A New Era for the Wrestling Thread

[Hunter Rider]

I thought the final stretch of the men's War Games was great, the Roman and Punk interactions were pro wrestling drama at it's best, they're both so over they can get huge reactions with just a look or gesture, and I thought the spot where Punk pulled Roman off the table to avoid the Tsunami was brilliant, fantastic timing and the sheer size of Reed coming off the top of the cage was spectacular. The handshake afterwards and then there interactions with Paul sprinkled more seasoning on this story, the initial huge and exchange between Paul and Punk seemed real, then Punk got back into gear with the favor line.

Iyo showing out in War Games, Nakamura winning the US title. Tonight is a good night for my Japanese baes.

Iyo is electric, and I love her dynamic with Rhea, please let her beat Liv and do Iyo vs Rhea for the World title at WrestleMania! Nakamura going over clean was the right call, they've really tweaked his presentation and his entrance was the best of the night, the dark Samurai helmet was really cool and his remixed music is perfect, now they just need some face challengers for him.

The Triple threat was my favorite match of the night. Both Breakker and Kaiser are future world champions imo. I do think Sheamus will beat Bron eventually to become a grand slam champion. Maybe on the first Raw of Netflix? Kaiser should be a mitb winner.

Tiffany should have cashed in, they had the perfect moment. Tiffy and Iyo were good otherwise I felt the Women's War Games match was botchy and meh at best.

I'm glad Shinsuke won. Give Knight a chase again and a proper feud instead of just open challenge defenses. I actually wouldn't mind them trading the belt back and forth a few times. It's been awhile since we've seen that.

Damian vs Gunther wasn't as good as their first match and there was no need for Finn to interfere. Ruins Gunther's story of removing any doubt about his world championship reign. Maybe a triple threat where he defeats Finn and Damian? Finn and JD need to lose the tag belts. They almost never defend them and don't even carry them half the time.

I thought Jimmy Uso was a standout in the men's war games match. Hope Jacob is okay and was just selling but as someone whose had multiple knee problems, it definitely looked like he hurt it. Could just be phenomenal at selling though.

Punk vs Roman is a bigger match than Punk vs Seth. And I'm a Seth guy. Maybe the favor is ensuring Punk wins the Rumble this guaranteeing a Mania main event?

Agreed on pretty much everything, they booked themselves into a corner with Priest and Gunther, the crisis of confidence is a face angle, and I thought they'd found an out with the shoulder injury being the story of the match, but then Balor gets involved, it was nowhere near as good as their SummerSlam match.

The women’s War Games was very awkward, especially with everyone going under the ring for plunder, it's a cage match! Iyo and Tiffy took their opportunities to shine but Bianca spent most of the match bumping for everybody and Bayley looked way off with her timing on several spots, and Iyo was the only one who seemed to know how to deliver a chair shot. Even the finish was more Rhea jumping through the table than putting Liv through it.

Bron is a phenom, the IC title match was definitely the best in-ring work of the night, I personally wouldn't have him lose to anyone in the next few months, and Kaiser is a top heel in the making, I can see him and Bron having a rivalry over the World title down the line.

I'm telling you man, a Heyman/Punk heel turn would've been SPICY.

Missed opportunity.

For real, Seth should've been sprinkled in somewhere in the Bloodline match.

I'm bummed now, Bronson and that ankle injury, there's definitely not gonna be a Steel Cage match at the Holiday Tour in a few weeks lol.

I think the reason they didn't have Punk turn heel is it's like forcing fans into a direction they don't want to go, same reason Seth didn't interfere, I think WWE are just going to let fans choose their sides with these guys, and the story of the match was Punk and Roman with this "favour" in the mix and probably a payoff between the 2 further down the line.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Apparently Punk is opening Raw and I'm guessing the New Day celebrations will be the main event, plus the Women's IC title tournament kicks off tonight and there's the first real step in building Iyo vs Liv with this tag match.

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Hunter Rider]

CM Punk And Roman Reigns Draw Huge Numbers For WWE

Roman Reigns and CM Punk were big hits at WWE Survivor Series.

itrwrestling.com

 

[Lobo]

I thought the final stretch of the men's War Games was great, the Roman and Punk interactions were pro wrestling drama at it's best, they're both so over they can get huge reactions with just a look or gesture, and I thought the spot where Punk pulled Roman off the table to avoid the Tsunami was brilliant, fantastic timing and the sheer size of Reed coming off the top of the cage was spectacular. The handshake afterwards and then there interactions with Paul sprinkled more seasoning on this story, the initial huge and exchange between Paul and Punk seemed real, then Punk got back into gear with the favor line.




Iyo is electric, and I love her dynamic with Rhea, please let her beat Liv and do Iyo vs Rhea for the World title at WrestleMania! Nakamura going over clean was the right call, they've really tweaked his presentation and his entrance was the best of the night, the dark Samurai helmet was really cool and his remixed music is perfect, now they just need some face challengers for him.



Agreed on pretty much everything, they booked themselves into a corner with Priest and Gunther, the crisis of confidence is a face angle, and I thought they'd found an out with the shoulder injury being the story of the match, but then Balor gets involved, it was nowhere near as good as their SummerSlam match.

The women’s War Games was very awkward, especially with everyone going under the ring for plunder, it's a cage match! Iyo and Tiffy took their opportunities to shine but Bianca spent most of the match bumping for everybody and Bayley looked way off with her timing on several spots, and Iyo was the only one who seemed to know how to deliver a chair shot. Even the finish was more Rhea jumping through the table than putting Liv through it.

Bron is a phenom, the IC title match was definitely the best in-ring work of the night, I personally wouldn't have him lose to anyone in the next few months, and Kaiser is a top heel in the making, I can see him and Bron having a rivalry over the World title down the line.



I think the reason they didn't have Punk turn heel is it's like forcing fans into a direction they don't want to go, same reason Seth didn't interfere, I think WWE are just going to let fans choose their sides with these guys, and the story of the match was Punk and Roman with this "favour" in the mix and probably a payoff between the 2 further down the line.

Punks timing of pulling Roman off the table was phenomenal. Reed had already jumped.

Reed hurt both ankles on the jump and Jimmy Uso broke a toe on his splash.

I rewatched it today, I enjoyed the show more the second time.

 

[Shinobi Shaw]

Maaaan, that New Day heel turn was BRUTAL.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

[Lobo]

First I gotta say Punks hoodie is fire. I went to WWE shop is already sold out.

This is how you start a Raw

 

[Hunter Rider]

Return of the Mac! IYKYK I thought Drew might reappear now War Games is over, but I wasn't expecting him to go after Zayn, is he the one that attacked Jey though? could him and Rollins unite over their hatred of Punk and Roman, and anybody that aligns with them? Good, if short, main event match between Rollins and Zayn.

This Gunther vs Balor angle has came out of nowhere, should be a good match but I don't know who the fans will get behind. Gunther vs Dom was a fun match.

The Damage Control vs Liv & Raqhli was solid, Kairi got the best exchange out of Raqhli so far, but I wasn't a huge fan of how this was used to set up Rhea vs Raqhli instead of build some heat for Liv vs Iyo.

Good to see the women’s Intercontinental title tournament under way with a good, competitive triple threat match, nice win for Dakota Kai and the brackets are intriguing, Dakota seems to have a good chance of making the final but Raqhli looms ominously, and the other side is stacked with Zelina, Natalya, Kairi and Lyra.

Maaaan, that New Day heel turn was BRUTAL.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Brilliant segment, I don't think you could get a stronger heel turn without any physicality, Kofi in particular was potent on the mic.

First I gotta say Punks hoodie is fire. I went to WWE shop is already sold out.

This is how you start a Raw

Hell of a way to kick off the show, there's a palpable, authentic tension between Punk and Seth, and the way Sami and Jey have been filtered in is intriguing, the exchange between Rollins and Zayn was stiff, batting truth bombs back and forth.

 

[Hunter Rider]

The SNME card looks set with 2 more matches added to Cody vs Owens and the Women's US title tournament final.

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Lobo]

Seth is mad at people for teaming with Roman, and Drew is mad at people for teaming with Punk. Seth vs Punk could happen at the Rumble. If Rock can't do Mania maybe we get Roman vs Punk and Seth vs Gunther?

Drew vs Sammi will be a hell of a match when it happens. I really kinda want to see Sammi vs Punk just because I know the match would cook.

My heart is with Zelina, and her overcoming Raquel in the finals would be a good David vs Goliath story and she's LWO with Rey with Raquel associated with Judgement Day with Dom so there's story there, but I can see Natalya becoming the first ever IC women's champion.

My official guesses for the women are Zelina and Chelsea Green

 

[Hunter Rider]

Final Iron Survivor spots decided tonight.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Seth is mad at people for teaming with Roman, and Drew is mad at people for teaming with Punk. Seth vs Punk could happen at the Rumble. If Rock can't do Mania maybe we get Roman vs Punk and Seth vs Gunther?

Drew vs Sammi will be a hell of a match when it happens. I really kinda want to see Sammi vs Punk just because I know the match would cook.

My heart is with Zelina, and her overcoming Raquel in the finals would be a good David vs Goliath story and she's LWO with Rey with Raquel associated with Judgement Day with Dom so there's story there, but I can see Natalya becoming the first ever IC women's champion.

My official guesses for the women are Zelina and Chelsea Green

I think Owens might factor into this as well, his feud with Cody is built off the same issues Seth and Drew have, I could see them forming an alliance given their mutual enemies.

It's a shame the right side of the brackets has 4 of the best options and the other side has Raqhli.

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[blueharvest]

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Liv has to be the worst world champ the WWE has had since... Jinder? She's nothing without Rhea.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I think Owens might factor into this as well, his feud with Cody is built off the same issues Seth and Drew have, I could see them forming an alliance given their mutual enemies.

It's a shame the right side of the brackets has 4 of the best options and the other side has Raqhli.

Raquel vs. Lyra final. I'm pulling for Lyra, Dakota, and Kairi.

 

[Hunter Rider]

I was wrong about both Iron Survivor qualifiers, I thought Eddy Thorpe would lose to increase his bitterness angle where he thinks everyone is against him, but then he got taken out at the end of the show, so will he be replaced?

I figured Lola Vice would cost Jaida but I expected Cora or Kelani to qualify, instead it was Wren, and I think it's a good call, she's improved a lot over the last few months, and this is a chance at a real showcase for her, I just hope she isn't there to eat all the falls.

Liv has to be the worst world champ the WWE has had since... Jinder? She's nothing without Rhea.

It's definitely time for a change, Liv has gotten over with this angle and I can see her and Raquel winning the Women's tag titles when Bianca is stripped of them to keep them in the storyline mix, but I'm hoping Iyo wins at SNME as I don't see either of the men's titles changing hands and it would give the reboot a big moment. Then we'd get matches with Rhea, Becky and Asuka.

I know when we talked before you had Charlotte vs Tiffy for WrestleMania, but I honestly feel this is Nia's time, hopefully against Bianca but it could be Charlotte and use the whole Queen angle.

Raquel vs. Lyra final. I'm pulling for Lyra, Dakota, and Kairi.

I'm pulling for Zelina and Kairi, and I wouldn't hate it if Dakota or Natalya won, but please no Raquel, whoever is in there with her is working with a lamp post.

 

[blueharvest]

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Hunter Rider]

Punk, Seth, Rhea and Liv all disrespecting kayfabe!

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I was wrong about both Iron Survivor qualifiers, I thought Eddy Thorpe would lose to increase his bitterness angle where he thinks everyone is against him, but then he got taken out at the end of the show, so will he be replaced?

I figured Lola Vice would cost Jaida but I expected Cora or Kelani to qualify, instead it was Wren, and I think it's a good call, she's improved a lot over the last few months, and this is a chance at a real showcase for her, I just hope she isn't there to eat all the falls.

Deadline looks so good. Just sad we don't have a Roxanne match. Kelani feels like she might be approaching a heel turn. Which wouldn't make sense on the main roster, but on NXT, it could be good training for her.

Who do you have winning both IS matches, Hunter? I'm pulling for Giulia and Wes.

It's definitely time for a change, Liv has gotten over with this angle and I can see her and Raquel winning the Women's tag titles when Bianca is stripped of them to keep them in the storyline mix, but I'm hoping Iyo wins at SNME as I don't see either of the men's titles changing hands and it would give the reboot a big moment. Then we'd get matches with Rhea, Becky and Asuka.

I know when we talked before you had Charlotte vs Tiffy for WrestleMania, but I honestly feel this is Nia's time, hopefully against Bianca but it could be Charlotte and use the whole Queen angle.

Iyo's not winning. I'd love her to, but she's not. Rhea's injury means this all goes to Mania. My hunch? Liv vs. Rhea vs. Becky. I know, I know. But it's what I expect. Hoping Iyo can get a singles match on the show. Maybe for the IC title. Her vs. Dakota or Kairi would be wonderful.

I think Bianca is going to hold onto the tag titles. The question who becomes her replacement partner. Naomi's the obvious answer, but maybe Bayley?

I now believe more then ever, we're getting Charlotte vs. Tiffy.

I'm pulling for Zelina and Kairi, and I wouldn't hate it if Dakota or Natalya won, but please no Raquel, whoever is in there with her is working with a lamp post.

Yeah, I really, really, really don't want it to be Raquel. Outside of Rhea, JD is where titles go to die. I love Finn, but the tag titles need to be more active. Get them on the War Raiders.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Deadline looks so good. Just sad we don't have a Roxanne match. Kelani feels like she might be approaching a heel turn. Which wouldn't make sense on the main roster, but on NXT, it could be good training for her.

Who do you have winning both IS matches, Hunter? I'm pulling for Giulia and Wes.

Yeah, I've been waiting for them to book a match for Roxanne, I was hoping it would be Stephanie after she pinned her at Halloween Havoc.

Agreed on Kelani, she's kind of a Ricky Steamboat type face, so a heel run in NXT can add tools to her belt before she goes to the main roster.

They're my 2 picks as well, I think Oba Femi is the one who'll eventually beat Trick for the title, but Wes is the right opponent for New Years Evil, this heel turn has worked well for him. I mentioned above that I wanted Roxanne vs Stephanie at Deadline, and that match needs to happen before Roxanne goes to the main roster, but they need to capitalise on Giulia, she's gotta have a big win here and then win the title off Roxanne at New Years Evil, or they risk dimming her aura

Iyo's not winning. I'd love her to, but she's not. Rhea's injury means this all goes to Mania. My hunch? Liv vs. Rhea vs. Becky. I know, I know. But it's what I expect. Hoping Iyo can get a singles match on the show. Maybe for the IC title. Her vs. Dakota or Kairi would be wonderful.

I think Bianca is going to hold onto the tag titles. The question who becomes her replacement partner. Naomi's the obvious answer, but maybe Bayley?

I now believe more then ever, we're getting Charlotte vs. Tiffy.

I'm praying you're wrong my friend, 5 more months of Liv and Rhea? I agree that if Iyo doesn't get the World title then her vs Kairi at Wrestlemania would be gold!

I think Bayley would add more to the story, given their friction and the uncertainty over who attacked Jade, and Bayley needs something to get her teeth into as her current face run hasn't been particularly good or well booked.

Really? What's added to your certainty? I feel for Nia as her title run has exceeded all expectations.

Yeah, I really, really, really don't want it to be Raquel. Outside of Rhea, JD is where titles go to die. I love Finn, but the tag titles need to be more active. Get them on the War Raiders.

Yeah, the whole Judgment Day faction feels like it's been on complete life support since Rhea left. A War Raiders title run would work, or Rey and Dragon Lee, as there's some good heel challengers with the Creeds, and the freshly turned New Day.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

@Hunter Rider my certainty with Tiff and Charlotte, is Tiff still having the MITB and how set in stone the RAW title picture looks with Rhea.

I think Tiff gets Nia's title before Mania. My only real question is does she get it off Nia or does she get it off Charlotte. Who comes back, wins it off Nia, and then gets immediately chased in on. Setting up the Mania match.