RAW after Rumble - Cody vs Balor - 1.30.23

[slik]

Cody makes it official he challenges the BIG DOG Roman Reigns the TRIBAL CHIEF

Balor vs Cody will main-event RAW

Rhea will announce who she is facing at WM

[screech]

Dom is so bad.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">REIGNS. RHODES. WRESTLEMANIA.<br><br>Can <a href="https://twitter.com/CodyRhodes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CodyRhodes</a> dethrone <a href="https://twitter.com/WWERomanReigns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWERomanReigns</a> this April at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestleMania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestleMania</a> or will the Head of the Table reign supreme? <a href="https://t.co/TuTzUCgBtc">pic.twitter.com/TuTzUCgBtc</a></p>&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1620232668712697859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[screech]

Like, is this prison gimmick supposed to be serious?

[Sepholio]

Dom is so bad.

holy shit he really is. That promo was some of the worst promo work I've ever had the misfortune of hearing.

[slik]

Seth Rollins qualifies for the US Title Elimination Chamber

[slik]

I like Dom...I think the gimmick is entertaining

[Lock Jaw]

Put it on.

Saw the opening Cody promo. Was technically good, but still feels like there is something "missing" about Cody. Maybe "passion" or "charisma" or some other word.... but very good in crafting words. Still don't like the idea of him vs Roman at WM, and like even less the idea of him winning.

Seth/Gable match was "probably good" but I stopped paying attention at all.... RAW in the background until such time as I start paying attention again when Bloodline or Rhea Ripley have segments.....

[slik]

damn @ elimination chamber being only 2 weeks away

[Lock Jaw]

Put it on.

Saw the opening Cody promo. Was technically good, but still feels like there is something "missing" about Cody. Maybe "passion" or "charisma" or some other word.... but very good in crafting words.

Like if a guy like John Cena was delivering the same promo/words it would have been "awesome", but when Cody delivers it is just "good".

[xrodmuc316]

Damn TMZ did Ricochet dirty with that headline!

[slik]

oh no

ratings damage up next

[xrodmuc316]

They just debuted Indi Hartwell at the Rumble, why not play up on that history and have her be out there with Candice instead of randomly Mia Yim.

[slik]

and candice and mia yim


bayley is the only one of the five people onscreen who has a defined personality or a character

[#1-norm-fan]

Like if a guy like John Cena was delivering the same promo/words it would have been "awesome", but when Cody delivers it is just "good".

I haven’t seen this promo but you can always easily tell when Cody is actually digging deep and bringing out genuine passion and when he’s just being a wrestler who’s cutting a promo because that’s what he was told to go do.

[slik]

Cody feels like a Corporate Heel version of Cena, he's basically Cena in a suit but instead of JBL is poopy jokes he smiles

[#1-norm-fan]

Which is strange because when he’s playing an over-the-top gimmick that is not at all rooted in who he really is, he excels.

It’s like the only role he can’t “pretend” to play is Cody Rhodes.

[slik]

It's why people definitely turned on him as a face in AEW after a while

Face Cody is super serious and passionate

[#1-norm-fan]

At some point in the build I have no doubt Cody and Heyman will go face to face, Heyman will say all the right things to bring out genuine Cody and people will go nuts.

[Lock Jaw]

Rhea Ripley here. Paying attention again.

[xrodmuc316]

Cody feels like a Corporate Heel version of Cena, he's basically Cena in a suit but instead of JBL is poopy jokes he smiles

https://i.imgflip.com/79ddon.jpg

Throwback shirt!

[slik]

Rhea vs Big Match Char official for WM

[Lock Jaw]

Rhea vs Charlotte makes sense given the history..... but still, was hoping for Bianca. Wonder who will face Bianca then.... triple threat with Becky/Bayley maybe?

[Lock Jaw]

Rollins vs Logan Paul at Wrestlemania CONFIRMED!

[slik]

Undertaker in the WM video...please stay retired...

[xrodmuc316]

Wait I thought those degenerate Chrissleys went to prison, why they have new shows?

[Sepholio]

lol corbins theme is turrible

[xrodmuc316]

lol corbins theme is turrible

Johnny's new remix is worse :rofl:

[slik]

Gargano's gear reminds me of TMNT (this is a good thing)

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2023 Women's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoyalRumble</a> Match winner <a href="https://twitter.com/RheaRipley_WWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RheaRipley_WWE</a> challenges <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmackDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmackDown</a> Women's Champion <a href="https://twitter.com/MsCharlotteWWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MsCharlotteWWE</a> this April at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestleMania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestleMania</a>! <a href="https://t.co/Gg0gtAQF8f">pic.twitter.com/Gg0gtAQF8f</a></p>&mdash; WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestleMania/status/1620245414979969024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Sepholio]

take that loser corbin

[Fignuts]

lol

[slik]

Safe bet Bronson Reed will win his match with Dolph

Very NXT EC then with Bronson/Gargano/Theory/_______/_______/Seth

[Lock Jaw]

Paying attention to this segment I guess even though I don't really care about Austin Theory....

[Lock Jaw]

Imagining the lowly production assistants lugging a heavy couch down the ramp and over the ropes and into the ring.....

[slik]

Austin Theory looks sort of Amish to me tonight

[slik]

I think things are headed towards Brock vs Lashley vs Theory at WM

[Lock Jaw]

Think Brock made it very clear he won't "slum it" with the US Title when they had him cost Bobby Lashley the title before entering in a feud with him. Would have been "great" to "elevate" the US Title like that.

[Fignuts]

I think things are headed towards Brock vs Lashley vs Theory at WM

I'm hoping they get Bobby vs Lesnar out of the way before mania so we can get Lesnar vs Gunther

[Fignuts]

lol pat patterson never looked that good.

[Lock Jaw]

Paying attention to The Miz.... feel like he should have Austin Theory's "spot"... only thing Theory has over him is that he is more "fresh".

[Fignuts]

Miz needs to go away for a while. He's starting to feel like ziggler.

[Sepholio]

BOOOOOOOOGS

[xrodmuc316]

Rick Boogz lol

[Sepholio]

lol what was that

[Lock Jaw]

lol at Miz "I'm in a suit"

[Lock Jaw]

Boogz to Miz: YOU AIN'T HYPE!

[Sepholio]

lmao @ Otis segment

[Lock Jaw]

Otis to join Maximum Male Models?!

New boom period confirmed

[Sepholio]

MMM looking like villains from Captain Planet

[slik]

Maximum Male Models and Boogz to RAW

[Lock Jaw]

I like Bayley's outfit.....

[Lock Jaw]

Becky bullying and intimidating Bayley into accepting her challenge..... dastardly....

[Lock Jaw]

Now that I know Bloodline or Zayn ain't gonna be here at all, I should stop watching...

[Lock Jaw]

New Day are NXT Tag Team Champions? What?

Also, wow, Bron Breaker sounds exactly like a Scott Steiner. (I know he is Rick's son, but his voice in that promo was like 100% Scott)

[screech]

Show seems to be dragging tbh

[Sepholio]

UR MOM SEEMS TO BE DRAGGING TBH

[Sepholio]

nah it really is dragging though

[Sepholio]

lmao Ali

[slik]

Guessing Raquel vs Bianca for WM

[Lock Jaw]

Carmella back to three gimmicks ago

[slik]

Asuka a sharp dresser out of wrestling gear

[Fignuts]

Bianca vs Asuka at mania please

[Fignuts]

Probably gonna be raquel tho I bet

[Fignuts]

I don't care about anyone in this segment

[Fignuts]

Wait what happened to Bianca?

[Sepholio]

That new M Night Shamalamadingdong movie looks interesting.

Probably gonna suck though.

[Sepholio]

Should make a movie about Cody Rhodes neck tattoo being cursed and it has to be destroyed or the world will end.

[Sepholio]

Is this new music for Balor?

[screech]

Okay I thought it was the way Justin Roberts said it but it turns out I don't like how anyone says "the American Nightmare" when introducing Cody

[xrodmuc316]

Is this new music for Balor?

Yeah they all got new versions of their themes.

[Sepholio]

new chic on NXT kinda hawt

[Sepholio]

Seph is going to see Cocaine Bear

[screech]

Has anyone watched the new Night Court? Is it funny?

[Lock Jaw]

Okay I thought it was the way Justin Roberts said it but it turns out I don't like how anyone says "the American Nightmare" when introducing Cody

The name doesn't even make "sense" for a face character..... why would being an American Nightmare be a good thing? As a heel I get it, he is not the American Dream but a Nightmare who will go against all America to get what he wants.

[xrodmuc316]

That new M Night Shamalamadingdong movie looks interesting.

Probably gonna suck though.

I kind of likes the show he made with Johnny Drama's real-life brother.

[Sepholio]

maybe it's supposed to be like everyone in America fears him or something I dunno it never really worked for me either.

[screech]

Yes, the nickname is also dumb

[Sepholio]

I got it. It's because his tattoo is American AF but also v nightmarish.

[Lock Jaw]

He first got the nickname as a heel, right? In that case I totally get it and even like it.... like "I ain't my daddy, I'm not here to be your dream, someone for you to look up to and live through.... I am here to be your nightmare because that's what you all deserve"

[slik]

I wonder if Balor vs Edge happens at WM since EC is in 2 weeks

[Sepholio]

I like the Codycutter as a move but I feel like his opponents need to be a little closer to him. Comes so close to not reaching them sometimes. I dunno.

[Sepholio]

I wonder if Balor vs Edge happens at WM since EC is in 2 weeks

Probably now that Rhea won the Rumble. Woulda thought her and dom v edge/beth before that.

[slik]

You know what, at least the card isn't predictable this year

but also it doesn't feel haphazard - I have no doubt HHH knows what card he wants for the show

[screech]

Cody winning the Rumble made me realize I see him as upper midcard at best. Not excited about him vs Reigns.

[screech]

(never really thought much about Cody before this)

[slik]

I do NOT miss Vince throwing the WM card together 2 weeks before the show

[slik]

I feel like Austin Theory vs Cody and LA Knight vs Cody could be good programs at some point

[slik]

Ronda's entire run since she came back has been a bust and she's gotten lazy and sloppy in the ring. I wouldn't wish Bianca on her.

[drave]

Gunther should win EC and just fuck up everyone's Mania ideas.




That. Do that. That man is an absolute machine.

[screech]

I'm good with that. All in on GUNTHER.

[Lock Jaw]

Still not sold on Gunther, even after the Rumble. Great "striker" but terrible generic look and character.

[#1-norm-fan]

I don’t mind the look. I think “generic” fits his style. He’s a big no-nonsense mauler. Doesn’t need any bells and whistles. Just keep him rooted in reality.

[wwe2222]

Big fan of Gunther. Doesn’t need anything extra.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Gunther is Da Man.

[drave]

Still not sold on Gunther, even after the Rumble. Great "striker" but terrible generic look and character.


That's the gimmick. He's the Ring General. And for once, he's someone who lives up to the moniker.


He gave zero fucks who he was looking at in the Rumble. I cannot wait for him to clash with some of the bigger beasts.

[drave]

https://cdn.sescoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gunther-rumble.jpg.optimal.jpg

[#1-norm-fan]

We’ll know Vince is back in the kitchen when Gunther is beating some guy down in the ring and then Otis runs out for the save and Gunther hightails it out of the ring.

[drave]

He's so over and didn't even win.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Gunther breaks the Honky Tonk Man’s IC Title reign length record just after Memorial Day weekend. WWE are missing a trick if they don’t run the UK with Gunther vs. Sheamus with that being Gunther’s final defense before breaking it.

[Evil Vito]

I think Gunther should break the record but I've got a feeling he'll be going one more round with Sheamus at Mania and finally be taken down.

Hard to know for sure but the big part of that angle is Sheamus trying to win the one championship that alluded him. Feels like it'd be a tailor-made "WrestleMania Moment". Also while there's no guarantee Triple H follows Vince's Mania booking conventions, there's definitely a propensity for guys to lose at their first Mania.

The plus side for this is I'd hope Gunther would be in for bigger things over the summer. Maybe he pisses off Brock, Brock subsequently destroys his hopes of winning MITB and then we get Brock vs. Gunther at SummerSlam.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think they’ll take the belt off him too. I don’t know if it will be Sheamus though. I can see him wrestling Drew.

[Rammsteinmad]

Gunther needs kneepads.

Hate seeing wrestlers knees.

[#1-norm-fan]

Remember when they teased Randy Orton turning face and leaving the Triple H/Rollins/Mercury/Noble stable (I can’t remember the name of it) for months? Then he finally attacked Rollins and the people went banana but the next week he just apologized and they stretched it out some more and ruined it?

What if they did that with Sami?

[XL]

Ugh.

HHH is a better booker than Vince (maybe even #2 behind TK), no way that happens.

[#1-norm-fan]

Lol I can’t imagine it would happen. But that thought crosses my mind every time there’s a build to a face turn now. How Vince loved to give away the big climax and then just reset and try to milk it for a second time, ruining it all in the process.

[#1-norm-fan]

Alright. Which one of you dirty-minded fuckers are gonna take that pitch and knock it out of the park?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Gunther needs kneepads.

Hate seeing wrestlers knees.

I can get behind this.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I can get behind this.

But “skin-on-skin” hurts more, LOL.

I honestly can’t believe that’s ever been passed off on the viewers as even being the slightest bit true. It’s like when they try to sell that submissions hurt more when they’re applied anywhere but in the ring. It’s hilarious.

[Sepholio]

lol oh man are the teasing Lumis and Nikki Cross? That would be amazing imo. Can't remember them ever doing a true psycho couple.

[Sepholio]

holy shit JBL turning on Corbin and channeling the IWC feelings on Baron. Called him boring, said everyone changes the channel on him and that theres nothing JBL can do for him because he can't polish a turd. lol Corbin gimmick change incoming. Back to the lonewolf maybe. Seems like maybe Corbin v JBL at Mania to cap this.

[Sepholio]

lol damn he told Corbin that being associated with him has irreparably damaged his HoF career and he will never be able to wash off the taint.

[xrodmuc316]

lol damn he told Corbin that being associated with him has irreparably damaged his HoF career and he will never be able to wash off the taint.

Can't polish a turd :rofl:

[Sepholio]

damn Cody even got Heyman breaking character and crying.

[Sepholio]

damn he really did break Paul. Paul can't even talk now he's so choked up. Amazing.

[Sepholio]

fuck this segment is good

how tf roman got 2 stories going and they are both awesome? who would have thought this would happen like 5 years ago?

[Sepholio]

bad bunny

[DAMN iNATOR]

lol oh man are the teasing Lumis and Nikki Cross? That would be amazing imo. Can't remember them ever doing a true psycho couple.

Does her being part of SAnitY not count? If not, then what of Victoria and Steven Richards ca. 2003?

[xrodmuc316]

Cody with real intensity at the end there capped that segment off perfectly.

[slik]

Good stuff between Heyman/Cody

[screech]

Cody winning the Rumble made me realize I see him as upper midcard at best. Not excited about him vs Reigns.

The promo with Heyman tonight was excellent. I may be getting into this.

[screech]

The Brock and Lashley segment was good too.

[screech]

Dom still sucks, fyi

[Sepholio]

lol wtf is Lita doing here?

[Lock Jaw]

Put this on now from the start.... Edge very tiresome..... wish Christian was here...

Dom is awesome cause he's so awful

Poor Damian Priest flubbing his lines LIVE....

[Lock Jaw]

lol at Dom in the glam slam. So good

[Lock Jaw]

Lesnar rocking the Canadian Tuxedo

[Lock Jaw]

Lashley heel turn? Seems dumb... also seems dumb to do it at Elimination Chamber rather than WM.... I mean, most likely they will do both after some screwy end at EC.... but should just build to one match, not use one match on the way to build to a second match....

[Lock Jaw]

JBL has tried polishing a turd

[slik]

The Brock and Lashley segment was good too.

It was interesting they switched Lashley from face to 'suited guy who needs his lawyer to approve of his fights' heel

I mean it's probably for the best bc Brock will get cheered at WM no matter what

[slik]

lol wtf is Lita doing here?

maybe Lita/Trish/Becky vs Ratings Damage at WM?

[Lock Jaw]

Hate Asuka's new theme. Love her new look.

Chelsea Green seems like a good character.... could be everything they wanted Eva Marie to be maybe

[Lock Jaw]

Cody sweating profusely from his entrance

[Fignuts]

Dom is great.

[Lock Jaw]

Heyman so good

[Lock Jaw]

Heyman made that segment... with him to try to pull stuff out of Cody Rhodes it could maybe get good....

[Lock Jaw]

Very underwhelming Chamber match

lol at Rollins. Glad he is a face now and that they haven't drastically changed his character.

[Lock Jaw]

Random Lita

[screech]

Dom is great.

If I'm supposed to take this gimmick seriously, I can't. It's terrible. If it's supposed to be bad, I'm not digging it. He looks awkward as fuck.

Just not for me, I guess.

[Sepholio]

No he's really that terrible. They just put him in a scenario where it's more bearable and makes it look like he's actually doing a schtick.

[XL]

Random Lita

Yeah.

But the TK “Booker of the Year” playbook that HHH is working from says you can’t go 2 shows without a debut or return. So here we are.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Dominik Mysterio is a star. Be in denial all you want.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Yeah.

But the TK “Booker of the Year” playbook that HHH is working from says you can’t go 2 shows without a debut or return. So here we are.

I think it’s more of a they had her run-in planned all along as a nostalgic cameo for RAW 30, but since the match didn’t happen...yeah, it definitely felt kind of out of place.

[xrodmuc316]

Why is Ali's titantron video just Judgement Day's wings video but white and yellow instead lol

[DAMN iNATOR]

Dunno, but I miss the days when the trons featured the name and image of the superstars and then doing moves