Anything Can Be Used As a Weapon......

I read a t-shirt once that read "Anything can be used as a weapon if you hold it right." Funny as it sounds, it's quite possibly one of the most true shirts I've ever read. This applies to performers as well. The more versatile the performer, the more ways to capitalize on their talents. I direct this column to some of the most talented guys and gals who are doing the best with a character that may not be for everyone. This is to give credit for their talents as well as their ability to be flexible to adapt to what comes down the road.

Eric Young- I don't know many people who are a bigger fan of him than I am. I LOVE his comedy in ring and outside of it in the backstage segments. He can play ANY part, of this I am convinced. He made a TREMENDOUS leader of a faction (World Elite), he played the part of a frustrated employee in the time transitioning into that role, and he's made a great character to lighten the product with humor. His story with ODB is one of my favorite things going on right now because it brings something a bit unexpected to the forefront that may be a bit over the top, but it's done in such a way that shows he's having a good time and I respect that.

That brings me to the other half. ODB. She's brash and has a very polarizing character. People either love what she's doing or would rather her try something else instead, playing the monster of the Knockouts Division role, which I thought she did rather well, even in the face of Kong. She seems to be an often overlooked piece of the division because she is so unorthodox and I find that interesting and special to the contributions she makes.

This might get me some comments, but I like Gunner. In my humble opinion, I think he gets the raw deal in almost every outing, playing the part of a high profile lackey. I wish it weren't so, because I think he could be top tier material if given the ball to run with. However, in the role they have put him in, he has done what he's been able, which is to be commended. You know what I want to see, though? I want to see the Gunner that was in the last couple rounds of the Bound for Glory Series. THAT's the guy I want to see; the one who could take people apart and do it all by himself without a faction to answer to.

Kid Kash is my last example. As the veteran performer mirror to Austin Aries for a time in the feud introducing Zema Ion and Jesse Sorenson to the X Title picture, he looked right at home. I would LOVE to see him get more screen time as he is one of the best talkers to match Aries. I rarely bring up Kid Kash because he is so rarely used right now, but since the fall of Jesse Sorenson, I can see a place for him to fit into the whole X Division picture. Give him a mic, some time, and a couple of good, solid, 10-15 mintue bouts and things will look right as rain, I guarantee it.

Anyone can be used as a weapon on the landscape of professional wrestling, so long as they are featured with a spotlight and the opportunity to become just a little bit better than they are today. Take notes, Vince, TNA is doing things just a bit different, and it's working.