There was a huge controversy a few weeks back when people were touting rankings within the wrestling community. We'll just chalk that up to wrestling ego and the passion of our writers.
I was in the NFL community a few days ago and saw someone write a piece on the top NFL writers on Bleacher Report. I decided I would do the same for the wrestling section. I don't mean to offend anyone, as this is my list of writers.
My criteria for this list was: the articles' quality, not quantity. I will take into account read counts and comment counts.
I stayed away from the writers who mainly do news or show recaps (i.e Tim List, Joe, etc., again, no offense), so that excluded quite a few. With all that said, here goes:
5. Ronnie Bryce
Ronnie was Mr. Controversy for at least two occasions recently. He had that huge spat with Jane Doe in his article on the tightness of Batista's jeans.
His last article, "Was UFC 91 Main Event Predetermined?" drew a lot of ire from the MMA community.
Ronnie delivers some enjoyable reads and I can appreciate his take on many things in professional wrestling. Go back and check out his take on how the US economy can repackage JBL's character. That's a very neat idea, in my opinion.
4. Ross
Just check out his profile and you see what the young guy is all about. He's not looking for any glory, he's here to write. And he's not going to become anyone's fan just for the heck of it. You have to love that.
You also have to love that the young guy knows his stuff when it comes to wrestling. He discusses wrestlers and events that are before his time.
His article on his "10 Greatest Performers of All Time" got a massive amount of response (quite a bit on those disagreeing with the list).
3. Kevin Williams
Another youngster, Kevin blew me away with his take on the past decade in wrestling. In that piece he pointed out how he's 15.
Well, he sure doesn't write like a 15 year-old. I would have put Kevin higher but he's been AWOL for a bit. If writing is this kid's dream, then I think we should all take notice from now.
2. Daris Brown
First off, this isn't because we collaborated on the Matt v. Jeff Hardy Creature versus Creature piece. Daris is a well-informed wrestling writer and I always read what he puts out.
He got front page coverage with his article "Brock Lesnar Destroying WWE," which got a lot of heat from MMA fans (notice a trend here with MMA and pro wrestling fans?).
His latest venture is from an interview he had with Mike Mooneyham himself. Now, if you don't know who Mooneyham is, then you can't call yourself someone knowledgeable of the wrestling world.
1. Andrew Southworth
Andrew is a contributor to the wrestling community and I, personally, appreciate his contributions. Andrew is my history lesson when it comes to wrestling.
He's not going to give us five articles a week but, believe me, when he produces a wrestling piece, it's a great read.
There are a few writers that are coming up and I can't wait to see more of their offerings. Writers such as: Mina, Demetrus Stokes, Martin Bentley, and Jack Windham seem to be well-versed and good on the keyboard.
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about 1 month ago
Mmmm....interesting.
from about 1 month ago
lol, umm, how should i take that comment Ron? just curious ya know.
from about 1 month ago
Your criteria was pretty decent, but I believe if you're going to take a page out of everyone else's book, you gotta include at least ten writers, not just five. We like the thought, but we feel that your rankings would cause more fuss than anything. We're not about rankings. We just want to write. I do appreciate the initiative you have displayed here, but you have to be fair to all the writers involved.
I'm just saying.
from about 1 month ago
i wanted to do 10 but I couldn't come to a conclusion. There are a lot of guys who write and then disappear.
This wasn't about trying to cause a fuss, the rankings aren't that important to me. I could be ranked #800, i just want people to read my stuff. My whole thing here was to highlight some really talented writers. Just to big up some of the writers in the community. It wasn't to stir any pot, which is why I titled it using the word "My".
about 1 month ago
I've completely forgotten about Andrew. It's a shame he doesn't write more. But that's what separates our community compared to others, we don't have consistency. We do have some very good writers here, but they lapse in their coverage.
It would be a lot easier for us to get more wrestling articles on the front page if we had more people commenting and give each other the credit where it is due... much like this article. Although this article isn't directly related to wrestling, it's good to put stuff like this out there to applaud some and inspire others.
from about 1 month ago
thanks and yeah, Andrew has given some good stuff.
I'm not afraid to let people know what articles I find interesting/good. Ever since I got the hang of that hyperlink button, I don't know how to act, lol. Hopefully, everybody keeps reading others' works, give them ratings, and POTD if worthy. That's the only way the community can get noticed and grow. We're over 800 people now, which is good, but I want to see it reach 1,000 at least.
about 1 month ago
Wow. Let me say that I am honored to even be considered with you guys. You guys are superb writers and all show passion and honesty as well as research in your work. For that, I am honored to be a part of the wrestling section .
With that said, I am hoping to get back to writing more. I like to write only when I have had time to do some research and with work lately that has been very difficult. I am working on what should be a good piece on the History of the Royal Rumble.
Shane, again I cant even say how much I enjoy your opinions and you guys here on the BR Wrestling section are why I like to write about wrestling...because you ignite my passion for it. Thanks man.
from about 1 month ago
good to know, can't wait to read more submissions
about 1 month ago
Are you kidding me Shane. Where are you on this Article?
I must say I find myself coming to your page and Ryan's page looking for a good read more than I go to Joe's or Ron's. I am flattered to be on your list and I really appreciate this.
It kind of motivates me a little bit more to write more often. School/BETA/Student council has been killing me. I’m almost never home before 7. I still write on the weekends when I have time, but thanks allot.
Shane if I made a list of my own you would no doubt be in the top 5.
from about 1 month ago
nah, i wouldn't put myself on my own list. that's just a little conceited if you ask me.
i'm glad to know that you like my writing, that's why i do it.
about 1 month ago
Oh and I like your poll you have in the article too and if I was to answer I would have to say no for the most part. I go to the wrestling page and the top story will be “(insert name) is heading to TNA/WWE” or “(insert name) has been released or suspended” and that’s not the problem. The problem is when you go to read them there about 4 sentences long. Like they totally just went to a website, copied it and stuck it into and article. Some say “The provide opinions” but that’s a total lie.
*I can rarely find a good article that hooks me and makes me really believe that what the person is saying is what the really feel.*
I just wish we could have a few more writers that put emotion and personality back into their articles. Instead of the bland “So and so got relished form the WWE today”. We can do better than that.
Thanks for reading that long gripe.
from about 1 month ago
I think you mean "So and so got released from the WWE today", i saw relished and I started thinking about hot dogs. LOL.
But I see what you're saying.
from about 1 month ago
Ha darn it. My spell check has failed me. Lol :)
about 1 month ago
Thank You Shane for including me in this list.
You should definetly be at the top of the list yourself.
I agree with your profile statement that the world takes it's self too serious and needs more humor.
Who would had guessed Batista's jeans could have caused so much anger.
As far as some of my other articles like the "Why Is Macho man banned anyway? and the one about Ultimate Warrior and How the Economy trouble could reinvent JBL's career, I just like writing things that I myself find compelling.
I have to admit I love conspiracy theories and love writing stuff that makes people think outside the box.
I guess inadvertantly this past week I gave the MMA community a taste of their own medicine.
I'm tired of hearing wrestling is fake. We all know it's predeterimined.
It annoys me that people think making this statement awakes us wrestling fans and that were all stupid, or living in non reality as i've been told in the MMA area.
I guess MMA fans this week were awoken to our reality. It doesnt feel very good when someone constantly is telling you the form of sports or entertainment you watch is fake.
I simply suggested and put the idea out about MMA. Unlike the wrestling haters who shove it down our throats that wrestling is fake.
from about 1 month ago
true true true
about 1 month ago
what about me?????????????????
from about 1 month ago
i knew you would question me Jason, lol. Hey, I was your first fan on B/R so you know I like your stuff man. I still remember your piece on the economy affecting wrestling in general. Good stuff.
You've been kinda missing for a few weeks with the articles though, so I had to look past you. Didn't want to do a top 6 or 7 list, so I dealt with 5. Still love your work J
from about 1 month ago
aw shucks! thanks. i haven't written any articles because to be honest there is nothing interesting going on right now in my opinion. i was gonna write about randy savage but someone beat me to it.
by the way...i don't write an article for 2 weeks and suddenly i go from the top 12 to completely off the list, what's the deal with that?
about 1 month ago
thanks shane
im honored to be number three on your list
ive been gone for some time but thats due to lots of schoolwork and lack of inspiration of something to write about
now that i have some free time i should be able to write more often
i also have to add that i usually read your newest articles before i read anybody else's because i see you as one of the better and more knowledgeable wrestling writers
from about 1 month ago
I'm honored that you're honored and I'm glad to see that you'll be contributing some new pieces
about 1 month ago
Reading the comments, it's amazing how so many of our writers are still in school. There's a lot of talent here and these guys haven't even completed 4 yrs. of high school English. lol. It just goes to show that the wwe and tna should take a lesson from the b/r. We're harvesting talent and the future we'll be that much stronger. the wwe and tna are still holding on to the same old players from 15 years ago.
from about 1 month ago
That is right I'm only 16. When you have a passion for something (Writing and wrestling) age is thrown out of the window. It is all about the knowledge you have for the business.
from about 1 month ago
that is oh so true. In a few years you might be interviewing one of these guys as a wrestling insider.
about 1 month ago
let me just clarify to everyone this is not about controversy. the rankings aren't important to everyone. they aren't to me. I just want people to read, enjoy, and provide feedback. I highlighted some of my fave writers. This is not to say that I don't read anyone else's work. I go throughout B/R and sample every sport.
To grow this community, we need to use the POTD and the star rating system. That can put our community in the limelight and thus grow.
Keep up the writing folks.
about 1 month ago
It's funny. No mention of Joe (ranked #1 by B/R). I guess that's what plagiarizing other people's work gets you. ...No respect from your peers.
I see he is notably absent from the comment board. I guess his feelings are hurt. Boo hoo.
Good job recognizing.
from about 1 month ago
lovely name there pal, I hope to see some articles from you. Hopefully you're not one of those people who create an account just to harass people.
I am a person who reads a lot of newz from the hundreds of wrestling sites. I have no issue with people giving breaking news articles but I hope to see some editorials and articles where there is thought and passion.
I have no qualms with Joe personally, because I don't know him. I've mentioned to him to quote his sources, to not seem so high and mighty, to spell check, all because I want to see his writing improve. I guess that's the teacher in me coming out.
But overall, I'm glad Joe puts out articles. I'm all for the community growing at the end of the day.
about 1 month ago
Well I see how you all feel about this. I am pleased to be a part of such a pssionate community. I understand about the Breaking News type articles but, we can't quote other sources when we write now? I guess I better step it up! LOL. I will give a better effort from now on. I am pretty new here so I thought I had to catch up to others who publish so much. I am sure we all get our wrestling news from other sources so Breaking News is kind of a lame article to write. I am just happy I haven't written too many of them. No more Breaking News I promise Ross. :)
Believe me I care about my readers and peers. Your opinion counts!
from about 1 month ago
Yes. Haha your the bomb Adam.
from about 1 month ago
hey, I've done a Breaking News articles my self. My first one was about Roger Clemens' son getting arrested. I just don't care for them that much because as you say "we all get our wrestling news from other sources". If you can access B/R on the net, you can access WWE.com or any other wrestling site to see Jeff Hardy was found "unconscious".
Just give me stuff with passion and thought and I am happy.
And give credit. As writers we all should know not to steal other people's ideas. Put the person's name, article, or hyperlink. This isn't college but that's just something we should all know to do.
Can't wait to see your non-Breaking news stuff Adam
about 1 month ago
Thank you sir...consider me a fan of yours Ross.
about 1 month ago
Well I never thought anyone would write an article about this Shane, and I wouldn't say Ronnie is Mr.Contreversy here, that is my job. LOL And I know I am not the best writer on B/R or the wrestling section. Sorry I didn't comment before Shane I was not on.
And even though I write alot of breaking news stuff I do site my sources like you asked and I also write editorials too, yet people only look at the Breaking news stuff. I mean what about Take on the leader??
Although contreversial I turned it into a non contreversial article by taking on wrestling leaders, again an editorial. I am not saying I should be #1 or even top 5, but hey top 15 suits me. Because on every article I give my opinion and thoughts, even with news I don't just write news, you know that aswell as I Shane.
But one name that should be up there is Ron Johnson to me he is one of the best and should be #1, when was the last time Andrew wrote a wrestling article, please I have no idea of when he wrote one, and I have been on here about 3 months now.
It was a good opinion Shane, hopefully I'l make the cut some day.
Enjoy your holiday Shane, your a teacher right don't you get all gov't holidays?
-Joe Burgett
from about 1 month ago
ah, Joe, where ya been buddy? Ok, to discuss you first: Looking back at your last 10 wrestling articles, all but one is breaking news/wrestling newz info. The Freddie Prinze one you classified as Sports but it was still newzy. The Jeff Hardy Goes Extreme was the only psuedo-editorial. That started out as a recap but it did turn into an editorial/prediction piece.
I've told you before, I've read some of your football pieces and those are so much better than the wrestling ones because I see actual thought and passion in the other sports' articles.
On to Ronnie, he was controversial for his pieces. You were controversial because everyone couldn't stand the fact that you only seem to copy and paste and that your grammar stinks. That's why you received so much animosity. It wasn't for your articles per se.
Andrew wrote that article on the Montreal Screwjob 8 days before I wrote this article. You might have missed it. It was good, check it out.
I didn't include Ron because he is extremely busy. He heads up other communities (at least one other) so his time here isn't always that much. Thus, he really only gives us the weekly rankings and the weekly wrap up articles. It's fine, I enjoy his take, but as for an actual article, Ron hasn't been able to give us one recently. If he did, I missed it. But I got mad love for our leader.
from about 1 month ago
HAve you noticed Shane that Ron has been writing more and more on wrestling now that you did this article and left him out?? He has made the front page twice this week. He is one of my favorite writers on B and really he is the only one who helped me get the haters of my back. Onto your comment, the Feddie Prinze one was breaking news, but the editors sometiems change mien, so that could have been the case on that. And I agree that I like football and basketball, but I am trying to put forth as much into wrestling too, it is just that people only judge me on my breaking news and expect me to write on that.
Nobody ever reads much on my editorials, if they do it is not nearly as much as the news. And sureI give the news and ya it comes from other places, I don't just make it up you know, I am siting them like you asked too. But I still give my opinion, which is not copy/paste. Ye people still bieve it is just because it is news, that is what started the whole fight between myself and B/R wrestling writers. I am going to be writng an editorial soon on wrestling, let me know what you think.
-Jeo Burgett
about 1 month ago
I always like your writing, Shane. Thanks for the nod; I will be writing more now that the New Experience for Xbox has finally launched and I am not working 12 hour days as consistently. :)
from about 1 month ago
You work with Xbox or something? Cuz that would be awesome
from about 1 month ago
Yes, I work for Xbox. Specifically, Xbox LIVE and Xbox.com. It is, in fact, awesome. :)
from about 1 month ago
wow, I'm jealous. Here I am teaching these brats and you work with Xbox. Some people have all the luck I tell you
about 1 month ago
Shane appreciate the nod. I write most of my stuff from work because I'm bored out of my mind! I work for a Mortgage Lender so needless to say business is slow. Enjoy the stuff you write as well. Keep up the good work!
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