Save_Us 222

Is it just me, or has the steam of the Save_Us viral campaign been lost?

There was an instant build leading up to No Mercy, and everywhere one looked on the net, within the wrestling fan community, there was quite a bit of excited talk. But the resolution seems to now be targeted for Cyber Sunday (perhaps), which will making more sense given the theme of the campaign, is still perhaps too long of a tease.

The Save_Us campaign was, in its first week or so, clearly the strongest idea the creative team has had in a long time. Initially there was some intrigue, whether or not Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, or even a new Hart Foundation was behind the reveal. Now however, HBK has returned, and the much talked about Hart Foundation Redux seems put off for the time being with the departure of one of its potential members. So all signs point to a Jericho return- something that will be greeted in a very positive manner by the fans.

WWE needs an infusion of talent, even returning talent, and Jericho fits the bill. With the loss of John Cena for perhaps close to a year, and some recent departures and other injuries, the ranks of the elite WWE roster is really thin.

The Michaels return is a first step. A Jericho return, and hopefully soon thereafter a return by Edge would put two main event talents back into the mix. But the future still looks shaky.

I recently watched a few pay-per-views from 2001 on DVD. The thing that stood out most was how in 6 years, most of the participants are no longer with the company, either retired, in another company, or sadly, passed on.

What will be the state of the roster in another 6 years. Certainly there are quality stars on the roster now among the under-30 set: The Hardys, MVP, Kennedy are the stand outs. Orton and Edge are also top draw who have already moved to main event status. Beyond those few however, there doesn't seem anyone on the horizon that can carry the company after HBK, HHH, and Undertaker have hung up the boots. Even someone like Batista who is a top star is actually quite old comparatively.

So, while the WWE has pushed Cena to the top and he has worked strong in the spot, I feel creative needs to work hard to bring some talents up to that type of level.

They seem to want to push Morrison and Lashley (when he returns) and this is fine. But in the process they need to keep pushing CM Punk, Matt Hardy, Kennedy etc, so that in a moment of injury or disaster there are people ready to step forward.

It isn't just about "superstars stepping up" as is notoriously the fall back position. How the talent is produced plays a big part as well. It is one thing to say "Well Jeff Hardy is a fine athlete but he needs to prove he can carry the ball", however he has to be handed the ball before he can prove anything.

The possible return of Chris Jericho will be met with much excitement, but it shouldn't come at the expense of other stars in the making.