Read on for my thoughts on last night's NXT and Main Event.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
New match for HIAC, Cena taking a break, Interview with El Patron, plans for final TNA show of 2016, WWE Tribute update, Chamber PPV returning, more Cena press, Raw star moved to cruiserweight division, Rollins' wounds of war, WWE responds to Paige, Raw audience, matches set for next Smackdown, what happened after Smackdown, and Questions on how to use Gallagher, Paige's Wellness violation, TNA investors asking for refunds, why the WWE Title match went first at No Mercy, and how Smackdown is shot
TJ Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick has been officially added to Hell in a
Cell. I'm sure they'll have another good match. I'm curious what each
man does next.
John Cena's "American Grit" will begin production next week. So, we won't be seeing him on Smackdown for a while. Using him to build AJ and Dean was smart for that reason.
Alberto El Patron discussed being stabbed and more on The Taz Show. Here's a recap:
- So now it's "he was stabbed because someone disrespected Paige." I thought it was due to a car accident? Or a drunken homeless man?
- It's pretty telling WWE did intentionally split Del Rio and Paige to different shows due to their behavior as a couple.
- There are definitely places to make a living outside of WWE, but unless you're a former WWE name or a big deal internationally, WWE is generally where you'll make the big money.
- Umm, Del Rio's contract was coming up anyway so they let him out of it a few weeks early. It's not like he pulled a C.M. Punk or anything.
TNA's final show of original content for 2016 is set to be Total Nonstop Deletion from the Hardy compound. The show will feature teams from outside of the company in a falls count anywhere match, as well as the in-ring debut of King Maxel Hardy, and a match between Grado and Smoking Joe Frazier the kangaroo. That sounds amazing if it doesn't "jump the shark" and kill whatever's left of the DELETE idea.
- Matt Hardy promoted the plan on Twitter.
Tribute to the Troops will air on Wednesday, December 14, so it's not taking the place of that week's Smackdown. That's good; Smackdown being replaced would signal it's not as important of a brand as Raw.
Elimination Chamber will return as a PPV in 2017. It's unknown if it will be a Raw show or a Smackdown show, and when we'll see it. Since Raw got HIAC, maybe Smackdown should get that show?
John Cena voices a character in a new Wonderful Pistachios ad campaign. He's got a lot going for him outside of WWE.
Sin Cara is now officially part of the cruiserweight division, where he'll be safe from Braun Strowman. I'm surprised they have three luchadores in the division, but I don't suppose I should be considering the heavy Latin influence on the history of cruiserweight wrestling.
Seth Rollins showed off some battle scars from his Raw main event. He and Jericho went all out.
Paige's brothers have insinuated her Wellness violation was due to an unapproved substance that was legally prescribed to help her deal with her neck problems. The story is she "had to go private" due to
not receiving adequate care under the Wellness policy.
- WWE responded to a New York Post report on Paige's suspension, stating the Wellness violation was due to an unapproved substance rather than prescribed painkillers. I'm starting to doubt we'll see her in a WWE ring again.
Raw's audience Monday was 2.76 million. I can see why they're pulling out Brock and Goldberg to try to get that number up.
AJ Styles will defend the WWE Championship against James Ellsworth next week on Smackdown. Also on that show, Naomi will face Alexa Bliss and Baron Corbin will face Jack Swagger. I'm glad they have matches set up for the next episode, but we could see another Curt Hawkins situation where one thing's planned but doesn't actually happen.
After Smackdown, John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, and Nikki Bella beat Baron Corbin, The Miz, and Carmella. A Cena/Corbin feud would be interesting, but I don't expect we'll see it until "American Grit" finishes taping its second season.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think he can be a mostly serious competitor who also has comedic moments, which is pretty much how he was used in the CWC.
2. Well, WWE insists the Wellness violation was unrelated to a prescription. Make of that what you will. If a talent has a prescription for a legitimate reason and gets the paperwork to WWE in time, that doesn't count as a Wellness violation.
3. They knew TNA's financial situation when they bought in, so they really can't blame TNA for not being able to pay them back.
4. I think it was entirely related to grabbing viewers' attention before the U.S. presidential debate, given the YUGE chunk the first one took out of Raw viewership.
5. We'll see how things go as they continue to differentiate the two shows.
More wrestling tomorrow.
John Cena's "American Grit" will begin production next week. So, we won't be seeing him on Smackdown for a while. Using him to build AJ and Dean was smart for that reason.
Alberto El Patron discussed being stabbed and more on The Taz Show. Here's a recap:
- So now it's "he was stabbed because someone disrespected Paige." I thought it was due to a car accident? Or a drunken homeless man?
- It's pretty telling WWE did intentionally split Del Rio and Paige to different shows due to their behavior as a couple.
- There are definitely places to make a living outside of WWE, but unless you're a former WWE name or a big deal internationally, WWE is generally where you'll make the big money.
- Umm, Del Rio's contract was coming up anyway so they let him out of it a few weeks early. It's not like he pulled a C.M. Punk or anything.
TNA's final show of original content for 2016 is set to be Total Nonstop Deletion from the Hardy compound. The show will feature teams from outside of the company in a falls count anywhere match, as well as the in-ring debut of King Maxel Hardy, and a match between Grado and Smoking Joe Frazier the kangaroo. That sounds amazing if it doesn't "jump the shark" and kill whatever's left of the DELETE idea.
- Matt Hardy promoted the plan on Twitter.
Tribute to the Troops will air on Wednesday, December 14, so it's not taking the place of that week's Smackdown. That's good; Smackdown being replaced would signal it's not as important of a brand as Raw.
Elimination Chamber will return as a PPV in 2017. It's unknown if it will be a Raw show or a Smackdown show, and when we'll see it. Since Raw got HIAC, maybe Smackdown should get that show?
John Cena voices a character in a new Wonderful Pistachios ad campaign. He's got a lot going for him outside of WWE.
Sin Cara is now officially part of the cruiserweight division, where he'll be safe from Braun Strowman. I'm surprised they have three luchadores in the division, but I don't suppose I should be considering the heavy Latin influence on the history of cruiserweight wrestling.
Seth Rollins showed off some battle scars from his Raw main event. He and Jericho went all out.
Paige's brothers have insinuated her Wellness violation was due to an unapproved substance that was legally prescribed to help her deal with her neck problems. The story is she "had to go private" due to
not receiving adequate care under the Wellness policy.
- WWE responded to a New York Post report on Paige's suspension, stating the Wellness violation was due to an unapproved substance rather than prescribed painkillers. I'm starting to doubt we'll see her in a WWE ring again.
Raw's audience Monday was 2.76 million. I can see why they're pulling out Brock and Goldberg to try to get that number up.
AJ Styles will defend the WWE Championship against James Ellsworth next week on Smackdown. Also on that show, Naomi will face Alexa Bliss and Baron Corbin will face Jack Swagger. I'm glad they have matches set up for the next episode, but we could see another Curt Hawkins situation where one thing's planned but doesn't actually happen.
After Smackdown, John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, and Nikki Bella beat Baron Corbin, The Miz, and Carmella. A Cena/Corbin feud would be interesting, but I don't expect we'll see it until "American Grit" finishes taping its second season.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think he can be a mostly serious competitor who also has comedic moments, which is pretty much how he was used in the CWC.
2. Well, WWE insists the Wellness violation was unrelated to a prescription. Make of that what you will. If a talent has a prescription for a legitimate reason and gets the paperwork to WWE in time, that doesn't count as a Wellness violation.
3. They knew TNA's financial situation when they bought in, so they really can't blame TNA for not being able to pay them back.
4. I think it was entirely related to grabbing viewers' attention before the U.S. presidential debate, given the YUGE chunk the first one took out of Raw viewership.
5. We'll see how things go as they continue to differentiate the two shows.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
World's Strongest PR guy, Harper update post-No Mercy, TNA name injured, WWE talent gets second suspension, TNA power structure update, Total Nonstop DELETION coming, more on Tyrus, Shelton taking outside bookings, new WWE trademark, Tribute 2016 set, interviewer switches brands, Heyman is next, and Questions on Joe steamrolling NXT names, why buy TNA, Dixie's talent meeting, why Cody is just Cody in TNA, and the state of Cien Almas
Mark Henry is set to do media appearances for WWE in Italy and the U.A.E. later this month. I expect he'll become an ambassador and/or producer full-time come 2017.
Luke Harper is officially part of the Smackdown brand, having been "just signed" before his appearance at No Mercy. It's going to be tough having the Wyatts be dominant there while AJ is still the champion as a top heel. They have something of a ceiling if they can't get Bray that title.
Gail Kim suffered a minor back injury during this weekend's TNA TV tapings, and did not compete Sunday night. Fortunately, there likely won't be another TV taping until late December or even January, so she has time to recover without missing too much TV time.
Paige has been suspended 60 days for her second violation of the Wellness policy. She's still scheduled to be part of "Total Divas." If it weren't for her appearing on that show and in the Surf's Up movie, as well as her injury, I wouldn't be shocked if they let her out of her contract.
- Paige buried WWE for the suspension, indicating she wasn't suspended for failing a test. So, the narrative is being pushed that WWE is more or less trying to boot her out in a way they can blame her for, i.e. "of course we had to release her. She was violating the policy left and right!"
- Paige's parents stated on social media Paige's suspension was related to getting a prescription for painkillers due to her neck injury. Presumably this wasn't correctly approved by WWE in the right time frame or something of the sort. A third Wellness violation would mean Paige would be released from her contract, which while freeing her up to work elsewhere would presumably mean WWE would not cover any neck surgery.
Billy Corgan now gives the final say on TNA's creative direction, overseeing John Gaburick and his team. So, we could see something of a new focus or style to the upcoming episodes of Impact Wrestling.
Dixie Carter was at some TV tapings this week, but not the final ones. From the sounds of things, the struggle for control of the company is continuing behind-the-scenes. Dixie remains majority stakeholder and an important executive, while Corgan oversees the day-to-day aspects of how things are run.
TNA has filmed all their material through the end of 2016, with the exception of an episode that will be entirely filmed at the Hardy compound and some other Hardy-related segments. This episode will air in December. There's a real danger of burning out the Hardys angle, as entertaining as it has been.
Tyrus missed a number of TNA tapings due to appearing at the New York Comic-Con for his FOX News gig. Him splitting his time between TNA and that job would explain why we primarily see him in vignettes these days.
TNA has plans to return to the Impact Zone in 2017, but that could all change depending on what happens behind-the-scenes in the months to come. I'd be surprised if they completely abandoned that venue, even under new leadership.
Shelton Benjamin is taking non-WWE bookings for autographs and the like. What that means for his WWE future is unknown. I would assume this is just a case of him being allowed to make some money outside the ring until he recovers, which is a good idea.
WWE has registered to trademark the name "He Hate Me," which was the moniker of an XFL player. A former XFL player invading WWE because of the league falling through is actually a pretty funny gimmick, but I think the time might have passed for that. This could just be for some XFL clothing, or they'll give that moniker to someone else.
Tribute to the Troops 2016 will be taped on December 13. Whether that will "take the place of" a Smackdown taping remains to be seen.
Charly Caruso has been moved to Raw after working on Smackdown recently. I guess she pulled a reverse Jack Swagger. Good signing by Stephanie and Foley.
Goldberg is headed to Raw next week to answer Paul Heyman. He's expected to face Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series. Whether he'll work additional matches remains to be seen; I suspect WWE will at least consider having him work the Rumble and/or WM33 if that match goes over well.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Without saying too much, there's nothing to worry about with Sanity. They're worth it being a surprise. I wouldn't assume the Ealys and Matha are DOA; they were probably specifically chosen because WWE wasn't ready for them to be regulars in NXT yet.
2. The owners of TNA will have some TV deals in place and a pretty solid roster with established presences. There's something to be said for all that.
3. The story was that Billy chose not to be part of the meeting. Take that for what you will. He's still president of the company and still has a stake, so he remains in the game. With TNA's TV wrapped up for at least two months, I would expect focus will now shift back to who gets control of the company.
4. I would expect it's not really worth WWE going after those smaller companies from a time and financial standpoint for using a WWE trademark. TNA theoretically has more for WWE to take if they violate WWE's trademark.
5. Let's see how he does as a heel first. I think they want him to be a bigger deal than another cruiserweight guy, so it might be good for him to not be pigeonholed in that role.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Luke Harper is officially part of the Smackdown brand, having been "just signed" before his appearance at No Mercy. It's going to be tough having the Wyatts be dominant there while AJ is still the champion as a top heel. They have something of a ceiling if they can't get Bray that title.
Gail Kim suffered a minor back injury during this weekend's TNA TV tapings, and did not compete Sunday night. Fortunately, there likely won't be another TV taping until late December or even January, so she has time to recover without missing too much TV time.
Paige has been suspended 60 days for her second violation of the Wellness policy. She's still scheduled to be part of "Total Divas." If it weren't for her appearing on that show and in the Surf's Up movie, as well as her injury, I wouldn't be shocked if they let her out of her contract.
- Paige buried WWE for the suspension, indicating she wasn't suspended for failing a test. So, the narrative is being pushed that WWE is more or less trying to boot her out in a way they can blame her for, i.e. "of course we had to release her. She was violating the policy left and right!"
- Paige's parents stated on social media Paige's suspension was related to getting a prescription for painkillers due to her neck injury. Presumably this wasn't correctly approved by WWE in the right time frame or something of the sort. A third Wellness violation would mean Paige would be released from her contract, which while freeing her up to work elsewhere would presumably mean WWE would not cover any neck surgery.
Billy Corgan now gives the final say on TNA's creative direction, overseeing John Gaburick and his team. So, we could see something of a new focus or style to the upcoming episodes of Impact Wrestling.
Dixie Carter was at some TV tapings this week, but not the final ones. From the sounds of things, the struggle for control of the company is continuing behind-the-scenes. Dixie remains majority stakeholder and an important executive, while Corgan oversees the day-to-day aspects of how things are run.
TNA has filmed all their material through the end of 2016, with the exception of an episode that will be entirely filmed at the Hardy compound and some other Hardy-related segments. This episode will air in December. There's a real danger of burning out the Hardys angle, as entertaining as it has been.
Tyrus missed a number of TNA tapings due to appearing at the New York Comic-Con for his FOX News gig. Him splitting his time between TNA and that job would explain why we primarily see him in vignettes these days.
TNA has plans to return to the Impact Zone in 2017, but that could all change depending on what happens behind-the-scenes in the months to come. I'd be surprised if they completely abandoned that venue, even under new leadership.
Shelton Benjamin is taking non-WWE bookings for autographs and the like. What that means for his WWE future is unknown. I would assume this is just a case of him being allowed to make some money outside the ring until he recovers, which is a good idea.
WWE has registered to trademark the name "He Hate Me," which was the moniker of an XFL player. A former XFL player invading WWE because of the league falling through is actually a pretty funny gimmick, but I think the time might have passed for that. This could just be for some XFL clothing, or they'll give that moniker to someone else.
Tribute to the Troops 2016 will be taped on December 13. Whether that will "take the place of" a Smackdown taping remains to be seen.
Charly Caruso has been moved to Raw after working on Smackdown recently. I guess she pulled a reverse Jack Swagger. Good signing by Stephanie and Foley.
Goldberg is headed to Raw next week to answer Paul Heyman. He's expected to face Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series. Whether he'll work additional matches remains to be seen; I suspect WWE will at least consider having him work the Rumble and/or WM33 if that match goes over well.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Without saying too much, there's nothing to worry about with Sanity. They're worth it being a surprise. I wouldn't assume the Ealys and Matha are DOA; they were probably specifically chosen because WWE wasn't ready for them to be regulars in NXT yet.
2. The owners of TNA will have some TV deals in place and a pretty solid roster with established presences. There's something to be said for all that.
3. The story was that Billy chose not to be part of the meeting. Take that for what you will. He's still president of the company and still has a stake, so he remains in the game. With TNA's TV wrapped up for at least two months, I would expect focus will now shift back to who gets control of the company.
4. I would expect it's not really worth WWE going after those smaller companies from a time and financial standpoint for using a WWE trademark. TNA theoretically has more for WWE to take if they violate WWE's trademark.
5. Let's see how he does as a heel first. I think they want him to be a bigger deal than another cruiserweight guy, so it might be good for him to not be pigeonholed in that role.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Sting-NYCC video, cruisers work more NXT shows, Smackdown live event note, Becky misses shows, Interview with Charlotte, HIAC main event official, and Questions on Miz beating Ziggler, Dixie's position in TNA, keeping TNA afloat, TNA viewership, and putting the title back on Cena
Here's the full video of Sting at New York Comic-Con as part of the reveal of the WWE TMNT figures.
Lince Dorado and Cedric Alexander worked NXT live events this weekend.
Nikki Bella and Naomi beat Carmella, Alexa Bliss, and Natalya in a handicap match at a Smackdown live event Saturday. I wish they would have just changed it to a tag match with Alexa as the referee instead of having two faces beat three heels.
Becky Lynch was kept from No Mercy due to a currently unspecified health issue. There was no physical injury, but she wasn't cleared to compete at the show. She's tentatively scheduled to defend her championship against Alexa Bliss on November 8's Smackdown.
- Becky commented on missing the show. I hope she turns out OK.
Charlotte talked about her journey in the business to promote Wrestlemania 33. I expect she'll be involved in an important way at that show.
Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins is official for Hell in a Cell. Whether that will be inside the structure itself remains to be seen, but I can see the company throwing the two of them in there to keep Chris Jericho out.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. It'd all be in how they told the story. I think they could have had Miz beat him crooked and Bryan, Shane, etc. say he couldn't have beat him clean, so Miz demands he come out of retirement to face him.
2. Honestly, it comes across as a spin move to try to make things seem less dire than they are for TNA and for her future in it.
3. Personally, no. Unless she's being funded by the Mafia or something, it shouldn't really matter. Just be happy the shows are happening.
4. I can definitely see it having an effect. Why get invested in a show that might be going off the air soon?
5. Yes, but there are also plenty of reasons to not put the title on him (as Dave pointed out).
More wrestling tomorrow.
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