NJ CUP really surprised me and the final matches surpassed my expectations. I really thought they would have Makabe (to win the NEVER gold) or Goto (to redeem himself for losing each time after winning the Cup), but I love the fact that Ibushi won and is challenging Styles. I didn't think of it until the actual final event, but Ibushi vs. Styles on the card for their next event is the bigger match that will sell tickets over anyone else. I don't think Ibushi will win, but the match is going to be excellent. Ibushi has really come into his own. The fall of Tanahashi is being done very well, and I wonder if this is leading to a change in character for him as a heel or something. He hasn't really been shown as frustrated or throwing fits in the ring like he has since losing to Yano, so I want to see what happens with him next. Honma/Shibata is a team I'd like to see more of, although I think Shibata should either go for the Nakamura or Styles next.
Non-related, but Hall's clothesline was dope, and it's funny because NJPW told him to add a clothesline to his moveset even though he's not a fan.
Also, I'm glad SKG is getting redeemed in NOAH, since they got the shaft over Bullet Club in NJPW and MiSu is finally not having his talents wasted in a useless feud with Yano. All the gold.
Lucha Underground was solid as usual. The cage match was great, and the best part about it was the heel didn't do the usual, run away and try to escape as soon as the match starts. They used the cage exactly for what it should be and that was great. The video for package made me actually care for Konnan in I can't remember how long, which goes to show how LU cares about everyone on their roster.
Samoa Joe seems like he's been revitalized and that he looks like he actually cares about his matches now, as he's been looking good in his matches.
EC3 vs. Spud was a great match. It really pushed the story and while EC3 may not be the best in-ring worker, he's progressing at a pretty good pace, IMO. I haven't watched TNA since they really dropped the ball with Styles when he returned in his black tights and long hair. They really soured me with that and then with the way he was treated before leaving the company altogether. I might tune in this week just to give the product another go, so read some reviews and check out the matches that are recommended.
I feel bad for AAA, they canceled their event twice due to it being an open arena. Then people were injured in a bus crash. Sucks.
I read Owens had surgery, but he will be back pretty soon since he's already walking without crutches.
Raw did a little better in selling the matches for WM, but the road to their biggest PPV has still been pretty **** overall. Rollins swerve against Orton done well enough in that I couldn't really see them giving that WM match away when the show is only fourteen days from the event. Divas got time and the crowd didn't **** on it, which is progress. AJ still looks rusty, that or she just doesn't care an is on the way out. They mentioned that they're facing the Bellas in a tag match at WM if it wasn't already clear. Miz/Ryback was pretty much a shorter version of their SD! match, but this was necessary to further build Mizdow finally beating the crap out of Miz like we all want to see.
The Rusev/Cena contract signing was pretty well done, and I will keep praising Rusev for his mic work. Whoever they decided to hire as the Russian lawyer was so bad that he was buried for the right reasons by Vince. His Yakov Smirnoff impression was just bad. I know the timing of Lana filming a movie is a coincidence, but they couldn't fly her out to do it? There's no reason she can't do both things and work her schedule around it. I will be disappointed if she's not at WM, one because she deserves to be there for this big moment, and two because her and Rusev put in a lot of effort as a team and she should get that payday as well (however low it is).
FYI, no one cares about Sheamus returning since it's been teased for what feels like a year now. It would have been better to have him make a surprise return.
It really sucks that Jey Uso got injured. There's no word on how long he's out, but I think he'll probably miss WM. I wonder if he aggravated it the previous week when he barely made it over the top and face planted on the floor, and just being in the wrong position put it to boot. I already didn't like that the tag team titles would be defended against multiple team "just because," but losing the Usos is huge. They had the HoF induction of their father and could have used that to fuel them even though we've seen them face the champs before. The only good thing to come of it is that the Masters of the WWE Universe are probably holding on to the titles.
I love the pre-taped Lesnar promos, they're so good and feel real while giving that big fight feel at the same time. With the news that Lesnar might re-sign with WWE, I really really hope he retains. It would be amazing. Heyman followed up with another godly promo, and then Roman should have kept it short and sweet, but it was good enough. With Lesnar appearing next week, it should hype up the crowd when they meet face to face in front of a live crowd.
The Living Legend gets inducted, which gave him a pretty good video package.
I'm actually entertained with them playing hot potato with the IC title since it's not actually be defended and devalued (more than it already is). Barrett eats another loss, which still gives me the feeling that he's going to retain somehow (probably Sheamus coming in and taking Bryan out of the match from getting the win at the last minute). Also, the importance that they're putting on both the US and IC titles has made me feel like Lesnar is staying. Rusev made it pretty prominent and ran through their
black roster, and Cena is making it a big deal. The only problem here is if he loses, does he become like everyone after they lose to Cena.
Wyatt's promo was great, since it had actual direction and clarity regarding what he will become. Taker should lose, IMO.
Sting appears, I marked out like crazy. He looks like he's in shape and does his Sting taunts. Soo good.
That was awesome.