Success, Bust or In-Between: Monty Brown

[It's Damn Real!]

This is a new poll series I'm hoping to run here in the TNA section where (recently) departed former talents of the company will be critiqued regarding their work with the company. You can vote them either a success, a bust or in-between if you don't feel they deserve either extreme.

In addition to your vote, I'd like to know why you feel the way you do. Why was this particular charater a succes, a bust or in-between?

Next in the series is Monty Brown.

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Senshi
Years with TNA: 3 (2002, 2004-2006)
Number of titles runs: None

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Notable Feuds:
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• Jeff Jarrett (2005)
• Diamond Dallas Page (2005)
• Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman, DDP & AJ Styles (2005)
• 3Live Kru (2005)
• Christian Cage (2005)
• Sting & Christian Cage (2006)
• Christian Cage (2006)
• Rhino & Samoa Joe (2006)

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Other Accomplishments:
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• Debuted in TNA (despite a few appearances in 2002) in 2004 attacking the Insane Clown Posse
• Was a member of Planet Jarrett
• Fought for the NWA World Heavyweight title twice, but lost both times

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Previous Polls:
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• Christian Cage – 87.72% Success, 12.28% In-Between, 0% Bust
• Booker T – 46.43% Bust, 33.93% In-Between, 19.64% Success
• Petey Williams – 52.50% In-Between, 35.00% Success, 12.50% Bust[/i]
• Gail Kim – 61.54% Success, 19.23% In-Between, 19.23% Bust[/i]
• Senshi – In Progress
• Monty Brown – In Progress

 

[NSL]

I'd say he has to be a bust. He was never widely hated as a heel, and he wasn't universally loved as a face. Add in that he never won a belt in TNA, and I can't see how he'd be anything else.

He also wasn't very good in the ring. He was a decent brawler, but outside of The Pounce (which is corny anyway), there just wasn't much substance there.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

His match with Christian over the NWA Championship was one of the major low points in TNA's existence, IMO. I really hated everything there was to hate about Monty Brown – his leopard print tights, his ridiculously pro-African animalistic references and most notably the "Pounce", which IMO is one of the corniest names for an adequate finishing move of all-time.

That said, the main reason I'd consider him a bust is because though he was a part of the title picture numerous times, he never really got over, never actually won a title, and stuck out like a sore thumb in most of his time in TNA seeing as they didn't really have many power-houses to feud with him to make him look good.

 

[kobrad]

Personally i would say in-between. I would say in between because he was in the main event push so many times sure he never got the belt but just because you dont get the belt doesnt make you a bust. In comparison to RVD in WWE was he a bust before he won the title no.

I think he was fine in the ring he wasnt spectacular but i would take him over Cena neday. and his time in TNA was good i actually really marked out for this guy

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Monty Brown was a total bust. This guy just annoyed the crap out of me. I hated his tights, I hated all the African animal references, I hated that noise or howl or whatever the hell it was that he made. He never really got over great as a face or a heel and, at the very very most, he was average in the ring. Although, personally I think that calling him average is really stretching things a bit.

To top it off, he never had a single championship run in TNA. I know that championships don't necessarily equal greatness, or even being good, but it does show at least some degree of success or that the company is behind you in some ways.

The truth of is it, Monty Brown is a never was. He's almost 40 years old and hasn't accomplished a thing in wrestling. His brightest moments in the sun are a couple of matches against Jeff Jarrett or RVD.

 

[TellMeWhy]

I think Monty was a success. He was 1 of the more recognizable characters in early TNA and his Pounce was very over with the audience. The audience use to mark for the Pounce like it was the Canadian Destroyer. It was great! The problem is that he didn't have patience. He decided to go to WWE because he believed he was world champ material and his career took a nosedive and now he's MIA. Had he stayed with TNA, TNA could've made him so much more. He had the charisma, the look, and the mic skills. Hell, he was so charismatic, I put him in the same boat as TNA Christian, The Pope, Kennedy, and even The Rock. Had it not been for his age, I think he would've gone much further much earlier in TNA but we'll never know. I thought Monty was that great. So yes, imo his TNA run was a success.

 

[TLC]

Definately a bust. He just never did anything good in either companies. The only thing I remember him for is eliminating himself from two battle royals in two different companies the exact same way, well that and his shitty tights. I got bugged when they kept referencing him two and animal as if he was the fucking love child of a lion and a rhino or some shit. Anyway he didn't even hold any titles or memorable moments or matches. Without those I definatly believe they are a bust.

 

[wrestling fan 666]

Monty's a bust. His style reminds me of Ron Simmons in the WWE in a way where there was some talent there, but he never really made it over with the crowd. Hated his ring attire, his style was boring at best, and he never really tried to improve himself-he just kept doing the same old, same old...HELLO, if it's not working, fix it.

Being a champion is an accomplishment that is given when the talent has proven themselves to be worthy; have the talent on the mic, in the ring, and to fill seats. He had none of these; yet TNA kept giving him shot after shot at the heavyweight title. If your heart is not in the business, get out. There are many others who are hungry for the opportunity. It's apparent that by not trying to improve his gimmick, he just didn't care.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

From my recollection, Monty Brown was never given a title shot.

No revisionist history allowed.

What revisionist history? He had two, and also owned a number one contenders spot (which he lost in a subsequent match) for a third shot (what would have been his second at the time) as well.

He had a title shot for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Jarrett at Final Resolution 2005 and a second shot at it against Christian Cage at Destination X 2006.

Your recollection seems a little fuzzy, bud.

I would hope this might change your mind regarding your vote, no?

 

[Mr Jones]

What revisionist history? He had two, and also owned a number one contenders spot (which he lost in a subsequent match) for a third shot (what would have been his second at the time) as well.

He had a title shot for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Jarrett at Final Resolution 2005 and a second shot at it against Christian Cage at Destination X 2006.

Your recollection seems a little fuzzy, bud.

I would hope this might change your mind regarding your vote, no?

It still doesn't change the fact that Monty did what he could for that company and was never properly rewarded for it.

Does BET ring a bell?

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Monty Brown was a bust. He wasn't great as a heel or a face and didn't have any good mic skills. He was average in the ring and it is not a mystery why he didn't win any championships. Monty just wasn't that good in TNA and he didn't improve any when he went to ECW. He will just be a footnote in TNA's history and didn't have any stand-out matches that makes you think that he could actually be something.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

It still doesn't change the fact that Monty did what he could for that company and was never properly rewarded for it.

Does BET ring a bell?

Well that aspect is your opinion, and you're welcome to it, but you questioned him never receiving a title shot, and I corrected the improper assumption by letting you know that he did in fact get two, and I even supplied the dates for them.

I'm not sure what BET has to do with anything, but if you are insinuating that he didn't get to hold a title because he's black... well, I don't know what to tell you there. I would suggest taking your complaint up with a lawyer, because that has very little to do with the your opinion on whether or not he was a success, bust or somewhere in between in his time in TNA.

Either way, I negated the idea that him not getting title shots had anything to do with how anyone should vote, because he had two.

 

[Mr Jones]

Well that aspect is your opinion, and you're welcome to it, but you questioned him never receiving a title shot, and I corrected the improper assumption by letting you know that he did in fact get two, and I even supplied the dates for them.

I'm not sure what BET has to do with anything, but if you are insinuating that he didn't get to hold a title because he's black... well, I don't know what to tell you there. I would suggest taking your complaint up with a lawyer, because that has very little to do with the your opinion on whether or not he was a success, bust or somewhere in between in his time in TNA.

Either way, I negated the idea that him not getting title shots had anything to do with how anyone should vote, because he had two.

I was naming one of the examples of him being dumped in a stable instead of establishing himself on his own as a threat. Another example is the Planet Jarrett stable back in 2005.

Next thing you know, Jay Lethal will be a bust, in your opinion.

 

[wazaveli]

I said he was a success as watching TNA in the early days, he is one of the more dominant faces they had and one that I remember heaps.

He was entertaining but he could be bland at times.

His pounce was an awesome finishing move, kind of like a new age Gore or Spear with its impact and the crowds pop afterwards.

 

[LegendKiller716]

He was a bust in TNA and a bigger bust in WWE. his finisher was a shoulder block..A SHOULDER BLOCK!!!!! even cena has one of those in his move set.

 

[Travaje]

As much as I didn't like Monty Brown, I miss seeing him on TV. I liked TNA more when it was on Fox Sports Net than it is today. It is so completely different now. That's what I think of when I think of Monty.

I remember that the office tried really hard to get Monty over. He had that Distrubed ripoff for an entrance song, he was on TV every week, and Mike and Don sold that Pounce like it was one of the most devastating moves in the history of TNA. He got to talk on the mic a lot. He was put against the top talent. And then one day.....nothing. That was the last of Monty.

The funny thing is, today there's at least 10 guys in TNA who were recieved similar treatment/pushes and none of them have had close to the run Monty had. At least Monty was remembered.

I would put him among the worst of the in-betweens or the top of the busts, cause there have been many other TNA guys who are/were bigger busts than him.

 

[Super Crazy]

Monty Brown was a bust. he had the look to main event, but he could never really get over. He didn't work well as a heel or face. His finisher was ridiculous, and his gimmick, while it was never really played on much, was kind of ridiculous. He didn't improve when he left and arrived on the scene in ECW either. I think the only memorable moment with him was be speared through that table on the stage that time.

 

[Schizophrenic]

Monty had (and may still have) all the tools. He has the "it" factor. I normally find it hard to get behind or even enjoy a guy who comes from another sports and wants to be a wrestler but Monty had that "it" wuality that made me sit and watch him. Whether it ws his promos (some of the best in the buisness and in TNA especially) or his demeanor in the ring. The guy looked and acted like he would kill you and enjoy doing it. The little things that made him fun to watch, from wiping his head on the ropes to the infamous "Pooooounce" line. Monty was fun to watch. Sadly he never really go this chance to shine. I still think Jeff should have put him over and given him the title at the PPV when they fought. I think Monty would have been a great champion. He was believeable as a champion. Love to see him make his return to TNA.

 

[fenfool]

He was on his way, but his WWE time was a total bust. He did some good stuff with TNA, and might be a star had he stayed, but he didn't really do anything all that memorable.

I don't mind the Pounce as a finisher...I was watching a 'Best of MSG' WWF show from the early 80's not long ago, they showed a Tito Santana vs. Hulk Hogan (as the heel) match...Hogan won via his then-mega-devastating finsher, the...errr...suplex. A very slow, standard suplex that looked like he was reading off of a cue card how to do it. After that, knocking a guy backward 10 feet seems pretty good!

 

[NSL]

Did someone seriously play the race card? TNA's second ever world champion was black. Samoa Joe has held every belt they have. Booker T brought in his own title. Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed have both received pushes. Elix Skipper was a staple of the X Division early in the company. Shocker even beat Daniels on PPV once. There is no way that he didn't get the belt "because he's" black.

He didn't get the belt, because he was never better than 3rd best.

What revisionist history? He had two, and also owned a number one contenders spot (which he lost in a subsequent match) for a third shot (what would have been his second at the time) as well.

He had a title shot for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Jarrett at Final Resolution 2005 and a second shot at it against Christian Cage at Destination X 2006.

Your recollection seems a little fuzzy, bud.

I would hope this might change your mind regarding your vote, no?

To my knowledge, he also had 2 straight shots to make it into the King Of The Mountain match.

 

[Mr Jones]

Did someone seriously play the race card? TNA's second ever world champion was black. Samoa Joe has held every belt they have. Booker T brought in his own title. Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed have both received pushes. Elix Skipper was a staple of the X Division early in the company. Shocker even beat Daniels on PPV once. There is no way that he didn't get the belt "because he's" black.

He didn't get the belt, because he was never better than 3rd best.



To my knowledge, he also had 2 straight shots to make it into the King Of The Mountain match.

You're the one turned it into a Race Card issue.

I simply stated that Monty Brown should have been rewarded for putting people over who were coming into the company. The dude busted his ass in the ring and should have been established as a dark horse in the title hunt, getting close, but not winning. What's his reward? Constantly getting his time in the spotlight pushed back for the next guy in the door, and constantly getting pushed into an angle as Jarrett's ally. The moment that Christian went over him and Sting's contract was announced, it was over.
Jay Lethal is currently going through the same thing with that Black Machismo gimmick.

 

[NSL]

You're the one turned it into a Race Card issue.

I simply stated that Monty Brown should have been rewarded for putting people over who were coming into the company. The dude busted his ass in the ring and should have been established as a dark horse in the title hunt, getting close, but not winning. What's his reward? Constantly getting his time in the spotlight pushed back for the next guy in the door, and constantly getting pushed into an angle as Jarrett's ally. The moment that Christian went over him and Sting's contract was announced, it was over.
Jay Lethal is currently going through the same thing with that Black Machismo gimmick.

So, he was talent enhancement, was good at it, and you're complaining?

You know who else was "talent enhancement" for the majority of their career? Jerry Lynn. From the early days of his career, until today, he's been used primarily to put people over, and he accepted that job. He's held titles, but they were all vehicles to push younger stars.

Monty Brown wasn't good enough to be champ, but because of his size and speed, he was capable of putting people over, and boosting them to the main event. Being an ally of the founder of the company, and a guy always in the hunt, is not a bad thing. He had a decent career, but he was neither a success or a bust.

 

[Mr Jones]

So, he was talent enhancement, was good at it, and you're complaining?

You know who else was "talent enhancement" for the majority of their career? Jerry Lynn. From the early days of his career, until today, he's been used primarily to put people over, and he accepted that job. He's held titles, but they were all vehicles to push younger stars.

Monty Brown wasn't good enough to be champ, but because of his size and speed, he was capable of putting people over, and boosting them to the main event. Being an ally of the founder of the company, and a guy always in the hunt, is not a bad thing. He had a decent career, but he was neither a success or a bust.

Don't even bring Jerry Lynn into this.

I'm sorry, but my opinion still stands. Monty should have been rewarded, instead of being cast aside.

Also, TNA put the title on Joe 2 years too late. He should have held it back in 2007.

 

[JJohns]

Close to being a bust, but I put him in-between just barely. A lot of what was wrong with Monty Brown had to do with TNA's booking of him. One minute, he'd be in the main event picture, the next, he'd be Jeff Jarrett's enforcer.

His in ring ability was limited. His mic skills at first were lacking, when the majority of the time in TNA he would ramble and then finish with "And then you'll feel the POOOOOOOOOOOUNCE!" He never really developed a personality until he got to WWE.

When he worked with someone with a similar style in TNA, he was good. If there was a contrast in styles *see NWA Title match vs Christian* you could tell he was still green. On top of that, he never really learned how to cover up mistakes in the ring *watch how many times he eliminated HIMSELF from battle royals*.

I think had he developed more as a wrestler before joining TNA, and had they not relied on the fact that he had played in the Super Bowl to build him, he would have been a borderline success.

 

[INDYjon22]

I loved Monty Brown in TNA, he reminded me of The Rock. He had some great mic skills and some pretty decent ring skills. His matches always entertained me but I do think that TNA dropped the ball on him in more then one way.

They had a great storyline going on about Monty helping Jeff Jarrett retain his belt because he was promised a title shot but was never given it. TNA should have pushed him to the belt during this angle and turned him face with the belt. He could have drew because TNA fans loved him and it would have made for a great feud for early TNA. Instead, they never gave him a title run a moved him backwards into feuds with a debuting Christian Cage and other mid carders.

They also should never have let him leave TNA for the WWE. The crowd was really into him and he always got the "Lance Hoyt" type of pop. The crowd accepted him as one of their own but TNA let him go and that was the end of that.

I don't think I would go as far as calling him a bust, yet, because he never really got his shot at anything big. He certainly had all the potential in the world and may still have a future, if he ever returns. TNA should work on bringing him back whenever he is ready. Point is, I think he is more of an in between but he could easily go either way based on if and when he returns and how he is used. Shame, because I really liked him in his TNA days.