Read on for my thoughts on last night's Smackdown Live and 205 Live.
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Interviews with Revival/Becky, popular guest coach returns, Kane appearance set, big Saudi matches, new DON matches, Impact name asks for release, another Takeover announced, Raw dark matches, Raw show set, and Questions on Cena's "indie" experience, Vince vs. wrestling sites, WWE producers/trainers wrestling, and concern over WWE's business
The Revival spoke before Raw. Interesting perspective about how their post-NXT runs have gone.
Becky Lynch promoted Money in the Bank. I'm glad she's back in the business.
Mike Quackenbush is back at the WWE Performance Center guest coaching. He's becoming quite the popular trainer there.
Kane will be at The Big Event in New York on November 16.
WWE's Saudi event, Super ShowDown, will feature:
- Goldberg vs. The Undertaker
- Triple H vs. Randy Orton
- A 50-man battle royal match, the largest in WWE history
-- That's a very buzzworthy first match. I'm a little surprised they're flying so many people over for a battle royal match, but I guess that gets a lot of people a good payday.
Double or Nothing has added:
- Angelico and Jack Evans vs. The Best Friends. This would seem to mean Chuckie T and Trent aren't in the battle royal.
- Aja Kong, Yuka Sakazaki, and Emi Sakura vs. Hikaru Shida, Riho, and Ryo Mizunami
Impact's Killer Kross has asked for his release following failed negotiations to sign him to a higher-paying, guaranteed contract. Kross feels he can get a better deal outside of the company, as there is interest from multiple parties. Impact did offer him a better deal than he is on currently, but not at the level he was seeking. Kross was also concerned about how he's been used creatively, but the financial issue was the main reason he was looking to leave. Impact is not currently planning to let him out of his contract, which has several more years on it. I don't blame him for trying to get the best deal possible, since he has other options.
Takeover: Toronto is official for the night before Summerslam.
Taz discussed wrestler safety on his latest podcast, following the untimely death of Silver King.
After Raw, AJ Styles defeated Drew McIntyre by disqualification before Seth Rollins defeated Baron Corbin.
Raw is doing a live event in Singapore on June 27.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Cena definitely got some wrestling experience before OVW. I see he wrestled for UPW and APW in California, for instance. Of course there's a BIG difference between a handful of indie dates ahead of being signed to WWE developmental compared with becoming an established "indie name" in prominent promotions like ROH and that opening doors.
2. I don't think he really pays attention to wrestling news sites, honestly. He is familiar with some of the major criticisms, though, particularly as far as not connecting with other generations of fans.
3. I fully expect WWE takes exclusivity as far as wrestling goes, with the exception of shows that were already agreed to before the name in question signed on to become a producer/trainer. There could be some special cases, but by and large anyone signed to WWE in a non-wrestling capacity can't wrestle somewhere else at the same time.
4. I'm sure a lot of people are aware WWE has a negative reputation in social media. They just have generally written off those critics as a small part of the potential audience that's not representative of their target fan base as a whole.
5. Both things can be simultaneously true - WWE has a lot of money in their coffers, big TV deals, and international stadium shows, but there's also the realization NBCU and FOX paid for shows that were doing notably better than they are now and they want a return on their investment.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Becky Lynch promoted Money in the Bank. I'm glad she's back in the business.
Mike Quackenbush is back at the WWE Performance Center guest coaching. He's becoming quite the popular trainer there.
Kane will be at The Big Event in New York on November 16.
WWE's Saudi event, Super ShowDown, will feature:
- Goldberg vs. The Undertaker
- Triple H vs. Randy Orton
- A 50-man battle royal match, the largest in WWE history
-- That's a very buzzworthy first match. I'm a little surprised they're flying so many people over for a battle royal match, but I guess that gets a lot of people a good payday.
Double or Nothing has added:
- Angelico and Jack Evans vs. The Best Friends. This would seem to mean Chuckie T and Trent aren't in the battle royal.
- Aja Kong, Yuka Sakazaki, and Emi Sakura vs. Hikaru Shida, Riho, and Ryo Mizunami
Impact's Killer Kross has asked for his release following failed negotiations to sign him to a higher-paying, guaranteed contract. Kross feels he can get a better deal outside of the company, as there is interest from multiple parties. Impact did offer him a better deal than he is on currently, but not at the level he was seeking. Kross was also concerned about how he's been used creatively, but the financial issue was the main reason he was looking to leave. Impact is not currently planning to let him out of his contract, which has several more years on it. I don't blame him for trying to get the best deal possible, since he has other options.
Takeover: Toronto is official for the night before Summerslam.
Taz discussed wrestler safety on his latest podcast, following the untimely death of Silver King.
After Raw, AJ Styles defeated Drew McIntyre by disqualification before Seth Rollins defeated Baron Corbin.
Raw is doing a live event in Singapore on June 27.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Cena definitely got some wrestling experience before OVW. I see he wrestled for UPW and APW in California, for instance. Of course there's a BIG difference between a handful of indie dates ahead of being signed to WWE developmental compared with becoming an established "indie name" in prominent promotions like ROH and that opening doors.
2. I don't think he really pays attention to wrestling news sites, honestly. He is familiar with some of the major criticisms, though, particularly as far as not connecting with other generations of fans.
3. I fully expect WWE takes exclusivity as far as wrestling goes, with the exception of shows that were already agreed to before the name in question signed on to become a producer/trainer. There could be some special cases, but by and large anyone signed to WWE in a non-wrestling capacity can't wrestle somewhere else at the same time.
4. I'm sure a lot of people are aware WWE has a negative reputation in social media. They just have generally written off those critics as a small part of the potential audience that's not representative of their target fan base as a whole.
5. Both things can be simultaneously true - WWE has a lot of money in their coffers, big TV deals, and international stadium shows, but there's also the realization NBCU and FOX paid for shows that were doing notably better than they are now and they want a return on their investment.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Monday, May 13, 2019
ECW producer profiled, more Silver King remembrances, Mauro tells Percy goodbye, WWEPC release, two WWEPC signings, Interviews with Ronda/Swagger, WWE YouTube series streamed, DON announced for more PPV homes, ROH livestreams title match, WWE star working Puerto Rico, Cage injury update, and Questions on WWE setting long-term plans, AEW's focus, DSOTR episodes, Vince going into the HoF, and Vince's indecisiveness
ECW producer Charlie Bruzzese was profiled by beIN Sports.
WWE and Jack Black remembered Silver King.
Mauro Ranallo tributed Percy Watson after Percy's recent exit. Classy move from Mauro.
WWE PC signee Nasser Alruwayeh has asked for and received his release in order to compete in CrossFit.
The WWE PC has signed Saudi Arabia's Hussain Aldgal and Faisal Kurdi. The duo were involved in a segment with the Daivari brothers at the Greatest Royal Rumble, so maybe we're in for a match in a few weeks.
Ronda Rousey discussed WrestleMania 35 and more in a UFC interview.
WWE's YouTube channel streamed their "My Son/Daughter is a WWE Superstar" series in its entirety.
Double or Nothing has been announced for more PPV outlets in the U.S. and Canada.
ROH livestreamed Guerrillas of Destiny vs. the Briscoes from War of the Worlds Chicago on Honor Club. I'll cover it when it airs on ROH TV.
Primo Colon is working in WWC next week. Honestly WWE might as well let Primo and Epico go there full-time.
Brian Cage has vacated two independent championships due to his injury. He's looking to wrestle again on May 18. I hope he's able to return soon.
The former Jack Swagger discussed Kofi Kingston as WWE Champion and more. I'm glad he's putting over his former career.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Basically Vince wants them to set a long-term vision, even if he throws it out and has them set up a new long-term vision a few weeks later.
2. They're definitely not marketing to children! I'd definitely check out some of the "Road to Double or Nothing" videos (and to a degree the Being The Elite videos) to see what things look like for the brand. The story has been they intend to have a bigger focus on long-term storytelling and wins and losses/athleticism than we see on Raw and Smackdown Live.
3. Chris Benoit and Owen Hart are kind of givens, no? The C.M. Punk podcast saga would probably qualify as well.
4. I don't see him going in while he's alive, and I wouldn't expect him to go in in-character, as amazing as that could be.
5. I definitely don't think he's against those things. He just continually changes his mind and thinks it's worth sacrificing the established continuity, etc. for his new ideas. Honestly I don't even know if he follows any other shows or anything. WWE is his life passion.
More wrestling tomorrow.
WWE and Jack Black remembered Silver King.
Mauro Ranallo tributed Percy Watson after Percy's recent exit. Classy move from Mauro.
WWE PC signee Nasser Alruwayeh has asked for and received his release in order to compete in CrossFit.
The WWE PC has signed Saudi Arabia's Hussain Aldgal and Faisal Kurdi. The duo were involved in a segment with the Daivari brothers at the Greatest Royal Rumble, so maybe we're in for a match in a few weeks.
Ronda Rousey discussed WrestleMania 35 and more in a UFC interview.
WWE's YouTube channel streamed their "My Son/Daughter is a WWE Superstar" series in its entirety.
Double or Nothing has been announced for more PPV outlets in the U.S. and Canada.
ROH livestreamed Guerrillas of Destiny vs. the Briscoes from War of the Worlds Chicago on Honor Club. I'll cover it when it airs on ROH TV.
Primo Colon is working in WWC next week. Honestly WWE might as well let Primo and Epico go there full-time.
Brian Cage has vacated two independent championships due to his injury. He's looking to wrestle again on May 18. I hope he's able to return soon.
The former Jack Swagger discussed Kofi Kingston as WWE Champion and more. I'm glad he's putting over his former career.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Basically Vince wants them to set a long-term vision, even if he throws it out and has them set up a new long-term vision a few weeks later.
2. They're definitely not marketing to children! I'd definitely check out some of the "Road to Double or Nothing" videos (and to a degree the Being The Elite videos) to see what things look like for the brand. The story has been they intend to have a bigger focus on long-term storytelling and wins and losses/athleticism than we see on Raw and Smackdown Live.
3. Chris Benoit and Owen Hart are kind of givens, no? The C.M. Punk podcast saga would probably qualify as well.
4. I don't see him going in while he's alive, and I wouldn't expect him to go in in-character, as amazing as that could be.
5. I definitely don't think he's against those things. He just continually changes his mind and thinks it's worth sacrificing the established continuity, etc. for his new ideas. Honestly I don't even know if he follows any other shows or anything. WWE is his life passion.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
EVOLVE match notes, Interviews with Francine/Big E/PCO/AJ Lee, upcoming WWE documentaries, Cesaro appearance, Stephanie honored, Bianca graduates, SDL+Raw segments set, Angle previews 2K20 collectors' edition, NXT commentator done, WWE targeting Ryback, another past MITB on YouTube, Raw live event note, world champion coming to MLW, and Questions on reporting vs. commentary, Nese's background, the importance of Bret vs. Magee, WWE Network showing Stampede footage, and Impact's social media
At EVOLVE 127 in Michigan on May 10:
- NXT's Adrian Jaoude beat Josh Briggs
- NXT's Babatunde defeated Adrian Alanis
- Kassius Ohno and Harlem Bravado lost to AR Fox and Leon Ruff
- Adam Cole defeated Austin Theory in a non-title match
Francine discussed returning to the wrestling business and more. I'm glad she's making appearances again.
Big E gave an injury update and more. I'm crying laughing at him courting Becky's mom.
PCO spoke about his current run and more. He's been very impressive in ROH.
Ali will be profiled on WWE Chronicle Saturday night, including a look at his religion.
Becky Lynch's "WWE 24" episode is airing after Money in the Bank on WWE Network.
Cesaro appeared at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Stephanie McMahon gave a commencement address and received an honorary doctorate at Robert Morris University. She had recently appeared in their Survey of WWE class.
Bianca Belair graduated from the University of Tennessee this weekend. That's awesome! She's going places.
Smackdown Live has added:
- The Kevin Owens Show with Kofi Kingston
- Randy Orton vs. Andrade vs. Finn Balor vs. Ali
Raw has announced:
- Becky Lynch in a double contract signing with Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans
- Roman Reigns on MizTV
- Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi vs. Natalya vs. Dana Brooke
- Ricochet vs. Baron Corbin
- Braun Strowman vs. Drew McIntyre
Kurt Angle is signing 10,000 photos for WWE 2K20's collectors' edition. That's going to be a long endeavor.
Percy Watson has left WWE in order to go into acting. That explains Beth Phoenix replacing him at the NXT commentary table. I wish him well with that; we'll see if he pops back up in wrestling in any other way.
The former Ryback posted a legal letter with WWE asking him to cease using their trademarked terms in his digital endeavors. WWE owns "Ryback," "The Big Guy," and "Feed Me More" although he legally changed his first name to Ryback in 2016. We'll see if this ends up going to court.
WWE uploaded the 2015 Money in the Bank match to YouTube.
The former AJ Lee spoke with Neil DeGrasse Tyson about mental health. Great to see her advocating for people who are battling diagnoses.
Raw's May 11 live event in the UK saw WALTER defend the NXT UK Championship against Pete Dunne. It's notable there's not a lot of overlap with NXT UK on this tour now that that brand has its own shows pretty regularly.
Austin Aries is coming to MLW. The promotion is running his hometown on June 1.
At EVOLVE 128 in Indiana on May 11:
- NXT's Adrian Jaoude defeated Harlem Bravado
- NXT's Babatunde defeated Liam Gray
- Kassius Ohno defeated Josh Briggs
- Adam Cole defeated AR Fox
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
Nothing to add to 1.
2. I can strongly respect PWInsider separating their reporting and their commentary. In fact, I laud them for it. I try to provide commentary since I'm adding to what's already been reported elsewhere. I'm more of a blogger/compiler, but they're doing straight reporting and breaking stories. And, honestly, since they want to get stories out there ASAP, it makes sense to save the commentary for after the news out there.
3. He briefly competed in Impact, but left in order to have an iPPV match with The Great Muta. Of course, Muta would end up having a handful of Impact matches later on and is returning there soon.
4. The match has become kind of a cult phenomenon, especially since no one's been able to see it for themselves for a long time. The story is that Bret's opponent looked amazing in that match, got signed because of it, and flopped when he wasn't working with Bret.
5. It will come down to how much WWE values that footage compared to how much Bret values it.
6. Pretty cool, right? I'm glad he's thriving there.
More wrestling tomorrow.
- NXT's Adrian Jaoude beat Josh Briggs
- NXT's Babatunde defeated Adrian Alanis
- Kassius Ohno and Harlem Bravado lost to AR Fox and Leon Ruff
- Adam Cole defeated Austin Theory in a non-title match
Francine discussed returning to the wrestling business and more. I'm glad she's making appearances again.
Big E gave an injury update and more. I'm crying laughing at him courting Becky's mom.
PCO spoke about his current run and more. He's been very impressive in ROH.
Ali will be profiled on WWE Chronicle Saturday night, including a look at his religion.
Becky Lynch's "WWE 24" episode is airing after Money in the Bank on WWE Network.
Cesaro appeared at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Stephanie McMahon gave a commencement address and received an honorary doctorate at Robert Morris University. She had recently appeared in their Survey of WWE class.
Bianca Belair graduated from the University of Tennessee this weekend. That's awesome! She's going places.
Smackdown Live has added:
- The Kevin Owens Show with Kofi Kingston
- Randy Orton vs. Andrade vs. Finn Balor vs. Ali
Raw has announced:
- Becky Lynch in a double contract signing with Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans
- Roman Reigns on MizTV
- Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi vs. Natalya vs. Dana Brooke
- Ricochet vs. Baron Corbin
- Braun Strowman vs. Drew McIntyre
Kurt Angle is signing 10,000 photos for WWE 2K20's collectors' edition. That's going to be a long endeavor.
Percy Watson has left WWE in order to go into acting. That explains Beth Phoenix replacing him at the NXT commentary table. I wish him well with that; we'll see if he pops back up in wrestling in any other way.
The former Ryback posted a legal letter with WWE asking him to cease using their trademarked terms in his digital endeavors. WWE owns "Ryback," "The Big Guy," and "Feed Me More" although he legally changed his first name to Ryback in 2016. We'll see if this ends up going to court.
WWE uploaded the 2015 Money in the Bank match to YouTube.
The former AJ Lee spoke with Neil DeGrasse Tyson about mental health. Great to see her advocating for people who are battling diagnoses.
Raw's May 11 live event in the UK saw WALTER defend the NXT UK Championship against Pete Dunne. It's notable there's not a lot of overlap with NXT UK on this tour now that that brand has its own shows pretty regularly.
Austin Aries is coming to MLW. The promotion is running his hometown on June 1.
At EVOLVE 128 in Indiana on May 11:
- NXT's Adrian Jaoude defeated Harlem Bravado
- NXT's Babatunde defeated Liam Gray
- Kassius Ohno defeated Josh Briggs
- Adam Cole defeated AR Fox
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
Nothing to add to 1.
2. I can strongly respect PWInsider separating their reporting and their commentary. In fact, I laud them for it. I try to provide commentary since I'm adding to what's already been reported elsewhere. I'm more of a blogger/compiler, but they're doing straight reporting and breaking stories. And, honestly, since they want to get stories out there ASAP, it makes sense to save the commentary for after the news out there.
3. He briefly competed in Impact, but left in order to have an iPPV match with The Great Muta. Of course, Muta would end up having a handful of Impact matches later on and is returning there soon.
4. The match has become kind of a cult phenomenon, especially since no one's been able to see it for themselves for a long time. The story is that Bret's opponent looked amazing in that match, got signed because of it, and flopped when he wasn't working with Bret.
5. It will come down to how much WWE values that footage compared to how much Bret values it.
6. Pretty cool, right? I'm glad he's thriving there.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Silver King passes at 51
Mexico's Silver King suffered a fatal heart attack during a match Saturday. He was 51. PWInsider.com and F4WOnline covered his career. That's a really scary situation and the staff dropped the ball with not checking on his status sooner.
Silver King was remembered on social media by the following, among others:
- Adam Pearce
- Bill DeMott
- The Blue Meanie
- Cauliflower Alley Club
- Chris Jericho
- Christopher Daniels
- Court Bauer
- Eric Bischoff
- Frankie Kazarian
- Hurricane Helms
- Jigsaw
- Joseph Conners
- Kassius Ohno
- Ligero
- Michael PS Hayes
- Natalya
- Samoa Joe
- Saxon Huxley
- Sean Waltman
- Tommy Dreamer
- William Regal
More wrestling coming up.
Silver King was remembered on social media by the following, among others:
- Adam Pearce
- Bill DeMott
- The Blue Meanie
- Cauliflower Alley Club
- Chris Jericho
- Christopher Daniels
- Court Bauer
- Eric Bischoff
- Frankie Kazarian
- Hurricane Helms
- Jigsaw
- Joseph Conners
- Kassius Ohno
- Ligero
- Michael PS Hayes
- Natalya
- Samoa Joe
- Saxon Huxley
- Sean Waltman
- Tommy Dreamer
- William Regal
More wrestling coming up.
War of the Worlds: Grand Rapids Reax
Read on for my thoughts on last night's Honor Club special event.
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