As I lay comfortably on my living room sofa, I’m wondering what I should write this week. Here I am trying to think and aimlessly I came across wrestling news regarding a character change in Drew McIntyre. Consequently, an idea arose in my head to write a column about wrestlers who I think are unappreciated by the WWE and TNA. Yes folks, that’s right, I’ll even be rambling about TNA this week. How enthralling. When you spot the wrestlers I approach you with, I have positive assurance you will not disagree with me. I’d like to outline that I will not be using the word ”underrated”, simply because I despise that word. Unappreciated sounds much more respectful in my opinion. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s Ramble!
Samoa Joe
Well, as a wrestling fan, would you disagree Samoa Joe is unappreciated by TNA? Subsequently I think Samoa Joe is quite possibly in the top five talent Impact Wrestling have. Samoa Joe is a tank and not many wrestlers as big as Joe would be able to pull off the quality matches he does. The fans love him, you know this when fans chant, ”Joe’s gonna kill you.. Joe’s gonna kill you..”. Joe is way over with the fans at almost every TNA arena he attends, and boy does he get TNA fans on their feet. Unfortunately, TNA creative doesn’t show much care in him. It’s sad that TNA would rather invest more time with guys like Hogan, Flair and Bischoff than the likes of Joe. TNA need to realize Hogan, Flair, Bischoff don’t inflate their ratings, they seriously need to invest their time, money and effort in new talent and in new storylines! Samoa Joe is a perfect candidate to be apart of this, the guy is world champion material.
Ted DiBiase
DiBiase had probably one of the driest runs for the WWE in 2011. The only recognisable thing DiBiase did in 2011 was be a lackey to Cody Rhodes, which lead to a stale feuding. Oh, he also had a little feud with Jinder Mahal. But why place him in pointless/uncaring feuds? DiBiase almost gets a huge pop each time he comes out to the ring. I honestly see DiBiase as a loveable character in my opinion. I think his ” DiBiase Posse” is a great fondness for fans before a Smackdown event. DiBiase has the look, has enthusiastic wrestling skills, pretty good at working the mic and brings a lot more to the table than some guys who are higher-up in the WWE than him at the moment. DiBiase undoubtedly has the talent and charisma to take his carear to higher levels, but we all just have to sit and watch for the WWE creative team to give him an opportunity to take him to that higher level.
Drew McIntyre
Perhaps McIntyre had the worst year out of all professional wrestlers from TNA and the WWE, suchlike I find this a little unacceptable as a fan of the WWE. McIntyre questionably has it all; great look, above-average mic skills, underrated in-ring abilities, size, etc.. This is a direct question to you, the reader. Why on earth did he spend most of 2011 on Superstars? Do you think this is satisfactory as a fan of the WWE? I think not. You know, for a guy once built as the next front-page superstar, as he was first introduced as the ‘Chosen One” to us by the chairman of the board, Vince McMahon. Ironically, McIntyre seems to be getting more of a push by the WWE as of late with rumours of a new gimmick, but one has to wonder if the WWE will in fact put his talent into perspective. McIntyre can be a great addition for the WWE’s future, so here’s hoping the WWE will acknowledge that.
Yoshi Tatsu
When the judgemental Internet Wrestling Community discusses wrestlers being unappreciated, Yoshi Tatsu, sadly, is not a rare wrestler that they encounter upon in discussion. Why is this? I genuinely cannot get my head around this. Whether on RAW, Smackdown or Superstars, Yoshi gets a great reception from the fans and puts on a classy performance each time. However, he has little to no mic skills. There is a very simple conclusion to this, give him a manager! Also, while they’re at it, get him new ring attire. I guess what I’m trying to express is his appearance is horrific. But, all and all, he’s a pretty good wrestler.
Honourable Mentions:
- Trent Baretta
- Tyson Kidd
- The Usos
- Natalya
- Chavo Guerrero
- Christopher Daniels
- Tyler Black
There are a lot more wrestlers who are unappreciated by their respective companies, but remember all of the above is in my opinion. If you agree/disagree with my list, then please, tell me who you think is also unappreciated if I haven’t mentioned them. If you agree, please give me your thoughts also.
I’d like to thank you for reading and that you’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading my column. I made more effort this week in my writing as more of my time was spent with it, so I hope you can see a difference. The past couple of weeks, my columns sadly, were rushed because I have been pretty busy lately so apologies if my writing wasn’t up to your reading standards.
Ringsidehustle.com 
Push Baretta!
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Yes, he deserves a push. The reason he’s not on my list is because I don’t watch much of Superstars.
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He looks like the lead singer of Creed.
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I agree with you, Ted DiBiase has it all. Was it last year that he had that US title thing going on with Daniel Bryan? And they had a PPV match at the start of the card and I can remember as one of the better matches I had seen in a good while. They need to push him, with the right marketing he could be HUGE. I mean, he already has the fans on his side, put out a lot of merch and WWE could be rolling in it, as well as DiBiase making good money of royalties.
Drew McIntyre and Yoshi Tatsu I definitely agree. McIntyre just needs that ruthless streak back. I think it was last years Elimination Chamber he was in and he had a really good showing in it. Yoshi has a great move set and great work ethic, like you said, give him a manager and he could be great. I don’t actually think his gear is that bad, he definitely should keep the long tights, but he could probably afford to lose the coat thing, then again it’s japenese I think so maybe that’s why he wants it.
They need to push Tyson Kidd, I fucking love him. Same goes for Natalya. We need to see Beth vs Natalya!!
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Yes but that’s a few weeks out of a full year. He deserves far better. Hell, Kevin Nash had a better year than DiBiase, is that right? I think not. lol.
The ruthless aggression is exactly what McIntyre needs, he reminds me a little of Triple H, when he’s ruthless and when HHH was younger of course.
I’d rather see Beth vs Tamina or Kharma but I’d watch a divas match with Natalya in it.
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Yeah definitely was only a few weeks. Kevin Nash – don’t even start me about that twat!! But DiBiase could be huge if marketed right and if given the right opportunities. He’s got the skills they just need to use them.
Yeah, McIntyre reminds me of Hunter too, but not if he’s kissing dudes. ALTHOUGH, HHH did go through a dead woman *cough*doll*cough stage where he humped her in the coffin, I think that’s what happened, I’ve tried to erase it from my memory.
Tamina is great, I’m really digging her. Beth is boring me, little to no personality, which is a shame. Kharma is great too and I can’t wait to see more of her. I want to see Kharma vs Natalya more though because they wrestled each other in Japan so it would be great to see it in the big ‘E. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR we could all just watch Kelly Kelly become the most awesomest butt kicker ever! YAY.
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Someone used a thesaurus this week 😉
Good selections, can’t disagree with any of them. It’s sad really, that both WWE and TNA have such good talent on their rosters, yet squander it.
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lol… maybe 😦 I’m actually good enough with words…but just need to spend more time using them in columns. Like I wrote this column when I was on my own in the house, no TV, no music…just writing with no distractions!
It really is sad, you know I try to look things positively so the way I think with this topic is the WWE have plans for them to be pushed in the future, but after the After-Nexus car crash, I’ve lost a lot of faith in WWE. But that’s the best thing for me, because I appreciate Indy wrestling a LOT more now and watch a reasonable amount it.
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You know what drives me insane? Samoa Joe even gets shout outs from Stone Cold and other legends saying how great he is….yet TNA just seems to bury him more. I’m sorry, but if I was running TNA and one of my stars was getting that much attention, I’d be slapping his face all over the screen and showing what he can do. But…..Garrett needs TV time in order to be “over” so…..never mind.
I’m actually really excited to see Drew McIntyres new gimmick. I hope he’s not like a creepy gay, and all Orlando Jordan, I just hope he’s given actual time to develop and also let this grow. Not a Billy and Chuck joke, just a legit guy who instead of being a ladies man, he’s a man’s man…not Regal style either. lol! If WWE wants to move away from the phony gimmicks and keep with the realistic, they should show a real mix of characters instead of your typical muscled up ladies man, who’s the best in the world.
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Great point, I didn’t know that for some reason and wished I had put it in my column now. The Garrett TV time doesn’t bother me that much, I don’t agree with it much but it is something new from them, but Hogan and Bischoff DON’T need to be there for crying out loud!
Looking forward to McIntyre’s gimmick too, I just hope he’s not a Rico, man that was hard to watch but yet funny. His role in Billy and Chuck was funny, though, lol.
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Garrett just reminds me of how WCW pushed people instead of training them properly. They’d just shove them on TV and into the mix up and expect the fans to enjoy it. But you’re right, at least he’s something different and young.
Rico was a joke too, and that’s what drives me nuts. Drew could really change the business if this is done right.
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Remember when Rico was on American Gladiators?
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Speaking of Orlando Jordan, did you watch that video on my article? Now THAT was creepy… Nightmare material! LOL! Sorry for the cheap plug Ray :p
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Yes, that’s creepy shit, nothing other than lame, lol. It’s cool, nice Mick Foley pop (Plug) 😛
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i’m sorry but I think Yoshi just makes himself look like a idiot
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I don’t think it’s his fault, though. Like he still has to do what creative says, it’s his job.
BTW are you doing a RRTWM?
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No no no…creative says but the person he is himself. em
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Yoshi has some of the greatest music ever!
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@James. This is exactly how I see McIntyre and who knows, perhaps the WWE has major plans for him, just waiting for the right time to push him.
WCW were too busy having established wrestlers running the show instead of making new talent like WWE did. Look what they had for Stone Cold? Nothing, WWE had him for a while and by god do WCW ever regret not using him properly.
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These guys have come a long way since their debuts and I mean that in a bad way.
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Yes, most have started with a bit of a bang so to speak then it went downhill…
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For me Samoa Joe is the most wasted talent in wrestling. He has proven he can cut it in TNAs main event with his MMA style match with Angle being a massive highlight. IMO that was the last TNA mainevent that genuinely had a “big fight feel” regardless of what Tennay says every PPV.
His matches with Punk in RoH were unbelievable.
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Yes mate, they defiantly were. I’d nearly phone TNA and see why the fuck they won’t push Joe. lol
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For me it’s Kofi Kingston. He’s always been very over and is a superb athlete who consistently has good if not great matches. He deserves another chance to shine and receive some proper character development. Kofi would have thrived in the tag team scene ten years ago but these days he’s just an afterthought.
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I didn’t add Kofi on the list because I think Kofi is sort of over, but just needs a little push, like not as much as the others deserve.
I think we’ve yet to see the best of Kofi, I certainly hope we will anyway. His spot at the Rumble was amazing!
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I really wish they’d attempt to mend the tag division or bring back the cruiserweight title because they have so many talented midcarders on the roster just completely stagnating in the stop/start push cycle.
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The stop/start cycle is TNA’s biggest problem. They grab fans attention and completely make a balls out of a storyline. So frustrating.
Okay, late here in Ireland so I gotta get my beauty sleep 😛
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Sounds like a personal problem, Ray!
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I agree with Drew McIntyre, Ted DiBiase, and Trent Baretta. I once wrote a column of the top five guys I wanted to get pushed and those three were among the five. The only one from my list (written in September) that has gotten a push recently was David Otunga. It’s a shame that almost six months later, McIntyre, DiBiase, and Baretta are still waiting for their push. They have been ready for months!
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Yes, I remember that column. I think Barretta should of had his own paragraph in my column, but as I said, I haven’t seen much action from him as of late.
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It’s so sad that Trent Barreta isn’t used. He’s an amazing in-ring performer. Probably as good as Evan Bourne and without the drug issues.
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I agree on all those mentioned in these article, but there are 3 that really stand out to me.
Samoa Joe is a talented big guy, and he’s shown it. But since that stupid angle when he got “kidnapped” (and we still don’t know who by!), they had no idea what to do. It’s took him ages to get something decent on TNA TV, but I feel he should be used more than in a tag team. Like you say, he’s over with the fans, and highly respected. TNA need to realise what a talent he is before they lose out on him.
Tyson Kidd and Natalya are two of my favourites. Not just because of their link to Bret Hart and the Hart Family/Hart Foundation..but because they are fantastic to watch. Kidd puts on enjoyable matches with Trent Barreta and Curt Hawkins, and would do great on Smackdown. Natalya is one of the top two females in WWE for me, and could be used so much better than this farting gimmick. They work hard, and don’t moan at the crap they’re given, and I just wish WWE would see what they can do and use them both better.
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Exactly. Just to add, well to use the kidnapped angle as an example, is yet another example of the stop/start cycle with TNA.
I really don’t see what WWE are doing with the farting gimmick, like what are they trying to show? lol
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I still say with the farting gimmick, that everybody can identify with her.
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I am still relatively new here on WR but as James and Simon will back up, I have never seen the big woo about Samoa Joe, I find his work sloppy at times and I think he has wasted himself, there was a stage in TNA where he gained some extreme weight and I think he got lazy because he considers himself one of the main TNA guys because hes been there so long. Nor do I find him entertaining on the microphone.
The same can be said about Ted DiBiase, the guy just lacks charisma, out of Cody, Orton and him, (three similar guys with similar connections and upbringings with the wrestling world), Ted is by far the worst. When you compare him with those two, I don’t see how he is under-rated.
Christian is the most under-rated WWE star, I dont have the energy to rant about why, he just is.
Theres alot of stars in the WWE that should be utilised and brought up in the Tag Division and this is why I am happy the WWE Network is coming because there is surely going to be more shows based on the Tag Team Division and Cruiserweights.
Natalya, is the most under-rated Diva in my opinion.
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Yes, I’ve heard on the podcast a couple of times you aren’t a fan of Joe, at least I think I did anyway. There was a point where he put on what, can you blame him? TNA has done practically fuck all with him, he probably just was not motivated to work. I’m not making excuses for him but at least 90% of fans, from what I have seen agree with me on Joe.
Regrading charisma – Until a wrestler gets that push, fans mostly aren’t interested in them, you’re not going to have charisma if you’re in the dog house. That’s how I see that.
Ted out of legacy probably is the ‘worst’, but that doesn’t mean he’s bad, it just means the other two guys were more interesting.
Christian is one of those wrestler’s who can just put wrestler’s over easily, like he’s put over numerous of guys. He’s won countless of championships and had a decent world title run last year.
All in all, WWE are just having a hard really pushing guys over.
The Diva’s division is completely fucked, have literally no interest in it what so ever.
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That’s one thing I would do if I ran the company. If these wrestlers are going to have to show up(whether wrestling or not), I’d make sure they at least get on tv. Even if it’s a 15 second cameo, that could be a chance for them to show off some personality.
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Yes, it’d also be a good way to actually grow on fans. Let us watch a little about them on a show. WWE are working on growing talent but really are finding it hard to push them. There’s too much going on at the moment to push younger talent. Rock/Cena in full flight, Jericho/Punk getting ‘heated’, Taker/HHH with HBK returning tomorrow getting heated, Bryan and Sheamus too. Now Orton and Kane keeping SD interesting until after WM.
It must be near impossible to push guys like Ziggler, Truth, Miz etc.. The only real young non WHC that’s be getting a push will be Rhodes.
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And that doesn’t even count Barrett who is injured.
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