The only way to have made this work was to have it be known it was Bloom in his vignettes, and have him promo the hell out of the fact that he "went to Japan and earned respect by dominating bla bla bla"....what they did was give us anonymous promos about some great new oriental character...eh, ok, lets see what ya got, then before you knew it they were throwing Albert out there with no mic promos or anything....crowd was immediately like F THIS. They basically did it too quick. Look at what they are doing with Sandow...its like a slow crawl, and the character is directly telling the fans why they should hate him.
Tensai Delcared A "Flop". Possible Repackaging
- Thread starter Jack-Hammer
- Start date
FitFinlay4Life
What's the craic?
The first time I saw the Lord Tensai character, I cringed because there was something all too familiar about it...
[YOUTUBE]QMb2tXCdpqw[/YOUTUBE]
Hakushi: Oriental tattoos - check; Oriental valet - check; Much talk about his credentials in Japan - check; Massive push to begin with - check; Struggled to get over - check... Bloom better hope that 'Faded into obscurity' isn't a check too.
It's not that this the only instance either, Kama "The Supreme Fighting Machine" is another variation that failed miserably.
What gets me is that the WWe did such a fantastic job with a more limited performer in Mark Henry the year before, had they let Albert come back as a similar monster with a massive chip on his shoulder (getting released while Cena was pushed to the top) they could conceivably have avoided this. Then again, they did do it with Henry after many false dawns so (maybe) there's still hope.
[YOUTUBE]QMb2tXCdpqw[/YOUTUBE]
Hakushi: Oriental tattoos - check; Oriental valet - check; Much talk about his credentials in Japan - check; Massive push to begin with - check; Struggled to get over - check... Bloom better hope that 'Faded into obscurity' isn't a check too.
It's not that this the only instance either, Kama "The Supreme Fighting Machine" is another variation that failed miserably.
What gets me is that the WWe did such a fantastic job with a more limited performer in Mark Henry the year before, had they let Albert come back as a similar monster with a massive chip on his shoulder (getting released while Cena was pushed to the top) they could conceivably have avoided this. Then again, they did do it with Henry after many false dawns so (maybe) there's still hope.
lol, it took the WWE hooooooooooowwwwwww long to come to this decision......I was over Tensei the moment he appeared and I was actually pretty excited to see Matt Bloom back, I was a fan of his back in the day. The REAL fued that WWE should cash in on is the Brodus Clay Vs Big Show.
I've honestly 150% NEVER been a big fan of either of the two.......but this past monday after seeing their backstage altercation........that was the ONLY match I was concerned about. I think the two of them could EASILY put on a 6-8 Month fued that would keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Big Show vs Cena........yawn
Tensei vs "insert name here"..........yawn
Brodus Clay vs "insert any name here".............ZzZzZzZzZzZ
Big Show vs Brodus Clay.............I'm willing to pay to see again and again and again
At the end of the day, the whole world knows that Super Cena is going to beat Big Show. But when you watch Big Show, a guy who "has an iron clad contract" against a guy who is unbeaten.......there is ALOT to wonder
I've honestly 150% NEVER been a big fan of either of the two.......but this past monday after seeing their backstage altercation........that was the ONLY match I was concerned about. I think the two of them could EASILY put on a 6-8 Month fued that would keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Big Show vs Cena........yawn
Tensei vs "insert name here"..........yawn
Brodus Clay vs "insert any name here".............ZzZzZzZzZzZ
Big Show vs Brodus Clay.............I'm willing to pay to see again and again and again
At the end of the day, the whole world knows that Super Cena is going to beat Big Show. But when you watch Big Show, a guy who "has an iron clad contract" against a guy who is unbeaten.......there is ALOT to wonder
I liked Tensai too. I think Bloom is very skilled in the ring for a guy his size. Sure his gimmick was outlandish, but I thought they fixed it by streamling his entrance and dropping "lord" from his name. But if he isn't getting a reaction, then Vince has no choice...
I actually liked the character and thought it was great to see him as something other than Backhair Man. I think a large part of the problem is they gave him too much too soon. He's all of a sudden facing and beating John Cena. Outside of a couple squash matches and promo packages fans really never got much of a chance to get into it. I just hope to hell they don't have him doing that backhair and piercings guy routine again. Uggggh.
Gavschenko
Pre-Show Stalwart
how can a true heel get over without speaking thats the only way he aint getting over or the fact American crowds or the worst ever why buy a ticket if you just sit there and dont react to anything
"I just hope to hell they don't have him doing that back hair and piercings guy routine again. Uggggh."
**that would be too funny if as a form of punishment for the failed Tensai gimmick the WWE execs made Bloom grow back all that back hair
"Nooooooo! it took me 3 waxing sessions to get all that hair off .. I'm not going back
**of course Bloom doesn't deserve all the blame, but still if he came back in 3-4 months with all the back hair ... it would be a hoot.
**that would be too funny if as a form of punishment for the failed Tensai gimmick the WWE execs made Bloom grow back all that back hair
"Nooooooo! it took me 3 waxing sessions to get all that hair off .. I'm not going back
**of course Bloom doesn't deserve all the blame, but still if he came back in 3-4 months with all the back hair ... it would be a hoot.
Hollywood Naitch
The current reigning and defending
It was pretty obvious all along that this gimmick was doomed to fail, which is a shame. I think WWE went a bit too far with the Japanisaton of Matt Bloom, I think they could have done a much better job, and given him a gimmick that had more chance of getting over with the fans.
I could quite easily see him getting repackaged in the very near future. The problem I found is that apart from a few extra tattoos, he still just looks like Albert/A-Train, with the bald head, beard and still using the Baldo Bomb move. There was no difference in his appearance that would make people forget about his old gimmicks.
He is decent enough in the ring, but I just do not see him as a main eventer in a US wrestling company, there is not enough charisma there to make me interested in his character as a top-level guy. He is much more suited to Japan in that way. If I was WWE, I would move him away from the Tensai character, and into more of a bodyguard, or enforcer type role with Big Johnny, like the BossMan was to Corporate Vince (another poster already had this same idea).
Matt Bloom is big and tough looking, that kind of role as a mid-card enforcer who can dish out some punishment is perfect for him. He is not a main eventer, but not many are. I still think he can do a job in the WWE, he just needs the right gimmick.
I could quite easily see him getting repackaged in the very near future. The problem I found is that apart from a few extra tattoos, he still just looks like Albert/A-Train, with the bald head, beard and still using the Baldo Bomb move. There was no difference in his appearance that would make people forget about his old gimmicks.
He is decent enough in the ring, but I just do not see him as a main eventer in a US wrestling company, there is not enough charisma there to make me interested in his character as a top-level guy. He is much more suited to Japan in that way. If I was WWE, I would move him away from the Tensai character, and into more of a bodyguard, or enforcer type role with Big Johnny, like the BossMan was to Corporate Vince (another poster already had this same idea).
Matt Bloom is big and tough looking, that kind of role as a mid-card enforcer who can dish out some punishment is perfect for him. He is not a main eventer, but not many are. I still think he can do a job in the WWE, he just needs the right gimmick.
Reflection
is a happier and wiser man
I am not surprised by this. Not me, nor anyone i know, found him the slightest bit entertaining or interesting. From his obese physique to his god-awful character to the ssssh-ssssh sound he makes while hitting his opponents, this run of his was one epic fail.
I am not surprised by this whatsoever. This character would have been more successful back in Hogan's days. Today it stands out too much and was just too silly to be taken seriously as the huge threat that WWE wanted to push him as. Anytime Tensai came out I just laughed at the fact that WWE wanted this to be taken seriously. It also did not change the fact that it was Albert and he still sucks.
As weird as the Tensai character was, I will miss it. Why? It was far more entertaining than his old A-Train persona. I would hate it if he reverted back into that gimmick and every single match of his will get fast forwarded if that happens. If they are going to repackage Tensai then they should do a different gimmick again, it is worth a try if it is not too strange. Please do not bring back A-Train. Or better yet, they could always just get rid of him. He really sucks and others who don't can be put in his spot, plus Brodus and Ryback are both getting huge pushes so it's not like they are in desperate need of a monster right now.
As weird as the Tensai character was, I will miss it. Why? It was far more entertaining than his old A-Train persona. I would hate it if he reverted back into that gimmick and every single match of his will get fast forwarded if that happens. If they are going to repackage Tensai then they should do a different gimmick again, it is worth a try if it is not too strange. Please do not bring back A-Train. Or better yet, they could always just get rid of him. He really sucks and others who don't can be put in his spot, plus Brodus and Ryback are both getting huge pushes so it's not like they are in desperate need of a monster right now.
closet_fan
Mid-Card Championship Winner
Bloom is the poster child for guys who can't find success here, yet become superstars in Japan. I don't watch a lot of Japanese wrestling, so I just don't get how these guys who are nothing more than low-to-midcard guys in the States make it big over there.
At the top of my head, the only American I know of who was huge in Japan and actually made it in the US was Vader.
At the top of my head, the only American I know of who was huge in Japan and actually made it in the US was Vader.
The only way the creepy foreign heel gimmick works these days is if he's Arabic, and none of the televised companies have the chutzpah to go down that road.
Dagger had it- this is a 1980's gimmick in the 2010's. We're supposed to believe that A-Train went to Japan and embraced the culture to the point where he became a ridiculous stereotype? Japanese culture to America these days is sushi, Hello Kitty, and anime. (Also, still, radioactive monsters.) Japan is no longer this mysterious, far away country where they have their own, stiffer version of professional wrestling, it's where our high priced electronics are designed and tested before they're sold in America. Studying Japanese is the trendy thing for high school students and burnouts to do.
There is nothing creepy or scary about being Japanese, and that's pretty much what his gimmick tries to rest on. If they want to exploit racial tensions, find an Arab; otherwise, maybe the time has finally come to stop using race as a way to sell heels.
Dagger had it- this is a 1980's gimmick in the 2010's. We're supposed to believe that A-Train went to Japan and embraced the culture to the point where he became a ridiculous stereotype? Japanese culture to America these days is sushi, Hello Kitty, and anime. (Also, still, radioactive monsters.) Japan is no longer this mysterious, far away country where they have their own, stiffer version of professional wrestling, it's where our high priced electronics are designed and tested before they're sold in America. Studying Japanese is the trendy thing for high school students and burnouts to do.
There is nothing creepy or scary about being Japanese, and that's pretty much what his gimmick tries to rest on. If they want to exploit racial tensions, find an Arab; otherwise, maybe the time has finally come to stop using race as a way to sell heels.
I agree, I think this was the only way you could possibly make it work. Have him denounce American wrestling/fans and culture in favor of Japanese wrestling and culture.
What they ended up with was a white guy just pretending to be Japanese for really no reason at all. That left the audience confused and uninterested.
Also, I think it was a mistake making him Johnny Ace's henchman. I dont think the Lord Tensai character was the right fit for that role.
Johnny Ace henchman needed to be super intense, intimidating and little crazy. Ryback would of been perfect. They should of just let him run wild. Instead they are doing a lame Goldberg type build with him.
It seemed like everyone saw this coming. I did think it was a good idea at first, but Albert was never entertaining and he wasn't going to be this time either. I was never sure why they brought him back at all. Hopefully though this time they can give him something that will catch on. He has the size, the look, and it does seem his ring skills have improved. I would like to see them give him something he can succeed with, but I am not holding my breath.
lowandmighty
lowandmightyer
I could see he was going to be a flop from a mile away. I don't know what it is but there's just something dull about him and it seems like there always has been.
Years and years ago when he was partners with Darren Drozdolph he seemed to be ok and that was quite a short period of time.
perhaps when droz left in a way so did Alberts legitimacy.
I think they should try the Albert character out with him again and just make him a weird freak, and there's not enough of them in wwe these days for mine.
Years and years ago when he was partners with Darren Drozdolph he seemed to be ok and that was quite a short period of time.
perhaps when droz left in a way so did Alberts legitimacy.
I think they should try the Albert character out with him again and just make him a weird freak, and there's not enough of them in wwe these days for mine.
Piss Bucket
Future British World Champ
They could repackage him as one of the fucking Teletubbies, I still wouldn't care, he's still just some crap fat assed hoss who only does 2 moves, trouble is, Vince gets a hard on for fat ass hosses who do 2 moves, Brodus Clay anyone? Or even Ryback?
JimmyTehFreak
Dark Match Jobber
Apparently they were quite happy with his match this week against sheamus (though dirtsheets are just heresay) - frankly I don't like how they're turning him to be so disrespectful to sakamoto - he should just do what was working in japan and be happy with it - and if the writers dont like it - they can pay him to sit at home.
if more people did that - Andrew Martin would still be alive.
if more people did that - Andrew Martin would still be alive.
Mighty NorCal
SHALL WE BEGIN?
Wait WHAT?? The push lasted like, six fucking weeks, how could it be considered a flop? He got decent enough reaction, people knew something shitty was about to happen when that music hit (music that was fucking badass, btw).....Should absolutely be put into a monster tag team with Big Show as the henchmen of Big Johnny, after the Cena program wraps up (Lord willing, soon)
The Chosen One of WZ
Even TNA cant ruin ECW for me
Well he hasn't got over as a hell and the WWE hasn't gave the fans a reason to care about him. Being JL choosen opponent for the top 2 faces in the company and that didn't even get him heat so nothing probably will.
What they should do is have Tensai come out to his music and with a mic.
Then, he should basically shoot exactly like Goldust did when he was Seven in WCW. End the promo with "My name isn't Albert, Prince Albert, A-Train, and it sure as hell isn't Tensai. I am Matt Bloom." He has pretty good in-ring skills from what I've seen. This is someone who hasn't seen his work in Japan or during his previous run in WWE, so I'm not biased by how bad he might've been before. Don't have him be a monster heel, or a main eventer. Just have him be a mid carder, and go after the mid card titles for the rest of his career. Hell, have him put over Zack Ryder. But please, change the Tensai character and let him be himself.
Then, he should basically shoot exactly like Goldust did when he was Seven in WCW. End the promo with "My name isn't Albert, Prince Albert, A-Train, and it sure as hell isn't Tensai. I am Matt Bloom." He has pretty good in-ring skills from what I've seen. This is someone who hasn't seen his work in Japan or during his previous run in WWE, so I'm not biased by how bad he might've been before. Don't have him be a monster heel, or a main eventer. Just have him be a mid carder, and go after the mid card titles for the rest of his career. Hell, have him put over Zack Ryder. But please, change the Tensai character and let him be himself.
VinnieSunshine
The lord of darkness
I get what WWE were trying to do with him, but it just didn't work. American audiences don't want to see an AMERICAN play a japanese character...especially when said person has such a rich background.
Though I could never see the names Prince Albert, Albert, or A-Train in the same sentence as WWE Champion or WHC, Tensai sounds a little better.
They needed to give him a better name. You can still adapt the backstory of going to Japan and getting big there, but a more americanized name and character would've suited him better.
Though I could never see the names Prince Albert, Albert, or A-Train in the same sentence as WWE Champion or WHC, Tensai sounds a little better.
They needed to give him a better name. You can still adapt the backstory of going to Japan and getting big there, but a more americanized name and character would've suited him better.
Try watching some of his matches in Japan as Giant Bernard. Calling him similar to Brodus freaking Clay is just ridiculous.
He's a good big man wrestler, not unlike Sheamus.
The gimmick is terrible, but he's far from it.