What makes someone "ready"

[Crippler CrossFace]

So my question is simple what does it mean that someone is not ready.

Sometimes I think the IWC likes to complain and often doesn't have an actual reason for saying some of the things they say. For example people have thrown around the phrase "he's not ready for the main event/title/to win the rumble" or something to that effect. I get the feeling that people say this because it sounds right and not because they have an understanding of what makes a particular wrestler ready.

For me a wrestler needs to be able to have 1 of 2 skills mastered before he is ready for something like the WWE Title. Those two skills are the ability to put on a compelling match and mic skills. If you have one of those skills you can have a successful run as a champion. If you have a compelling match people will want to see you wrestle and will be able to gain heat as no faces can beat you and as a face no heels can beat you. If you are good on the mic your ability to talk will be able to sell matches and gimmicks and feuds. Obviously the two should be working in unison but to me if you have one your ready for a title run.

So what makes a wrestler "ready" in your mind?

 

[hatehabsforever]

This is definitely the most overused and improperly used expression that exists in the IWC. I personally find it quite amusing when some of the marks come on sites like this one, whether it be WWE or TNA, complaining that the same guys are always in the main event. John Cena, Triple H, Randy Orton, for example in WWE, or any of the old guys in TNA, are all accused of hogging the spotlight and refusing to put guys over. Yet, as soon as some new talent gets any semblance of a push at all, he's "not ready.". In the end, the same people who are complaining that Triple H, for example , won't share the spotlight (which, of course, is because he's married to the boss's daughter) are the first ones to be up in arms when the Miz, John Morrison, or Sheamus get a push, because supposedly, they aren't ready.

What makes someone ready? In my opinion, it's connection with the fans. This could be because they're a face, and the fans grow fond of them and get in their corner no matter what. Or it could be because they're an effective heel, and the fans love to boo them, cheer against them, etc.,

How does a superstar achieve this connection? Ideally, they need to have at least some in-ring ability. This does not mean they have to be a mat technician, as JoMo or even Cena for that matter, are not. But they have to be able to go somewhat in the ring.

They have to be able to speak on the mic to some extent or if not, have someone speak on their behalf, such as a manager or a valet. Again, they don't have to be Bobby Heenan, but they can't be the Great Khali either.

As far as I'm concerned, any superstar who is able to achieve a noticeable connection with the crowd, to make them care about them, whether it be positive or negative, is ready if they can wrestle at all or can speak at all.

The one thing that makes any wrestler not ready is fan apathy. If you are a five-star technician in the ring, but the fans don't care about you, you're not ready. This was originally a concern of mine regarding Daniel Bryan, although I no longer have this concern. This is what killed Shelton Benjamin. Similarly, if you are gifted on the stick, but the fans aren't impressed,again, you are not ready.

It's not easy for some guys to achieve this stage of readiness, and some very talented guys never get there. But I also think the IWC is too quick to suggest that guys are not ready. John Morrison, in my opinion, has been ready for some time now, but the IWC talks like he'll never be ready to main event. And I disagree, I think he's ready right now and should be given the opportunity against his former tag team partner (another awesome character in his own right deemed by the IWC to not be ready for the big time) to main event Wrestlemania 27for the WWE Championship.

 

[MrSoftcutt]

Nice post hatehabsforever. Agree 100%. Connection with the fans is a huge part of the equation mixed in with decent wrestling ability and the ability to portray your character effectively on the mic. The biggest example I like to use is The Miz. When this guy first showed up I though this guy is a joke and will never get anywhere in the business. Next thing I know, the fans are pouring emotion out in booing him, his gimmick is more of the old school heel which WWE lacks nowadays, has tremendously improved his wrestling ability and has one of the BEST catchphrases in WWE history (not knocking the greats here, IMO his is pretty epic). All of that rolled up and you get what you see on television every monday... and that is the WWE Champion. The Miz IMO is a true success story and makes me think wretling in general is making a comeback by for the better.

 

[supaman5279]

All wrestlers have "their match." The Miz is actually a perfect example since he and John Morrison may have just had theirs. They say HHH had his when he beat Cactus Jack(RR2000). The first tag team ladder match with Edge and Christian vs Hardy Boyz proves how that one match will always cement your spot in the business. It proves that you have what it takes to not only steal the show, but make the show. I'm glad you included winning the Royal Rumble since it seems nowadays they just put the belt just seems to be tossed around a la Money in the Bank. But The Miz just might have earned his spot(maybe) but winning the Rumble and main eventing Wrestlemania is the BIG stage, and as important the mic work, gimmick, etc... Until you have that "one match" you're just another wrestler

 

[MrHashasheen]

All wrestlers have "their match." The Miz is actually a perfect example since he and John Morrison may have just had theirs. They say HHH had his when he beat Cactus Jack(RR2000). The first tag team ladder match with Edge and Christian vs Hardy Boyz proves how that one match will always cement your spot in the business. It proves that you have what it takes to not only steal the show, but make the show. I'm glad you included winning the Royal Rumble since it seems nowadays they just put the belt just seems to be tossed around a la Money in the Bank. But The Miz just might have earned his spot(maybe) but winning the Rumble and main eventing Wrestlemania is the BIG stage, and as important the mic work, gimmick, etc... Until you have that "one match" you're just another wrestler

This. You can have a great character, a great gimmick, great promo skills, great wrestling....

But until you have that one storyline, that one match that shows the best of you, the best of what you can bring and will bring... you're not ready.

 

[CKguy217]

Being somewhat decent in the ring and being good on the mic, or having someone, who is good on the mic, speak on a wrestler's behalf helps.

I remember back before John Cena and Stone Cold Steve Austin became champions. Not many people thought they were "ready", but neither of them did that bad. IMO

 

[CelticCorey]

Mic skills and being a good wrestler. They both have to work but I think if you excel exceptionally in one area but need help in another you could be ready.

The Miz will never be mistaken for a true technician no matter how much WWE wants us to. Yet his mic skills are good enough to connect with the crowd and get over to be a main eventer. I don't even think John Morrison needs mic work. The problem is that the promos are scripted. If Morrison could come up with his own stuff for promos I think he'd have little to no problem on the mic. The match he put on with Sheamus at TLC and the Miz this past Monday proved to me that he is ready to main event and I don't see the problem with Miz vs. Morrison by themselves for the title. Think about it: Do people order the Rumble for the title match or do they order it for the Rumble? The Rumble is the main attraction of the Rumble. Not the title match.