Why Losing to Goldberg May Be A Good Thing For The Fiend

Before I begin, just want to say I wasn't planning on two of my blog posts occurring on Fridays focusing on wrestling. Yet here we are.

Like many, I viewed The Fiend Bray Wyatt as the next Undertaker. Both have a larger than life, macabre gimmick. Both are super-resilient. Both are dominating forces within the ring. Both have captured the imaginations of wrestling fans.

Both captured the top belt early during their careers.

It is here our analogy ends.

While Undertaker captured the belt early during his WWE tenure, he was an unstoppable juggernaut when he defeated Hulk Hogan. Undertaker was still an unstoppable juggernaut when Hogan defeated him. It's just the Hulkster used a questionable tactic involving the Undertaker's urn. The questionable tactic ultimately led to the unfathomable event of Hogan being stripped of the title.

Yeah, not happening in the Wyatt case...

For starters, not only is Goldberg not being stripped of the title; but he his defending it against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Furthermore, Goldberg pinned The Fiend cleanly in a dominating fashion. How'd the Wyatt's Fiend character receive the title? After backlash toward a referee stopping a match because Seth Rollins swung a hammer making The Fiend look weak.

The Fiend HAD to become Universal Champion to salvage the character. During the interim, the Firefly Fun House and the Fiend character demonstrated they could carry both the title and Smackdown. Not only that but as a heel both characters were just as popular with crowd as if they were the faces they were squaring off against. One problem though...

It was rumored the Fiend would lose to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.

If you really think about it, the Fiend losing to Reigns at WrestleMania implies Vince McMahon didn't really perceive The Fiend as the brand carrier. WWE needed someone to carry the belt while they revitalized Reigns in the eyes of the fans. Hey look here! A character who NEEDS the belt to remain vital. The Fiend could carry the belt in a dominating fashion until WrestleMania and then elevate... Roman Reigns?

The same Roman Reigns who retired the Undertaker?

Same Roman Reigns who defeated Brock Lesnar for the WWE Heavyweight Belt?

Who exactly is The Fiend elevating here? The fan backlash would have been insane.

Oh okay. The backlash is insane now because Goldberg defeated him; however it shouldn't have such a negative long-term impact.

Why?

1) Passing of the torch. A victory over Goldberg could help Reigns in the eyes of wrestling fans whom haven't watched since the Monday Night Wars ended.

2) John Cena MIGHT pass the torch to The Fiend Bray Wyatt. John Cena is part time wrestler who as he stated on the 2/28/2020 Friday Night Smackdown whose WrestleMania role is unlikely to be what it was. Cena's future is bit appearances and marque matches. He's not the WWE's future. He's its past. The match between Cena and The Fiend should be a match worthy of WrestleMania. Furthermore, as The Fiend is tremendously popular, a victory over Cena at WrestleMania would be THE passing of the torch match at WrestleMania. Unlike Goldberg though, Cena may very well wrestle a couple more matches this year. So WWE may deem a Cena win is okay if he eventually loses. A mistake...

3) No I-lost-the-belt-at-Mania curse. WrestleMania is the biggest stage to lose the belt at. As such, it's the biggest loss to overcome. The Fiend has already lost the belt.

4) The Fiend could establish a streak. Like Goldberg before him, The Fiend/Firehouse Funhouse Bray can embark on a dominating win streak to capture the imagination of the fans. The downside of championships during this day and age is dominating champions aren't revered. The Fiend can now beat anyone on the Smackdown roster regardless of their main event worth status.

5) Goldberg isn't a regular. No wrestler who's working Post-Mania has beaten the Fiend. Suppose depending on whether or not Cena wins, the same could apply to that match as well... but, I digress. Wrestling is part image and the only one to beat The Fiend is a guy who embarked on a triple digit win streak, which ended after losing the title he beat Hulk Hogan for. Pretty easy to be the menacing force when the guy who beat you is not only 'unbeatable' himself but isn't around.

6) Didn't lose the title to Reigns. Thus, the inevitable feud will be fresh and WILL NOT begin with a loss in the Fiend's column.

and finally...

7) They can turn the Fiend face or Stone Cold face/heel who feuds with anyone and everyone all while receiving cheers because he is SUPPOSED to. Fans want someone to cheer in the role of the WWE's boogeyman the Undertaker once held. It really is an awkward fit for a heel and very difficult to do with the Fiend as the champion.

There you have it.

The Fiend can finally embark on path to becoming the next Undertaker now that the shackles of being the Universal Champion has been removed from him. If he's lucky, the Undertaker himself may even pass the torch to him!

Next time.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown Has a King Corbin Problem

I've delayed writing this for about a month now. However, the 2/21/20 Friday Night Smackdown encapsulates my point.

King Corbin was on Smackdown for only a backstage promo. That's it. A mere two-minute, TOPS, backstage promo. He didn't come to the ring. King Corbin didn't wrestle a match. None of that. If you hadn't been watching Friday Night Smackdown on Fox since its debut, you wouldn't know King Corbin was the Number 2 heel (bad guy).

The promo was dull, lackluster, and didn't do anything to make one watch the climax of a six month feud inside a steel cage taking place in Saudi Arabia. Rest of Friday Night Smackdown on the other hand was easily among the better Smackdowns since its inception on Fox.

You could argue then King Corbin isn't the number two heel on the blue brand. I'd agree with you; but WWE's booking argues otherwise. There simply isn't a heel on the roster who take his place. Maybe Sheamus Post-Wrestlemania. However, the Celtic Warrior is feuding with... short people. Miz and Morrison are competing in the tag division. As is Roode and Ziggler.

Nakamura-Zayne-Cesaro are a great heel trio. They get heat. They are great heels. They lose far more than they win. I really don't see WWE improving their win record anytime soon.

Like or not, King Corbin is the number 2 heel. A number two heel whom as announcer Michael Cole has state has had a bad six months. Why? Cause for the past six months, he has been feuding with Roman Reigns and has been outclassed the entire time.

Sure, Corbin has come out a couple times. He's won a match or two (with help). Corbin has dumped and smeared dog food all over Reigns (with help). However, Reigns would get his comeuppance the following week. Reigns pinned Corbin during a Street Fight at the Royal Rumble despite Corbin getting help. The entire storyline has been Corbin is not the equal of Roman Reigns.

Not only is the Steel Cage Match in Super Showdown in Saudi Arabia next Thursday the end to a six month feud, it's a mercy killing for fans. Reigns-Corbin feud will cease. King Corbin will feud with someone else.

Problem is The Fiend Bray Wyatt won't remain Universal Champion forever. Someone will wrestle the new face champion. The only logical choice is King Corbin who really hasn't been convincing as credible heel threat. What if the face is Roman Reigns? Renew the six month feud? Hard pass.

Don't get me wrong. King Corbin isn't a bad heel. He does a great job getting fans to boo him and despise him. Corbin won't become a face because the fans decides he should be. However, he's not a credible number one heel. He can barely win WITH help. Honestly, the best choice is push him back to the mid-card.

Maybe Zayn can become his manager and four wrestlers can actually overpower Elias and Braun Strowman? Maybe Drew Gulak can mentor him with his Power Point slides to enable him to defeat Daniel Bryan? No potential feud feels compelling as they seem to be a waste for the wrestler paired with him.

By favoring Roman Reigns at the expense of King Corbin, creative has unwittingly buried King Corbin. A shame, really.

Next time.

Was WWE TLC 2019 Any Good?

Yesterday when I posted my first blog entry of December I stated I may follow up with another blog entry today about the WWE PPV TLC 2019. I do have a subscription with WWE Network; and I just learned buying the PPV separately costs a whopping $40! The Network comes out to being a roughly a quarter that. Another incentive to watch the thing. Plus, my blog resolution was to blog my thoughts on WWE programming available on the Network after all...

So...

Was WWE TLC 2019 any good? Would I have paid the (compared to the WWE Network price) exorbitant $40?

My thoughts on TLC matches are complicated. I was a latecomer to ECW back in the day. ECW had pretty much reached its twilight years when I began following the weekly television programming. Still the little brand that could held a special place in my heart. The TLC PPV is among the heritage PPV that are rare showcases of hardcore styles. On the flip side, I haven't been much of a fan of WWE's Tables, Ladder, Chairs, or combination of all three matches. Perhaps it was the PG era. Perhaps it was the performances. Perhaps it was the booking. As a special match isolated on a card, sure. As an entire card, WWE struck me as clueless.

When I finished watching WWE TLC 2019, I had to take some time to ponder my thoughts. So you disliked it?

Nope. Far from it. In fact, I liked it tremendously.

WWE TLC 2019 was the kind of wrestling card that left me breathless, with a cathartic release. One of those satisfying done-in-ones despite not really changing anything.

The New Day vs the Revival Ladder Match? Another Kofi Kingston highlight reel. Not that Big E nor the Revival were slouches either as they added innovations of their own.

Aleister Black vs Buddy Murphy? While not a TLC match and the closest to hardcore it got was Aleister Black getting bloody, Black and Murphy put on chain strike clinic.

Viking Raiders vs the OC got over just how agile the Viking Raiders are without hurting the OC. In fact, it likely launched a feud between them. Also not a hardcore match.

Roman Reigns vs King Baron Corbin TLC match was phenomenal. I am NOT a fan of Reigns and it felt it was among his better matches. Corbin also brought his A game and raised my estimation of him. Some may decry the finish; however I felt it necessary to maintain the feud.

Miz vs Smackdown Champion Bray Wyatt: Not a hardcore match; however the point of the match was to get over how resilient Bray Wyatt is. Amazing how popular Firefly Funhouse Bray is with the crowd! The mallet afterwards had a nice Harley Quinn touch. For those wondering when Daniel Bryan would return, he did so tonight. With a new but old look. Despite his 'spending time with the Fiend', it would appear to Bryan and Wyatt will be clashing a Royal Rumble. Guess Bryan isn't joining his new family after all.

Lasley vs Rusev Table Match: An awesome match. I am getting shades of Beaulah-Raven-Tommy Dreamer with this feud as I was not expecting the winner. What will be next for Lashley and Rusev?

A brawl broke out backstage.

The Kubaki Warriors vs Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair Ladder Match: ECW! ECW! ECW! I am not what's crazier, how much they forgot the ladder or all batshit crazy antics that were pulled out during this match. If there was a match that truly reflected the spirit of ECW, it was this match.

Afterward the brawl spilled out into the arena ending with Reigns spearing Corbin onto the crowd of wrestlers underneath.

If I forgot a match, no slight is intended. It was truly a terrific card. For WWE TLC 2019 being thrown together at practically the last minute, it was a rare gem. I wouldn't have felt jilted if I paid $40.

Next time.

NXT and NXT UK Thoughts, Comics Haul and Fantasy Football Status for 9/18/19

Yesterday was Wednesday. Synonymous with New Comics Day. WWE streams both NXT and NXT UK on the WWE Network. Wednesday is also the day when NFL teams release their injury reports. While I followed the Packers for years, I have only recently become a follower of the trends and other teams of the NFL. So much so that I have decided to try my hand at fantasy football. Heck, why not participate in two different leagues. So my Wednesday blog entries will feature those topics going forward. Unless they're irrelevant that day...


I stopped doing my Comics Hauls largely because I just wasn't reading the comics I purchased. However, two things changed. One, I can actually buy them on New Comics Day. Two, I am not just blogging my comics haul as I am including wrestling and fantasy football discussion as well.

Comics Haul for 9/18/19 release date.

Comics Revue #400. I had long, long wanted to purchase Comics Revue due to its collection of comics strips particularly of the King Features serial heroes (Phantom, Mandrake, Flash Gordon) and started buying them recently. Four hundred issues is quite the milestone! Justice League #32. My photo doesn't do the cover justice but Kamandi stating 'The Great Disaster is right this way!' is priceless. Savage Sword of Conan #9. Most of my D&D PCs are more the fighter type so Conan receives top billing.

House of X #5. I was going to wait for the trade or hardcover. However, my intel was faulty leading me to believe both House of X and Powers of X would be collected separately. Sigh... Will try to read and review soon. Guardians of the Galaxy #9. The REAL Drax returns! Aquaman #52. Always feel bad whenever I drop an Aquaman title because I haven't kept up.

Lucifer #12. Will be buying this a little while longer. Either the November or December issue will be final issue unless I read some of it. Even an issue or two. CBLDF Presents Selling Comics. Before I started my blog, I briefly assisted a hobby shop by being the Comic Book Guy. The business fascinates me.

NXT 9/18/19

Did the move to the USA Network ruin NXT forever? Not quite. As it turns out, NXT is now two hours long. First hour on USA Network is when the Big Stuff Happens. Second hour on the WWE Nework seems to be for developing the undercard and expanding the NXT/NXT UK/205 Live Universes. While I haven't watched the USA Network episode yet (I may watch it on Hulu sometime), the WWE Network episode had more of that ECW vibe.

Would have been nice if I didn't need to wait 50 minutes to successfully log into my WWE Network account...

The Bruiserweight Pete Dunne vs Arturo Ruos (a Brazilian jujitsu and capoeira practitioner) was like a Malenko vs Guerrero match from ECW. Easily a four star match. They literally put on a grappling clinic. Pete Dunne got the win by bending Ruos's fingers.

Squash match although the female Chinese wrestler looked impressive with her kicks. Don't know if she's actually Chinese though.

Imperium made their NXT debut. Looking forward to Walter facing off against the Kushida Japanese wrestler who thinks he's Marty McFly. Two appearances I've seen of Kushida and I am impressed. He could definitely help and black and gold brand aid WWE from fending of AEW.

The Riddle vs Dain street fight was pretty good in and of itself. Normally the wrestler bystanders don't become involved but they did in this. Bedlam ensued. Show ended on a high note.

NXT UK 9/18/19

Rhea Ripley is exact type of female wrestler whom Vince wouldn't push on the main roster. Heck, the women whom he would push are jobbers on the UK show.

Really didn't care for much of the show. The highlight was the first British Rounds Match on WWE programming between Kassius Ohno (an American) and (an actual Brit) Sid Scala.

British Rounds Match was a nice change of pace. Been a long time since the ropes and outside the ring were considered forbidden. The wrinkle over allowing the competitor to get to his feet before allowing the other wrestler to touch him felt off since Ohno was able to KO Scala with his knockout attack. Maybe finishers didn't follow that rule? However, the rules did enable a grappling and chain wrestling clinic one does not normally see on WWE programming. The implementation of rounds made the submission holds not feel like rest holds while heightening the drama. Heck, the rounds created a story of Ohno gradually dominating the match against the underdog Scala until Scala finally got the momentum. Match culminated in Scala unable to score a pinfall and thus create a draw when time ran out.

Not often a wrestler acquires heel heat by fairly winning a match because the timer prevented the upstart from causing the match to be a draw.

Will Sid Scala wrestle more often? Will there be more British Rounds matches? Kassius Ohno will certainly continue to promote himself as the best British-style wrestler despite being American.

Also discovered that NXT UK airs earlier during the day too...

Fantasy Football

I wasn't able to draft my players myself so let the computer do it for me within both leagues. To mixed results.

Both leagues my best decision has been to bench Cam Newton.

One league I've claimed and added more players, while the other has been pretty static. Latter because I've been doing well and the lack of football knowledge of available free agents. Plus, I don't watch all the games so I can't properly assess the situation. Still, I am among the Top 4 in that league.

Unfortunately, I have 0 - 2 within the league that I have altered the team the most. The Antonio Brown and Melvin Gordon drama has caused quite the hassle for me. While I dropped Gordon, I have chosen to keep Brown. Ironically, going all Patriots WR during Week 2 wasn't the best decision. Julio Jones (whom I have on the league as well) will be active for Week 3. Drew Brees's injury was a killer during Week 2. Perhaps Carson Wentz will aid my team more this week?

Next time.

NXT Aug 28th 2019 Thoughts

Despite months of promising to cover more WWE Network programming such NXT here, I really haven't. My schedule didn't enable such aspirations very well. For a brief period, I should be able to blog more about wrestling more than I have this year.

What better way than today's (8/28/19) edition of WWE NXT? You know before it moves from the WWE Network to the USA Network...

Disclaimer: NXT should still be available on Hulu AND WWE does offer episodes of RAW and Smackdown on the WWE Network. Likely NXT will offered as such. It just won't likely be on the WWE Network's schedule.

Regardless, I envision this as canary in the coal mine transcribing NXT as it was, cherished as it was, before becoming a televised show. Just hope Vince realizes the best competition for AEW on TNT isn't another show in the vein of RAW and Smackdown...

The Matches

Io Shirai vs  Cami Fields

Squash match. Point of the match was to demonstrate Io Shirai's viciousness as she delayed the pin and ref need to break the hold. Her feud with Candice LeRae continues as the latter made a post match save.

Rating: 2 out of 5. Match was mercifully short.

Keith Lee vs Dominik Dijakovic

I HATE Big Men matches. However, this was a fantastic match performed by two athletic big men. The 600 lb Spanish Fly Moonsault  executed by Keith Lee was quite the sight. For a guy returning from knee surgery, Dijakovic practically flew over the top rope during one match. Since this was a return match, Dijakovic's made sense.

Rating 3 out of 5 stars. This is the type of match they need to head off AEW on TNT.

Street Profits (c) vs Unidsputed ERA for NXT Tag Team Championship

Excellent tag team championship match! Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish of the Undisputed ERA win the belts in a match that had it all.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.  Solid main event. Wish tag team matches were this good on the main roster.

The Promos 

The Johnny Gargano Retrospective was fairly well done. Don't know if Gargano is being called up to the main roster (or 205 Live - I like it but WWE has done it no favors) or they're setting him up for a feud with the wrestler who interrupted the announcers proclaiming why he isn't being talked about. Man has a point. I have no clue who he is

The first (former?) Women's Champ for NXT UK calling out NXT Women's Champ Shayna Baszler was very well done. Wish I was more familiar with her as that would've heightened the moment. The announcers did a good job selling this.


  The Verdict

The great thing about pro wrestling is the never-ending (except when the promotion ends...) male soap opera. After a hiatus, that can lead to feelings of In Media Res. Sure, I got the gist of things. However, it didn't feel the same as it would as if I had been watching NXT since the last time I blogged about it. Not a bad thing. Overall, I would say the August 28th, 2019 edition was a very basic one hour wrestling program. Yet, it felt consequential and the passage of time mattered unlike some episodes of the main roster shows.

Ergo, a solid one hour of wrestling. 3 out of 5 stars. Watch the tag match and the Dijakovic return match if you're pressed for time.

Next time.

WWE: Bischoff and Heyman Can Save Smackdown and Raw

Feels strange blogging about pro wrestling, excuse me sports entertainment - sorry, Vince!, on a comics and gaming blog right after a "coverage" of WWE Stomping Grounds. However, you write what your excited over and the reaction toward Stomping Grounds is the genesis for some serious change.

While I felt Stomping Grounds was an enjoyable way to spend an evening, much of the lifeblood of the WWE (i.e. those who spend lots and lots of money) chose that moment to say nay.

Or at least the WWE realized a significant problem festers after Stomping Grounds. Reportedly, Vince McMahon accepted change is needed.

Shocking, right?

Despite Raw and Smackdown 'being separate brands', Vince McMahon runs both shows. As in, he personally directs each show. If you ever wonder why both Raw and Smackdown feel alike; and the boundaries aren't hardened, that's why. Honestly, Vince running both shows is the number one reason that despite arguably boasting the best roster today, the WWE roster lacks quality. Focusing too much on the top for two "brands" means the undercard does not receive the attention and development it deserves.

Fortunately, Vince McMahon has come to his senses. He can't run the flagship show, Raw, and run a high quality Smackdown show to the satisfaction of Fox executives. Smackdown could be the B show when it wasn't aired on a major network. Fox won't tolerate what Smackdown's current home considers adequate. Smackdown needs to become must-see. However, Raw is Vince's major creation. Raw is the show that shatters records. The show is Vince McMahon's television legacy. He isn't sacrificing it for Smackdown's sake.

Ergo, Paul Heyman will run Raw, while Eric Bischoff will run Smackdown. With the caveat, Vince will have final say.

Worst case, this status quo change is a paper tiger or endures as long as Heyman's first tenure within creative (or running WWE ECW). The Fox Deal should delay the worst case.

Best case, wrestling fans should expect a renaissance in WWE programming quality. Both Bischoff and Heyman are experienced old hands in the wrestling business. Bischoff, with the help of Ted Turner's money, led WCW to the top of the mountain. Heyman was the force propelling the small promotion ECW to national prominence. They both can run a televised wrestling program. Plus, unlike most of Creative, they're actually more than familiar with wrestling. They've written wrestling before. Lots of wrestling.

Yes, Heyman can be his own worst enemy.

Yes, Bischoff's time in TNA didn't propel that promotion to the top of the mountain.

Neither man has final say nor are they competing against another wrestling promotion. Unless, of course, they count the other or AEW as their competition. Otherwise, their sole task is running a high quality televised wrestling promotion.

Smackdown will be on Fox. As such, the show needs to be must see television. Bischoff loves twists and turns designed to draw viewers in. Plus, unlike Vince, Bischoff loves variety. Cruiserweights and lucha libre had regular installments on Nitro, the flagship WCW program. On WWE, maybe a small handful of performers a given a shot. 205 Live provides the rest a spot. The crowd treats them as after thoughts. Whether or not such wrestlers perform en masse on Smackdown is another matter. 205 Live DOES exist. Regardless, Smackdown will be ran as an A show. I do worry about the younger wrestlers though...

I do not worry about the younger wrestlers and undercard on Raw now. One did not watch Raw for the undercard. They were pretty much the castoffs. Under Heyman, they will become the strength and must-see portion of the show. On ECW, Heyman was a master of developing new talent and transforming them into stars by emphasizing the strengths and hiding their weaknesses. He had to. WWE and WCW kept hiring away his top talent. Furthermore, Heyman has remarked about the wrestling industry NEEDS new stars. Constantly. 

What should occur on both shows is more talent will get utilized, which will boost morale. Thus, elevating the quality of the product.

This should be a win-win.

Here's hoping.

Next time.

WWE Stomping Grounds 2019

Today is unusual in that I am closer to watching a WWE PPV live than normal. 'Closer' because I am watching the kick-off match as the PPV proper begins. Ergo, this will be a 'live blog' of sorts in the same vein as past efforts.

Today is also the very first Stomping Grounds PPV as WWE attempts stomp out the bad taste from the Super Showdown PPV two weeks prior. Sorry, had to go there...

Did see the Samoa Joe and Bryan/Rowan promos though. Joe is wasted in his spot. I, too, am with Bryan/Rowan in their quest to make the Smackdown Tag Titles serious again. They've been joke titles for far too long.

Kickoff Match: Akira Tozawa vs Drew Gulak vs Tony Neese (c) for Cruiserweight Championship:

A shame this match wasn't a part of the PPV proper as all three men wrestled a solid match demonstrating the best of 205 Live. Some nice spots. The mat-based Drew Gulak won the championship. Heavily recommend seeing this.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Stomping Grounds PPV

Raw Women's Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs Lacey Evans:

Becky shoving Lacey's sweat cloth down her mouth was hilarious. A decent back and forth match which had the challenger keeping up with the more experienced champion. However, Evans tapping out to Lynch wasn't much of a surprise. A solid match for what it was.

Rating 3 out of 5 stars.

Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens vs New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods):

Match quickly became a two-on-one when KO took out Big E. Then, it was Zayn and Owens beating down Woods until Woods managed to tag Big E. Bedlam eventually followed. KO got the win with a stunner!

Never got into the match much.

Rating 2.5 out of 5 stars.

United States Championship: Ricochet vs Samoa Joe (c):

If only this match took place a decade ago, both men would have set the arena on fire with high-flying moves! Instead, Joe was the crafty mat-based veteran heel. On the other hand, I liked the mat-based work! Furthermore, Ricochet's acrobatics is enhanced by the contrasting styles. Some nice impact shots. And we've got a new champion as mere months after reaching the main roster Ricochet wins!

Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Triple H congratuling Ricochet was a nice touch!

Smackdown Tag Team Championship: Heavy Machinery (Tucker & Otis) vs Daniel Bryan & Rowan (c):

Fans cheered Bryan as a hometown hero. You'd swear he was wrestling as face! Meanwhile, Otis is booed like a heel. Heavy Machinery are certainly athletic. Otis feeding off the Yes Kicks was cool. Bryan rolled up Tucker to retain the belts.

An excellent tag team during which all four men looked good and spotlighted the new team Heavy Machinery.

Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Smackdown Women's Championship  Bayley (c) vs Alexa Bliss (w/ Nikki Cross):

This match was about whether Bayley belonged at the top with the likes of Alexa. Despite Alexa dominating, Nikki's intervention, and a banged up arm, Bayley retained.  Their feud is only beginning.

Rating 3 out of 5 stars.

Roman Reigns vs Drew McIntyre:

Shane McMahon accompanied Drew to the ring. Both Reigns and McIntyre brawl outside of the ring before starting the match. Shane flees pursued by Roman only for Drew to intercept the latter. They both brawl with Shane intervening occasionally. Crowd chanted 'This is awful' at one point. When Drew was trying to submit Roman, Shane kept 'checking for a submission' with the ref.  Reigns later on Superman Punches Shane twice followed by being slammed by McIntyre face-first into the anmounce table. Drew superplexes Reigns! Oh, Shane just dragged out the ref stopping a pin to coast-to-coast... Of course, Roman kicks out... Hey, Roman wins! Thus, mercifully ending the match.

If there was ever the epitome of what's wrong with WWE, it is the match. With that these two big men did in the ring, this should've been a spectacular match. Maybe WWE will end the Reigns vs McMahon/McIntyre feud now?

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.

WWE Championship Steel Cage Match - Dolph Ziggler vs Kofi Kingston (c):

Always been a fan of steel cage matches. I was not disappointed. Kofi leaping through the doorway was simply amazing!

Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Universal Championship Match with Special Referee - Seth Rollins (c) vs Baron Corbin:

Special guest referee is... Rollin's 'gf' opponent from the beginning of the card... Lacey Evans! Corbin thrown into the Announce Table collapsing was a cool, big spot. Lacey's ref work doea a great job of building heat for her. Rollins is booked too strong for Corbin... Sigh... first, no countout as decreed by Evans then she decreed no DQ. Maybe if this was a main event on Raw... Hey Becky Lynch is attacking Lacey Evans! Whew, new ref counted Seth's successful pin count.

This match was more about furthering the Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch romance; and the Evans-Lynch feud. Really better suited for Raw than a PPV. For that it's not a stinker...

Rating 2 out of 5 stars.



Overall: Stomping Grounds story-wise was about establishing established champions (Sorry, Samoa Joe!), showcase new acts (Heavy Machinery, Ricochet) and be the best day ever for Raw's power couple (Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch). Other than a couple matches that should've been TV matches, most of them were solid PPV quality matches. Ultimately, what helps the PPV is the WWE Network. If you saw it as part of the network, it was an enjoyable enough way to spend a Sunday. However, it is another example of how much wrestling fans need AEW to succeed as a whole Stomping Grounds while being more than filler wasn't quite what I would call a solid PPV.

Rating 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Next time.

The Shield's Final Chapter Was Ho Hum

If follow WWE, tonight was the night it finally happened.


The Shield's Final Chapter was written.


Well, until next the final chapter. Not counting the match that was dubbed the final match of the Shield cause tonight was the FINAL match the Shield will wrestle together as one in the WWE.


Yeah, never say never in pro wrestling/sports entertainment.


Although if rumors are true and Dean Ambrose turned down a great deal of money; because of creative differences, it may not be until Vince McMahon.


Instead of jobbing Ambrose on his way out, which the typical way of pro wrestling, the WWE aired an event called The Shield's Final Chapter on the WWE Network. Ambrose would wrestle a final match. The WWE would commemorate one of its few new ideas that truly got over with the fans. Plus, a bunch of wrestlers not wrestling the Shield would be on the card. Oh, and Ambrose would be provided a chance to say goodbye.


Only the last segment was worth watching in my opinion. The Shield's Final Chapter felt more like a so-so Raw or Smackdown.


Finn Balor defended his IC belt for the first time as member of the Smackdown roster against Elias. The latter who gets squashed so often he should be glad his mic skills are top-notch.


The women's tag match was a little better with the storyline that "deserted" member of the Riot Squad inadvertently cost her former team the match - due to her hair color. Hey, Ember Moon might be someone again!


As for the Shield's final match? If you thought they might lose, you haven't been watching long. Overall, it was decent as much as it could be. I'm not surprised the departing Ambrose didn't get the pin. Rollins is the champ of the red brand after all...


The mere highlight was the Independent-like "Please don't go" chants followed by Rollins & Ambrose's speeches. Ironically, Rollins was the more retrospective speech. Dean Ambrose's speech was motivational. Maybe WWE will take heed of it?


Overall: If you want to see a rare moment, a wrestler whose departure receives its own show, The Shield's Final Chapter is an alright hour and a half. Otherwise, there's always clips.


Next time.

Wrestlemania 35 Thoughts

What better way to mark my 400th blog entry than by blogging my thoughts on Wrestlemania 35 as it happens?

Yep, time for one of my 'doesn't fit the theme of my blog' posts!

Should point out this isn't exactly a live-blog as I didn't begin watching 'Mania 5
35 until 38 minutes in. So I've been spoiled on the outcome of one match. Grrr....

Also, the kickoff show isn't included. Wouldn't post until Monday morning!

On to my thoughts:

Liked the helicopters during the National Anthem!

Hulk Hogan - Alexa Bliss moment was unexpected. Very fitting to begin WrestleMania with the Hulkster.

Nice AEW reference, Heyman! Surprising, Lesnar vs Rollins for the Universal Championship opens the card. Btw, this is the outcome I was spoiled on...

 Nice Beast Slayer opener!

Really liked the story of Lesnar not allowing the match to begin by demolishing Rollins outside the ring. Story-wise, the low blow was the only believable way to change the durection of the match. Three stomps to defeat Lesnar is nice symmetry with how Lesnar match typically ends. Is it hoping too much the comment about Lesnar departing for AEW was a shoot?

Jerry the King Lawler announcing!

A.J. Styles versus Randy Orton:

Awesome match! Nice counters mixed with impact moves. Both Orton & Styles had excellent ring chemistry. Liked the story of AJ figuring out how to counter the RKO. Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Usos vs The Bar vs Shinsuke Nakamura/Rusev vs Ricochet/Aleister Black for Smackdown Tag Team Championship:

Usos retained the belts in an action-packed, wrecking derby match. Main roster newbies Black and Ricochet were spotlighted as they wrestled much of the match. Highlight was when Cesaro swung Ricochet while Sheamus made the circuit pounding on hapless wrestlers caught on the ring ropes. Match slowly built to groups of four men inside the ring at once. Highlight 2: Ricochet rolling through a mob super plex off the top rope!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Hall of Fame (Class of 2019) roundup was touching as always.

Miz vs Shane McMahon Falls Count Anywhere Match:

Omg the superplex off the scaffolding! Excellent hardcore/former friends/involving family match. Could of done without Miz's dad becoming physically involved in the match. The twist ending of Shane landing atop Miz and winning the match prevented the match from becoming special though.
Rating 3 out of 5 stars.

Women's tag team championship match: Boss and Hug Connection vs Nia Jax/Tamina vs IIconics vs Natalya/Beth Phoenix

Marked when Bret Hart appeared! Nice sneak victory by the IIconics to win the belts. Beth Phoenix still has it. Loved the homage yo the Hart Foundation. Double sharpshooter was cool. The champions being heavily involved felt refreshing compared to the prior four way. Nice blend of styles. Overall, it felt like an iconic, pardon the pun, Mania match.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars.

Daniel Bryan vs Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship:

Two wrestlers I've liked for a long time locked up. Huge Bryan mark. As for Kofi, it's been far, far past due for him to wrestle in such a high profile match in my opinion. I wasn't disappointed as Bryan and Kofi wrestled a stellar match that felt different from the WWE norm. Despite Bryan being a dominant champion, he elevated Kofi to the next level in grueling match that finished dramatically with victory for Kofi. Kofi Kingston has finally become WWE champion!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Hey, Hall & Nash!

Booker T announcing!

Rey Mysterio (coming out as the Spider-Man villain Mysterio!) vs Samoa Joe for U.S. Championship:

Wow, quick match! A 619 was nailed by Rey; but Joe followed quickly with a Kaukina Clutch to beat Mysterio and retain the belt.

Drew McIntyre vs Roman Reigns:

Scottish band welcomes McIntyre to ring with our first big entrance of the night. And... fireworks for Roman...
Despite some impressive moments from Drew in a power match, this was welcome back from leukemia, Roman!
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Wouldn't be a PPV without Elias... John Cena Thuganomics! Nice trip down nostalgia lane.

Batista vs Triple H No Holds Barred, Triple H's in-ring career on the line:

Uh, wasn't Triple H retired before? Okay, the Mad Max Fury Road entrance for Triple H is very cool. Brutal match. Never saw a nose ring yanked out before! Triple H spearing Batista through the German Announce Table! Sledge (Game) Hammer! Ric Flair for the distraction and Triple H finally lands a blow with the GameHammer for the win.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Ron Simmons followed by JBL announcing!

Kurt Angle's final match vs Baron Corbin:

Nice Angle highlight reel; however he put Corbin over in his final match. Classy exit.

Bobby Lasley vs The Demon Finn Balor for the Intercontinental Championship:

The Demon descending from the air was quite the sight! Finn Balor beat Lashley to win the IC belt in a decent match meant to pump up the crowd.

R Truth & Carmella dance break  - meh

Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey vs Becky Lynch for the Women's Championship (both Raw & Smackdown):

Flair arriving via helicopter - talk about a grand entrance! Meanwhile, Rousey receives the live band entrance. All three women put on a clinic during their historic main event. Furthermore, Lynch's pin of Rousey is subjective enough that the match hints strongly at whom the Winner-Take-All (Lynch) feuds with next. For the very first women's main event at WrestleMania this match set a very high bar that would be hard to top.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.


Overall:
Yes, WrestleMania ran LONG. Didn't start watching until over a half hour in and took several intermissions. Plus, transcribing my thoughts on my blog adding more time. Hence, why I am finishing this close to Monday afternoon instead of Sunday night. However, WrestleMania is the pinnacle of Sports Entertainment; and quite frankly, the best matches WWE puts on during the course of the year. On those two scores, it didn't disappoint. Furthermore, WrestleMania 35 ran long because there was lots of wrestling. Lots of it. High quality matches too. Plus, milestone after milestone. 35 was full of them. Overall, a more than solid WrestleMania with excellent booking despite some hiccups.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

WWE 205 Live 1/29/19 Thoughts

Must admit I haven't watched much WWE 205 Live since June. Heck, I've commented on here I really have not made WWE programming must-watch of late. However, this Sunday's Royal Rumble kicked off WrestleMania season. While I didn't watch much of it yet, I did catch the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. It whet my appetite for more WWE programming.


Thus, one can expect more of my thoughts on WWE's latest here. I'm not able to watch both flagship shows (Raw, Smackdown Live) live; but I was able to watch 205 Live er, live for the first time in months. Here's my thoughts:


Kalisto (with Lucha House Party) vs Mike Kanellis (with Maria)

While Maria ranted about about favoritism, Mike Kanellis dominated with stiff strikes. Much like a typical WWE match. Then, Kalisto took the lead with until a sick bump outside the ring. Match takes on a more 205 Live form after both gather their breaths on the mat. The three suplexe were cool; but not enough to prevent Kalisto rolling Kanellis for the pin. Crowd was dead most of the match. Have to agree with the crowd.

Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars



There were several promos one of which I missed as I was too busy live-blogging my thoughts on the Kalisto/Mike Kanellis match. No more live-blogging. Buddy Murphy's promo, which aired after the footage of Tony Neese's attack on Noam Dar was... meh. Also wasn't impressed too much with Daivari's promo hyping Itami's match with Tozawa either. Too be fair I haven't watched 205 Live in months...


They hype Saturday's Worlds Collide event on the Network including the rosters from both NXT rosters and 205 Live as they compete in tournament, which will allow the winner to challenge the champion of their choosing from either 205 Live, NXT, or NXT UK. Maybe I'll watch it...



There's also hype for Halftime Heat, which streams during the Super Bowl halftime. It'll be a six-man tag match starring NXT stars. If am able to I'll watch it live...



Akira Tozawa (with Brian Kendrick) vs Hideo Itami (with Ariya Daivari)
Loved the story of this match which the announcers sold as the culmination of a 2018 storyline between the idol and admirer whom were once tag partners but then soured. They really played up Tozawa as the underdog trying to prove himself against the famed Itami. Much more action in this match filled with striking, grappling, high-impact moves, and high flying moves. Both men outside the ring also gradually became more and more involved. Kendrick would encourage Tozawa by doing Tozawa's signature shout, while trying to keep Daivari honest. After several near finishes, Daivari finally succeeded in distracting Tozawa after knocking out Kendricks. Ironically, Daivari ended up becoming a distraction himself enabling the underdog Tozawa to defeat the noted Hideo Itami.


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. A solid match to end the show and end this feud. I may've enjoyed this more if I had followed 205 Live more during 2018.


Afterwards, Ariya Daivari turns on Hideo Itami, So we know who Hideo Itami will be feuding with next! Since I am familiar with Hideo Itami as KENTA, I am more than ready to cheer him on as face. Based on the chants of 'One More Time!', the rest of the crowd may require more convincing.


Overall, it was an okay post-Royal Rumble show. It introduced Mike Kanellis to the 205 Live audience, elevated Akira Tozawa, and kicked off Hideo Itami's next feud.


Next time.

 

WWE SummerSlam 2018: The Lesnar Ends with a Whimper

Just finished watching the 2018 edition of SummerSlam a mere half an hour. As one of the big four and a long-time cornerstone of WWE PPV's, this year's SummerSlam did not disappoint!


Heck, if you inverted the awfulness of last month's Extreme Rules, that was how good SummerSlam 2018 was. Not quite as good as WrestleMania 2018 but a solid PPV nonetheless. I would have felt okay paying old-fashioned PPV prices for it.


In fact, I was going to change formats since there's no point doing a match-by-match breakdown and do good, bad, and the ugly. Quite a bit of good. There's some things I didn't like *cough* the squash matches *cough* but writing them felt like padding.


The Lesnar loss was among them.


Don't get me wrong. Lesnar needed to lose the title. His reign had grown stale. He's fighting a match in UFC. Other than Strowman, no other Raw wrestler has been booked a credible winner than Reigns.


Yes, I am not a fan of Reigns. As a babyface, he's simply not at the level to be the Top Guy. However, I can accept him finally winning the belt and defeating Lesnar. The company would be damaged long-term if he hadn't.


Note: I have not yet Raw, probably won't, but I see the Shield has reunited. So I am guessing Reigns is now a heel. Fair enough.


I liked the irony of how by not costing the champion in the usual Money in the Bank fashion, Strowman cost Lesnar the title by distracting him.


Still, the match was meh. Lesnar was booked as being far more resilient in prior matches. Must not want to take bumps in preparation for his upcoming UFC fight? The story was more about surprises than a competitive match this time around.


When Reigns won and defeated Lesnar finally, it felt... anti-climatic... The Lesnar dominance lasted too long. Reigns wasn't the decisive victor. A whimper instead of a bang.


In any case, hopefully this means when Brock Lesnar does return to the WWE he isn't booked as an indestructible monster. Cause this first go-round proves booking him as invincible simply isn't worth devaluing the rest of the roster.


Next time.

WWE Extreme Rules 2018 PPV Thoughts

Today is WWE's 2018 Extreme Rules PPV; and I am watching it the day of! So I will be quasi-live 'blogging' my thoughts as the show proceeds. Quasi because technically the PPV has been on for an hour or two when I started watching. However, I am providing my opinions as the show proceeds; and it's before any 'replay'. Of course, I am not posting until the PPV finishes.


Spoilers...


Kickoff show

Sin Cara vs Cien Almas

Almas wins in heelish fashion. A decent opener. Would love to see these two given more time. Given Almas is ascending the card and Sin Cara isn't, I don't believe we'll ever get the match these two could bring. 2.5 out of 5 stars

Sanity vs New Day Tables March

Sanity wins when Young puts Kofi through a table. A meh match. I've seen both groups wrestle better matches. 1.5 out of 5 stars.

Extreme Rules 

Woken Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt (c) v Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas for Raw Tag Team Championship

 Marked out when both Bray & Bo were both inside the ring.  Bo pins Hardy. New champions! Solid match. 3 out of 5 stars because of the significance of the B Team not only winning a match but becoming champions. No longer jobbers!

Kurt Angle threatens to strip Lesnar of the Universal Championship!

Finn Balor v Constable Baron Corbin

Big man vs little man match. Corbin dominated the match in the early going. Balor wins with an inside cradle. Match slow plodding, which the crowd did not get into until Balor won. 2 out of 5 stars.

Carmella (c) vs Asuka for Smackdown Women's Championship with Ellsworth suspended above within a cage.

Ellsworth dropped items to Carmella... Match plods along as Ellsworth picks the lock and escapes... but is caught and suspended. Easy prey for Asuka. Match ends mercifully when Carmella KOs Asuka while Asuka's distracted by kicking the hapless Ellsworth. Terrible match. Only the suspended shark cage made it worthy of PVP. 1 out of 5 stars.

Jeff Hardy (c) v Shinsuke Nakamura for U.S. Championship 

Before the match begins, Nakamura low blows Hardy. Hardy waves okay and Nakamura nails his finisher to become the new U.S. Champion! Can't really call it a match... 2 out of 5 stars for its historical significance although it'll be replayed enough (for storyline reasons) that one doesn't need to watch the PPV for this match. Crowd cheered. I like the outcome...

Randy Orton is back! Attacks Hardy! Three way feud?

Braun Strowman c Kevin Owens - Steel Cage Match

Strowman breaks out of handcuffs and then chases KO up the cage to chokelsam Owens onto the announce table! Holy Toledo! Technically, Kevin Owens is the winner... Because of the big moment leading to an unusual steel cage victory I give 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Bludgeon Brothers (c) vs Team Hell No (Kane & Daniel Bryan) for Smackdown Tag Team Championship 

Storyline-wise there was pre-match ambush leaving Team Hell No in poor shape. Bryan arrives alone... followed by the tag champs. Not a squash as Daniel Bryan holds his own. Then the numbers game reverses the match not in his favor. Kane limps out. Not enough. Bludgeon Brothers retain. So far the best match of the night. Hopefully the match quality continues improving in quality. 3 out of 5 stars.

Roman Reigns v Bobby Lashley

Lashley begins by putting on a wrestling clinic. Nice to see. Then, the usual WWE striking style asserts itself. Roman then plods along... Lashley is carrying the match. Too soon for him to be wrestling Reigns as the crowd simply isn't into him much. They dislike Reigns though. Lashley suplexed Reigns onto the announce table to counter Reigns charge! Superman Punch to Lashley while standing on the top rope! Then Lashley counters a charging Reigns with a spear for the win! Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Alexa Bliss (c) v Nia Jax Raw Women's Championship under Extreme Rules

Jax snaps Bliss's kendo stick. Tosses all weapons Bliss attempts to use into the ring. Alexa slams Nia repeatedly with a trash can lid! Natalya beats up on Mickie James. Then Alexa takes out Natalya. Rhonda Rousey runs in and unleashes on Mickie James! Later, James takes out Rhonda with a kendo stick. Alexis Bliss retains by DDTing Nia Jax into a chair! The carnage saved and made this match. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

A.J. Styles (c) v Rusev Smackdown WWE World Heavyweight Title

My attention was riveted to the match. Nothing resembling play-by-play here. Excellent action, story-telling, and ring psychology. A.J. Styles retains in a competitive match. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars although on this particular card I could easily give the match 4.5 out of 5 stars - a 5 rating within reach.

Dolph Ziggler (c) v Seth Rollins 30 minute Iron Man match Intercontinental Championship 

Drew McIntyre is at ringside. At the 25:20 mark - Rollins first pinfall. Rollins achieved a 2nd fall by pin at around the 22 minute mark. Then acquires a 3rd fall at the 21 minute mark by DQ when McIntyre assaults him. Afterwards, Drew devastes Rollins until the referee ejected. No DQ though. Ziggler gets a fall by pinfall at around19 minute mark then a second at the 18:48 mark with superkick followed by pin. Tied 3 for 3 when Dolph scores a pin following the Zig Zag at roughly the 18:00 mark. 15:45 Dolph score a 4th fall with feet on the ropes. Done counting falls as they happen now. Ziggler demonstrates excellent endurance! The time runs out when both men are tied. Match is draw. Ziggler retains!

As Ziggler struts victoriously, GM Kurt Angle walks on stage and invokes Sudden Death rules. McIntyre runs in from ringside distracting Rollins. Ziggler with the Fameasser for the win!

Excellent match dampened because I've seen better Iron Man matches. However, I am a sucker for the Hart-Michaels Iron Man match homage. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.




Overall: Extreme Rules 2018 is a byproduct of the WWE Network. Combined with the Kickoff show, Extreme Rules ran for roughly four hours. Four hours of wrestling isn't too shabby especially considering thousands saw it the day of. Who knows how many will watch the PPV on the WWE Network? So there's the extra gravitas that comes from such a shared viewing experience. However, if you rate Extreme Rules 2018 on its own, a different story. Why was it called Extreme Rules if only a minority of matches fit the theme? A sad of affairs in today's WWE wrestling environment when an Iron Man match as the main event could only be slotted for this PPV. We'd have to wait months for similar space on a PPV card. Match quality? While Extreme Rules 2018 improved with the Team Hell No tag match on, many matches would have to rank in the four-plus star category to balance out the earlier portion of the card. The booking was mediocre. I would've been angry if bought this during the old PPV days. If you come upon it as a rental, sure. Own on DVD/Blu-ray? Only if you're a completest, a fan of the wrestlers who hit milestones, and/or greatly enjoyed the later matches. Otherwise, not worth the shelf space.


Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars. Feeling my WWE Network subscription cost was satisfied influences me greatly.


Next time.

First Step Toward a Truly WORLD WWE?

If you follow WWE's (World Wrestling Entertainment) press releases then you'll know they've announced a new brand. NXT UK.


NXT UK will be shot on location. The UK. With wrestlers from the UK.


Huge news indeed.


WWE is known for taking its stars abroad. Sure, locals may be used - as enhancement talent. Unless a wrestler on the roster hails from a given country, they're all foreigners.


Furthermore, WWE is mostly an American production. The predominance of shows occur in the United States. Most of the "stars" are American too.


So yes, the WWE producing a local UK product starring UK wrestlers is a significant development indeed. I'm guessing the show will be on air via local UK stations. Suppose WWE is hoping that too... In any case, I would assume NXT would be available on the WWE Network accessible to subscribers everywhere.


The latter is more important. WWE fans worldwide would be exposed to UK wrestlers in a UK environment. Thus, establishing the wrestling in the eyes of the fans and fostering a sense the wrestler is indeed from another country. Cause every wrestler who claims they from a country is from the country claimed... cough... cough...


Should NXT UK succeed, then the WWE will in all likelihood establish NXT's in other countries. Thereby, creating localized content with said country's wrestlers and flair.


Finally, the WWE would truly become a 'world' wrestling company in fact and not just in name.


Next time.

Initial Impression of the WWE Network

Since regaining access to high-speed internet, I have toyed with the idea of signing up for the WWE Network. Was I still into sports entertainment? Could I sit through hours of pro wrestling for it to be worth my while? Enough hours in the day?


Then a couple weeks ago, on the day of WrestleMania, I took the plunge. I signed up for the WWE Network.


So after watching WrestleMania 34 and hours of WWE programming (ironically, I've viewed Hulu-available shows such as 205 Live and NXT on the Network), here's my initial impressions.


Good: PPVs are much, much cheaper than they used to be! Plus, the first month is free to new subscribers.


Bad: Don't seem to be considered a new subscriber as I was charged already. Going to have to call...


Good: Note how I stated how I doubted my pro wrestling watching stamina? Irrelevant. I can pause a program and resume viewing whenever I desire. Kind of like Netflix and better than Hulu in that regard.


Good: Commercials are un-intrusive.


Bad: There doesn't appear to be a home screen. Some sort of programming always starts playing unless you search for a program.


So-So: A watchlist is a must if you don't want to keep searching for a program such as classic programming!


Good: Library is extensive as is. Between PPVs and what's on the WWE Network, I can easily justify the fee.


Overall: I am quite pleased! Bring on the Greatest Royal Rumble on Friday! Which I will watch in segments over the course of several days...


Next time.

Will Shinsuke Nakamura Become WWE's 1st Recognized Japanese WWE Champion?

Remember when I stated I was iffy about acquiring a WWE Network membership? As of this moment, I have not purchased a WWE Network subscription. Thus, I didn't watch this year's Royal Rumble to see live, or recorded as the WWE Network allows, Shinsuke Nakamura win the Men's Royal Rumble.


Excellent call WWE! Shinsuke Nakamura is a good choice. He's never been a top guy before. So he's fresh. Plus, he can wrestle a decent work rate ensuring high quality matches.


Choosing A.J. Styles as his opponent? Another awesome call. The sole Nakamura match I watched online in anticipation of his WWE debut was a match against Styles. Think many wrestling fans were eager to see those two wrestle in the WWE. Both Styles and Nakamura are the type of wrestlers to steal the show. We're talking Match of the Year contender here. What better showcase than WrestleMania? If they're allotted enough time, Styles/Nakamura should be the Match of the Night.


There is another milestone Shinsuke Nakamura could achieve.


WWE's very first Japanese WWE Champion.


Sure, Antonio Inoki pinned then WWE Champion Bob Backlund in Japan. However, his title victory was never recognized by the company. Back in those days, it wasn't rare for a wrestler to become champion for a day only for it to go officially unrecognized. For those asking, Yokozuna was actually Japanese as he was really American Samoan whose gimmick was a Japanese Sumo wrestler.


For Shinuske Nakamura, there's an opportunity for him to not only become WWE Champion but become the first recognized Japanese champion.


Even better?


Becoming the very first recognized Japanese WWE Champion on the grandest stage of them all: WrestleMania!


Personally, I think there's a significant chance that'll happen. WWE loves big moments at WrestleMania. First Japanese WWE Champion certainly qualifies.


Next time.

Geek Culture Sure Relies on the Net Quite a Bit

A blog entry or two I mentioned that I was finally able to watch wrestling again. Why? I didn't have cable; and the internet was subject to data caps. Sure, I could watch a wrestling match now and then. However, my available data would be significantly less. Rationing internet use isn't fun at all. Curiously, the amount of data consumed for what would be considered the simplest things, not talking watching wrestling matches here, would become more and more over the years...


Ah, what does this have to do with geek culture as I ascribe within the title, you may ask? Wrestling fans are geeks of sort as one does not just simply watch one or two hours of wrestling a week. Following geek culture requires quite a bit of data. Just think of how much one streams a week! From trailers to television shows to movies, not to mention video games, the internet is the realm of the geek. Thus to follow geek culture one must use the internet quite a bit. Besides, I frequently said I would explain my absence from wrestling one day. Here it is.


Instead of following wrestling bit by bit on social media, I can watch shows on Hulu, Netflix, or the WWE Network (or insert wrestling promotion). Also don't need to stock up on wrestling DVDs although there are some I'll still pick up.


Speaking of DVDs, remember when one can walk into a brick and mortar store and see aisles brimming with quite a variety? Yeah, not so much now. Nowadays, one is lucky if one can find a show past a certain season! Has Marvel's Agents of SHIELD had more than one season available on DVD? If it has I must have missed it.


You know where I can find seasons of Marvel's Agents of SHIELD? Netflix. While I waited what seems like years, cause it has, for Daredevil Season One to come out on DVD, I can watch both seasons plus all the other Netflix Marvel shows as well. Without hoping for a long, long time that it will soon arrive on DVD. Can also watch the new Voltron, Inspector Gadget, and Danger Mouse as well. So without the internet, reliable, non-rationed high speed internet, one simply does not have access to segments of geek culture.


Sometimes I wait quite a long time before watching a show. Too long. Plus, it's nice if my viewing of show attracts attention similar to a Nielsen family. That's what Hulu is for. Legion is great adaptation inspired by the X-men character Legion. The show does a terrific job reflection the unstable nature of the main character's mental state as each episode shifts in tone from one episode to the next. Although I think there's one character that's more Morrison than Claremont. Furthermore, Legion is very dark compared to all the other comic book based shows on the air in a very sophisticated fashion. Don't have cable so I couldn't have watched it. Plus thanks to Hulu the powers-that-be have another measurement of support. Same goes true for the NBC show Timeless. While I DVR'd Timeless, I fell behind that I eventually gave up and deleted my recordings. However, I was able to watch the show about a time travel show that illustrates how much one act can have profound effect on the timeline. All under the backdrop where the black hats aren't necessarily black hats. Really enjoy. While I may not like how Hulu goes about expiring shows, it does motivate me to watch it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have marathoned Timeless and discovered how much I greatly enjoyed it.


Video games - in the age of DRM do people actually truly own their video game? And it's a complete game? Nope. Heck, PC games are rarer in stores than DVDs! After years, Steam finally stopped working for me. Steam works again now.


The role-playing game industry is almost as bad. As much as I championed 4th edition D&D, WOTC's ill-advised 4th ed version of the OGL, the GSL (?), practically killed any variety of the RPG market in stores. As such, many RPG product are generally available primarily in ebook form. Plus there's software support and gaming via online.


Went from being avid anime watcher to barely watching any anime. Anime is too expensive for me to buy it completely unseen. So once I could watch anime on Hulu once more, I watched the anime Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation. Yeah, that was another reason I had hankering to play some Phantasy Star when I downloaded Phantasy Star 2 for my phone... Great series. Not my Phantasy Star but it had enough Phantasy Star elements. Kind of wish the game would become available to play here in the States after watching it... Heck, I've even started watching a couple 'new' series that are airing on Hulu, Chronos Ruler and In Another World with My Smartphone. Been a very long time since I last watched an anime series on a weekly basis and not had the option to binge it. Heck, it's nice to watch anime regularly again!


So there you go. My rather long-winded account on how I can now fully experience geek culture (while arguing why the internet is necessary) as my internet experience is no longer constrained.


Next time

Happy 15 Years TNA, er I mean Global Force Wrestling

When TNA (Total Non-stop Action, so don't go there) debuted on the wrestling scene, it was a weekly PPV show. Back in 2002, I didn't watch WWE PPVs. Paying to see the equivalent of weekly wrestling product was a non-starter. I became more interested in TNA around 2004-2005 as my interest in the independents grew but particularly because of its connection to the NWA. So I read up on the flagship of the NWA. They did put on series of PPVs, which were PPVs but I didn't see them until they were on DVD. Considerably after. So once NWA-TNA's Impact show was available on the 'Net and then TV, I made sure to watch.


The NWA connection didn't last long. I continued watching though. Total Non-stop Action wasn't just a fancy name. While the selling and story-telling could have used improvement, the action was top-notch. For a television show, Impact put on matches of a caliber that WWE reserves for PPV. I bought a bunch of DVDs. Some I still haven't watched.


Anyways, the company went through several phases but drifted away from the fast action pace into WWE lite. I'd like to say I stopped watching because of that. Really, it was for the same reason as WWE. Unlike WWE, TNA was, and far as I know currently is, a difficult product to follow. WWE has its network and Hulu streams some of WWE's shows. TNA has had... difficulties. Aces & Eights was the primary storyline when I last watched the promotion.


During the years since, TNA has had problem after problem. Occasionally, I would see a snippet on Social Media on go Hmmm. Jeff Jarret formed a new promotion called Global Force Wrestling (GFW). Both promotions would have cross-overs?


In any case, TNA was hyping up toward its big PPV of the year, what they call their anniversary PPV Slammiversary. As I still had yet to get back fully into wrestling, you could guess I wasn't planning on ordering it. You'd be correct. Still it was nice to see the underdog promotion was still ticking.


Then I discovered today, TNA was no more. Instead, it is becoming Global Force Wrestling. Turns out all troubles led to a new owner and that new owner liked how Jeff Jarret thinks. They also didn't want folks minds going into the gutter every time 'TNA' popped up. Ergo both of Jarret's promotions are merged into one, ala GFW. There's talks about expanded markets and entering the world of streaming television. The latter being a good thing as it would be nice to actually, you know, watch a full program of Global Force Wrestling.


So in two days time, at Slammiversary, TNA will officially become Global Force Wrestling. As an old fan, I wish it the best. Happy 15 years GFW.


Next Time.

Hmm, Guess Watching Wrestling is More of a Habit...

Once upon a time, I was an avid watcher of pro-wrestling.


Okay, sports entertainment. Happy WWE?


I would watch Monday Night Raw, Smackdown, TNA Impact, and ECW/NXT/Tough Enough and would record shows to ensure I wouldn't miss an episode. In retrospect, I watched a lot of wrestling. A lot. Needless to say that took quite a bit of time...


Well, then I went from being able to watch all that wrestling programming to just one show a week, WWE's Main Event. The advent of WWE Network meant no Main Event for me.


So for years, I wasn't watching any regular wrestling shows. Otherwise, there'd be much more wrestling coverage on this blog. Much more.  Cause there's more to gripe about...


Then I regained the ability to watch regular wrestling programming (to be covered in a future post). A week's worth of WWE programming.


Loved the focus on the IC belt on RAW. Cause Brock Lesnar works as often as a politician...


WWE NXT reminded of wrestling shows of old; and I liked the focus on new talent. Meanwhile, 205 Live was the cruiserweight show, which cruiserweights long needed. Greatly liked the toast Austin Aries received. Main Event isn't quite as good if you've seen Raw. Really didn't need to see Samoa Joe beat up on Seth Rollins after winning the match due to an exposed turnbuckle again.


Never thought Jinder Mahal would become #1 contender...


What? All that is month's old stuff, you say? Well, yeah, those events occurred on WWE shows that aired the week of May 8th 2017. Procrastinated about blogging my thoughts on those shows and since it is almost July it feels pointless now what with WWE's weekly new content. Maybe if I took notes about more memorable day stuff for an On this Day feel...


I also haven't watched any wrestling since then. Not because I didn't enjoy those programs. It's been so long a one star match would be at least two or three star match in my eyes. Which is kind of why I procrastinated blogging my thoughts for so long...


Upon reflection, my avid, weekly wrestling habit was broken. I didn't feel an overriding need to watch 5 hours of wrestling. Oops sports entertainment. I watched other things instead. Plus it doesn't help that for every 5 hours of WWE programming, there's really only one or two hours that are truly must see. So the lack of 5 hours, more like 6 or 7, that are must see really isn't conducive to habitual watching. Kind of like comic book reading and collecting. Sure, you may read an issue or two here and buy four issues there but then go months without reading and/or collecting. Feeling that with pro wrestling. It was because I would avidly watch pro wrestling week to week that I avidly watched sports entertainment week to week.


So yeah, I finally understand first-hand why other lapsed hardcore pro wrestling fans have a hard time being hardcore sports entertainment fans they once were.


Not saying I am gonna watch some good ole wrasslin' avidly again but it's probably going take time. Then expect more male soap opera stuff on this blog.


Next time.

Interesting News: March 2017

Back during January, I did an installment of 'interesting news', which was a collection of links I found of interest. Never did do a part two although my Rebirth entry included some of what I would have included. As March comes to close, I figured I'd do a March installment. While much of it will be from March, I may include links to comics, role-playing, games, and wrestling news stories as far back as January. Or until I get tired as I am blogging stream-of-conscious and all...


Classic D&D modules return! - Tales of the Yawning Portal whetting your appetite for classic Dungeons & Dragons modules? The classic modules not enough but want 5E stats as well? Well, if you checked out the link, Goodman and WotC are collaborating to do exactly that in glorious hardcover editions. Really hope these are available at FLGCS everywhere because I want 'em!


Marvel's Generations - Okay, the concept of Marvel's Generations has me intrigued - 10 rookie heroes partnered (somehow) with the hero that inspired them has the potential to be a groundbreaking work. Would be cool if Alex Ross provided the art but don't think that will happen. Don't think any resurrections (Logan, Bruce, Mar-Vell) will occur or last but I may be wrong. As Secret Empire will be raging, I may wait for the trade instead. Although, my attitude toward the series may change by then...


Shutter lens Spidey-eyes! - There will be limited number of emotive shutter lenses for a Spider-Man mask for any cosplay based on the CA: Civil War movie costume! Pretty cool to see them work. Would be cool if more were made in the future.


On the chances of MCU crossovers - Alas, it took the actor of the Falcon to point out explicitly why we haven't seen crossovers between the Marvel television series and films: they are different divisions. Rather sad that none of the heads of both departments could not be a frank with fans. Maybe we'll get an Agents of SHIELD/Inhumans/Defenders crossover someday?


Deadpool 2 Teaser - Did you see the movie Logan? Remember the Deadpool 2 teaser? Thought that it was just for fun and whet one's appetite? Well, you're correct.


100 episodes of The Walking Dead! - When The Walking Dead premiered, I didn't think the show would reach 100 episodes. As I am a couple seasons behind, I didn't know the series will soon reach such a milestone! Like the article writer suggests I bet the next arc is "All Out War!" Would be cool if the show ran another 100 episodes though.


Disney Afternoon 8-bit games return! - I grew up watching the Disney Afternoon block. The NES game DuckTales is one of those games I always wanted to play but never played enough of. As such I eagerly anticipate having the chance to play the DuckTales, Chip 'N' Dale's Rescue Rangers, and Talespin 8-bit games on my PC!


Christian-Angle-Dory Funk Jr-Jeff Hardy - Here's a nice little picture of wrestling history showing Kurt Angle, Christian, and Jeff Hardy being trained by the legendary Dory Funk Jr.


Frank Oz on ABC Muppets Failure - I stopped watching the latest iteration of The Muppets because it felt... off.  The mockumentary format just didn't click for me. In that, I agree with Frank Oz. As for "purity", I had no problem with the adult tones. The muppets weren't very likeable though.


Warpath or Thunderbird on X-men the show? - Well, it seems either John or James Proudstar (aka Thunderbird and Warpath) may be in the upcoming X-men television show. That would be cool although I am concerned about the use of the name 'Sam'. I suppose I would also prefer James (aka Thunderbird II/Warpath) to be the Proudstar in question as I can more easily see him leading such an underground group. Plus think of the eventual comic book tie-ins...


Jean Grey Deleted Scene - There will apparently be a deleted scene in the Logan blu-ray referencing Jean Grey.


Hugh Jackman and Wolverine Mask - Haha! Here's a humorous picture of Hugh Jackman holding a Wolverine mask.


Christopher Daniels Interview - a nice brief interview with the new Ring of Honor World Champion Christopher Daniels. Forgot about his comics collaboration!


Bully Ray on his RoH appearance - I was pleasantly surprised to find out that wrestler Bully Ray appeared in Ring of Honor. Here's the man's words on what he thinks of the RoH product and what he hopes to bring to it. Think he'll bring much to the RoH product


Logan movie influences? - Here's a list of 15 movies that may very well have served as influences for the movie Logan.


Till next time.

Bray Wyatt - Is he a Transistional Champ and Guardians of Galaxy 2 Trailer Thoughts

What better way to end an impromptu blogging hiatus than blogging on the first of the month, right? To kick off what I hope is a month filled with more frequent blogging is my thoughts on Bray Wyatt becoming a champion in the WWE along with what I thought of the latest Guardians of the Galaxy 2 trailer. See this entry does have a comics related component!


Not bothering to share a link to the latest Guardians of Galaxy 2 trailer. Should be easily findable due to its high trending nature right now. Absolutely loved it! Former WWE Batista, yeah his WWE stage name but that's how I see him, fits the MCU version of Drax like a glove. Baby Groot plays a much, much bigger role in this trailer than Drax but we do see is hella cool with Drax launching himself at what can best described as a space octopus. Was wondering if Baby Groot would have more of a bit role but that doesn't seem to be the case at all. The trailer's reference to family is a nice touch as Guardians are more like a family than a team. With the absence of the X-Men in the MCU, The Guardians of the Galaxy fill that void. Trailer does an excellent job depicting the Guardians along with Yondu and Nebula as the MCU's quarrelsome space family. Music appears to play a heavy role as well. Like the appearance of Ego in Kurt Russel form at the end. The third trailer will probably provide more plot/villain details...


Now on to the main subject of tonight's blog...


Bray Wyatt is now the Smackdown Champion. Okay, that's not the correct name of the belt but I have not watched wrestling in a very, very long time. Remember my post about Cena becoming champion and Orton winning the Rumble? Yeah, still haven't seen it. I find the longer and longer I go without watching wrestling the less I care about the semantics. The brands of split. In theory, both brands are equal but neither brand's championship crosses over to the other. Ok, I could be wrong. That may have happened. I don't know. I am fairly knowledgeable about wrestling though. Enough to give my two cents on whether or not Bray Wyatt is a transitional champion.


Before I start, Bray Wyatt becoming a top champion is simply fantastic. Would rather a Wyatt championship than an umpteenth Cena or Orton reign. The man deserves it. As Bray will, knock on wood, is more of WWE's future than Cena and Orton, it's absolutely pivotal he becomes seen as more of a top talent. Carrying the top Smackdown belt helps that cause. Doesn't guarantee it as I am sure Jack Swagger can attest....


However, Bray Wyatt is modern day Mick Foley. He can energize storylines and matches. Get himself and his opponent over despite ultimately losing the match. One could quibble Bray won the belt because the WWE had gone to the well too often that it was starting to dry...


While I don't regularly watch WWE, I am aware that Orton was paired with Bray for a time. So as the winner of the Rumble, Orton will probably challenge Bray WrestleMania. I predict Orton will win. WWE could use a Mania victory to propel Bray to the top. Nah. Orton will probably win the belt. Which in turn will probably lead to Cena and Orton resuming their rivalry. But I digress.


A transitional champion is a wrestler who becomes champion only to lose it to the next (viable) opponent. Bray Wyatt winning the belt in the Elimination Chamber only to lose it to Randy Orton at WrestleMania is textbook transitional champion material. Except, there's WWE Fastlane. If he loses the belt at Fastlane, Bray definitely is a transitional champion. Otherwise, Fastlane will probably serve as a 'big victory' for Bray such that his match with Orton means more.


So is Bray Wyatt a transitional champion? I suppose time and Fastlane/WrestleMania outcomes will tell. If he loses the former, yes. If he wins the latter, no. If he wins the former and loses the latter? Technically, Bray Wyatt would not be a transitional champion in the strictest sense. However, as the point of Bray reign would be transition from Cena reign to an Orton reign beginning with WrestleMania, then, yes, he would be. Personally, I don't want that outcome but it does set Orton up for matching Flair's 16-time reign and renewing his Flair/Steamboat rivalry with Cena...


Till Next Time