Read on for my thoughts on last night's NXT. ROH was a recap show this week.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Paige rumor killer, another ROH talent agreement?, another ROH contract up, Snuka charges dismissed, TNA Title match set, Smackdown matches set, WWE producer at NJPW show, and Questions on Balor's role at WM33, top WM33 matches, why WWE doesn't use older names to build newer names, Cena's Smackdown role, and Smackdown booking
Paige has been erroneously reported as being pregnant. There has been no indication that's the case. Until/unless Paige or someone close to her states something to the contrary, any speculation is something of a moot point.
ROH and STARDOM could end up with a working agreement, as ROH booker Delirious met with STARDOM's Rossi Ogawa before a recent NJPW show. That would definitely boost the Women of Honor division, which will need help if WWE's going on a big female signing spree.
Hangman Page's ROH contract has expired. It's entirely possible the two sides continue to work together before an official deal is struck. I wouldn't blame him for seeing if other companies are interested in picking him up; WWE and TNA should both give him a look.
Jimmy Snuka is no longer facing criminal charges, as he has been ruled mentally incompetent to understand the charges against him. The Hall of Famer has been diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer and is not expected to survive another six months. Dreadful news all around for a legend in the business.
- Snuka is expected to be reinstated to his Legends deal, but I don't think WWE will publicize that.
- There was press for the dismissal of charges.
Eddie Edwards will defend the TNA World Championship on this week's live-ish episode of Impact Wrestling. No opponent has been named, leaving open the possibility of a surprise debut/return. Davey Richards would be a pretty logical pick, unless they've got something bigger up their sleeves.
Set for Tuesday's Smackdown:
- Nikki Bella vs. Natalya
- American Alpha vs. the Wyatt Family for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship
- John Cena vs. Baron Corbin
-- It looks like Corbin is on the rise for 2017; his position will be interesting to follow in the weeks and months ahead. Maybe he'll win the Andre battle royal again?
WWE producer Finlay was in attendance at NJPW's recent Tokyo Dome show, as his son competed that night. It's possible he did some scouting, too. NJPW has produced some big talent signings for WWE in recent years, and Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, too!
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. He has to recover first. I'd like to see him win the Rumble and face AJ as well, but Balor challenging Owens works, too. If that is in the cards, I'd do Owens/Y2J at Fastlane because it's already really dragging. That could set up a triple threat at WM33; Jericho's earned that spot if he wants it.
2. It's expected we'll get Brock vs. Goldberg, Taker vs. Cena, Seth vs. HHH, and Big Show vs. Shaq. I expect we'll also get an Andre battle royal. Owens vs. Y2J also seems likely, with Roman vs. Strowman potentially in the works. How about to that we add Alexa vs. Mickie, Miz vs. Samoa Joe, AJ vs. Balor if Balor's good to go, Charlotte vs. Emmalina (without a terrible gimmick), Sheamus/Cesaro vs. Rusev/Titus, and The Wyatt Family vs. Apollo/Ambrose/Kane. Not a perfect card, but I at least put SOME effort into it.
3. Not really anything to add here. WWE generally likes to match big names with other big names. They know they have to build for the future, but in the end they default with something they're pretty sure will lead to a lot of crowd interest. While diehard wrestling fans know guys like Roode, Joe, etc., a lot of people outside the current fan base want to see someone like Goldberg or Taker, and WWE wants to draw those fans in whenever possible.
4. Cena and Orton in particular are on Smackdown so the brand has some of the established stars and doesn't come across as the "B" show. It adds credibility to have them in the mix, especially if they're working with and elevating people like AJ, Corbin, etc.
5. There have to be some people on the roster who job, either at a low level or higher up. It's just how things work. I love the Wyatts, but they can only go so high with AJ as WWE Champion. As for Jinder, I like him, but there are other people I'd rather see pushed. If he goes up the heel ladder, it means others will have to be moved into his place and the cycle starts all over again.
More wrestling tomorrow.
ROH and STARDOM could end up with a working agreement, as ROH booker Delirious met with STARDOM's Rossi Ogawa before a recent NJPW show. That would definitely boost the Women of Honor division, which will need help if WWE's going on a big female signing spree.
Hangman Page's ROH contract has expired. It's entirely possible the two sides continue to work together before an official deal is struck. I wouldn't blame him for seeing if other companies are interested in picking him up; WWE and TNA should both give him a look.
Jimmy Snuka is no longer facing criminal charges, as he has been ruled mentally incompetent to understand the charges against him. The Hall of Famer has been diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer and is not expected to survive another six months. Dreadful news all around for a legend in the business.
- Snuka is expected to be reinstated to his Legends deal, but I don't think WWE will publicize that.
- There was press for the dismissal of charges.
Eddie Edwards will defend the TNA World Championship on this week's live-ish episode of Impact Wrestling. No opponent has been named, leaving open the possibility of a surprise debut/return. Davey Richards would be a pretty logical pick, unless they've got something bigger up their sleeves.
Set for Tuesday's Smackdown:
- Nikki Bella vs. Natalya
- American Alpha vs. the Wyatt Family for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship
- John Cena vs. Baron Corbin
-- It looks like Corbin is on the rise for 2017; his position will be interesting to follow in the weeks and months ahead. Maybe he'll win the Andre battle royal again?
WWE producer Finlay was in attendance at NJPW's recent Tokyo Dome show, as his son competed that night. It's possible he did some scouting, too. NJPW has produced some big talent signings for WWE in recent years, and Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, too!
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. He has to recover first. I'd like to see him win the Rumble and face AJ as well, but Balor challenging Owens works, too. If that is in the cards, I'd do Owens/Y2J at Fastlane because it's already really dragging. That could set up a triple threat at WM33; Jericho's earned that spot if he wants it.
2. It's expected we'll get Brock vs. Goldberg, Taker vs. Cena, Seth vs. HHH, and Big Show vs. Shaq. I expect we'll also get an Andre battle royal. Owens vs. Y2J also seems likely, with Roman vs. Strowman potentially in the works. How about to that we add Alexa vs. Mickie, Miz vs. Samoa Joe, AJ vs. Balor if Balor's good to go, Charlotte vs. Emmalina (without a terrible gimmick), Sheamus/Cesaro vs. Rusev/Titus, and The Wyatt Family vs. Apollo/Ambrose/Kane. Not a perfect card, but I at least put SOME effort into it.
3. Not really anything to add here. WWE generally likes to match big names with other big names. They know they have to build for the future, but in the end they default with something they're pretty sure will lead to a lot of crowd interest. While diehard wrestling fans know guys like Roode, Joe, etc., a lot of people outside the current fan base want to see someone like Goldberg or Taker, and WWE wants to draw those fans in whenever possible.
4. Cena and Orton in particular are on Smackdown so the brand has some of the established stars and doesn't come across as the "B" show. It adds credibility to have them in the mix, especially if they're working with and elevating people like AJ, Corbin, etc.
5. There have to be some people on the roster who job, either at a low level or higher up. It's just how things work. I love the Wyatts, but they can only go so high with AJ as WWE Champion. As for Jinder, I like him, but there are other people I'd rather see pushed. If he goes up the heel ladder, it means others will have to be moved into his place and the cycle starts all over again.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Smackdown and 205 Live Reax - 1/3/17
Read on for my thoughts on last night's Smackdown and 205 Live.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
WM34 news coming soon, new Network series, Paige at Raw, Lilian note, Corino update, more NXT live events, ACH's future, Lethal on staying in ROH, Alberto in more trouble, and Questions on WWE commentary teams, La Luchadora, No PPV bonuses, and the plan for Cena/Taker
Wrestlemania 34's location is expected to be announced soon. It was decided back in October. With The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels in New Orleans next week, it looks like we could be in for a return to the home of WM30.
- Shawn Michaels will be on Raw to promote a WWE movie coming out January 20. I expect he and/or Undertaker will announce WM34 heading to New Orleans that night.
Bring It To The Table debuted on WWE Network after Raw. A new episode of Ride Along was originally set to air then. It's unknown when that episode will be added to the service.
Paige was backstage at the site of the Raw taping for the first time in four months following suspensions and surgery. She was gone well before the show started and didn't film any material for "Total Divas," so she was likely just there for a meeting of some kind. As of this writing, there's no update on her WWE status.
Lilian Garcia sang at an NFL game recently in honor of her late father. She and WWE are still on good terms, so it's entirely likely she returns to her role there sooner rather than later.
Steve Corino is no longer under ROH contract, but will still do commentary for the NJPW show on January 4. Afterward, he's expected to join the WWE Performance Center as a trainer. That's a great next chapter for him.
NXT has announced the following live event dates:
- February 9 in Pennsylvania
- February 10 in New Jersey
- February 11 in New York
-- It sounds like they're hitting some old ECW hotspots.
ACH is set to work a number of dates with EVOLVE in the coming month, so that could be a home for him when he's not working for NJPW. Presumably this opens him up to join NXT or 205 Live in 2017 if WWE wants him.
Jay Lethal discussed signing a two-year ROH deal. He's 31, so he's got plenty of time to join WWE later. For now, he's making good money, getting to work around the world, and maintaining a good deal of control over his character. If he can do that well for himself outside of WWE, he doesn't "need" to make a jump at this time. It's worth noting he gets to stay as a big fish in a relatively small pond in ROH. If he would have joined NXT and Adam Cole also jumped ship in a few months, Lethal would have almost definitely been overshadowed.
Alberto El Patron got in some more fights on Friday December 30, this time in Austria. First, he and his brother got in a fight with someone in a bar that led to the man they fought being hospitalized. Then El Patron got in a fight with his brother at the police station after the two were arrested. This fight left blood on the walls at the station, and furniture was damaged. El Patron's brother ended up hospitalized as a result of this scuffle. El Patron is back in the States, as he was seen at Raw with Paige. It's a shame such a talented veteran performer is tarnishing his legacy like this.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I'd prefer it! WWE's argument is the announcers have a LOT of ground to cover with having to discuss what's trending on Twitter and subscribing to the Network and so on. So, I expect the three person booth will be the norm going forward.
2. I think Tamina would be the most likely choice since she hasn't been drafted yet and is now ready to return to the ring.
3. Just another factor of WWE giving away so much content so cheaply.
4. Taker vs. Cena seems very likely for WM33. I'm a little worried they'll put all their eggs in that basket, with Cena winning the title and Taker winning the Rumble. With it being one of Taker's last matches and Cena becoming less of a full-time name himself, it's problematic they're putting so much focus on two made men who can sell that match without a title or anything else at stake.
Nothing to add to 5.
More wrestling tomorrow.
- Shawn Michaels will be on Raw to promote a WWE movie coming out January 20. I expect he and/or Undertaker will announce WM34 heading to New Orleans that night.
Bring It To The Table debuted on WWE Network after Raw. A new episode of Ride Along was originally set to air then. It's unknown when that episode will be added to the service.
Paige was backstage at the site of the Raw taping for the first time in four months following suspensions and surgery. She was gone well before the show started and didn't film any material for "Total Divas," so she was likely just there for a meeting of some kind. As of this writing, there's no update on her WWE status.
Lilian Garcia sang at an NFL game recently in honor of her late father. She and WWE are still on good terms, so it's entirely likely she returns to her role there sooner rather than later.
Steve Corino is no longer under ROH contract, but will still do commentary for the NJPW show on January 4. Afterward, he's expected to join the WWE Performance Center as a trainer. That's a great next chapter for him.
NXT has announced the following live event dates:
- February 9 in Pennsylvania
- February 10 in New Jersey
- February 11 in New York
-- It sounds like they're hitting some old ECW hotspots.
ACH is set to work a number of dates with EVOLVE in the coming month, so that could be a home for him when he's not working for NJPW. Presumably this opens him up to join NXT or 205 Live in 2017 if WWE wants him.
Jay Lethal discussed signing a two-year ROH deal. He's 31, so he's got plenty of time to join WWE later. For now, he's making good money, getting to work around the world, and maintaining a good deal of control over his character. If he can do that well for himself outside of WWE, he doesn't "need" to make a jump at this time. It's worth noting he gets to stay as a big fish in a relatively small pond in ROH. If he would have joined NXT and Adam Cole also jumped ship in a few months, Lethal would have almost definitely been overshadowed.
Alberto El Patron got in some more fights on Friday December 30, this time in Austria. First, he and his brother got in a fight with someone in a bar that led to the man they fought being hospitalized. Then El Patron got in a fight with his brother at the police station after the two were arrested. This fight left blood on the walls at the station, and furniture was damaged. El Patron's brother ended up hospitalized as a result of this scuffle. El Patron is back in the States, as he was seen at Raw with Paige. It's a shame such a talented veteran performer is tarnishing his legacy like this.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I'd prefer it! WWE's argument is the announcers have a LOT of ground to cover with having to discuss what's trending on Twitter and subscribing to the Network and so on. So, I expect the three person booth will be the norm going forward.
2. I think Tamina would be the most likely choice since she hasn't been drafted yet and is now ready to return to the ring.
3. Just another factor of WWE giving away so much content so cheaply.
4. Taker vs. Cena seems very likely for WM33. I'm a little worried they'll put all their eggs in that basket, with Cena winning the title and Taker winning the Rumble. With it being one of Taker's last matches and Cena becoming less of a full-time name himself, it's problematic they're putting so much focus on two made men who can sell that match without a title or anything else at stake.
Nothing to add to 5.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Monday, January 2, 2017
WWE-Charter update, new Smackdown match,and Questions on Kota as cruiser champ, Rollins changing finishers, pushing the Bellas, no Curtain Call, and AJ's WM33 opponent
WWE content is safe on Charter networks for now, as Charter continues negotiations with NBC Universal. Does anyone really think they won't come to an agreement? They need each other!
Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin is set for Smackdown. I'm curious to see where those two end up on the road to WM33.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. He was definitely the favorite to go home with the title. However, if he won, he'd have to pretty much immediately go on the road for the company as the centerpiece of the division. I don't know if he would have been ready to move his life to the U.S. and jump right into the swing of things as a member of the Raw roster.
2. After finishing his angle with HHH, they could definitely have him switch his move to something more fitting for a wrestler his size. That said, they could also have him keep the move as something of a changing of the guard.
3. WWE was already behind the Bellas due to them being over with the E! audience. The links with Bryan and Cena definitely didn't hurt, but I think Total Divas/Total Bellas is the main reason they were featured so much. As for Renee, I think a lot of it is the brand split opening up doors for her to get a bigger role, as well as her own appearances on E!.
4. HHH was probably going to end up a big deal no matter what. Him not being pushed at that particular moment just meant he had to earn it more/others got a chance to be featured.
5. I agree with the questioner! They'll have to really have something up their sleeves for AJ at WM33. I'd like to see AJ vs. Balor, personally, but I don't think Finn's going to be ready in time for the Rumble. AJ vs. Joe is a possibility, too.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin is set for Smackdown. I'm curious to see where those two end up on the road to WM33.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. He was definitely the favorite to go home with the title. However, if he won, he'd have to pretty much immediately go on the road for the company as the centerpiece of the division. I don't know if he would have been ready to move his life to the U.S. and jump right into the swing of things as a member of the Raw roster.
2. After finishing his angle with HHH, they could definitely have him switch his move to something more fitting for a wrestler his size. That said, they could also have him keep the move as something of a changing of the guard.
3. WWE was already behind the Bellas due to them being over with the E! audience. The links with Bryan and Cena definitely didn't hurt, but I think Total Divas/Total Bellas is the main reason they were featured so much. As for Renee, I think a lot of it is the brand split opening up doors for her to get a bigger role, as well as her own appearances on E!.
4. HHH was probably going to end up a big deal no matter what. Him not being pushed at that particular moment just meant he had to earn it more/others got a chance to be featured.
5. I agree with the questioner! They'll have to really have something up their sleeves for AJ at WM33. I'd like to see AJ vs. Balor, personally, but I don't think Finn's going to be ready in time for the Rumble. AJ vs. Joe is a possibility, too.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Hardys indie bout to air in TNA, ROH tag name signs contract, legends on Raw, and Questions on so many heels cheating, Sheamus/Cesaro's title, Brock vs. Goldberg, NXT matches at WM33, and Hayes as an announcer
The Hardys defending the OMEGA Tag Team Championship on January 29 at an indie event will be taped for Impact Wrestling. This will be an interesting month for the Hardys in TNA, as their contracts are due and there's the whole matter of Matt calling out ROH teams at Final Battle. A move to ROH would give them fresh opponents and opportunities, and they're financially secure to the point where that might be the most important factor in their 2017 plans.
Shane Taylor of the Pretty Boy Killers has signed an ROH contract. So, expect to see that team more in 2017. That's good; they add some nice flavor to the division.
The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels are advertised for the January 9 Raw. With Royal Rumble in Texas, I expect they'll be involved in some way. My guess is Taker announces he'll be in the Rumble match, while Shawn is the special referee for Owens vs. Reigns. Both would be pretty interesting.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. They have to book so many characters that at some point a lot of them blend together. The WWE roster is quite large and with so much TV, they run through things pretty quickly.
2. Officially the title is the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship.
3. If both men can physically compete that night, that's the plan!
4. NXT has their own highly-promoted card the night before Wrestlemania. All NXT feuds should be conducted on that show. I don't like the idea of not having an important title match set until 24 hours before Wrestlemania, nor, more generally, promoting NXT feuds for two consecutive nights of split cards instead of having a whole card of NXT one night and a card for Raw/Smackdown/205 Live the next night. That said, I don't think I'd mind an NXT match on one of the brand exclusive PPVs every now and then to help fill time.
5. That would be something of a demotion for Hayes. I don't see it going down.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Shane Taylor of the Pretty Boy Killers has signed an ROH contract. So, expect to see that team more in 2017. That's good; they add some nice flavor to the division.
The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels are advertised for the January 9 Raw. With Royal Rumble in Texas, I expect they'll be involved in some way. My guess is Taker announces he'll be in the Rumble match, while Shawn is the special referee for Owens vs. Reigns. Both would be pretty interesting.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. They have to book so many characters that at some point a lot of them blend together. The WWE roster is quite large and with so much TV, they run through things pretty quickly.
2. Officially the title is the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship.
3. If both men can physically compete that night, that's the plan!
4. NXT has their own highly-promoted card the night before Wrestlemania. All NXT feuds should be conducted on that show. I don't like the idea of not having an important title match set until 24 hours before Wrestlemania, nor, more generally, promoting NXT feuds for two consecutive nights of split cards instead of having a whole card of NXT one night and a card for Raw/Smackdown/205 Live the next night. That said, I don't think I'd mind an NXT match on one of the brand exclusive PPVs every now and then to help fill time.
5. That would be something of a demotion for Hayes. I don't see it going down.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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