Read on for my thoughts on last night's Impact Wrestling.
Friday, August 4, 2017
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Interviews with Drake/Nia/Booker/Heyman, Summerslam match in jeopardy due to injury, Smackdown dark match, no more Smacking Talk?, GFW conference call, more WWE Network archive content, Smackdown segment gets press, more WotW UK matches set, Smackdown audience, and Questions on faces working with heels, Matt-Edge-Lita, WWE's production crew, WWE cutting costs, and WWE helping Paige
Eli Drake promoted GFW's live events:
- I think Anthem has made some important moves in changing things from the previous era, but I think a lot of that is being overlooked because of the issues with the Hardys and Alberto.
- Drake was OK in developmental, but has come into his own a lot more in GFW. NXT is a very crowded place.
- I'm OK with them having some former WWE guys on hand. It's a case-by-case thing. Jack Swagger I'd be good with, since he still has gas in the tank. I just don't want them to sign someone just because they worked in WWE.
Bayley suffered a shoulder injury on Raw. She will be re-evaluated in a week to determine the extent of it. I'm curious what the backup plan will be, since it seems like they're deliberately holding off an Alexa/Sasha rematch. Sasha and Nia are pretty much the only believable challengers right now. Mickie would be a nice surprise.
Randy Orton beat Jinder Mahal by DQ after Smackdown. I wouldn't expect a clean win from Jinder at Summerslam. "Smart" fans are going to be upset no matter how that one ends. They don't want Nakamura jobbing, they don't want Jinder thrown under a bus, and they don't want Jinder to not win clean. That's got to be frustrating. I wouldn't be surprised to see Baron Corbin involved in some fashion in that match, even if he doesn't cash in.
"Smacking Talk" was shut down after one episode. That would seem to confirm it wasn't just ended for budget cut reasons.
Nia Jax was on "Talk is Jericho" recently.
Booker T. talked to ESPN. We live in a world where Booker, Kane, and Linda McMahon could all be holding office. That would actually be a pretty great angle.
The Raw and Smackdown after Royal Rumble will be in the same venue as that show. I assume Takeover will be in that arena as well.
GFW had another conference call, covered here:
- I definitely think the Knockouts made a push for wrestlers being more than "Divas," although I also think WWE might have made some changes in the Diva approach as time went on anyway as HHH and Stephanie gained power and society focused more on women with things like the Ghostbusters movie, etc.
- I can see the argument things were darker in the Corgan era with Decay, DCC, etc.
- Yeah, I doubt Karen and Braun were working an angle as characters, although I definitely think whatever happened got blown out of proportion and its life was extended with further reports/controversy on the initial report.
- Gail will absolutely be an asset behind the scenes.
- GFW could be working something out to have Hennigan be on their TV shows. That's going to be a tough situation to work out with LU, but we'll see if they can do it.
- Karen Jarrett has the distinction of being part of Chyna's last match.
- I'd like to see Kim vs. Kong to send Gail off.
- Lauren's character has definitely been something! She's probably gotten further in that role than she would have gotten as a straight-up wrestler.
- Wow, they just blatantly outed a private relationship.
- Wild to see them put over Maria even though she's in WWE.
- I love crazy wedding angles and the like.
WWE Network is uploading the remaining episodes of the ECW brand as well as more World Class Championship Wrestling. I continue to argue the ECW brand was really underrated and I wouldn't mind Main Event becoming its own "brand" in the same route so the matches have more angle behind them, etc. It could be a training ground for writers and characters to experiment.
The Wrap, Entertainment Weekly, and actor Kyle McLachlan all acknowledged WWE's Twin Peaks parody. Breezango's segments have been outright hilarious.
The following matches have been added to War of the Worlds UK:
-- August 18 in London:
- Jay Briscoe vs. Kenny King
- The Addiction vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero
- Mark Briscoe vs. Ryan Smile
- Jay Lethal vs. Bully Ray vs. Silas Young vs. Sha Samuels
-- August 19 in Liverpool:
- Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero vs. Mistico & Titan
-- August 20 in Edinburgh, Scotland:
- Jay Lethal vs. Silas Young
Smackdown drew 2.57 million viewers Tuesday, only slightly up from the previous week. That's got to be something of a disappointment for that big main event.
Paul Heyman talked in New York City, teasing him and Brock leaving after Summerslam and starting the road to Brock in UFC. He's adamant the pair will honor the stipulation from his recent promo. That show just got a lot more interesting (not that it wasn't already a really big deal).
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. It's the same reason Batman doesn't team with Lex Luthor to face Superman and Joker. Heroes work with heroes, even when they're not best friends. Same with villains.
2. All those things are true!
3. WWE has a LOT of people on their production crew. It's a really big endeavor.
4. The Network hasn't been as big of a success as they've wanted, so shows were canceled and pyro has been dropped. They're in cost-cutting mode. I wouldn't be shocked if we see a "spring cleaning" soon. I would be shocked if they actually made some big personnel changes backstage to try to take things in a new direction.
5. She'd have to ask for it. They can't really "make" her do much of anything, and of course the couple will publicly say there's nothing to worry about.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
More Table for 3 and Hidden Gems coming, another UK title defense set, Summerslam merchandise, WWE charity work, MYC Bracketology show announced, free GFW merch at live events, Raw audience, Interview with Reby, WWE extends international content deal, what happened after Smackdown, and Questions on exaggerated reports of backstage happenings, Jinder cheating, and WWE execs selling stock
New episodes of Table for 3 have been announced:
- August 8's episode will feature Sean Waltman, DDP, and Scott Hall
- August 15's episode will feature Sting, Ric Flair, and Ricky Steamboat
Another collection of Hidden Gems is headed to WWE Network at some point this month. More details as they come.
Pete Dunne will defend the UK Championship at PROGRESS on August 12 against Jack Gallagher. I'm glad those names are getting bookings, since WWE isn't doing any shows of their own right now.
7-Eleven in Canada has commemorative Summerslam cups with Stone Cold, Undertaker, Ultimate Warrior, New Day, Enzo Amore/Big Cass, and Sasha Banks.
WWE got press for visiting a children's hospital before Raw. They do great things for charity.
The Bracketology special for the Mae Young Classic will immediately follow Summerslam. I think they should save that for the next night, considering how much new content is already set for that weekend. The timing of the tournament hasn't been ideal.
GFW will give free trading cards to fans attending this weekend's live events. Hey, if that gets people in the doors, great.
Raw drew 3.17 million viewers Monday, up a bit from the previous week. I'd like to think that PPV-worthy triple threat match drew people in.
Reby Hardy talked to Sports Illustrated in response to Ed Nordholm's recent interview. As you might expect, she disputes his claims and makes references to having emails and phone calls to back up her side of the story. She adds further allegations to the table, too. Reby says the Hardy side could win a case, but don't want to go to court. This is just going to keep dragging on. I'm trying to limit the amount of "he said, she said" coverage here and focus on any major events, but I felt Sports Illustrated giving both sides a platform was newsworthy.
WWE has extended its Australian TV/PPV deal. I wonder if we'll ever see an Australian Championship.
After Smackdown, Baron Corbin interrupted the Cena/Nakamura celebration and got in a fight with Cena. Cena put Corbin through a table, then raised Shinsuke's hand and let him have the win. So, we could see Cena vs. Corbin at Summerslam. They're definitely rolling the dice with some new faces in the WWE Title picture as Cena continues to become more of a wrestler/actor. That's the right move considering who will be around working shows for WWE as Cena is off doing other projects.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1 and 2. The business has gone from "Hulk Hogan slammed the 600 lb. Andre the Giant in front of 93,000 screaming Hulkamaniacs" to stories like this. Wrestling is built on exaggeration and hyperbole, and that extends to what gets told to the press. To be clear, I don't think these two stories are totally made up, but the facts are probably more mundane. Wrestlers probably amuse themselves with the kinds of tall tales they give to the press. The report in question about Braun and Karen was particularly rich because it ended with some variation of "everyone involved will deny this." Well, how convenient! If someone involved does say something casting doubt on the events, that's just used as evidence they're denying something that actually happened.
3. I fully believe they have several sources telling about these events. I just suspect wrestlers exaggerate things to amuse themselves or otherwise promote their own interest. If someone doesn't like Braun's push, this would definitely be a way to paint him in a bad light.
4. Considering Jinder never held a single championship anywhere in WWE (including developmental) before 2017, I don't think it's a stretch for him to need help to beat someone like Randy Orton. Or Cena for that matter. If anything, it further adds heat for him being unable to win clean. I don't know why more fans don't understand heels often cheat because they're bad guys. Not everyone needs to be the best wrestler to be champion.
5. I wondered this, too, but considering the earning release was overall pretty positive, it would be hard to assume they were selling stock in a move to get some cash before the stock price dropped.
More wrestling tomorrow.
- August 8's episode will feature Sean Waltman, DDP, and Scott Hall
- August 15's episode will feature Sting, Ric Flair, and Ricky Steamboat
Another collection of Hidden Gems is headed to WWE Network at some point this month. More details as they come.
Pete Dunne will defend the UK Championship at PROGRESS on August 12 against Jack Gallagher. I'm glad those names are getting bookings, since WWE isn't doing any shows of their own right now.
7-Eleven in Canada has commemorative Summerslam cups with Stone Cold, Undertaker, Ultimate Warrior, New Day, Enzo Amore/Big Cass, and Sasha Banks.
WWE got press for visiting a children's hospital before Raw. They do great things for charity.
The Bracketology special for the Mae Young Classic will immediately follow Summerslam. I think they should save that for the next night, considering how much new content is already set for that weekend. The timing of the tournament hasn't been ideal.
GFW will give free trading cards to fans attending this weekend's live events. Hey, if that gets people in the doors, great.
Raw drew 3.17 million viewers Monday, up a bit from the previous week. I'd like to think that PPV-worthy triple threat match drew people in.
Reby Hardy talked to Sports Illustrated in response to Ed Nordholm's recent interview. As you might expect, she disputes his claims and makes references to having emails and phone calls to back up her side of the story. She adds further allegations to the table, too. Reby says the Hardy side could win a case, but don't want to go to court. This is just going to keep dragging on. I'm trying to limit the amount of "he said, she said" coverage here and focus on any major events, but I felt Sports Illustrated giving both sides a platform was newsworthy.
WWE has extended its Australian TV/PPV deal. I wonder if we'll ever see an Australian Championship.
After Smackdown, Baron Corbin interrupted the Cena/Nakamura celebration and got in a fight with Cena. Cena put Corbin through a table, then raised Shinsuke's hand and let him have the win. So, we could see Cena vs. Corbin at Summerslam. They're definitely rolling the dice with some new faces in the WWE Title picture as Cena continues to become more of a wrestler/actor. That's the right move considering who will be around working shows for WWE as Cena is off doing other projects.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1 and 2. The business has gone from "Hulk Hogan slammed the 600 lb. Andre the Giant in front of 93,000 screaming Hulkamaniacs" to stories like this. Wrestling is built on exaggeration and hyperbole, and that extends to what gets told to the press. To be clear, I don't think these two stories are totally made up, but the facts are probably more mundane. Wrestlers probably amuse themselves with the kinds of tall tales they give to the press. The report in question about Braun and Karen was particularly rich because it ended with some variation of "everyone involved will deny this." Well, how convenient! If someone involved does say something casting doubt on the events, that's just used as evidence they're denying something that actually happened.
3. I fully believe they have several sources telling about these events. I just suspect wrestlers exaggerate things to amuse themselves or otherwise promote their own interest. If someone doesn't like Braun's push, this would definitely be a way to paint him in a bad light.
4. Considering Jinder never held a single championship anywhere in WWE (including developmental) before 2017, I don't think it's a stretch for him to need help to beat someone like Randy Orton. Or Cena for that matter. If anything, it further adds heat for him being unable to win clean. I don't know why more fans don't understand heels often cheat because they're bad guys. Not everyone needs to be the best wrestler to be champion.
5. I wondered this, too, but considering the earning release was overall pretty positive, it would be hard to assume they were selling stock in a move to get some cash before the stock price dropped.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
More from WWE's Detroit farewell, Mattel signs new WWE deal, WWE working on more local merch, Interview with Carmella, press for Jinder's push, Y2J book tour set, Dijak sets final non-NXT dates, Shirai working more STARDOM shows, another WWE book in the works, another ROH/NJPW date set, Y2J in fan confrontation, MYC competitor to miss time, Raw dark match update, another Smackdown announced, and Questions on Jinder's booking, rebranding Kickoff, the Jordan/Angle storyline, Shelton-WWE, Corgan's NWA plans, and evaluating the GOAT
WWE released a video of John Cena's farewell to the Joe Louis Arena, as well as highlights of Brock Lesnar vs. Samoa Joe from that event.
Mattel and WWE have signed a new deal, extending their relationship through 2021. This is a key business agreement for WWE.
WWE has put out a trademark for "3:16" as they do merchandise for local markets featuring that tagline (Los Angeles 3:16, etc.). Doing special merchandise for venues they tour is a smart idea to try to get more people to make purchases on-site.
Carmella was interviewed in Canada. I'm glad she's getting a chance to be a big deal. The other wrestlers in the division can wrestle well enough to be important in other ways.
NPR covered Jinder Mahal's title reign in the context of foreign heels. There's definitely something to be said about uniting the crowd against someone who's very different from those in the crowd and their own background. It appeals to a lot of people.
Chris Jericho will be doing a book tour in late August and early September, so that could affect his live event schedule. Y2J has a lot of of flexibility with when and where he works.
Donovan Dijak has announced his final independent dates will be for PWG's Battle of Los Angeles. After September 3, he'll be heading to NXT. I'm excited to see what's next for him.
Io Shirai has been announced for a Japanese tour going through October 1. She's been long reported to be heading to WWE; this could be something of a "farewell tour" for her.
WWE will have a second Superstars Guide coming in March 2018.
ROH and NJPW will have a War of the Worlds tour date in Chicago on October 15, with Kenny Omega competing at the event.
Chris Jericho got into a heated argument with a fan after a concert in New York. No fan is owed an autograph, especially if they are being rude. That said, whomever that is with Jericho needed to step in and de-escalate things.
Kairi Sane suffered a concussion during the Mae Young Classic, and is dealing with neck pain. She is expected to miss about a month. So, it looks as though she'll be available to work the live September 12 show, but no guarantees.
John Cena will be one of the leads in a Transformers spinoff releasing in late 2018. That's a big role for him, and could be a big step from WWE to Hollywood. His next few years will be critical. I hope WWE realizes this.
There was no dark match after Raw, so it looks like that's been officially dropped from the already marathon Monday tapings.
Smackdown will be taped in Pittsburgh on December 28.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. That devious, evil Jinder needed three people to beat Randy Orton! I sure hope Nakamura or Cena can put him in his place! Given where Jinder was on the card before the Smackdown move, it's not really believable for him to beat the 13-time champion clean. So, his friends are helping him out. No problems on my end.
2. Well they still push it being on the Network (for $9.99 a month!). People take the Kickoff thing way too seriously. I can understand being upset if it's not part of the DVD, because then the people in it aren't getting royalties for it, but if anything wrestling on the Kickoff show means WWE thinks you'll be able to draw more people in to watch that show and potentially stick around for the main show.
3. Of course they think of months down the line. They want to elevate a young talent that wasn't going anywhere, which should be a big plus. American Alpha isn't "done" as far as never teaming again, but for now both members are singles stars. I expect this will somehow tie into a future HHH and Steph/Angle feud, because it's always just a matter of time before they return. Maybe Team HHH vs. Team Angle at Survivor Series? That could be cool. There have been conflicting reports of Shelton Benjamin's status, but apparently there has been contact with WWE about him returning. Whether that will tie in to Angle's situation is unknown. He could easily end up on Smackdown or NXT.
4. Corgan is playing a long game with the property. He's going to put together his vision and get everything in order before making any announcements. The last I saw, there was going to be a focus on highlighting the lineage of the company.
5 is a repeat. I tend to rate people higher for getting over in different generations and promotions, being able to work well with a lot of different situations and opponents, that kind of thing.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Mattel and WWE have signed a new deal, extending their relationship through 2021. This is a key business agreement for WWE.
WWE has put out a trademark for "3:16" as they do merchandise for local markets featuring that tagline (Los Angeles 3:16, etc.). Doing special merchandise for venues they tour is a smart idea to try to get more people to make purchases on-site.
Carmella was interviewed in Canada. I'm glad she's getting a chance to be a big deal. The other wrestlers in the division can wrestle well enough to be important in other ways.
NPR covered Jinder Mahal's title reign in the context of foreign heels. There's definitely something to be said about uniting the crowd against someone who's very different from those in the crowd and their own background. It appeals to a lot of people.
Chris Jericho will be doing a book tour in late August and early September, so that could affect his live event schedule. Y2J has a lot of of flexibility with when and where he works.
Donovan Dijak has announced his final independent dates will be for PWG's Battle of Los Angeles. After September 3, he'll be heading to NXT. I'm excited to see what's next for him.
Io Shirai has been announced for a Japanese tour going through October 1. She's been long reported to be heading to WWE; this could be something of a "farewell tour" for her.
WWE will have a second Superstars Guide coming in March 2018.
ROH and NJPW will have a War of the Worlds tour date in Chicago on October 15, with Kenny Omega competing at the event.
Chris Jericho got into a heated argument with a fan after a concert in New York. No fan is owed an autograph, especially if they are being rude. That said, whomever that is with Jericho needed to step in and de-escalate things.
Kairi Sane suffered a concussion during the Mae Young Classic, and is dealing with neck pain. She is expected to miss about a month. So, it looks as though she'll be available to work the live September 12 show, but no guarantees.
John Cena will be one of the leads in a Transformers spinoff releasing in late 2018. That's a big role for him, and could be a big step from WWE to Hollywood. His next few years will be critical. I hope WWE realizes this.
There was no dark match after Raw, so it looks like that's been officially dropped from the already marathon Monday tapings.
Smackdown will be taped in Pittsburgh on December 28.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. That devious, evil Jinder needed three people to beat Randy Orton! I sure hope Nakamura or Cena can put him in his place! Given where Jinder was on the card before the Smackdown move, it's not really believable for him to beat the 13-time champion clean. So, his friends are helping him out. No problems on my end.
2. Well they still push it being on the Network (for $9.99 a month!). People take the Kickoff thing way too seriously. I can understand being upset if it's not part of the DVD, because then the people in it aren't getting royalties for it, but if anything wrestling on the Kickoff show means WWE thinks you'll be able to draw more people in to watch that show and potentially stick around for the main show.
3. Of course they think of months down the line. They want to elevate a young talent that wasn't going anywhere, which should be a big plus. American Alpha isn't "done" as far as never teaming again, but for now both members are singles stars. I expect this will somehow tie into a future HHH and Steph/Angle feud, because it's always just a matter of time before they return. Maybe Team HHH vs. Team Angle at Survivor Series? That could be cool. There have been conflicting reports of Shelton Benjamin's status, but apparently there has been contact with WWE about him returning. Whether that will tie in to Angle's situation is unknown. He could easily end up on Smackdown or NXT.
4. Corgan is playing a long game with the property. He's going to put together his vision and get everything in order before making any announcements. The last I saw, there was going to be a focus on highlighting the lineage of the company.
5 is a repeat. I tend to rate people higher for getting over in different generations and promotions, being able to work well with a lot of different situations and opponents, that kind of thing.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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