Randy Orton Heel Turn?

Where oh where is this Randy Orton heel turn? I believe it happens when the Network debuts.  But at this point, I don't think it matters if Orton is heel or face if he's not doing anything. When is the last time he's been in a real feud with someone? I am surprised he's not vying for the WHC or WWE title. He's so over with the fans you have to think he needs to be up there.  I did enjoy his work as the Legend Killer, and part of me believes that if Orton were to turn heel, he wouldn't be that good anyways.

It's all about the booking of someone. If Zack Ryder goes heel and still loses, does it matter?  Same thing with Kofi Kingston. Plus, it's that whole idea that if someone isn't getting over, they have to turn heel.  What if Orton turns heel, and  is STILL bland?  Then what has to happen with him?

I don't even see where Orton could go as a heel.  Face him off against John Cena again? If he gets pushed into the WHC picture, that would probably turn Ziggler face, which I would be all right with. I think Ziggler and Orton do have a good connection, and that could be a feud to go after.  Sheamus and Orton is probably the most likely. You've had them team up now, and align with one another, but obviously Orton could screw up and that would anger Sheamus and they could split. But even then, where does that feud go? I don't see the booking of Orton, and I just don't know heel or face where he can go.

Your booking idea for Randy Orton?

Curtis Axel Not My Guy Yet

I've been going back and forth on this idea of Curtis Axel, and where he can go. I understand having Paul Heyman aligned with him is a great thing.  We all love what Heyman can bring to the table, and all you have to do is look at that Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho. I think that brought out the best in Jericho, and was a great part of RAW. But I am getting away from Mr. Axel.

I think what WWE should have done in the first place is really make it known that he was Mr. Perfect's son, and maybe they did that, but I missed it.  I know they did with Randy Orton, and look at how he turned out.  But I feel like giving him the name Michael McGuillicutty, and trying to divert from Curt Henning just blows that away.  Like I said, maybe they did give all that and I am wrong, but I feel like he needs to still be aligned with the family legacy, and part of me is glad that he got this name Curtis Axel.

It does bring to mind someone else, a guy by the name of Rocky Maivia and well we all saw how that went for the Rock.  Granted, it took the Rock to get to the Rock to get going.  He was HATED AND HATED being Rocky. All smiley and looking just like he was out of high school.  Of course that could have been part of the problem as well.  And for me, Axel doesn't have this look about him. He's kind of just blah looking. Sure he's got a nice beard, and those tights.  But other than that, he just looks like a regular guy.  I understand that works at times, but look at who Heyman has been aligned with.  Brock Lesnar, who looks like you could be eaten alive by.  CM Punk, who of course looks like he should be out playing in a band. But Axel doesn't really scream anything to me.

It's going to take some time for this guy to really get over.  He's got to work on those mic skills.  I thought the interaction with Triple H was good, but with John Cena, he slipped. I just felt like he wasn't into what he was saying.  That to me is the biggest aspect of a promo.  You have to believe the words that a wrestler is saying.  It's that small escape from reality.  If that wrestler isn't selling, then we aren't buying.  Right now I don't buy Curtis Axel.  I am more of the wait and see mode. I haven't just given up on him, but there's just gotta be more to him for me.

BUY OR SELL: Curtis Axel

WWE Gets Credit for the Sudden Younger Movement

Let's give out some credit to WWE for their push of younger stars right now.  We have the Shield, three former NXT guys, holding gold.  Each guy presents their own unique brand of wrestling to the table, and right now they're a great reason to tune into RAW, Smackdown, or a PPV.  Dean Ambrose is slowing rising to the top with his own unique style.  He's got that way of making each move he does look so calculated, and his way of speaking is impressive.  I don't know where he will go, but he's looking to go up.

Then, we have a guy like Fandango, who looks to be eyeing the IC Title.  Wade Barrett is the current holder of that, and a guy that grows on me with his performance. I'd like to see even more from him, but for whatever reason this title hasn't been up in the viewing as it should.  But still, we have Fandango, and the Miz currently fighting for this, and I like that.  The idea that this title is coveted by a couple of guys is so much better than one guy going against another guy.  I hope that this actually gets some more time, and not just rushed through.  It makes the title start to gain some shine back, and maybe we'll even see some good match out of these three men.  The Miz just looks like a guy who's really trying to be his best, and I give him a ton of credit for that.

How about the idea of Ryback, and his eyeing of the WWE title? Now of course, he's going against John Cena, and he's not going to win the title, but there's got to be some long term idea for him because of this?  I am surprised at the heel turn, and I'm not totally sold on the idea.  But the fact that the WWE is giving him this opportunity has to say something.  People were complaining about the Rock holding the title, and John Cena going after that.  So now we have Ryback going after it, but people still complain.  Who knows maybe WWE pulls the trigger and gives him the title in the summer? I mean Sheamus got a run with the WWE title early on in his career, and he's turned out all right.

There's also Curtis Axel, for me this is wait and see. I'm not totally sold on the guy as I just feel like he doesn't have enough going for him. His look is kind of plain.  His promo with Cena wasn't that great, and his wrestling hasn't shown up much as he's had two matches on RAW, that ended pretty quickly.  But the fact that he's been in the last match of the night, twice, against Triple H and Cena, must say something.  I think he needs more time to grow, and with Paul Heyman by his side, that should help move him along.  I think Heyman did have a hand in this because why else would "Axel" get this sudden push?  He wasn't going anywhere, and now he gets to go.

For all the talk about part timers running the show, just look around, and see some of the talent that's getting a shot. I am a long time fan of wrestling, so of course I love when Undertaker comes back.  Or the Rock shows up.  Or even Stone Cold comes out for a promo. But I also see the talent there now that's growing, and hopefully will be up there in no time.  

Mark'd Up: Episode 55

Have you checked the WWE App? If not, then I implore you catch the replay! The boys talk about EXTREME RULES! Anyone notice the new cage? WE DID! Also, how could WWE screw up a Last Man Standing match? That is definitely discussed. The sad tale of Zack Ryder is explored....into a kiddie poll. Bryan Wozniak was at RAW and definitely had some interesting factoids to share. Need more discussion of Curtis Axel, Triple H, or even THE SHIELD? Oh, that's definitely here.Tim Ostrander Jr. brings us another edition of his always-anticipated segment where he brings up... THIS WEEK IN WRESTLING HISTORY! Plus, a challenge was made for Know Your Role, but one of the challengers backed out. What happened, and who 'replaced' him? Only way is to find out, WATCH THE REPLAY ON SPREECAST! THEN GET MARK'D UP... or just check the WWE App.

Mark'd Up: Episode 54

Mark'd Up: Episode 53