Royal Rumble Style Elimination of the Cleveland Browns Players
Dec 1, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) and Cleveland Browns defensive end Desmond Bryant (92) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
#15: The Miz – Tashaun Gipson – The Miz, a Cleveland native, has been the WWE Champion but is mostly a solid, important player on the WWE stage. Miz could burn out and be off TV for awhile and no one would be surprised or he could get it together and be an impact star. Gipson, in his first year as a starter, showed similar ability to be a solid, important player in the secondary. Yet Gipson could get replaced in free agency or the draft and not be seen again.
#14: Jay Uso – Buster Skrine – Uso a high flyer, like his brother, has really come on this year becoming an impact part of the tag team. Skrine came on as well this year, surprising many. As the Browns second corner he is greatly important but needs to find consistency to stick, similar to Uso.
#13: Eric Rowan – Desmond Bryant – Rowan, a part of the interesting Wyatt family, wears a sheep mask to the ring. Rowan is a big clubbing wrestler but is quicker then you would expect for a man his size. Bryant’s mask is different, its seen as his notorious mug shot. Picture someone wearing Bryant’s mug shot as a mask for Halloween, scary. Bryant’s heart issue is a concern but he should be a important solid player for the Browns for years to come.
#12: Ryback – Alex Mack – Ryback is an intriguing character. He came in, with this character, as a house on fire. Ryback was in the WWE title picture and the most important storylines only to fall back into the viritual unknown. Mack is similar, coming in as a #1 draft pick, making Pro Bowls and now as a free agent is a big deal. If the Browns are able to resign Mack he will most likely fall back into the background, while still being an important player.
#11: Alberto Del Rio – Paul Kruger – Del Rio’s character is a rich Mexican aristocrat. He is a solid tactician in the ring and is capable of carrying a main event match. Yet he excels more as a secondary player. When cast as the #1 option he falls a little short. Kruger, a big free agent pick up this year, is rich from his contract. He is a solid tactician as an outside linebacker and can carry a team’s defensive rush for a game or two. Yet he excels more as a secondary player, like he did in Baltimore. He needs another player to takeaway attention from him.
January 24, 2014; Kapolei, HI, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas (73) during the 2014 Pro Bowl practice at Kapolei High School. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
#10: Big E Langston – Phil Taylor – Langston is a big powerful behemoth with a low center of gravity. He is currently the Intercontinental Champion, showing how important he is to the WWE. Yet he is often forgotten about when people think about the WWE’s big players. Taylor is similar. He is vital to the Browns defense but often is forgotten about when people talk about the Browns. Taylor has a great impact every game.
#9: Rey Mysterio – Travis Benjamin – Mysterio is a high flyer who has impacted the WWE often but is often impacted by injuries. Mysterio is a small, quick performer capable of ending matches quickly with just a move. Benjamin is similar. He single handily changed a couple games for the Browns this year, only to be taken out by injury. Benjamin could become an important player filling in on the offense where the team is lacking, at the wide receiver position.
#8: Luke Harper – Jabaal Sheard – Harper, partner of Rowan, is another big brute who can go well in a match. Far better then expected when you look at him. Harper has been given high marks for his work. Sheard also produced much better then expected last year, as he transitioned from a 4-3 defensive end, the same position he played in college, to OLB. He did so well and received high marks for his work.
#7: Antonio Cesaro – Joe Thomas – Cesaro got a chance to do his patented Cesaro swing, where he spins in circles while holding his opponent by his legs. Cesaro is a powerhouse but tends to be a one note wonder. Thomas, who many would of expected to rank much higher on this list, has patented protecting the QB from the left tackle position. While Thomas gets high regards for his play, his run blocking leaves something to be desired. While he is greatly needed on the team, it would surprise no one if the front office drafts a right tackle that could be groomed to takeover the left side in 3 or 4 years.
#6: Seth Rollins – Jordan Cameron – Rollins, a part of the Shield, is a solid wrestler. He is solid in his movements and impact in the ring. His role in the Shield seems the least important but keeps the team together. Cameron broke out this year for the Browns. He is a solid, middle of the field tight end. His presence can keep the offense together as he helps make first downs but also break one long down the middle.
Dec 8, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
#5: Dean Ambrose – TJ Ward – Ambrose is the wild card of the Shield. His attitude and intensity makes a huge impact on the impact of their matches. Ambrose tends to draw others around him to match his intensity. Ward, a free agent that hopefully the team resigns, does the exact same thing for the Browns defense. Through his big hits and intensity the team has a emotional direction. While Cameron is tactical, Ward is impactful.
#4: CM Punk – Josh Gordon – Punk broke out a couple years ago, somewhat out of nowhere. He is now one of the most important big players on the roster. Yet Punk walks to the beat of his own drummer. Punk could easily do something to cause him to drop out of the picture for the championship. Gordon broke out this year in a big way. Yet the cloud of his possible suspension will always hang over him. Gordon could be a long term impact player or could get in trouble and fall away.
#3: Sheamus – Brian Hoyer – Sheamus returned from injury last night. He has been an important part of many storylines, including many runs with and at the WWE title. Sheamus’ injury was significant but his return could be hugely impactful on the WWE. Hoyer is an important piece of the Browns puzzle next year, yet he too is coming back from injury. Hoyer could be highly impactful as he was for the 3 games last year. While Hoyer may not have a long term future for the Browns, his return from injury makes him a huge deal this up coming year.
#2: Roman Reigns – Barkevious Mingo – Reigns had a break out last night at the Rumble. He is a young up and coming star in the WWE. Reigns is a strong athletic freak of an athlete that is working on putting it all together to become a major player for years to come. Mingo, the Browns #1 draft pick last year, is a similar athletic freak yet has not had his break out yet. He showed flashes of talent this year, as Reigns had earlier in the year, but inconsistencies kept him from dominating. The investment made by the front office means he is highly unlikely to be eliminated anytime soon.
#1: Batista – Joe Haden – Batista returned from a 4 year absence to claim the Royal Rumble. Batista is a strong dynamic wrestler that has crossed over to TV and movies. Batista’s return sets him up for a WrestleMania main event and possibly his last run in wrestling as a top star. Haden is a veteran on the young Browns. His status as one of the games best is now well renowned. Last year he came back from a 4 game, instead of Batista’s 4 year, suspension to further solidfy his importance to the team. Haden is set to be a free agent next year so this could possibly be his last stand with the Browns as their top star. Expect the front office to try to keep him around with a WrestleMania type contract.
What do you think of this creative analysis? Anyone we missed? Do you see a better pairing between WWE star and Cleveland Brown? What other creative concepts would you like to see us use? We welcome your feedback in our comment section or follow this writer on Twitter here.