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placetobenation · 4 years

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Welcome to ThunderDome – WWE style!

Friday night began a new era for the WWE as they continue to find their footage through the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve officially moved out of the Performance Center, where they’ve done fanless shows for the past six months and now taken up residency at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. It’s a return to a big arena set-up and will be surrounded by digital fans who will join RAW, SmackDown and PPV’s from the comforts of their own homes each week.

I thought the look and the feel of it was awesome! The bigness of a WWE event has returned somewhat and now it will be tweaked as they move forward. I did think they might have shown a few more close-up shots of the digital crowd, but it’s something they will surely take a look at it. When it comes to production, the WWE is the leader in the game. Add in the pyros and the longer, familiar entrance and it was a home run for me. Well done!

All this comes at a great time for the WWE as life at the Performance Center got stale and looked a bit too cozy and of course, looked the same each and every show. This weekend sees the WWE with four straight nights of live programming with SmackDown on Friday night, NXT TakeOver:XXX Saturday night, SummerSlam on Sunday night and RAW on Monday night. That’s a lot of folks and the WWE better be at its best to stand out.

Finally, I’m sad to see Renee Young go. She’s reportedly set to leave the WWE after SummerSlam. There’s no question that she was a bright spot from the announce team and even though WWE Backstage was never given a 100% chance to succeed with a late-night spot on FS1, Young, along with CM Punk, make it entertaining. Plus, Young did it all. From the sidelines, hosting and even some play-by-play too, she shined. Now, whether it’s a future with more mainstream gigs like her cookbook, podcast and other projects, another network gig or possible a reunion in AEW with hubby Jon Moxley, Young will do amazing things. She is very good at what she does and we wish her nothing but the best.

SummerSlam PPV – Updated Card:

WWE Championship Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton

Universal Championship Match: Braun Strowman vs. The FIend

RAW Women’s Championship Match: Sasha Banks vs. Asuka

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Bayley vs. Asuka

United States Championship Match: Apollo Crews vs. MVP

Hair vs. Hair, No DQ, Loser Leaves WWE Match: Mandy Rose vs. Sonya Deville

RAW Tag Team Championship Match: The Street Profits vs. Andrade & Angel Garza

Street Fight: Seth Rollins vs. Dominik Mysterio (Mysterio can bring weapons)

NXT TakeOver: XXX – Updated Card:

NXT Championship Match: Keith Lee vs. Karrion Kross

NXT Women’s Championship Match: Io Shirai vs. Dakota Kai

North American Championship Ladder Match: The Velveteen Dream vs. Cameron Grimes vs. Bronson Reed vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Damian Priest

Adam Cole vs. Pat McAfee

Finn Balor vs. Timothy Thatcher

Kickoff Show: NXT Tag Team Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza vs. Breezango vs. Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch

RAW

RESULTS

United States Championship Non-Title Match: Apollo Crews defeated Shelton Benjamin

24/7 Championship Shelton Benjamin defeated R-Truth to win title

Angel Garza defeated Ivar

Natalya defeated Mickie James by count-out

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Non-Title Match: Asuka & Shayna Baszler defeated Sasha Banks & Bayley

Peyton Royce defeated Ruby Riott

MVP, Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin defeated Apollo Crews, Mustafa Ali & Ricochet

24/7 Championship Match: Cedric Alexander defeated Shelton Benjamin to win title

24/7 Championship Match: Cedric Alexander defeated Akira Tozawa to retain title

24/7 Championship Match: Shelton Benjamin defeated Cedric Alexander to win title

Montez Ford defeated Andrade

Loved it:

.@reymysterio & @35_Dominik just BLASTED @WWERollins & @WWE_Murphy with a pair of Kendo sticks on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/6jyoMRJIHb

— WWE (@WWE) August 18, 2020

Revenge for the Mysterios – Giving Seth Rollins a double dose of kendo stick revenge was as physical as it was heartening. Good for Dominik and Rey Mysterio to get their pound of flesh back from the beatings on both father and son. Should be slobber knocker come Sunday at SummerSlam.

A new duo – Putting foes Shayna Baszler & Asuka together is a pair that I like. They’re just crazy enough to fight Sasha Banks & Bayley on their terms and also fight each other at any moment.

Huh?:

Viper. Strikes. Again.#WWERaw @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/O6Duzue1WZ

— WWE (@WWE) August 18, 2020

HBK – You mean to tell me that Randy Orton’s RKO and punt to the head takes out everyone except Shawn Michaels? It seems a bit farfetched and a mistake IMHO. I mean the RKO to Drew McIntyre was sold beautifully to end the show. I loved the back-and-forth between McIntyre and The Viper but HBK’s performance just didn’t cut it for me and could’ve been done a bit better to sell the upcoming WWE Championship Match.

All it takes a slither. @DMcIntyreWWE never saw it coming.#WWERaw @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/laAUvOeDdM

— WWE (@WWE) August 18, 2020

A lot to digest:

The @WWEUniverse nearly witnessed @NiaJaxWWE vs. @QoSBaszler in #RAWUnderground!

#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/PPQ6DFE08N

— WWE (@WWE) August 18, 2020

RAW Underground – There was a ton going on at RAW Underground this week. Almost, a bit too much. Between Dolph Ziggler and The Viking Raiders going at it or the debut of the Marina Shafir fighting with fellow Four Horse Women Jessamyn Duke by her side to Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler going at it to the ending (why?) to the Riddick Moss fight that didn’t need to be stopped, it was a lot to take in. We still need some details as to why their fighting, what do they get to fight, is there a point to them fighting and just what do you have to do to win other than Shane McMahon saying it’s over? I love the grit of it, it just needs some more details explained. I don’t want complete structure, but maybe a title or maybe just some explanations here or there will do it for me.

Too much:

24/7 Championship – Do we really need four matches with three title changes? I think not.

MVP and crew vs. Apollo Crews and crew – I think we’ve all but exhausted all the possibilities but I think we’ll get 100 more matches between these 6 over the next month.

Welcome back:

The Smoke – We not only find out that Zelina Vega did indeed poison Montez Ford a few weeks back, as expected, but we also get Ford back in person to entertain. A welcome sight for our Monday night eyes!

Mickie James – Seriously, a count out? I expected much more from Natalya and the returning former WWE Divas Champion. That’s some seriously bad booking there my friends.

Better left unsaid:

RETRIBUTION – But we’ll say it anyway! What a waste. You mean to tell me that RETRIBUTION takes over the TV production truck but then allows them to do a three-hour show without interruption. Non-sense! Complete rubbish.

NXT

RESULTS

North American Title Ladder Match Qualifying Match: Johnny Gargano defeated Ridge Holland

Dakota Kai defeated Jessi Kamea

Legado del Fantasma defeated Isiaah “Swerve” Scott & Breezango

Rhea Ripley & Shotzi Blackheart defeated Mercedes Martinez & Aliyah

North American Title Ladder Match Qualifying Match: The Velveteen Dream defeated Finn Balor

Killer set-up:

"400 and something days you were undefeated. It took me one minute to knock your a** out." Those are fighting words @PatMcAfeeShow… #WWENXT #NXTTakeOver @AdamColePro pic.twitter.com/1P0Jbnut7t

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 20, 2020

"This Saturday at #NXTTakeOver, I'm gonna make you my b****." – @AdamColePro You did this to yourself, @PatMcAfeeShow. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/1maGXxwUjM

— WWE (@WWE) August 20, 2020

Cole vs. McAfee – Hands down, Pat McAfee and Adam Cole served up the personal side to the match up on a silver platter. Awesome job on the mic (or lack of one in Cole’s case) to not only explain McAfee’s purpose in all this but also to make us want to see Cole kick his ass as well. I’m hoping for an all-out brawl between these two. It’ll be short, but unique.

Tick tock. An eruption is coming…

@RealKeithLee defends his #NXTTitle against @WWEKarrionKross this Saturday at #NXTTakeOver XXX streaming at 7ET/4PT on @WWENetwork! @Lady_Scarlett13 #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/zegDqe9t6B

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 20, 2020

Lee vs. Kross – Anytime you add in Metallica to a WWE production piece, you know it’s going to be good. Four minutes of pure “make me want to see it” and that’s all you can ask for heading into a PPV.

What a CF:

EVERYBODY has their sights set on the NXT #NATitle!! Will @FinnBalor or @DreamWWE punch their ticket to #NXTTakeOver: XXX???#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/4ivk4honTW

— WWE (@WWE) August 20, 2020

Balor vs. Dream – I understand wanting to make us believe in the other four participants for the North American Ladder Match at TakeOver:XXX, but it seems like Balor vs. Dream was just an ordinary match due to the interference of Cameron Grimes, Damian Priest, Bronson Reed, Johnny Gargano and then TImothy Thatcher that ultimately cost Finn Balor the match. I was disappointed and wanted to see TVD and The Prince tear down the house and what we got was many levels below it. Do I really need to see Thatcher vs. Balor?

Solid:

"All Heart" isn't just a catchphrase. You only lose when you quit and I got a Ladder match to win in 3 days.

#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/SKZdMC0anE

— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) August 20, 2020

Tag teams – Good, solid matches from Rhea Ripley & Shotzi Blackheart (a fun pairing if you will) along with the cruiserweights in the six-man tag keeps NXT at its traditional roots in the ring. Week in and week out, it’s the best “wrestling” performances on WWE programming. You rarely get a sticker from the effort in the squared circle. That’s never an issue. It’s only a matter of time before we get Ripley vs. Martinez one-on-one too.

Nicely done:

Women’s NXT Championship Match – The return of Raquel Gonzalez gives us a glimpse into what Dakota Kai could have in store for Io Shirai and their title match Saturday night. If you didn’t think Kai had a chance, you have to rethink it now.

SMACKDOWN

RESULTS

Big E defeated Sheamus

SmackDown Tag Team Title Match: Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Lucha House Party

Beat the Clock Challenge: Sasha Banks defeated Naomi in 3:39

Beat the Clock Challenge: Naomi defeated Bayley 1:50 – Bayley will face Asuka first at SummerSlam

Intercontinental Championship Match: Jeff Hardy defeated AJ Styles to win title

Loved it:

Welcome to #WWEThunderDome! pic.twitter.com/HcbHe1d9Ug

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) August 22, 2020

ThunderDome – Loved the new look as we said above. Great start to a new era in the WWE.

Your winner and the NEEWWWW Intercontinental Champion: @JEFFHARDYBRAND! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/r13bKX8mBl

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) August 22, 2020

Hardy’s hurt and a champ – Jeff Hardy using his knee brace to beat AJ Styles and win the Intercontinental Title after Styles sneak attack at the top of the show during the RETRIBUTION chaos was ironic. Good to see Hardy a champ again and yes, we’ll see a rematch very, very soon I’m sure.

Sunday. All bets are off. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/oQZaDWgJ3I

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) August 22, 2020

The Fiend – First, he starts his night stalking the chairman of the board, Vince McMahon. Then, he avoids the RETRIBUTION attack. Finally, after his alter ego Bray Wyatt gets attacked by Braun Strowman to end the show, The Fiend comes out of the ambulance unscathed. He’s impervious to anything and that’s a good thing heading into SummerSlam. Suspend your reality for The Fiend and enjoy the ride. And yes, we’ll have more to say about that ambulance and Bray Wyatt below.

"Hair or no hair, i'm sick of looking at your face!"@SonyaDevilleWWE wants @WWE_MandyRose in a No DQ, LOSER LEAVES WWE Match at #SummerSlam!!!#SmackDown #WWEThunderDome pic.twitter.com/P7h0d9q5Lc

— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2020

Sonya ups the ante – After an olive branch by Mandy Rose was thrown out there to set their differences aside, not only does Sonya Deville reject it, but trumps it. Deville not only wants the Hair vs. Hair match Sunday at SummerSlam, but she wants it to be a No DQ, Loser Leaves WWE match to boot! Now, we all know about the real-life news about Deville and her stalker/kidnapping attempt this week. That’s very real. But I wonder if there’s a reason there to take her off TV for awhile and maybe she returns at a later date or maybe as part of RAW Underground? Either way, our thoughts and prayers are with Sonya in this difficult time.

Trouble brewing:

Lucha House Party, 3’s a crowd? – It seems like the returning Kalisto is none too happy with his LHP mates, especially Gran Metalik, after their tag team title loss Friday night. Expect a high-flying feud coming soon to a Friday night near you.

#RETRIBUTION quickly interrupted #TheFiend @WWEBrayWyatt and @BraunStrowman's tense standoff. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/eps3f3dYZw

— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2020

The Miz – Did anyone else notice that The Miz was the last one to the dance during the RETRIBUTION attack to start the show? Me thinks that was not a coincidence and bears watching!

Sasha & Bayley – The tension continues to ride high heading into SummerSlam and the double duty defense for the BFF’s against Asuka. Kudos to Naomi (and Corey Graves) for upping the ante with the Beat the Clock Challenge to allow Sasha to secure a second slot spot against Asuka as Naomi’s win leaves Bayley up first to take on the Emperess Sunday.

Worst paramedics ever:

Oh no…#SmackDown @WWEBrayWyatt pic.twitter.com/kkphT78FNB

— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2020

Bray Wyatt – After being pummeled by Braun Strowman and thrown off a loading dock, the paramedics taking care of Wyatt just manhandle him on to a stretcher, no checking of the neck, back or even putting a brace on him. Yikes! At least, try to make it look real guys!

Parting shots:

It’s time for predictions for this weekend’s two PPV’s – in quick fashion. Remember, with Payback just one week later after SummerSlam, I expect some surprises that need immediate attention. Plus, with the only match announced for Payback being Sasha Banks & Bayley defending their Women’s Tag Team Titles, there’s sure to be some tension caused to be at a premium for that match. Maybe Asuka will walk away with ALL the gold!

SummerSlam PPV – Updated Card:

WWE Championship Match: Randy Orton defeats Drew McIntyre

Universal Championship Match: The Fiend defeats Braun Strowman (with help from Alexa Bliss)

RAW Women’s Championship Match: Asuka defeats Sasha Banks

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Asuka defeats Bayley

United States Championship Match: Apollo Crews defeats MVP

Hair vs. Hair, No DQ, Loser Leaves WWE Match: Mandy Rose defeats Sonya Deville (maybe Sonya shows up on RAW Underground?)

RAW Tag Team Championship Match: Andrade & Angel Garza defeat The Street Profits

Street Fight: Seth Rollins defeats Dominik Mysterio

NXT TakeOver: XXX – Updated Card:

NXT Championship Match: Karrion Kross defeats Keith Lee

NXT Women’s Championship Match: Io Shirai defeats Dakota Kai

North American Championship Ladder Match: The Velveteen Dream defeats Cameron Grimes, Bronson Reed, Johnny Gargano, Damian Priest

Adam Cole defeats Pat McAfee

Finn Balor defeats Timothy Thatcher

Kickoff Show: NXT Tag Team Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza defeat Breezango and Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch

Coming up this week:

RAW: ThunderDome / SummerSlam aftermath

NXT: TakeOver:XXX aftermath

SMACKDOWN: ThunderDome / SummerSlam aftermath

Thanks for letting us share our thoughts! Shoot me an email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! You can also check out my blog, The Crowe’s Nest as we delve into more pro wrestling, sports entertainment and the World of Sports. My apologies ahead of time – I AM a Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins fan! If you’re not down with that, I’ve got TWO WORDS for you… NEW ENGLAND

#IFTTT #Place to Be Nation

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placetobenation · 5 years

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WOW! What a week it’s been for World Wrestling Entertainment. The end to the draft as night two takes place on RAW, the debut of WWE Backstage on Fox Sports 1, another very solid NXT and a new leader at the top of Friday Night Smackdown on FOX.

If you look at the hierarchy of what the WWE is these days, it’s clearly Smackdown has top priority, with RAW and NXT following respectively. But honestly, this week, the show that stood out to be is clearly NXT. No BS is a perfect slogan for them as week in and week out, they are delivering at top notch caliber. The best “wrestling” of the week is done on Wednesday and clearly, the most energy is there as well.

We will get to the specifics on each show, but what left me shaking my head the most this week was how much lack of common sense there is on Monday Night RAW. For the second straight week, I just didn’t get IT. Sure, the wrestling and the effort was fine, but why we delivered the show we got to watch just didn’t have a continuity sense to me. I’d love to know what you thought!

As for Smackdown, another solid show with an awesome Miz TV that really gets the Bayley heel turn over! More action off the top is a plus and it will be interesting to see what new executive director Bruce Prichard brings to the table moving forward.

For a “preview” first effort for WWE Backstage, count me as one who enjoyed it. Clearly, Renee Young is the star that FOX is betting on (for good reason). She’s really good, especially at being that being a traffic cop that can change topics on a dime. Booker T, Christian and Paige added good “company” talk, but if the rumors of CM Punk coming aboard are true, that would truly be the foil that would make this a must-see TV show. Love the look back at classic matches and the look at “breaking news” with Bruce Prichard and the RAW/Smackdown trade. If it’s truly a show that goes backstage, it has to be a little critical and give me something I can’t get elsewhere. Fingers crossed!

One last thought before we get to the shows – I’ll be happy when Crown Jewel is over! It’s a great card with little build since it’s stuck right in the middle of two PPV’s (Hell in a Cell & Survivor Series), but it’s a card that will be LIVE at 1pm on Halloween Day. Not exactly the prime viewing spot for a card that’s better than some WrestleMania’s and one that the WWE is getting a boatload of money from the Prince to put on. I’m sure most will be watching on delay on the WWE Network after a bit of trick or treating. It would be better served though to have those high profile, mainstream matches with Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez and Tyson Fury vs. Braun Strowman at big 4 PPV like Survivor Series or WrestleMania instead of a quick build. But, money talks!

RAW

Becky Lynch defeated Charlotte – RAW gets #1 draft pick for the night

Andrade defeated Ali

RAW Tag Team Title Match: The Viking Raiders defeated Champions Bobby Roode & Dolph Ziggler

Aleister Black defeated Eric Young

Ricochet defeated Shelton Benjamin

Buddy Murphy defeated Cedric Alexander

Non-Title Match: Champions The Kabuki Warriors defeated Natalya & Lacey Evans

Draft – Night 2 Results

Drafted to RAW Seth Rollins Charlotte Flair Andrade and Zelina Vega The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) – WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles defended on both shows Rusev Aleister Black Cedric Alexander Humberto Carillo Erick Rowan Buddy Murphy Jinder Mahal R-Truth Samoa Joe Akira Tozawa Shelton Benjamin Rey Mysterio Titus O’Neil Liv Morgan

Drafted to Smackdown Brock Lesnar The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E., and Xavier Woods) Daniel Bryan Bayley Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Sami Zayn) Ali Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler Carmella The Miz King Corbin Shorty Gable Elias

What we loved:

JOIN THE CHAMPS. The #VikingRaiders @Erik_WWE & @Ivar_WWE are your NEW #RAW #TagTeamChampions! pic.twitter.com/qssrTQn2ub

— WWE (@WWE) October 15, 2019

The Viking Raiders are new RAW Tag Champs! – Well deserved by TVR. Awesome match where all four guys looked good. Crowd was really into it and they loved the result! There’s something to get behind and go forward with this one. Either a rematch with Bobby Roode & Dolph Ziggler or taking on all-comers, the Raiders will do well if given enough time in the top spot in the RAW tag team division.

Quality in-ring wrestling: Ricochet vs. Shelton Benjamin. Aleister Black vs. Eric Young. Buddy Murphy vs. Cedric Alexander. Give me those type of matches every week. Sure, they’re not part of any feuds, just quality matches made to show off the talent. With a bit more effort, they could be woven into storylines to get my emotional investment.

What we hated:

The main event was the main event why? – Why exactly would Natalya pick Lacey Evans, after a month’s long feud and Evans being drafted to Smackdown, as her tag team partner in a match with the Kabuki Warriors? Why are they getting the match in the first place? Why is it the main event? It all made no sense to me. It was like Paul Heyman just needed something to fill up the time.

The Draft – same as night 1 on Smackdown. No emotion. No reaction from the superstars being drafted. It was just rolled out there to do it. Clearly, Smackdown is getting the high-profile talent with Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Bayley, Sasha Banks, The Fiend and The New Day amongst those going blue. That’s OK. FOX is paying a billion dollars for it.

Hey Lucy, can you explain this to me? – If The Fiend is going to Smackdown, why is there no explanation as to why Seth Rollins is burning the Firefly Fun House down? I get that they will face each other at Crown Jewel, but I thought rosters were supposed to be exclusive moving forward? So are we getting vignettes from Rollins and Bray Wyatt to come on each other’s show without any face-to-face? I’m just confused by it all. NXT

RESULTS:

Tommaso Ciampa defeated Angel Garza

Imperium defeated Burch & Lorcan

Io Shirai defeated Kayden Carter

North American Title #1 Contender’s Match: Dominik Dijakovic vs. Keith Lee – no contest

Matt Riddle defeated Bronson Reed

Tegan Nox defeated Taynara

Killian Dain defeated Boa (submission)

Damian Priest defeated Pete Dunne

The. Greatest. Sports. Entertainer. Of. All. Time. Daddy’s Home

pic.twitter.com/g28Y8v8KjW

— BLACKHEART (@NXTCiampa) October 17, 2019

What we loved:

No BS – Week after week, NXT delivers with non-sense, quality. The build for Ciampa vs. The Undisputed ERA is going to be red hot! Kicking off the show with that was the right move. Add in a few squash matches to make Io Shirai, Matt Riddle and the returning Tegan Nox look strong is smart.

The main event – A little surprised that Damian Priest goes over here, but it wasn’t at the expense of Pete Dunne. Both men can walk away in a positive direction.

"Next week, my future will be my past."@FinnBalor is #WWENXT.

pic.twitter.com/w2w9bWtGAD

— WWE (@WWE) October 17, 2019

Finn Balor – “My future will be my past.” Best promo he’s done in quite some time. From the heart, talking about mistakes & missteps and how he’ll make it right. Well done Demon!

Looking ahead: Kushida could be out for a month after reaggravating his wrist injury. We could surely see a rematch with WALTER down the line.

Velveteen Dream being put out might add a little twist into the North American Title Picture now that champion Roderick Strong’s attempt to not face Dominik Dijakovic and Keith Lee has backfired into a triple threat match. A very heelish move by Strong that gets the desired result for Lee and Dijakovic.

Smackdown

RESULTS

IC Title Match: Roman Reigns defeated Champion Shinsuke Nakamura by DQ when King Corbin interferes / Daniel Bryan saves Reigns

Shorty Gable defeated Curtis Axel (submission)

The New Day & Heavy Machinery defeated The Revival, Dolph Ziggler, & Robert Roode

Smackdown Women’s #1 Contenders Match: Nikki Cross won 6-pack challenge over Dana Brooke, Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose, Carmella & Lacey Evans

Braun Strowman defeated Drew Gulak

Daniel Bryan & Roman Reigns defeated King Corbin & Shinsuke Nakamura

It's every woman for herself in a #SixPackChallenge on #SmackDown!@CarmellaWWE @DanaBrookeWWE @NikkiCrossWWE @SonyaDevilleWWE@WWE_MandyRose @LaceyEvansWWE pic.twitter.com/VAWRxYT2CT

— WWE (@WWE) October 19, 2019

What we loved:

Getting right to it – Starting the show right off with an I-C Title Match between champions Shinsuke Nakamura and Roman Reigns instead of a long-winded in-ring promo is a step in the right direction. Action over words!

Miz TV with Bayley (and Sasha Banks) – One of the best segments of the night. Not rushed. No fluff. And at times, a bit off the cuff with The Miz getting to the bottom of Bayley’s heel turn. Well done, including the shot at Brock Lesnar, “a champ that doesn’t talk” that I hope they use down the line.

Squash matches – The continued use of squash matches to make talent look good. Braun Strowman, not that he needs it, and Shorty Gable both get strong wins in a short amount of time. Gets the point across and moves the story forward.

What we hated:

Why is Daniel Bryan a face now? – Just like Bayley, we need to told a reason why Bryan has turned from the top heel on Smackdown to a babyface. Sure, we get that he wanted to help Reigns at first after being attacked by Harper and Rowan, but that’s now done and he’s sill helping him. Explanation please guys!

No Alexa Bliss – Sure, not showcasing her in the 6-pack challenge #1 contender’s match is ok since you want to prop up others (Brooke, Deville, etc.) that don’t normally get the TV time, but how about using her on commentary to balance out Bayley & Sasha Banks? Just a bit to show she’s still part of the scene. Miss Bliss is a star that needs to be recognized.

Kofi Kingston – another week and no real emotion from the former WWE Champ about his 10-second loss to Lesnar. One line about the power of positivity with Heavy Machinery doesn’t cut it for me. Give me cutting edge interview with Corey Graves to do it. Maybe integrate with Graves’ new podcast?

#IFTTT #Place to Be Nation

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placetobenation · 4 years

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It’s here! The road to WrestleMania officially begins with this weekend’s Royal Rumble at Minute Maid Park in Houston. What’s the over/under on mentions of the Astros cheating scandal by the announce crews on commentary and the pre-show? About 100?

Anyway, as always with Royal Rumble weekend, it’s about the surprises. It’s about who will show up when that clock hits :00 for the next contestant to enter the ring. This year, who’s first is not left to predict as WWE Champion Brock Lesnar has already announced his intentions to not only enter the Rumble but be its first entrant. So, who will be the first 5-10 “lucky” superstars who get eliminated by the reigning, defending, conquering Champion? You know it’s going to happen!

This year’s rumors have veterans like Edge, CM Punk and the hometown hero, Booker T as possible entries. And how about the NXT stars? So, far, there’s been no mention of any involvement from the Full Sail gang. It should seem obvious that Keith Lee, off his Survivor Series performance and winning the North American Championship this past week, would be a no-brainer!

And how about the return of Ronda Rousey? Do we get it this weekend or at some point on the Road to WrestleMania? With so few female superstars already announced for the Royal Rumble, there’s plenty of room to add in from all three brands.

But, before we get there, there’s a Saturday night special for NXT and NXT UK to take on each other with Worlds Collide. Here’s the card:

Pre-Show: Mia Yim vs. Kay Lee Ray

#DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa vs. Moustache Mountain

NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Angel Garza vs. Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs. Jordan Devlin vs. Travis Banks

Finn Balor vs. Ikja Dragunov

NXT Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Toni Storm

Eight-Man Tag Team: Undisputed ERA vs. Imperium (James Drake & Zack Gibson)

Star of the Week:

Keith Lee – Lee wins his first NXT singles championship, pinning North American Champion Roderick Strong Wednesday night on the USA Network. This could be just the start of a very good week for Lee with Royal Rumble weekend being the next piece of his stardom.

RAW

RESULTS

United States Championship Title Ladder Match: Andrade defeated Rey Mysterio to retain title

Aleister Black defeated local competitor

Drew McIntyre defeated Randy Orton (DQ when The OC interfered)

RAW Women’s Championship Non-Title Match: Champion Becky Lynch defeated Kairi Sane (Submission)

RAW Tag Team Championship Title Match: Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy defeated The Viking Raiders to win titles

Erick Rowan defeated Matt Hardy

Lashley & Lana defeated Rusev & Liv Morgan

What we loved:

#LaMuñeca to the rescue.#RAW #LadderMatch @Zelina_VegaWWE pic.twitter.com/t5tde5thMD

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 21, 2020

Viva La Ladder – Kudos to Andrade and Rey Mysterio, Jr for putting it all out there in this one! Brutal and a good story to boot! And how about Zelina Vega throwing caution to the wind, climbing to the top of the ladder to stop Mysterio from winning the title! Now, we get Humberto Carrillo coming to his hero’s aid to start a feud with Andrade next. Good stuff!

The #MondayNightMessiah just worked a miracle.#RAW @WWERollins @WWE_Murphy @Akam_WWE @Rezar_WWE pic.twitter.com/NPlIkPUIGp

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 21, 2020

New champs – What’s the easiest way to get more heat on the most hated faction in the WWE? Put the gold on them! And the surprise is that it’s Rollins and Murphy who got the title shot and not the pure tag team in the AOP. Could that be a sticking point down the road when this faction destroys itself later this year? It’s like The Undisputed ERA (until this week) or The Four Horsemen holding all the titles back in the day.

Best seat in the house belongs to @WWEAsuka. #RAW pic.twitter.com/OINqnT9RAT

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 21, 2020

Becky vs. Kairi – Quality match, plus we get Asuka on the top turnbuckle during the middle of the match. A different visual that was pretty interesting as to what she would or could do throughout the match and then, of course, a perfect spot to make a post-match attack on the champ heading into Asuka’s title match at the Royal Rumble.

What we didn’t like:

Last 30 minutes of RAW – The last 30 minutes of RAW did nothing for me. First, another squash of Matt Hardy by Erick Rowan. Been there. Done that. Enough said. Then, there’s no need for Lashley/Lana vs. Rusev/Liv Morgan to be a main event. Especially when you’re only going to give it less than five minutes. There’s no surprise, intrigue or better yet, a swerve or great match to be had there. If you’re going to keep me for three hours, give me a payoff.

NXT

RESULTS

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Semifinals: Grizzled Young Vets (Zack Gibson & James Drake) defeated The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly)

Toni Storm defeated Io Shirai (DQ when Bianca Belair interferes)

Finn Balor defeated Joaquin Wilde

Shayna Baszler defeated Shotzi Blackheart (Submission)

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Semifinals: The Broserweights (Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne) defeated Imperium (Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner)

NXT North American Title Match: Keith Lee defeated Champion Roderick Strong

What we loved:

2020 is looking #LIMITLESS!@RealKeithLee has the #NXTNorthAmericanTitle and ALLLLLL the momentum!!!#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/x0XmLc4a0k

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 24, 2020

Bask in his glory – It’s here. The first NXT title for the big man, Keith Lee. His stock has been on the rise since Survivor Series last November and it hasn’t stopped! It will be interesting to see how long his reign will be and if it’s just a stepping stone to the eventual NXT Championship.

#Imperium vs. #UndisputedERA#NXTUK vs. #WWENXT This colossal Eight-Man Tag Team Match can only be contained this Saturday at #WorldsCollide! pic.twitter.com/ty3iQqYOAT

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 24, 2020

An eye for an eye – As TUE and Imperium build up to their World Collide meeting, it’s only fair that they get each other out of the Dusty Rhodes Classic right? Imperium strikes first to start the night off giving the Grizzled Young Vets a semi-final win. Then, TUE fights back to end the night with a big brawl. If that doesn’t make you want to see them face-off Saturday in Houston, nothing will.

Meh:

Shayna Baszler – Usually I’m all into a Baszler match, but it just seemed like she was a little off. From the pre-match promo to the match with Shotzi Blackheart, who eliminated her in the Battle Royale last week, there was something missing for me. That desire and killer instinct just was a smidge from where it usually is. Maybe it’s me.

SMACKDOWN

RESULTS

The Usos & Roman Reigns defeated King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode

Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville went to no-contest when Lacey Evans & Bayley interfere

Elias & Braun Strowman defeated Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura

John Morrison defeated Kofi Kingston

What we loved:

Go big or go home – From start to finish, this was a very good set-up for Royal Rumble weekend for the Smackdown crew. Quality stuff in the ring starting with a very good 6-man match between Roman Reigns and The Usos vs. King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode, advancing storylines and an emotional, get-to-know-me moment from Lacey Evans. And how about that ending, The Fiend signing the contract in his own blood! Emotions and expectations are surely running high for Sunday night in Houston!

"It doesn't matter where you come from… if you keep pushing, you can accomplish your goals." – @LaceyEvansWWE #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/sKl34H4D6e

— WWE (@WWE) January 25, 2020

Lacey’s backstory – Give me more of the heartstrings from Lacey Evans. What’s not to like about her. A strong Mom and Marine who’s been dealt a rough hand with her father’s issues and not battling a pair of bullies in Bayley and Sasha Bank. It’s going to be nice moment when she wins the Smackdown Women’s Title.

Braun can sing – Count me as one who likes this new pairing of Elias and Braun Strowman. I get a more human, fun side of the big man plus Elias back in the ring for the first time in forever. That’s quality stuff for a Friday night Give me more!

Contract signed… in @WWEBrayWyatt's own BLOOD. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/1dKohtBD5F

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) January 25, 2020

Sealed with a strap and some blood – Finally, we get a contract signing that’s not long and drawn out with the same ol’ non-sense and dribble. Bray Wyatt and The Fiend get straight to the point as The Fiend answers the call to whip Bryan into submission while signing the contract in his own blood! The only bad part of it all was that annoying red light that didn’t let us see the blood at home until after The Fiend left the ring.

Parting shots:

It’ll be interesting to see how the WWE treats NXT going forward this weekend at the Royal Rumble and on the Road to WrestleMania. The rumors have been that there will be NXT involvement in Tampa at WrestleMania, but to what extent? I would expect that at the very least the NXT Championships will be defended in some respect on the card. But let’s see first how big (and successful) they’ll be in Houston. This year’s WrestleMania could be stacked, but first they must deliver this weekend.

BTW: Can’t wait for the debut in NXT of Scarlett Bordeaux!

And oh yeah, some predictions (IMHO):

Drew McIntyre and Shayna Baszler will win the Royal Rumble matches unless Vince McMahon tries to slam us one more time with Roman Reigns. Lacey Evans wins the Smackdown Women’s Title while The Fiend survives the strap match.

Thanks for letting us share our thoughts! Shoot me an email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! You can also check out my blog, The Crowe’s Nest as we delve into more pro wrestling, sports entertainment and the World of Sports. My apologies ahead of time – I AM a Patriots and Red Sox fan! If you’re not down with that, I’ve got TWO WORDS for you… NEW ENGLAND!

#IFTTT #Place to Be Nation

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