1 full calendar year without holding some type of gold.

Sorry but hardy (2007-early 2009) and cena (2003-2004) were both legitimately over during their early year.

Cenas feud with brock, angle, taker, booker t, eddie have proven creative had confidence in him. Crowd bought into him, he drew reaction in promos and THROUGHOUT the match (not just entrance). Merchandise increases exponentially with his popularity of his gimmick. Sorry a decade ago, the competition was stacked. If cena was like kofi kingston of today, he wouldnt have been anywhere near the mainevent scene.

Same thing with Hardy. His merchandise was always on top consistenly. He was the only top midcarder drew reaction with momentum going forward and not flip floping the division like most midcarders do today. Clearly he gets great reaction in match and even in his boring stale promo.

I am willing to do alittle more research on their sales figure if you dont buy in. Feel free to deny the fact but again its the truth and i know majority of ppl would agree with me

Kofi is over as well. The reason he's over is because he's consistent. Unlike most other gimmicks that go stale and boring, Kofi still gets cheers for his offense even after 5 years of lack of mic time. His matches get the crowd going (I dare anyone to find the crowd chanting 'boring' during one of his matches) The crowd audibly goes "BOOM" whenever he does his signature legdrop or his set-up for Trouble in Paradise. He has a catchphrase when Hardy could barely mumble coherent sentences. And feel free to do the research. I'm not hating but I am genuinely curious how Kofi's gear is doing.

I like Kofi as a performer and think he has been consistent. That being said he's not some one who screams main event

I still consider Kofi "weak;" on a normal RAW, CM Punk would beat him without a commercial interruption, I bet. That could all change, of course, but WWE will have to invest some real time in him first.

I guess it all depends on personal taste but I just cant take him seriously. He doesnt pose a logical threat to anybody on the roster.

All three of you are the point of why I made this. He NEEDS THE CHANCE TO ASCEND. John Cena was a mid-carder who no one took seriously. (did anyone really think the rapper gimmick would take him to the WWE Title?) So was Jeff Hardy. So was CM Punk. So was Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho and Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit and Rey Mysterio and The Miz and Daniel Bryan. All of these guys at some point were below the glass ceiling until one subtle push up got them a World title. And ALL of these guys have won or defended a World title at Wrestlemania. It's not impossible for Kofi Kingston to be World Champion, especially if given the credible opportunity from WWE Creative. He can be taken seriously if he continues to show how lethal that 540 kick can be (Which CAN be effective against bigger wrestlers, like Sweet Chin Music or the 619). He can be taken seriously if he gets to play the underdog the way Santino Murella was booked a few years ago, only with a much more serious chance of winning. What makes anyone immediately discredit Kofi while thinking Zack Ryder will be WWE Champion next year because he has an internet show is beyond me.

 

[a member of wwe universe]

You know it took Jeff Hardy nearly 10+ years before he became World Champion? He was a true jobber as early as 1994, wasn't even on the Superstar map until 1998 and and didn't win his first singles title (the Intercontinental title) until 2001. Kingston to his credit already has 4 Intercontinental titles, 2 U.S. titles and 3 tag team titles in just five years. Seems like he's doing well. Kingston won the Intercontinental title the same year he debuted, 2008, and has never gone more than 1 full calendar year without holding some type of gold.

The 90s roster was stacked in all division. Titles were earned by credible contenders, and not guys who debuted for couple months. You do know wwe has tendency to give out midcard title to newly debut guys in hope of making something to happen. What was the compeition for kofi kingston. Did the "IC midcard division" even exist back in 2007?

Championship credential is irrelevant today, theres no prestige. The purpose of the title is to enhance the individual and it does nothing for anyone today. Even so the number of time won means nothing, quoted from a mark Madden in an article of his. (Heath slather is a former tag champ, drew McIntyre is a former intercontinental champ, swagger is a former US and world champ) get the point

It's only fair to assess jeff hardy's career after his return to wwe in 2006 because majority new guy debut in wwe instantly gets midcard us/ic push anyway. But i do give him the advantage with his brand name hardy.

Kofi is over as well. The reason he's over is because he's consistent. Unlike most other gimmicks that go stale and boring, Kofi still gets cheers for his offense even after 5 years of lack of mic time. His matches get the crowd going (I dare anyone to find the crowd chanting 'boring' during one of his matches) The crowd audibly goes "BOOM" whenever he does his signature legdrop or his set-up for Trouble in Paradise. He has a catchphrase when Hardy could barely mumble coherent sentences. And feel free to do the research. I'm not hating but I am genuinely curious how Kofi's gear is doing.

Again going back to my very first post. Kofi Kingston is what the miz quoted as the guy that gets cheered "decently" by the children for his "enthusiasts, frenzy" action in the ring but at the end of the day they don't "Care" about him. And why they don't care about him is because his gimmick, character has been "consistent" or better yet stale. He needs promo time and be more vocal to evolve his character. Btw after 5 years his promo skill still generic, so that's not something i would be proud to say.
Perhaps the term "over “is varying to many. I guess santino is over then.

The crowd always "boom boom boom" for his boom drop. what does that mean. To AN EXTENT I will say he gets crowd behind him. But what I referred was the overall reaction, attention Hardy and cena drew.

Feel free to stick with your argument. However you'll be disappoint...again like 2009 when he gets de push. Then there will be rant saying Randy played political so Kofi couldn't go over blah blah. Or that Kofi is going to improve on the Mic and crowd will be behind him and character will grow. Until i see something concrete, I'm sticking with i believe.

 

[midgensa]

I like the current Kofi push, but I still don't know about ever taking him seriously as a major player in the top tier.

This is a good direction he is going in though and he could be something seriously fresh, so I hope that he keeps proving me wrong, but I have never trully believed him as a threat to those at the top of the card ... and as of now ... I still don't.

 

[HBsam31]

I also like the push he is getting right now, and I have always liked Kofi. I would like to see him get his chance to shine. I don't see him as a main eventer personally, but I really think it is due to him not really getting a chance. He was looking real good in his feud with Orton. What exactly did happen that time to get him depushed? I will be interesting to see how far they let him go this time, and I do agree that he should get a chance to go all the way this time.