Terrible title, but the answer is of course not! He is coming in as a 4th place down at his natural weight, this factor alone should dictate he has likely finalist potential. So what went wrong, other than the opponents significant skill, I have a theory.
I admit that was a disappointing lack luster performance at the all star classic. It really was a real stinker, but I think it's both an aberration and explainable.
Bernie has only had a couple of months in the room so whatever development plans Cael has for him, remain in the early stages.
Then there is the other HUGE, but little talked about factor.
The "PSU room" factor. I claim this cuts both ways. Iron sharpens iron, but some blades get seriously dulled in the process first.
Rolling around sandwiched between two likely 4xers in training is something Bernie has never felt on a daily basis. It would not surprise me that despite his resume, both Carter and Aaron work him over pretty consistently. For all we know his confidence has taken a big hit as a result, how can it not? Think about it Bernie has been the best guy in his room the past 4 years, now he might be 5th or 6th at best, and clearly not near the level of the guys near his weight. Humbling for sure.
Bernie will have to chip away before he can break through, and wrestle truely free and aggressive.
Last week, he wrestled like a guy who is having a real hard time converting TDs vs both Carter and Aaron. Yeah no shit! Other than his first shot, he didn't take another serious, aggressive, deep shot all match. Cautious and conservative won't win a lot of matches this year.
Who wouldn't lose their mojo against the talent we just witnessed last week from our big two. I look for the honing to begin soon and carry through March. The March Bernie might just become something to behold.
I admit that was a disappointing lack luster performance at the all star classic. It really was a real stinker, but I think it's both an aberration and explainable.
Bernie has only had a couple of months in the room so whatever development plans Cael has for him, remain in the early stages.
Then there is the other HUGE, but little talked about factor.
The "PSU room" factor. I claim this cuts both ways. Iron sharpens iron, but some blades get seriously dulled in the process first.
Rolling around sandwiched between two likely 4xers in training is something Bernie has never felt on a daily basis. It would not surprise me that despite his resume, both Carter and Aaron work him over pretty consistently. For all we know his confidence has taken a big hit as a result, how can it not? Think about it Bernie has been the best guy in his room the past 4 years, now he might be 5th or 6th at best, and clearly not near the level of the guys near his weight. Humbling for sure.
Bernie will have to chip away before he can break through, and wrestle truely free and aggressive.
Last week, he wrestled like a guy who is having a real hard time converting TDs vs both Carter and Aaron. Yeah no shit! Other than his first shot, he didn't take another serious, aggressive, deep shot all match. Cautious and conservative won't win a lot of matches this year.
Who wouldn't lose their mojo against the talent we just witnessed last week from our big two. I look for the honing to begin soon and carry through March. The March Bernie might just become something to behold.
