Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
Mauro Ranallo reportedly hired to head Smackdown announce team. Too bad no one watches the show. I like him but not enough to watch that meaningless show.
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***Official Pro Wrestling Thread*** (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter NewlyRetired
- Start date
KiddLattimer
Footballguy
Anybody catch this one during the show? Nice work Bubba... http://gfycat.com/WindyAcrobaticHoneyeater
Jeremy
Footballguy
I don't know what they'll do, but they cannot under any circumstances have him win the Royal Rumble. Anything but that.
I kind of like Smackdown. The undercard gets to take center stage a bit more. Storylines don't get advanced much, so it's usually hungry wrestlers trying to make the most of the time they're given. It is meaningless, but the wrestling is often enjoyable.
Gottabesweet
Footballguy
I didn't really like that PPV outside of the ladder-spot mentioned above and Reigns freaking out on HHH end of match, it was a snooze fest.
Props to HHH for actually taking a ridiculous beating. Vince probably brought him the ratings and said, "H, you know what you have to do, get the crapped kicked out of you and flop all over like I did with Steve"
Props to HHH for actually taking a ridiculous beating. Vince probably brought him the ratings and said, "H, you know what you have to do, get the crapped kicked out of you and flop all over like I did with Steve"
Brady Marino
Footballguy
her.
Bogart
Footballguy
I think Bailey and Nia Jax are going to have a handful of matches, with the belt swapping hands a time or two. I don't see Bailey being called up until WM at the earliest. While NXT has done a great job of repopulating the Woman's Division, it still needs that big name at the top. Bailey is more over at Full Sail right now than any man or woman on the roster. I also think that Sasha needs the belt, and have it for a while before Bailey comes up. Instant storyline when Bailey finally does debut, the woman who could do what none of the current woman can do: beat Sasha.
I have hope for Smackdown. Like I said earlier, I think moving it to USA helps. I wish Daniel Bryan could have done what he wanted and defend the IC Title exclusively on Smackdown.
The last thing they need to do is put Reigns in the Rumble. There is no way it would benefit him. Can't win back to back, crowd will riot. And not winning doesn't do much for him.
Some thoughts on TLC:
I thought Sasha-Becky was fine for what it was. It was very clearly just an appease the crowd who wants to see these people, but please don't steal the show type of match, or put another way, a match that could have happened on Raw. That said, these are your 2 best women on the main roster, and one of them is almost certainly going to be the one to take the belt from Charlotte.
Man, that tag title match. I understand wanting to get the crowd going early, but its always rough to have BY FAR your best match open the show. We knew he had it in him, but Kalisto is on another level. Doing his finisher off a ladder through another ladder, is probably the best high spot of 2015. Also gave a new meaning to buns of steel(lame joke I know) There should be an option to have Xavier should be on commentary for every match. He was instantly the best one there, and unlike the actual announcers put over everyone in the match, and even sold the video game, better than they ever could have. Also, the trombone throw was hilarious, but still serious enough to be effective.
Ryback/Rusev was a thing that happened I guess. Seemed like an early time for a bathroom match. What exactly is that feud about anyway? Is it about Ryback being depressed? I mean, the feud was pretty much started by Ryback being mad that 2 other people are engaged. Does Ryback just hate other people being happy, and if so, how is he the face of this feud?
Del Rio/Swagger felt like WWE really didn't want anyone to miss the beginning of the Patriots-Texans game. This match was depressing. Swagger is basically a cardboard cutout at this point, and Del Rio(while outstanding when he cares) clearly couldn't have cared less about this match. Also, what about putting a chair on someone's leg makes it hurt more? Come on Swagger, Paige's PTO on the announce table thinks that was stupid.
That tables match was a disaster. All those ECW guys have no business in WWE, except maybe Rhyno, who naturally, was the first out for that team. I feel like I'd be better than everyone else on that team. Poor Tommy Dreamer looked like he was gonna pass out about 3 minutes in, Bubba seemingly forgot people were watching him, and was easily the worst person in the match. He held a garbage can in front of his face with no effort to make it look like he was even trying to do an offensive move for what felt like 2 minutes before Strowman finally hit him.
I thought Owens/Ambrose was the 2nd best match of the night. I really loved that it didn't end with a finisher, more matches should end in a rollup, or unique pin spot. That almost always tells a better story, when you are dealing with 2 evenly matched opponents. I feel like they have so overused the distraction causes a quick rollup pin spot, that when it happens without the distraction, people feel disappointed, but I think its almost always the best way to go. All that said, this booking decision bugged me a bit. I feel like this is part of the Roman Reigns story, which bugs me, because Ambrose has kind of gone from main event level guy, to Roman's pal in the last month or so. Also, I felt Owens was giving the IC belt some legitimacy, which it hasn't had most of the year.
Charlotte/Paige was their best match yet, but still kind of disappointing. I think we are starting to see now, that Charlotte may have been a right place, right time thing on NXT. She looked great because she had Sasha, and Bayley selling for her, she kind of seems like a lot closer in terms of talent to Nikki Bella than she does the rest of the NXT 4. I am enjoying Ric Flair: Pageant Dad.
Lastly, I'm apparently in the minority about the main event. I thought it was a very good match, these guys both tend to operate with the mindset of, "I can't sell very well, so just actually hit me" which really brings out the intensity a title match should have. But ultimately, I think the story they are telling is a crappy one, with crappy characters.
How is Roman Reigns likable? His character is basically that of a stupid bully. He brutally, and repeatedly attacked HHH after the match, but why? Because he wanted Reigns to stop being a sore loser and attacking a guy who just beat him fair and square. Just like the Raw after Survivor Series, Reigns comes off like a crybaby here in my eyes. He's not justified in any way here. He's attacking his boss, for no reason other than he's mad he keeps blowing all his championship matches. What has HHH ever done to him, except put him in Championship matches? He even offered to just give Reigns the title after Rollins got hurt if Reigns just said that he would be a team player. This isn't like Austin at all, it isn't even like Bryan, this is basically like a spoiled teenager punching out his teacher because he didn't get an A. I thought HHH came off as the victim here, and is the one we should be rooting for here.
I thought Sasha-Becky was fine for what it was. It was very clearly just an appease the crowd who wants to see these people, but please don't steal the show type of match, or put another way, a match that could have happened on Raw. That said, these are your 2 best women on the main roster, and one of them is almost certainly going to be the one to take the belt from Charlotte.
Man, that tag title match. I understand wanting to get the crowd going early, but its always rough to have BY FAR your best match open the show. We knew he had it in him, but Kalisto is on another level. Doing his finisher off a ladder through another ladder, is probably the best high spot of 2015. Also gave a new meaning to buns of steel(lame joke I know) There should be an option to have Xavier should be on commentary for every match. He was instantly the best one there, and unlike the actual announcers put over everyone in the match, and even sold the video game, better than they ever could have. Also, the trombone throw was hilarious, but still serious enough to be effective.
Ryback/Rusev was a thing that happened I guess. Seemed like an early time for a bathroom match. What exactly is that feud about anyway? Is it about Ryback being depressed? I mean, the feud was pretty much started by Ryback being mad that 2 other people are engaged. Does Ryback just hate other people being happy, and if so, how is he the face of this feud?
Del Rio/Swagger felt like WWE really didn't want anyone to miss the beginning of the Patriots-Texans game. This match was depressing. Swagger is basically a cardboard cutout at this point, and Del Rio(while outstanding when he cares) clearly couldn't have cared less about this match. Also, what about putting a chair on someone's leg makes it hurt more? Come on Swagger, Paige's PTO on the announce table thinks that was stupid.
That tables match was a disaster. All those ECW guys have no business in WWE, except maybe Rhyno, who naturally, was the first out for that team. I feel like I'd be better than everyone else on that team. Poor Tommy Dreamer looked like he was gonna pass out about 3 minutes in, Bubba seemingly forgot people were watching him, and was easily the worst person in the match. He held a garbage can in front of his face with no effort to make it look like he was even trying to do an offensive move for what felt like 2 minutes before Strowman finally hit him.
I thought Owens/Ambrose was the 2nd best match of the night. I really loved that it didn't end with a finisher, more matches should end in a rollup, or unique pin spot. That almost always tells a better story, when you are dealing with 2 evenly matched opponents. I feel like they have so overused the distraction causes a quick rollup pin spot, that when it happens without the distraction, people feel disappointed, but I think its almost always the best way to go. All that said, this booking decision bugged me a bit. I feel like this is part of the Roman Reigns story, which bugs me, because Ambrose has kind of gone from main event level guy, to Roman's pal in the last month or so. Also, I felt Owens was giving the IC belt some legitimacy, which it hasn't had most of the year.
Charlotte/Paige was their best match yet, but still kind of disappointing. I think we are starting to see now, that Charlotte may have been a right place, right time thing on NXT. She looked great because she had Sasha, and Bayley selling for her, she kind of seems like a lot closer in terms of talent to Nikki Bella than she does the rest of the NXT 4. I am enjoying Ric Flair: Pageant Dad.
Lastly, I'm apparently in the minority about the main event. I thought it was a very good match, these guys both tend to operate with the mindset of, "I can't sell very well, so just actually hit me" which really brings out the intensity a title match should have. But ultimately, I think the story they are telling is a crappy one, with crappy characters.
How is Roman Reigns likable? His character is basically that of a stupid bully. He brutally, and repeatedly attacked HHH after the match, but why? Because he wanted Reigns to stop being a sore loser and attacking a guy who just beat him fair and square. Just like the Raw after Survivor Series, Reigns comes off like a crybaby here in my eyes. He's not justified in any way here. He's attacking his boss, for no reason other than he's mad he keeps blowing all his championship matches. What has HHH ever done to him, except put him in Championship matches? He even offered to just give Reigns the title after Rollins got hurt if Reigns just said that he would be a team player. This isn't like Austin at all, it isn't even like Bryan, this is basically like a spoiled teenager punching out his teacher because he didn't get an A. I thought HHH came off as the victim here, and is the one we should be rooting for here.
Tom Servo
Nittany Beavers
Bogart
Footballguy
Jack Swagger took a beating on his back as well. You can't say these guys didn't leave it all out there.I'm interested in RAW for the first time in a while tonight.
SlaX
Footballguy
Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
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SlaX
Footballguy
What Chris Jericho's RAW debut. Just think about how much of what he says rings true now. (1:30-6:00)
Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
Great ending of show. Great use of McMahon to ensure Philly wouldnt boo Reigns again.
JB Breakfast Club
Footballguy
Less than one year ago, those same fans were booing Roman Reigns mercilessly after he won the Royal Rumble. Staying the course is paying off huge.
Jeremy
Footballguy
JB Breakfast Club
Footballguy
Ugh. Rollins won't even be back yet...and he's going to return as a face. This makes zero sense and is just a lame potshot.
Abraham
Footballguy
Bogart
Footballguy
Wade Keller Retweeted
Blake Reilly @reilly21106 11m11 minutes ago
Last time the title changed hands on Raw (non vacant title/MITB cash in) was Edge beating RVD/Cena on 7/3/06 @thewadekeller @prowrestlingnet
Blake Reilly @reilly21106 11m11 minutes agoLast time the title changed hands on Raw (non vacant title/MITB cash in) was Edge beating RVD/Cena on 7/3/06 @thewadekeller @prowrestlingnet
Jeremy
Footballguy
It wasn't just the finish that was good. The undercard was nice too. Owens got his heat back after a nice match between Ambrose and Ziggler. Miz was hilarious. Very fun hardcore match (note the lack of 50/50 booking as the Wyatt's went over again). The New Day segment was great (as usual). The Charlotte storyline was advanced nicely. Ryback and Rusev....well, they were there. That's where I turn the channel to football. I'll assume they were ok.
I don't know. maybe they're finally listening the quiet guy who always gets shouted down in the writers' meetings.
I don't know. maybe they're finally listening the quiet guy who always gets shouted down in the writers' meetings.
Bogart
Footballguy
I think at Mania we are going to see Cena vs. Undertaker. Roman vs. Lesnar makes sense. Especially if Reigns goes through the LON and The Authority. Have Reigns go over Lesnar, and hold the title until Rollins comes back. Shield 3-way at SummerSlam.
Keith R
The Don
Picked the right RAW to watch after picking the right one to miss last week.
As JB noted, Philly really embraced Reigns, which speaks loudly. Really thought Reigns needed to be champ coming into the Rumble and having the title change on RAW instead of TLC was electrifying. Will give RAW more of a can't miss vibe going forward.
With Reigns defending at the Rumble, it makes the Rumble match itself much more unpredictable, which is essential. My path for Reigns would be for him to defend against Rusev on the 1st RAW of the year, defend against Sheamus at the Rumble. Would LOVE Reigns-Lesnar II at WM but don't know if WWE will consider that the best use of Brock.
Funny how one RAW has re-energized my interest in the product but it has. In addition to the title match, props to the 8-man, the tag team promo, the Ambrose-Ziggler (w/Owens interference) and even the divas tag.
As JB noted, Philly really embraced Reigns, which speaks loudly. Really thought Reigns needed to be champ coming into the Rumble and having the title change on RAW instead of TLC was electrifying. Will give RAW more of a can't miss vibe going forward.
With Reigns defending at the Rumble, it makes the Rumble match itself much more unpredictable, which is essential. My path for Reigns would be for him to defend against Rusev on the 1st RAW of the year, defend against Sheamus at the Rumble. Would LOVE Reigns-Lesnar II at WM but don't know if WWE will consider that the best use of Brock.
Funny how one RAW has re-energized my interest in the product but it has. In addition to the title match, props to the 8-man, the tag team promo, the Ambrose-Ziggler (w/Owens interference) and even the divas tag.
MattFancy
Footballguy
Jeremy
Footballguy
It was really good. Only 5 matches, but all of them good. I especially enjoyed the tag team title match and Asuke vs Emma. Corbin against Crews was probably the weakest. Bayley vs Nia Jax wasn't a technical masterpiece, but they told a great story. Kind of along the same lines as Hogan vs Andre in terms of psychology. Joe vs Balor didn't blow me away, but I enjoyed it.
I'll echo a lot of the same thoughts Jeremy had. Emma/Asuka was amazing, those are 2 of the 5 best women in the company. The finish was outstanding, I'd say it was the best women's match since NXT Respect.
I liked the tag title match quite a bit as well, I was a little surprised by the winners, but I certainly have no problem with it. Hopefully Jordan and Gable are the next challengers.
Corbin/Crews was solid, if unspectacular. Probably the weakest match of the night, so maybe only a B or so. Crews seems lie somebody who should be WAY better than he is, he's super athletic and strong, but has an awful moveset. Corbin's trash talk was hilarious, and he's really become a pretty good heel this year.
I tend to root for the heels and boo the faces, most of the time. I just find 90% of WWE faces to be unlikable jerks, bullies, and idiots, that usually are never in the right morally(looking at you Roman Reigns) that said, if you aren't a fan of Bayley, you are watching wrestling wrong. She is the most likable character I can think of, maybe ever. Bayley/Jax seemed like a waste of Bayley, but kind of stole the show a bit, Jax was surprisingly solid for somebody who has only been around a couple months, and while it wasn't Sasha/Bayley, it was certainly worthy of its spot on the card.
I had a much higher opinion of Balor/Joe. I think that was the best match either of them have had in NXT. Joe really brought it, and seemed to be moving like ROH Joe and not TNA Joe. Balor was excellent, and had way better chemistry with Joe than he had with Kevin Owens. Also liked Balor keeping his entrance fresh, and not just sticking with one thing like a lot of other people would likely do. Best entrance in the business, without question.
Such a great show all around. It blows my mind that there are people who prefer Raw and main roster PPV's to NXT. Other than maybe the Tag Title match, and MAYBE Ambrose/Owens, there wasn't anything on the main roster show that could have touched NXT London.
JMon348
Footballguy
This was stuck in my head for about an hour after I watched:
HEEEYYYYYYY HEY BAYLEY OHHH AHHH I WANNA KNOW OH OH OH OH OH OH IF YOU'LL BE MY GIRL: 3:33
HEEEYYYYYYY HEY BAYLEY OHHH AHHH I WANNA KNOW OH OH OH OH OH OH IF YOU'LL BE MY GIRL: 3:33
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coyote5
Footballguy
Brady Marino
Footballguy
Americans can really take some lessons from the Brits on proper chanting. See also: "Big Cass" sung to the tune of "Hey Jude"
RBM
Footballguy
Balor-Joe was outstanding imo. Didn't think Joe had that in him at this point. The first time that Balor entrance happens on main roster he is instantly the biggest star in the company.
Shocked they gave Corbin the clean win. He's really improved.
Crowd was amazing with the Enzo and Cass songs but then they topped it with Bayley. Just amazing stuff.
Shocked they gave Corbin the clean win. He's really improved.
Crowd was amazing with the Enzo and Cass songs but then they topped it with Bayley. Just amazing stuff.
Thunderlips
Footballguy
Jeremy
Footballguy
Matt Millen does the "analysis" on many of the Big 10 Network games next to the play by play guy. It's just a really weird experience having a guy give his "expert opinions" on players when he was the WORST OF ALL TIME at doing it professionally. It's the same with Russo. It's not even that I disagree with many of his takes, but how is he given a voice on any prominent podcast or website? Why should I give his opinions any credibility whatsoever? If anything me having common ground with him makes me reconsider.
I give a lot of respect to opinions given from guys like Austin, Jericho, Jim Ross, or even guys like Bill Apter and Wade Keller who've covered it. Heck, even any of you guys. But Vince Russo? No way!
I got a chuckle out of this:
https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/677161401140584449
Tom Servo
Nittany Beavers
JB Breakfast Club
Footballguy
Time for the hot "NXT is better than WWE" takes...which seems especially weird this round since London was NXT's weakest takeover event all year.
Jeremy
Footballguy
The NXT "PPVs" feel bigger because they're only once a quarter instead of once a month. And only an hour of weekly shows instead of 5+. Only a select few get to showcase their skills on the (relatively) big stage. So each match is huge and each performer is going all out to impress. Makes for a great product, if not nearly as much money.
JB Breakfast Club
Footballguy
they also have the ability to use jobber matches during their weekly shows so the main players can just get their stuff in. Playing to a niche audience that is extremely loyal lets them keep things simple and under-exposed.
Thunderlips
Footballguy
It's a weird argument, because they're the same company.
IF I had to take a stance in the NXT v. WWE argument....I'd probably say that they both provide something unique to the WWE Universe, but right now....NXT is doing what they're supposed to be doing better. The developmental idea, at least the traditional sense, of NXT is afalling by the wayside as I think it very much does a disservice to established wrestlers such as Balor, Joe, Owens, Zayn to think they they couldn't (or are not ready) to upper level main event a WWE PPV. Instead, NXT has become something that's a little more personal...slower paced.....kind of like the old TBS World Championship Wrestling shows on Saturday night, wheras WWE is the established RAW/NITRO PPV "event". As it stands to me......Traditional WWE isn't fulfilling that grandeur.
To that, I have no clue as to why they don't further blur the line between the two.....and push more "established" stars down into NXT. Might be a nice change of pace for them and give them some legitimacy with the smarks if they perform well down there. They dropped the ball though with the idea that one of those established guys (Balor/Owens) should have just debuted at RAW...refusing to go down to the minor leagues. Would have made for some nice "real" moments.
Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
I'm not sure what this even means but I'm a big Russo fan. IMO He and Ed Ferrera are the best wrestling writers of all time.Similar threads
