Post by Top Rope Lists on Jan 11, 2015 17:52:20 GMT -6
In New York, Maryland and New Jersey, there are three independent wrestling companies (EPW, OWF, and UWA respectively) who have seen talents head to GZW2K1 for a chance at the big time. Some succeeded and others fell short, but what if others were to give it a try?
It's no secret that the Atlanta-based company has been going through a bad patch lately, making it a good time to make the jump, but who would do well in the new setting?
Well, wonder no more, here are the ten we feel would have the best chances if they were ever to take the chance.
10. Samuel Morgan.
Perhaps an unusual choice for some, there's no doubt that "The Ladies' Man" can talk and get it done in the ring. His agility is great and could find a boost in his following by female fans, but the increased schedule and cheesy nickname could go against him.
That being said, we're sure he'd carve out his niche and make an impression in the biggest wrestling company there is.
9. Adrian Phoenix
While Ground Zero has many competitors with varied ring styles, there aren't many true high flyers right now. Phoenix could fill that spot nicely; his speed, agility and breathtaking phoenix splash could serve him well.
One thing he'd have to watch out for is that high flyers in GZW tend to need to add more to their arsenal in order to survive. With Adrian's skill level, the transition shouldn't take very long.
8. Chris Bane.
"Supreme Power" Chris Bane is one of those rare ones who enters a company and takes it by storm. He has the strength, toughness and tenacity to get ahead in the squared circle, as proven by his rapid rise to the top. He also has youth on his side, giving him plenty of time to get a lay of the land.
What he has to be careful with is how he interacts with others on the roster. Despite his physical prowess, his attitude could land him in a lot of trouble. Still, it would be worth watching.
7. Madhouse
Comprised of the clown Eddie Dread and "The Crimson Hammer" Mordo, these tag team veterans could have dominated the tag team division in GZW2K1 were it still open. That's not to say they couldn't still make an impact as a tandem, just that they would now have to go after different singles titles instead.
With Eddie's fisherman driver finishing move and Mordo's fearsome spinning backfist, these two could cut a swathe through the ranks. Being big men, they'd have to stay on top of faster members of the roster to see it through.
6. Hammer
While there are plenty besides Hammer who are strong or fast or driven, one thing that helps set him apart is his durability. Hammer is one tough SOB and a favourite in the indy circuit. His no-nonsense approach and simple, but brutal finishers could see him becoming a big name if he were to ever make the leap.
As a loner, Hammer would have to keep his eyes peeled in case of alliances or outside interference. Tough as he is, fending off two GZW guys by himself would take some doing.
5. Ann R K
The only woman to make the list, Ann is a well rounded fighter with good striking capabilities, mat wrestling and submission skills. Her Revolution finishing move is an especially painful submission hold that has won her several titles in her career.
But with predecessors like Kandi Fortune-Corbin, Tonya Glory, Eva Hikari and Davina Cameron, expectations would be very high indeed. Capable as she is, Ann R K marches to the beat of her own drum and wouldn't show much interest in meeting those standards.
4. Shadow
The ninja-like member of The Hit Crew would certainly stand out with his unique look, and this seasoned vet has several singles titles to make a solo run possible. With his quick martial arts strikes and takedowns, he makes for a difficult opponent to take on.
That being said, his strength isn't as great as some on GZW's roster and would need to stay on the move to get past this. Still, seeing Shadow take on the likes of Alex Cross, John Champa or Icon Lady Hikari would be well worth the ticket price.
3. Tyson Colt
"The Beast" Tyson Colt has all that a promoter loves: the look, the ability, and tenacity. Colt oozes aggression and gives his all to every match he's in, making him respected among his peers. With his Six Shooter and Trigger signatures, Tyson makes for quite the opponent.
Tyson's biggest issue though, is his youth. While he has plenty more time than most, he still has to learn about the more cerebral methods used by some, especially in the big leagues. While he seems to have it all, he would have something of a problem getting through the mind games.
2. Clan Mayhem.
While some may consider this entry cheating with Clan Mayhem's crusade against GZW, remember they are not under contract. So what would happen if the group ( or even just one or two of them) were persuaded to stay?
They already have a history with almost everyone in the company and have become well known through their antics. They would also get to show more of what they can do in the ring. Damien and Karnos are both multi-time top tier champions and Karnos has enjoyed several successful tag title runs with Demon. Any one of them could have great run-ins with current roster members and put on memorable matches.
The main problem, though, is how reviled they are by the roster, and likely, management. Even if they were signed, they could see themselves hounded out of the company, going from hunters to hunted in a very short time.
1. Victor Kline.
Who else could it be? "The Unstoppable" Victor Kline is an indy legend, having claimed the top championship from each company several times, setting him apart from anyone else in the list. Great in the ring, focused in his intent and decent enough on the mic, the German-born wrestler could take his devastating In-Kline and Victory moves to the big stage and do quite a bit of damage.
As good as he is, his biggest obstacle would be age. Victor has spent many years honing his skill and though he can still get it done, the chances of him being there for more than a few years may be slim. Then again, he's in his late thirties (39), so maybe he could go a few more years than expected. Still, don't be surprised if he doesn't.
So there we are, Top Rope Lists' top ten picks from the northeast promotions. Who would you have picked? Who from this article would you love to see make the move?
Honorable mentions are Judge Reaper, Black Tiger, Domination, Wrath. Axle Steel, Butcher Curtis, Nick Shane, Kain and Lukas Blade.
It's no secret that the Atlanta-based company has been going through a bad patch lately, making it a good time to make the jump, but who would do well in the new setting?
Well, wonder no more, here are the ten we feel would have the best chances if they were ever to take the chance.
10. Samuel Morgan.
Perhaps an unusual choice for some, there's no doubt that "The Ladies' Man" can talk and get it done in the ring. His agility is great and could find a boost in his following by female fans, but the increased schedule and cheesy nickname could go against him.
That being said, we're sure he'd carve out his niche and make an impression in the biggest wrestling company there is.
9. Adrian Phoenix
While Ground Zero has many competitors with varied ring styles, there aren't many true high flyers right now. Phoenix could fill that spot nicely; his speed, agility and breathtaking phoenix splash could serve him well.
One thing he'd have to watch out for is that high flyers in GZW tend to need to add more to their arsenal in order to survive. With Adrian's skill level, the transition shouldn't take very long.
8. Chris Bane.
"Supreme Power" Chris Bane is one of those rare ones who enters a company and takes it by storm. He has the strength, toughness and tenacity to get ahead in the squared circle, as proven by his rapid rise to the top. He also has youth on his side, giving him plenty of time to get a lay of the land.
What he has to be careful with is how he interacts with others on the roster. Despite his physical prowess, his attitude could land him in a lot of trouble. Still, it would be worth watching.
7. Madhouse
Comprised of the clown Eddie Dread and "The Crimson Hammer" Mordo, these tag team veterans could have dominated the tag team division in GZW2K1 were it still open. That's not to say they couldn't still make an impact as a tandem, just that they would now have to go after different singles titles instead.
With Eddie's fisherman driver finishing move and Mordo's fearsome spinning backfist, these two could cut a swathe through the ranks. Being big men, they'd have to stay on top of faster members of the roster to see it through.
6. Hammer
While there are plenty besides Hammer who are strong or fast or driven, one thing that helps set him apart is his durability. Hammer is one tough SOB and a favourite in the indy circuit. His no-nonsense approach and simple, but brutal finishers could see him becoming a big name if he were to ever make the leap.
As a loner, Hammer would have to keep his eyes peeled in case of alliances or outside interference. Tough as he is, fending off two GZW guys by himself would take some doing.
5. Ann R K
The only woman to make the list, Ann is a well rounded fighter with good striking capabilities, mat wrestling and submission skills. Her Revolution finishing move is an especially painful submission hold that has won her several titles in her career.
But with predecessors like Kandi Fortune-Corbin, Tonya Glory, Eva Hikari and Davina Cameron, expectations would be very high indeed. Capable as she is, Ann R K marches to the beat of her own drum and wouldn't show much interest in meeting those standards.
4. Shadow
The ninja-like member of The Hit Crew would certainly stand out with his unique look, and this seasoned vet has several singles titles to make a solo run possible. With his quick martial arts strikes and takedowns, he makes for a difficult opponent to take on.
That being said, his strength isn't as great as some on GZW's roster and would need to stay on the move to get past this. Still, seeing Shadow take on the likes of Alex Cross, John Champa or Icon Lady Hikari would be well worth the ticket price.
3. Tyson Colt
"The Beast" Tyson Colt has all that a promoter loves: the look, the ability, and tenacity. Colt oozes aggression and gives his all to every match he's in, making him respected among his peers. With his Six Shooter and Trigger signatures, Tyson makes for quite the opponent.
Tyson's biggest issue though, is his youth. While he has plenty more time than most, he still has to learn about the more cerebral methods used by some, especially in the big leagues. While he seems to have it all, he would have something of a problem getting through the mind games.
2. Clan Mayhem.
While some may consider this entry cheating with Clan Mayhem's crusade against GZW, remember they are not under contract. So what would happen if the group ( or even just one or two of them) were persuaded to stay?
They already have a history with almost everyone in the company and have become well known through their antics. They would also get to show more of what they can do in the ring. Damien and Karnos are both multi-time top tier champions and Karnos has enjoyed several successful tag title runs with Demon. Any one of them could have great run-ins with current roster members and put on memorable matches.
The main problem, though, is how reviled they are by the roster, and likely, management. Even if they were signed, they could see themselves hounded out of the company, going from hunters to hunted in a very short time.
1. Victor Kline.
Who else could it be? "The Unstoppable" Victor Kline is an indy legend, having claimed the top championship from each company several times, setting him apart from anyone else in the list. Great in the ring, focused in his intent and decent enough on the mic, the German-born wrestler could take his devastating In-Kline and Victory moves to the big stage and do quite a bit of damage.
As good as he is, his biggest obstacle would be age. Victor has spent many years honing his skill and though he can still get it done, the chances of him being there for more than a few years may be slim. Then again, he's in his late thirties (39), so maybe he could go a few more years than expected. Still, don't be surprised if he doesn't.
So there we are, Top Rope Lists' top ten picks from the northeast promotions. Who would you have picked? Who from this article would you love to see make the move?
Honorable mentions are Judge Reaper, Black Tiger, Domination, Wrath. Axle Steel, Butcher Curtis, Nick Shane, Kain and Lukas Blade.