The Ultimate WWE Thread

[Disco]

NJ is a different style and a different pace, you'll struggle to get it from one or two matches.

[Ian]

I've just learned that Tyson Fury is the linear Brawl for All champion, so it's all on the line for Boatman.

[Browning]

Everyone was convinced it was mayweather before. This seems more legit. It's coming home. :drool:

[Ian]

Surely nobody who was big enough to beat Butterbean would be fighting Mayweather?

[Browning]

Butterbean lost to some random MMA guy and then it worked itself through the world of MMA to McGregor who then lost it to Mayweather was the story. However it was then shown that Butterbean lost a number of boxing fights before the MMA fight, so if it was a real title it never would have left the world of boxing and would now be on Fury, apparently.

[Mike]

Second AEW tv show was boss. Loving it.

[Ian]

Smackdown is normally at least okay with some high points but I thought last night's was the worst in a very, very long time. Thanks to them buggering the two matches that were half-decent I'm happy to report it didn't have a single redeeming feature.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I didn't watch it but are they fucking off Rollins/FIEND, fucking off the their no crossover rule (WILDCARDS FOR LIFE) or are they splitting the MEGA COUPLE ROLLINS AND BECKY?

[Ian]

I'd imagine Fox and USA will be a bit more keen to keep the rosters distinct for 'unique' shows. Until they realise WWE just books the same old shit anyway and it doesn't matter.

[Shindig]

Christ, Tyson's flat on the mic. He ... probably shouldn't have signed for this.

[Gray Fox]

He'll earn buckets of cash for about 3 appearances and a guaranteed win.

They should just let him go unfiltered without a script and he'd do better.

[Shindig]

Yes, take the filter off for a Saudi audience. :D

[Browning]

I didn't watch it but are they fucking off Rollins/FIEND, fucking off the their no crossover rule (WILDCARDS FOR LIFE) or are they splitting the MEGA COUPLE ROLLINS AND BECKY?

Not sure what you mean. Becky was drafted to RAW and presumably Seth will be too on Monday night.

Oh re-read it... Fiend going to Smackdown. Yea they’ll be fucking that off.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He'll earn buckets of cash for about 3 appearances and a guaranteed win.

They should just let him go unfiltered without a script and he'd do better.

He's a brilliant but in a really crap kind of way talker.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2019/10/14/20914099/wwe-world-cup-best-tag-team-crown-jewel-worlds-largest-turmoil-match

WWE will hand a World Cup to the Best Tag Team in the World at Crown Jewel

Shane to team with his trophy from last year.

[Ian]

Oh, great, they're pretending to care about tag teams on a show I won't be watching.

Bastards.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rumour is that a MEGA TRADE will happen to get THE FIEND back on RAW which would surely make a mockery of the whole thing, which probably means it's nailed on.

[phonics]

I’ve realised what the issue with NXTs ‘cheap’ look. They’re filming the crowd and entrances with those same high frame rate cameras. When the wrestling starts it makes it feel more like sports but they need different cameras for the zooms etc.

[Ian]

Rumour is that a MEGA TRADE will happen to get THE FIEND back on RAW which would surely make a mockery of the whole thing, which probably means it's nailed on.

Depends whether trades are possible all the time or only on draft days. (It doesn't matter whether it "is" or not of course, they'll make it up as they go along.)

And whether it's going to be a HHH-esque WE'LL GIVE YOU HALF OUR ROSTER FOR HIM. Fiend did seem an odd fit for SD though.

[Ian]

Also, Bray is now a two-time victim of arson. Poor guy.

[Browning]

Just read the results and either the executives haven’t watched one minute of WWE before or the writers shat themselves after last week and randomised most of the draft order. They took some nobody from 205 live before a bunch of former world champions for fuck sake.

[Ian]

The whole thing was, unsurprisingly, drivel. And as you say, some of it even if you try and allow for WWE non-logic is just incredibly dim.

I'm also liking AOP getting some return hype via those promos and going unpicked, Luke Harper not being picked along with Rowan when the option would theoretically have been there, the Usos not being in there at all, etc.

Even taking aside that and the woeful presentation it's just hard to care because no match-ups have seemed off-limits for a while anyway. If they'd kept the rosters separate then something like Rollins and Styles, for example, is something you'd have to look forward to with the new draft. As it is every fucker's been turning up everywhere anyway so between that and the main talking point being the NETWORK EXECUTIVES how anybody's expected to care is beyond me.

Thank goodness for NXT.

I never did get around to watching last week's AEW, mind.

[Queenslander]

AEW is brilliant in comparison.

[Disco]

Just read the results and either the executives haven’t watched one minute of WWE before or the writers shat themselves after last week and randomised most of the draft order. They took some nobody from 205 live before a bunch of former world champions for fuck sake.

At this point you have to conclude that either they just don't care or they think their viewers won't notice. I'm not sure which is worse but it's getting easier and easier to find a viable alternative so this sort of dumb shit is only going to drive people away.

[Baz]

AEW is brilliant in comparison.AEW is brilliant.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What was that Tyson Fury pen thing about?

[Baz]

What was that Tyson Fury pen thing about?


http://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/2019/10/5ca08748d2ab082c-600x338.gif
:arry:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

So Fury is weaker than Rowan?

[Ian]

And his intellectual inferior.

[wullie]

What the fuck is the 'Shorty Gable' stuff meant to be?

[Disco]

What the fuck is the 'Shorty Gable' stuff meant to be?

Who can tell, you have someone who had the potential to be a new Kurt Angle or maybe a Daniel Bryan but instead of doing that they've decided to dwell on physical attributes that only they think are drawbacks.

Incredible really.

[Disco]

AEW is brilliant.

Second episode of Dark goes out today, apparently they're getting Taz in to present it or commentate. :cool:

[Ian]

He is the James Taylor of WWE.

[Ian]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzxtzac04Dc

Have Boatman vs. The Pen at Blood Money IV. Winner faces Erick Rowan at Wrestlemania.

[Shindig]

It's no use commenting on Fury's size when the bloke he's fighting is bigger.

[Lewis]

Assuming Tyson Fury hasn't come along to be squashed, how are they going to finish this without their man looking shit?

[Shindig]

Well, Tyson's wardrobe is fabulous.

[Disco]

Assuming Tyson Fury hasn't come along to be squashed, how are they going to finish this without their man looking shit?

They've never cared in the past, and it's in Saudi Arabia so nobody will care.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Feel bad for Cesaro.

He's been booked against Mansoor at Blood Money. He should not be losing to an NXT talent who can't even get on TV.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Bischoff has gone and Bruce Prichard has taken over.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1184226214346665984

:cool:

[Ian]

Bischoff has gone and Bruce Prichard has taken over.

Excellent, somebody to say "Great idea, Vince!"


Assuming Tyson Fury hasn't come along to be squashed, how are they going to finish this without their man looking shit?

As Disco said, they'll just make him look shit and expect us to pretend he's an unstoppable monster again the following week.

[Disco]

Bischoff has gone and Bruce Prichard has taken over.

That'll bring the kids back for sure.

[Browning]

Bruce’s first act is to trade for Alexa and Nikki. RAW receives “future draft pick considerations”. What the fuck?

Also, gutted about Bischoff. I was so excited for nWo 57.0.

[Ian]

The whole Bischoff thing was weird as he seemed to have nominally the same roles as Heyman but not the same responsibilities or as much control.

[Browning]

Listening to Alvarez (which I guess you have to take with a pinch of salt) it sounded like Bischoff just couldn’t be arsed.

[Ian]

That would make sense, I suppose. I mean what I read is that Bischoff had less-to-no influence over creative for Smackdown compared to Heyman with Raw, and I'd have thought the creative side of it is what he wants to do.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Harper is going to Smackdown so the Bludgeons are officially done.

Makes sense.

[Ian]

Harper getting buried again, then.

[Ian]

https://whatculture.com/wwe/the-undertaker-spotted-having-a-cheeky-nandos-in-scotland


'Mean' Mark is charging £500 a pop for meet and greets at the upcoming convention.

Half a grand? Fuck off.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

According to WWE.com, Bray is set to appear on every single episode of Raw until December 2019.

Ugh.

[Pleb]

let him in

[Disco]

It's unlikely to affect my enjoyment of Raw.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's more the fact that they assured the fans that BRAND SPLIT MEANS BRAND SPLIT. Lasted a long time...

[Disco]

Surely no-one believes a word they say anymore.

Let me guess, they touted matches prior to the draft as the 'last chance to see these match-ups!' despite Survivor Series being round the corner and drafts being a semi-regular thing. They make all this shit up as they go along, it's just the next thing to shout breathlessly at the viewers in an attempt to make it seem more exciting than it is.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

WWE announced an additional stipulation to the scheduled Falls Count Anywhere Match between Universal champion Seth Rollins and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt at Crown Jewel later this month. Per the announcement, the match “can’t be stopped for any reason,” which you can see below.

I wonder how they'll end up stopping it.

Saudi Prince giving the ref a mountain of gold is my bet.

[Ian]

The Fiend sees a bunch of Saudi businessmen in the front row staring at their phones, realises the futility of it all, unmasks and actually takes up a career in presenting kids TV.

[Browning]

Does “for any reason” include pins and submissions?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Yes, they have to fight for all of eternity into the afterlife.

[Shindig]

Redoing spots is bad enough but redoing entire matches is ridiculous.

[Queenslander]

That Janela v Omega match was insane.

[Queenslander]

Minoru Suzuki leaving for NOAH apparently. ZSJ Gun?

[Ian]

NXT was pretty solid again. Dunne / Priest was good, Lee / Dijakovic are still having great matches despite doing them so regularly and I'm looking forward to their triple threat with Strong next week. I assume that we're getting set up for UE vs. a collective of people at WarGames.

[Queenslander]

NJPW America to form and run 24 for shows in America next year. Lol

Only 2 years too late cobbers.

https://www.njpw1972.com/63157

[Disco]

Pentagon is a great wrestler for many reasons but who knew one of them was the way he pronounces 'Lucha-saurus'.

[Queenslander]

Him and his brother are such a big deal AEW.

[bruhnaldo]

Per the announcement, the match “can’t be stopped for any reason,”

Why not just have them do a HIAC ooooh that's right.

[Ian]

Maybe WWE are doing feuds in reverse now. Start in hell in a cell and the Fiend will finally take the title off him in an arm wrestle.

[Shindig]

Or it'll just be a segment on Firefly Fun House where they hold Rollins and Lynch's wedding there. And everybody hugs.

[bruhnaldo]

I realize it would never happen but it would be cool if Bray, in the midst of all of his weirdness, decided to flip Bayley into one of his minions considering she's doing this cut up all the inflatable dolls thing.

So she "let's him in" to "find her true potential" and just goes full psychotic.

It would sorta fit with the theme, right? Bayley's hug phase = firefly fun house.. Bayley's dark turn = the fiend.

idk.

[Ian]

While he was still doing the cult leader thing they really needed him to turn somebody who didn't just immediately turn back (or be hanging around as part of a plan like Keith.)

Because they were never going to have him do that with I'd have taken him off screen for ages and then had him build up a jobber army off screen, people slowly aligning for unknown reasons and not actually being good but dominating for a bit by weight of numbers. Something like that.

And then have them all lose to John Cena or Roman Reigns, obviously.

[Ian]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/50132835

I assume this is all build-up bluster because I think we all know Boatman isn't going to be allowed to risk doing him any actual harm.

EDIT: Lol at Fox asking WWE fans on Twitter to stop chanting "What."

It's almost like the fans weren't enjoying the entirely pointless Jerry Lawler hosting a bit about the entirely pointless love triangle storyline.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Another Battle Royale for the Saudis (20 man) with the winner getting a shot at AJ's US title later in the night.

Mansoor to pull double duty winning the Royale, beating Cesaro and then AJ :drool:

The Princes will rejoice from behind their phones in their armchairs.

[bruhnaldo]

AEW tonight :drool:

[Queenslander]

I hope Omega has his AAA title with him.

[Queenslander]

Scorpio Sky is going to be a star.

[Ian]

Jack Gallagher on NXT last night. *gasp* I would not be against them using him more often.

I think the decision to have Cameron Grimes get a load of quick wins then run into Riddle and lose is a bit odd but I'll reserve judgement until I see it. Also looking forward to that main event. :cool:

[Waffdon]

Prince Devitt is back :drool:

That kick from Balor was so beautiful. ‘Pele’ kick or whatever they call it usually looks so shit.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jack Gallagher on NXT last night. *gasp* I would not be against them using him more often.

I think the decision to have Cameron Grimes get a load of quick wins then run into Riddle and lose is a bit odd but I'll reserve judgement until I see it. Also looking forward to that main event. :cool:
Not a fan of Grimes. His hat is pretty weird too.

[Ian]

I haven't really seen enough of him to know if I'm a fan or not, I just think it's an odd set-up to that result.

[Disco]

Trevor Lee is very good but I cannot take him seriously as Cameron Grimes, it's such an epically bad name.

[Ian]

It is not a good name at all.

It manages to make a worse overall wrasslin' name than one containing 'Trevor' which is some going.

[Disco]

DDP is 63 years old, watch him as he lopes across that arena and takes the stairs two at a time. The man is ridiculous.

[Shindig]

The benefits of starting in your 30's, kids.

[Ian]

DDP. :cool:

I should rewatch his Goldberg match again.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4BMrqZhxnf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Adam Rose is jacked now.

[Disco]

His wife must be delighted.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Vince is calling him nonstop too.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Raw and SmackDown's British numbers aren't always circulated in wrestling media so this makes for some interesting reading. Per the report, the 14 October Raw drew 38,000, down 10,000 from the previous week's show featuring Tyson Fury, who is a huge star in his home country. The 18 October SmackDown compelled 23,000 to tune in. Then, on 21 October, Raw drew just 3,000 viewers.

3,000. That is not an error.

This number is so low that Meltzer claims "people thought it was a computer glitch," but the data has since been confirmed legitimate. Naturally, people within WWE and Sky (their broadcaster) are stunned.

For context, Impact wrestling's 18 October episode had 77,000 viewers in the United Kingdom, which is approximately ten times their usual average in the US. AEW Dynamite, meanwhile, did a whopping 232,000 on ITV on 14 October.

RAW is dead here.

[Ian]

Does viewing figures include people recording or just live viewers?

I'm curious as to whether me winding through it in an hour, if I bother at all, contributes to that.

[Ian]

Also it's fine, I remember it's going to BT soon. That'll rake in the viewers.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Does viewing figures include people recording or just live viewers?

I'm curious as to whether me winding through it in an hour, if I bother at all, contributes to that.

Live.

Obviously it's at a dickhead time but they've never been that low.

I can't remember the last time I watched RAW or Smackdown, even truncating it after a recording.

[Ian]

I saw one recent article expressing surprise that SD "only" got 30k. I'd be interested to see a proper set of figures.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I don't plan on watching SD but why are they burying Gulak HARD?

The guy is seriously talented and they've taken him back to his shit PowerPoint persona whilst getting squashed by fucking Kalisto.

[Ian]

Vince must have spotted him and detested his good-at-wrestling flaw. See also: Gable being dressed like a child this week.

In better news, NXT was really good. I really enjoyed Ripley vs. Belair as it had a bit of a different dynamic to most WWE womens matches because of the power of the two of them and the main event was an absolute treat.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

"his PowerPoint gimmick went down badly with 205 Live viewers but it's bound to work now!"

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://wrestletalk.com/news/rey-mysterio-booed-for-asking-children-to-chant-d-sucker/

Rey Mysterio asked the kids to chant “d*** sucker” to Baron Corbin (i loved this part but everyone were mostly extremely uncomfortable looking at their kids and Rey got booed).

Rey turning heel.

[Lewis]

lol at that racist t-shirt stuff.

[bruhnaldo]

I mean the shirt seems kinda shortsighted?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

“Albert Hardie Jr. (aka Jordan Myles) approved this t-shirt for sale. As always, we work collaboratively with all of our performers to develop logos and merchandise designs and get their input and approval before proceeding. This was the same process with Albert, and we responded swiftly once he later requested that the logo/t-shirt be redesigned. No t-shirts were sold.”

Shots fired.

[phonics]

Is it supposed to be a mouth and they're saying he was shiny teeth?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's supposed to be a mouth because he's always smiling.

It looks like it's playing on the joke that you can only see black people in the dark when they smile or something. That obviously wasn't the intention though.

[Ian]

1188994162215084032

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://i.redd.it/sdopkuhqddv31.jpg

[Disco]

As if people watch Raw nowadays.

[Ian]

I'm increasingly not even bothering to skip through it. So this week as an example you look at the reviews I use and the highlights, such as they are, seem to be:

- Sane vs. Lynch. No real complaints here, so moving on.

- O'Shea vs. McIntyre. Great! Sounds like a good match. That we already saw last week. Because this is the only way WWE builds feuds now, with only a few exceptions. Building feuds with repeat matches need not be a bad thing. See Lee vs. Dijakovic as a current NXT example, but those two haven't just been wrestling back to back shows and when they do have a match they are clearly making an effort to do different things. I'm making what I don't think is an unfair assumption that these pair on Raw were probably told to largely go through the same stuff they did last time. And there's nothing on the line. Hogan and Flair pride in Saudi. Great.

- Rollins vs. Rowan: Falls Count Anywhere. Why? Why are these two, who aren't feuding, having a random gimmick match? Fuck off.

- Styles vs. Carillo. Carillo seems decent, had a good match against Rollins last week. Grand. But would it hurt to give me a reason to believe he's suddenly being pushed other than because he helps hit a demographic?

And then of course you've got that shitshow main event segment.

Thank God NXT is good (for now.)

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The Carillo thing stinks of the whole 'THEY WERE POPULAR ON NXT/205 LET'S PUSH THEM' it will end in a week or two when he's suddenly on Main Event and one of the 24/7 geeks as well as in No Way Jose's conga line.

[Ian]

Carillo wasn't that big a deal on NXT. I'd have been surprised if this past fortnight had seem pushed into the NA title scene let alone holding his own against Raw's two champs

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Carillo wasn't that big a deal on NXT. I'd have been surprised if this past fortnight had seem pushed into the NA title scene let alone holding his own against Raw's two champs

I believe he was on 205 though.

[Ian]

The one nobody cares about until they suddenly do, in which case I feel like my point stands.

The other exception to the rule would be Ali, but now he's just another mug since he got injured and Kofi nicked his job.

[Ian]

There will be a (shit) womens match at Blood Money IV tonight or tomorrow or whenever it is.

Saudi Arabia zooming into the 20th century. For an afternoon.

[Disco]

Bra & Panties match?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Shane has landed in Riyadh :drool:

Clearly going to be THE BEST TEAM IN THE World, probably with last year's trophy.

Giving the people what THEY WANT.

[Ian]

Just a picture of himself perched on the apron.

[Waffdon]

TYSON Fury :D

[Ian]

So Brock squashes this dickhead, and is then chased off by Mysterio who had previously not been presented as resembling a threat.

WWE gonna WWE.

[Ian]

Tell you what, catching up with this via the Sun's fanboyish livetext was something.

[Gray Fox]

Odds on The Fiend dropping the title on the very next Smackdown?

[Waffdon]

The finish of the Wyatt match lol

[Lewis]

TYSON Fury :D

He called his finisher the 'Big Stiff Idiot'. He's the greatest sportsman alive.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Would have watched it if I'd have been around live but as is fuck watching it, especially with the reviews.

Why have Cain lose clean in a squash, especially when he actually smashed Baroque badly in a real fight. I was expecting them to make Cain look seriously good and have Brock use a weapon. Guess it all leads to a Rey/Baroque MEGA MATCH which is what everyone wants...

I do like that they're going to have NXT at Survivor Series though, will be interesting to see how much Vince shits on them though. I am seeing rumours that they might use Wargames as the main event which would be stupid as NXT will be having two the night before which will be much better than what the main roster would do.

[Queenslander]

Wasnt Vince disgusted by Cain's body?

[Ian]

Why have Cain lose clean in a squash, especially when he actually smashed Baroque badly in a real fight. I was expecting them to make Cain look seriously good and have Brock use a weapon. Guess it all leads to a Rey/Baroque MEGA MATCH which is what everyone wants...

Yeah, the Rey promo suggests he's gonna have a go at Bork himself. In which case: What has been the point of all this?

(Yes, yes, I know, money from sponsors or whatever is the point.)

[Ian]

I've seen a couple of things saying Mansoor genuinely looked good on the show, and not just that Cesaro carried him.

Also apparently there were delays getting people out of Saudi meaning issues actually getting people back for Smackdown tonight.

Wild card, baby!

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1190421138230435840

It looks tiny on him :D

I may have to watch Smackdown with all the NXT talent. Bryan v Adam Cole could be cracking.

[Ian]

Yeah sounds like it was a good show. NXT made to look very strong too.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Still a week behind on NXT and just finished last weeks:

1187186036113203200

:drool:

What a match, just give me moar.

[Queenslander]

Jericho v Tanahashi at WK 14. I hope he is allowed to use his Inner Circle in the lead up.

[Disco]

Hiromu finally cleared to come back at WK too. :cool:

[Queenslander]

Hiromu finally cleared to come back at WK too. :cool:

:drool:

[Queenslander]

https://youtu.be/lc2VBdH35Uw

[Ian]

NXT this week was just two hours of phenomenal wrestling TV. Every match was at least really good, various angles progressed, everybody benefitted. Not convinced I'd have booked a womens WarGames match without Shirai and Sane in it but it's only right that they do a womens one.

And this might seem silly to say given he didn't do much on NXT (I've not watched Smackdown yet) but Ciampa might be the best thing WWE has right now.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I reckon Shirai will be in the Wargames match. I'd imagine it will be:

Shayna, Marina Shafir, Jessamyn Duke (big risk having these two as they're pretty crap but they're almost guaranteed), Io and Bianca Belair v Rhea, Candice, Tegan, Dakota Kai and Mia Yim.

Belair and Io don't really fit Shayna's team as they're actively pursuing Shayna's title but they were against the obvious Rhea Ripley side during the brawl.

Ciampa has been the best thing WWE has since he turned heel at the beginning of last year. Obviously he let go of that role when he crocked his neck but he's taken it back right away.

[Disco]

I liked how William Regal now a shout-balcony right there in the arena.

[Queenslander]

Vince appears to have doubled down and expanded his deal with the Saudis.

AEW to have 2 weekly shows by the end of next year?

[SvN]

Looks like nothing has actually changed. They've been doing 2 events per year since they started the deal. A really weird press release.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

To try and boost the stock price?

Can't think of any other possible reason.

[Ian]

"They let women wrestle in some only-moderately-scandalous super baggy t shirts! Look how progressive they are!

And they only kidnapped our staff for, like, a REALLY short amount of time."

[Queenslander]

Naito double champ is back on.
Disco

[Ian]

I think Cole's match on Smackdown might be one of my favourite singles matches of his. Being against Bryan it wasn't quite as much of an indieriffic compilation of meaningless spots and I enjoyed it very much.

[wullie]

I hate Survivor Series, people who want to murder each other every week suddenly become best pals because they're wearing the same t-shirt for a PPV with no stakes at all.

[SvN]

Yeah it's shite. Everyone suddenly cares about their brand for a fortnight and then doesn't give a shit the night after the event.

[Ian]

And the changes in character too.

Adam Cole, ringleader of WWE's preeminent chickenshit heel stable, being happy to defend his title against a guy like Bryan at the drop of a hat makes no sense.

[SvN]

Bayley kicking the shit out of defenceless opposition a few years ago was peak WWE logic.

[Ian]

It wouldn't even be that hard to add some stakes to it to at least allow it to make a little sense.

Show that achieves whatever thing (most wins, wins main event SS match, whatever) gets to determine the last entrants for the two Rumbles or whatever. Just something.

Also how is a three-way brand WAR going to work when it comes to the Survivor Series matches? 5 v 5 v 5 or some shit?

[Boydy]

I don't really follow this thread but I caught some of that AEW on ITV last night. It was pretty entertaining. Anyone watch it?

[Ian]

I believe a few have been, I've still not given it a bash.

[Queenslander]

It is good stuff. Orange Cassidy is the coolest man in the business.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It is good stuff. Orange Cassidy is the coolest man in the business.
He is the one person that really hit with me during the first PPV.

[Queenslander]

He is the one person that really hit with me during the first PPV.

Scorpio Sky has huge potential down the road IMO. Maybe I am getting carried away but I thought he was electric in the tag final and semi final.

Darby Allin is another that I want to see more of and that coffin drop finisher gets me good.

[Disco]

It is good stuff. Orange Cassidy is the coolest man in the business.

He gets a great reaction but I'm yet to see a lot of wrestling out of him.

[Ian]

Rollins having another strop on the Twitter, I see.

[Boydy]

Scorpio Sky has huge potential down the road IMO. Maybe I am getting carried away but I thought he was electric in the tag final and semi final.

Darby Allin is another that I want to see more of and that coffin drop finisher gets me good.

The match I enjoyed last night was Scorpio Sky and his tag team partner (dunno his name) against a couple of Mexican brothers (the Lucha brothers?) for the tag team championship.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rollins having another strop on the Twitter, I see.

He's become a right twat the last few months.

[Disco]

Lucha Bros have been immense, Fenix running about on the ropes is terrifying and amazing at the same time.

[Disco]

Ospreay / Hiromu might be my favorite feud ever. Hiromu (and Daryl natch) made his first appearance post injury at Power Struggle, lay on the ramp for a bit, hugged Ospreay, then challenged him for the title at Wrestle Kingdom. Today in the press conference Will brought him a pig dressed as him.


1191605260797849600

[Ian]

In the right thread this time:

I dunno if Rollins is actually going to NXT or if it's just a pointless tease* but his promo and backstage stuff tonight with HHH were much better than his stuff with the Fiend has been.

* I assume pointless tease as only Bork is allowed to decide what show he wants to be on.

A pity that by way of a follow-up to Cole / Bryan they insisted that Rollins continue to not be allowed a clean finish on TV.

[Queenslander]

The match I enjoyed last night was Scorpio Sky and his tag team partner (dunno his name) against a couple of Mexican brothers (the Lucha brothers?) for the tag team championship.
If you get super keen the 3rd hour of each weekly show is shown on youtube the following week.

https://youtu.be/tqdImouRtvo

Both Omega v Janela matches are worth a view in my opinion.

[Queenslander]

He is the one person that really hit with me during the first PPV.


https://youtu.be/L2H7Dju_CR4

[wullie]

I've enjoyed Dynamite each week on the ITV hub so far. Jericho's gang are fun, I like what I've seen of Darby Allin and the Lucha team but as good as Omega and the Young Bucks are in the ring I find them a bit too pleased with themselves to enjoy. Last week's episode with everyone in costume almost made me go full Cornette.

[Disco]

I have wondered how they come across to people who are just starting to watch Dynamite given all the 'story' they've tried to carry over. They've been very careful to avoid having them win all the time right from the start but that does also mean that people like Omega have been touted as the best in the world only to come in and lose lots of matches.

I'm sure it's just part of starting up a new promotion but some of it must seem odd to new viewers.

[Ian]

Yeah I mean I respect that they're trying not just have the founders win but it does meaning you're telling rather than showing to an extent. It's a fine line I guess.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I reckon Shirai will be in the Wargames match. I'd imagine it will be:

Shayna, Marina Shafir, Jessamyn Duke (big risk having these two as they're pretty crap but they're almost guaranteed), Io and Bianca Belair v Rhea, Candice, Tegan, Dakota Kai and Mia Yim.

Belair and Io don't really fit Shayna's team as they're actively pursuing Shayna's title but they were against the obvious Rhea Ripley side during the brawl.


It's been announced as Rhea, Candince, Tegan and another v Shayna, Io Shirai, Bianca Belair and another.

Has to be Dakota Kai for TEAM FACE as she's facing Shayna in a non-title match this week plus it fits. Although, I have heard rumours that Dakota is dealing with a minor injury, if so Toni Storm?

For TEAM HEEL no one really jumps out as her shit mates have been pretty much confirmed as not being in the actual match (which is good) so it has to be someone from developmental (Scarlett Bordeaux) or someone turning heel (Mia Yim).

[Ian]

Yeah that all sounds much better than what I was hoping for. Rousey to come back heel as Baszler's mate would be decent. Shirai is doing a lot of the gimmick-match heavy lifting in that match either way.

In the mens the thing we're all hoping for is a moonsault from Big Fat Keith Lee off the top of the cage.

NXT sounds fairly run of the mill otherwise. (Meaning not matching their best but still obviously better than whatever the main roster is up to.)

[Ian]

That last 25 minutes or so of NXT and the crowd reactions to it from the Riddle hot tag to the Balor stuff was pretty great.

[Queenslander]

https://youtu.be/73ffBAwPoWw

[Pleb]

I'm hearing that Bork and Fake Taker are switching brands with their titles?

[Ian]

I started listing things that were bad about Smackdown this week but it got a bit exhausting.

So, so very bad.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That last 25 minutes or so of NXT and the crowd reactions to it from the Riddle hot tag to the Balor stuff was pretty great.

T'was awesome.

Also, after how things have played out I can see Shayna offering the last spot to Dakota Kai now in an attempt at MINDGAMES.

[Ian]

Yeah I wondered if there was going to be a turn there. Only problem being that while Kai is good and reasonably onside with the crowd is it enough to be a notable turn? I guess not every turn has to be massive and dramatic, but still.

[Ian]

That Moxley / Omega match sounds like the sort of thing I absolutely do not want to watch.

Tempted by Jericho / Cody though.

[Queenslander]

That Moxley / Omega match sounds like the sort of thing I absolutely do not want to watch.

Tempted by Jericho / Cody though.

Me neither. Death match style wrestling can stay in the 90's.

[Queenslander]

JR put in another shift of being a miserable cunt again.

[Ian]

Yeah the WhatCulture guy reviewing it said he's actively detrimental to the shows.

[Shindig]

Does he ... need the work?

[Queenslander]

He was exactly the same for NJPW when he called a live show with Josh Barnett.

[Queenslander]

Does he ... need the work?

I doubt it. Im pretty sure this is the industry helping him after his wife was killed.

[Disco]

He's ok as long as he doesn't have to remember who anyone is, Schiavone / Excalibur should be the pairing at some point not too far in the future.

[Queenslander]

https://www.njpw1972.com/64975

Interesting read about the history of the double champ.

[SvN]

I haven't seen any of AEW, but reddit reckons JR has found a new lease of life and is doing a tremendous job.

[phonics]

CM Punk has just turned up on WWE backstage.

[Ian]

There were rumours of him being a regular. Interesting that he's doing anything wrestling-y and he hasn't done it with the obvious competition.

[Lewis]

Why bring him back on that rather than at whatever for the biggest HYPE in years? Imagine if he came out as number thirty in the Royal Rumble. The place would fall to bits.

[Disco]

He's working for Fox not WWE, he presumably said no to everything else.

[Lewis]

They should have had him go over no-selling Triple Haitch in a gimmick MMA match.

[Gray Fox]

Being a Fox employee is probably what got this done.

Vince can't have him booked to lose clean to Hornswoggle whenever he wants now presumably. It's quite odd to see him back on WWE TV after what happened. I doubt it will lead to anything in-ring unless Punk has had a serious change of heart lately.

[Shindig]

They should have had him go over no-selling Triple Haitch in a gimmick MMA match.

You're not thinking big enough. CM Punk vs Ronda in an actual MMA match.

[Disco]

They should have had him go over no-selling Triple Haitch in a gimmick MMA match.

He said no to that five years ago, I don't imagine the lawsuit changed his mind.

[Ian]

Big win for Fat Keith last night. :drool:

And the main event ladder match sounds good too. I can't imagine many people envisioned Kay Lee Rae being added to Baszler's team.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I had heard a few rumours if only because there's no other heel on NXT. I've not seen much of her but I find her very meh.

Also heard the other day that Gargano was injured which is why Riddle is now facing Balor.

[Ian]

That's a decent pairing. Riddle's good enough and over enough that a loss there won't hurt him.

[Ian]

if any of you read more of the WWE chatter than I do: Any idea if this Lio Rush REDEMPTION STORY is him actually having become less of a cunt or is it just kayfabe flannel?

EDIT: Garza's moonsault fallaway slam thing is great.

[Browning]

The Jericho hype video featuring his Aunt’s mate from church or whatever it was is genuinely the best thing I’ve seen in wrestling in years.

[phonics]

I've got a weird relationship with AEW, I watch it all but not enjoying most of it. Like it's so close to what I want but the X-factor is missing. I like most of the wrestlers and most of the wrestling I just can't care about WHY they're wrestling.

For an opposite example, I don't particularly care for Cody Rhodes or watching him wrestle in the grander scheme of things but then you watch because you're watching anyway and the Goldust match happens or this:

https://youtu.be/HU-W4UHSj4Q?t=16

and suddenly I've got a hard on. I need more that.

[Queenslander]

Donald Trump Jr is on the Jericho podcast. Lolol

[Ian]

Well Mia Yim didn't have a good time on NXT, did he?

That fall off the ladder looked fucking rough.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Broken nose, possible broken ribs and a sex change it seems.

Dakota to replace her in WARGAMES seems likely.

[Ian]

Broken nose, possible broken ribs and a sex change it seems.

Dakota to replace her in WARGAMES seems likely.

Took me a moment. :D

[John]

1196936758363119618

:lol:

[Queenslander]

:lol:

[Ian]

Fucking hell.

[Gray Fox]

I believe that's a taped show too, so that's also got through editing.

[Ian]

CM Punk on his full WWE Backstage debut last night:

Punk's most pointed moment came when criticising the current Baron Corbin/Roman Reigns feud. "This is something that makes me reconsider doing this show," he said when revisiting last week's SmackDown segment. "The creative is bad. I don't anything about Baron Corbin, really, but that's a bad start. It was garbage, right Paige?"

a) I haven't seen this show so I find them talking about "the creative" weird. I know Fox are going for a SPORTS feel with this stuff but I assumed that was still meant to fall at least loosely into whatever still passes for kayfabe.

b) They must have known he was going to call them shit so it makes you wonder why they've got him on this, unless they couldn't do what Lewis said above and get him back on a show for a megapop and they're hoping to work him into wrestling again from here and think that's going to earn them more money than it probably will.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fucking hell :D

Edit: regarding the commentary.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1196967991776292869

Cornette loves the line it seems.

[Disco]

I don't even get it, what's he trying to say about him?

[Ian]

My take is that he's saying Murdoch is so tough could defend himself from the ravenous hordes of black people who'd be descending upon him to get at that fried chicken.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I would be well up for a Dunne v Cole match.

[Ian]

I'd watch Dunne against almost anybody.

[bruhnaldo]

did i miss it?

[Disco]

My take is that he's saying Murdoch is so tough could defend himself from the ravenous hordes of black people who'd be descending upon him to get at that fried chicken.

Oh I see, the scooter bit threw me as I really couldn't picture Trevor Murdoch on an African biking holiday.

[Disco]

I would be well up for a Dunne v Cole match.

Yellow Peter against anyone please.

[Ian]

See also: Bate vs. anybody.

Riddle and Dream are getting there in my humble estimation too.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Dream is already there for me.

[Ian]

Both of the latter two probably are for me, now I look at their lists of Takeover matches. Aside from ones where they weren't given much time or proper build to work with it's all good stuff.

[bruhnaldo]

did i miss it?

watching without sound was my mistake here

[bruhnaldo]

Raw and Smackdown don't even exist in my mind tbh. AEW/NXT miles ahead.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I don't remember when I last watched RAW or Smackdown.

Probably would have watch the whole invasion bits starting from the Smackdown after Saudi Blood Money but I was still in a hotel so couldn't and now don't care.

[Ian]

And the first episode of it was the best bit.

I read reviews of Raw and SD and watch any bits that sound worth it.

I'll watch more Raw if Dio Madden sells the F5 for eternity and they keep Tonga Jeff on commentary. He is good. Though to be fair Madden is actually decent. Lawler is the problem on that team.

[Mike]

1196967991776292869

Cornette loves the line it seems.

He’s resigned.

[Ian]

NXT last night tickling our balls with the prospect of Riddle vs. Richochet but shenanigans ending it early. Still, 25 minutes of Undisputed Era vs. The Revival on NXT which I will be watching. :drool: Be interesting to see how the Revival work when not in all-out heel mode too.

[wullie]

NWA had to have a word with Cornette about him making light of suicide on a podcast recently too. Hell of a run to not even make it through two tapings. I've enjoyed Powerrrrr each week too, I wonder how much of it will change now as it feels like it has his fingerprints all over it.

[SvN]

It's a shame because he was in his element. I only watched the first episode but really enjoyed it, and he was great on commentary.

[Ian]

I dunno if anybody here watches any Wrestling With Wregret but the guy from that had an unrelated Twitter row with Cornette and Cornette blocked him a day or so before all this kicked off.

So WWW put up a video about him and a lot of what he says is totally fair but it's also stuff that's been true for years so it really feels like he's just taken Cornette blocking him very petulantly. Which isn't like him, Brian Zane normally comes across as pretty level-headed.

It's a shame because Cornette can be really good. Haven't watched any of Powerrrrrrrrrrrrrr at all yet.

[wullie]

I've seen the lot now, I don't know if it's just a nostalgic haze that has yet to wear off or not but it's an hour that absolutely zips along so even if something's a bit crap you're not waiting long for something else to happen.

[Disco]

It's been good but odd in places and the retro feel must be aimed at a very particular audience. However every episode managed to make me care enough to watch to the end so it's getting something right.

[Ian]

That Revival vs. Undisputed Era tag match is well worth going out of your way to watch if you haven't already, chums.

[Lewis]

That Jim Cornette joke seems more about starving Africans than black people loving fried chicken (especially the nineties version). I thought Trevor Murdoch was dead as well. Turns out Lance Cade is the dead one.

[phonics]

I know it's a bad complaint but the AEW TV show has too much wrestling. It's all quite good but IDGAF who wins ever.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1198054626890829825

I don't mind the new design but why change the nicest looking title on the main roster?

[Shindig]

Because belts have no prestige and they need to sell new replicas.

[Ian]

It doesn't really matter, you only see it about four times a year anyway.

I broadly disapprove though, even if it is nice

[Browning]

I tried to read the results of Smackdown and was too bored to carry on after about a paragraph and a half. That must mean I’m officially done.

Kind of wish WCPW didn’t fold because going to the shows was about the only fun part of wrestling over the last few years.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Swerve vs Garza has been added to the pre-show which could be good.

Also, I've heard rumours about the 4th Team Ciampa man which are a bit meh.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Watching NXT now, what an upgrade that was over Kona Reeves.

Genuinely sighed when his music hit.

Shame it wasn't very long though.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That Revival vs. Undisputed Era tag match is well worth going out of your way to watch if you haven't already, chums.

I think UE (pairing of Fish and O'Reilly) might be in that bracket of must watch with Dunne, Bate and Dream.

I can't recall a dud.

[Ian]

I really, really don't like WarGames.

The womens match I hated the structure and while I get that they wanted to make Ripley look strong there were much better ways to do it than gimp out the four heels. The mens match literally the only thing I cared about was KO being the surprise and the crowd going mad for it.

The triple threat was good but with a heel champ in place I felt like Dunne was the only winner and the Riddle / Balor match had the right result but felt like a good TV main event as part of a build to a Takeover match rather than a Takerover epic. Still, bonus points for them not using a typical finisher to end it. More of that would mean kickouts actually mean something more often.

A bit meh by Takeover standards for me but I'm on a hiding to nothing when I don't like WarGames matches.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Just finished the pre-show and I was pretty much certain that Yim would be out as she apparently cracked her ribs during the ladder match (my word she took a pasting in that).

I really want them to turn Kai heel and it would be perfect to do it during the WarGames match. They'll probably just make her get the winning move though.

Edit: Oh fuck yes.

[bruhnaldo]

I know it's a bad complaint but the AEW TV show has too much wrestling. It's all quite good but IDGAF who wins ever.

I mean I feel like the roster is fleshing itself out nicely but maybe I'm a mark.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

And I'm done.

I really like Wargames matches so I enjoyed the PPV a lot.

Preferred the women's Wargames match to the men's and Rhea is a star and the Kai heel turn came off really well with her 'snapping'. Dunne/Dain/Priest was good but it was obvious that Dunne was going to win so took a little of the edge off but I loved the crafty finish. Riddle/Balor was a bit disappointing, it was good but it could have been better and I felt that Balor was phoning it in a bit.

KO was a great fourth especially as the main rumours I heard were Rollins and John Morrison which both were a bit meh.

[phonics]

I mean I feel like the roster is fleshing itself out nicely but maybe I'm a mark.

As I say, the wrestling is good, why they're wrestling is non existent.

[bruhnaldo]

Oh no I heard you, what I'm saying is I feel as if they're defining everyone's roles without forcing them too much in a way that seems organic.

The overarching theme stemming more from wins-losses/taking advantage of the opportunity AEW is giving them for the most part... rather than some fake "ahhh you looked at my girlfriend the wrong way we must wrestle 6 times over the next 3 months." kinda thing.

They all seem to be working toward either getting respect, a paycheck (which JR has said a couple times during matches about how the WL record affects their pay or whatever), or just working their way up the ladder in general.

I'd rather have it seem more like sports with soap opera elements sprinkled in occasionally rather than soap opera with sports occasionally.

[phonics]

They all seem to be working toward either getting respect, a paycheck (which JR has said a couple times during matches about how the WL record affects their pay or whatever), or just working their way up the ladder in general.

Fucking boring. Why wouldn't I just watch UFC?

[bruhnaldo]

Fucking boring. Why wouldn't I just watch UFC?

I think they're creating a lot of interesting angles and characters out of basically nothing so I can't really tell you, man.

[Smjffy]

I haven't tuned in for ages but I see Survivor Series is on tonight. Worth watching?


WWE CHAMPIONSHIP (NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH)

Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Rey Mysterio

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIPBray Wyatt (c) vs. Daniel Bryan

MEN'S 5-ON-5 TRADITIONAL SURVIVOR SERIES ELIMINATION MATCHSeth Rollins (Captain), Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, Drew McIntyre, and Ricochet vs. Roman Reigns (Captain), Shorty G, King Corbin, Mustafa Ali, and Braun Strowman vs. Tommaso Ciampa (Captain), Damian Priest, Matt Riddle, Keith Lee, and WALTER

WOMEN'S 5-ON-5 TRADITIONAL SURVIVOR SERIES ELIMINATION MATCHSasha Banks (Captain), Carmella, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, and Nikki Cross vs. Charlotte (Captain), Asuka, Kairi Sane, Natalya and Sarah Logan vs. Rhea Ripley (Captain), Toni Storm, Io Shirai, Candice LeRae, and Bianca BelairNXT CHAMPIONSHIP
Adam Cole (c) vs. Pete DunneRAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch vs. SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley vs. NXT Women's Champion Shayna BaszlerUnited States Champion AJ Styles vs. NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong vs. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

On paper it looks very good, largely because of the NXT participants.

If Triple H's input is limited it will be crap though.

[wullie]

Saw the first match which was nice enough, although having the NXT women cheat to win and also be T-shirt pals a day after trying to murder each other is why Survivor Series is always a load of bollocks now

[Ian]

Survivor Series was.... alright?

The Bryan / Fiend match was done better than either of the ones with Rollins were (though that red lighting needs to fuck off), helped immeasurably by the ground actually being behind the guy trying to take down Wyatt. Cole vs. Dunne and the 2nd title triple threat I enjoyed, the womens triple threat had the right result but wasn't great, I thought the womens SS match was a bit sloppy but had some good moments and ended a pretty outstanding week for Ripley. Lesnar / Rey was the waste of time presumably everybody expected.

The mens survivor series match was fun overall. There's no point bringing in WALTER just to do that to him and I thought there was some stuff they set up but didn't pay off on (KO / Rollins / NXT, it would've made sense for Jezza to come back for Reigns) and I thought Riddle in particular was also utterly wasted but at least Fat Keith got to shine at the end (and supposedly Vince liked what he saw, which is probably more worrying than good.) It also seems Boatman's job in SS matches is to get stupid eliminations. Is that twice he's been counted out? And has anybody else ever been counted out in a SS match other than him? And how exactly does one get counted out under triple threat rules anyway?

[Browning]

Count out in survivor series matches are pretty common. The triple threat bit is dodgy I guess, but then most triple threats aren’t elimination rules which is probably why you can’t.

[Ian]

Count out in survivor series matches are pretty common. The triple threat bit is dodgy I guess, but then most triple threats aren’t elimination rules which is probably why you can’t.

Fair 'nuff. I suppose I'm just actually remembering these as it's happened to the poor bastard twice.

So his record in these matches is what, counted out, SURVIVED but entirely overshadowed by some old twats, 2018 I am informed by Wikipedia that he survived again and dominated a squash against the Smackdown eam, then counted out again.