Royal Rumble- Christian vs Ezekiel Jackson - ECW Championship

[Ambiguous Turd]

Continuing WWE's latest trend of offering "fresh, new" matches for the fans on PPV, we will be seeing Christian defend the ECW Championship against Ezekiel Jackson, who will undoubtedly be accompanied by William Regal.

Jackson was an absolute powerhouse on ECW. He eliminated both Kane as well as CM Punk in the Over the Top Rope Battle Royal to become the #1 Contender for the title.

I also couldn't help but notice that he was getting a good crowd response, as well ... especially when he eliminated Punk. So the crowd seems to be buying him as a more legitimate contender now. Why not? He certainly has the look to be a legitimate monster.

So is Christian's time as the ECW Champion up and do you see Ezekiel taking the title? Or do you forsee another successful title defense from Christian at the Rumble?

 

[Checkmate]

It all depends on where the WWE feels Christian is right now. It has almost been a year since his return, and he has basically dominated ECW since then. If creative feels that he is deserving of a bigger push, such as MitB or even being drafted post Wrestlemania, I could see Christian dropping the title here. If not, then I expect him to retain. Either way, whatever happens will likely yield some insight to Christians near future.

On the flip side, looking at Jackson, he is becoming much more of a force on ECW. I enjoy him as a monster heel, and if William Regal plays the part of a disruptive manager (something much needed in the WWE) then I'd buy him as a legit champ. Big Zeke looks less stiff in the ring than he used to, and has slightly improved his moveset, so he could potentially be reaching the point where he can work longer (championship?) matches. Assuming he wins, he could continue his feud with Koslov for the title, then fend of the Hurricane, Goldust, Shelton Benjamin, and Yoshi Tatsu. In reality, ECW has no shortage of faces, while Christian may be running low on heels to run through.

For the match itself, I expect it to be short and rough. Zeke will likely dominate for a short time, followed by a comeback from Christian into some type of finish. Christian can carry most guys to a semi-decent match, and I see the same happening here. It will probably open the show and hopefully will get some fans into it.

 

[Viperman86]

Im ok with jackson winning cuz i faith that he could have a good future in wwe. all he needs to do is improve his moveset a little bit. show us he can have an interesting, close, long match with a credible opponent. he also needs improvement on the mic but he has potential.

Me personally, i was really hoping and praying shelton benjamin would win. benjamin is the most misused guy in wwe. he has more talent and skill than half the guys and vince and the wwe cant give him a decent push, COME ON!

but anyway, christian could drop the title do jackson, idk though. if vince and the wwe are wanting the ecw title defended at mania, idk if jackson is even near ready for a title defense on grandest stage of them all, but we'll see, we all know vince likes to and can change his mind like that. but im hoping for a decent match at the rumble.

 

[Cubed]

To be honest Jackson was one of the last people in the mini-rumble I wanted or expected to win. In my opinion he is just a stale personality, I did not want him to win or really loose, I just didn't care. I think a better job could have been done at building him up into a better character. I mean is he a heel or a face even? Granted this was the first time I have watched ECW for awhile.

 

[Slowdude]

I mean is he a heel or a face even?

I believe he is a heel, he teased a face turn before joining Regal in attacking Kozlov making Kozlov the face I guess. Since I'm not sure if he is a face or heel I don't beleive he should be in this title match, he honestly has done nothing, ever and I wouldn't be surprised if Regal and Kozlov get involved in this match in one way or another. Certainly not looking forward too this match.

 

[PEP3]

Ezekial Jackson has everything a championship contender needs to come across as legit. He's massive. He's got a devious ringside presence to help. And he's been build up as a monster since he started on the ECW brand several months back. WWE did an excellent job of positioning him as a legitimate threat to the belt, too, with his performance in the mini-Royale (or whatever it was called). Having Jackson eliminate three former ECW champs definitely gives him the kind of momentum he needs as we head toward the Rumble.

However, I don't think they're going to put the strap on him. As a previous poster mentioned, we're in the home stretch heading into WrestleMania, and I'm not certain Jackson is the guy ECW needs defending the belt on the grandest stage of them all. Christian should be allowed an opportunity to -- yet again -- prove why he is one of the E's most bankable stars when it comes to high-quality PPV matches.

However, with that said, I would really enjoy seeing Christian given an opportunity to compete in and win MitB. As I've long contended, giving him a guaranteed title opportunity would allow WWE to seamlessly transition him from the "C" show (though I still think it's generally better than the others, with less of the BS!) into the main event ranks of either RAW or Smackdown.

Should Christian drop the belt and then make the jump to either other brand without the MitB, WWE would likely force him to work his way back into the title hunt. This leaves the door open to all kinds of variables which could easily prevent him from making the kind of splash he DESERVES. I think about how Jack Swagger was booked red-hot on ECW, and made an above-average showing for himself as ECW champ, but not long after the transition to RAW happened, he lost all momentum whatsoever and is now completely stalled. While I firmly believe Christian's popularity would follow him no matter where he goes, I would rather not take any chances.

To sum it all up, I think Jackson's a great contender -- and could even make a decent champ if that's what creative has in mind -- but unless they're also planning to push Christian to the moon if he drops the belt, I'd much prefer he hold onto it until after WM26.

 

[Vintage]

I can buy Jackson winning with inteference by Regal. Its more likely he'll lose due to interference by Kozlov though. I'm willing to bet that Christian retains again. Jackson while impressive last night is no more impressive than anyone else that was on a roll until they got a title shot and he's not quite ready to be champ yet

 

[Shanks18]

Surprisingly I'm quite happy with this. I'm not sure what I like about Big Zeke, I think it's because he's just a massive bad-ass, I'd buy him as a champ and wouldn't mind seeing him go over Christain. However, since he's starting to get a reaction he needs to develop more of a personality.

I could see him going over Christian, leaving him free for MitB or Elimination Chamber and brand switch. I think PEP3 is right in that he'll need to make his way back upto the Main Event, but that's OK, because he's got the talent and patience to do it.

With the belt on Zeke I'd see a face like Yoshi challenging in a David vs Goliath type role. I also don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that if Zeke does win, he'll give the title to Regal, then Zeke turns face when Regal begins to belittle him and then you have Zeke as face challenging Regal. Solves problem of having green talent at WM.

 

[Blade]

This could all be quite good or it could end up being utter crap. In the end, it all comes down to Christian. Christian may or may not be able to pull a good match out of Jackson since Jackson isn't exactly a good wrestler. Christian has a chance to shut up the doubters, particularly Vince. If Christian can put together a good match that the crowd get into, he's showing that he is one of the best in WWE at the moment and that he should be main eventing Smackdown because I think it'll take some real talent to put on a good match with Jackson. Here's hoping he can pull it off.

As for the choice of putting Jackson as number one contender well... Meh. I know they're pushing new stars and all the stuff, and I have no problem with that. But with Regal at Zeke's side, he will obviously try to interfere and it'll just feel like some sort of spin-off of the Regal/Christian feud, which shouldn't be happening because there's plenty of stars on ECW who could do something fresh with Christian. Yoshi vs Christian itself still has lots of untapped potential. I personally was hoping for Punk vs Christian. I know Punk is busy saving souls at the moment, but you cannot think about that match and realise it would be a damn good contest. But like I said, it's up to Christian and his talent.

Who'll win? Now that's actually a tough one. Christian has had a good reign as ECW champion and I'm personally hoping that he'll be keeping it until Wrestlemania, especially if it's against Danielson or someone talented. But WWE would be crazy to not draft Christian to Smackdown, so they do have to get the belt off him in the next couple of months so he can go do his thing on SD. Zeke could quite possibly be the man to take the belt off Christian.

 

[TLC]

I didn't actually expect Jackson to win it actually. The person who I thought should of won the number one contendership was Punk but that was only because I thought they would be able to put on one of hell of a match. I'm kind of suprised they didn't give Shelton another chance as I think he's gotten alot better on the mic and could of had a great match with Christian again. So I was suprised obviously when Jackson won it. I'm not sure what to think about this match. I believe it could be a pretty good match as Christian can make quite a lot of people look like real threats and i'm sure he could do exactly that for Jackson. It also helps that he looked really good in the Battle Royal thingy. Eliminating 3 former ECW champs gives him alot of needed momentum he needs to go into this match so he can actually look like a big threat.

Although i've said that, I personally don't think he should win the title just yet, if the WWE are planning on making him champion soon then I believe they shouldn't do it on his first chance. He should be defeated at the Rumble then win it at another opportunity, if they are going win that route. I personally don't think he should win it. I don't think he would be a very good champ but I can't make any comments as he hasn't had the chance to hold any titles.

Right now i'm not entirely sure who will win. Christian is who I want to win this match but knowing the WWE they'll make Jackson be the one to take the title off him so he could go to bigger and better things. Right now I think Christian should win this one so he can carry up until around No Way Out (or as it is now called Elimination Chamber) Then lose it so he can be in the MITB and win it.

 

[D-Man]

Let's face it, no one is going to be happy if Ezekiel wins the title at the Royal Rumble. 3/4 of the readers on this site are Christian marks, and unless he loses the belt to someone who has been on television for at least a year, everyone is going to think that Christian's opponents aren't worthy of an ECW Championship run.

But let's think about this scenario for a minute. Isn't the purpose of Christian's lengthy run as the ECW Champion to turn the opponent he loses to into a sure-fire star?

This is the purpose of a champion holding a title belt. They are supposed to be booked as a strong competitor in order to make the person they lose to a formidable contender. This has always been the cookie-cutter formula for building tomorrow's stars, especially when it involves the bastard child of title belts, such as the ECW Championship.

And I don't understand why everyone seems to think that Zeke is too "green". Did you guys all forget that Ezekiel's been on television since he represented The Brian Kendrick back in July of 2008??

And speaking of Zeke being too "green," didn't we think the same thing of Sheamus... and Drew... and we thought the same thing of CM Punk. The purpose of title belts is to elevate a superstar. How can a superstar receive a push as a formidable contender when they beat everyone on their respective program and then lose to the champion? That's why the best choice of booking would be to alow Zeke to defeat Christian at the Rumble.

As many have stated before me, Zeke has the look, the charisma, and isn't bad in the ring. He's also represented by William Regal; a veteran in-ring general and tremendous mouthpiece. Zeke knows how to use his size to his advantage and people already believe that he is a monster. It really shouldn't come as much of a surprise if Christian drops the belt to him.

Besides, I believe the WWE has bigger plans in store for Christian. Although impressive, his lengthy run as ECW Champion is becoming stale and he has plenty of momentum to take to one of the flagship shows and become a formidable contender for other titles. With ECW (rumored to be) coming to a close, Zeke can take the title and utilize it to make a name for himself before the brands are consolidated. Plus, Wrestlemania will be more interesting if Christian is chasing the title, rather than defending it. And if he comes up short, it shouldn't matter. I can see him losing to Zeke and being drafted to another show following Wrestlemania, since I doubt it would hurt his character. After all, the guy's been the ECW Champion for the better part of nine months. I highly doubt that two loses to a monster like Ezekiel Jackson is going to change any of that. This will allow Christian to move onto greener pastures (possibly on Smackdown) and Zeke to begin his race to stardom (probably on Raw).

It's time for a fresh, new champion on ECW. As much as I LOVE Christian, he's done his job and done it well. It's time for him to step aside, let Zeke through, move up and onto bigger and better things, because that's where he belongs.

 

[Junior]

i think zeke will win at RR and it will make regal become jealous and make one of them become face in the future...with christian losing the belt he could go into mania win teh MITB and finally get the wwe or world title he deserves. im not the biggest zeke fan but he might be good as a champ...i think i only like him bc he pretty cool entrance music

 

[ssvegita77]

At this point in time I'm fine w/ Christian dropping the ECW title, as it is time to move on. He's done a better job than both Punk & Hardy at representing the C show(not to discredit both of their successful efforts) and it is time for Christian (not Morrison cause he has years & years left in him) to win MITB.

I'm willing to give Jackson a chance cause he seemingly has potential. I don't love or hate the guy either way so why not? I'd like to see Christian retain @ the rumble lose @ Elimination Chamber, lose a rematch on ECW TV (to further establish the new champion), win MITB and get drafted to SD. Thats how it should all go down. If he loses at the rumble...so be it.

 

[Mr. TM]

I like this matchup, it gives us a new contender for the belt in Jackson, and if they still want Christian on ECW, it gives him a big win, beating a big guy. Nothing wrong with that. If they want to move him over, then it gives ECW a new champion who is quite intimidating.

I see Christian winning here, as I look forward to Wrestlemania. The only possible way I see Christian losing here, and remaining on the card is for him to lose and face Jackson at Mania, in a bit of an intriguing match, but knowing the WWE, that will not happen. I see Christian winning here, and then going on to Mania in the Money in the Bank match, with no defense of the ECW belt in the Elimination match.

 

[JBK2008]

With the Road to Wrestle Mania about to be underway, I can't see Christian dropping the ECW Championship until after Wrestle Mania 26 unless he does indeed get pushed straight to the moon. Christian has certainly proved himself in the near year he's been back in the WWE on the ECW brand. He's dominated the entire time and hasn't been stale as the longest reigning ECW Champion. His ring work and mic skills are head over heels good and he's ready for the main event.

His opponent, Ezekiel Jackson is now a legit threat for the ECW Champion now that he's won this Battle Royal. Kane and CM PUnk being 2 of the 3 former ECW Champions he eliminated was impressive. He's got the size, the manager (which is nice to see again) and his ring work has come along enough now to have some lengthened matches.

That said though, it'll be a short match with Jackson all over Christian, and then the ECW Champion will recover and pull the win off Jackson to retain. Sill nice to see a different Championship match with a new fresh face.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

I don't see Big Zeek winning this match. I think this is just the current trend with in WWE to shake things up. I was expecting Matt Hardy to win this match because I think he could've used the boost more. Christian will most likely hold on to the title up until or past Wrestlemania.

But the big question still remains, who will face Christian for it at WrestleMania,

This is really mind boggling to me. With so many big matches potentially in the works for Mania 26, I don't know if Vince will put an ECW championship match on the card. There's a good chance there will be no ECW championship match.

and more importantly. Since ECW might not exist within a few months, how are they going to go about doing that?

The ECW championship is WWE's third rate world championship, and it's always treated like that. I doubt Vince will make a big deal out of the ECW championship being gone, and It's highly likely we won't see a send-off match for it.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Fairly obvious how this will go, but thats not a bad thing, its a good thing. Christian is a king of bumping, and no doubt, he will be flipping and flopping all over the fucking place in this match. NICE. Anything to make Zeke look legit, as he is a guy I feel can go as far as they want him too.

I see Christian taking a wild beating, and then pulling out an upset in the bottom of the 9th, due to Regal's botched interefereance, of a real jumping from Kozlov. Should be pretty entertaining

 

[DR.Dopenhagen]

oh imagine how good the match would be if it was the Brian Kendrick in the match instead of zeke. Zeke should hav been sacked before kendrick but hey i guess the big slow boring guys come before the talented ones just look at luke gallows new push while shelton benjamin is still stuck in wrestling purgatory

 

[Jack-Hammer]

This could end up being a pretty damn good match or it could wind up being one giant steaming turd.

There are still some fans that doubt Christian, even though he's had a damn good outing as ECW Champion. Christian being ECW Champion, having good feuds and some great matches is what got me watching ECW again. Can Christian pull a good match out of Big Zeke? I think so. I've got faith that this will wind up being a pretty good match. Christian has really done just about all he can as ECW Champion I think as Zeke is really the last big hill that he hasn't climbed in ECW.

Ezekiel Jackson has a great look. The guy is just a big, thick slab of muscle that looks intimidating as hell. Last Tuesday, he got himself a good reaction from the crowd and I think that the crowd can buy him as a legitimate contender for the title. I'd actually like to see Christian retain the title here but do so in a way that winds up making the both of them look good. If the plan is to give Jackson the title, I just think it'd wind up meaning a bit more if it didn't happen his first time at bat.

 

[Shanks18]

I'm fairly certain Christian could pull a decent match out of an old Army boot and still make the boot look good. He's one of the few that can make others look as good if not better than himself and working with just a powerhouse should do that. So I have every hope that this will be a good match and after the ladder match, worthy of a good amout of time.

As I mentioned earlier, I'd be happy with Zeke to win, however Jack makes a good point about Zeke winning first time round, it rings a bit too close to the booking of Sheamus. They could perhaps have Christian win by the skin of his teeth after a hefty beating and really play up the fact that Zeke is such a beast and came so close first time round and than have him take it at Elimination.

I really don't want Zeke or Christian to win via interference by Regal, it just seems a bit over done.

 

[phemom]

I also don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that if Zeke does win, he'll give the title to Regal, then Zeke turns face when Regal begins to belittle him and then you have Zeke as face challenging Regal.

Ooh...the Million Dollar Man approach? I like that, the question is will the fans really get behind Jackson as a face? I believe Regal can have a good match with anyone these days and Jackson needs that exp., cause he really hasn't been in any huge matches yet. I don't think this will happen...but a nice concept.

I see just another Christian tittle defense. I don't see him losing until WM26 unless he's gonna win MITB.

 

[Shanks18]

In my opinion I'd pitch it has a slow turn. Have Zeke take the title at Rumble, give it to Regal the next ECW. Have Regal defeat Christian at EC with Zeke's help and ship Christian off in the MitB.

In the mean time have Regal become more and more arrogant about his abilities as champ and belittle and humiliate Zeke. He doesn't need his help etc, etc. Similar to Orton/ DiBiase program they keep hinting at.

It'll be Regals actions which turn Zeke face. He's already getting a decent response, just switch perspectives like they did with Mark Henry's turn. Keep them apart until WM as Regal becomes more cowardly, then the fans are really gagging to see Regal get his comeuppance, then Zeke can really get over by Regal making him look really dominant.

Of course that leaves a problem with Zeke after the feud without Regal. Is he ready? While I think he has potential, he needs an experienced partner like Christian or Regal.

Of course, its not going to happen, it's just me doing a bit of armchair booking.

 

[instantclassic3]

even though i wanted to see hardy vs christian i think big zeke has everthing a good champ should. he has the build and his in ring work is improving and ps. he looks like one badass s.o.b and on another note christian really does need to let somone else hold the ecw title for a change.

 

[Tastycles]

Good match potential here. Jackson is very good, and Christian is one of the best at making his competition look good. I'll be very suprised if Christian loses this one, but I expect a good showing from Jackson, and probably enough of a Dusty finish so that we get the match again at Elimination Chamber. That time we might see Jackson win, but this time I expect a DQ victory after Regal inteferes and hits Christian or if Kozlov shows up and hurts Jackson. I am expecting the former.

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

Well, I was hoping for a Title Change in this match and was predicting we could very well see Jackson take the title because Christian has had the title for a very long time now. It just seemed like it was time to give it up and give Jackson a time to shine.

And to his credit, I think Jackson has been doing an outstanding job getting himself over with the crowd through his bad ass attitude and in ring abilities. He is the "Big Angry Black Guy Powerhouse" that has been missing from the WWE for a long time now, and has done very well.

However, since Jackson got the pinfall tonight on ECW on Christian, the go home show before the PPV, that is almost a sure sign that Christian is keeping the title at the PPV. WWE really needs to abandon that formula and start mixing it up to keep things unpredictable.