New Column – Who is next to be fired in WWE?

With the firings today of Burke, Dykstra, and Lena, and the previous releases of London and Chuckie P, it’s got me thinking that who else could be next on WWE’s chopping block? You all know that WWE does this in blocks, and takes out multiple talents in one swoop, over the span of a few days. I know this is heartless, and something that shouldn’t be forecast, but let’s be honest, there are bodies in WWE that aren’t getting the exposure creative should give them, which in turn, makes them expendable.

Now, as I was going through this list in my head, I came up with a name that I thought may be a sure bet to be on the block, but after tonight’s Raw, I have to withdraw that name. That name is William Regal. And actually, when push comes to shove, by taking Regal off the block because of his Intercontinental title win (thank God), you’d have to take Layla’s name off the list too, because she was on my preliminary list, however, she’s been tied to Regal recently, so I guess it’s a joint victory for both entities. We’ll see.

So, meanwhile, let’s try and come up with a few names of talents currently employed in WWE who are likely to be next to be “future endeavoured”.

Hardcore Holly – WWE has been incredibly loyal to Holly in the twilight of his career, but he has not been seen nor heard from since his loss of the tag titles when Cody Rhodes turned on him. I know he is hurt, and he is hurt bad. If he doesn’t retire, which is entirely possible, I would believe, I have a sneaking suspicion that WWE’s loyalty will quickly run out.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan – If Duggan has a legitimate WWE contract, it’s a miracle he’s been on the payroll this long. I think I remember reading a report that they pay him by appearance, so having him on the roster is an economically saving maneuver, and always the potentially major pop when he does crop up from time to time.

Deuce – I watched Deuce N’ Domino in Ohio Valley Wrestling, and I loved them. I thought they could be a major player in WWE’s tag team division. They had their run, they never got back to the momentum they had when they first came on board. Fast forward to now, Domino and Cherry are gone, and Deuce is languishing in jobber duty on Raw. This dude is toast. It’s just a matter of time.

Paul Burchill – Have you noticed how they started calling Burchill’s “sister” just Katie Lea? By eliminating Burchill’s name from his character’s “sister”, it makes me think that creative has lost their way with Burchill, and thus, makes him another log to spread on to the fire. It’s a real shame, too, as I thought his “Ripper” gimmick he was using in OVW would’ve worked to a charm up here, but it was never given the chance to get off the ground.

Val Venis – You could put this guy in the same category as Hardcore Holly. Dedicating loyal WWE has been to this man, and I respect that, but where’s he been for the last few months? I haven’t read reports of injuries or any other circumstances keeping him off at least the house show circuit. (I’m not saying he is off the circuit, I just haven’t seen his name there). There hasn’t been a push for Venis in ages, and unless he’s satisfied with his role, which he very well may be, especially for the money, there’s always the chance that the axe may fall.

Mike Knox – I’m sorry, but anyone who looks THAT BAD cannot be talented enough to handle a spot on the brand’s flagship show. This dude is going to flop like a dead fish, and be probably the next to be released, I’d put a wager on that one. Nothing of value, but I’d be surprised if he’s not released soon, after they realize that they have not come up with the second version of Nord the Barbarian.

DH Smith – Being the son of the British Bulldog only goes so far. He has YET to debut on Smackdown since being moved from the draft, the only talent yet to debut since that show, and when was that, jeez, that’s been a long time. I can’t think that they’re going to let this guy languish in FCW much longer. He’s either going to get a shot, or they’re going to cut him, and I think it’ll happen sooner rather than later.

Mr. Kennedy – I hate saying this, because the guy is quickly becoming one of my faves, but he’s too often injured. If he can stay durable when he does return, if he gets that chance, which is always in question, then maybe he’ll raise his stock within the company, but right now, he better hope Vinnie Mac isn’t in a bad mood with his finger on the “you’re fired ” button, because it may be pointing at him.

Ryan Braddock – Has this guy won a match? I mean, really. I haven’t seen much of Braddock compete, but from what I have seen, I haven’t been impressed. I have to believe that Braddock is not going to accept jobber duty much longer, which would mean that Johnny Ace may have another sacrifical lamb to slaughter.

Scotty Goldman – This pains me to put this guy on this list, but his character is being so underused, so underappreciated, and so ridiculously stupidly that I think it’s a matter of time before he gets frustrated and splits back to ROH, where he was approaching main event status on a regular basis. I don’t understand the logic of repackaging this guy, giving him his name back, and finding him set up with Punk. Punk and Cabana have a natural chemistry which would be second to none on Raw, and would make the tag team division fresh and new again. The way they have Goldman now, it sucks, I hate it, and I would not be the least bit surprised if WWE dumps it.

Armando Estrada – Has he finally earned his contract? Has he had something at all to do since Colin Delaney was fired? Let me answer that with this simple word. No. Nothing. And that is what I think he’ll be getting soon, Nothing but a pink slip.

I know this column is cruel, but let’s face it, there is a need within WWE to chew off the fat, and give some new guys a run with the gamut. Although I still want to know what the hell is a Kizarny? That may turn out to be the dumbest idea for a gimmick since Mordecai.

I welcome your opinions on these ideas. Email them to me, and I’ll print them on my blog.

Oh, one last thing. If Christian Cage is jumping to WWE to reform with Edge as a heel or a face tag team, I got two words for you.

DO IT.

NOW.

Ok, make that three.

Thanks for reading.