Burning Opinion – Jack Swagger’s Last Chance

The past few weeks of WWE television have created some big and memorable moments. The returns of Chris Jericho, The Miz, and AJ Lee, title changes, injuries, firings, and a new “Money in the Bank” briefcase holder. However, Jack Swagger’s face turn has me the most excited. I’ve always been a fan of Jack Swagger. His in ring work is some of the best in the industry, but he’s never been able to get over the hump. His reign as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion was forgettable at best, and his feud with Alberto Del Rio at “Wrestlemania 29” did not live up to expectations, but right now the WWE may be on to something. There is a huge wave of American pride going on in the country right now, with the World Cup and 4th of July, and now is a perfect time for the WWE to use to their advantage. I’ve always felt Swagger was better suited as a face. For crying out loud he looked like Captain America for awhile. For his entire career he’s been the All-American man we were supposed to hate, but how can you hate an All-American? This feud with Rusev, and with Zeb Colter at his side, could be the spark he needs to get over with the fans, but if he is unable to get over right now, this could be the beginning of the end for the “All-American, American.”

The reaction Jack Swagger got on the June 30 edition of “Raw” was electric. This feud with Rusev and Lana feels organic. The crowd went nuts when they heard the music of “The Real Americans.” I can’t say this with one hundred percent certainty, but I am pretty sure that was the first time we have ever heard a “Swagger” chant. If you are a real American, pun intended, how can you not get chills when you hear “The Real Americans” entrance music? Zeb Colter is fantastic on the mic. He is quick witted, but also speaks very intelligently. Not only will he help Jack Swagger, he can also help Lana get to the next level. (On a side note, two arm drags? Let’s step that up. An arm drag followed by an over the head belly to belly suplex would have been far more impressive then two arm drags, just saying).

WWE was very smart this past week on “Raw” by keeping Colter and Swagger backstage, the Canadian crowd would not react the same way a U.S crowd would. One thing the WWE must do here is not rush this feud. You can not waste this feud by having them fight it out on random edition of “Raw”. At the very least these two should fight at “Battleground” and “Summerslam.” If it is just one match, Swagger’s face turn will be all for not. He is not a strong enough character right now to not have this feud last over several months. Having the American sentiment as his backbone will help him get over with the crowd, but he can’t use that in a feud against many other Superstars.

For this feud to be done correctly, Rusev has to lose at least once. You can not have Jack Swagger make this face turn, only to lose and look like Rusev’s bitch. Let’s be honest, the undefeated gimmick is overdone and does not have the same importance it once had. To be undefeated in predetermined matches does not really mean anything, and the gimmick will never be done any better then it was done with Goldberg. Allowing Swagger to be the first man to beat Rusev will help his current push, but will also add new intrigue and dimensions to Rusev’s character. I truly feel this is the type of feud that can elevate Rusev and Swagger to new heights.

Will Swagger’s face turn push him to being a main event player? Most likely not, but he doesn’t need to be. Too often we feel someone has to be pushed to the main event to be relevant, but that’s not the case. This is the perfect feud to make Swagger a big player in the mid-card division. Ideally I would love to see this feud last three to four months. I think these guys can keep the crowd invested in the matches, and Zeb Colter and Lana can keep them interested in the feud. Ideally this feud should culminate over the United States Championship. I would love to see Rusev win the title in a battle royal (yes, this is what they are doing with the Intercontinental Championship, but it would allow the WWE to keep the feud focused on Swagger and Rusev without diverting from the feud), and have the match come down to Swagger and Rusev, with Rusev winning the title from interference from Lana. Rusev holding the United States Championship would give him instant, easy heat. Keep Rusev undefeated until Jack Swagger defeats him at “Night of Champions” to become the new United States Champion. If that feud is executed correctly, Swagger will instantly become a fan favorite.

It is now or never for Jack Swagger. He has had numerous opportunities in the WWE. He won the ECW Championship early in his career, won the “Money in the Bank” contract and successfully cashed in to become the World Heavyweight Champion, took place in one of the main events at “Wrestlemania 29”, he’s had his chances, but has always come up short.It’s no secret that WWE is looking to cut costs and save money. If Swagger can not establish himself in this new push, he may be on the next wave of “future endeavors.” He has all the tools, but now its time to execute. I for one hope the “All-American, American” can come through and win for the good ole U.S of A!

For more wrestling blogs from Bryant Burns, visit WrestlingOpinion.com or follow on Twitter @WrestlingOpins!