by Stroke Fri May 30, 2014 12:25 am
The BCW World Title Tournament: Why Each Man Can Win
Bellinger Championship Wrestling will crown its first champion this Sunday at Dawning with a single-elimination, eight-man tournament that will end with BCW's World Champion. BCW general manager Ric Flair has picked eight of the best wrestlers the company has to offer. And each man has a legitimate chance to win. Here's why:
Bully Ray
Why can he win? Bully Ray might be the toughest man in the tournament. His transformation as a singles star has been well pronounced over the last few years, Bully Ray is in much better shape to compete in a tournament than he would be three years ago. Ray will not be intimated by anyone and with the chance to become world champion, he should be even more motivated than usual. Do you know who he is? After Sunday, he just might be the BCW World Champion.
His opening match? Davey Richards. Bully Ray has wrestled all types of wrestlers, but has had problems over the last few years with quicker, younger wrestlers (AJ Styles, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries). Ray is in the best shape of his life, but the ultra-athletic Richards still puts him at a disadvantage. Bully cannot outwrestle Richards, but he can win a fist fight.
Colt Cabana
Why can he win? Some may not take Cabana seriously, but make no mistake about it, he's a technically sound athlete with the ability to make a run. Cabana is a former NWA World Heavyweight champion and has the right frame of mind for a tournament. He won't be rattled easy, but his unorthodox style just might knock someone else off their game.
His opening match? Jack Swagger. Cabana got under Swagger's skin as Officer Cabana earlier this week, poking fun at Swagger's past legal troubles. Some might say that is unwise with an athlete the caliber of Swagger, but Cabana has gotten into the head of a talented, but streaky athlete.
Davey Richards
Why can he win? Richards is a former world champion and brings a diverse set of tools to the ring. A refined submission wrestler, Richards can make any wrestler tap at any time. On a night where he may have to wrestle three times, scoring a win or two by submission might be a way to save energy. Richards opens
His opening match? Bully Ray. As much of a styles clash as you'll see in the first round of the tournament, Davey Richards and Bully Ray has the look of a very intriguing match mixing a multidimensional wrestler (Richards) with a straight up brawler (Bully Ray).
Dolph Ziggler
Why can he win? No man in this tournament is more motivated to win than Ziggler. A former world champion that had his only reign at the top cut short due to injury, Ziggler wants to show the world he has the tools and talent to match his potential. He's also the best conditioned athlete in the tournament. Wrestling three times would be no issue for "The Showoff".
His opening match? Eddie Edwards. Two similar style wrestlers, expect their matchup to be action packed and full of excitement. Normally a longer first round match would put the winner at a disadvantage, but both these men are capable of wrestling a long first match and coming back in the second round with minimal issue.
Eddie Edwards
Why can he win? Much like his American Wolves tag team partner Davey Richards, Edwards is a threat in a variety of ways. In a tournament where facing three different types of opponents is possible, having depth is very important.
His opening match? Dolph Ziggler. A matchup with a similar opponent, Edwards did not get an easy draw from general manager Ric Flair. Both are similar, but are unfamiliar with each other. This could be the highlight match of the first round.
Jack Swagger
Why can he win? The Real American might be the best pure athlete in the tournament. A former University of Oklahoma football player and wrestler, Swagger has the athleticism to thrive in a tournament environment. Armed with his ankle lock submission and the knowledgeable Zeb Colter in his corner, Swagger might be the darkhorse of the tournament.
His opening match? Colt Cabana. Cabana humiliated Swagger earlier this week, so how Swagger responds will tell the story. Swagger is a tremendous athlete, but also prone to slumps and losing streaks. He can ill afford a letdown this Sunday. Having Colter in his corner should be a big help to maintaining focus.
James Storm
Why can he win? The former world champion has never been confused with a refined grappler, but Storm is more than capable of throwing fists and winning a fight, be it in the ring or your local bar. Storm has the drive to be a champion and shouldn't be taken lightly.
His opening match? Kevin Steen. This one will be straight up brawl. Both men may have to give more than they anticipated just to make it out of the first round.
Kevin Steen
Why can he win? Steen is a former world champion and an underrated athlete. He won't win pretty, but usually finds a way to win. He also has the X Factor in his corner with The Young Bucks. Will they play a role in the tournament?
His opening match? James Storm. This match could be the most physical of the first round. Something to keep in mind, wins by Steen and Bully Ray would set them up to meet in the semifinals. Both men have been at odds since the first show.
Predictions
Jim Cornette picks Davey Richards
Matt Striker picks Jack Swagger
Arn Anderson picks Dolph Ziggler