The Official Monday Night RAW Thread

[Nash Diesel]

Kross isn’t good, that’s why.

Big fish in the small pond in NXT, then became just another average big man in the bigs.

He is good, he just gets that start and stop push that makes no sense. When he came back and was in the mix with Drew, even Roman Reigns, it was very interesting. Then he gets taken off tv for 6 months for no reason. Big fish/small pond argument doesn't work when in NXT they were giving him the ball and doing well with it, and then the main roster hits and it's like simply booking went out the window. This isn't like Kross showed up and Vince had him lose to Jeff Hardy in a minute. He's up there now with a guy who knows that he can carry the ball because they don't just give the ball down in NXT to anyone.

But then again....Look at Carmello Hayes. They damn near built NXT 2.0 around him and Breakker and Hayes is barely a factor. Is it because he was never that good and Shawn and Triple H got it wrong?

[Badger]

I think part of it is that the roster’s so bloated that there’s just not room to feature everyone every week. Melo will have his time again probably, could be one of LA Knight’s challengers.

Kross is okay but digged his NXT character much more. I mean New Testament is a big step up from the gimp outfit lol but still not the biggest fan of the stable so far tbh. I mean you got one of the best talkers and legends in Ellering and it’s just empty preaching. Not the most captivating.

Wyatts Sicks are captivating. Final Testament not so much.

[virms]

I didn't really know about Kross except for comments on here as i never watched nxt. His vignettes were interesting enough and I liked the 3 way they initially put him in but he never landed for me. Not just his on and off push but he never really interested me while in a match. Plus I wasn't big on scarlett. She's easy on the eyes but damn she makes some of the most annoying facial expressions I've ever seen. I think some of the plastic surgery just makes her face not be able to move a certain way.

[Tyson]

If a heel turn means Xavier Woods can get a singles title run, I’m here for it.

Beyond Breakker/Knight, there’s a pretty long list of athletes who need their first WWE singles title, in no particular order: Uso (x2), Ford, Dawkins, Woods, Gable. That’s not even accounting for any of the Bloodline 2.0 members, who will undoubtedly soon be included in that group. The upper midcard is about to get crazy interesting.

While we’re at it, two midcard women’s titles are long past due…

[casselmm47]

I'd be there for a Gable/Breakker title battle.

[Hero!]

I didn't really know about Kross except for comments on here as i never watched nxt. His vignettes were interesting enough and I liked the 3 way they initially put him in but he never landed for me. Not just his on and off push but he never really interested me while in a match. Plus I wasn't big on scarlett. She's easy on the eyes but damn she makes some of the most annoying facial expressions I've ever seen. I think some of the plastic surgery just makes her face not be able to move a certain way.

I’ve been watching Karrion/Killer Kross since his Lucha Underground days.

he is awesome in character work, but the absolute definition of the phrase “and then the bell rang”.

hes just not good in the ring. Also needs to shave the head again.

[3puppies]

The definition of "then the bell rang" was Jinder Mahal. He had enough moveset to be part of 3MB enhancement talent, then was rocket strapped just as the tour to India was announced. The audience is not dumb enough not to see through that.

But Kross and Jinder have similarities beyond merely being adequate at best in the ring, despite their ability to talk and having good enough look. Both lack the ability to get the crowd to care about anything they're doing in the ring.

And both suffer from the attempt by WWE of forcing them into the role of leading a stable when they haven't showed that its deserved. Jinder was at his best with the Bollywood Boyz, because Veer and Shanky physically overshadowed Jinder's own impressive physique. The Bollywood Boyz clearly understood their role was to help Jinder succeed. It never felt like that for Veer and Shanky.

Meanwhile, Kross' pairing with AOP/Ellering has been a disaster. There's never even been an attempt to talk about why they are together, they completely waste Ellering's ability on the mic. AOP has a history on their own, so this feels completely forced.

Sometimes, putting otherwise wasted talent together can really click - look at the Wyatt Sick6, or going back, the "B Team" worked for a while. The New Day is maybe the best example.

[Nash Diesel]

Well see that's what Kross needs is the Jinder push lol. Have him beat Gunther for the title next month, give him 6 months on top and see what happens.

[VHS]

Karrion is one of the most boring wrestlers on the planet.

[3puppies]

Carmello Hayes should be feuding with Shinsuke Nakamura. Both are doing nothing, and I think their styles would match well together.

[Badger]

Nice tribute for Sid plus battle of the Brons was a great meatslapper and outside brawl. Glad there wasn’t a clean winner so they can run it back.

Also fun main event for Uncle Bowdy. I was hoping for a spider walk but yeah I’m sure that will come in time. I did wonder why Nikki didn’t show up to peel Ivy off Rowan’s back though.

[Alcoholocaust]

Was expecting Nikki but I loved the fact the Rowan just continued on unphased by her on back. The spot has been seen in the past with bigger guys and smaller or female but usually with a pause for emphasis that it's having no affect before throwing or shrugging them off. Rowan just kept going as if it was nothing more than a fly that landed on him.

[Murphy]

Solid start for Joe Tessitore. 'That's Drew McIntyre in a hoody'.

Will miss Cole and McAfee loads though, massive shoes to fill.

Tessitore reminds me of Ranallo and I imagine loads of others will feel the same.

I know nothing of the guy, not aware of him from the sports world. Assume he's well known from how he was presented.

[3puppies]

I enjoyed the Alpha Academy v. American Made six-person match. It was nice to see Tozawa get some offense in for a change, as the guy is so talented at selling. Maxxine's dive off the top corner to the floor was impressive, as was her reverse caterpillar. I didn't mind the result, as Dupri tapping to Nile is certainly fair after the amount of offense Ivy took from her. The Creed Brothers seemed to work much better when they were faces, but from a storyline perspective, I can understand them looking to get advice from a veteran like Gable.

Zelina Vega deserves better. Zoey Stark bores me, and Shayna Baszler feels like she's only there to fill out the roster. I like Sonya DeVille, though, and I will tune in for Lyra. Since next week they're in Calgary, it seems the faces will get much-needed help from the returning Nattie.

Drew knows how to get heat, and making Punk eat the bracelet is the kind of stuff we may talking about years from now. Best part of the show.

I liked Kofi complaining to Pearce that the Judgment Day haven't defended the tag titles for 2 months, but I liked his stare down with GUNTHER even more.

But of course, we will more likely get GUNTHER vs. Zayn since Sami is the last guy to beat GUNTHER. Sami seems to have cooled off quite a bit since then.

Having two triple threat qualifying matches end due to one guy being distracted by someone outside is lazy writing. Plus, I have never been a Butch/Dunne fan, and it seems like his recent push out of nowhere, here on RAW as well as on NXT, is overexposure. He simply doesn't look like he belongs as a credible threat when he's next to guys the size of Sheamus and Strowman.

[3puppies]

Nice Raw this week. Tessitore and Wade Barrett are building some wonderful chemistry. I liked the work they've done with the fans signs.

Punk's opening promo felt like filler to me.

Sheamus is trying valiantly to get Pete "Butch" Dunne over, who gets the cheap win using a cricket bat. Yawn.

Nattie adds to her record for women's WWE wins. She deserves some rebuilding. Stark is not at all smooth in the ring. She may be worse than Maxxine DuPree.

Jey deserves to beat Bron Breakker. Bron can win it back in a few weeks.

I wonder if the New Day dissention will culminate at Mania. Or is it maybe leading to a return of Big E?

Reed v Strowman did nothing but make me want more from these two. Kudos to the "fan" in the audience, in the Yeet tee shirt, who was launched by Reed at Strowman. He went flying by so fast, I couldn't tell if that was Ricky from last week's Smackdown appearance.

Zayn is heating back up after he cooled by losing to Bron. Kaiser did another really nice job with his promo work. I LOVED how Sami got the crowd to wonder if Kaiser will split from GUNTHER.

IYO and Bianca had the match of the night. It makes sense to have IYO get the win so Damage CTRL can challenge for tag belts.

Crowd was hot for the main event. We all want to see Dirty Dom get his comeuppance.

[Nash Diesel]

[QUOTE=3puppies;8346837
Jey deserves to beat Bron Breakker. Bron can win it back in a few weeks.

.[/QUOTE]

Curious why Jey deserves to beat Bron and then lose it back just a couple weeks later.

[Tyson]

Me, eagerly anticipating a heel run for Xavier Woods. That has so much potential.

[3puppies]

Curious why Jey deserves to beat Bron and then lose it back just a couple weeks later.

My thoughts are more about Jey, who deserves to have a singles title, than Bron. He is over with the crowd, and moves a ton of merchandise. Even a short singles title run will add to his resume - which they made a point to repeat how he has never held a singles title.

But Bron needs a title to help establish himself. He has a bright future, but he won't be hurt by having a loss to Jey if its followed up with a win in a rematch. We were spoiled by GUNTHER holding the IC strap for a long long time - my big regret about that run is they didn't even offer Honky Tonk Man a chance to get a brief payday for an appearance/interview to talk about how he was the greatest IC champ of all time, but even he would acknowledge GUNTHER is something special.

I don't see Bron holding it nearly that long. Therefore, I wouldn't mind him dropping it to Jey, then regaining it. A "rubber match" to settle their feud could be fun, and would help Bron much more than hurt Jey.

Bron can then defend it against Miz, Woods, Ilja, etc. until Sheamus is ready, perhaps by then we'll be up to Mania. Sheamus and Bron have a similar style where it looks like they're beating the hell out of their opponents, because they are.

[Nash Diesel]

I think if they give Jey the IC title he should have a longer reign than a few weeks. To simply give it to him to add to his resume disregards the fact you're giving him a hollow reign. I think if he does beat Bron, you give him a couple months and then maybe someone from Bloodline 2.0 costs him the title where Bron regains it on Raw before Survivor Series. Jey then moves back into the Bloodline story which seems inevitable.

[Badger]

Still seems too early for Bron to lose it. Judgment Day will probably fuck Jey over next week. They might get Bron for War Games down the line then you got Damian, Ilja, Jey (if not in Bloodline storyline by then), Rey and somebody else.

[VoidKitten]

I, for one, support our new yeet overlord.

[3puppies]

Yeet!

[Nash Diesel]

It's stuff like this they need to do more often to get people watching. You just had a rising star get beat for the IC title by one of the top guys in the company on Raw in the main event. That's a huge deal. We don't see that very often happen on free tv especially when you had that dominant run from Gunther and Sami's reign was pretty strong as well.

[3puppies]

So happy for Jey. He deserves every bit of it.

Other RAW thoughts -

Dom and Liv opened up RAW, walking from the car through the back, stopping briefly for the Monsters Backstage Brawl to continue from last week. The production work has been terrific the last few months. But they showed a graphic for the Ripley/Liv match at Bad Blood before the in-ring segment, and it told us Dom was in the shark cage, before it had been announced.

Zayn and Ludwig was really good stuff, even if it had a predictable outcome. I loved Wade Barrett calling GUNTHER a comedy genius. I don't love the angle of GUNTHER ducking Sami, as it makes Pearce look like more of a twit.

I am thrilled that the New Day has a solid story in progress, and it's even better because there are several ways they can go with this. And it's the little things like the guy holding the tray of pancakes, behind Woods' back, Kofi signalling him nevermind, make it worth watching.

Sheamus getting attacked again by Pete "Don't call me Butch!" Dunne with the cricket paddle backstage felt repetitive. When RAW goes back to 2 hours stuff like this will likely get cut.

Drew's promo bored me.

I kind of liked Kross talking backstage to Miz before the match that didn't happen. Maybe the angle Kross was going to play with Woods is getting moved onto Miz, who is better as a heel anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if Miz is a contributing reason that the monsters match ends next week. The crowds are really hot for the monster battles. I hope they find a way to match the build.

Damage CTRL was the obvious winner over Alba/Isla. Iyo is fun to watch, while the unholy witches need to improve.

[Fanny Batter]

Sami vs. Gunther finally happening at Survivor Series in Canada would be a bit of a masterstroke. Gonna be a long build if that's the case. I guess it could be in Saudi first, but I'd let it marinate and build Sami more. Unless he's back to being an honorary Uce in War Games, that's the play. Put the belt on him and give him and KO a 'Mania title match.

[MTR]

Always fun to to go a live show. Got two Raws for the price one last night. Enjoyed both shows. Headed to NXT tonight.

[3puppies]

Two Raws? Did they tape a future episode?

[MTR]

Yes. They taped next week's show

[Horatio]

Digging raw as the goat show with Sheamus, Sami, and Gunther always delivering heavyweight dish in a style we can't get on aew.

[3puppies]

Last night's raw. Damien Priest owned GUNTHER on the mic in the opening promo. Hit.

I really liked Seth turning down Sami's request to join him, Roman and the Uso's for Survivor Series against the new Bloodline. Hit.

The women's 6-way tag between Damage CTRL and Stark/Baszler/Sonya was awful. Shayna and Zoey are terrible in fast-paced matches, as their timing is noticeably delayed between spots. Big Miss.

Truth sayting "My Bad" to Pete, then warning Kofi to watch out for Butch. Hit.

New Day's implosion is dragging out too long. Miss.

I kind of liked the Miz's plan with Kross to get his revenge on the Wyatt 6icks. Hit.

Reed caling out Seth, and their brawl. Although we've seen this a bunch now, still a hit.

Women's tag match. Hit. Follow up with heels coming out to lay groundwork for inevitable Women's Survivor's Series - forced. Miss.

[Nash Diesel]

What the hell is this Women's War Games team? Very random....but....I'm actually kind of excited to see Candice LeRae in the mix (I can't believe she's almost 40) because they really haven't done shit with her since she came back from having a child. Even that whole Speed championship stuff is forgettable.

[Bert]

Haven't been watching RAW much lately but I caught Bo's promo on Wreddit and wow does he look so much like Bray now.

[Fanny Batter]

It does feel like Rhea has been rushed back, as Bayley has been involved with the Smackdown part of the feud pretty extensively, and has established history with the other team members. Ripley is a star though and if she can go I guess you have to use her. Hopefully they set up Rhea vs. Bianca a bit, as I think that's the best match they have available for 'Mania in the women's division.

[MTR]

What the hell is this Women's War Games team? Very random....but....I'm actually kind of excited to see Candice LeRae in the mix (I can't believe she's almost 40) because they really haven't done shit with her since she came back from having a child. Even that whole Speed championship stuff is forgettable.

Yeah very random. Not a fan of just forcing something together like this just for the sake of having a women's war games match. It will be a good match for sure but kind of forced. Glad to see Candice involved with stuff. They just have not really done much at all with her on the main roster.

[Nash Diesel]

Yeah very random. Not a fan of just forcing something together like this just for the sake of having a women's war games match. It will be a good match for sure but kind of forced. Glad to see Candice involved with stuff. They just have not really done much at all with her on the main roster.

We've gone back and forth about War Games in the other thread but I definitely feel like we agree that when you force these teams it loses it's "aura" I remember War Games 1997 with team nWo just lacking the star power. I was cool with them giving shine to Konnan, Syxx, and Buff but the stable was still red hot, you still had Hall, Savage, fuck man even Hogan wasn't doing anything. That wasn't exactly FORCED since they were in the same stable but it was very much forcing people who didn't really belong. I've come to accept now after seeing the teams that they probably should've just done the men's.

The state of the WWE right now, they could've done a War Games, a few traditional SS matches for the men and women, and then maybe 1 or 2 singles matches. That's one thing I love about Survivor Series when they do the traditional matches, you get to see more people interact and again, there are a lot of stories going on that could've worked. Final Testament with the Miz v. The Wyatts for example. You could've put a bow on Otis and Gable with their stables and a few others added. That's all I kept thinking about after Raw, but hey you never know we still have time.

[MTR]

Yeah I would have preferred to see something like this women's match just be a traditional survivor match like they used to do. You can mix and match teams and it isn't really forced. These guys are just going to team up with these guys and go against the guys they are feuding with.

War Games needs to mean more. Like Dusty and friends trying to take out the Horsemen. Down in NXT most of them were teams trying to take out Undisputed Era. Beyond Rhea really wanting to kill Liv like these feuds are not war games worthy. Liv and Rhea need a Hell in a Cell at this point lol.

[Nash Diesel]

The women's War Games have never felt like much was at stake other than simply pairing people who are feuding or kinda feuding. The men's has felt like there's always a common goal which is usually take out the heel stable. 2022 you had the Bloodline, 2023 it was Judgement Day, 2024 it's Bloodline 2.0.

[MTR]

2023 Damage Control was the big heel faction that the women were trying to take down. I really liked that one and the storytelling that was going on with the build of Damage Control turning on Bayley. The before that was yeah like you said and so is this one. Same with the women's matches in NXT. At least a couple times there was like captains putting together teams.

[Nash Diesel]

Ah that's right about 2023 I kinda spaced that shitty ass match. Shotzi.....If there was ever someone who just didn't fit whatsoever it was her. It was like that time Maven was on a Survivor Series main event team lol

[MTR]

Fun fact. Well maybe fun fact.

Iyo has been in all the women's war games matches in NXT and main roster including the upcoming match.

[3puppies]

Fun fact. Well maybe fun fact.

Iyo has been in all the women's war games matches in NXT and main roster including the upcoming match.

Iyo is vastly underrated.

[MTR]

She is so good and was so happy to see her win the title and hopefully she gets another run with it

[Tyson]

Iyo is vastly underrated.

Can confirm.

[MTR]

So thoughts on who should get the women's IC title to start?

They have some options for sure and glad to see each brand get a mid card title for the women.

[BuffyRocks]

So thoughts on who should get the women's IC title to start?

They have some options for sure and glad to see each brand get a mid card title for the women.

I'd be a fan of Lyra or Dakota or Natalya taking it. Nattie since she's a vet and this would be a nice "thank you" to her. Dakota simply because I love her and I think it is a shame she's never held singles gold in WWE. Lyra because she's awesome, and is a workhorse and kind of exactly the type of wrestler the IC title should go to.

Similarly, I'm hoping for Michin or Chelsea for the US title.

[mth]

Lyra for IC, Chelsea for US.

[MTR]

Lyra is a good pick.

Chelsea is a good pick for the US. I am a Michin fan so I wouldn't mind that either.

[3puppies]

Chelsea is so damn entertaining, I want to see her win just for her reaction when the crowd chants "You DESERVE it!" She will probably come up with something heelishly great like "Of course, I do - You people all expect me to say 'Thank you!' for you all finally recognizing my greatness?"

She understands her role, maximizes every second of her screen time, and has been rewarded for being given a few moments most weeks. She has created a character on the female side of the roster that I daresay if she keeps it up, she may someday rival what R-Truth is doing on the men's roster. She has turned almost everything given her to gold. In that respect, she reminds me of what Carmella did a short while back.


For the Raw women, I am pulling for Zelina Vega.

[Murphy]

I'd be a fan of Lyra or Dakota or Natalya taking it. Nattie since she's a vet and this would be a nice "thank you" to her. Dakota simply because I love her and I think it is a shame she's never held singles gold in WWE. Lyra because she's awesome, and is a workhorse and kind of exactly the type of wrestler the IC title should go to.

Similarly, I'm hoping for Michin or Chelsea for the US title.

A 'thank you' for being the drizzling shits for the best part of 20 years?

I'm all for Lyra or a nice Dakota push leading her to the title.

[3puppies]

I haven't seen nor heard enough of Lyra to decide on whether she's something special, or whether she just capable of being carried to her best matches - she has looked very good against Iyo Sky and this latest iteration of (the much improved) Nia Jax. On the other hand, since then, she's just sorta been cast aside with the mini-cheerleaders KCsquared.

If they wanted to be creative with the storyline, they could have a face like Lyra. Zelina or Nattie win, and then have Candace get in Nia Jax's ear to basically intimidate/force Tiffany Stratton to cash in her MITB contract against the face, for the IC title.

Not sure everyone saw it, but on Raw Talk this week, R-Truth was talking to the women backstage, he was all excited about entering the IC tournament.

[Nash Diesel]

Lyra is someone who I'm not 100% sold on yet. I'm not someone who gets totally wrapped up in "character" and her ring work is solid. I think for me it's wanting to see others instead of her in that position. It's just how wrestling goes, we all have our preferences. I actually liked that little feud where it was Lyra and KCsquared as you put it (love it) v. Bea Priestly, Alba Fyre, and Isla Dawn. I think they could've ran with that for a lot longer than they have.

[Murphy]

Haven't seen much of Dawn or Fyre since they lost the tag titles. Raw going to 2 hours doesn't certainly doesn't help.

[Badger]

Haven't seen much of Dawn or Fyre since they lost the tag titles. Raw going to 2 hours doesn't certainly doesn't help.

The lack of sexy Scottish spooky witches does concern me a little, but this happened before as well when they were written off TV for months.

Fantasy booking a little here but would love it if they were responsible or even brought in as a heel counter to crazy Nikki

[Tyson]

Holy. Shit. That double heel turn was absolutely masterful, my heart was breaking yet I found myself completely agreeing with them. Let Paul cook.

And that Punk/Rollins/Zayn promo? Chef’s kiss. Mania season/the Netflix era is about to be appointment viewing.

[Badger]

Yeah there actually is some justification there that E didn’t support them as a manager earlier. Will see how this goes but I am intrigued. Hopefully also an indication that E may eventually be cleared down the line.

Also great to see Drew back attacking Zayn and seemingly being the one who attacked

[Nash Diesel]

The stuff with Big E has to lead to something other than heel Kofi/Woods in the tag division. The cool thing is once again, Karrion Kross the prophet wins again.

[Bert]

Laughed out loud at Kofi saying yeah you broke your neck, so what?

So savage and unexpected coming from Kofi.

[3puppies]

Loved the opening promo with Punk, Rollins and Sami. Three guys who are terrific on the mic, they know their characters, the history, and the storyline they are telling so well, everything just felt so unscripted.

Balor's Judgment Day segment was also solid, explaining their hit on Priest who is out with his arm in a sling. "When everyone listens to Finn, the Judgment Day win." Did anyone else love how Carlito asked Raquel "Do we get a group hug or something?"

Dakota Kai moving on in the IC tourney wasn't a surprise, as she's talented and has waited a while. How many fans were behind her more than plucky KC was more of a surprise to me. Shayna hasn't done anything to deserve a push, she should be just glad she got on tv.

I absolutely loved how the New Day segment was pulled off. The build up to the anniversary for several weeks, and the tension between Kofi and Woods definitely made us feel they were leading to a split, or at worst, a teased split with Big E returning to fix things and save the (New) Day. Credit to Wade on commentary for the start of the segment "Is this going to smooth things over or is it just papering over the cracks?" Did I say how great I thought this segment was? Line of the night to Kofi was “Yeah you broke your neck, so what?” Woods saying Big E will never be back convinced me that Big E has probably been medically cleared already.

GUNTHER working as a face against Dirty DomDom was really a lot of fun, even though the outcome was very predictable, as it was clear this was only to set up Balor v GUNTHER.

Karrion Kross gave his best promo on the main roster, even if it was taped.

Butch loses to R-Truth. It seemed the whole purpose of this segment was to allow the backstage promo to cut away to the post-attack on MEJU by unknown assailant.

Sami v Rollins in the main event was big on talking during the match. We wondered if we should expect Punk to come back after Rollins shoved him earlier in the night. Drew's return was better than that.

[Nash Diesel]

I believe hard work should be rewarded and Dakota Kai is right up there. She's bounced back from several possible career ending injuries and honestly if she doesn't win this tournament it's probably because of her being so damn injury prone. Mia Yim is another one. She's had zero gold in the WWE. Makes no sense with how much she's been used. I'm really pulling for her in the US title tourny. I can definitely see it being someone already super established they want it to feel like they really want to make these titles mean something if Bayley or someone like that is champion but let's raise up some of these other women who have been grinding.

[Tyson]

The stuff with Big E has to lead to something other than heel Kofi/Woods in the tag division.

Woods saying Big E will never be back convinced me that Big E has probably been medically cleared already.

Right? You don’t (I wouldn’t) bury Ettore emotionally like that just to get The Evil Day over, surely there’s bigger plans in the works.

Was I the only one shocked/surprised/alarmed by how slimmed down Ettore looked? He looked really good, don’t get it twisted, but not at all like the active Big E that we saw perform for so many years. Perhaps it’s just the contrast of active vs retired, a little bit of visual salesmanship to up the emotional intensity of “You sold us out, you’re never coming back”? Or maybe Ewen is already medically cleared and he comes back on-screen at Mania looking more Big E-like (banging the weights a la Randy Orton)?

[3puppies]

Right? You don’t (I wouldn’t) bury Ettore emotionally like that just to get The Evil Day over, surely there’s bigger plans in the works.

Was I the only one shocked/surprised/alarmed by how slimmed down Ettore looked? He looked really good, don’t get it twisted, but not at all like the active Big E that we saw perform for so many years. Perhaps it’s just the contrast of active vs retired, a little bit of visual salesmanship to up the emotional intensity of “You sold us out, you’re never coming back”? Or maybe Ewen is already medically cleared and he comes back on-screen at Mania looking more Big E-like (banging the weights a la Randy Orton)?

Langston definitely looked noticeably slimmer to me - I agree, he still looks great, but him in a suit hides the fact that he used to be known as a big meaty man.

Does anyone doubt for even a moment that Otis and especially Tozawa next week will have a Bad Day?

[Nash Diesel]

Right? You don’t (I wouldn’t) bury Ettore emotionally like that just to get The Evil Day over, surely there’s bigger plans in the works.

Was I the only one shocked/surprised/alarmed by how slimmed down Ettore looked? He looked really good, don’t get it twisted, but not at all like the active Big E that we saw perform for so many years. Perhaps it’s just the contrast of active vs retired, a little bit of visual salesmanship to up the emotional intensity of “You sold us out, you’re never coming back”? Or maybe Ewen is already medically cleared and he comes back on-screen at Mania looking more Big E-like (banging the weights a la Randy Orton)?

He did look slimmer but it makes sense. He hasn't wrestled in 2 years and the injury he suffered probably caused him to lose a lot of muscle due to not being able to train like he normally would. We've only really seen him at the booth on ppv, usually next to Wade who's slimmed down and Jackie Redmond or someone small so I never really noticed until last night just how much he's thinned out.

Seriously if this doesn't lead to anything other than heel New Day it'll be a dud. Watching that video of Woods talking about how KOTR was kind of a validation he belonged still had me thinking this guy should've been at the very least a US and IC champion by now. All the fools who have been multi time US/IC champs and Woods is given KOTR-and a crown that was destroyed lol.

[Nash Diesel]

So while I've been sour about Heel Day....Big E's gf Kris Yim (Mia's sister) has been burning the fuck out these dorks:

[Badger]

Yet Woods IIRC I believe was the first to get a singles win over Reigns (DQ) during his title reign when Reigns crushed his crown. I think he got hurt around about that time as well else that push may have gone further.

[Nash Diesel]

Yet Woods IIRC I believe was the first to get a singles win over Reigns (DQ) during his title reign when Reigns crushed his crown. I think he got hurt around about that time as well else that push may have gone further.

Yeah he got hurt but I also think Kofi was hurt which is why Woods was getting some shine as they were still paired up. That was what, 2 years ago now? By now dude could've been NXT champ, US champ, they just keep in the tags.

[Tyson]

By now dude could've been NXT champ, US champ, they just keep in the tags.

Xavier, Montez and Angelo should all have held singles titles by now…

[Nash Diesel]

Xavier, Montez and Angelo should all have held singles titles by now…

I agree on all 3 of those. I think Angelo Dawkins is going to be like the Christian to Montez's Edge. I feel like people just don't see it but I knew way back before Profits that this guy, who came out wearing 2 fucking headbands, was going to be special. Montez is probably the main guy who idk, maybe they thought the tag division was too shallow, same reason why I think they kept Kofi and Woods together after Big E was drafted to the other show. Reminds me a little of when WWF tried Bret and Anvil out as singles guy in 1989 and then put them back together for 2 years before doing the final split.

[Mazer]

2 years ago, I would have completely agreed. Now, I wonder if Montez is ever going to happen.

[Tyson]

Can’t say I’m a fan of casual Friday attire Gunther, it really seems to contradict his holier-than-thou Ring General gimmick. Bring back the suit and tie, big man.

The Job Squad 2.0 going over Wyatt Sicks, not a fan of that.

Team Drew McIntyre.

Some Dirty Dom level heat for The Evil Day. Really excited to see where this goes, the boys need to lean into and embrace it.

[Mazer]

I thought they played it very well last night. Really excited about seeing how Kofi and Woods take it from here.

[Mazer]

Also......if you don't respect Drew McIntyre, you don't respect anything.

[3puppies]

Changing the GUNTHER title match vs Balor to now a 3-way match including Priest was not unexpected.

I could have done without Paul Ellering's return.

The crowd booing over Woods/Kofi attempting to explain themselves was done well, as were the backstage reactions from the other wrestlers and backstage crew. Shoutout to Stu, who deserves a Warrior Award in the Hall of Fame whenever he decides to put the camera down.

Lyra advancing in the IC tourney is fine with me, but I wanted to see more from Zelina.

They've been doing those "sign of the night" spots but they should have acknowledged the woman in the front row who had the sign for Sonya, saying she'd leave her husband for her. Sonya has had that creepy stalker break into her house, so I wonder how she feels about those signs.

Rhea feels like she's being given the Becky super push lately. I found her more interesting when she was a face on her own, but a huge heel whenever she had DomDom by her side.

Seth/Sami spot came off well. Sami may wonder next week why Seth didn't come right back to help him when Drew attacked.

[Nash Diesel]

Changing the GUNTHER title match vs Balor to now a 3-way match including Priest was not unexpected.

I could have done without Paul Ellering's return.

The crowd booing over Woods/Kofi attempting to explain themselves was done well, as were the backstage reactions from the other wrestlers and backstage crew. Shoutout to Stu, who deserves a Warrior Award in the Hall of Fame whenever he decides to put the camera down.

Lyra advancing in the IC tourney is fine with me, but I wanted to see more from Zelina.

They've been doing those "sign of the night" spots but they should have acknowledged the woman in the front row who had the sign for Sonya, saying she'd leave her husband for her. Sonya has had that creepy stalker break into her house, so I wonder how she feels about those signs.

Rhea feels like she's being given the Becky super push lately. I found her more interesting when she was a face on her own, but a huge heel whenever she had DomDom by her side.

Seth/Sami spot came off well. Sami may wonder next week why Seth didn't come right back to help him when Drew attacked.

I keep forgetting you're the same dude who wrote WWE a novel about Hulkamania. This is such an exaggerated reaction to a sign. In your head you immediately go "I wonder if that lady would try to KILL Sonya??" JFC

[Fanny Batter]

Apparently Punk vs. Rollins will be on the Netflix debut. I wonder if that's the start of dropping Rollins down the card while they rebuild him. Compared to the rest of the top guys he stands out as being completely inauthentic in his current role. Maybe reset him and have him go to Smackdown? For me 3 of the top 4 guys, if Rock is out, has to be a combo of Rhodes, Reigns and Punk. Orton, Cena, Gunther, Owens, Zayn and McIntyre are more interesting options for the other slot than Rollins. Drop him down to IC/US level after a losing streak snaps him out of his silly clothes era. He ain't it.

[3puppies]

I keep forgetting you're the same dude who wrote WWE a novel about Hulkamania. This is such an exaggerated reaction to a sign. In your head you immediately go "I wonder if that lady would try to KILL Sonya??" JFC

You misunderstand me. From what I have read about Sonya, she was - understandably - very freaked out by the prior incident, to the point she said she was reluctant to even sign autographs. I am not wondering if that lady would try to harm Sonya in any way. I was wondering about Sonya's reaction to such a prominent sign. I am hoping she's more comfortable now than she was.


Fanny, don't forget that Rollins has done a lot to help others on the roster get raised up. He lost 3 PPV matches to Cody, raising Cody's stature tremendously. He earned his spot at the top by being who he is. Most recently, he made Bronson Reed look more like a threat and a contender instead of the pretender he's been booked as since his arrival.

Rollins has great matches with everyone, and is probably the most unselfish wrestler at the top of the card since the Rock.

[Nash Diesel]

You misunderstand me. From what I have read about Sonya, she was - understandably - very freaked out by the prior incident, to the point she said she was reluctant to even sign autographs. I am not wondering if that lady would try to harm Sonya in any way. I was wondering about Sonya's reaction to such a prominent sign. I am hoping she's more comfortable now than she was.


Fanny, don't forget that Rollins has done a lot to help others on the roster get raised up. He lost 3 PPV matches to Cody, raising Cody's stature tremendously. He earned his spot at the top by being who he is. Most recently, he made Bronson Reed look more like a threat and a contender instead of the pretender he's been booked as since his arrival.

Rollins has great matches with everyone, and is probably the most unselfish wrestler at the top of the card since the Rock.

I didn't misunderstand you because you're still have an over the top reaction to a sign about a woman saying she'd leave her husband for Sonya. You're equating that to Sonya's situation with a male stalker. It's apples and eggrolls. Maybe I'm wrong but IDK if that situation was so traumatic to Sonya that she would be reading that sign like "Wow I hope she doesn't leave her husband and try to kill me like that one guy 4 years ago"

[Bert]

Nash is speaking reason, weird.

[Tyson]

Saturday Night Main Event:

-I thought the triple threat was an opportunity missed to put the title on one of Priest/Balor without messing with Gunther’s heat by having him take the loss.
-Drew really needed the win. Loving and believing McIntyre, much like Owens; their anger is totally justifiable and understandable.
-Good win for Liv, curious to see who’s next. A Stratton cash-in?

[Fanny Batter]

I think Stratton needs to cash in on Jax as a babyface. The crowd want to cheer her, and her in ring style should translate. I think the Rumble winner is likely a surprise (Becky, Charlotte or NXT debut), with Rhea and Tiffany going into 'Mania as the champions. Charlotte vs. Tiffany sounds about right as a starmaker, with Rhea getting Bianca maybe.

Rollins, McIntyre and Owens will be the most justified group of top heels in years. Cody, Sami and Punk tagging with a jerk like Roman. How dare they. I'd love Drew to just go on a kill streak going into one of the title matches at Wrestlemania. He's a monster in this current role. Have him eliminate Punk last and go on to fight Cody at 'Mania. Last person to beat Rhodes 1-on-1.

[Nash Diesel]

I definitely feel like Stratton cashing in on Nia is the best route to go. It screams obvious but that's the point. You're waiting for it to finally happen. Is she someone that could sustain as a babyface in her current form that's getting her over? IDK. Sometimes in wrestling we get stuck in that mentality of "the crowd is cheering let's turn them babyface" or "the crowd is booing turn them heel" but the last 25 years have proven maybe people just appreciate what they're doing. Crowds these days are more mixed up with the smarks and casuals it's impressive to see companies try to navigate.

[MTR]

Yeah they are building Stratton cashing in and turning face. I am sure she will go back to heel at some point. She just seems like a more natural heel but she will get a really good reaction when she cashes in.

[3puppies]

Look no further than Rhea Ripley, or more recently Chelsea, to see how the crowd appreciates talent and will cheer for a heel. The crowd will pop for sure when Tiffy Time comes. Nia has been solid in her latest run (war games chair shots aside) and deserves to be the center of attention when Stratton cashes in.

[MTR]

Logan Paul is now part of the Raw roster and will be there on the Netflix debut.

Tribal Combat

Rollins vs Punk

Liv vs Rhea

Should be an interesting debut on Netflix

[Nash Diesel]

Logan Paul went from I'm retired to I'm back 3 days later lol

Netflix Raw is looking pretty fuckin sweet. 3 huge matches, very much a ppv vibe. Especially having Rollins v. Punk on that show. I know Roman v. Solo is a main event but Seth v. Punk had Mania written all over it. Not saying they can't do the rematch there but I'm surprised it's on this show. CM Punk having zero matches on Smackdown/Raw since he's returned is mind blowing to me.

[3puppies]

Raw only had three matches, but congrats to Erik and Ivar for their second tag team championship.

[Nash Diesel]

I just hope this means there will be more activity with the titles. I would love to pick Triple H and the booking team's brains as to why they felt JD/Balor needed a super long reign and rarely defend the belts on tv/ppv. I don't think they ever defended them once on a ppv.

[Tyson]

Logan Paul went from I'm retired to I'm back 3 days later lol.

Endeavour money talks, baby.

[CWE]

Logan Paul went from I'm retired to I'm back 3 days later lol

Netflix Raw is looking pretty fuckin sweet. 3 huge matches, very much a ppv vibe. Especially having Rollins v. Punk on that show. I know Roman v. Solo is a main event but Seth v. Punk had Mania written all over it. Not saying they can't do the rematch there but I'm surprised it's on this show. CM Punk having zero matches on Smackdown/Raw since he's returned is mind blowing to me.

They (WWE) pushed the Punk/Rollins match away from WM for a very specific reason.
@Badger Should I spoil it?

[Nash Diesel]

They (WWE) pushed the Punk/Rollins match away from WM for a very specific reason.
@Badger Should I spoil it?

Inquiring minds want to know @Badger what kind of insight you of all people would have lol

[Badger]

Since they’re playing up the fact he’s not main evented a Mania, I’d venture a guess he’s gonna be in one of the world title matches. Might even be a Rumble win. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Rollins was still involved somehow.

Course there is still that “favour” though.

Also I wouldn’t be surprised if next week it didn’t end clean though.

[CWE]

I culd spoilz fer ya...

[Badger]

I culd spoilz fer ya...

Okay I bite. What does the crystal ball say?

[CWE]

Punk v Reigns

WRESTLEMANIA MAIN EVENT

The promos write themselves...

Roman "Have you ever done a WM main event? I've done 10." and "I don't need to work with you, you need to work with me."

That program will feed generations of families.

[Nash Diesel]

Unless they're banking on Roman v. The Rock at Mania 42, that is your night 2 main event for Mania. Even if it's not for a title. That's the biggest match you could do in wrestling probably since The Rock v. John Cena 1. Which just shows how iconic The Rock truly is when it comes to Mania. Rock v. Stone Cold, Rock v. Hogan, Rock v. Cena, even last year, The Rock teaming with Roman v. Cody and Seth=huge.

I don't see Roman Reigns v. CM Punk at Mania 41 unless something really stupid happens behind the scenes. Here's the kicker: The Rock pinned Cody on Night 1. There's a few seeds in there for Rock v. Cody Rhodes but it doesn't really make sense with a guy who only wrestles a handful of times in 20 years. Mania 42, Rock could be stuck on set filming an Avengers movie.

What kinda sucks though is that I feel like The Rock v. Roman Reigns with Roman as the heel doesn't hit me with the excitement I had pre-Final Boss when thinking of this dream match. You would've had Rock lose to the head of the table, selling Roman as the ultimate heel. Now it's obvious we're looking at babyface Roman, which isn't a bad thing but we saw how his last babyface run went.

[CWE]

Unless they're banking on Roman v. The Rock at Mania 42, that is your night 2 main event for Mania. Even if it's not for a title. That's the biggest match you could do in wrestling probably since The Rock v. John Cena 1. Which just shows how iconic The Rock truly is when it comes to Mania. Rock v. Stone Cold, Rock v. Hogan, Rock v. Cena, even last year, The Rock teaming with Roman v. Cody and Seth=huge.

I don't see Roman Reigns v. CM Punk at Mania 41...

You will...

[virms]

You will...

Only if the rock won't be there.

[3puppies]

Punk needs to be in a title match in the main event at Mania or his return doesn't make sense. But the problem is that Punk doesn't deserve to be in that spot ahead of Cody, Rock, Roman, Drew, Seth or KO. It would make more sense if we saw Punk take on GUNTHER at Mania.

[Nash Diesel]

Punk needs to be in a title match in the main event at Mania or his return doesn't make sense. But the problem is that Punk doesn't deserve to be in that spot ahead of Cody, Rock, Roman, Drew, Seth or KO. It would make more sense if we saw Punk take on GUNTHER at Mania.

This conversation just shows how truly stacked WWE is with talent. Especially when we keep forgetting JOHN CENA is going to be a full time performer and could very well snatch up a night one or two main event himself. John Cena and Flair, in WWE land, are tied. The story of Cena going after the record breaking World title victory, in his last year wrestling, that's huge. It's like Tom Brady "retiring" then saying oh just kidding let me join Tampa Bay real quick and go for one more ring.

[Tyson]

This conversation just shows how truly stacked WWE is with talent. Especially when we keep forgetting JOHN CENA is going to be a full time performer and could very well snatch up a night one or two main event himself. John Cena and Flair, in WWE land, are tied. The story of Cena going after the record breaking World title victory, in his last year wrestling, that's huge. It's like Tom Brady "retiring" then saying oh just kidding let me join Tampa Bay real quick and go for one more ring.

This. All of it.

[Nash Diesel]

I'm curious if we're ever going to circle back around to the fact the only reason Priest was even able to cash in his MITB contract was thanks to CM Punk. I don't know how they will get there but that just seems like a feud for 2025 easily. Punk in various ways depending on if he's the heel could lay claim to Priest's success as a main eventer because it all started with Mania 40.