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By Shawn Valentino, PWTorch Specialist

This week, I have been reading all of the excellent feedback from Torch readers regarding the top ten draft picks that they would build a wrestling promotion around. In keeping with the theme of the week, I decided to write about my top ten people from the current wrestling scene that I would utilize to build a company. My promotion would be started with a mix of new stars, veterans, and legends. The blend would not only result in some excellent matches, but would also focus on a hybrid of styles and personality types.

10. Evan Bourne

Every week, ECW viewers are treated to one of the most graceful and athletic performers to ever step foot in the wrestling ring. Bourne is absolutely spectacular with his eye-catching moves and the smoothness with which he performs them. My wrestling promotion would focus more on athleticism and excitement in the ring and Bourne's unique acrobatic skills would be a perfect fit.

9. Shawn Michaels

HBK has been the best in ring worker of the last six years. He is arguably still the best wrestler in the world and can have terrific matches of all types of styles with just about anybody he is in the ring with. Michaels' veteran leadership and experience can help the younger stars in my promotion as is evident by the numerous successful wrestlers to come out of his training academy. HBK would be instrumental in the early years of a new promotion to show the young stars how to work a match and carry themselves like a top star.

8. Jeff Hardy

If Hardy is able to control his personal demons, then he would be a tremendous star to start building a promotion. Blessed with a unique look and charisma, the Rainbow Haired Warrior would add a rock star presence and dynamic athleticism in the ring. Although lacking in microphone skills, taking a cue from Paul Heyman's philosophy to accentuate the positives, Hardy's character would be centered around his extreme style and the electric atmosphere he creates. He would also benefit from having somebody like Michaels who recovered from having a checkered past to become the legend he is today.

7. Samoa Joe

Although Joe is anything but traditional in his appearance and in ring style, one cannot deny when they first see him that there is definite star quality there. He brings an Austin-style, no nonsense, badass aura to the ring. Unlike TNA, I would not feature Joe as a whiny, angry upstart, but a confident, calm, dangerous presence in the ring that inspires fear in other competitors. He can work an athletic style of match with the smaller guys but can also stand toe to toe with giants. In an era where fans have seen real fights in the ring, his ability to work a stiff style would be vital in crossing over to attract MMA viewers. Once Joe hones his act, his potential is unlimited.

6. A.J. Styles

Styles is possibly the most breathtaking wrestler in recent memory. Blessed with unparalleled aerial ability and sensational timing and coordination, he will be the showstopping performer of the next generation. Imagine the contests between him and Bourne. Like Hardy, his weaknesses are on his promo skills, but he would be a babyface that would let his work do the talking. He is a charismatic talent that has already been the flagship of a promotion and would be a strong element in building any new wrestling company.

5. John Morrison

John Morrison has all of the tools to be the future of the wrestling business. Just take a look at his entrance and you know right away that he is something special. He has the best "wrestling look" I have ever seen, from the long hair to the incredible physique to the flashy outfits.  Morrison is also a spectacular athlete, perfectly illustrated by this year's Money in the Bank match.  Crowds have not yet reacted to him strongly and I believe he has been hurt by his male model appearance. He needs to add some gravitas to his character and some depth to his promos, and that combined with his talent and his looks would make for the perfect centerpiece heel of the next generation.

4. Chris Jericho

After well over a decade in the wrestling business, Jericho has finally found his character and has been the most consistently entertaining wrestler of 2008. He can go heel or face and play a variety of different types of characters, from comic figure to serious and dangerous threat. Somebody said this earlier in a torch audio update, but Jericho is the wrestling equivalent of a comic book villain. He is a colorful character that has developed numerous layers and can deliver morally questionable messages with conviction. As a part of a new promotion, he could teach younger wrestlers about character development and comfort in front of a microphone. His formidable talent in the ring would result in some tremendous matches with athleticism and psychology.

3. Randy Orton

Randy Orton has been the chosen one in the wrestling industry from the moment he entered WWE. Like Morrison, he has all of the key components for a wrestling franchise, but he has developed his act to a much greater degree. His handsome looks and natural arrogance make him a perfect heel, but can also attract a certain segment of women in the audience. Orton also has become a very good wrestler who has already has had some great matches with a variety of wrestlers. Once he overcomes his attitude problem, he can be the featured star of any promotion.

2. Edge

Edge has been the best all around act in wrestling the last few years. The Rated R Superstar has the acting talent and the wrestling ability to play a variety of different roles. He is an exciting and athletic performer in the ring and perfectly plays the sleazy, evil bad boy of wrestling. Edge has many great years ahead of him and shows no signs of slowing down. He can inspire so much hate that putting him in the ring with any wrestler immediately can garner strong cheers for his opponent. Edge would be an excellent headliner for a new promotion not only because of his own gifted skills, but for his ability to make other stars as well.

1. John Cena

You can say what you will about John Cena, but it cannot be denied that he is the best representative of a wrestling company in the world today. Cena has the charm and the personality to present wrestling to the media and to avenues beyond the traditional wrestling markets. Though he may lack grace and smoothness in the ring, he can put on very good matches on a big stage as he has proven countless times. In a business of huge egos, Cena by all accounts has been said to have a good head on his shoulders and a humble personality. We all know wrestling does not exactly have the best reputation in the mainstream entertainment world, but he has remained scandal free thus far. Of course, in my promotion, Cena would have to tweak his character and focus more on cutting intense promos and building his cool factor, instead of the juvenile humor and dorkiness that turns off much of the audience. Nobody in the current wrestling scene can generate a reaction like Cena, and his ability to sell merchandise, put on great pay per view matches, and most importantly, represent wrestling, will make him the top star of my new promotion.

Please send questions, comments and feedback to valentino.torch@gmail.com

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