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WRESTLEMAN #6 - The Draft Lottery (predictions, and future feuds)
Welcome to WRESTLEMAN #6, featuring my predictions for the WWE Draft Lottery 2006, and the potential feuds that will arise. It’s maybe a little early to be predicting these already, but it will be interesting to see how successful my predictions are – they could fall flat on their face, or they could be spot on, who knows?
To make the predictions, I’ve made the assumption that, like last year, WWE will stretch the draft right across the month of June. Another assumption is that five ‘big names’ will be drafted from each roster. First let’s take a look at last year’s draft:
To RAW (John Cena, Carlito, Kurt Angle, Big Show, & Rob Van Dam)
To SmackDown! (Chris Benoit, Muhammad Hassan, Randy Orton, Christian, Batista)
Last year was billed as the Biggest Draft in WWE history, but the main reason behind that were the two champions (Batista & Cena) switching shows, and taking the titles with them. But also because all of the Superstars involved in the draft were of a good standard. And I think that standard will continue again this year.
WWE simply has to strengthen the SmackDown! roster this year, although most people thought the same last year! Due to circumstances beyond their control the SmackDown! Roster has become considerably weaker this year, despite creating some new stars like Lashley, MNM, and Finlay. It is an impossible task to replace Eddie Guerrero, Christian, Kennedy, Batista, and now Randy Orton, with new inexperienced stars, and continue to have the same quality of product.
Anyway here are my predictions for the 2006 Draft Lottery:
To SmackDown!
Edge – To further Edge’s character and establish him as a genuine main-eventer the move to SmackDown! has to happen, in my opinion. Edge needs to be in the position where he can be the top heel on the show, and with Triple H around, that will never happen on RAW. A heel main-eventer is a department where SmackDown! is pretty weak at the moment (I mean, Mark Henry got a PPV title shot, jeez). Presumably Edge would take Lita with him, but with their real-life relationship never taking off, this could be a simple way of separating them on-screen too. The potential feuds I would pencil in for Edge would be against Rey Mysterio, and Batista, both of which should be pretty fresh and entertaining.
Chavo Guerrero – This is a bit of a ‘no-brainer’ really. WWE have realised that switching him to RAW was a mistake in the first place, and I’m almost positive they’ll bring him back where he belongs. Obviously he could go straight back into the Cruiserweight division, but I’d like to see him higher up the card, plus I’m a sucker for tag-teams. So as soon as Rey’s World Title reign is over, and his inevitable drop down the card happens, why not team him up with Chavo? MNM are desperate for another credible tag-team to feud with, and this match up could be perfect!
Kane – This man really needs a change. He has great ability, and is definitely one of the best ‘big guys’ in WWE history. The problem is that he needs to step out of the shadow of the Undertaker, and be given the chance to shine with a proper World Title push. Moving to new surroundings on SmackDown! will offer him fresh feuds, and may rejuvenate his character.
Chris Masters – I can’t sing the praises of Chris Masters enough. OK, so he’s far from the best worker in WWE, but he’s hidden all his weaknesses and developed a well-rounded character that is entertaining to watch. The improvement he has made since debuting last year is simply phenomenal, and he’s stepped up to the plate every time WWE have asked him to do something new. He is now starting to pick up steam, and even some popularity. I think moving him to SmackDown! will suit his style more. Potential feuds would be Chris Benoit and Bobby Lashley. I expect Masters to pick up his first title in the next twelve months, and it will most likely be the United States Championship.
Shawn Michaels – Its no secret that Shawn Michaels has recently suggested that his schedule needs to slowed down, in order to prolong his career. The SmackDown! schedule is a lot lighter compared to RAW as they do less live events (mainly because tickets don’t sell as well). Michaels is in desperate need for some fresh opponents, and he is not going to get enough of those on RAW. This could also be a chance to put to bed the storyline between himself and the McMahons.
Going the other way – To RAW
Kurt Angle – He has only been on SmackDown! for a couple of months, but the reason he moved to RAW in last years draft was needing to find new opponents. That fact remains the same this year. Since moving to SmackDown! Kurt has been towing the line between heel and face. The reason behind this was that the cheers were becoming too loud to ignore when he was on RAW. But, moving to SmackDown! brings Kurt to a different audience, a significantly younger audience. The younger crowd on SmackDown! would not get behind Kurt as a face, as much as the older crowd on RAW would, in my opinion. Therefore, I believe moving him to RAW offers the WWE a big chance to push as a huge face. Believed by many to be the best two in the business, Kurt feuding with Triple H has to mean money for WWE.
Matt Hardy – There are two main reasons why I believe Matt should be drafted to RAW. Reason No.1 is that it is important to keep he and Edge separated, as their feud will constantly be revived, which will only hold both men back. Reason No.2 is that there is currently nothing for him on SmackDown! and the RAW mid-card will suit him more. Potential feuds with Shelton Benjamin and Carlito would look very promising on paper.
Undertaker –the reasons for switching ‘Taker to RAW are very similar to the reasons for switching Shawn Michaels to SmackDown! Both men have been on their respective shows for a long time, and are in need of a change. Also in the interest of fairness, neither show will be short-changed as both will receive a part-time wrestler each. And similar to the Edge-Matt Hardy situation, the last thing we need is for Undie and Kane to be feuding for about the 18th time!
Ken Kennedy – in his first few months on SmackDown!, Mr Kennedy picked up a lot of popularity, mainly with adult fans, and switching him to RAW will only enable the popularity to keep growing further. He could also add depth to an impressive looking RAW mid-card, feuding with Matt Hardy, Big Show, Ric Flair, and potentially even John Cena.
Booker T (and Sharmell) – Over the past few months Booker T has continued to talk about the ‘conspiracies’ of SmackDown! General Manager Teddy Long. Therefore, in the storyline Booker would be delighted to be able to get escape from this. Booker’s career went pretty stale last year, although started to pick up following his heel turn. Since then, despite still being a solid worker, most of Booker’s best work has come outside of the ring, namely his commentary. I’ve been lead to believe in recent weeks that Booker is another superstar who may be looking to slow down his wrestling schedule. In my opinion, a perfect way for to do that, and continue his feud with Teddy Long, is to become the new RAW General Manager – watch this space.
Also, I’m going to cheekily throw in two draft predictions for next year, they are Randy Orton to RAW, and JBL to RAW, in 2007.
Well that’s my prediction for WWE Draft Lottery 2006. If you have any predictions of your own you would like to share, or if you have any feedback on my predictions, feel free to e-mail me at shmiwe1986@yahoo.co.uk. Or if you are a member of FOW, you can contact me with a personal message. Feedback of any form would be greatly appreciated.
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