The Throne Calls for Thee
Jul. 2, 2007

In the footsteps of two-time Federation Champion Mr. Perfect walks a man that will soon become King of the Ring. In fact, the former Perfect Team leader won both of his PWF Championships after becoming King, the first a mere month after doing so. Winning the tournament has become a theorized catapult, by many inside the industry, to a shot at wrestling's most coveted prize.

The real question is ... will it be for the next King of the Ring?

There are a number of superstars that would definitely hope so in this year's tournament. It could even be said that all eight competitors are worthy of one as it is. Without a doubt, winning the crown in 2007 could go a long way in helping them make their case. But the tournament itself is a respected feat in this business, winning three matches in a single night to stand alone as arguably one of wrestling's elite talents.

With that being said, what does this test of endurance and ability mean for this year's wrestlers?

SHADOW MASTER
An unknown in the PWF, taking the crown could mean everything for him. Many of his colleagues have their doubts about what he's truly capable of in the squared-circle. Some have even gone so far as to accuse him of not being the real Shadow Master, which would lead to question just who is under the mask to begin with. Whatever you might believe, it is undeniable that if this mysterious superstar walked away as King on July 4, no one would be able to question his claims. This early in the game for him in the PWF, it could do wonders for his credibility ... especially being the greenest individual in the tournament.

RIPTIDE
He's a heavily underrated superstar these days in the Professional Wrestling Federation. A number of his coworkers question his drive to succeed, the most recent of which was Christian. It's no secret that Riptide has had his troubles in the past, but he's gone on record since the PWF's return by claiming he's ready to turn it all around. By becoming King, he could answer all of his critics.

EDGE
Another man that needs to be taken seriously. Edge probably has the most to gain in this tournament of anyone. His brother is more widely feared across the Federation these days, and his former teammate, Lance Storm, is already the Intercontinental Champion. He's struggled to make a dent past the Television title, and winning this tournament could be the surprise of the year. So many of his opponents downplay his possible potential due to his constant carefree attitude and seemingly endless amount of jokes. The crown coming home with "that dude right there" might finally put him on the map like never before.

SHANE DOUGLAS
The Franchise is a man that's had plenty of success in the PWF up until now. He's a two-time Intercontinental Champion and was a vital member of the Perfect Team for most of 2006. He received praise from Mr. Perfect, something not given out lightly by the legend. He's defeated Excellence, another feat few have been able to accomplish. Douglas claims to be the best there is in the Federation right now. It would be hard to argue that point if he walks out of Philadelphia the new King, hoping to repeat his former ally's success and take it straight to the PWF Championship.

CHRISTIAN
A favorite for many, Christian may have the most momentum of anyone going in. It's not that he has a lot to prove -- which he does -- but it's the fact that his intensity level has been turned up to a level not seen before that makes him dangerous in the tournament. The lawsuit against the PWF put him into a very powerful position in professional wrestling, and there are few things left that could give him any further strength short of a Federation Championship. Will his apparent lack of even wanting to be in the tournament in the first place possibly be his downfall?

MIKE FLYNN
If there was ever a man that actually had his name spell something else, it's Mike Flynn ... and that name would obviously spell controversy. Flynn has always claimed to be above his peers, but quite frankly, does not have the accolades to back that up; a number of them have let him know that constantly. He's got a knack for being in the right place at the right time when winning titles; has his placement in the King of the Ring been another one of those cases? Flynn doesn't need to care if it is or not, because a crowning Wednesday night could mean the start of getting the respect he's never gotten.

DEL WILKES
A legend in his own right, becoming the King of the Ring would not be the highest prize ever won for the Dark Patriot. What it would mean, however, is a way to remove the doubt in the Federation's eyes that he doesn't have what it takes anymore. Sure, he was able to defeat Mr. Perfect for the PWF title under impossible circumstances, but losing the belt back a week later has not done wonders for his credibility in today's wrestling world. Wilkes has claimed that it is in Rated R's best interest to win this tournament, but in all honesty, it might be more so in his alone.

LANCE STORM
New man. New attitude. New beginnings. Lance Storm has left his superman history behind and brought out the man he wishes had stayed out so long ago. He won the Intercontinental title in his first match back from a short-lived retirement, so it seems to have worked. But his injury still lingers, and the competition knows he's a man that now walks alone. As feared as he might be in the ring, doubts to whether or not he can do it alone still remain. He is, however, in a situation he's far too familiar with. Eight-Man tournaments are his specialty, after-all, winning two already to capture both the PWF and Intercontinental Championships. The only Eight-Man tournament he couldn't win was King of the Ring last year; will he do it this time around?

Eight men enter, one will rise above the rest. They all have their reasons to win and benefits for doing so. Who will become King? At Terminal Solution this Wednesday night, we'll all find out.