Kofi Kingston: Will The Fourth Time Be A Charm?

[Jack-Hammer]

On last night's episode of WWE Main event, Kofi Kingston defeated The Miz in an excellent match to become WWE Intercontinental Champion for the fourth time in his career. Since last week really, the WWE has been putting an amount of attention on Kofi Kingston that, quite frankly, we haven't seen probably since his feud with Randy Orton several years ago.

Kofi has spoken on the mic a couple of times, including last night, and I think he's done a good job. They've told a story with Kofi as being someone that's just not really pushed himself as hard as he could. His in-ring promo after winning the title last night was great in my opinion. Kofi really sold the emotional context of the win, he put over the lineage of the championship and just put a good amount of passion into everything he was saying.

However, the real test is yet to come. We've all known that Kofi is someone with great in-ring ability and I think we're just now starting to see that Kofi is someone that can really connect with people on the mic if given a chance. However, Kofi has had three runs with the title before and, for the most part, little has come from them. However, at least right now, there's definitely a different vibe with Kofi and the title. Over the past several months, due to Triple H, the WWE has put more emphasis on titles overall than they have in quite a while. I think WWE has the opportunity to cement Kofi as a star in the WWE with his current run. Kofi is someone that has all the tools necessary to be a great babyface mid-card champion and I find myself hoping that they'll finally give Kofi a strong run as champ, thereby producing a strong mid-card title picture. The potential challengers are all there, a strong babyface champ is what's needed now.

 

[Diet Soda]

I hope something becomes of him this time around. Though this is now Kofi's sixth singles title reign, he has struggled to move out from underneath the shadows of the likes of Cena, Punk, HHH, and so forth. Which is a huge shame since he definitely deserves recognition for such feats as gaining wins over vets like Jericho and Christian, as well as current main event stars like Sheamus and Orton.

Kofi's post-match promo, while it contained nearly every championship win cliche (we're supposed to believe that the Miz is harder to beat than Y2J or Orton?), displayed an intensity and passion which haven't seen much of before, most likely because Kofi's character is so laid back. Nevertheless, if some of that fire shined through more often, I really think he could make more of a connection with the fans. Not that he isn't popular already; Kofi is no doubt one of the most over stars with the younger audience memebers - it's capitalising on that fanbase and then widening his scope which should be his next step.

I've always liked Kofi - let's be honest, there are no genuine reasons not to - though I wouldn't be shocked if he stayed in the role he's in now for the rest of his career, as it suits him so well. In ten or 20 years time people may be in hindsight talking about Kofi as one of the greatest superstars to have never held a world championship. But if Kofi wanted to change his fate and move even further up the ladder, he should let the beast out a lot more often.

 

[Menski]

WWE is desperately short of babyfaces right now. It's time for Kofi to finally realise his potential. A feud with Miz can help both them get into the upper card booking. Miz has been out of the picture a while and Kofi (if he can be as entertaining as he was during the Orton feud) can help him get back there while adding a new dynamic for ppv matches feuding with the likes of Wade, Ziggler, Rhodes, and Punk further down the line. We need new stars and that is achieved through storylines connecting you with the wrestler that climax with an excellent match.

 

[3drinks]

I am happy for Kofi getting a renewed singles push, don't get me wrong, but am I one of the only ones who has been waiting for the eventual Kofi heel turn? I've been saying it for YEARS that it would be an amazing angle to finally book.

'Course, I do understand WWE is desperately looking for faces(as seen by Ryback's recent surge to the top of the food chain...no pun intended) so that heel turn won't happen. Unless they heel turn Kofi, and face turn Miz and set up the "double turn" in this feud(at least I hope Kofi/Miz becomes a real feud as the two work good together).

 

[Redemption-2012]

I have not cared for Kingston for many years now. But after defeating The Miz on Raw and then winning the intercontinental title back, hopefully it can only be a good thing. He needs to break past this mid card into the main event, making the cross can be one of the most difficult things, mainly because of the competition and the new guys with all the potential in the world.

Kingston needs to make that step!

 

[HBsam31]

I have always liked Kofi, but I am not confident this will be any different than the last times. He really showed emotion and passion in his feud with Orton, and for some reason it didn't pan out. I have been liking Kofi a lot lately, and I hope he finally breaks out here. I think he can have a strong run with the IC title, but in the same breath I can see it not panning out again with him keeping the same spot he is in for the rest of his career.

 

[Mustang Sally]

I have nothing against Kofi, although I'm not particularly enamored of him, either. He seems more of a spot-hitter and an acrobat than a tough-guy wrestler......good for mid-card matches and sometimes fun to watch as he bounces around the ring with his crowd-pleasing tactics.

The thing is, Kofi seems to have the good fortune of gaining favor with WWE management at a time when there's a desperate need for good guys. The pool of faces was shallow to begin with, then Big Show and CM Punk went bad......certain to be followed shortly by Randy Orton.

Somebody's got to play the good guys, no? Kofi has been a good citizen and hard worker; he seems to merit a shot at the upper mid-card every so often, and his turn has come around again......exactly at the right time.

 

[scottyshowman82]

I think that Kofi Kingston can be a guy that you evovle to the next level, or at least to a point where he can get his feet wet again amonst the WWE Elite. Yes give him a credible reign as the IC Champ. And then book him a Champion vs Champion match vs CM Punk and even if he is in a losing effort but has a strong showing that could raise his game. I think the WWE is grateful towards Kingston for the way he handled himself in Air Boom and tagging with R Truth. I think if people use what the Miz brilliantly said to Kingston, that's he a B player and he won't amount to anything more that could feul Kingston's character to continue to reach to be greater.

I remember in the 40 man Royal Rumble in 2011 when Kofi went face to face with John Cena. It was a match we've never seen and a face vs face contest I'd like to see. I think Kofi has a lot left in him to show us.

 

[MTL722]

Is the fourth time the charm? Nobody knows for sure because although Kofi has proven his in-ring ability is right up there with anyone else and his mic skills are far better than anyone has ever given him credit for, it all depends on how the WWE feels about him.

The IC title used to mean something. It looked like it was being turned into a relevant title again when Cody had it but then it got hot potatoed from Big Show to Cody to Christian to Miz and now to Kofi. This is his fourth reign and he's never held the title for 100 days (a pretty big milestone nowadays)

The key to this reign being different is length and consistent feuds. Kofi should hold this title until Wrestlemania if they want relevance in this reign. Have him battle it out with Miz until TLC and give him a Cody at the Rumble. I'll wager that Miz and Kofi will be on opposite teams at Survivor Series if this rumored 5-on-5 happens and let Miz pin Kofi setting up 1 more match at TLC.

Cody is (or was) obesessed with the IC title so who better for a personal feud for the belt than him. For everybody, inclduing myself, that wants Cody to have an actual gimmick, how about a literal obsession with the IC title. I'm talking full on Lord of The Rings "my precious" obsession

Kofi can be a star. Who doesn't love this guy? The kids love him, adults are in awe of his in ring prowess, the only people that don't LOVE Kofi Kingston seem to be WWE creative. Give him a reason to be on TV other than just the crowd pop from his entrance. Lets see Kofi the character progress

 

[TheLoneCharles]

Will the fourth time be the charm for Kofi?

Kofi is solid in the ring, and during the times he has been allowed to speak he seems decent enough. Kind of like if Shelton Benjamin and John Morrison had a baby. Personally I think for the incident with Orton and flubbing his Jamaican accent got him "punished" on the card for awhile.

Regardless, Kofi has proven to be the bigger star of his last two tag teams, and right now there is a need for a strong face in the IC Title picture. There are tons of up and coming heels and I think Kofi will drop the IC Title sometime around Royal Rumble. This reign should be a test to see if Kofi is capable of getting the crowd behind him as a singles star. He's done it before in 2009 around this time of year, and I hope he can do it again because like I said a strong face is needed in the IC Title picture.

 

[asiatic7]

Good thread. I was just trading messages with HBsam1 and I brought up how over Kofi was. WWE needs to just let guys get OVER!!! The Attitude was great because everyone was.... OVER!!! Guys like Al Snow and Crash Holly had interesting storylines and these guys opened shows and PPV's. Nowadays, guys get hot and then WWE pulls the plug. Kofi should have been a main eventer for the last three or four years. You think I'm crazy? Who's out there now? Cena's hurt. Rey and Orton are out...again. We were force fed Sheamus and he's not that interesting IMO. I hope that finally this is Kofi's coming out party. He deserves it. He's also a great posterboy for a company who is really image concious and PG. What more can you ask for from Kofi? He's cut from the same "Good Guy" cloth as Steamboat and Rey Mysterio. There's not a Heel bone in his body. The kids love him, the girls like him and men can tolerate him. It seems like the only Kofi haters are 17 year olds who like to live vicariously through "tougher" more "Bad ass" dudes on the roster, and the rest are ignorant racists (I see the ignorant black references people post in regards to "The sun soaked black guy" Kofi)

It's his time. WWE should let him go and see how far he can carry the ball. At this point, does WWE have a chance with all it's big name faces out?

Good topic Jackhammer!

 

[Nadeem Ahmad]

Kofi is in a position like Razor Ramon once was. Being able to get over with the crowd, talking well sometimes but not saying much, and wrestling with lots of skills are not the only criteria needed for being in the main event. For those types of matches people want him in, they need to realize he isn't seen as a "power" wrestler. Instead, he uses quickness and agility more. The reason people like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels got to the main event, despite being smaller guys, was that they used lots of enhancers to gain extra weight and muscles, and also were technically skilled in the ring. Kofi is good at what he does now, but can not step up to the main event for a consistent amount of time.

 

[Theo Mays]

I've always felt that Kofi was a great midcarder who could develop into a solid main eventer. I began to give up on that thought, but just as he has in the past Kofi takes the ball and runs when given the chance. His back and forth promo with Miz on Main Event 2 weeks ago along with his Raw match/promo with him were entertaining and probably my favorite part of the show. And now he is once again the IC champ and I hope he can go the road of Cody Rhodes and have a great run with the strap that could see him elevated into the main event scene.

Like it has been said, the E is short on babyfaces and Kofi has remained pretty over with the crowd no matter his spot on the card. This sort of reminds me of his stint with Orton with a slightly less focus on attitude. Kofi has been bringing it late and I hope to see him keep it up. Him and Miz work well together and could do the title some good before Kofi moves on to another opponent and hopefully down the line we see him get his feet wet in the main event scene. This is a pretty big opportunity for him and I think he will do well.

 

[MWRedskins]

i dont know if the problem is Kingston or not, but hopefully, this is the IC title run that pushes him to the main event. i think part of the problem is his gimmick mixed with his mic work. because his gimmick was a Jamaican happy guy, it didnt really click and most of us cant forget that gimmick. i think he isnt a bad talker and i think his in ring abilities are more than enough to pull off a main event push, but i think it's down to his promos. i hope he can break out of it as he's very talented.

 

[Dagger Dias]

Ok....?

That was my initial reaction to Kofi winning the title for yet another time. He has held it before and never done much of anything relevant with his title reigns. His tag team reign with Bourne as Air Boom was a lot more relevant than any of his midcard singles reigns. It's great for Kofi that he has accomplished what he has in the WWE and he will end up being looked back fondly of as one of the best midcarders of this era when all is said and done.

With that being said, he needs more than another Intercontinental Championship reign to help him finally break into the main event. His feud in 2009 with Randy Orton gets brought up a lot. Why would that be? The fans liked it. A lot. We need to see more anger from Kofi. If he channels some more aggression and shows what he can do when heels push him too far then he will be more believable in a role higher up on the card.

I doubt that this reign will be what does it for him unless we see something different. I'll still give it a chance of course but I'm not expecting much. I'm more interested in what happens to Miz now. So much for the title reign helping him out, these short reigns do nothing for the wrestlers honestly. I guess he might feud with Sheamus for the World Championship at some point, but if he takes the title right back from Kofi then this entire change will have been a massive waste of everyone's time. Hopefully Kofi retains when Miz gets a rematch, Miz moves on to better things, while Kofi has a decent reign and starts showing more aggression. That will get him into the main event, a long list of midcard and tag team title wins will not.

 

[akathelaw]

My tips for Kofi's fourth IC title reign:

1. Work on the signature moves. That finisher he debuted a short while ago is phenomenal. The Boom Drop shoulder popping is bad, and the fans really don't sound that excited to see him do it. Kofi needs a little offensive tweaking to really come across like a dominant champ.

2. Refresh your mic routine. Come up with one or two NEW catch phrases, and develop the Kofi attitude. Kofi can be laid back yet intense, saving his wildness for the opportune moment. His promos should be high energy, like Sting was in the early 90's. Actually Kofi could learn a lot from Sting.

3. Get more impressive ring gear. His primary colored tights make for great action figures, but it's been done to death. The Kofi caricature is a neat doodle but it's not setting the WWE on fire. Kofi could use some of jericho's flash, maybe get Kofi a sweet ring robe or jacket to wear out to the ring. His tights and kickpads could use some extra flash, some sequins or a unique design.

 

[Rayne]

I see this as a title reign for character rejuvenation. Kofi was getting a bit stale. He'd go out, say boom, hit a few spots, then hit the showers. He's a really solid midcard performer; he's over and can work with a wide variety of people.

Every once in a while, that role-playing guy has to get a championship run. It convinces the fan that he's still legitimate. I don't see this as the beginning of something new for Kofi, but more a continuation of what he's been doing.

 

[The Crock]

I've always been a big fan of Kofi's and I'm glad to see him get another Intercontinental Championship run. This could be what he needs to finally that that next step into the main event, but that's not to say that it will be. Kofi's a solid midcarder and one of the most over faces in the WWE -- that's nothing to sneeze that. This title run might be a way of seeing if he's able to translate that into some significant singles success and maybe make his way up the card. More than anything, this title run is to keep him from floundering. Kofi needed something to regain some momentum after a decent tag run with Truth, where I thought he had really found a nice little niche and build a decent relationship with the fans.

So, my gut tells me that the fourth time will be the charm, but it's still too early to tell. Given a few weeks of mic time, we'll be able to see just how much Kofi has improved and if he's ready to take that next step. So far, so good, though. The mini-feud with Miz was quite good (and I hope they continue it) and I was impressed with the improvements out of both men. I'm hopeful that Kofi gets some actual talents to feud with and not just random spot matches here and there, because he's easily one of the more entertaining guys on the roster and deserves a chance, though.

 

[#hamler]

Kofi's always been one of my favorite midcarders within the WWE. He's one of the few Superstars nowadays that have remained over no matter his spot on the card. Kofi definitely possess the charisma to make it big in the WWE - his consistent positive crowd reaction undoubtedly proves so. A couple of weeks ago, Miz called Kofi out on being "irrelevant." J.R. basically agreed referring to how great he was in his feud with Orton in 2009 compared to now. I believe Kofi definitely has what it takes to break out; it’s only a matter of time. Kofi Kingston winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship is definitely a step in the right direction. It's proof that he's a work in progress and the WWE is content on pushing Kingston as far as he will let them.

Do I think the fourth times the charm? Basing from recent runs with both the United States and Intercontinental Championships - I'd actually say no. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Each and every midcard title he has held, it looks as if he'll rise to the next level but he always fails. However, I do have little faith. If the WWE will let him work with the very best of guys, I have a gut feeling Kofi could very well be a breakout star within the next year or so.

 

[Peoples_Champ]

Ricardo Rodriguez, of all people, said it best while Kofi was getting the upper hand on Del Rio:

Don't worry, it's all just build.

Kofi has all the tools, but I just can't believe that he can finish a match in dominant fashion with a devastating finishing move. Hogan leg drop: devastating. Goldberg Jackhammer: devastating. Bret Hart's Sharpshooter: devastating. Kofi Kingston's Boom Drop: its all show.

If Kofi were to develop a submission move, it could add some false finishes to his matches and give him a chance to make his finishers that much more convincing. But as it stands, he'll be in a holding pattern until Royal Rumble.

 

[DirtyD79]

With that being said, he needs more than another Intercontinental Championship reign to help him finally break into the main event. His feud in 2009 with Randy Orton gets brought up a lot. Why would that be? The fans liked it. A lot. We need to see more anger from Kofi. If he channels some more aggression and shows what he can do when heels push him too far then he will be more believable in a role higher up on the card.

So true, while he doesn't need to be a badass what he needs is to show just why winning the belt from The Miz was important to him. What does he gain from it that he didn't get in his last few runs with the IC and tag team belts? He needs to show that when the heels push him too far he will hunker down and get serious with them. This is a large part of the problem with doing a character who is too laid back. Pro Wrestling storylines are based on competition whether it's for respect, a championship, a woman, taking over the company, whatever. When you have a character who nothing really seems to matter to them, well why should we the fans care either? It's basic storytelling and it's the same in any medium.

 

[shrimc]

I'm predicting Kofi Kingston will win MITB next year, or maybe even the Royal Rumble. Can you imagine Kofi vs. Punk, or Kofi vs Ziggler as the main event of WM. That would an amazing moment in an already great night. I just hope he doesn't become the next Shelton Benjamin, Jack Swagger, or Kaval (Low Ki), talented wrestlers who just doesn't have good mic skills.
If he doesn't rise into the main event, then I hope he still gets to put on great matches every week. Orton doesn't appear to be getting a title shot anytime soon, maybe they can feud for the IC title, after Kofi is done with The Miz.

 

[XXJJ]

I dont really think it will be much different than his other ic title reigns. Just like his tag title runs they all just kind of feel like the same. I still cant believe its his 4th time as ic champ.

He should try to work with Orton again. That was by far the best and most entertaining thing he has ever done in his career.

 

[The Tay]

''Kofi you've been here for 5 years and all people know you for is the guy who says Boom,Boom,Boom''

Once again miz amazes me with his mic skills,though i couldn't agree more.Leading up to their match, Kingston and Miz had a handful of confrontations. On the Oct. 15 episode of Monday Night Raw, Miz hosted Kingston on his Miz TV interview segment. Kingston kept up with Miz on the mic and the two delivered an excellent promo.

Getting mic time with an excellent talker like Miz was a huge step in the right direction. One of the reasons that Kingston has been stuck in the midcard for so long is the fact he rarely gets the opportunity to speak.

Kingston also had two opportunities that week to shine in the ring. In his five-minute match with Miz on Raw, Kingston looked like a beast when he drilled Miz with the Trouble in Paradise kick. That kick alone made Kingston look like a believable threat to Miz and the Intercontinental Championship.

''Im the superstar your the novalty,and you'll always be a B-player.'' I'm the miz and I'm.........Awesome.

 

[heartbreakking]

Kofi has a LOT of potential, many people saw it in his feud with Orton. They know they need new baby faces, might as well capitalize with Kofi. I'm personally hoping, and i might be exaggerating alot, but i do see him as a different type of next HBK, he is well connected to the crowd, has an 'aggressive' side to him and is a great ring worker.