KB Answers Wrestling Questions

[klunderbunker]

You ever feel Virgil is treated too harshly? Sure, he has an ego that could block out the sun, but that 1991 face turn still gives me the chills.

It's more along the lines of what else has he ever done to warrant being such a name?

And to his credit, I've met him twice and he's been polite both times.


Why wasn't Jericho or Big Show a part of the Alliance? Seem like no-brainer decisions.

WWE wanted the big guys on their side and Jericho had to be in the WWE so he could have his big feud against Rock.


Thoughts on 'Mania being a two day event?

Normally I'd hate it but this is a special circumstance and it makes sense.

[Yer Maw]

Would you say Edge is one of the all time great when it comes to promos? Never realised how good he was at them until he came back

[klunderbunker]

Would you say Edge is one of the all time great when it comes to promos? Never realised how good he was at them until he came back

He's very good. All time great is a bit far.

[Yer Maw]

Do you know how to catch the vice show about Benoit? I'm in the UK.

[klunderbunker]

Do you know how to catch the vice show about Benoit? I'm in the UK.

Not sure if this will work there but it's legally up on YouTube here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkUsAztC4Xc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEtP3vMElcQ

[Fallout]

I remember you said back in the day you felt Eddie Guerrero didn't belong in the Hall of Fame, and honestly, I agreed with you at the time. I felt it was a kneejerk reaction to the tragedy that had happened only recently before his induction.

But the more I listen to wrestlers talk about Eddie and essentially revere him, perhaps more so than the likes of Pillman, the more I think his induction was justified. We'll obviously never know what he meant to Benoit, but listening to Chavo, Jericho, Malenko, Vickie and others talk about him in the Benoit documentary, as well as the Ruthless Aggression documentary on the Network, the more I'm starting to really respect the guy.

He wasn't coated in accolades, but he was a great presence backstage, and undeniably a great in-ring talent. Some people go too far in calling him a GOAT, but I've changed my position and think he's definitely worthy. What about you?

Also Yer Maw, I think it's on BT Player somewhere. There are other Youtube uploads for international markets too.

[klunderbunker]

I remember you said back in the day you felt Eddie Guerrero didn't belong in the Hall of Fame, and honestly, I agreed with you at the time. I felt it was a kneejerk reaction to the tragedy that had happened only recently before his induction.

But the more I listen to wrestlers talk about Eddie and essentially revere him, perhaps more so than the likes of Pillman, the more I think his induction was justified. We'll obviously never know what he meant to Benoit, but listening to Chavo, Jericho, Malenko, Vickie and others talk about him in the Benoit documentary, as well as the Ruthless Aggression documentary on the Network, the more I'm starting to really respect the guy.

He wasn't coated in accolades, but he was a great presence backstage, and undeniably a great in-ring talent. Some people go too far in calling him a GOAT, but I've changed my position and think he's definitely worthy. What about you?

Also Yer Maw, I think it's on BT Player somewhere. There are other Youtube uploads for international markets too.

Are you sure that was me? I'm not saying I didn't say it a long time ago but I really don't remember that. I remember saying I found him overrated but not a Hall of Famer sounds like a bit of a long stretch for me.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Thoughts on Dark side of the ring?

[Fallout]

Are you sure that was me? I'm not saying I didn't say it a long time ago but I really don't remember that. I remember saying I found him overrated but not a Hall of Famer sounds like a bit of a long stretch for me.

https://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2013/02/19/wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2006/

To be fair, it was 2013, and the HoF was still held to some standard there.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Thoughts on "Whipper" Billy Watson?

[klunderbunker]

Thoughts on Dark side of the ring?

Outstanding stuff and something I actually look forward to every week. They take it seriously and that makes for a good hour of television.


https://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2013/02/19/wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2006/

To be fair, it was 2013, and the HoF was still held to some standard there.

......dang. Was I just having a really bad day then or something? Yeah scratch that as he should be in.


Thoughts on "Whipper" Billy Watson?

I've only seen some short clips but he didn't exactly stand out.

[Yer Maw]

Shouldn't wrestlemania have matches that mean something with a bit of story rather than thrown together like Aleister Black v Lashley?

Also out of all the tag teams they have they put together a random team such as Austin Theory and Garza for a tag title match?

I know it's not a normal wrestlemania but damn.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Is Tamina the longest tenured WWE wrestler to never elicit a reaction from the crowd?

[OYDK]

Where do you rank her (Tamina) among the worst ever?

[Yer Maw]

People say that King and JR are the best announce team of all time but how much do you think JR carried him all those years?

And who do you think is the best team?

[Yer Maw]

Do you think evolution v shield would have happened if CM Punk didn't leave?

[klunderbunker]

Shouldn't wrestlemania have matches that mean something with a bit of story rather than thrown together like Aleister Black v Lashley?

Also out of all the tag teams they have they put together a random team such as Austin Theory and Garza for a tag title match?

I know it's not a normal wrestlemania but damn.

They should, but I'm not holding it against them. Not this year.


Is Tamina the longest tenured WWE wrestler to never elicit a reaction from the crowd?

She has to be close, though she did superkick the heck out of (I think) Nikki Bella once and that got a great reaction.


Where do you rank her (Tamina) among the worst ever?

Really she's not terrible. Just completely unnecessary, especially any time Nia Jax is on the same roster.


People say that King and JR are the best announce team of all time but how much do you think JR carried him all those years?

And who do you think is the best team?

I'm not sure I'd say carried him. They had a chemistry and enhanced each other. JR was better (as he is with just about anyone) but I wouldn't say he carried Lawler. Jerry was more versatile and can switch from face to heel in a heartbeat.

Gorilla and Jesse all day.


Do you think evolution v shield would have happened if CM Punk didn't leave?

Probably. That's too easy of a match to book.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

How you doing, kb? Can?t understand how you?ve worked from home all these years.

Oh and I don?t get you semi-defending Tamina. She?s absolutely awful on the mic. She makes Nia Jax look like The Rock.

[klunderbunker]

How you doing, kb? Can?t understand how you?ve worked from home all these years.

Oh and I don?t get you semi-defending Tamina. She?s absolutely awful on the mic. She makes Nia Jax look like The Rock.

You get used to it after awhile.

When did I defend Tamina?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

You weren't exactly complimentary, but you did say she wasn't terrible.

[smarkmouth]

Favourite MITB cash-in, aside from maybe Edge or Seth?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

What?s your opinion on Marko Stunt? I get that AEW wants to be different, but he?s so small he?s hard to take seriously.

[klunderbunker]

You weren't exactly complimentary, but you did say she wasn't terrible.

I don't hate her but I just don't care. Anytime Nia Jax is around, Tamina's lack of value is made all the more obvious. I have no idea why she is still employed.


Favourite MITB cash-in, aside from maybe Edge or Seth?

Probably Edge, as it fit in perfectly and set a standard that only Seth would approach.


What?s your opinion on Marko Stunt? I get that AEW wants to be different, but he?s so small he?s hard to take seriously.

Can't stand him and it drives me crazy when we have to slow everything down so he can do his stuff.

[smarkmouth]

Probably Edge, as it fit in perfectly and set a standard that only Seth would approach.

Pardon, I did say aside from those two. Was fairly confident they were shoe-ins. :)

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Why didn't Rock win the title at 'Mania 2000?

[klunderbunker]

Pardon, I did say aside from those two. Was fairly confident they were shoe-ins. :)

Ah sorry.

Ambrose, if nothing else for giving us the cool moment of the Shield all being World Champion on the same night.


Why didn't Rock win the title at 'Mania 2000?

Allegedly to draw it out even more. That's one of those all time headscratchers (there are much dumber examples, but that was pretty high profile).

[Storm Trooper]

1. Who should win at NXT Takeover: COVID-19 Part 2? Gargano or Ciampa?

2. Who will win??

Obviously had this happened last year in New York Gargano should (and would) win, but I really don't feel like the heel should win the blowoff to the feud, but Ciampa won everything else in the feud so you'd think Johnny needs to get one win back.

[OYDK]

Did Rey Mysterio invent the West Coat Pop? Has anybody else used it with regularity?

[Yer Maw]

Do you listen to any wrestling podcasts?

[klunderbunker]

1. Who should win at NXT Takeover: COVID-19 Part 2? Gargano or Ciampa?

2. Who will win??

Obviously had this happened last year in New York Gargano should (and would) win, but I really don't feel like the heel should win the blowoff to the feud, but Ciampa won everything else in the feud so you'd think Johnny needs to get one win back.

Ciampa.

Gargano.


Did Rey Mysterio invent the West Coat Pop? Has anybody else used it with regularity?

If anyone else beat him to it then it was in Mexico or Japan. I've never seen anyone do it earlier but since it's also known as the Tiger Feint kick, I'd assume it has been done before.


Do you listen to any wrestling podcasts?

Yep.

Oh you probably wanted to know which ones. Austin and Cornette.

[Yer Maw]

Tried listening to any of Conrad Thompsons podcasts?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

So, who takes the title off Becky?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

I?ve been a Becky Lynch fan pretty much since she debuted, but even I can?t understand why she won last night. Thoughts?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Thoughts on Rob Gronkowski in the WWE and what is his future will hold?

[klunderbunker]

Tried listening to any of Conrad Thompsons podcasts?

Bits and pieces but never full ones.


So, who takes the title off Becky?

Shayna still.


I?ve been a Becky Lynch fan pretty much since she debuted, but even I can?t understand why she won last night. Thoughts?

Yeah I didn't get it either. That was built up for the title change and then it just didn't happen.


Thoughts on Rob Gronkowski in the WWE and what is his future will hold?

You ever put your head in a vice with the pressure slowly being increased while someone pierces your ankle with an electric drill and someone else puts honey on your stomach as a bear is let loose?

I'd rather do that for a thousand years than listen to Gronkowski talk for five minutes.

[smarkmouth]

When it comes to "giving back to the business", is anyone worse than Goldberg in getting others over?

[klunderbunker]

When it comes to "giving back to the business", is anyone worse than Goldberg in getting others over?

HHH maybe? In ring career only of course.

[smarkmouth]

HHH maybe? In ring career only of course.
I see your HHH and I raise you a Benoit. Up until Strowman - which IMO is kinda meh - Berg has made Triple H look like the Giving Tree.

[Yer Maw]

Why are all professional wrestlers giant nerds?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

You ever put your head in a vice with the pressure slowly being increased while someone pierces your ankle with an electric drill and someone else puts honey on your stomach as a bear is let loose?

I'd rather do that for a thousand years than listen to Gronkowski talk for five minutes.

What don't you like about him?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Does Cena finally turn heel after his FFH match with Fiend?

[Yer Maw]

Revival: Overrated or underutilised?

[klunderbunker]

Why are all professional wrestlers giant nerds?

I wasn't aware we were.


What don't you like about him?

I'm the most boring person you'll ever meet and have the soul of an 84 year old. The idea of someone whose job is to constantly start a party and do stupid, annoying stuff is a horrible, horrible thought.


Does Cena finally turn heel after his FFH match with Fiend?

I really doubt that is going to matter by the next time you see him.


Revival: Overrated or underutilised?

They're better than they were used in WWE, but they're not some amazing, blowaway team that AEW fans seem to think they're getting.

[Yer Maw]

I wasn't aware we were.

I'm not on about the fans I mean the actual wrestlers. Any time one of them has a big match or a match at a big event they bust out their new gear which is inspired by an amine or superhero movie or video game.

[Storm Trooper]

Stupid Dave Meltzer decided to not rate WrestleMania 36 (which was apparently Too Big For One Night) on the grounds of it being taped.

Is this stupid, or the stupidest thing you've heard in years? Do you think he'll rate Double or Nothing, which will likely be similar in nature to WrestleMania in that it'll be closed set and taped in advance?

[klunderbunker]

I'm not on about the fans I mean the actual wrestlers. Any time one of them has a big match or a match at a big event they bust out their new gear which is inspired by an amine or superhero movie or video game.

As Randy Savage said: dress like a star and you'll be a star. Sometimes that means going over the top.


Stupid Dave Meltzer decided to not rate WrestleMania 36 (which was apparently Too Big For One Night) on the grounds of it being taped.

Is this stupid, or the stupidest thing you've heard in years? Do you think he'll rate Double or Nothing, which will likely be similar in nature to WrestleMania in that it'll be closed set and taped in advance?

He shouldn't but he probably will.

And yeah it's lame. I got to meet Jim Cornette last year and mentioned that my wife hadn't seen a bunch of his stuff before because WCW didn't air in England. She liked some of Cornette's jokes and he said "Yeah it's 30 years old but it's new to her." Who cares if Wrestlemania was taped? It's new to Meltzer.

[Alex]

What do you think of the Wrestling With Wregret Youtube channel?

Also apparently Jeff Hardy is in line for a push. Is this to spite Matt and AEW?

Everyone's talking about the Boneyard match and Firefly Funhouse match. Should Impact be given credit for popularising it first? (I know Lucha Underground apparently did it first but still)

Also I haven't watched Impact in a while where should I start from?

[Yer Maw]

What match did Edge break his neck in?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Why don''t Sasha and Alexa like each other?

[klunderbunker]

What do you think of the Wrestling With Wregret Youtube channel?

Also apparently Jeff Hardy is in line for a push. Is this to spite Matt and AEW?

Everyone's talking about the Boneyard match and Firefly Funhouse match. Should Impact be given credit for popularising it first? (I know Lucha Underground apparently did it first but still)

Also I haven't watched Impact in a while where should I start from?

I've watched almost everything on it. Zane isn't the funniest guy in the world, but he knows his stuff and can be funny while also being informative.

I doubt it on Jeff. WWE needs stars and he has star power. Matt leaving seems to just be a coincidence.

I don't know about popularizing it but introducing that style to this generation, yes.

Start with Rebellion in January. They've been doing good stuff lately.


What match did Edge break his neck in?

I don't think it was an individual match. Just wear and tear over the years.


Why don''t Sasha and Alexa like each other?

Probably just rub each other the wrong way.

[Stone Cold Tea]

If you could wipe the following from your memory so you get the pleasure of watching them again which ones would you choose?

You get one of each.

Match, Feud , Era , PPV, Career.

For me

'Taker vs Michael's XXV. I didnt get to see it live so it took me some time to understand why it was the greatest ever
Watching it live will have definitely added to that.

Rock vs Austin. Nothing comes close.

Attitude. See above

'Mania 30. I didn't see The Streak broken live. I want that emotion.

Kurt Angle. Ask me tomorrow it will probably be The Rock. Ask me the day after that it will be Kurt Angle again.

[Yer Maw]

Who had the better singles run in 2002, D-Von or Bubba Ray?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

So I?m trying to wrap my head around Jake Hager losing completely fair tonight. I get that our current situation limits overbooking, but were they trying to protect him by not having him get help and still lose? Is he really limited by MMA contracts? Or did they realize he?s nothing more than enhancement talent due to his limitations? Either way, seems stupid to have him lose completely clean in his second, third(?) match. I guess they built him up in their countless amount of brawls in their first few months.

[klunderbunker]

If you could wipe the following from your memory so you get the pleasure of watching them again which ones would you choose?

You get one of each.

Match, Feud , Era , PPV, Career.

For me

'Taker vs Michael's XXV. I didnt get to see it live so it took me some time to understand why it was the greatest ever
Watching it live will have definitely added to that.

Rock vs Austin. Nothing comes close.

Attitude. See above

'Mania 30. I didn't see The Streak broken live. I want that emotion.

Kurt Angle. Ask me tomorrow it will probably be The Rock. Ask me the day after that it will be Kurt Angle again.

Shawn vs. Shelton. I've never lost it on a finish like that.

The Boarder War.

NWA late 80s. I wasn't around for most of it and it works very well in retrospect.

X7. It's what it is for a reason. (I did see the Streak being broken live and in person. I couldn't stand up or speak.)

Randy Savage. I've grown to appreciate him so much more.


Who had the better singles run in 2002, D-Von or Bubba Ray?

Bubba by a mile.


So I?m trying to wrap my head around Jake Hager losing completely fair tonight. I get that our current situation limits overbooking, but were they trying to protect him by not having him get help and still lose? Is he really limited by MMA contracts? Or did they realize he?s nothing more than enhancement talent due to his limitations? Either way, seems stupid to have him lose completely clean in his second, third(?) match. I guess they built him up in their countless amount of brawls in their first few months.

They had built him up. It would have been a good choice for a Double or Nothing semi-main event and having it on TV didn't work as well as it could have.

[Yer Maw]

Do you think any of the released wrestlers will return to wwe once all is back to normal?

[klunderbunker]

Do you think any of the released wrestlers will return to wwe once all is back to normal?

Some probably will. Some are likely happy to get out, but if AEW isn't interested, where else can they go for that kind of money?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

I?m disappointed Murphy lost tonight. I think he has a lot of potential. If you could pick one sleeper break out player in WWE and AEW, who would thy be? My AEW pick would be Darby Allin. He?s charismatic as hell. Just think he needs time and more muscle. Not trying to be stereotypical, but you know how this business is.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Oh and how would classify Charlotte Flair? Flexible? She doesn?t come off as a heel or face right now. I?d normally default to tweener, but I don?t think she?s that either.

[klunderbunker]

I?m disappointed Murphy lost tonight. I think he has a lot of potential. If you could pick one sleeper break out player in WWE and AEW, who would thy be? My AEW pick would be Darby Allin. He?s charismatic as hell. Just think he needs time and more muscle. Not trying to be stereotypical, but you know how this business is.


Oh and how would classify Charlotte Flair? Flexible? She doesn?t come off as a heel or face right now. I?d normally default to tweener, but I don?t think she?s that either.

Britt Baker. She has all the tools you need.

And yeah flexible, though she's as natural of a heel as you'll get.

[Yer Maw]

Even after all the releases last week, is the roaster still too bloated?

[klunderbunker]

Even after all the releases last week, is the roaster still too bloated?

I'll get back to you on that. We'll have to see how it goes when they have regular shows running again at regular speed.

[Yer Maw]

Great wrestlers that we're saddled with an awful gimmick?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

What's going on with Drake Maverick?

[klunderbunker]

Great wrestlers that we're saddled with an awful gimmick?

Terry Taylor
Sean O'Haire (ok not great but no one was making Roddy Piper's Lackey work in 2003)
Kazuchika Okada


What's going on with Drake Maverick?

I'm not sure and that's an awesome thing to be able to say. Odds are he's gone though and they're trying to capitalize on a well received promo.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Mid-South or the Carolina's?

[Yer Maw]

Worst match you've seen in person?

[Alex]

You ever thought of doing video reviews for wrestlers/feuds, events etc?

[klunderbunker]

Mid-South or the Carolina's?

*flips a coin* Mid-South.


Worst match you've seen in person?

Orton vs. Wyatt at Wrestlemania XXXIII.


You ever thought of doing video reviews for wrestlers/feuds, events etc?

Too camera shy.

[Alex]

Too camera shy.

Could always just do voiceover. I've been trying to do some videos with just some voice over work and it's ok.

[Yer Maw]

Not a question but just want to say I love your work. Your review site is in my bookmarks and go on it every day to read the new reviews you do, also once I finish watching something like an old raw or ppv I read your review of it. Keep up the awesome work!

[BestSportsEntertainer]

How big of a deal are the really low ratings for the latest Raw and Smackdown?

With the entire US at home, shouldn't ratings be up? Or does the lack of a crowd hurt viewership?

[klunderbunker]

Could always just do voiceover. I've been trying to do some videos with just some voice over work and it's ok.

I've been on podcasts before and I'd need someone to cut me off as I can ramble on for way too long.


Not a question but just want to say I love your work. Your review site is in my bookmarks and go on it every day to read the new reviews you do, also once I finish watching something like an old raw or ppv I read your review of it. Keep up the awesome work!

That means more to me than you know. Thank you very much.


How big of a deal are the really low ratings for the latest Raw and Smackdown?

With the entire US at home, shouldn't ratings be up? Or does the lack of a crowd hurt viewership?

The ratings are doing well. It's the viewership that's down and ratings dwarf viewership in importance. In other words, it's which fans are watching. The 18-49 demographic is the most coveted and this week's Raw had hours of #2, #3 and #7 in that demographic.

As for why people aren't watching, I'd call it a mixture of the show not being so great, fans wanting a break and just a lack of desire to have fun right now. People are out of work, sick or in worst case scenarios, dying. That's not exactly the kind of atmosphere where you want to have fun watching something. For a lot of people, I'd assume that trying to watch Raw as usual just makes you realize how abnormal everything is at the moment.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Vince had the most obvious reason ever for low ratings (coronavirus, duh), and yet he blamed the wrestlers like he always does.

Their booking is erratic, they're performing in empty arenas, and they have legitimate safety and job security fears. But it's totally all their fault, right?

[klunderbunker]

Vince had the most obvious reason ever for low ratings (coronavirus, duh), and yet he blamed the wrestlers like he always does.

Their booking is erratic, they're performing in empty arenas, and they have legitimate safety and job security fears. But it's totally all their fault, right?

Whatever gets Brock back faster, at least in Vince's mind.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

How big of a draw was Andre before his arrival in the WWF/E?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

What ever happened to main eventers actually main eventing TV shows?

[klunderbunker]

How big of a draw was Andre before his arrival in the WWF/E?

He was a name regionally but not a huge star. I believe he wrestled as a French lumberjack character and you can imagine how far that got him.


What ever happened to main eventers actually main eventing TV shows?

At the moment, Coronavirus.

[Alex]

I've been on podcasts before and I'd need someone to cut me off as I can ramble on for way too long.


If you prerecord it and send it to an editor they can cut out the ramble bits, send it back to you for approval and then put it to clips. Of course it would be if you wanted to do it.

[FunKay]

Raven, how good was he?

[klunderbunker]

If you prerecord it and send it to an editor they can cut out the ramble bits, send it back to you for approval and then put it to clips. Of course it would be if you wanted to do it.

It probably could be done but I've always been more of a text guy. Just fits me better.


Raven, how good was he?

Quite in smaller promotions, but eventually it became some version of the Nest/Flock over and over again.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

When do you see the WWE let fans return to the events?

[klunderbunker]

When do you see the WWE let fans return to the events?

This week's shows are already taped so next week at the earliest. I can't imagine WWE will wait any longer than they have to.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Follow up to my previous question, would you feel safe going to a live show?

[Alex]

I found out that WWE seems to be the only publicly traded company in wrestling (correct me if I'm wrong) but it seems all the decisions relating to pushes and storylines seem to be committee based because of this and that doesn't make for particularly interesting stuff (at least to me) does that play a part in why wrestling isn't as popular as it used to be due to shareholders not wanting to rock the boat?

[klunderbunker]

Follow up to my previous question, would you feel safe going to a live show?

I would, but I'm probably in the minority.


I found out that WWE seems to be the only publicly traded company in wrestling (correct me if I'm wrong) but it seems all the decisions relating to pushes and storylines seem to be committee based because of this and that doesn't make for particularly interesting stuff (at least to me) does that play a part in why wrestling isn't as popular as it used to be due to shareholders not wanting to rock the boat?

It's part of it. WWE is SO afraid of backlash these days that it hurts things a lot. Consider the Liv Loves Lana deal. As soon as they started hinting at it, I knew it wasn't going anywhere because it would be deemed controversial and some group would probably protest because THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!! and WWE would back down. As they pretty much did, though without the protests.

But yeah, it's that and having a bunch of writers who don't know how humans talk but it lets them show off their big vocabularies, having the same directors and people behind the scenes and having Vince as the crazy old man running everything. You don't need to clean house, but you need WAY fewer people with Hollywood backgrounds instead of wrestling backgrounds, way less of this clean feel to the whole thing, and just let the people see what works. Not everything is going to be as genius or intricate as the Fiend, but they've chased off everyone but the hardcore fans and so much of it seems to be due to them wanting to keep things safe.

[Alex]

Besides AJ Styles has WWE done anything of note with any person who made a name for themselves in TNA?

[Fallout]

Do you think Finlay is a Hall of Famer, particularly considering his role in enhancing women's wrestling?

[klunderbunker]

Besides AJ Styles has WWE done anything of note with any person who made a name for themselves in TNA?

You could say Lashley, who only got very good in Impact.


Do you think Finlay is a Hall of Famer, particularly considering his role in enhancing women's wrestling?

Given his total body of work, both in and out of the ring, absolutely.

[Yer Maw]

How come it's taken Drake Maverick getting realesed for him to start getting regular matches?

Also, why was 2003 WWE so bad?

[klunderbunker]

How come it's taken Drake Maverick getting realesed for him to start getting regular matches?

Also, why was 2003 WWE so bad?

WWE probably forgot he was around.

HHH dominating Raw, new talent not being ready, lack of older stars being able to step up because the old top stars wouldn't get out of the way.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

How long until the fans turn on Otis?

[klunderbunker]

How long until the fans turn on Otis?

As soon as he tries to do something serious/move too high up the card.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Why did the AWA fail? Look at the talent they had.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Asuka has been quite successful on the main roster (4 main event PPV wins, 3 title reigns, first ever women's Royal Rumble winner), yet it doesn't feel like she's won too much.

Is it because fans' expectations are too high or because WWE fails to capitalize on these moments/wins due to inconsistent booking?

[Yer Maw]

So they've stripped Sami Zayn of the IC title.

Why have they done the tournament to make an interim cruiserweight champion until Devlin can come back but can't do the same for Sami?

[klunderbunker]

Why did the AWA fail? Look at the talent they had.

A complete unwillingness to modernize. They wouldn't push anyone but their old stars on top. From August 31, 1968 - February 22, 1984, Nick Bockwinkel and Verne Gagne held the World Title for all but 41 days. Imagine if John Cena and Batista were the only wrestlers who held the World Title since 2004.

The whole promotion felt the same for so long and while it did work at times, the mid 1980s happened and everything changed. The AWA dug in and refused to change. When you're seeing Hulk Hogan in the WWF and the same people who were on top in the 60s in the other place, it isn't likely to work wrong.


Asuka has been quite successful on the main roster (4 main event PPV wins, 3 title reigns, first ever women's Royal Rumble winner), yet it doesn't feel like she's won too much.

Is it because fans' expectations are too high or because WWE fails to capitalize on these moments/wins due to inconsistent booking?

It's a star power situation. You can win all the titles you want but if you're not presented as THE star, it doesn't matter. Randy Orton is a thirteen time World Champion and Edge is an eleven time World Champion. Edge won his over a five year stretch as compared to John Cena's sixteen over twelve years. Neither Orton nor Edge are in the same universe as Cena because Cena was the star. The same is true of Asuka as compared to Becky Lynch and Charlotte.


So they've stripped Sami Zayn of the IC title.

Why have they done the tournament to make an interim cruiserweight champion until Devlin can come back but can't do the same for Sami?

Presumably Sami saying he won't come back and Devlin not being allowed to, though that's me guessing.

[Stone Cold Tea]

Please never suggest Corbin should be The Undertakers last match again.

Keep up the great work. Been reading the reviews since the 2002 Smackdow/Raws. Crazy you're nearly at 06.

[klunderbunker]

Please never suggest Corbin should be The Undertakers last match again.

Keep up the great work. Been reading the reviews since the 2002 Smackdow/Raws. Crazy you're nearly at 06.

Much appreciated.

And it fits rather well. Given my tendency to figure out really bad ideas before they happen, I would be worried.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

So Charlotte was a face again last night. Any idea where she?s going to settle? I?m guessing face, as if I recall, she only went heel because Becky broke out so huge.

[Stone Cold Tea]

Much appreciated.

And it fits rather well. Given my tendency to figure out really bad ideas before they happen, I would be worried.

It would be a travesty.

[Yer Maw]

Are you surprised Undertaker hasn't had more world title reigns considering how long he was active?

[Storm Trooper]

Is Jim Cornette just trying to be controversial to get people to listen to his podcast or is he really that fucking stupid? I wish it was the first but based on the other shit he's said it seems like it's the second. Shit like this is why he is not in a major promotion, and never will be again (nor should he be).

[klunderbunker]

So Charlotte was a face again last night. Any idea where she?s going to settle? I?m guessing face, as if I recall, she only went heel because Becky broke out so huge.

Apparently she's supposed to just be a star and will be a face or heel when appropriate. Yeah it's a bad idea.


It would be a travesty.

It would certainly be a disappointment. Hence why I think it's likely.


Are you surprised Undertaker hasn't had more world title reigns considering how long he was active?

Nah. Undertaker was the definition of someone who didn't need the title. ANd he won 7, which is pretty high up on the list.


Is Jim Cornette just trying to be controversial to get people to listen to his podcast or is he really that fucking stupid? I wish it was the first but based on the other shit he's said it seems like it's the second. Shit like this is why he is not in a major promotion, and never will be again (nor should he be).

I think it's a cross between both. I'm a Cornette disciple and there are times where I just shake my head and wonder what the heck is wrong with him.

[Yer Maw]

Undertakers best match after the streak ended?

[klunderbunker]

Undertakers best match after the streak ended?

Off the top of my head, vs. Lesnar in the Cell.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Are you counting the Boneyard match?

[klunderbunker]

Are you counting the Boneyard match?

I'm not as it's a different thing.

[Alex]

I mentioned it in another thread that the current wrestling landscape seems more like the territory system back in the day rather than Monday Night War esque (abundance of promotions instead of 2/3, wrestling not being mainstream really). Would you agree?

[Yer Maw]

When AEW say that wins matter.. They don't really, do they?

[klunderbunker]

I mentioned it in another thread that the current wrestling landscape seems more like the territory system back in the day rather than Monday Night War esque (abundance of promotions instead of 2/3, wrestling not being mainstream really). Would you agree?

In certain ways yeah it is, though being able to see everything keeps it from being all that similar.


When AEW say that wins matter.. They don't really, do they?

Nope.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but how would book CM Punk's debut in AEW?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Why do NXT: In Your House when the WWE could have continued the TakeOver series?

[Storm Trooper]

Why do NXT: In Your House when the WWE could have continued the TakeOver series?
It's call TakeOver: In Your House.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

It's call TakeOver: In Your House.

Alright then, I'm way off.

[klunderbunker]

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but how would book CM Punk's debut in AEW?

Note that I'm awful at fantasy booking.

I always like a good masked man angle. Someone starts coming in and interfering, then runs off into the back. No one can find him because he jumps in a car and runs off. Do this for a month or two (not every week) and have him slowly go through more and more people. Then one night he jumps someone from behind and starts a feud with them, with the big reveal at the end of the show.

Three important things:

1. It's never Punk in the mask until the night of the reveal so no one can figure it out.

2. Reference several other people but never Punk himself. No catchphrases, no moves, nothing. Not until the reveal when he uses the GTS.

3. DO NOT TELL ANYONE. This stays between the Elite and Punk. Not Meltzer for sure and no one who would report it to him. Don't let anyone know about it and have an actual surprise for once. If someone suggests it's Punk, don't flat out deny it's Punk because that's a red flag in wrestling.

There are a million ways to do this but I've always been a fan of masked men reveals.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

This is probably a stretch but was the Viking Raiders/Street Profits golf game a shot at the Tiger Woods/Tom Brady vs Peyton Manning/Phil Mickelson game on Sunday?

[Yer Maw]

If WWE ran a one night stand in 2007 with the same arena and same fans as 2005 how do you think that would have went?

Also, don't the revival have a 90 day no compete clause?

[Alex]

Does Nick Aldis really have that much heat that he couldn't sign with WWE or AEW?

[klunderbunker]

This is probably a stretch but was the Viking Raiders/Street Profits golf game a shot at the Tiger Woods/Tom Brady vs Peyton Manning/Phil Mickelson game on Sunday?

That crossed my mind during the show and it wouldn't surprise me. Why do it/what was the joke? No idea, but WWE has a history of thinking "Hey, this exists" is a joke.


If WWE ran a one night stand in 2007 with the same arena and same fans as 2005 how do you think that would have went?

Also, don't the revival have a 90 day no compete clause?

One Night Stand 2007 was a pretty meaningless show so it would have been more interesting with the other crowd.

And I remember seeing something that said they didn't for some reason.


Does Nick Aldis really have that much heat that he couldn't sign with WWE or AEW?

I think it's more he doesn't want to.

[Alex]

I think it's more he doesn't want to.

That may be true but he always seems kind of passive aggressive whenever someone asks him about it. He goes on about how he's the NWA champion (which is all well and good) but he seems to say it in a way for compensating. He sounds like an ex bandmate talking about the band that kicked him out and then got massive afterwards. And saying how his current band is more creatively fulfilling. Basically similar to Dave Mustaine ranting about Metallica.

Still he's enjoyable in NWA so that's good at least.

[klunderbunker]

That may be true but he always seems kind of passive aggressive whenever someone asks him about it. He goes on about how he's the NWA champion (which is all well and good) but he seems to say it in a way for compensating. He sounds like an ex bandmate talking about the band that kicked him out and then got massive afterwards. And saying how his current band is more creatively fulfilling. Basically similar to Dave Mustaine ranting about Metallica.

Still he's enjoyable in NWA so that's good at least.

It's possible. I just take it more as he's happy being the guy for a promotion and if that's good enough for him then so be it.

[Yer Maw]

Coolest wrestler you've met?

[klunderbunker]

Coolest wrestler you've met?

Bray Wyatt.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Why did Doink turn face?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Why are they promoting Edge vs Orton as the greatest wrestling match of all time?

[klunderbunker]

Why did Doink turn face?

To appeal to kids.


Why are they promoting Edge vs Orton as the greatest wrestling match of all time?

A tagline and not caring that their fans tilt their heads at the line.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Why is Billy Gunn having matches in 2020?

[klunderbunker]

Why is Billy Gunn having matches in 2020?

He's a name and you can build him up to feed him to someone else.

[Alex]

Who do you reckon will be the signing at Slammiversary?

[Yer Maw]

Do you have impact plus? Any idea why they don't have much episodes of impact on there?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Jeff Hardy has come a long way in cutting promos.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Given absolutely no limitations (I mean by moves WWE or any promotion would let you do) for who competes today, who would you pick to compete for a better match than between DB and AJ Styles?

Now, all time?

[Stone Cold Tea]

Have you seen Shawn Michael's match in his own promotion TWA in 2000?

I've only just found out about it.

[klunderbunker]

Who do you reckon will be the signing at Slammiversary?

EC3.


Do you have impact plus? Any idea why they don't have much episodes of impact on there?

I did but I only did the free trial. I'm pretty sure all of them were on there when I checked.


Jeff Hardy has come a long way in cutting promos.

He really has and it's great to see after listening to him be not so great for years.


Given absolutely no limitations (I mean by moves WWE or any promotion would let you do) for who competes today, who would you pick to compete for a better match than between DB and AJ Styles?

Now, all time?

As in which would I pick between the two? If they're both faces, Styles. As a heel, Bryan, but AJ makes a better first impression.


Have you seen Shawn Michael's match in his own promotion TWA in 2000?

I've only just found out about it.

I believe it was against Venom (as played by Paul Diamond).

[Khalifa]

Do you believe Sheamus is the one that did the hit and run last week? It seems like to much of a big angle to do in one week. Maybe I’m reading too much into it and just hoping for more. Red hair red beard initially made me only think of Otis. However it just couldn’t be him could it. One other person fits the bill though, Sami Zayn. Is there any possibility he could be the one to do it? The IC title was stripped from him so I guess that could be some incentive to screw up the tournament (though the logic on attacking Hardy and Elias apart from being a heel isn’t there) kayfabe wise. It isn’t clear when he will be back, but you could squeeze another month out of Sheamus before the reveal.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Regarding AEW/WWE/Impact/ROH and Men/Women/Tag-teams

Who are your current favorites and who are you dislikes at the moment?

[Alex]

I was watching Impact Rebellion and it got me thinking as to how do they categorise Suicide's championship reigns in records? Do they just have them under the character or do they have them under the person that portrayed him at the time? And does this happen with other masked wrestlers?

[klunderbunker]

Do you believe Sheamus is the one that did the hit and run last week? It seems like to much of a big angle to do in one week. Maybe I’m reading too much into it and just hoping for more. Red hair red beard initially made me only think of Otis. However it just couldn’t be him could it. One other person fits the bill though, Sami Zayn. Is there any possibility he could be the one to do it? The IC title was stripped from him so I guess that could be some incentive to screw up the tournament (though the logic on attacking Hardy and Elias apart from being a heel isn’t there) kayfabe wise. It isn’t clear when he will be back, but you could squeeze another month out of Sheamus before the reveal.

Sami is possible, though I do find it very strange that they said red hair/red beard and there was no mention of Sheamus being arrested or investigated (if it was mentioned, it was in a throwaway line).


Regarding AEW/WWE/Impact/ROH and Men/Women/Tag-teams

Who are your current favorites and who are you dislikes at the moment?

Can't stand the Best Friends. The Bouncers have grown on me a lot, though I understand their rather low ceiling. Santana and Ortiz are excellent and....WWE has a tag division?


I was watching Impact Rebellion and it got me thinking as to how do they categorise Suicide's championship reigns in records? Do they just have them under the character or do they have them under the person that portrayed him at the time? And does this happen with other masked wrestlers?

Just the character. And it usually depends on if he has ever been unmasked or not.

[Yer Maw]

Are Impact getting good ratings on AXS?

[klunderbunker]

Are Impact getting good ratings on AXS?

They aren't mentioned most of the time if they don't make the (I think) top 150 so they aren't announced most of the time.

[Yer Maw]

Who in tna thought it would be a good idea to have Scott Hall wrestle in 2010?

[klunderbunker]

Who in tna thought it would be a good idea to have Scott Hall wrestle in 2010?

Hogan, Nash and Hall more than likely.

[Stone Cold Tea]

Kurt Angle's best year in WWE?

For me its '01. The intensity in his matches during that period was off the charts.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Best wrestler to originate from Southeastern wrestling?

[klunderbunker]

Kurt Angle's best year in WWE?

For me its '01. The intensity in his matches during that period was off the charts.

1999/2000. I absolutely love his goofy good guy stuff.


Best wrestler to originate from Southeastern wrestling?

As in Continental? Masahiro Chono or Yokozuna probably.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Least favorite territory and why?

[klunderbunker]

Least favorite territory and why?

Kansas City, just for how slow and lifeless it was. For a big one, the AWA is just tough to watch.

[Stone Cold Tea]

Currently watching Mania 17. Austin vs The Rock. Do you think the heel turn would have worked if it was executed better.

The first part of the turn is Vince going into the ring and yanking Austin off The Rock. Well Vince is a heel helping out the face in his home town. Under normal circumstances that would lead to a face turn.

Vince then holds The Rock back so Austin can beat him down and hit him with the belt. Nothing out the ordinary there. Austin hasn't done anything heelish yet. It takes 12 minutes from the Vince 'face move' to the part where they shake hands.

I don't feel it was impactful, didnt translate well to the fans and wasnt executed correctly at all.

Vince made the first move. That should have never have happened..

What do you think?

[Alex]

Has the superkick officially gone the way of the DDT in that it's now a regular move?

[klunderbunker]

Currently watching Mania 17. Austin vs The Rock. Do you think the heel turn would have worked if it was executed better.

The first part of the turn is Vince going into the ring and yanking Austin off The Rock. Well Vince is a heel helping out the face in his home town. Under normal circumstances that would lead to a face turn.

Vince then holds The Rock back so Austin can beat him down and hit him with the belt. Nothing out the ordinary there. Austin hasn't done anything heelish yet. It takes 12 minutes from the Vince 'face move' to the part where they shake hands.

I don't feel it was impactful, didnt translate well to the fans and wasnt executed correctly at all.

Vince made the first move. That should have never have happened..

What do you think?

The whole thing wasn't going to work for two reasons.

1. The fans didn't want it.

2. Texas.

The execution could have been better, but it wasn't something that was going to work given any circumstances.


Has the superkick officially gone the way of the DDT in that it's now a regular move?

Oh we passed that point a LONG time ago.

[Alex]

Oh we passed that point a LONG time ago.

Do we blame The Young Bucks for devaluing the superkick or was it more of a gradual thing?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Where has Shayna been as of late?

[klunderbunker]

Do we blame The Young Bucks for devaluing the superkick or was it more of a gradual thing?

Quite so. It became just a thing under them and since so many people treat them like wrestling royalty, that's where things went.


Where has Shayna been as of late?

Apparently just not being booked.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Apparently just not being booked.

I agree with Vince this time. Just on RAW, I'd much rather see Bianca Belair, Ruby Riot, and Liv Morgan pushed over Baszler. That's not even including Becky Lynch, Asuka, or Charlotte.

[Alex]

Quite so. It became just a thing under them and since so many people treat them like wrestling royalty, that's where things went.

Who's to blame for the DDT becoming a regular move. When I first started watching wrestling (1999/2000) pretty much everyone was using it as a signature/regular move. I think Edge was the only one using it as a finisher with the Edgecution

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Where has Shayna been as of late?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD0dERiO4T0

Agree, disagree? Thoughts?

[klunderbunker]

I agree with Vince this time. Just on RAW, I'd much rather see Bianca Belair, Ruby Riot, and Liv Morgan pushed over Baszler. That's not even including Becky Lynch, Asuka, or Charlotte.

I loved her stuff in NXT. With the women's division in the state that it is in at the moment, she would be a heck of a monster for someone to slay.


Who's to blame for the DDT becoming a regular move. When I first started watching wrestling (1999/2000) pretty much everyone was using it as a signature/regular move. I think Edge was the only one using it as a finisher with the Edgecution

I'm not sure if there is one person to blame. Part of the problem is that Jake's was such a big deal and since it is a move anyone of any size can do, a lot of people just started doing it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD0dERiO4T0

Agree, disagree? Thoughts?

Agree. When you have Shayna available and you choose Natalya as the new villain, you need to try again. That and how many times can we see Nia Jax do THE EXACT SAME THING over and over? Baszler had her legs cut off for the sake of Charlotte winning the Rumble (of course) and then they wouldn't let Becky drop the title to her before she was going away anyway. What'st he point of making Baszler one of the most dominant champions in NXT history if the only thing she can win is a #1 contenders match against Asuka and four practice dummies?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Agree. When you have Shayna available and you choose Natalya as the new villain, you need to try again. That and how many times can we see Nia Jax do THE EXACT SAME THING over and over? Baszler had her legs cut off for the sake of Charlotte winning the Rumble (of course) and then they wouldn't let Becky drop the title to her before she was going away anyway. What'st he point of making Baszler one of the most dominant champions in NXT history if the only thing she can win is a #1 contenders match against Asuka and four practice dummies?

I?m not sure she wouldn?t have eventually beaten Becky for the title. Vince probably just wasn?t high enough on her to have it happen at WM. That said, her total disappearance now is still pretty amazing. I get their limiting their used wrestlers because of the current situation, but it?s almost as if since Becky disappeared they couldn?t think of anything for her. And with Bayley/Sasha annoying everyone on every show, a heel champ on Raw would be overwhelming in my opinion.

Anyone ever consider looks as a reason? I know it?s subjective, but I find no redeeming qualities about how Shayna looks. I know it?s superficial, but we are talking about television here. To make it in television with less than good looks generally requires redeeming qualities. She?s below average on promos. Her wrestling style is different, but not flashy. And she?s also pushing 40. I know it?s wrestling, but it?s still the biggest wrestling show ever created.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Seems I little too obvious considering their gimmicks aren?t unsimilar, but do you see James Storm potential in Adam Page? I know at one point you liked him a lot, as did I. A lot of missed potential with Storm.

[klunderbunker]

I?m not sure she wouldn?t have eventually beaten Becky for the title. Vince probably just wasn?t high enough on her to have it happen at WM. That said, her total disappearance now is still pretty amazing. I get their limiting their used wrestlers because of the current situation, but it?s almost as if since Becky disappeared they couldn?t think of anything for her. And with Bayley/Sasha annoying everyone on every show, a heel champ on Raw would be overwhelming in my opinion.

Anyone ever consider looks as a reason? I know it?s subjective, but I find no redeeming qualities about how Shayna looks. I know it?s superficial, but we are talking about television here. To make it in television with less than good looks generally requires redeeming qualities. She?s below average on promos. Her wrestling style is different, but not flashy. And she?s also pushing 40. I know it?s wrestling, but it?s still the biggest wrestling show ever created.

Looks probably are a reason. It's annoying, but it's how things are going to go. The age isn't helping either, but it worked well down in NXT. I find it hard to accept that there isn't a point in trying on Raw.


Seems I little too obvious considering their gimmicks aren?t unsimilar, but do you see James Storm potential in Adam Page? I know at one point you liked him a lot, as did I. A lot of missed potential with Storm.

I hadn't thought of that but it makes a lot of sense, even though they're different enough. And yeah I could see that working. The lone cowboy is a classic and if you find the right person for it (Storm and Page apply), they can go a long way.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Has there ever been a more underwhelming World Champ than Braun? Sucks because I actually am a fan of his.

[klunderbunker]

Has there ever been a more underwhelming World Champ than Braun? Sucks because I actually am a fan of his.

Oh there have been several worse.

The problem with Braun is three fold (at least).

1. He's a monster. He isn't the kind of guy who normally needs the title but he's choked so many times that they had to give it to him.

2. They're trying to make him their one size fits all guy. Strowman can't talk very well and sounds like he's reading lines off a script. That's fine, as not everyone can cut that long form promo. It's not a game breaker whatsoever. The problem is WWE keeps putting him in those positions when it doesn't fit him. Have Strowman talk for ten seconds at a time and use his natural gifts and talents to make an impact instead.

3. It wasn't supposed to be Strowman and everyone knows it. This was supposed to be Reigns' spot and they had to scramble to get anything together for Strowman. Now we're stuck in a four month Strowman vs. Wyatt feud which doesn't have the legs for four weeks, but we're stuck here anyway because there's nothing else to do. Instead of having him face Cesaro or Nakamura or someone else in some one off title defenses, we're seeing this over and over with a story about how they were in the same stable years ago. THat's not the best creative and it's involving someone who can't talk well in the first place. That's a very bad combination.

Add all that up and we're stuck with this really boring title reign.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Oh there have been several worse.

The problem with Braun is three fold (at least).

1. He's a monster. He isn't the kind of guy who normally needs the title but he's choked so many times that they had to give it to him.

2. They're trying to make him their one size fits all guy. Strowman can't talk very well and sounds like he's reading lines off a script. That's fine, as not everyone can cut that long form promo. It's not a game breaker whatsoever. The problem is WWE keeps putting him in those positions when it doesn't fit him. Have Strowman talk for ten seconds at a time and use his natural gifts and talents to make an impact instead.

3. It wasn't supposed to be Strowman and everyone knows it. This was supposed to be Reigns' spot and they had to scramble to get anything together for Strowman. Now we're stuck in a four month Strowman vs. Wyatt feud which doesn't have the legs for four weeks, but we're stuck here anyway because there's nothing else to do. Instead of having him face Cesaro or Nakamura or someone else in some one off title defenses, we're seeing this over and over with a story about how they were in the same stable years ago. THat's not the best creative and it's involving someone who can't talk well in the first place. That's a very bad combination.

Add all that up and we're stuck with this really boring title reign.

Too many people don?t understand number 2. You see too many people complain about guys like Strowman and Reigns and how they?re not good at promos like Punk, Jericho, Miz, etc. Do they not understand the difference between those guys? Bigger guys shouldn?t do much talking outside of just kicking ass. Reigns got a lot of crap for things that weren?t anywhere near his control. Just stupid booking.

[klunderbunker]

Too many people don?t understand number 2. You see too many people complain about guys like Strowman and Reigns and how they?re not good at promos like Punk, Jericho, Miz, etc. Do they not understand the difference between those guys? Bigger guys shouldn?t do much talking outside of just kicking ass. Reigns got a lot of crap for things that weren?t anywhere near his control. Just stupid booking.

Indeed. But how else can they validate their writers who need to script everything for almost everyone?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

NXT last night got only a .02 rating in the 12-34 demo. Would you say that's proof of WWE's inability to create new and younger viewers?

[Alex]

Dumb question. But when Undertaker, Sting, Sami Callihan etc disappear do they just go under the ring?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

What happened to the Smackdown hacker?

[klunderbunker]

NXT last night got only a .02 rating in the 12-34 demo. Would you say that's proof of WWE's inability to create new and younger viewers?

Oh yeah. That's been a problem for a long time.


Dumb question. But when Undertaker, Sting, Sami Callihan etc disappear do they just go under the ring?

That's not a dumb question.

And yeah they do. If you're close enough in the arena, you can see everything going on.


What happened to the Smackdown hacker?

Added to the pile of forgotten/postponed and all but forgotten angles.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Indeed. But how else can they validate their writers who need to script everything for almost everyone?

I know you were being cynical, this goes back to a discussion I was having about another wrestling topic. Quantity over quality. ?Let?s have Roman Reigns say a lot!? ?Roman Reigns is a badass who does his talking in the ring. 3-10 words.?


Added to the pile of forgotten/postponed and all but forgotten angles.

That?s a mighty list. Favorite forgotten angle?

[Alex]

How does talent/promotion talks work exactly when the talent is signed to another promotion? I vaguely remember reading somewhere that promotions can't talk to signed talent (not sure how true that is though). And there's the stories of how talent play promotions off against each other and will resign where they are for more perks. Also there was Matt Hardy turning up in AEW like a week after leaving WWE. One would assume he was talking to them before his contract expired.

[klunderbunker]

I know you were being cynical, this goes back to a discussion I was having about another wrestling topic. Quantity over quality. ?Let?s have Roman Reigns say a lot!? ?Roman Reigns is a badass who does his talking in the ring. 3-10 words.?

Doesn't need to be much more than that in some situations. Reigns is a great example of someone who does his talking in other ways. See also "it's my yard now."




That?s a mighty list. Favorite forgotten angle?

Oh gosh. Off the top of my head, the Raw roster walking out on HHH is up there. It happened, then they were back the next week. Not so much forgotten, but more dropped with a very quick explanation.


How does talent/promotion talks work exactly when the talent is signed to another promotion? I vaguely remember reading somewhere that promotions can't talk to signed talent (not sure how true that is though). And there's the stories of how talent play promotions off against each other and will resign where they are for more perks. Also there was Matt Hardy turning up in AEW like a week after leaving WWE. One would assume he was talking to them before his contract expired.

To the best of my knowledge, it's a pretty unenforceable rule. There isn't much stopping someone from calling another promotion if their contract is expiring. Also, one of the biggest differences is in the no compete clauses. If you're released, you have to wait 90 days, during which you can negotiate. Hardy was officially a free agent and could sign immediately. The companies are going to know when someone's deal is up and be ready to pounce. If the wrestler is interested, working out a deal doesn't take long at all.

[Alex]

To the best of my knowledge, it's a pretty unenforceable rule. There isn't much stopping someone from calling another promotion if their contract is expiring. Also, one of the biggest differences is in the no compete clauses. If you're released, you have to wait 90 days, during which you can negotiate. Hardy was officially a free agent and could sign immediately. The companies are going to know when someone's deal is up and be ready to pounce. If the wrestler is interested, working out a deal doesn't take long at all.

Didn't WWE start putting the 90 day no compete clause in to stop talent turning up on WCW the next week?

Also how many former Impact talents in AEW have done anything of note? The only one I can think of is Brian Cage and that's because he's the most recent.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Why didn't Tino Sabbatelli ever make it "big" in the WWE?

[klunderbunker]

Didn't WWE start putting the 90 day no compete clause in to stop talent turning up on WCW the next week?

Also how many former Impact talents in AEW have done anything of note? The only one I can think of is Brian Cage and that's because he's the most recent.

Yep.

And not many, though there aren't a ton to pick from at the moment.


Why didn't Tino Sabbatelli ever make it "big" in the WWE?

He wasn't very good.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

How has WWE never signed Eddie Kingston? He's intense and believable on the mic (not too far behind Samoa Joe), and that's been lacking in WWE for years.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

I think her coming out to the ring in a tank is strange, but I'm becoming a Shotzi Blackheart fan. What's your opinion on her?

[klunderbunker]

How has WWE never signed Eddie Kingston? He's intense and believable on the mic (not too far behind Samoa Joe), and that's been lacking in WWE for years.

He isn't the greatest in the ring and his mic skills (while great) aren't exactly PG. It wouldn't be a good fit.


I think her coming out to the ring in a tank is strange, but I'm becoming a Shotzi Blackheart fan. What's your opinion on her?

She's unique and feels natural in her role. I'm not sure I need the tank, but she gets your attention in a hurry and that's always a plus.

[Alex]

Is Tenille Dashwood still with Impact? Haven't seen her in a while

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Who are your favorites at the moment? In any promotion of course.

[klunderbunker]

Is Tenille Dashwood still with Impact? Haven't seen her in a while

I haven't heard of her being released, but the Corona stuff is going to mess with everyone's status.


Who are your favorites at the moment? In any promotion of course.

Oh gosh.

Drew McIntyre (been a fan for years)
Ricochet
Isaiah Scott
Ricky Stars is a lot of fun
Robert Stone (hilarious and doing little more than playing the classics, which are classics for a reason)
Bayley and Sasha have grown on me by leaps and bounds in recent weeks

That's far from an exhaustive list of course.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Do you have any favorite wrestlers not signed to WWE, AEW, or Impact?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

How big do you think McIntyre could've been had there been fans in the arena? Maybe I'm asking this question incorrectly, however I think you get what I'm asking.

[klunderbunker]

Do you have any favorite wrestlers not signed to WWE, AEW, or Impact?

The Briscoes are awesome of course. Same with Mexiblood.


How big do you think McIntyre could've been had there been fans in the arena? Maybe I'm asking this question incorrectly, however I think you get what I'm asking.

It would have been a lot better and I hope he gets his big moment at some point as he has certainly earned it. Just don't have it be something where they do it for the sake of doing it if that makes sense.

[Yer Maw]

Why so many dual champions these days? It used to feel special when it happened but feels like it's been devalued.

[klunderbunker]

Why so many dual champions these days? It used to feel special when it happened but feels like it's been devalued.

Seems like a way to prevent them from having to put together two different stories for different champions while also popping a rating for a WINNER TAKE ALL match.

[OYDK]

Are you surprised that AEW is pretty regularly beating NXT in the ratings and demographic battle? I expected NXT to dominate to be honest.

[klunderbunker]

Are you surprised that AEW is pretty regularly beating NXT in the ratings and demographic battle? I expected NXT to dominate to be honest.

They have Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, Matt Hardy and all of the biggest indy stars. I'd be more shocked if they weren't beating NXT regularly.

[OYDK]

Has AEW exceeded your expectations, met them, or fallen short so far? Speaking of their numbers of course.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

What was the point of Kairi defeating Bayley in her final match?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

I had no idea how much involved Regis Philbin was with wrestling, mainly the WWE.

How big was he of a deal involving himself with wrestling?

[klunderbunker]

Has AEW exceeded your expectations, met them, or fallen short so far? Speaking of their numbers of course.

They're doing well enough, but I'd call it a little underwhelming. They have Jericho, Moxley, Hardy, the Bucks and Omega and more. Just shy of a million is the best they can do?


What was the point of Kairi defeating Bayley in her final match?

I'm thinking a farewell present. Or no one thought it through.


I had no idea how much involved Regis Philbin was with wrestling, mainly the WWE.

How big was he of a deal involving himself with wrestling?

Not a huge one, but it was good exposure in the 90s.

[Alex]

Why do so many matches on TV end via roll up. Just seems bad, especially if they've had a good back and forth match

[klunderbunker]

Why do so many matches on TV end via roll up. Just seems bad, especially if they've had a good back and forth match

Easy way out of a match and makes it look like someone survived instead of flat out defeating someone. Lets them save some face.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

What happened to the forgotten sons?

[klunderbunker]

What happened to the forgotten sons?

Jaxson Ryker made some Twitter posts praising some stuff Trump did which didn't go over well. He hasn't been back since and the other two have been gone as a result of association. There were rumors of bringing them back under a new gimmick but nothing has happened yet.

[Alex]

Some wrestler have been in multiple notable tag teams/had multiple notable partners which ones do you think were the better partners/better teams

James Storm - Chris Harris or Bobby Roode - America's Most Wanted or Beer Money
Alex Shelley - Chris Sabin or Kushida - Motor City Machine Guns or Timesplitters
Billy Gunn - Bart Gunn or Road Dogg - Smokin Gunns or New Age Outlaws
Shawn Michaels - Marty Jannety or Triple H The Rockers or DX

Can't think of anymore but I always find stuff like this really interesting

[klunderbunker]

Some wrestler have been in multiple notable tag teams/had multiple notable partners which ones do you think were the better partners/better teams

James Storm - Chris Harris or Bobby Roode - America's Most Wanted or Beer Money
Alex Shelley - Chris Sabin or Kushida - Motor City Machine Guns or Timesplitters
Billy Gunn - Bart Gunn or Road Dogg - Smokin Gunns or New Age Outlaws
Shawn Michaels - Marty Jannety or Triple H The Rockers or DX

Can't think of anymore but I always find stuff like this really interesting

AMW but not by much
The Machine Guns
The Outlaws
Rockers

[Yer Maw]

How would you improve raw ratings?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

What's the point of having Ric Flair risk his health to come on RAW and do absolutely nothing?

[klunderbunker]

How would you improve raw ratings?

Without being able to make any major changes, here are a few things, in no particular order.

1. Slow down. WWE has a bad, bad tendency to run through what could be a month of angles or plot points in a week. Let things breathe and let fans get their minds around things for once instead of constantly throwing stuff at them. Plus it gives creative a better chance to build things up and have some fresh ideas.

2. Pick something and stick with it. They start and stop pushes so often that it loses all meaning. Case in point, remember a few weeks ago when Ricochet/Cedric Alexander/Mustafa Ali beat the Hurt Business clean? Well the next week Ali lost to Lashley and this week none of them were on TV. What was the point in having them beat the Hurt Business, or bringing Ali back in that way, if they were going to be off TV two weeks later? Plan this stuff out in advance.

2A. Have a plan, not plans. How many times does it seem like one thing that takes place is in a completely different reality than everything else? Let people act like this is in one big world and know how it should mesh together. It should feel like a show, not a collection of stuff.

3. Stop acting like every bit of history is important. Lately we've had feuds/stories involving Dolph Ziggler/Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman/Bray Wyatt and now the Riott Squad. None of these three were all that important when they were together. Why should I be interested in some big, elaborate reunion/feud over their histories?

4. Let the wrestlers talk for themselves. This has been said for years but NO ONE TALKS LIKE THIS. It feels so awkward watching the wrestlers recite lines that were written for them. If I remember right, David Otunga was doing a segment where he was told what a Harvard educated lawyer would say. Otunga said that they wouldn't talk like that and was told yes they would. Otunga pointed out that he actually was a Harvard educated lawyer and no, he wouldn't say that. The wrestlers (in theory at least) should know their characters better than anyone. GIve them bullet points (fine) and let them tell their own stories. They know how they should be speaking and you can tell when it doesn't fit.

5. Be patient. WWE has done a lot of damage to itself and it could take YEARS to make it better. Nothing they do is going to be able to fix this overnight. Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan and the Rock could walk through those doors ready to work every week and it isn't going to make much of a difference under this system. WWE needs to reeducate the fans on what they have and you do that over time. Believe it or not, TNA is a good example. How many times would they do something that made you interested and then they would do something stupid again to burn the fans all over again? It has taken a long, long time but they are finally to the point where they have the benefit of some of the doubt again. WWE needs to build thing up slowly and make the fans believe in them again. That takes time, and the last thing they need to do is keep resetting things over and over.

6. Stop with the quick fixes and put in the work. Look at Extreme Rules (or better yet look at my column on it (https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/kbs-review-gimmicked-gimmick-show/)). WWE had a gimmick show and then added another gimmick on top of it. Cut that nonsense out and build up a show people will want to see rather than putting in some lame trick to get them to watch.

....dang that was longer than it was supposed to be.


What's the point of having Ric Flair risk his health to come on RAW and do absolutely nothing?

A check for Flair.

[Stone Cold Tea]

I've only just realised the title wasnt on the line in the Wyatt Strowman match. Why would they do this?

What your opinions on The Undertakers promo both American Badass and Deadman. Its something we never really heard spoken about?

What's your favourite version if the Brothers Of Destruction?

Its 2001 for me. That entrance was badass.

Check out Kane doing a wassup with Dvon Dudley if you havent seen it (you will have done) it's the greatest thing ever.

[klunderbunker]

I've only just realised the title wasnt on the line in the Wyatt Strowman match. Why would they do this?

What your opinions on The Undertakers promo both American Badass and Deadman. Its something we never really heard spoken about?

What's your favourite version if the Brothers Of Destruction?

Its 2001 for me. That entrance was badass.

Check out Kane doing a wassup with Dvon Dudley if you havent seen it (you will have done) it's the greatest thing ever.


To set up a trilogy of Braun facing the faces of Wyatt.

ABA was pretty bland and I never cared for it that much. Dead Man, if he had the right opponent, could be awesome when he went over the top. He's fine at what he did with it, though it's nothing masterful.

2001 is good. Them coming out to go after the Two Man Power Trip was wesome.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

When is this storyline with Bayley and Sasha going to move on? I don?t know your opinion, but I find them so annoying. And part of that is that I?m impatient and want the story to progress. I could see Asuka taking the belt back from Sasha, but who takes it from Bayley? No one on Smackdown has presented themselves. Bliss is apparently tied up with Bray Wyatt and Nikki Cross is a 3 week champion at best. I imagine the storyline would also involve them losing the tag belts. Who do you got for that?

[klunderbunker]

When is this storyline with Bayley and Sasha going to move on? I don?t know your opinion, but I find them so annoying. And part of that is that I?m impatient and want the story to progress. I could see Asuka taking the belt back from Sasha, but who takes it from Bayley? No one on Smackdown has presented themselves. Bliss is apparently tied up with Bray Wyatt and Nikki Cross is a 3 week champion at best. I imagine the storyline would also involve them losing the tag belts. Who do you got for that?


Quick answer to the last part: the Riott Squad.

Other than that, they're actually hitting a better stride now and I could go for more of them. Anything with Sasha on screen is a good thing and Bayley is really starting to gel with what she is doing.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Could the Boneyard matches have extended Undertaker's career by a few years?

[#AbsoluteUnit]

How was the relationship between Mid-South and Memphis?

[klunderbunker]

Could the Boneyard matches have extended Undertaker's career by a few years?

Not too many more. The guy is 55 and that's ancient in wrestling.


How was the relationship between Mid-South and Memphis?

It was fine. They stayed out of each's other's territory and had a famous talent trade in around 1984.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Didn?t even realize that was Joseph Park in the ring until Styles said it.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

You know Smackdown?s tag division is in bad shape when Lucia Underground is in the title picture. What?s the worst tag team year you can think of?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

^Adding onto this, is there a worse PPV tag team match than Matt Hardy and Tatanka vs MNM in a non-title match at No Way Out 2006?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

How many titles does Asuka win at SummerSlam? Does it fan the Bayley/Sasha feud flame more if she takes 1 or both?

[klunderbunker]

You know Smackdown?s tag division is in bad shape when Lucia Underground is in the title picture. What?s the worst tag team year you can think of?

2004/5, when WWE literally forgot that Rosey and Hurricane were Tag Team Champions for months on end.


^Adding onto this, is there a worse PPV tag team match than Matt Hardy and Tatanka vs MNM in a non-title match at No Way Out 2006?

Oh there have been many worse. Not many as pointless, but many worse.


How many titles does Asuka win at SummerSlam? Does it fan the Bayley/Sasha feud flame more if she takes 1 or both?

1. And yeah, but I'm done with guessing that Bayley vs. Sasha is coming anytime soon.

[Storm Trooper]

Will you sign up to be part of the WWE THUNDERDOME?

[klunderbunker]

Will you sign up to be part of the WWE THUNDERDOME?

I'll get right on that after I get done stapling my head to a stepladder.

[Alex]

Are the Desi Hit Squad still in Impact? Is it a travel thing why they haven't been around?

Also is Rich Swann's new injury legit or is it a kayfabe one regarding the Eric Young feud?

[klunderbunker]

Are the Desi Hit Squad still in Impact? Is it a travel thing why they haven't been around?

Also is Rich Swann's new injury legit or is it a kayfabe one regarding the Eric Young feud?

Nah just Raju. Gama Singh at least was Canadian so yeah the travel issue would make sense.

Kayfabe.

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Whatever happened to Austin Theory?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Bayley, a main event star and double champion, has lost her last 3 matches. Tonight she lost clean on TV in 2 minutes to someone who had just lost in 3 1/2 minutes.

Is this more WWE genius I'm too stupid to understand, or is it just stupid?

[Jack-Hammer]

Bayley, a main event star and double champion, has lost her last 3 matches. Tonight she lost clean on TV in 2 minutes to someone who had just lost in 3 1/2 minutes.

Is this more WWE genius I'm too stupid to understand, or is it just stupid?

I think it's ultimately more of Vince's logic at looking at things. For whatever reason, Vince LOVES the notion of heel champions looking so vulnerable that they come off as downright weak, which is why it's so common for champions in WWE to lose non-title matches. Or, I should say that's typically what he prefers to do unless you're some sort of big ol' bearcat, alpha kind of heel. For instance, we've seen Bobby Lashley make Apollo Crews his bitch for months now, beating him one setting after another, yet it's MVP who has a US title match against him.

As for last night, the whole Beat the Clock Challenge came off like something Vince came up with just minutes before the matches actually started. Sasha beats Naomi in 3.5 minutes, then Naomi turns around and beats Bayley about 2 minutes later. Shit...just doint a coin toss to see who got Asuka first would've been more sensible.

However, welcome to WWE's "main roster" where continuity, common sense and acceptable logic are all based on a roll of the dice and whatever mood happens to strike the WWE CEO this week.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

So...Mimosa Mayhem match...

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Why is Payback a week after SummerSlam?

[klunderbunker]

Whatever happened to Austin Theory?

SpeakingOut.


Bayley, a main event star and double champion, has lost her last 3 matches. Tonight she lost clean on TV in 2 minutes to someone who had just lost in 3 1/2 minutes.

Is this more WWE genius I'm too stupid to understand, or is it just stupid?

WWE sees her as untouchable because of the long reign and think wins/losses mean nothing. I'd be more surprised if Naomi gets anything out of this.


So...Mimosa Mayhem match...

But it's Orange Cassidy, the greatest thing EVER! Why complain???


Why is Payback a week after SummerSlam?

Allegedly to burn fans out on pay per views so they won't get All Out.

[Yer Maw]

Excuse my French but what the fuck is up with Keith Lee's new gear?

[Yer Maw]

Do you think Kross will be on raw or smackdown once he's healed?

[klunderbunker]

Excuse my French but what the fuck is up with Keith Lee's new gear?

WWE. Go with that as the likely problem most of the time.


Do you think Kross will be on raw or smackdown once he's healed?


I'd put him back in NXT short term. He's as ready for the main roster as you can get though.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

So Death Triangle is done? Now Luchadores are with Eddie Kingston and Butcher/Blade. PAC just COVID paranoid or something else?

[Alex]

Are they doing the extremely slow burn with the Rascals or do they just not know what to do with them? I could definitely see them as simultaneously be tag and x-division champions

[#AbsoluteUnit]

Most reckless wrestler of all time?

[klunderbunker]

So Death Triangle is done? Now Luchadores are with Eddie Kingston and Butcher/Blade. PAC just COVID paranoid or something else?

Yeah seems to be. It wasn't like it was some epic stable in the first place. The problem is more about coming and going to England with the quarantining and all that jazz.


Are they doing the extremely slow burn with the Rascals or do they just not know what to do with them? I could definitely see them as simultaneously be tag and x-division champions

I think it's more of the latter. I've been a big fan for a long time but they're just kind of there most of the time.


Most reckless wrestler of all time?

If you call him a wrestler, probably New Jack.

[Storm Trooper]

Serious question. Should AEW throw an obscene number at Brock Lesnar? I'm talking a number so high that he can't say no to it. Not even a long-term thing, even just a 1-time thing.

It would hurt WWE, and it would give AEW the mainstream publicity they seeked from Mike Tyson.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

The IIconics split up tonight. Rollins and Murphy are likely done. Alexa/Nikki, Andrade/Angel, Bayley/Sasha, and LHP have teased splitting up recently. Mandy and Sonya split up a while back.

Why can't WWE teams ever stay together drama-free?

[Alex]

TNA/Impact obviously aren't as big as they used to but that's mainly due to the controversy surrounding them in the early to mid 2010s. But what's ROH's excuse? They looked to be taking over as the second biggest company in 2015ish, but somehow they just fell off the map and seem to be behind Impact again.

[Stone Cold Tea]

Did Kai n Tai always have voiceovers?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Who takes the title off Moxley? They already spoiled the MJF match with the stupid stipulation. They waiting for the inevitable Cody heel turn?

[klunderbunker]

Serious question. Should AEW throw an obscene number at Brock Lesnar? I'm talking a number so high that he can't say no to it. Not even a long-term thing, even just a 1-time thing.

It would hurt WWE, and it would give AEW the mainstream publicity they seeked from Mike Tyson.

I wouldn't. AEW has a lot of money but they need to build towards the future. There comes a point where you're just throwing money around and that could be used elsewhere in the future. If it doesn't give you much of a return, you lose money and look like you are trying to make a splash instead of build for the future, which isn't a good thing.


The IIconics split up tonight. Rollins and Murphy are likely done. Alexa/Nikki, Andrade/Angel, Bayley/Sasha, and LHP have teased splitting up recently. Mandy and Sonya split up a while back.

Why can't WWE teams ever stay together drama-free?

Because back in 1991, Shawn Michaels threw Marty Jannetty through a window and became a star and WWE thinks that's what can happen with everyone.


TNA/Impact obviously aren't as big as they used to but that's mainly due to the controversy surrounding them in the early to mid 2010s. But what's ROH's excuse? They looked to be taking over as the second biggest company in 2015ish, but somehow they just fell off the map and seem to be behind Impact again.

It was a combination of absolutely dreadful creative and losing a crazy amount of talent. There was no one of interest in the company and the people who were there were played out. Above all else though, they made EVERYTHING about the New Japan guys and Bullet Club. Those people were treated like gods in ROH and when they were gone, no one had any reason to care about the losers they had beaten over and over. Oh and they have graphics that look like they haven't been updated in ten years. Upgrade that stuff and look modern.


Did Kai n Tai always have voiceovers?

They didn't. And for your trivia which you might already know, it was Shane McMahon doing the voices.


Who takes the title off Moxley? They already spoiled the MJF match with the stupid stipulation. They waiting for the inevitable Cody heel turn?

I think/hope it's MJF, just for the celebration/I TOLD YOU SO promo.

[Yer Maw]

What are your favourite things about AEW and what are your no so favourite things about AEW?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

I wouldn't. AEW has a lot of money but they need to build towards the future. There comes a point where you're just throwing money around and that could be used elsewhere in the future. If it doesn't give you much of a return, you lose money and look like you are trying to make a splash instead of build for the future, which isn't a good thing.



Because back in 1991, Shawn Michaels threw Marty Jannetty through a window and became a star and WWE thinks that's what can happen with everyone.



It was a combination of absolutely dreadful creative and losing a crazy amount of talent. There was no one of interest in the company and the people who were there were played out. Above all else though, they made EVERYTHING about the New Japan guys and Bullet Club. Those people were treated like gods in ROH and when they were gone, no one had any reason to care about the losers they had beaten over and over. Oh and they have graphics that look like they haven't been updated in ten years. Upgrade that stuff and look modern.



They didn't. And for your trivia which you might already know, it was Shane McMahon doing the voices.



I think/hope it's MJF, just for the celebration/I TOLD YOU SO promo.

Yeah but they used an awful lawyer angle. You and I, I believe, are in agreement that that?s one of the stupidest things professional wrestling can ever do.

[Fire Marshall Bill]

So I just saw the Smackdown preview and it says there?s a 4 way for #1 contender between Big E, Riddle, Corbin and Sheamus. Big E is the favorite since he?s being pushed, but Reigns shouldn?t lose the title this soon. Shouldn?t Riddle win? He?s certainly not ready for a title imo and if they want his loss to Reigns protected they can certainly have Corbin get involved. I don?t want Big E?s run to get squashed so quickly. I think he?s a legit top guy with some progression.

Frankly, I?d like even a heel Reigns to get his first defense completely clean. I see little issue with that happening against Riddle, but not Big E.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Has WWE really banned all talent from 3rd party platforms like Twitch?

[klunderbunker]

What are your favourite things about AEW and what are your no so favourite things about AEW?

Favorites:

1. They are sticking to their guns and going with the style their fans like.

2. Anna Jay.

3. Their pay per views feel like major evens and have all been good to great.

4. The show looks great and those funny lines they put in on the name graphics show a nice touch.

Un-Favorites

1. Dark. This show needs to be cut down to an hour max. Yes it's nice that they're helping out some indy wrestlers, but an hour and a half to two hours of squash matches with a midcard main event? Not happening.

2. They protect WAY too many people. Sometimes, it's ok to destroy a wrestler, even if they're a name. Not everything needs to be a showcase for everyone involved.

3. Their tag matches really, really run together as they are a lot of spotfests with no flow or story to them. It's cool to have something like that, but it's rare to see a week without two of them. Slow those things WAY down.

4. Not so much their fault, but their fans can be exceedingly annoying at times as nothing can EVER be wrong with the company. This includes stuff that would get WWE raked over the coals but AEW is just about having fun so why are you getting so annoyed about it?


Yeah but they used an awful lawyer angle. You and I, I believe, are in agreement that that?s one of the stupidest things professional wrestling can ever do.

It's not exactly on my list of favorites no.


So I just saw the Smackdown preview and it says there?s a 4 way for #1 contender between Big E, Riddle, Corbin and Sheamus. Big E is the favorite since he?s being pushed, but Reigns shouldn?t lose the title this soon. Shouldn?t Riddle win? He?s certainly not ready for a title imo and if they want his loss to Reigns protected they can certainly have Corbin get involved. I don?t want Big E?s run to get squashed so quickly. I think he?s a legit top guy with some progression.

Frankly, I?d like even a heel Reigns to get his first defense completely clean. I see little issue with that happening against Riddle, but not Big E.

I'm a bit late for this one but at least it didn't go so badly. I mean, now he gets another match with Shea....dang it.


Has WWE really banned all talent from 3rd party platforms like Twitch?

Apparently so, but I'm not 100% sure that is going to stand.

[Alex]

It was a combination of absolutely dreadful creative and losing a crazy amount of talent. There was no one of interest in the company and the people who were there were played out. Above all else though, they made EVERYTHING about the New Japan guys and Bullet Club. Those people were treated like gods in ROH and when they were gone, no one had any reason to care about the losers they had beaten over and over. Oh and they have graphics that look like they haven't been updated in ten years. Upgrade that stuff and look modern.

So they did the smark version of what TNA were doing with ex-WWE guys?

Am I just not getting Eric Young? He's a perfectly fine wrestler but I can't take this unhinged version all that seriously. Mainly because I always think of the comedic stuff he did with ODB and others. Which begs the question can a comedic wrestler come back from a comedy gimmick and be taken seriously?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Favorites:

I'm a bit late for this one but at least it didn't go so badly. I mean, now he gets another match with Shea....dang it.


So this match with Uso, quick or ugly? If they really want to cement Reigns as a heel, I feel it should get brutal.

Also, I know every year it?s ?this is the worst booking of a MITB winner?, but seriously, they?ve dropped the storyline that made Otis hot. It?s like they were excited to put the briefcase in his hands, but had absolutely no plan beyond that.

[klunderbunker]

So they did the smark version of what TNA were doing with ex-WWE guys?

Am I just not getting Eric Young? He's a perfectly fine wrestler but I can't take this unhinged version all that seriously. Mainly because I always think of the comedic stuff he did with ODB and others. Which begs the question can a comedic wrestler come back from a comedy gimmick and be taken seriously?

More or less.

And nope. I have NEVER gotten what they see in Young as a main eventer. It became a running joke at a site I post on that I can't stand the guy.


So this match with Uso, quick or ugly? If they really want to cement Reigns as a heel, I feel it should get brutal.

Also, I know every year it?s ?this is the worst booking of a MITB winner?, but seriously, they?ve dropped the storyline that made Otis hot. It?s like they were excited to put the briefcase in his hands, but had absolutely no plan beyond that.

Brutal would seem to be the way to go.

WWE? Having no plans for someone? And no the worst would still be Baron Corbin, because Baron Corbin as the World Champion is the stuff that nightmares are made of.

[Storm Trooper]

Have you seen either of these 2 shows, and what are your thoughts on them?

1. The Bump
2. R-Truth Game Show.



Also, R-Truth is most certainly a Hall of Famer, right?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Who takes the title from Moxley?

[klunderbunker]

Have you seen either of these 2 shows, and what are your thoughts on them?

1. The Bump
2. R-Truth Game Show.



Also, R-Truth is most certainly a Hall of Famer, right?

1. Only brief clips.

2. The Rap Up of the finals is playing while I was reading this. I was cracking up laughing for the whole show and several other times throughout the season.

And if not, there's a problem with the Hall of Fame.



Who takes the title from Moxley?

I'm thinking Archer is a possibility actually.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Am I crazy for thinking the Mysterios came off as heels last night?

[Stone Cold Tea]

Rhyno had the best Spear in WWE/WCW/ECW

Thoughts?

[Alex]

I don't think you answered if a comedic wrestler can transcend and be taken seriously if they've done the comedy thing for to long.

I mentioned how I still see Eric Young as the goofball that did the tag team with ODB regardless of whether he's breaking Rich Swann's leg. I also don't see Orange Cassidy becoming a main event level star and it sticking, mainly because he's just to ingrained as a comedic guy for me.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Would you agree Moxley isn't quite on Reigns and Rollins level? If so, why?