Who do you feel is currently The Top Dog on Raw?

[SuperKnockout]

Ok, we've seen John Cena win titles before. He is sometimes put up against big monster dudes that shows how "Tough Cena is". Well now that he lost to Sheamus, what has become of the wwe title? But more importantly, who is the top dog on raw? HHH HBK Cena Sheamus??? Im not asking for your fav. superstar, im talking bout the guys who have been winning there matches lately, who have been putting on good promos, and who have been showing how weel they can be as an athlete. Who would you guys say??? I would personally say sheamus. I hate him as champ, but he has proven that he can beat cena, beat all of them. (Just for the record, who cares if you ended Jamie Noble's career? Anybody with at least 3 months of experience can do that!) I think sheamus deseerved that push he got, and took full advantage.

Who would you guys say???

 

[Dagger Dias]

Ok, we've seen John Cena win titles before. He is sometimes put up against big monster dudes that shows how "Tough Cena is". Well now that he lost to Sheamus, what has become of the wwe title? But more importantly, who is the top dog on raw? HHH HBK Cena Sheamus??? Im not asking for your fav. superstar, im talking bout the guys who have been winning there matches lately, who have been putting on good promos, and who have been showing how weel they can be as an athlete. Who would you guys say??? I would personally say sheamus. I hate him as champ, but he has proven that he can beat cena, beat all of them. (Just for the record, who cares if you ended Jamie Noble's career? Anybody with at least 3 months of experience can do that!) I think sheamus deseerved that push he got, and took full advantage.

Who would you guys say???

Sheamus is NOT the top dog on Raw. He would have gotten far more time for a promo on monday if they viewed him that way. He probably also would have squashed a jobber or something to show how dominant of a champion he will be. That didn't happen either, he made a short speech then vanished for the rest of the show. Cena, on the other hand.... remained one of the main points of the show, got more mic time, AND won matches. Cena is still the top dog on Raw because he is the face of the company and Raw is still focused on him even though he is not the WWE Champion at the moment.

 

[gd]

It's obviously Cena. Sheamus beat him in a "fluke" manner that didn't involve pin or submission. Sure, Cena loses the title, but he comes back out the next night and crushes CM Punk and beat Orton to win Superstar of the Year, all while completely over with the fans. I actually thought that Cena was handled well on Monday. By having him be so dominant, the lost to Sheamus does nothing to his prestige and really helps Sheamus.

Sheamus isn't that top dog by any stretch though. He got 2 minutes on Monday and isn't nearly as over as a lot of other guys on the roster.

 

[Stuntz]

Sheamus is no where near top dog. They gave him the title for a reason, IMO its because the world championship is not going to be in the lime light this year at Mania. I unfortunately believe he will hold the title till then. Cena is still top dog and will be for awhile imo. The W showed that on Monday, and being Cena has a few things coming up he cant have the title so they put it on someone new which was the best option. I believe creative has had this idea for awhile now, and now with Hart coming for a few months, things are goin to be different than what was originally planned. So the landscape will not change as far as who is top dog and who is champ.

 

[xXSlater420Xx]

Cena is sooo overrated the guy gets his ass beat for 10 min then boom he all of a sudden makes a full recovery and 5 moves later he gets a W in his favor. Randy Orton is imo the best canidate for top dog on Raw. He has been in the business way longer than Cena, and can actually have a decent match with almost everyone. He knows how to work a crowd and although he may have a "mono-tone" voice Id much rather watch him cut a promo than watch Cena's lame attempt to be funny but serious. IMO the top dog on Raw or any show needs to be good on the mic, know how to work the crowd, and able to back it up in the ring. Orton has all these abilities, Cena not so much. But thats just my opinion.

 

[rayisawesomeness]

Cena is sooo overrated the guy gets his ass beat for 10 min then boom he all of a sudden makes a full recovery and 5 moves later he gets a W in his favor. Randy Orton is imo the best canidate for top dog on Raw. He has been in the business way longer than Cena, and can actually have a decent match with almost everyone. He knows how to work a crowd and although he may have a "mono-tone" voice Id much rather watch him cut a promo than watch Cena's lame attempt to be funny but serious. IMO the top dog on Raw or any show needs to be good on the mic, know how to work the crowd, and able to back it up in the ring. Orton has all these abilities, Cena not so much. But thats just my opinion.

This whole "Cena is overrated" thing is so old. His matches this year have been spectacular (vs. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Jack Swagger, and even Sheamus) and he also continues to bring home the big bucks as well as the emotional promos. In my book, he's the top dog.

 

[robwylde90]

Is this a rhetorical question?

Who else could be so mollycoddled as to only lose his title by a fluke and then be allowed to steamroll two former champions and win superstar of the year even though he wasn't the most deserving of it?

I don't like it but Cena is clearly the top dog and will continue to be so until he gets injured again.

 

[trkoeller]

Cena is sooo overrated the guy gets his ass beat for 10 min then boom he all of a sudden makes a full recovery and 5 moves later he gets a W in his favor. Randy Orton is imo the best canidate for top dog on Raw. He has been in the business way longer than Cena, and can actually have a decent match with almost everyone. He knows how to work a crowd and although he may have a "mono-tone" voice Id much rather watch him cut a promo than watch Cena's lame attempt to be funny but serious. IMO the top dog on Raw or any show needs to be good on the mic, know how to work the crowd, and able to back it up in the ring. Orton has all these abilities, Cena not so much. But thats just my opinion.

Ok, seriously. who really gives a flying shit if the guy only knows 5 friggin moves. He brings in a hell of a lot of money for the company, and he's one of the most popular wrestlers in the company.

 

[gwumusic10]

This whole "Cena is overrated" thing is so old. His matches this year have been spectacular (vs. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Jack Swagger, and even Sheamus) and he also continues to bring home the big bucks as well as the emotional promos. In my book, he's the top dog.

Cena is overrated....I am so sick of seeing his spiels week in and week out. I mean we can't go a week without hearing "The champ is here". Michael Cole said it best..."The champ is here...Sheamus". Now don't get me wrong i'm not saying that Sheamus is a good champion or even deserving of the title but Cena makes me sick on Monday nights because it's the same thing every week....And his 3 moves that he has in his arsenal...That's all he has...I mean really.

Sorry for the long tangent. Now to get back on the topic at hand. The top dog IMO is indeed Randy Orton. I don't like the guy but let me tell you he can play the heel role better than any wrestler I have ever seen with maybe the exception of Chris Jericho or HBK (during his Bret Hart and Undertaker Feuds). And the RKO is one of the most devastating moves not because of the move itself but rather because of how quickly it can come out of nowhere. IMO I would love to see Randy Orton kick Cena's skull in one good time then the "Champ" will be GONE!

 

[Lancer]

It is unquestionably John Cena. Why there is even a thread about it is the question.

Who else would lose his title the night before, and then get fed CM Punk and Randy Orton, two other main-eventers, and eventually win Superstar of the Year? All while his opponent, the WWE Champion mind you, gets a few minutes of face time and vanishes.

Duh. It's Cena. It was Orton for a while until Cena got back into the title picture.

 

[tarheelhutch3]

I am a huge John Cena fan, but I have to say without Randy Orton recently RAW wouldn't be much to look at. Orton carried the show while Cena and Batista were hurt. The several month feud between Cena and Orton became boring towards the end, but it was the best two in the business right now fighting for the WWE title. Bottom line is Orton and Cena together hold RAW together, but the individual with the push in the title hunt is obviously going to get more attention. In light of my previous statement, RAW needs both of them to continue to get ratings and support especially with TNA trying to battle with the WWE.

 

[RavensFlock1990]

Its Cena and the only close 2nd is DX (together not by themselves). If Orton was viewed on Cena's level of value to the company he wouldn't had just lost a feud to Cena then begged every guest host for another chance and then got beat handidly on RAW by Cena again. Orton and Punk got fed to Cena like they were nothing.

Sheamus was on RAW for all of 3 minutes....that alone says it all about him.

DX gets more airtime than anybody and they have main evented 2 (maybe 3 if I'm forgetting one) PPVs this year which is almost unheard for tag matches to main event a PPV.

So Cena and DX are pretty equal and then there's everybody else.

 

[shooter_mcgavin]

John Cena and DX are definitely the top dogs of the WWE. I guess that has been the problem with RAW. Its a show for the past 3 years dominated by the same people and there really is not a lot of excitement anymore.

I think the only time when RAW got a bit more exciting was 2008, when the show featured Mysterio, Jericho, Punk, JBL, Michaels, and Batista. I found the RAW of last year to be some of the best years in the brand-extension RAW era.

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

In this thread, it is not being asked "Who the top DOGS are?". It is asking "Who is the Top DOG". That is singular. That means, who is the one superstar on Raw based on their push, their TV time, possibly their championship, and other factors .... who is the one superstar (singular) that you consider to be The Top Dog?

It isn't asking for "Who the face of the Brand is". It's asking, right now at this point in time, "Who is the Top Dog"?

With that being said, my answer has to be Sheamus. Although I wasn't happy with what they did with him on Monday, the guy has absolutely been steam-rolling over everyone ... and he did it all the way to TLC with a win over the face of Raw-- John Cena, and took his title while he was at it.

At this moment, given the humongous push he received, and now holder of the WWE Title, Sheamus is without a doubt The Top Dog on Raw at the moment.

 

[IrishCanadian25]

In this thread, it is not being asked "Who the top DOGS are?". It is asking "Who is the Top DOG". That is singular. That means, who is the one superstar on Raw based on their push, their TV time, possibly their championship, and other factors .... who is the one superstar (singular) that you consider to be The Top Dog?

And in the Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels thread, you weren't asked for your opinion on a potential Undertaker vs Cena confrontation, yet you discussed that anyway.

It's not always as cut and dry as "just give me one name," and with the depth on Raw right now, I wouldn't expect it to be. There are several top dogs on Raw right now. Gun to my head to pick one, I go with Randy Orton.

Orton is the #1 heel on Raw even with Sheamus holding the title. Sheamus is giving Cena some new competition, which is terrific, but Orton has the task of helping put the younger guys over too, and he's done a brilliant job with Kofi. I think many fans would agree with me that the best Raw feud in the last 2 months has, in fact, been Orton vs Kofi, and a major part of that is a testament to Orton's job as the top dog on Raw.

He's managed to get himself over enough to where fans despise him and want to see him lose instead of being the "cool heel." He's played the overbearing favorite to the underdog stories like Kofi and company to a T. And he's been one of the most consistent character performers in the company lately.

Orton's the top dog, though I could just as easilly post 2 or 3 names and back them. But gosh darn it, I'm just so flingin flangin terrified of the wrath of "WZ's Dark Lord."

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

And in the Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels thread, you weren't asked for your opinion on a potential Undertaker vs Cena confrontation, yet you discussed that anyway.

It's not always as cut and dry as "just give me one name," and with the depth on Raw right now, I wouldn't expect it to be. There are several top dogs on Raw right now. Gun to my head to pick one, I go with Randy Orton.

Orton is the #1 heel on Raw even with Sheamus holding the title. Sheamus is giving Cena some new competition, which is terrific, but Orton has the task of helping put the younger guys over too, and he's done a brilliant job with Kofi. I think many fans would agree with me that the best Raw feud in the last 2 months has, in fact, been Orton vs Kofi, and a major part of that is a testament to Orton's job as the top dog on Raw.

He's managed to get himself over enough to where fans despise him and want to see him lose instead of being the "cool heel." He's played the overbearing favorite to the underdog stories like Kofi and company to a T. And he's been one of the most consistent character performers in the company lately.

Orton's the top dog, though I could just as easilly post 2 or 3 names and back them. But gosh darn it, I'm just so flingin flangin terrified of the wrath of "WZ's Dark Lord."

Oh, excuse me for trying to pry some better answers out of people, IC and to get them to actually answer the actual question the thread starter asked of them. Sometimes, I believe the "holding a gun to someone's head to pick one" technique, is an effective technique in avoiding a cop-out answer where someone can simply pick 3 people and call them all "Top Dogs".

When the pressure is on, you have to go with Sheamus, and a big reason for that is because, plain and simple, he is the one who holds the WWE Championship, which is the absolute top prize not just on Raw, but the entire company ... and he is the one with the largest push in the entire company.

It is clear at this point in time that Sheamus is the Top Dog on Raw ... again, AT THIS POINT IN TIME. But things change.

As far as Orton, that is extremely laughable, and I have to believe you said that simply to be argumentative with me. Honestly, why argue the obvious, especially with a sad case like Orton. Helping a young superstar develop is NOT an equivalent to being the Top Dog on a show at the moment. Rather, it is a sign of a respected veteran who is entrusted to develop a superstar.

If Orton were "Top Dog", he would hold the WWE Title and have a monster push AT THIS POINT IN TIME. But AT THIS POINT IN TIME, he has neither.

 

[Барбоса]

As much as Sheamus has made an impact and is WWE Champion and Orton is being used to raise talent up to main event level, the Top Dog on RAW is still John Cena.

The show is built around him. Even his losing the title has been worked into another way to elevate the Cena brand with him massacring Punk, beating Orton clean and becoming Superstar of the Year. His promise not to lose again until he regains the title tells us that he will continue at the top level for the foreseeable future. Even if he were to be beaten, it will likely come from Sheamus interfering.

 

[IrishCanadian25]

Oh, excuse me for trying to pry some better answers out of people, IC and to get them to actually answer the actual question the thread starter asked of them. Sometimes, I believe the "holding a gun to someone's head to pick one" technique, is an effective technique in avoiding a cop-out answer where someone can simply pick 3 people and call them all "Top Dogs".

I, on the other hand, applaud outside-the-box thinking.

When the pressure is on, you have to go with Sheamus, and a big reason for that is because, plain and simple, he is the one who holds the WWE Championship, which is the absolute top prize not just on Raw, but the entire company ... and he is the one with the largest push in the entire company.

As I made very clear in my debators league final against the D-Man, the title belt doesn't always denote the person on top. Just because he is the title holder at this particular moment doesn't mean he's on top of the brand. Especially in an era where there are two - arguably three - World Championship belts in a single promotion.

Tell me, Sidious, what has Sheamus done to earn the "top dog" recognition? He holds a controversial win over John Cena, okay cool. Aside from that, what has he done other than beat a 40+ year old Finlay and attack an announcer? Very little. Hell, his first night as champion he didn't even make an impact at all.

As far as Orton, that is extremely laughable, and I have to believe you said that simply to be argumentative with me. Honestly, why argue the obvious, especially with a sad case like Orton. Helping a young superstar develop is NOT an equivalent to being the Top Dog on a show at the moment. Rather, it is a sign of a respected veteran who is entrusted to develop a superstar.

Yes, and that trust is an extension of Orton's role as really the top guy on the program.

If Orton were "Top Dog", he would hold the WWE Title and have a monster push AT THIS POINT IN TIME. But AT THIS POINT IN TIME, he has neither.

I disagree. And not respectfully.

The belt doesn't always have to go around the waist of the #1 guy on the promotion, and history has shown us that.

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

I, on the other hand, applaud outside-the-box thinking.

It isn't "outside the box thinking" as you attempt to creatively put it. It is "cop-out thinking" and avoiding the true question that is asked. By advocating this, you are attempting to change the actual topic of the thread.

As I made very clear in my debators league final against the D-Man, the title belt doesn't always denote the person on top. Just because he is the title holder at this particular moment doesn't mean he's on top of the brand. Especially in an era where there are two - arguably three - World Championship belts in a single promotion.

Oh please. Let's not even lump the ECW title in as a world title compared to the other two. So, in essence we are truly looking at two world titles. And I doubt you are going to find many people agree that the WWE Title is not the top title in the company. Whichever title is on Raw, is generally regarded as the top title in the company. And that title is 90% of the time, the WWE Title, as that is actually the former WWF Title, so it is understandable.

But that is why I also said that not only the fact that Sheamus is the WWE Champion, I also advocated him as Top Dog because of his Monster Push, as well.

So at this time, Sheamus is indeed the Top Dog of the WWE. Quit arguing against things you know damn well are true, for the "sake of discussion". It's embarrassing.

Tell me, Sidious, what has Sheamus done to earn the "top dog" recognition? He holds a controversial win over John Cena, okay cool. Aside from that, what has he done other than beat a 40+ year old Finlay and attack an announcer? Very little. Hell, his first night as champion he didn't even make an impact at all.

Arguing just to argue.

- Holds the WWE Title
- Has a monster push unmatched by anyone in recent history on Raw ... probably since Yokozuna ... and Sheamus' push was far more rapid than Yoko's
- Has ended Jamie Noble's career
- Has scored a huge win over not just the top face of Raw, but the top face in the entire company-- John Cena


You have absolutely nothing. At this time, Sheamus IS the Top Dog on Raw.

Yes, and that trust is an extension of Orton's role as really the top guy on the program.

Bullshit. Like I said, I know you are simply trying to interject alternative viewpoints, but argue what you truly believe, as opposed to simply "trying to create discussion". It's difficult arguing things you don't truly believe, and I can clearly see that you don't believe the words coming out of your mouth in regards to Orton. You are simply arguing it just to pointlessly debate.

I disagree. And not respectfully.

Lol.

The belt doesn't always have to go around the waist of the #1 guy on the promotion, and history has shown us that.

Very rarely, otherwise. But even though that is debatable, I have still entered numerous other factors that justify the statement that "Sheamus is the Top Dog on Raw at the moment".

What do you have with Orton? That he's helping to train Kofi Kingston? Give me a break. Why can't you just Tell it like it is, instead of simply trying to be argumentative for the point of discussion? If you personally and actually agree with what I say, don't be argumentative just to argue otherwise. If you actually disagree, then disagree.

But cut it with the bullshit, IC.

 

[Барбоса]

In kayfabe terms, Sheamus is the Top Dog on RAW at the moment simply because he is the WWE Champion having dethroned the Superstar of the Year, but to say that in regular terms he is the Top Dog is ridiculous. Does he have the political clout backstage to get where he has gotten to in such a short space of time? Hell no. His push has been created more from his friendship with HHH and Cena's willingness to work with him, not because of his abilities on the mic or in the ring.

Sorry, Sidious but while I agree with your points on why Orton is not the Top Dog, your support of Sheamus smacks of being "argumentative just to argue" than IC's support of Orton

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

In kayfabe terms, Sheamus is the Top Dog on RAW at the moment simply because he is the WWE Champion having dethroned the Superstar of the Year, but to say that in regular terms he is the Top Dog is ridiculous. Does he have the political clout backstage to get where he has gotten to in such a short space of time? Hell no. His push has been created more from his friendship with HHH and Cena's willingness to work with him, not because of his abilities on the mic or in the ring.

Sorry, Sidious but while I agree with your points on why Orton is not the Top Dog, your support of Sheamus smacks of being "argumentative just to argue" than IC's support of Orton

Well, then let me clarify. I AM arguing in a kayfabe sense that Sheamus is Top Dog. Why? Because that is what is presented in the overall product presentation shown to the viewer. So just to clarify, yes I am advocating that position based on what the viewer sees on his TV screen AT THIS POINT IN TIME.

That isn't being argumentative. That is simply stating a fact. Based on what the viewer sees on their television, Sheamus IS Top Dog on Raw right now, in every sense of the word.

Arguing who is "The Face of Raw" is a completely different thread topic.

 

[Tenta]

“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.”

Ladies and gentleman, what we have between Sidious and IC is a battle to see who's johnson is bigger. And well that's all well and good, it's still dragging them away from what's correct. As much as I respect you two for trying to stir up conversation, give it a rest; there's three top dogs on Raw, and it's Cena, and DX.

Why? Because they're the ones putting butts in the seats. Their the recognizable faces. They're the ones that, when people to go to pick up tickets, people make sure will be at the show. They are the ones the mainstream audience wants to see. Now, whether or not Vince should be courting that audience is another story entirely, meant for another thread. I think someone wrote about that.... Regardless, the fact is, being top dog is being the one that draws. And right now, that's still Cena and DX

 

[Барбоса]

Well, then let me clarify. I AM arguing in a kayfabe sense that Sheamus is Top Dog.

That's fair enough then. I still don't agree that he is Top Dog but I can understand how it could be argued that he is in kayfabe terms.

My backing is still with Cena though. Had Sheamus butchered him at TLC and beat the tar out of him on RAW then I might think differently.

However, at the moment his title win still has the look of a "fluke" victory and RAW was definitely more Cena-centric rather than unveiling a new and dominant WWE champion.

 

[Blade]

I wouldn't say Sheamus is top dog. When I consider who's top dog, I generally go for someone who's, well, over. Also, we can all agree that Sheamus is getting a major push right now. But what exactly is a push? It's generally defined as booking a wrestler in a way that will elevate him. As in 'pushing' someone to the top. If Sheamus is in the middle of the push, he's not on top, is he? Cause the top dog doesn't actually need a push.

To me, it's between Cena and Orton. We all know that it's a huge chance that Cena will be the next WWE champion. And usually when a promotion can't take the title off a guy without suffering, that guys tends to be top dog. So that argument could be made for Cena.

On the other hand, Orton will be back in the title picture soon, probably at Wrestlmania. So he's definately one of the top two guys since we can know he's the other guy on Raw who'll be challenging for the title soon. But what makes him top guy over Cena? Ok, look at how Cena has elevated Sheamus then look at how Orton has elevated Kofi. Sure, Cena dropped the belt to Sheamus, but as the great Tyler Durden said "Sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken." Orton has made Kofi more over than he's ever been, and gave Kofi his first truly great match at TLC. When Kofi goes into the main event, you know he'll be there to stay, unless he has a serious injury or wellness policy violation. Orton has taught Kofi the art of storytelling and psychology. Sheamus, on the other hand, is still a big lumbering meathead. He could lose the WWE title next week, disappear forever and no one would care.

So yeah, I think I gotta go with Orton on this one.

 

[Ambiguous Turd]

Ladies and gentleman, what we have between Sidious and IC is a battle to see who's johnson is bigger. And well that's all well and good, it's still dragging them away from what's correct. As much as I respect you two for trying to stir up conversation, give it a rest; there's three top dogs on Raw, and it's Cena, and DX.

Why? Because they're the ones putting butts in the seats. Their the recognizable faces. They're the ones that, when people to go to pick up tickets, people make sure will be at the show. They are the ones the mainstream audience wants to see. Now, whether or not Vince should be courting that audience is another story entirely, meant for another thread. I think someone wrote about that.... Regardless, the fact is, being top dog is being the one that draws. And right now, that's still Cena and DX

Well, there goes your support from me on Rookie of the Year. You'll have to PM me and we'll come up with a way you can make it up somehow.

But anyway, IC is the one who is intentionally trying to drum up conversation and he knows it. He doesn't even believe the bullshit coming out of his mouth about Orton, and is just arguing to argue. I have very little respect for that kind of tactic. If someone believes what they say, and it happens to be argumentative, that's fine. This is not one of those cases, though.

The difference is that I believe what I say. And if I outright admit that I am basing my statement in a kayfabe sense in how it is presented to the viewer, I don't see how anyone can likely disagree.

Sheamus is the WWE Champion.
He ended Jamie Noble's career.
He has received a push like no other monster in recent history of the WWE.
He scored a win at the last PPV over the top face in the entire company.


We aren't arguing this from a Smark sense. We are arguing this over what is presented in the actual product.

Again, Tenta ... we are talking Top DOG, not DOGS. Pick one.