Jeff Jarrett defeated Razor Ramon to win the Intercontinental Title at the Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble was a big driver in the power rankings this month, listen to the podcast below and find out why Jarrett and Michaels rank so highly.
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Subscribe to the podcast via: iTunes | Spotify | Google | Youtube
1994 <<< POWER RANKINGS >>> FEBRUARY 1995
Following on from last year's Power 25 Rankings for 1994, we take a look at who made it into the first monthly Power 10 for January 1995. Whilst not an outstanding month on the whole; some interesting title changes, especially in WWF, and some definite positives from the month
Going forward, these rankings will be monitored to track stars' progress throughout the year and will be taken into account when assembling 1995's Annual Power 25 at the end of the year. Firstly, those who impressed, but didn't quite make the cut:
Honourable Mentions
Bret Hart - Comeback this month for the Hitman after losing his WWF Title back in November. Interesting character development showing an edgier, more aggressive side to the former champion. Went to a draw with new champ, Diesel.
Owen Hart - Still featured strongly on WWF TV. Made claims to become first triple crown champion to win all three championships in one year. Title match with Diesel set for 5 February.
Harlem Heat - Good showing at this month's Clash of the Champions. Now aligned with Sister Sherri. Definitely one of the few "real" tag teams in 1995 and continue to defend their WCW Tag Team Championships.
Arn Anderson - Brief reign as WCW Television Champion. Arguably the most consistently performing 'veteran' in the business right now. The Enforcer can still get a good match out of almost anyone.
Public Enemy - Still your ECW Tag Team Champions. Another month of good-to-great TV vignettes, but minimal in-ring performances this month from 'Flyboy' Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge.
Al Snow - Debutant in ECW this month. Exceptional match with Osamu Nishimura on Hardcore TV, great in-ring action with an innovative offence and a lovely finish. Could well be one to watch for the future.
And now, onto the Power 10 for January 1995:
10 Mikey Whipwreck - Celebrated his first anniversary as an in-ring competitor. Crowd still strongly behind the little guy. Promising match with Paul Lauria which has potential for a good feud, particularly with Jason involved. And his dive from the top rope to the third row was outstanding.
9 Shane Douglas - Not a stellar in-ring month for The Franchise of ECW, but still the best promo in the business today. Title defences against the "injured" former WCW Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons & former Horseman Tully Blanchard keep him as the longest-serving champion in the country.
8 Randy Savage - Ooohhh, yeah - Macho Man's back. And he's back out from behind the desk and into the ring. In WCW's main event picture, no less. With rumours of a pending tag match including a returning Ric Flair, could well be in with a shout for a shot at Hogan's title in the near future.
7 Bam Bam Bigelow - Finalist, with Tatanka, in the recent tournament for the WWF's vacated Tag Team Championships. Stellar month on the mic for The Beast From The East & a major angle set up with NFL star Lawrence Taylor.
6 Diesel - Successful, if unclear, defence of the WWF title. Gaining ground with the fans, improved promo performance, looks to be meeting old friend and new foe Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania XI.
5 1-2-3 Kid - Brief, but enjoyable run with the WWF Tag Team Championships after winning the tournament with Bob 'Spark Plugg' Holly. Good matches throughout the month, worked through some worrying-looking injuries. Back to being the underdog & the chase is back on for the youngster.
4 Smoking Gunns - After being unable to compete in the Tag Title Tournament through injury, Billy & Bart had a decent showing in the Royal Rumble, combined with them beating the Kid & Bob Holly to become your new WWF Tag Team Champions.
3 Jeff Jarrett - Ain't he great? Brilliant evolution to JJ's character this month. Arguably WWF's best heel right now. Given a lot of TV time during the month, could be in line for a televised title match in the near future and defeated Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Championship.
2 Vader - Current WCW United States Champion and new number one contender for Hulk Hogan's title. Alligned with Ric Flair at Clash of the Champions, could finally be getting another shot at the big stage in the main event to show just what this super-heavyweight is capable of.
1 Shawn Michaels - Not even close for the Heart Break Kid. Really solid showing throughout the month on colour commentary and his verbal skills & charisma are perfect for the time. Superstar performance at the Royal Rumble, booked his place in the Wrestlemania XI main event for the WWF Title; the sky really could be the limit for the former Midnight Rocker.
READ MORE: Why the time was right for the Heartbreak Kid
So, what did you make of the first monthly Power 10 Rankings for 1995? Share your comments below and be sure to check how these stars all do throughout the year!
Following on from last year's Power 25 Rankings for 1994, we take a look at who made it into the first monthly Power 10 for January 1995. Whilst not an outstanding month on the whole; some interesting title changes, especially in WWF, and some definite positives from the month
Going forward, these rankings will be monitored to track stars' progress throughout the year and will be taken into account when assembling 1995's Annual Power 25 at the end of the year. Firstly, those who impressed, but didn't quite make the cut:
Honourable Mentions
Bret Hart - Comeback this month for the Hitman after losing his WWF Title back in November. Interesting character development showing an edgier, more aggressive side to the former champion. Went to a draw with new champ, Diesel.
Owen Hart - Still featured strongly on WWF TV. Made claims to become first triple crown champion to win all three championships in one year. Title match with Diesel set for 5 February.
Harlem Heat - Good showing at this month's Clash of the Champions. Now aligned with Sister Sherri. Definitely one of the few "real" tag teams in 1995 and continue to defend their WCW Tag Team Championships.
Arn Anderson - Brief reign as WCW Television Champion. Arguably the most consistently performing 'veteran' in the business right now. The Enforcer can still get a good match out of almost anyone.
Public Enemy - Still your ECW Tag Team Champions. Another month of good-to-great TV vignettes, but minimal in-ring performances this month from 'Flyboy' Rocco Rock & Johnny Grunge.
Al Snow - Debutant in ECW this month. Exceptional match with Osamu Nishimura on Hardcore TV, great in-ring action with an innovative offence and a lovely finish. Could well be one to watch for the future.
And now, onto the Power 10 for January 1995:
10 Mikey Whipwreck - Celebrated his first anniversary as an in-ring competitor. Crowd still strongly behind the little guy. Promising match with Paul Lauria which has potential for a good feud, particularly with Jason involved. And his dive from the top rope to the third row was outstanding.
9 Shane Douglas - Not a stellar in-ring month for The Franchise of ECW, but still the best promo in the business today. Title defences against the "injured" former WCW Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons & former Horseman Tully Blanchard keep him as the longest-serving champion in the country.
8 Randy Savage - Ooohhh, yeah - Macho Man's back. And he's back out from behind the desk and into the ring. In WCW's main event picture, no less. With rumours of a pending tag match including a returning Ric Flair, could well be in with a shout for a shot at Hogan's title in the near future.
7 Bam Bam Bigelow - Finalist, with Tatanka, in the recent tournament for the WWF's vacated Tag Team Championships. Stellar month on the mic for The Beast From The East & a major angle set up with NFL star Lawrence Taylor.
6 Diesel - Successful, if unclear, defence of the WWF title. Gaining ground with the fans, improved promo performance, looks to be meeting old friend and new foe Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania XI.
5 1-2-3 Kid - Brief, but enjoyable run with the WWF Tag Team Championships after winning the tournament with Bob 'Spark Plugg' Holly. Good matches throughout the month, worked through some worrying-looking injuries. Back to being the underdog & the chase is back on for the youngster.
4 Smoking Gunns - After being unable to compete in the Tag Title Tournament through injury, Billy & Bart had a decent showing in the Royal Rumble, combined with them beating the Kid & Bob Holly to become your new WWF Tag Team Champions.
3 Jeff Jarrett - Ain't he great? Brilliant evolution to JJ's character this month. Arguably WWF's best heel right now. Given a lot of TV time during the month, could be in line for a televised title match in the near future and defeated Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Championship.
2 Vader - Current WCW United States Champion and new number one contender for Hulk Hogan's title. Alligned with Ric Flair at Clash of the Champions, could finally be getting another shot at the big stage in the main event to show just what this super-heavyweight is capable of.
1 Shawn Michaels - Not even close for the Heart Break Kid. Really solid showing throughout the month on colour commentary and his verbal skills & charisma are perfect for the time. Superstar performance at the Royal Rumble, booked his place in the Wrestlemania XI main event for the WWF Title; the sky really could be the limit for the former Midnight Rocker.
READ MORE: Why the time was right for the Heartbreak Kid
So, what did you make of the first monthly Power 10 Rankings for 1995? Share your comments below and be sure to check how these stars all do throughout the year!
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