A New Era for the Wrestling Thread

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Hunter Rider]

The 8-man tag that came from the opening promo on Raw was a lot of fun, some of the camera shots they got on Wilde in particular were spectacular, and the 4 way dive overhead shot was a thing of beauty.

Drew cut a really strong promo ahead of the strap match with Punk, but it was Randy's promo that was the mic work of the night, it was arguably the best promo Orton has ever cut Imo, now someone buy him some pants!

Nice win for the Sky Pirates and return for Zelina, I could see them working together as Zelina is real life besties with Dakota Kai. I liked that in her backstage promo she still mentioned Liv, which should be the endgame for her story.

The 2 triple threat matches in the IC #1 contenders match were both solid, I expected Jey to win but was a but surprised that the Bruiserweight went over, I thought Miz would given the way they were talking about his quest to equal Jericho's record for Intercontinental title reigns.

The wasting of Gable is the only thing on either show that really irritates me, the sooner American Made move on from feuding with the circus act, the better.

The highlight of the night was Bronson Reed and Braun Strowman recreating King Kong vs Godzilla with a super heavyweight brawl through the arena, culminating in one of the most spectacular spots I've seen the booking to get Reed over as a monster has been flawless, and they've turned hus Tsunami finisher into an attraction.

 

[Lobo]

I haven't watched Raw yet, but saw the highlights of Reed vs Strownan jeez! The bump across the hood of the car to the floor was nuts. You can hear Braun ask Bronson if he's okay.

 

[NDX]

AEW did something to get me watch at least 1 match of theirs, and that was bringing out Nigel ****ing McGuinness.

Now, back to not watching anymore.

Edit: holy **** the announce team is complete and utter ****. They didn't sell the arrival of Ricochet at all. It was almost as bad as Adam Page just standing there all herp derp. He should have lost his mind like Trips did at the first Cactus Jack reveal in the Garden in 97.

 

[NDX]

I haven't watched Raw yet, but saw the highlights of Reed vs Strownan jeez! The bump across the hood of the car to the floor was nuts. You can hear Braun ask Bronson if he's okay.

I think the only thing they messed up with this was, when they came back from commercial they showed Braun but only told us Bronson walked off denying medical attention. If they showed footage of that from during the break that would solidified his badassery.

But I'm loving this push right now, he should have had this the moment he returned.

 

[NDX]

RIP Sid.

It's hard to believe he was only 21 years my senior. He seemed so much older when I was younger. So scary, so dominant.

He was not a good wrestler, I don't look back on his matches fondly. But, he once did an indy I was at and powerbombed Eddie Kingston into oblivion and I will always remember that.

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Hunter Rider]

LA Knight not getting his first US title defense on a PLE was an interesting choice, but a shame for Santos Escobar as he's getting underutilised Imo. I wonder who will answer Knight's open challenge this week? I'm guessing the return of AJ or Nakamura.

I also wish Michin was getting her title opportunity on a bigger stage, still, the street fight between her and Nia should be decent.

I was surprised how inept the Bloodline were booked against the Street Profits, and Tonga Loa is getting the "You can't wrestle" chants due to his botches

I expect the Cody and Owens niceties will implode this week.

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Lobo]

LA Knight not getting his first US title defense on a PLE was an interesting choice, but a shame for Santos Escobar as he's getting underutilised Imo. I wonder who will answer Knight's open challenge this week? I'm guessing the return of AJ or Nakamura.

I also wish Michin was getting her title opportunity on a bigger stage, still, the street fight between her and Nia should be decent.

I was surprised how inept the Bloodline were booked against the Street Profits, and Tonga Loa is getting the "You can't wrestle" chants due to his botches

I expect the Cody and Owens niceties will implode this week.

Nakamura is a good bet for the open challenge. He's someone Knight could beat. There's a part of me that would love the open challenge to be answered by

 

[blueharvest]

 

[NDX]

Jeezus NXT, just make all my dreams come true with Rosemary vs Kelani Jordan.

 

[Dr. Evil]

They have to do this every six months because of Pat McAfee's other endeavors

 

[Hunter Rider]

Nakamura is a good bet for the open challenge. He's someone Knight could beat. There's a part of me that would love the open challenge to be answered by

That would be a fun twist, they certainly seem keen on pushing Hendry and that would be a nice little boost to that, plus it opens the door to TNA talent popping up on the main roster.

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Lobo]

That would be a fun twist, they certainly seem keen on pushing Hendry and that would be a nice little boost to that, plus it opens the door to TNA talent popping up on the main roster.

I think at the very least Hendry is a shoe in for a Rumble appearance.

 

[blueharvest]

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Hunter Rider]

LA Knight vs Ludwig Kaiser was the highlight of Smackdown, it was a good opening promo exchange and a solid match, Kaiser is developing well as a singles star but needs to start picking up some wins.

It was good to see the WWE Women's championship main event the show, the Nia vs Michin Street fight was a decent brawl. They teased the Tiffy cash-in again, I feel something has to happen soon otherwise Nia will look dumb for ignoring the obvious. Good to see Bayley back in the mix as well.

It was interesting to note on this week's NXT the segment between Jaida and Roxanne saw both women acknowledge someone off-screen, I'm guessing it's Stephanie Vaugier, I could see this match going on last and she'll debut after Rox retains, to close the show with a staredown.

 

[Hunter Rider]

I'll see Bash in Berlin and No Mercy on Monday, so here's my final predictions.


Bash in Berlin

Gunter vs Orton - I'm hoping this will be the match I was expecting at King of the Ring, I'm certain Gunther wins, I just hope it's clean.

Punk vs McIntyre - this will be brutal and I expect both guys will use the stipulation to create the maximum drama. I think Punk goes over with a photo finish.

Cody vs Owens - A bit of an awkward build but should be a decent match, Cody retains, they shake hands.

Priest & Rhea vs Dom & Liv - I'm not really sure how good this will be, I don't think it'll go long, and I think Priest and Rhea will get some payback with a fairly comprehensive win.

Bianca & Jade vs Fyre & Dawn - Should be a solid match, and after the video package on Smackdown I think Bianca & Jade regain the titles, if they don't then I'm guessing the plan is for Jade to be Nia's challenger by Survivor Series.


No Mercy

Ego vs Hendry - it'll be decent, Page has actually done a good job as the smarmy heel champion and he'll retain, and now Trick is special guest ref I'm curious how him and his feud with the Bruiserweight plays into the finish.

Roxanne vs Jaida - Should be a good showcase for Miss Parker, in there with the best worker in NXT, Rox goes over but cements Jaida as a legit contender.

Oba Femi vs The Don - I think it'll be a good power match with big Oba successfully defending his title again.

Chase U vs Axiom & Frazer - the previous matches in this rivalry have been really good so I expect the same here. The Chase U gimmick would be DOA on the main roster, but works in NXT, and I think they'll retain the titles.

Kelani vs Wendy - I've not seen a lot of Wendy but what I have has been impressive, she's technically good and is working her gimmick really well. Kelani is a fantastic athlete and I think she'll keep her title, but her milktoast babyface act needs some juice.

Wes Lee vs Zachary Wentz - Wes has taken surprisingly well to being a heel on the mic, I'm interested to see how it translates to his in-ring work. He'll definitely win here in what should be a mix of brawling and high flying.

 

[Lobo]

I'll see Bash in Berlin and No Mercy on Monday, so here's my final predictions.


Bash in Berlin

Gunter vs Orton - I'm hoping this will be the match I was expecting at King of the Ring, I'm certain Gunther wins, I just hope it's clean.

Punk vs McIntyre - this will be brutal and I expect both guys will use the stipulation to create the maximum drama. I think Punk goes over with a photo finish.

Cody vs Owens - A bit of an awkward build but should be a decent match, Cody retains, they shake hands.

Priest & Rhea vs Dom & Liv - I'm not really sure how good this will be, I don't think it'll go long, and I think Priest and Rhea will get some payback with a fairly comprehensive win.

Bianca & Jade vs Fyre & Dawn - Should be a solid match, and after the video package on Smackdown I think Bianca & Jade regain the titles, if they don't then I'm guessing the plan is for Jade to be Nia's challenger by Survivor Series.


No Mercy

Ego vs Hendry - it'll be decent, Page has actually done a good job as the smarmy heel champion and he'll retain, and now Trick is special guest ref I'm curious how him and his feud with the Bruiserweight plays into the finish.

Roxanne vs Jaida - Should be a good showcase for Miss Parker, in there with the best worker in NXT, Rox goes over but cements Jaida as a legit contender.

Oba Femi vs The Don - I think it'll be a good power match with big Oba successfully defending his title again.

Chase U vs Axiom & Frazer - the previous matches in this rivalry have been really good so I expect the same here. The Chase U gimmick would be DOA on the main roster, but works in NXT, and I think they'll retain the titles.

Kelani vs Wendy - I've not seen a lot of Wendy but what I have has been impressive, she's technically good and is working her gimmick really well. Kelani is a fantastic athlete and I think she'll keep her title, but her milktoast babyface act needs some juice.

Wes Lee vs Zachary Wentz - Wes has taken surprisingly well to being a heel on the mic, I'm interested to see how it translates to his in-ring work. He'll definitely win here in what should be a mix of brawling and high flying.

Pretty much how I see it as well. Good calls

 

[DeadlyWest]

This match betwene Punk and Drew has been genuinely incredible

 

[Spider-Fan]

I can't watch until I get home

 

[Dr. Evil]

They put the titles back on Jade and Bianca because the WWE isn't ready to have one turn on the other yet.