Will Lord Tensai get a WWE title run?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Yes, we all know he's back, squashed Riley as well. I think it's fair to say he WILL be feuding with Punk for the WWE title after Johnny told him 'Natural Disasters' will be coming his way, but the question I have is: Will they give the former 'A-Train' a run at the WWE title?

I think it's possible, could have a big build for the match to take place at SummerSlam this year, But i'm not too sure they'll give him a run, fair enough he was huge in Japan as Giant Barnard but he's never been HUGE in USA has he? The match will definitely happen, maybe at SummerSlam, but they won't give him a run, he'll be like a big guy that Punk has to overcome kind of like Shawn Michaels vs. Vader at SummerSlam 96'..

That's just my opinion, What do you guys think?

 

[themizisawesomemikeali]

I'll go on record and say that Lord Tensai won't get over with the fans.This is purely my prediction and it's possible I might be wrong . I think they will push him down our throats, with a series of squash - easy win matches for a couple of months. They might even give him some gold on the way. But I just can't see the fans getting into the character.

The reason I see this failing is very simple. Regardless of the name they give him A-Train, Giant Bernard, Price Albert, The Monogolian, Lord Tensai or even Baldo, he has always suffered from one big problem. Matt Bloom is as boring as they come. He stands like an awkward kid from the 'special' bus, looks blankly at everything, can't cut a promo and moves very stiffly (with the occasional burst of speed). His whole demeanor is so clumpy, uninteresting and slow looking.

Then take his peers. Mark Henry is more intimidating to look at, Kane is more scary in character and Brook Lesner is more powerful in the ring. So where does that leave old Matty boy. Not the biggest, not the scariest, not the strongest, with a bland demeanor and a Japanese based rep that won't wash with the average WWE fan in the arenas.

Maybe his return has been in the planning for a while and they didn't know Lesner was coming back. But talk about over shadowed on your 'scary and impressive' debut!

Within 18 months I see him demoted back down to lower mid card

 

[BigPoppaPunk]

I personally hope Lord Tensai never gets anywhere near the WWE Title. He's an overall boring character, and his in ring work is IMO even more sloppy than when he was A-Train. How this dude survived for years over in Japan is beyond me. I know wrestling in Japan is more wrestling oriented, but even then he's one dimensional. To me, his "squash" style of matches, combined with his lack of personality and that means eventual failure in WWE. There's a reason he was unsuccessful previously in WWE and that's due to his inability to connect with the fans and his matches aren't anything special. Yeah, he's a big mofo and quick for a guy his size, but as the guy before me pointed out, he doesn't stand out in WWE. He's not the biggest or tallest, his matches suck, and he has little to no charisma. If he couldn't get over with Heyman giving him the "A-Train" gimmick(which I actually liked), then giving him some streotypical Japanese gimmick won't work either. While it may be kind of honoring his time in Japan, ultimately it's yet again another bad streotype gimmick than no one gives a crap about.

I'd wanna see alot of improvement in his in ring work and character before he was given ANY TITLE, much less the WWE Title....

 

[J.D Lethal]

If Japanese rep went anywhere in WWE he would be the #10 on the list at max upper mid carder trying to break thru. Matt Bloom is no someone that Vince would want to head his company.Now if he was on SmackDown Sheamus should look over his shoulder come after Summerslam...but lets face it the Avg WWE fan doesnt know what this man has done and if they did( and i say this again) HE WOULD BE ONLY USEFULL TO AS TAG-TEAM GUY or to build up Ted Dibase.

 

[Big B-RI]

After seeing Lord Tensai on Raw, it reminded me of why I never liked him as a wrestler and why no one cared or noticed when he was released. This is a HUGE mistake by WWE, but hopefully I'll be proved wrong so I don't fall asleep during his matches. Thank God for DVR so I can always fast forward.

I do also want to say about an earlier post that I wish people would stop making fun of people with disabilities, or as you may refer to them, people from the short bus. Just for one minute, put yourself in their shoes and think how they may never get to enjoy the same things we take for granted. I may take some heat for this, but I can sleep at night knowing that I will always stand up for people with special needs.

 

[Krossbreed]

when i saw the title of this thread i immediately laughed...i dont see it, however wwe needs more super heels why not have him go on a winning streak then collides with someone who needs to go over to the next level... drew mcintyre maybe...any oposition to a train will turn the heel he is against face. he reminds me of a yokozuna type character...u can build him to the moon to help launch the next break out superstar.

 

[UFOcalling]

I agree, I think we'll see Tensai vie for the WWE Title in 2012. At this point, I think it's still a little early to tell whether or not he'll actually win the strap...but if I had to guess, I'd say no.

I see Tensai's run being a carbon-copy of Umaga's run; Tensai will probably go undefeated for a while, then finally get a shot at Punk (or whomever is WWE Champ when WWE creative feels Tensai is "ready" for a title shot). That will most likely be Tensai's first loss since returning to the WWE, and then he'll fall back into the midcard before eventually being released. Maybe he'll get his hands on one of the midcard titles (Intercontinental or US Title), just like Umaga did as well. Umaga was pretty much the same gimmick (monster heel), and just like Umaga - I don't see Tensai as anything special. I could be wrong, but I don't think that the rest of the WWE Universe will either. So my answer (at least based on what I've seen so far) is "no".

 

[Australia's Finest]

I certainly hope not. I just don't see how he's going to get over in the WWE. I myself find him quite boring and not intimidating at all even though that's what he's suppose to be doing. I don't even think he'll last long this time around.

 

[closet_fan]

I think the only way Tensai make a name for himself in the title picture is if Johnny Ace appoints him as the guy who wants to wreak havoc on Punk. Much the same way Vince backed Umaga. It will work for little bit. But once Punk eventually beats him, he won't be anything more than a midcarder. And I don't know how long he would even last there considering he lacks a lot of things that the current mid-carders lack., mic skills, etc.

 

[Raiden46]

Predictably, everyone judges his entire range of skills and experience on one TV squash match.

That's fair, right?

You only get one chance at a first impression (or in this case, first impression with a new gimmick.) During his return match, Tenzai didn't show me anything I haven't already seen before. He reminds me of a stereotypical brute heel who can squash anyone until he runs into a wrestler who is over with fans, then he himself gets squashed.

 

[Shocky]

I don't think he gets a run with the WWE title, but with the World title, all things are possible. Raw is going to be absolutely loaded with talent. Punk, Cena, and now Rock and Lesnar, are going to be floating around the WWE title scene. I can't see Tenbert getting anywhere near the title scene.

He seems like a more natural fit for Smackdown. The problem the WWE has is you have Tenbert, Ryback, Brodus and Mason Ryan who all play the same character. Oh, and let's not forget about Lesnar possibly annihilating everyone on the roster as well. It seems like they have too many guys with this type of gimmick, and not enough jobbers to go around.

 

[Jerichoholic8894]

As someone said earlier, I don't think he will get over with the fans. I didn't understand his move set at all! Pretty sloppy if you ask me

I'll give him a shot since last week was only his 1st match back.

But I'd of rather seen A-Train again rather than Lord Tensai

 

[2Sweet_4Life]

well i just dont see the point in debuting tensai the way they did. why not have punk vs jericho extreme rules tensai comes from under the ring hits finisher on punk therefore it becomes a mini stable with tensai, johnnys henchman. he gets ultimate heat costing punk title and would of shocked everyone if they didnt air vignettes and he just appeared instantly got over. but for some reason wwe never has the element of surprise anymore that would of been brilliant instead we have to sit through squash matches

 

[Ausaie]

Right now i am going to say no for the simple reason that you have The Rock and Likely Brock Lesnar along with Cena, CM Punk and a few others who will likely be involved in the title hunt through this year. Now if Cena gets the belt and they need a powerful heel to challenge him i can see the two working in a title match, not so sure Tensai would get the belt though. Who knows he could completely flop and not get over the way they want him to. Only time will tell, as of right now he isn't even close to being in consideration for a title run imo.

 

[fundar]

I don't think he'll wind up with the title, but, I do believe, with a proper storyline build, he could be put into a feud with Punk for the title. What I would do if i were running things, you run at least one interview, maybe a series like they did with Jim Ross and Mankind back in the 90's (those things got Foley so damned over it isn't funny), where you have Tensai, explain why he came back, get the rights to show footage of him destroying people in New Japan, tie his return into Punks Mitb promo, where Punk said he was going to take the title to New Japan. Actually build a story into why exactly he came back. Don't just have him sneer and shout ONE....WORD....AT..A.TIME! like he tends to do. Let him be a real guy with a real motivation. That's how they should book this.

There are so many big guy "monsters" with no story. Mark Henry has taken off not just because of his workrate, but because, as a character, there are definitive motivations to what hes doing. Let Matt Bloom do the same thing. I don't believe the character has a long shelf life, if all he is is another generic monster heel. Being as big as a fuckin house won't cut it, that house needs a solid foundation.

 

[Trance Metaphor]

I know this is just a fantasy, but I think it would have been awesome if Lord Tensai came over to the WWE with a Japan title. It'd be somewhat reminiscent to Ultimo Dragon back in WCW with his 10 titles. The problem with that is Lord Tensai never won any singles titles over in Japan, at least to my knowledge. I don't know what he's doing back in the WWE, but his first run was very bland and unmemorable. He had a very brief Intercontinental Championship reign and was involved in that group with Brock Lesnar. However, since he's back, I don't want him to have an empty-handed second run where he's just running through a bunch of no-named locals and jobbers. That's been beaten to death already by the likes of Vladimir Kozlov and Mr. Kennedy in recent memory. Maybe they can make him feud with some legit star like they did with Hakushi against Bret Hart. Maybe he can have a second, but lengthier IC Championship reign. As far as his skills are concerned? I think he's vastly improved over in Japan, especially in Tag Team competition. Right now he also has a cool appearance where talking on the mic is not essential. I just hope it doesn't turn into another disappointment. I'm not a fan of Matt Bloom, but I still think the guy has potential to do something worthwhile.

 

[Undertaker17]

i really cant see why WWE resigned him :/ theres no need for him to be back and contending for a title, WWE have loads of stars that are up to the challenge and do not need to SHAVE THEIR BACK

 

[BigRedPunk]

Do I think he will get a WWE title run? Maybe assuming some of those reports are right we may see him feud with Punk. Do I want him to get a WWE title run? Eh I'm giving him a chance but at this point I really would rather have him not get a run. Like many others I don't see how he is going to get over with the fans. The concept of his character is bland and he just seems so stiff and dull.

 

[xBANEx]

I voted maybe.

Partially because I believe it's impossible to speculate whether or not he will after seeing one match; and a squash match at that. I see the chances of him winning a title a lot better if he goes after Sheamus or a mid-card title but I suppose anything is possible.

While I haven't seen any of his stuff from Japan I'd assume he's improved if Vince is bothering to re-sign him so some of us might be surprised once he starts having non-squash matches. Dunno how much he could improve the mic skills though, recall him being kinda boring, but perhaps the guy that comes out with him is like a manager and he'll speak for him? >_>

 

[RiseAboveIt]

I personally feel that he will be built up like Umaga was and will eventually become a part of the main event scene.

Will he get a title run?

I'd have to say NO. I think he will be built up but then used for CM Punk to get over more , like to show he can beat a big man aswel.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Punk bring up his past names (A-Train and Albert) and mock his past WWE run, which would kind of be edgy I guess.

Also I'm not sure if anybody has mentioned this as I have not had a proper read of the reply's but I think Big Johny will bring up his own past in Japan and say he made a call and brought Tensai to show the competition in Japan is tougher.

But Tensai vs Brodus wouldn't be too bad

 

[crippler]

I think its too early when the guy has only had 1 match on raw so far weather he is a good character or not even more so as a WWE Champion. Right now its too early to say anything positive or negative give him a couple months to see how they go with this character

 

[PowerHouse]

I don't see why Lord Tensai shouldn't eventually get a run with the titles as a MAJOR heel. He has improved a lot since he was A Train and DOMINATED over in Japan. I don't care what anyone says if you dominate In Japan that says alot about your in Ring ability and you ability to work. Now things are different here and the WWE is not a Japanese Pro Wrestling company I get that and we will see if his character gets over one way or the other. Right now the WWE has a bunch of new characters and Old ones back on the roster. You have Tensai,Lesnar,Brodus Clay,Ryback Damien Sandow who can also work very well.

Maybe I am to optomistic about these new characters... But I liked Tensai's debut and I thought Ryback looked very good as well. Still very early both have only had 1 match. But I personally am hoping that they both make it the main event status and shake up and change the landscape of the World Title and WWE championship.

 

[deslok]

I think some of the people that hate his ring work, after seeing him in a SQUASH match, haven't been around at a time when those matches were more regular. He just gave us some of his better moves, he wasn't trying to string them into a sequence, to show what he can do. Reminded me of Ulitmate Warrior squashing a jobber on superstars, that type of match. I like how they brought up his past already, it makes me wonder what went on in Japan to bring him to embrace what he is now. It should be cool to watch.

 

[The Crock]

I highly doubt he'll get a run with the WWE Championship, but I agree with what Shocky said earlier on in the thread; the World Heavyweight Championship is a possibility. If John Laurinaitis has any involvement with Lord Tensai, I'm convinced he'll be one of the "crown jewels" of Johnny Ace's henchman, he'll certainly have a leg up (storyline-wise) on the rest of the roster, so I wouldn't be surprised if he made his was into quite a few title matches. If he has any involvement with Punk, Tensai should provide a really interesting story and a fun feud, but I doubt he'll be the one to dethrone Punk. Just consider all the other talent that will be involved in the WWE Championship picture -- Jericho, Cena, Lesnar, Rock, etc. -- Tensai just doesn't fit in. The World Heavyweight Championship, on the other hand, has some established contenders, but it's always been easier to take a risk with that championship.

I would like to point out, that even though I do think Tensai will be involved in a main event title scene very soon, I would like to see him carry a midcard title (United States Championship) first. I know it's a bit of an archaic thought, but Tensai would benefit tenfold from having a run with a different belt, on a smaller scale. Not only would it build him up as a more viable contender, it could certainly inject something different into a title scene that has largely been stagnant. I've enjoyed Santino Marella as United States Champion, but he and Brodus Clay could very easily move over to the tag ranks, and Tensai could take the title off of Santino. That would immediately garner some heat for Tensai, as the crowd loves Santino, and it wouldn't hurt Santino either, as he now has something to do (his team with Clay). If Tensai regularly defended the title, and dominated all of his challengers, it would make the title mean something. Not only that, the person who would eventually go over Tensai would look like a million bucks.

I guess I like a more simple and old school approach to wrestling, but I don't think the WWE needs to hotshot Tensai up into the WWE/World Championship ranks yet. Now, I think they will, but I'd rather see a slow and steady build -- it would make the payoff all that much sweeter.

 

[PEP3]

After seeing only one, brief match, I'd hate to speculate on the long-term prospects of the Lord Tensai character. Depending on how WWE treats his build-up, he could very easily fill the mold of Monster Heel the company used so effectively in years gone by. The difference between then and now is the WWE used to be much stingier about who received title runs. Now, a championship reign is probably written into major contracts, which I am assuming Tensai's would be. (Why else would he leave a very, VERY successful tenure in New Japan?)

The biggest threat I see to Tensai's chances is the depth of talent currently in WWE. With major stars like The Rock, Lesner and even Jericho returning to the company within relatively close proximity, it decreases the amount of spotlight his debut will get. Further, there are any number of people like The Miz, Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler and other more home-grown talent who dance in-and-out of the title scene.

Tensai will have to work overtime to find his place in the current sea of contenders. What he has on his side, though, is being a new face to add to the title hunt. Most of the current contenders have been around a while, which means less opportunity to provide unique, never-before-seen angles. That means less money for WWE, because people don't buy PPVs where they've seen the main event before.

From my own point-of-view, the biggest let down for the Tensai character wasn't sloppy work or squash matches. I wish they'd have allowed him to keep his Japanese headdress on during the first few squash matches. It's a MUCH cooler look than without, regardless of the tattooing or whatever across his face.