Friday Night Rasslin Megathread

[Lock Jaw]

They seriously have Bray Wyatt fueding with pretaped video of Bray Wyatt in a mask...

Honestly probably more interesting than anything they could do with him feuding with another rassler....

[Fignuts]

Wish that Rey would have continued his story with Dominick instead of going to SD...... was a "good story" with Dominick telling Rey to hit him but Rey "not being able to".....

Maybe he legit doesn't want to fight his son I guess..... but that sucks....

I think its a good way to stall the feud while dominik builds himself up, and gets better in the ring. Dominik will eventually do something so dastardly the rey will have CENA NUFF, and finally kick his sons ass. Judgement day turns on dom for losing and then father and son reunite to fight them.

[xrodmuc316]

Sami got both Roman and especially Jey breaking character and busting up laughing, so good

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oKexaN83YNU?start=357" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[slik]

Sami is having the best run of his life

Jey too honestly

[Mr. Nerfect]

They seriously have Bray Wyatt fueding with pretaped video of Bray Wyatt in a mask...

Bray Wyatt fucking sucks, man. It was always going to suck. The dude has maybe a few good months behind him and the rest is pure shit.

[Lock Jaw]

Said it before, but I'm getting serious Corporate Mankind vibes from Sami right now.... kind of goofy out of shape weird looking guy with wild hair trying to fit in.... will eventually get kicked out and it will get people rallying behind him big time

[Mr. Nerfect]

Vince was a convenient scapegoat for people. Sometimes Vince would put a stop to their more ridiculous ideas too. Bray Wyatt’s problem with his stuff under Vince might have been an issue of “not enough” instead of “too much.” You see the same shit with Chris Jericho in AEW. Sometimes the talent’s ideas are just not v good.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Said it before, but I'm getting serious Corporate Mankind vibes from Sami right now.... kind of goofy out of shape weird looking guy with wild hair trying to fit in.... will eventually get kicked out and it will get people rallying behind him big time

Sami was such an amazing babyface in NXT. He’s a great performer as a heel, but very few people can be as human as he pulled off in WWE.

[Lock Jaw]

I remember posting when he was in NXT that I thought he could be the next John Cena. Just a humble genuine good guy who could represent WWE as their main face to the media.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I thought he had incredible chemistry with Renee Young. I don’t know if I saw the charm carrying over to the main event of the main roster, but I thought he deserved a solid spot. He and Owens should have been the IC Title match at WrestleMania 32.

WWE has done a great job of taking what he’s got and making it part of the WWE landscape despite his lack of size, physique, etc. They’ve really played to his strengths.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Apparently Madcap Moss and Emma are dating. Zack Ryder lost Emma and Mojo Rawley to that guy.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The segment with The Bloodline is amazing.

[Bad News Gertner]

Lmao outstanding

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Lately, he just hasn't been very Ucey.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/SamiZayn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SamiZayn</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmackDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmackDown</a> <a href="https://t.co/pmMkf8cZaE">pic.twitter.com/pmMkf8cZaE</a></p>&mdash; WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1586155251807256582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[slik]

Just watched that whole segment. Even Heyman started laughing at one point in the background.

Sami is having the absolute run of his career. Guy has been incredible in this storyline.

[Sting Fan]

Hobbs TNT title feud should be good, should be a great Hossfight. Hope the ensemble dont get in the way too much including Joe.

The Wyatt thing keeps popping up on my social feeds, so fucking glad he didnt end up in AEW with that goofy ass shit.

The Sami stuff looks funny though, good to see him get some shine although I don't see him the way many on here do. I think having him beat Roman would be a waste at this point but other than waiting for Cody they appear somewhat booked into a corner on this one.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can see Sami being the last guy tossed from the Rumble, being used to work with the top guys, etc. The Mankind spot is pretty perfect for him. I don’t think it’s time for Cody Rhodes to blast Roman over the head with a chair and help Zayn win the belts or anything.

I’ll say this — as much as I don’t want them to split the championships up again — if they HAD to do it, Zayn sneaking away with one with help from Cody or something would be less annoying and detrimental than a lot of other guys winning it.

[XL]

I wanted Zayn to win MITB at that be the reason Roman keeps him close in The Bloodline, having Zayn as an “Insurance Policy” should Roman ever lose the title, hinting heavily that Zayn will hand the briefcase to Roman to take the belts back. The crowd get behind Sami cashing in for himself. Whether you “pull the trigger” or not, I’m not sure.

This is pretty close though and it’s great.

And luckily it means they’ve been able to get Austin Theory into a great place.

[XL]

Oh.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I wanted Zayn to help Owens win MITB to screw over a babyface Reigns didn’t want with the shot. Over time, Owens would question whether Sami believes he can actually beat Reigns or if he gave him the shot because doesn’t think he can do it. Conversely, Reigns and maybe Heyman become suspicious that Zayn may have deliberately handed the shot to his friend and that he can’t be trusted.

[erickman]

is smackdown live

[erickman]

this should be a good match

[erickman]

la knight is such a good heel

[Fignuts]

Lesbo in front row booing Livs victory

[Fignuts]

Bring back scary chinese cult xia, please.

[slik]

mike tyson on rampage outta nowhere

[Fignuts]

Gunther about to chop the hispanic out of rey mysterio.

[Fignuts]

Yeah, hes raymond mysterio now.

[ron the dial]

mr. raymond mystery

[Mr. Nerfect]

SmackDown sounds like a logical, if unspectacular, show.

[erickman]

world cup another idea stole from tna

[Fignuts]

I'd be willing to bet tna wasn't the first to do it either. Its not some revolutionary concept or anything.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The IC Title main eventing another show. That’s what the internet wanted to make it prestigious, right?

[erickman]

newday had 1 job

[erickman]

la knight vs bray i like that

[Fignuts]

Smackdown was really good again. Wish raw was two hours.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Something might shake out of the new TV contracts. WWE gets paid out the ass for that 3rd hour, but if there’s a bidding war, Raw might be worth a lot of money for just 2 hours somewhere else, or the price might drive up its costs for NBC Universal and WWE might have leverage.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Drop the third hour but bring it back in the form of reviving Sunday Night HEAT. The main roster is borderline bloated with talent and they could use it as a showcase for jobbers and low to mid card guys and gals.

[DAMN iNATOR]

is smackdown live

Yeah, they always have the “LIVE” thing in the upper right corner, they just dropped the SmackDown! LIVE moniker in favor of the more classical Friday Night SmackDown! to suit FOX’s demands for a show with a more serious and sports-like tone.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Drop the third hour but bring it back in the form of reviving Sunday Night HEAT. The main roster is borderline bloated with talent and they could use it as a showcase for jobbers and low to mid card guys and gals.

They’ve already got Main Event, but they can always pump out more content as sweeteners for their partners. SmackDown doesn’t have any shows taped before it, does it?

[DAMN iNATOR]

I don’t believe so, and also, I had no idea Main Event was even still a thing.

[xrodmuc316]

Tegan Nox should not be running on those knees of hers sans knee braces.

[XL]

The countdown is on…

[drave]

10?

[XL]

Minutes? Hours? Months? Matches?

[XL]

Do you think HHH is doing some of these redebuting acts a disservice by ripping off the Tony Khan trope of “every show has a surprise debut” trope?

It was quite sad seeing the lack of reaction for Tegan Nox. Would they be better off doing promo builds for some of these guys, especially the ones that barely got going in NXT? When does HHH stop with the surprise re-debuts?

[xrodmuc316]

Do you think HHH is doing some of these redebuting acts a disservice by ripping off the Tony Khan trope of “every show has a surprise debut” trope?

It was quite sad seeing the lack of reaction for Tegan Nox. Would they be better off doing promo builds for some of these guys, especially the ones that barely got going in NXT? When does HHH stop with the surprise re-debuts?

I think he is buying good will with most of these, plus he probably wants people loyal to him.

[screech]

I miss vignettes so I'm down for them

[Fignuts]

Friday night honkers, featuring sarah logan.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Friday night honkers, featuring sarah logan.

Valhalla*.

[xrodmuc316]

https://media3.giphy.com/media/xTiTnoHt2NwerFMsCI/giphy.gif?cid=790b7611f5266c61476f5034047952e255a24a2241d2d12e&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SURPRISE! <a href="https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FightOwensFight</a> has found a tag team partner for his match against <a href="https://twitter.com/WWERomanReigns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWERomanReigns</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SamiZayn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SamiZayn</a> for the DEC. 30th episode of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmackDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmackDown</a>....<br><br>and his name is <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JohnCena</a>! �� <a href="https://t.co/sYclbnE5cW">pic.twitter.com/sYclbnE5cW</a></p>&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1603948295600087043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

That’s a fucking huge match.

Thought something like that might happen in India.

[slik]

Moxley ear shit is gross

There's no reason for that to be a hardcore match in the first place...they aren't even feuding

[Mr. Nerfect]

Mox has not been good since 2016.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Brock was right.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr">………… <a href="https://t.co/YG0cPK2HVL">pic.twitter.com/YG0cPK2HVL</a></p>&mdash; Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestleOps/status/1603943977073475585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[slik]

@ Nerfect

He agreed to have Sammy bite his ear ring off in a throwaway match on Rampage

[Mr. Nerfect]

Adonis realizing they are fired again at the end there.

[Mr. Nerfect]

@ Nerfect

He agreed to have Sammy bite his ear ring off in a throwaway match on Rampage

Oh great. I’m glad wrestling is cool again now.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Has Triple H had a single hit with ANYONE he’s brought back since he’s been in charge? Seems like misses across the entire board.

[slik]

Has Triple H had a single hit with ANYONE he’s brought back since he’s been in charge? Seems like misses across the entire board.

I would say Bray

[Mr. Nerfect]

He’s made the product more logical. There’s some good stuff happening. Some of it was probably already in the works. The best changes have been people who have had gimmick tweaks.

Triple H is not good at picking the team.

[slik]

I would say Braun Strowman sort of has 'just another guy' syndrome now, the same thing that plagues Bryan Danielson in AEW

[Mr. Nerfect]

I would say Bray

It created some buzz, but that feels like it’s died down. Feels like LA Knight is outperforming him.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I would say Braun Strowman sort of has 'just another guy' syndrome now, the same thing that plagues Bryan Danielson in AEW

Braun is “over” with crowds. But you can’t use him as a top guy. Something about him already feels played out.

[slik]

He’s made the product more logical. There’s some good stuff happening. Some of it was probably already in the works. The best changes have been people who have had gimmick tweaks.

Triple H is not good at picking the team.


Yeah, I truly do NOT miss the cringe comedy at all and things like having Tozawa stop dressing like a ninja and dress like a wrestler again I appreciate and we no longer have that person comes out, commercial break, backstage interview, video recap, another backstage interview, back to person in the ring whose been waiting for their opponent for 15 mins schtick

[slik]

It created some buzz, but that feels like it’s died down. Feels like LA Knight is outperforming him.

LA Knight is the most successful callup, alongside Solo Sikoa, easily, during this time period.

I do wish the Bray story would move a little quicker.

[slik]

Bloodline stuff is A++

A lot of other stuff is boring...but again I prefer that boring to the Vince-isms I mentioned above

[Mr. Nerfect]

I forgot about Solo Sikoa coming up. That was a good call. Santos Escobar hasn’t seemed bad.

[Lock Jaw]

Bray stopped being cool again the instant he started feuding with LA Knight. Was like "oh yeah, he's just another rassler"

[Mr. Nerfect]

I just hate the whole fucking thing. He’s awful. He hasn’t done anything good since the team with Orton, but that turned into some HORRENDOUS shit.

[Fignuts]

Ricochet vs Gunther was fantastic.

So happy the IC and US titles are getting proper respect again. Hell yeah.

[xrodmuc316]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr">………… <a href="https://t.co/YG0cPK2HVL">pic.twitter.com/YG0cPK2HVL</a></p>&mdash; Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestleOps/status/1603943977073475585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

LOL man he should stick to the lost treasures show. That is why he was only Swerve's heavy, dude should not be this involved in the matches.

[xrodmuc316]

Has Triple H had a single hit with ANYONE he’s brought back since he’s been in charge? Seems like misses across the entire board.

Kross has been far better this time around, and had a solid fued with Drew.

Also Dakota Kai has accomplishments.

Bray's return lead up was great, but it has already been over 2 months since he actually came back and literally nothing has developed or progressed.

Technically Triple H brought back LA Knight and Elias, do those count?

[XL]

H has learned nothing from superior booker and saviour of wrestling Tony Khan. It’s a case of too much/too many, too soon.

I think there’s been maybe one or two shows since the takeover that hasn’t had a debut/return. They could find themselves back where they started pre-talent purge. That said, I think we’re in a phase of getting the “pieces in place” and we won’t see much in terms of payoff until next year.

[Sting Fan]

Bray stopped being cool again the instant he started feuding with LA Knight. Was like "oh yeah, he's just another rassler"

The Bray stuff is goofy, always has been.

I know why Dustin doesnt get more TV time in AEW but when he busted out "Dallas Destroyer" on Rampage I marked a bit.

Dude just keeps pulling out good shit the older he gets.

I wish he had Jarretts spot tbh :/

[DAMN iNATOR]

That’s a fucking huge match.

Thought something like that might happen in India.

Right, we can’t go one full calendar year without Cena wrestling. 🙄 Kind of makes me think Sami accidentally nails Reigns with a Helluva Kick while “aiming for” K.O., which in turn leads to A.) Sami being expelled from the Bloodline, which could play into tensions between him and them leading up to and beyond the Royal Rumble match, and B.) The start of the fracturing of the Bloodline, leading to a very messy breakup.

[xrodmuc316]

Just have the Fiend, at least what he did made some sense. Bray Wyatt beating up a camera while Bo Dallas wears a melted wax mask and tophat is just not doing it for me.

[Tom Guycott]

LOL man he should stick to the lost treasures show. That is why he was only Swerve's heavy, dude should not be this involved in the matches.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qs1QTdmnArU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The best part (besides the human impossibility of diving out over the rope and ending up back in the ring) is this dude clowning Top Dolla sounds like the late Patrice O'Neal.

"SINGLEHANDEDLY JUST RUINED HHH'S CREATIVE RUN!!"

[Mr. Nerfect]

I’m glad if Bo Dallas comes back, but not as this.

Send Bray to NXT and let him play a former champion looking to help guide the minds of young wrestlers. You can have the implication there that he’s recruiting for a new Wyatt Family. He can feud with Joe Gacy out the gate and go after him because he knows what he’s up to. Hell, bring in Bo to help out his brother and try and even the odds.

[xrodmuc316]

I know they are hyping up Cena having a match every year for the last 20 years, but Undertaker had to have done that too right? I can't think of any time he was out an entire year.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Oh no...just when I thought this night couldn’t get worse... ugh...

[slik]

Ronda Drowsy is done

Big Match Char back where she belongs, with gold around her waist

[DAMN iNATOR]

Ronda Drowsy is done

Big Match Char back where she belongs, with gold around her waist

classic trollololol meme plays

[slik]

Strowman will be a good warmup for Gunther/Brock at WM

[DAMN iNATOR]

Cena really looking like Father Time 2022.

[Bad News Gertner]

THE QUEEN IS BACK!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I can’t believe Cena hasn’t done the hair surgery yet. What has he been doing with his free time lately

[Supreme Olajuwon]

More importantly I can’t believe Hollywood hasn’t told Cena he has to do the hair surgery yet

[DAMN iNATOR]

Cena doesn’t need to win but he will because LOLCENAWINS

[DAMN iNATOR]

I can’t believe Cena hasn’t done the hair surgery yet. What has he been doing with his free time lately

Preparing himself for his role as Droopy innthe upcoming biopic? 🤷

[DAMN iNATOR]

More importantly I can’t believe Hollywood hasn’t told Cena he has to do the hair surgery yet

Maybe he’s emulating his hero: Droford.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Ahh, right, can’t make it too obvious or suspicious, just let K.O. get the pin to set up him and Roman for Royal Rumble ... 🥱

[XL]

You know how people turn against Charlotte for this perception of being “too protected” and “constantly in the title picture”…

[Mr. Nerfect]

I’m fine with Charlotte in the title picture. I’d be fine if they did something else with her too, but it’s fine.

[Fignuts]

You know how people turn against Charlotte for this perception of being “too protected” and “constantly in the title picture”…

She should be.

My only issue has been all the hot potatoe title changes they did early on to pad her accomplishments closer to her father. Unnecessary.

[XL]

She’s one of the very best but there’s been this fan backlash largely because of the very thing you mention. She has 6 months off and comes back and immediately has the belt back. I could see that fuelling the section of the audience that think that way about her.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Anyone who gets consistently pushed is going to get shat on. The fans that don’t like her think she’s in control of her own booking. They’re marks.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

You also gotta remember that at some point management took that insufferable piece of shit Ronda Rousey aside and said hey Charlotte’s coming back and you’re going to job out on free tv and lose your title you piece of shit.

So there’s a lot of positives in the situation.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Memphis crowd breaking out multiple “whoop that trick” chants during Charlotte and Sonya promo. Absolutely love it.

[Fignuts]

Horny

[Fignuts]

Ricochet's old theme was so much better

[Triple A]

Bryan Danielson's hard ass kicks to the chest make me more nervous since that Bills player almost died via blow to the chest!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ready for Jeff Jarrett to land in some thumbtacks

[Triple A]

This group has really grown on me with the addition of Jarrett... has gone from one of the worst parts of AEW to being an entertaining heel group

[Triple A]

Fun ass match again... that`s what wrestling is all about!!!!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yeah Jarrett has been excellent so far

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Sky Blue is very NXT 2.0

[Triple A]

Prob was Jade Cargill's best match so far

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndStill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndStill</a>!!! <br>TBS Champion <a href="https://twitter.com/Jade_Cargill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jade_Cargill</a> retains the title after a competitive match against <a href="https://twitter.com/Skyebyee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@skyebyee</a> and remains undefeated at 48-0!<br>It's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWBOTB5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWBOTB5</a> LIVE on TNT! <a href="https://t.co/s2J3gTvVTl">pic.twitter.com/s2J3gTvVTl</a></p>&mdash; All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) <a href="https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1611582758114959360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Fignuts]

Cool finish

[Sepholio]

Watching tonight to see the Tribal Chief deliver his State of The Bloodline address.

[screech]

New Day/Rey and Judgement Day did a segment for Nascar at the track. Rey and Dom argued, then had a race. It was terrible.

[screech]

But again, I think Dom sucks. So I'm a bit biased.

[Sepholio]

Does it count as bias if you're right though?

[screech]

Nah, probably not

[screech]

Kinda wish imperium won the tag tournament but I wouldn't want them to lose to the Usos rn so I guess it's fine

[#1-norm-fan]

New Day/Rey and Judgement Day did a segment for Nascar at the track. Rey and Dom argued, then had a race. It was terrible.

Was that the blowoff to the feud?

[#1-norm-fan]

They probably could have just taken some time to see if Dominik got halfway decent and let Rey just rest his body for a couple years before turning Dominik once people actually cared. Maybe have a father vs. son match people could be emotionally invested in. I DUNNO.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Having Rhea tell Dom’s story for him has made this feud so much better. Now that Rhea is off to be the star she should be, Dom doesn’t have much of a crutch to lean on

[Sepholio]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SAMI IS MY TRIBAL CHIEF

[Sepholio]

SAMI USO SAMI USO

[Sepholio]

Sami vs Roman at EC confirmed

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Sami Roman in Montreal is the biggest match they’ve built in decades

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Sami Roman in Montreal about to make Cena Punk in Chicago and RVD Cena in NYC look like AEW Dark episodes

Or maybe Velocity

[Sepholio]

Montreal screwjob part deux incoming.

[erickman]

Having Rhea tell Dom’s story for him has made this feud so much better. Now that Rhea is off to be the star she should be, Dom doesn’t have much of a crutch to lean on

they may get the nascar drivers to help out at wrestlemania, i can see that for star power

[Blonde Moment]

Having Rhea tell Dom’s story for him has made this feud so much better. Now that Rhea is off to be the star she should be, Dom doesn’t have much of a crutch to lean on

i think this was more of a test for Rhea than it was for Dom, and while I am not sure she is to the level of being able to get a fantastic match out of a broom, sure as hell made that lump more interesting then he had every right to be. My only fear is that at some point we are going to see a Dom on a pole match

[XL]

That reaction for Sami. Excellent. Elimination Chamber is going to be a superb B-level event. You’d expect this is where Jey comes back so interesting to see what happens on SmackDown next week. That’s part of how you judge a long term story.

[Lock Jaw]

The reactions in Montreal are gonna be great..... but having Cody in the wings still ruins the entire thing....

They're not gonna run Cody vs Sami at WM so you know Roman is gonna win.... then you are left with having blown off this super hot feud/story the PPV before WM and then trying to scramble to build a story/heat for a Roman/Cody feud

[#1-norm-fan]

Have they made it clear yet if one or both titles are in the line. They could make it clear that Sami is going for just one title while Cody vs Roman is guaranteed for the other. That would at least add SOME question to the outcome.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The reactions in Montreal are gonna be great..... but having Cody in the wings still ruins the entire thing....

They're not gonna run Cody vs Sami at WM so you know Roman is gonna win.... then you are left with having blown off this super hot feud/story the PPV before WM and then trying to scramble to build a story/heat for a Roman/Cody feud

The more I think about it, the more I’m ok with it. I’m sure Sami’s WrestleMania program is going to be setup through this (probably some Montreal screwjob) and Cody will probably come out to save him and start things with Roman.

They seem to have a plan for this. They’ll probably hit each beat pretty effectively. I think Cody should be defending his title shot in the Chamber, as opposed to it being for the US Title though.

[Lock Jaw]

Meltzer is reporting that Vince and Triple H don't see Sami as a WM main event guy. Of course, like most of his "reporting" that is most likely just speculation presented as facts based on current events.

I'm hoping they can somehow keep Sami's momentum alive for another year and then they can give him the "type of guy you wouldn't expect to win the title wins the title at every 10th WM" spot.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Meltzer would just be talking out his ass. Sami will have a big spot at Mania and will likely have a big one at Mania 40 next year too.

I see next year’s main event as being Roman Reigns defending against someone. If MJF comes into the WWE, I can see him and Cody having a match away from the belt. Either that or a match with Gunther. Roman vs. Sami is actually a good shout. There’s no one that seems as urgent or rewarding right now. But that can all change in a year.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Man, imagine Sami winning the 2024 Rumble, challenging Roman with so much behind them. That fucking journey.

[Ruien]

Anyone can be a main event at WM now a days. That was proven with Kofi.

Sami can't be your Roman Reigns though where he carries the company for years.

[Lock Jaw]

Neither is anybody they have on their roster

[Lock Jaw]

Except maybe Jey Uso

Jey's ok

[Ruien]

Currently no. There are a couple with the potential to reach that level though and Sami isn't one of them. Sami is great and is a wonderful talent though.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He doesn’t need to carry the company on his back, but I think people look past a lot of the assets he does have. There’s no reason he can’t be a long-term champion and endear himself to fans even further.

[Ruien]

5 months maximum.

[Splaya]

That reaction for Sami. Excellent. Elimination Chamber is going to be a superb B-level event. You’d expect this is where Jey comes back so interesting to see what happens on SmackDown next week. That’s part of how you judge a long term story.

I could be in the wrong but I would not have him show up. You can have Jimmy go it alone, fail, and Ricochet and Braun win the tag titles. It furthers the storyline that Jay really has left the Bloodline.

It might be a tough sell when he returns at EC to screw Zayn over but he can say he "used that time to reevaluate everything and he's sorry for bailing on the SD title defense". They could also use it down the line as the reason to split the two up.

[Lock Jaw]

There was a time in NXT where I though Sami had the potential to be the "next John Cena" in regards to carrying the company and doing all the media appearances/make-a-wish/etc....

But then he got injured and came back a bit pudgier and has only been increasing in pudge since

[Splaya]

Meltzer is reporting that Vince and Triple H don't see Sami as a WM main event guy. Of course, like most of his "reporting" that is most likely just speculation presented as facts based on current events.

I'm hoping they can somehow keep Sami's momentum alive for another year and then they can give him the "type of guy you wouldn't expect to win the title wins the title at every 10th WM" spot.

Meltzer has gone so pro AEW that anytime something WWE is mentioned out of his mouth, I immediately dismiss what he says.

While I don't believe Sami is a main event guy, HHH and to an extent Vince, know that they have lightning in a bottle with Sami.

Meltzer thinks that Zayn won't get his WM moment. Guess what Dave? The main event moment is him winning the titles with Owens at Mania. I think there is a scenario where Zayn and Roman face each other at WM 40 if Rock is unavailable

[XL]

I don’t think they can keep Sami this hot for another 14 months.

[XL]

Meltzer is reporting that Vince and Triple H don't see Sami as a WM main event guy. Of course, like most of his "reporting" that is most likely just speculation presented as facts based on current events.

I'm hoping they can somehow keep Sami's momentum alive for another year and then they can give him the "type of guy you wouldn't expect to win the title wins the title at every 10th WM" spot.

Is that really a thing?

Mania X: Bret won the title for the second time.
Mania XX: HHH vs HBK ended in a time limit draw
Mania XXX: Daniel Bryan beats Orton and Batista

I’ll give you the last one.

[Splaya]

Probably not. But when Roman drops these titles, he's going away for awhile. Could be three months, could be 9 months.

But just imagine Reigns gets the title back at Royal Rumble next year. Zayn wins the Rumble....story completely writes itself.


But I know that that isn't possible. One can dream though.

[Splaya]

Is that really a thing?

Mania X: Bret won the title for the second time.
Mania XX: HHH vs HBK ended in a time limit draw
Mania XXX: Daniel Bryan beats Orton and Batista

I’ll give you the last one.

What?

Mania XX was Benoit defeating HHH and HBK in the Triple threat...

[Lock Jaw]

https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/012/132/thatsthejoke.jpg

[Splaya]

.....:lol:

[Mr. Nerfect]

There was a time in NXT where I though Sami had the potential to be the "next John Cena" in regards to carrying the company and doing all the media appearances/make-a-wish/etc....

But then he got injured and came back a bit pudgier and has only been increasing in pudge since

Yeah, he’s affable enough for the spot. He’s not going to be ONLY guy they promote, but I don’t see why he can’t do all the PR stuff a top guy does and win top matches at the top shows.

[Mr. Nerfect]

While it seems likely that Owens & Zayn will end up taking the tag belts from The Usos, I’m not entirely down on the idea of keeping them singles/friends who team up for special occasions every now and then. I can see the argument that they lose something by being put into a tag team now (which is a testament to them, because I’ve wanted to team them up forever).

I’d be fine with a Logan Paul turning heel and joining Roman as his new pet project for a singles match against Sami. But I guess the tease was there for Rollins/Logan.

Meh, maybe the tag belts are fine for a few months. They lose them around Survivor Series and Owens is “injured,” possibly by Reigns, giving Zayn renewed motivation to go into the Rumble and earn his shot.

[Mr. Nerfect]

When they do War Games again, Zayn can get the big win over Roman in that to drop the idea that he can beat the Big Dog.

[Sepholio]

Gonna be interesting to see how WWE handle the Bloodline stuff at EC considering that the Usos are banned from Canada. They've been able to get an exemption a time or 2 in the past for Jey, but not Jimmy. Wonder what they do if Canada doesn't let em in this time.

[Sepholio]

Should play it off like Sami and KO conspired with the Canadian authorities to make sure the Usos didn't get exemptions.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Jey might be the sole one interfering. Or Solo. Or maybe they spin-off into a program with an outside party.

[Sepholio]

Looks like Braun might be about to win the titles with another kid again in a minute.

[Sepholio]

awww jey showing up and doing the shield entrance at the last second

[Sepholio]

better luck next time Braun and Nicholas 2

[xrodmuc316]

Nattie looks like Madonna now, the current version of Madonna

[screech]

Madcap got some new tights and doesn't look so generic anymore

[Mr. Nerfect]

Good for him.

[xrodmuc316]

Sami with his old music getting the pop of his life!

[XL]

Got “the feels” for Sami with that segment. I can’t see it happening due to the almost perfect alignment of right person, right place, wrong time. But I think it’ll be a hell of a ride.

[XL]

Also, Moss as a heel is much better.

[XL]

Oh also, it’s a big “no thanks” to the prospect of Bray vs Brock or Lashley.

[Lock Jaw]

Moss as someone not on my tv is even better

[Lock Jaw]

"Sucks" that they brought back Emma and all she is doing is managing Moss....

[XL]

Be fair, that’s not all they’re doing with her. They’re also having her lose all her televised matches.

[drave]

Its the Emmaloution

[Mr. Nerfect]

Emma is probably just stoked to have a job.

[Lock Jaw]

Same for Moss

[Mr. Nerfect]

Moss is “pretty good,” I reckon. Far from the most cemented guy though.

[xrodmuc316]

Cody on Smackdown, here come the ratings!

[slik]

Never realized Cody and Roman were pretty much the same height

https://i.postimg.cc/L4td4JYf/Screenshot-2023-03-03-7-12-44-PM.png

[erickman]

LA knight time

[slik]

Crowds react big to LA Knight, gotta start booking him big time HHH

[xrodmuc316]

LA Knight is over, and again they immediately shut him down with New Day, shame!

[erickman]

yeah new day suck

[xrodmuc316]

LOL what the hell shirt is Kross wearing?

[erickman]

LOL what the hell shirt is Kross wearing?
he is the new disco, guy just keeps on getting lamer

[Sepholio]

Why were those idiots popping for LA Knight? No one comes out looking good after feuding with Bray. /s

[xrodmuc316]

he is the new disco, guy just keeps on getting lamer

It is really true :rofl:

[Mr. Nerfect]

Karrion Kross is not very good.

[erickman]

talking about bray poor bobby

[xrodmuc316]

Lashley about to kill Uncle Howdy

[xrodmuc316]

LOL that's it?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Did Lashley kill Bray?

[slik]

Did Lashley kill Bray?

no he beat up uncle howdy then the lights went black and howdy disappeared...then they went to commercial

good roman/cody segment earlier

[xrodmuc316]

Did Lashley kill Bray?

no he beat up uncle howdy then the lights went black and howdy disappeared...then they went to commercial

good roman/cody segment earlier

Not even that, he gave Howdy a shit looking 1 handed spine buster, and then the Bray Wyatt noise played, the arena went dark, lights came back on, Uncle Howdy was gone, then they went to a backstage segment of Roman wanting to know where Jey was.

[Evil Vito]

Parker Bourdreaux is possibly the worst wrestler I've ever seen and even being in the ring with three guys who are far better than him couldn't save it.

[Evil Vito]

I know WWE went on a releasing spree and fired plenty of talented folks. But let’s be real here.

For them to give up on a guy like Parker who is still only in his early 20s, with a football background, with that size and look, AND only in development so presumably not even making all that much money to begin with and not really someone you’d be itching to cut just in the name of budget cuts.

Pretty clear sign that they thought he was the drizzling shits at a level that not even they could salvage. And it seems they were right.

[xrodmuc316]

I know WWE went on a releasing spree and fired plenty of talented folks. But let’s be real here.

For them to give up on a guy like Parker who is still only in his early 20s, with a football background, with that size and look, AND only in development so presumably not even making all that much money to begin with and not really someone you’d be itching to cut just in the name of budget cuts.

Pretty clear sign that they thought he was the drizzling shits at a level that not even they could salvage. And it seems they were right.

He does way too much inbetween shit, like more than anybody I can remember ever. It is possible to throw a single punch without flexing and yelling and shaking and posing and gyrating and making faces after each one. He looks like a wrestler with Tourette Syndrome ticks doing a Narcissist gimmick.

[erickman]

ray ray joins the hall of fame

[erickman]

time for dom to get heel heat

[erickman]

get them latino world order

[screech]

Remember when they used to play train sounds when Braun ran around the ring?

[xrodmuc316]

Remember when they used to play train sounds when Braun ran around the ring?

I do lol, peak Senile Vince booking :rofl:

[Sepholio]

I remember the first time I heard it I thought I was hallucinating. Like no way did that actually happen.

[Mr. Nerfect]

When a talent has the look and the pedigree but WWE cuts them, you can almost bet that they’re irredeemable.

[slik]

Charlotte vs Rhea should NOT main-event night 1 over Sami/KO and the USOs

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stop putting this slow indie mudshow on my timeline<a href="https://t.co/y03KYILYd5">pic.twitter.com/y03KYILYd5</a></p>&mdash; TranquiloClubYT (@TranquiloClubYT) <a href="https://twitter.com/TranquiloClubYT/status/1634656251333279744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

Shotzi is the shits.

[xrodmuc316]

Charlotte vs Rhea should NOT main-event night 1 over Sami/KO and the USOs

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stop putting this slow indie mudshow on my timeline<a href="https://t.co/y03KYILYd5">pic.twitter.com/y03KYILYd5</a></p>&mdash; TranquiloClubYT (@TranquiloClubYT) <a href="https://twitter.com/TranquiloClubYT/status/1634656251333279744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

How has Charlotte been working on top for 7 years and not improved at all?

[XL]

Oof.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can see Cena/Theory headlining night one.

[Sting Fan]

Charlotte vs Rhea should NOT main-event night 1 over Sami/KO and the USOs

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stop putting this slow indie mudshow on my timeline<a href="https://t.co/y03KYILYd5">pic.twitter.com/y03KYILYd5</a></p>&mdash; TranquiloClubYT (@TranquiloClubYT) <a href="https://twitter.com/TranquiloClubYT/status/1634656251333279744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When I used to watch a little bit regularly Charlotte was always my cue to change the channel. Apart from disliking the character she always seems like shes trying to be more athletic than she is.

Shes quite tall and "big framed" for lack of a better term, feels like she should work a more physical style than she does and just physically dominate and that might suit her heel charachter more.

[Fignuts]

Why did you bump this?

Today is Monday.

[Sting Fan]

I read a thread, I replied.

[XL]

I like what they’re doing with bringing Legado Del Fantasma into the Rey/Dominick storyline albeit the group as baby faces feels a bit forced right now. Was looking forward to a LDF vs Judgment Day 6 man but they paid that off already.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Haven’t been following, but I wonder if they’re going to remain face or go against Rey at some point. I see no reason for them to be heels in current WWE though.

[XL]

They’ve just got a very heel “feel” to them. They came in as heels who laid a claim to “run the show” which seemed odd on the same show as The Bloodline. They’ve only just got face so I don’t think they’ll turn soon. Maybe Santos breaks off on his own and the other 2 go back to heels (or obscurity). I guess it makes sense for them to be faces and do a thing with Hit Row. Build to a big blow off between Zelena Vega and B-Fab.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I get what they’re doing with the KO/Sami reunion angle but in what universe am I supposed to feel sorry for Kevin Owens because Sami hurt his feelings

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The WWE Universe, that’s where!

[slik]

The crowds love LA Knight. He has charisma and is gold on the mic.

Why does he lose every match in like 2 minutes?

[Fignuts]

That was the best episode of smackdown in at least a decade.

[Evil Vito]

Feels dumb to me that Rhea/Charlotte is still penciled in as the night 1 main event

They have Sami close pretty much every SmackDown in front of their largest TV audience, because he gets nuclear reactions and has for months

At bare minimum, Sami/KO not closing means you need a lengthy cooldown segment after them. But fuck, just put the match people are the most invested in on last. This isn't complicated.

[Evil Vito]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal returns next week on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmackDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmackDown</a>! <a href="https://t.co/nyqp89rQ7J">pic.twitter.com/nyqp89rQ7J</a></p>&mdash; WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1639445124253106176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Lashley and LA Knight got the big shaft here

Maybe the two of them have some sort of a fuck finish and it leads to them getting on the Mania card

[Mr. Nerfect]

Bobby Lashley should obviously win that. Before I knew he was in it, I’d probably have gone with LA Knight. I think Lashley wins, gets on the mic and makes a Mania challenge. I don’t know who they could get.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Maybe…Shinsuke Nakamura?

[erickman]

mania party time and andy goes to the hof

[Malfeitor]

<a href="https://ibb.co/HdNncCn"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/8cz6yb6/C8-D2-B2-FE-EB69-4922-977-A-07-BCA26441-A0.jpg" alt="C8-D2-B2-FE-EB69-4922-977-A-07-BCA26441-A0" border="0"></a>

I was apparently on screen a lot tonight. So sick.

I may not look enthused but the ROH show was amazing.

[Fignuts]

Will smackdown be as shit as raw?

Lets find out!

[Fignuts]

Good match between Brutes and Imperium, but I'm ready to see them move on to something else.

Brutes winning probably means they're not going to though.

[screech]

The Draft will be held in a few weeks. Every superstar is eligible.

[Fignuts]

Don't people show up on other shows all the time?

Seems pointless.

[screech]

Leading to WrestleMania they do, but I think this past year the shows were kept pretty separate for the most part.

[Fignuts]

Ricochet's old theme so much better.

[Fignuts]

Feel like this could be a good match. Ivar is big but agile enough to keep up with ricochet.

[Fignuts]

Going to call ricochet riccola from now on because I cant stop thinking it.

[Fignuts]

Fun little match.

[Fignuts]

Guess Ivar is sleeping on the couch tonight.

[Fignuts]

This feels like the most scripted thing I've heard from sami in a long while.

[Fignuts]

Already more wrestling than on the entire 3 hour raw. Triple h back in charge, baby.

[screech]

Ricochet's old theme so much better.

Imperium's old theme much better also

[Supreme Olajuwon]

They could’ve had Riddle’s return to save Sami be a massive surprise tonight

But they had him show up on Monday to be mean to the Miz

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The world will be a better place when Vince McMahon is dead

[Fignuts]

Lets not talk about Edge.

Why are we still talking about edge?

We had a hell in a cell. Its over.

[Fignuts]

Nuclear heat for Dom. Love it.

[Fignuts]

Going to make it so much sweeter when they finally reunite.

[Fignuts]

Hell yeah, Dom.

Fuck Bad Bunny. That loser.

[xrodmuc316]

That was a less hectic show than Raw, which makes sense if there was no Vince ripping up scripts after the show already started.

That said, it certainly felt like it was a Vince show more than anything flowing logically. Not quite a turn it off episode, but absolutely a read on the tablet with it on in the background episode.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Smackers was pretty great. The only thing that felt “weird” to me was the singles match between Ricochet and Ivar. It was good, but why not a tag match? But whatever. Liv Morgan & Shotzi kind of suck. I have a feeling Liv & Raquel are going to win the tag belts. I think Vince is going to subconsciously destroy everything Triple H built, even if Vince would have thought it was a good idea in the first place.

There’s been speculation that Roman isn’t going to work Backlash, but if they do The Bloodline vs. Owens, Zayn, Riddle and…Orton…that would be huge.

Things built up for next week aren’t stonkers hot, but I’m looking forward to seeing what Nakamura does. The way Michael Cole emphasized “King” makes me think Nakamura has a shot at winning King of the Ring. I’d have predicted Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes or Drew McIntyre, but Shin of the Ring works for me too. They should do something with him.

[xrodmuc316]

I still don't know about Orton. Back Fusion surgery is no joke, and I can't imagine giving RKO's is going to be a smart option even if he gets cleared.

[Fignuts]

Keep Riddle out of my bloodline angle, please.

[Fignuts]

Should have had shinsuke return and save sami instead of riddle.

[XL]

I still don't know about Orton. Back Fusion surgery is no joke, and I can't imagine giving RKO's is going to be a smart option even if he gets cleared.

Return of The Punt.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don’t like Riddle, but I think his presence here was smart. I didn’t know he was taken out by Solo in story. Makes obvious sense to follow that up. But it promotes Raw and made him look more “meaty.” His Raw return was kind of tepid because he just came out like “Bro.” SmackDown emphasized him as a dude who will throw down and do the right thing. He definitely looked better here, imo. I like a serious Riddle more.

Maybe Orton’s back is too fucked. I haven’t followed the whole thing. I just kind of assumed “wrestlers being wrestlers” he’ll be back. I think the draft will illuminate things. Will be very interesting to see if guys like Orton and Big E are included.

[#1-norm-fan]

Imagine if Orton has to retire and the last member of Evolution to compete in a wrestling ring ends up being Ric Flair.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Puerto Rico crowd is fire. As good as any crowd WWE has had. Love it.

[Fignuts]

Heel asuka lets fucking go.


Sami at NoC is wild.

[XL]

Oh shit yeah. Didn’t even catch that.