I watched NJPW Invasion Attack a couple days ago and couldn't help but notice that AJ just has a different air about him now. He was a hard working and solid worker in TNA, but the long knock on him was that he was never a "superstar".AXS TV showed AJ Styles' IWGP title defense against Kazuchika Okada. Other than flashing NWO signs, I like his character right now. He's yards ahead of that crappy, brooding emo gimmick Dixie Carter had him using. He really does well leading the Bullet Club.
I would agree with this. If you're holding the IWGP strap - considering how rarely it's defended compared to here - you're probably one of the top 5 wrestlers in the world.I watched NJPW Invasion Attack a couple days ago and couldn't help but notice that AJ just has a different air about him now. He was a hard working and solid worker in TNA, but the long knock on him was that he was never a "superstar".Ever since arriving in NJPW, AJ has become a superstar. He is on a different level now than he ever was and he deserves consideration for Best in the World (though I still think Nakamura is better).AXS TV showed AJ Styles' IWGP title defense against Kazuchika Okada. Other than flashing NWO signs, I like his character right now. He's yards ahead of that crappy, brooding emo gimmick Dixie Carter had him using. He really does well leading the Bullet Club.
It goes beyond the title, though. Styles is big time now in everything he does.I would agree with this. If you're holding the IWGP strap - considering how rarely it's defended compared to here - you're probably one of the top 5 wrestlers in the world.I watched NJPW Invasion Attack a couple days ago and couldn't help but notice that AJ just has a different air about him now. He was a hard working and solid worker in TNA, but the long knock on him was that he was never a "superstar".Ever since arriving in NJPW, AJ has become a superstar. He is on a different level now than he ever was and he deserves consideration for Best in the World (though I still think Nakamura is better).AXS TV showed AJ Styles' IWGP title defense against Kazuchika Okada. Other than flashing NWO signs, I like his character right now. He's yards ahead of that crappy, brooding emo gimmick Dixie Carter had him using. He really does well leading the Bullet Club.
Where you guys watch this?It goes beyond the title, though. Styles is big time now in everything he does.I would agree with this. If you're holding the IWGP strap - considering how rarely it's defended compared to here - you're probably one of the top 5 wrestlers in the world.I watched NJPW Invasion Attack a couple days ago and couldn't help but notice that AJ just has a different air about him now. He was a hard working and solid worker in TNA, but the long knock on him was that he was never a "superstar".Ever since arriving in NJPW, AJ has become a superstar. He is on a different level now than he ever was and he deserves consideration for Best in the World (though I still think Nakamura is better).AXS TV showed AJ Styles' IWGP title defense against Kazuchika Okada. Other than flashing NWO signs, I like his character right now. He's yards ahead of that crappy, brooding emo gimmick Dixie Carter had him using. He really does well leading the Bullet Club.
There's NJPWWorld (their answer to WWE Network) and, um, not as legal ways to watch wrestling at a .ch website.Where you guys watch this?It goes beyond the title, though. Styles is big time now in everything he does.I would agree with this. If you're holding the IWGP strap - considering how rarely it's defended compared to here - you're probably one of the top 5 wrestlers in the world.I watched NJPW Invasion Attack a couple days ago and couldn't help but notice that AJ just has a different air about him now. He was a hard working and solid worker in TNA, but the long knock on him was that he was never a "superstar".Ever since arriving in NJPW, AJ has become a superstar. He is on a different level now than he ever was and he deserves consideration for Best in the World (though I still think Nakamura is better).AXS TV showed AJ Styles' IWGP title defense against Kazuchika Okada. Other than flashing NWO signs, I like his character right now. He's yards ahead of that crappy, brooding emo gimmick Dixie Carter had him using. He really does well leading the Bullet Club.
Beauty. ThanksThere's NJPWWorld (their answer to WWE Network) and, um, not as legal ways to watch wrestling at a .ch website.Where you guys watch this?It goes beyond the title, though. Styles is big time now in everything he does.I would agree with this. If you're holding the IWGP strap - considering how rarely it's defended compared to here - you're probably one of the top 5 wrestlers in the world.I watched NJPW Invasion Attack a couple days ago and couldn't help but notice that AJ just has a different air about him now. He was a hard working and solid worker in TNA, but the long knock on him was that he was never a "superstar".Ever since arriving in NJPW, AJ has become a superstar. He is on a different level now than he ever was and he deserves consideration for Best in the World (though I still think Nakamura is better).AXS TV showed AJ Styles' IWGP title defense against Kazuchika Okada. Other than flashing NWO signs, I like his character right now. He's yards ahead of that crappy, brooding emo gimmick Dixie Carter had him using. He really does well leading the Bullet Club.
NXT has all those things, and does them better than Raw has for over a year.Nope, but I don't watch NXT either. Just don't have the time.Do you watch the NXT women's matches?FWIW, I fast forward through every DIVA matchTrouble is, Vince is never going to give them the time to develop a quality program. After all, he's gotta give Cena his 30 minutes, all the commercials for the latest movie tie in, blowing the WWE Universe, etc.
Plus, with casual (non-network viewers - most fans) fans, nobody knows who these chicks are. Oh, the smarts do, but not the ordinary fans. To get those casual fans to know and care about these gals will take more work than Vince wants to put into it.
I guess I'm a tad bit different in that I'm probably more interested in the storylines, strategy, entertainment and booking behind it all more than the actual wrestling matches themselves. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good match here and there, but I can't watch match after match with nothing else.
I get this... but at the end of the day, I want a great storyline AND a great match. And with the WWE monopolizing all of the top talent (or at least having the ability to), there is no reason why we shouldn't have both. Instead, we are still forced to watch lumbering giants get pushed year in and year out.Nope, but I don't watch NXT either. Just don't have the time.Do you watch the NXT women's matches?FWIW, I fast forward through every DIVA matchTrouble is, Vince is never going to give them the time to develop a quality program. After all, he's gotta give Cena his 30 minutes, all the commercials for the latest movie tie in, blowing the WWE Universe, etc.
Plus, with casual (non-network viewers - most fans) fans, nobody knows who these chicks are. Oh, the smarts do, but not the ordinary fans. To get those casual fans to know and care about these gals will take more work than Vince wants to put into it.
I guess I'm a tad bit different in that I'm probably more interested in the storylines, strategy, entertainment and booking behind it all more than the actual wrestling matches themselves. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good match here and there, but I can't watch match after match with nothing else.
Oh I agree.OC Zed said:I get this... but at the end of the day, I want a great storyline AND a great match. And with the WWE monopolizing all of the top talent (or at least having the ability to), there is no reason why we shouldn't have both. Instead, we are still forced to watch lumbering giants get pushed year in and year out.Tiger Fan said:Nope, but I don't watch NXT either. Just don't have the time.OC Zed said:Do you watch the NXT women's matches?Tiger Fan said:FWIW, I fast forward through every DIVA matchTrouble is, Vince is never going to give them the time to develop a quality program. After all, he's gotta give Cena his 30 minutes, all the commercials for the latest movie tie in, blowing the WWE Universe, etc.
Plus, with casual (non-network viewers - most fans) fans, nobody knows who these chicks are. Oh, the smarts do, but not the ordinary fans. To get those casual fans to know and care about these gals will take more work than Vince wants to put into it.
I guess I'm a tad bit different in that I'm probably more interested in the storylines, strategy, entertainment and booking behind it all more than the actual wrestling matches themselves. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good match here and there, but I can't watch match after match with nothing else.
AXS TV has an NPJW show Fridays at 9 PM, as well.facook said:Beauty. ThanksBrady Marino said:There's NJPWWorld (their answer to WWE Network) and, um, not as legal ways to watch wrestling at a .ch website.facook said:Where you guys watch this?Brady Marino said:It goes beyond the title, though. Styles is big time now in everything he does.Tom Servo said:I would agree with this. If you're holding the IWGP strap - considering how rarely it's defended compared to here - you're probably one of the top 5 wrestlers in the world.Brady Marino said:I watched NJPW Invasion Attack a couple days ago and couldn't help but notice that AJ just has a different air about him now. He was a hard working and solid worker in TNA, but the long knock on him was that he was never a "superstar".Ever since arriving in NJPW, AJ has become a superstar. He is on a different level now than he ever was and he deserves consideration for Best in the World (though I still think Nakamura is better).Tom Servo said:AXS TV showed AJ Styles' IWGP title defense against Kazuchika Okada. Other than flashing NWO signs, I like his character right now. He's yards ahead of that crappy, brooding emo gimmick Dixie Carter had him using. He really does well leading the Bullet Club.
That's your answer. Vince doesn't have to care when he's got 85% of the market locked up.Man, if that ain't the truth. Hell, in the mid to late 90s, both WCW and WWF both had so many major stars that could main event, and you look at now, the WWE has a monopoly, yet old has-beens like Kane and Big Show are still given prime spots on RAW nearly every week. It's pathetic.
WWE has not had as powerful a storyline as NXT just recently did with Owens vs Zayn in a LONG LONG time. When you add that to the dynamic in ring work, there is just no comparison.Tiger Fan said:Nope, but I don't watch NXT either. Just don't have the time.OC Zed said:Do you watch the NXT women's matches?Tiger Fan said:FWIW, I fast forward through every DIVA matchTrouble is, Vince is never going to give them the time to develop a quality program. After all, he's gotta give Cena his 30 minutes, all the commercials for the latest movie tie in, blowing the WWE Universe, etc.
Plus, with casual (non-network viewers - most fans) fans, nobody knows who these chicks are. Oh, the smarts do, but not the ordinary fans. To get those casual fans to know and care about these gals will take more work than Vince wants to put into it.
I guess I'm a tad bit different in that I'm probably more interested in the storylines, strategy, entertainment and booking behind it all more than the actual wrestling matches themselves. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good match here and there, but I can't watch match after match with nothing else.
Three hours is still too long... it should be two hours maximum.Craig_MiamiFL said:I only tuned in after Hour 2 (thinking I'd get the last 2 inductees).....wound up having to watch few more than that. I thought it was boring and exhausting just having to watch the last 2 hours. Four hours is just freaking ridiculous. Couldn't imagine to have to sit through that. No reason to induct as many guys as they do.
WWE was not pleased with this year's Hall Of Fame ceremony going long. Steps are already being taken to make sure next year's ceremony runs three hours or less, as was originally planned for this year.
It was pretty "meh". Ziggler/Neville put on a great match. Bray Wyatt had another awesome, cryptic promo. Seth Rollins is the best thing they got going now, he's just the perfect weasel, heel champ.This has to be the first Tuesday in months - maybe over a year - where there wasn't any discussion of Raw from the night before. The post-WM surge is already over?
I didn't see it - I've only read the reports. I'm completely miffed that they wasted a Miz/Mizdow match on Raw. It's been a great, naturally building storyline for months now that the fans really love... and the payoff can't even be showcased on a second tier PPV (i.e., Extreme Rules)?It was pretty "meh". Ziggler/Neville put on a great match. Bray Wyatt had another awesome, cryptic promo. Seth Rollins is the best thing they got going now, he's just the perfect weasel, heel champ.This has to be the first Tuesday in months - maybe over a year - where there wasn't any discussion of Raw from the night before. The post-WM surge is already over?
I didn't see RAW last night. It was pre-taped, so that always takes some of the zing off the show.I didn't see it - I've only read the reports. I'm completely miffed that they wasted a Miz/Mizdow match on Raw. It's been a great, naturally building storyline for months now that the fans really love... and the payoff can't even be showcased on a second tier PPV (i.e., Extreme Rules)?It was pretty "meh". Ziggler/Neville put on a great match. Bray Wyatt had another awesome, cryptic promo. Seth Rollins is the best thing they got going now, he's just the perfect weasel, heel champ.This has to be the first Tuesday in months - maybe over a year - where there wasn't any discussion of Raw from the night before. The post-WM surge is already over?
I agree in re a Harper/Reigns feud. That could have promoted both guys. Big Show doesn't do anything for Reigns at this point other than #### off the core fans who resent anything Big Show is involved in at this point.I didn't see RAW last night. It was pre-taped, so that always takes some of the zing off the show.I didn't see it - I've only read the reports. I'm completely miffed that they wasted a Miz/Mizdow match on Raw. It's been a great, naturally building storyline for months now that the fans really love... and the payoff can't even be showcased on a second tier PPV (i.e., Extreme Rules)?It was pretty "meh". Ziggler/Neville put on a great match. Bray Wyatt had another awesome, cryptic promo. Seth Rollins is the best thing they got going now, he's just the perfect weasel, heel champ.This has to be the first Tuesday in months - maybe over a year - where there wasn't any discussion of Raw from the night before. The post-WM surge is already over?
Re: Miz/Dow - Seems like they're trading wins in a way that will set up the Extreme Rules match...probably something that decides who gets to keep the Miz gimmick since Mizdow is basically running a "better version of the Miz" thing right now.
John Cena's open challenge is the best thing on the weekly show followed closely by all things Rollins. I really like that Neville is sharing the ring with huge stars immediately after his call up.
Reigns has been demoted to another Big Show feud. I'd like it a lot more if he were matched up with Luke Harper instead.
Reigns has been demoted to another Big Show feud.I didn't see it - I've only read the reports. I'm completely miffed that they wasted a Miz/Mizdow match on Raw. It's been a great, naturally building storyline for months now that the fans really love... and the payoff can't even be showcased on a second tier PPV (i.e., Extreme Rules)?It was pretty "meh". Ziggler/Neville put on a great match. Bray Wyatt had another awesome, cryptic promo. Seth Rollins is the best thing they got going now, he's just the perfect weasel, heel champ.This has to be the first Tuesday in months - maybe over a year - where there wasn't any discussion of Raw from the night before. The post-WM surge is already over?
How many ####### times are we going to see this match?I saw it was taped and made no effort to watch at all. Typically just watch the 'top of hour' segments anyway.This has to be the first Tuesday in months - maybe over a year - where there wasn't any discussion of Raw from the night before. The post-WM surge is already over?
Show was getting old around the time ECW came back, so about 10 years ago. Kane had appeal for a little while longer, but not much.Reigns has been demoted to another Big Show feud.I didn't see it - I've only read the reports. I'm completely miffed that they wasted a Miz/Mizdow match on Raw. It's been a great, naturally building storyline for months now that the fans really love... and the payoff can't even be showcased on a second tier PPV (i.e., Extreme Rules)?It was pretty "meh". Ziggler/Neville put on a great match. Bray Wyatt had another awesome, cryptic promo. Seth Rollins is the best thing they got going now, he's just the perfect weasel, heel champ.This has to be the first Tuesday in months - maybe over a year - where there wasn't any discussion of Raw from the night before. The post-WM surge is already over?How many ####### times are we going to see this match?
I saw it was taped and made no effort to watch at all. Typically just watch the 'top of hour' segments anyway.This has to be the first Tuesday in months - maybe over a year - where there wasn't any discussion of Raw from the night before. The post-WM surge is already over?
Didn't think the post-Mania RAW (the one RAW/year I'll try to catch most of) was meh. Really sad to say that on a RAW with Ziggler/Bryan & Cena/Ambrose. Either of which would have been a better main event than ending with Big Show&Kane in any fashion. Crowd was white hot.
I was just watching some older WCW/WWF shows back in the late 90's (when Kane/Show were relevant). Cant believe almost 20 years later, they are of any revelance (or competing at all). Got me thinking, when was the last time either of these guys have been taken seriously? (2000? early 2000s?) If these 2 clowns are there to get guys over, name the guys they've gotten over solely because of them. I'd safely assume any guys named would have gotten over no matter their presence.
Or at the very least a double-countout or the like. I guess a time limit draw is out of the question in this day and age...They should've let BNB beat Cena in his home country. Would've been a great experience and let the fans know that the title can shift at any time. Cena could have won it back next week for all I care, but it would've been funny.
Daniel Bryan pulled from the rest of the European tour as a "precautionary measure." This isn't going to end well, is it?
I wish BNB never lost the IC title in the first place. They could have built a great angle between him and Ambrose, but instead they kept the hot potato game going.They should've let BNB beat Cena in his home country. Would've been a great experience and let the fans know that the title can shift at any time. Cena could have won it back next week for all I care, but it would've been funny.
I think Barrett with the belt is kinda stale. It doesn't feel like it elevates him or the belt. I wish they'd run the King (and Queen) of the Ring tournament...King Barrett would interest me.I wish BNB never lost the IC title in the first place. They could have built a great angle between him and Ambrose, but instead they kept the hot potato game going.They should've let BNB beat Cena in his home country. Would've been a great experience and let the fans know that the title can shift at any time. Cena could have won it back next week for all I care, but it would've been funny.
I haven't listened to any podcasts for a month or two now, but Keller's isnt that bad. I'll listen to Jim Cornette (MLW radio) from time to time. Haven't listened to it yet but he just had a 2 part interview with Austin.It's been a little bit since we've had a broader discussion on wrestling podcasts. I'm curious if I'm missing any that are out there? Here's what I've been listening to regularly (for better or worse):
I tried getting into Wade Keller's show last year, but got turned off by the incessant pimping of the paid subscriber option. Should I give it another try? Are Piper's or Goldberg's podcasts any good? Anything else?
- Steve Austin (Adult and Family-Friendly versions): This show is top notch when he has booked guests. When it's just him with Ted Fowler or his wife, then it's generally a pass. I was very disappointed to hear the WWE decided to go with Jericho over Austin for their periodic interview shows on the Network.
- JR: I love JR's opening monologue on his weekly thoughts. He consistently delivers some gems of knowledge. His guests can be of the old-timey variety, but he still gets interesting content from everyone.
- Cheap Heat (Grantland): I like the weekly news analysis, but Peter Rosenberg is such a gigantic dousche. I'm really listening only for David Shoemaker at this point, but it's becoming tougher and tougher.
- Straight Shoot: The weekly Raw analysis shows are done much better than the classic show recaps (not a fan of the Vanilla Midget sidekick and the gratuitous swearing that doesn't show up as much in the Raw shows).
- Jericho: This one is really hit or miss depending on the guests. I almost always have to skip through the first 15 minutes of the show as it's filled with commercials and Jericho's cornball commentary on whatever. I hate to admit it, but Jericho is pretty cheezball now.
Is Russo's podcast back up now? The last I heard was that his business partner had locked him out of his own website.I haven't listened to any podcasts for a month or two now, but Keller's isnt that bad. I'll listen to Jim Cornette (MLW radio) from time to time. Haven't listened to it yet but he just had a 2 part interview with Austin.It's been a little bit since we've had a broader discussion on wrestling podcasts. I'm curious if I'm missing any that are out there? Here's what I've been listening to regularly (for better or worse):
I tried getting into Wade Keller's show last year, but got turned off by the incessant pimping of the paid subscriber option. Should I give it another try? Are Piper's or Goldberg's podcasts any good? Anything else?
- Steve Austin (Adult and Family-Friendly versions): This show is top notch when he has booked guests. When it's just him with Ted Fowler or his wife, then it's generally a pass. I was very disappointed to hear the WWE decided to go with Jericho over Austin for their periodic interview shows on the Network.
- JR: I love JR's opening monologue on his weekly thoughts. He consistently delivers some gems of knowledge. His guests can be of the old-timey variety, but he still gets interesting content from everyone.
- Cheap Heat (Grantland): I like the weekly news analysis, but Peter Rosenberg is such a gigantic dousche. I'm really listening only for David Shoemaker at this point, but it's becoming tougher and tougher.
- Straight Shoot: The weekly Raw analysis shows are done much better than the classic show recaps (not a fan of the Vanilla Midget sidekick and the gratuitous swearing that doesn't show up as much in the Raw shows).
- Jericho: This one is really hit or miss depending on the guests. I almost always have to skip through the first 15 minutes of the show as it's filled with commercials and Jericho's cornball commentary on whatever. I hate to admit it, but Jericho is pretty cheezball now.
Piper's isnt too bad. Goldberg's I haven't even bothered with. Reviewed his guest list and mostly guys I don't care about.
Vince Russo's is another decent one (if you can tolerate him saying 'Bro' every 30 seconds)
Most of them just depend on the guest.
Russo's got a new website starting this Monday. vincerussobrand.comI listen to Cheap Heat every week. Like that it's once a week, an hour in length and good production values. I get enough of Shoemaker to put up with Rosenberg.OC Zed said:It's been a little bit since we've had a broader discussion on wrestling podcasts. I'm curious if I'm missing any that are out there? Here's what I've been listening to regularly (for better or worse):
I tried getting into Wade Keller's show last year, but got turned off by the incessant pimping of the paid subscriber option. Should I give it another try? Are Piper's or Goldberg's podcasts any good? Anything else?
- Steve Austin (Adult and Family-Friendly versions): This show is top notch when he has booked guests. When it's just him with Ted Fowler or his wife, then it's generally a pass. I was very disappointed to hear the WWE decided to go with Jericho over Austin for their periodic interview shows on the Network.
- JR: I love JR's opening monologue on his weekly thoughts. He consistently delivers some gems of knowledge. His guests can be of the old-timey variety, but he still gets interesting content from everyone.
- Cheap Heat (Grantland): I like the weekly news analysis, but Peter Rosenberg is such a gigantic dousche. I'm really listening only for David Shoemaker at this point, but it's becoming tougher and tougher.
- Straight Shoot: The weekly Raw analysis shows are done much better than the classic show recaps (not a fan of the Vanilla Midget sidekick and the gratuitous swearing that doesn't show up as much in the Raw shows).
- Jericho: This one is really hit or miss depending on the guests. I almost always have to skip through the first 15 minutes of the show as it's filled with commercials and Jericho's cornball commentary on whatever. I hate to admit it, but Jericho is pretty cheezball now.
Shame. His body just can't hold up to his style.JB Breakfast Club said:Daniel Bryan pulled from the rest of the European tour as a "precautionary measure." This isn't going to end well, is it?
Reminds me of David Wilson, the former RB of the Giants. Seemed to make it all the way back and then suffered a setback and that was it. I hope that's not Bryan's fate, but neck injuries...ugh. :(Daniel Bryan pulled from the rest of the European tour as a "precautionary measure." This isn't going to end well, is it?
He's got potential as a heel. He's just a terrible face.People like Sheamus? Who knew?