Friday Night Wrestling Megathread

[GD]

https://images.tntdrama.com/tnt/e_trim/https%3A%2F%2Fi.cdn.tntdrama.com%2Fassets%2Fimages%2F2021%2F07%2FAEW-Rampage-Left-TNTOriginal-900x360.png


https://www.wwe.com/f/styles/large/public/all/2019/09/Smackdown_TrueWhite--66d9055f66bb1262ebf4ada1c1652e3c.png

[Lock Jaw]

I thought that tag match was happening at the PPV.....

[GD]

I thought that tag match was happening at the PPV.....

You "thought" too much, homeboy you never stop thinking.

[Sepholio]

I thought that tag match was happening at the PPV.....

Why not both? -WWE

[xrodmuc316]

https://media.tenor.com/S8ryGVWSyQcAAAAM/wwe-la-knight.gif

[Sepholio]

While I doubt it would ever happen, it would be awesome if one day someone called him LA Knight in a promo and he just paused for a moment and said "Who the hell is LA Knight? I'm Eli Drake, dummy. YEAAAAAAH." And then just walks off.

[GD]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Smackdown got Vinced tonight. A lot of changes.</p>&mdash; Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1672394582149984256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[xrodmuc316]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Smackdown got Vinced tonight. A lot of changes.</p>&mdash; Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1672394582149984256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The only match that actually happened from the graphics you posted was the women's tag match, fucking Vinced tonight for sure.

[GD]

The only match that actually happened from the graphics you posted was the women's tag match, fucking Vinced tonight for sure.

Wow! Looks like they've retired the NXT Women's Tag Titles.

[GD]

Damb @ Bowens


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Bowens has some news to break to Harley Cameron.<br><br>WATCH <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWRampage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWRampage</a> on TNT!<a href="https://twitter.com/PlatinumMax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@platinummax</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Bowens_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bowens_official</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/RealBillyGunn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realbillygunn</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/itsdanni_ellexo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@itsdanni_ellexo</a> <a href="https://t.co/z59Ble3c9Z">pic.twitter.com/z59Ble3c9Z</a></p>&mdash; All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) <a href="https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1672431066982887424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

While I doubt it would ever happen, it would be awesome if one day someone called him LA Knight in a promo and he just paused for a moment and said "Who the hell is LA Knight? I'm Eli Drake, dummy. YEAAAAAAH." And then just walks off.

Would it?

[Sepholio]

LA Knight is a terrible name. This is not up for debate.

[Sepholio]

LA Knight sounds like someone who belongs in a sequel to Blankman.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I mean, I don’t love LA Knight as a name, but I don’t really care for him just magically becoming Eli Drake either.

[GD]

I found a concise way to consume Smackdown every week but I feel like it's a bit too long for Noid

<iframe width="1280" height="800" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ah6Ba2n1HNY" title="Top 10 Friday Night SmackDown moments: WWE Top 10, June 23, 2023" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[erickman]

LA night is so over

[xrodmuc316]

https://images.footballfanatics.com/la-knight/mens-black-la-knight-yeah!-t-shirt_ss5_p-200317574+pv-2+u-qgjdn9u4pl5aldajxlly+v-iotgeaoakqnkyx2islvt.jpg?_hv=2&w=900

[GD]

https://www.wwe.com/f/styles/wwe_16_9_xl/public/all/2023/07/20230623_SD_RomanSoloUsos_FC_Friday--4748e5d7abd0256e0aa8edde42d667ef.jpg

[Sepholio]

oooooh I'm already feeling ucey baby.

[XL]

Confirmed: The Rock returning tonight to set up a match with Roman for SummerSlam.

[GD]

Confirmed: The Rock returning tonight to set up a match with Roman for SummerSlam.

How dare you :mad:

[erickman]

wow 1st segment bloodline

[xrodmuc316]

Bloodline is the best!

[XL]

Did Kross just lose in about 2 minutes? :lol:

[XL]

I feel like SmackDown doesn’t feature enough variety in talent.

The Usos
Solo
Reigns
Edge
Waller
Styles
Kross
Charlotte
Asuka
Belair
IYO
Theory
Sheamus

Plus Pretty Deadly/Brawling Brutes, I gues.

[XL]

Ah, reading that the opening segment went long which is why the rest of the show felt like a sprint.

[xrodmuc316]

LA Knight blowing roofs off arenas again, YEAH!

[erickman]

good opening match LA the crowd fav

[XL]

Was not expecting Knight to lose.

[Ben Rodrigues]

Should've had Sami come out with Jay in the ring and hype up the match with Roman. Would've added more emotion/meaning to the match.

[erickman]

big red is there did wwe get him back

[Ben Rodrigues]

Nice video tribute to Bray

[GD]

Jimmy Uso's got new entrance music.

[xrodmuc316]

Rumors going around the one Dwayne The Rock Johnson is going to be at Smackdown tonight! Not sure if Roman is there but Solo and Paul abojt to be getting Rock Bottomed!

[xrodmuc316]

MCAFEE!!!

[xrodmuc316]

Rock on Smackdown R.I.P. Rampage :rofl:

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Don’t scroll through SRS’ Twitter page right before a show starts. Got the McAfee and Rock spoiler moments before it happened.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Fox censors working overtime during this segment muting the crowd

[Mr. Nerfect]

Rock on Smackdown R.I.P. Rampage :rofl:

They’ll probably get a massive number from the trickle down. And a whole bunch of people will see what a joke AEW is.

[GD]

Rock on Smackdown R.I.P. Rampage :rofl:

Yes. That’s the first thing I thought when I heard The Rock’s music play :roll:

[Mr. Nerfect]

It’s a good thing Austin Theory listened to Bryan Alvarez for that career advice.

[GD]

Don’t scroll through SRS’ Twitter page right before a show starts. Got the McAfee and Rock spoiler moments before it happened.

Not following SRS and Noid has greatly improved my enjoyment of professional wrestling.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I doubt Rock works a match, but am I the only one who doesn’t care THAT much about Rock vs. Roman. Rock was never the dominant champion Roman is. I think I would rather see Rock get into it with another guy on the roster and work magic with them.

Rock, LA Knight, Pat McAfee & Alpha Academy vs. The Judgment Day & Austin Theory could be cool as shit, for example.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Rock and Roman only works if Roman destroys Rock. And I dunno if Dwayne is coming back to do the job.

[xrodmuc316]

I kind of felt like Solo saying "I know what to do" is going to be him attacking The Rock, then Rock goes after him and Roman.

[Ben Rodrigues]

TKO proving there are levels to this.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Watched SmackDown. Pretty good show overall. The Grayson Waller shtick isn’t very good, is it?

[Ben Rodrigues]

Not especially. I'm remaining hopeful that whatever Triple H sees in him will eventuate.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I liked the match I saw between him and Johnny Gargano. The whole “talk show host” thing is just so played out though. That’s the biggest problem him and Austin Theory have, in my opinion — they’re doing this thing that countless other guys have done before them. Theory comes to life when he is being goofy. Waller’s scrolls along the bottom of the screen aren’t even funny. At least make this shit memorable and have them talk shit about guys.

The show is very well structured. Basically everything flowed into something else you can care about. You see stars several times across the show. The storylines seem deeper than what you’d get elsewhere too. The Judgment Day/Jimmy Uso/Jey Uso stuff is actually somewhat interesting. Pushing AJ Styles is cool. LA Knight is fucking over.

It does have that WWE veneer over the top of everything. Could definitely use the feeling of being more organic. A lot of their “great talkers” aren’t really great. Waller, in particular.

[mitchables]

i am an unabashed mark for LA knight and wish the very best of things for him because i think he is great and genuinely a very entertaining all-rounder but man it feels like he is barely in control of his move set sometimes. feel like i am constantly stressed out he is going to botch and i can't really put my finger on why

feud with the miz has been a quality exercise for both of them though, good stuff

wheeling out the rock to try to stoke cheap heat for austin theory certainly was a choice

[RaginRonic]

They’ll probably get a massive number from the trickle down. And a whole bunch of people will see what a joke AEW is.

You seriously need to stop giving yourself bukkake, Nerfect....it's a bad look. ;)

[Mr. Nerfect]

i am an unabashed mark for LA knight and wish the very best of things for him because i think he is great and genuinely a very entertaining all-rounder but man it feels like he is barely in control of his move set sometimes. feel like i am constantly stressed out he is going to botch and i can't really put my finger on why

feud with the miz has been a quality exercise for both of them though, good stuff

wheeling out the rock to try to stoke cheap heat for austin theory certainly was a choice

He’s won me over. I thought he was the shits a few years ago. I know what you mean though. There was the one really notable botch this match. I get “worried” for him. Like he’s going to lose control and everything will disappear.

[Lock Jaw]

Austin Theory is kinda bad... dunno why he keeps getting such a big push.... I guess he's better than Baron Corbin, but pretty much the exact same interest (zero) in them as a legit "top heel".

[Mr. Nerfect]

Theory’s good. He just needs to put it all together. There’s a reason he keeps getting put in these spots. Austin, Rock, McAfee, Vince and Cena aren’t working with just anyone.

[Volchok]

Not following SRS and Noid has greatly improved my enjoyment of professional wrestling.

SRS blocked me in a thread he wasnt tagged in that was talking about him doing blow on camera.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Forgive the guy. He was coked out of his mind.

[Mr. Nerfect]

On Theory: The material he’s handed is a little weak and his delivery isn’t the greatest. He comes alive when he’s reacting to others. He reminds me of Orton pre-Viper.

[mitchables]

He’s won me over. I thought he was the shits a few years ago. I know what you mean though. There was the one really notable botch this match. I get “worried” for him. Like he’s going to lose control and everything will disappear.

100%. it just feels more on a knife edge than it should for someone this far into their career

like at payback when he did the jump up onto the barricade to do the dive onto miz, his one foot clipped the wall and i thought he was going to faceplant. it just wasn't clean/confident

and then occasionally with the "innovative" way (commentator's words) he does things like DDTs... like it looks like the miz is genuinely taken by surprise and doesn't really know how he is supposed to execute the move, idk

BFT looked the best it has looked this past week though. was on the fence about it as a finisher bc it has historically looked not great but i came around to it in this last match

notable absence of his people's elbow knock-off with rock in the building though lmao

i know this sounds like i am ragging on the guy, which i am not. he is v much over with me and i really want to see him go all the way

probably because he seems like such an underdog and it's been such a hard and long road for him to get here, and he has succeeded *despite* WWE, not because of them

i love a wrestler that gets themselves over and forces the company's hand. and it's also doubtlessly because of the undeniable attitude era of it all

but man, those edges

[mitchables]

Austin Theory is kinda bad... dunno why he keeps getting such a big push.... I guess he's better than Baron Corbin, but pretty much the exact same interest (zero) in them as a legit "top heel".

i think the issue is they're trying so hard to make him this big-deal heel but he still only seems to generate x-pac heat

i get trying to make him seem genuinely unlikeable by "it doesn't matter"ing the rock and whatever but all that segment did was make him look worse than a 50-year-old part-timer and also pat mcafee, idk

[Lock Jaw]

i think the issue is they're trying so hard to make him this big-deal heel but he still only seems to generate x-pac heat

i get trying to make him seem genuinely unlikeable by "it doesn't matter"ing the rock and whatever but all that segment did was make him look worse than a 50-year-old part-timer and also pat mcafee, idk

That's the biggest problem with him. I guess I didn't see any of his initial run really... just from his match with Steve Austin onward.... I hear tell that he was "less serious" back then... which would be great.

The big problem is they try to present him as "serious" and "legit", but then he had a never-ending US Title reign where I don't think he actually "earned" any victories, but just cheated or squeaked out a win or whatever.

Which is all fine and good if you play that up, but instead everyone, including the commentators, kept trying to push how legit he was... and rather than being like a smarmy coward type even Theory tries to present himself as bigtime legit....

And it just doesn't work because there is a huge disconnect in what we actually see from his character.

[mitchables]

That's the biggest problem with him. I guess I didn't see any of his initial run really... just from his match with Steve Austin onward.... I hear tell that he was "less serious" back then... which would be great.

The big problem is they try to present him as "serious" and "legit", but then he had a never-ending US Title reign where I don't think he actually "earned" any victories, but just cheated or squeaked out a win or whatever.

Which is all fine and good if you play that up, but instead everyone, including the commentators, kept trying to push how legit he was... and rather than being like a smarmy coward type even Theory tries to present himself as bigtime legit....

And it just doesn't work because there is a huge disconnect in what we actually see from his character.

precisely this--compare with someone like dom mysterio, for example, who very much *is* leaning into the dirty-win, smarmy coward archetype (who nonetheless throws himself in harm's way to protect his stablemates, which is a cool little element of his character)

dom just seems like a far more believable/entertaining heel. the crowd not letting him talk is hilarious. still has a bit of work to do in-ring but i think everyone sees the potential there. he has real heat and has made himself enjoyably unlikeable

theory has dom's passive aura but tries to carry himself, presumably at the company's behest, like game-era triple h. it's just a total disconnect, absolutely

[Tom Guycott]

I liked the match I saw between him and Johnny Gargano. The whole “talk show host” thing is just so played out though.

[...]

It does have that WWE veneer over the top of everything. Could definitely use the feeling of being more organic. A lot of their “great talkers” aren’t really great. Waller, in particular.

I prob'ly should have just left the whole quote and bolded these, but I wanted to address these two things in particular:

Wasn't the talk show thing in his case initially in place to cover for some injury? I thought this case in particular was similar to the whole Randy Orton/RNN/shoulder injury "update inturruption" vignettes around his debut. But, you are right, there is an overutilization of guys having a "talk show" with set dressing on a show that already features a lot of talking as opposed to what it is supposed to be featuring.

But that kind of goes into that second bit I cropped about the "WWE veneer over the top of everything". And with all that formula often comes detriment. You can't explicitly judge how well a "great talker" is or isn't until they get an opportunity to actually show it. Sometimes, you'll have a situation like Big Show, who, for the longest time, had the knock on him that he "lacked charisma". All that lasted for YEARS until he got the chance to be funny on an SNL appearance alongside HHH and Mick Foley for one of The Rock's earler guest spots there. If he hadn't been there, Show's whole persona would have prob'ly been consistently distilled to "giant smash" until he was done with the company, and nobody would have had any idea how much "charisma" the man had. More recently, we can go to their current cash cow in Roman Reigns.

There was a lot of hay made about how absolutely gawdawful he was on the mic. Even by myself, as I like to point out his fucking abysmal "I'm the man" speil. However, at the same time he was the silent heavy for The Shield or given gems like "suffering succotash", a lot of folks on social media - both fans and other wrestlers - thought he came off as a really cool guy in person at fan events and such, and wondered why he sounded like such a hokey dork on TV when he was so chill and quick witted in person.

It's not always a failing of the talent, even though that is WWE's - and in particular, Vince's - go-to excuse when sometimes, they're being hamstrung by the very machine behind them being OVERLY formulaic with how things supposedly should work. Drew McIntyre's initial run was pretty sucky thanks to WWE creative, and then he basically made the most of his time there with the 3MB stuff before getting housecleaned. After being allowed to show what he could work and how he could talk on the indies, the same company that saw no value because of how shitty his setup was wanted him back. He was going to fire Kane because both of his initial gimmicks were ass. He had to be talked into keeping John Cena because he "didn't see it" in him.

Meanwhile, when things ARE WORKING that aren't in the plans - like LA Knight, or Daniel Bryan (even if you ignore them ignoring him, the whole Wyatt Family heel turn was a naked attempt to kill that push), or even the initial rise of Austin 3:16 (folks forget, Austin was just "a good hand" destined in Vince's eyes to be a perpetual midcarder at best, and capitalizing on the trend while eliminating what was clearly hot bootleg merchandise was what reluctantly changed his mind) usually get ignored, pushed aside, treated like a fad when it isn't or distilled down to a fad and getting in on it too late (Fandango's music - the tried to kill the crowd doing it at first, then after pigeonholing him as insignificant, decides that's the time to tell everyone "the crowd is Fandangoing!"

They set up a guy like a Baron Corbin to be this immediate big deal waaaaaayyyy before he was ready for it, exposed him as being green and totally not ready, then tried to push him anyway forever and let him flail for years in a lot of unimpressive roles. Now that he's way more comfortable in his own skin and could prob'ly get away with what they tried to groom him for like a decade ago, they aren't even considering it. On the flip side, you get a guy like Bron Breakker who is basically still in NXT for no reason. He was pretty much ready for prime time as he walked in the door, but he gets to waste time in his career for no other real reason than it appears he just isn't in the cards for the main roster right now. And yes, I know those two are in a program with one another right now, but one should be on the way up, and the other had to fall from a great height that he needed to recover from but shouldn't have had to.

Overall, the TL;DR of it is that there are a lot of times WWE is WWE's biggest problem with a talent. They could feisably be sitting on a wealth of above average talkers, but you'd never know, because they're either tragically mute or get shitty scripts and catchphrases.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Not sure about the injury. If so, then they should still be doing a better job. The Twitter scrawl at the bottom of his segment on SmackDown was just embarrassing. The whole thing was a mess and his delivery was awful.

Maybe the guy can talk in a more organic setting? Whatever. He doesn’t seem gun-shy. It just seemed like high school theater.

[Sepholio]

I am pretty sure the whole thing with Waller being injured is accurate. He actually broke his fibula at some point during his last NXT match against Carmelo Hayes and kept going and finished it out anyways. He was supposed to be called up immediately but obviously that didn't work out with the injury. Took him several months to rehab it enough to where he could even walk around and start returning to normal mobility, which is when they had him start doing the "talk" appearances to remind people about him even though he wasn't quite ready to go in ring yet.

[Mr. Nerfect]

There are other things you can do besides a horrible talk show. The execution of it is bad.

[XL]

No LA Knight?

Who tags with Cena? Rock?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Is LA Knight going to be out for Fastlane? They could do an AJ Styles return, but Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso both make sense. There’s also always Chad Gable.

[Mr. Nerfect]

SmackDown was really good. Lots of depth to their stories. More than you’re used to in wrestling anyway. Weird there were only 3 matches and 1 of them was impromptu. I feel that damages the illusion of the show being about, you know, wrestling. Street Profits vs. lWo was boring at the start. Dawkins is taller than Bobby Lashley. That’s weird. Lashley is good in his role.

I was actually really impressed by Ridge the Fridge. He does some cool stuff. Not sure how safe he is overall lol. Austin Theory & Grayson Waller make a good tag team.

[XL]

Should have read the casual forum thread first, which seems backwards.

Knight pulled from the show due to COVID. Planned to team with Cena vs Bloodline.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He was planned to do an angle on the show, but Fastlane is a couple of weeks away isn’t it?

[GD]

Should have read the casual forum thread first, which seems backwards.

Knight pulled from the show due to COVID. Planned to team with Cena vs Bloodline.

It's only fair to do so when the wrestling forum is riddled with nonsensical takes from old geezers with mental health problems.

[XL]

He was planned to do an angle on the show, but Fastlane is a couple of weeks away isn’t it?

Yeah. I imagine he’ll be back to setup the match next week.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If they want to keep Knight out for a bit and have someone else step in, I’m cool with that too.

[Lock Jaw]

They should have Paul London step in

[GD]

They should have Paul London step in

Fucking legend! Reminds of that old wrestling forum poster, Alienoid06


https://cdn4.whatculture.com/images/2021/03/a642c7b0619e8ff6-600x338.jpg

[Mr. Nerfect]

They should have Paul London step in

The window has closed on the youngster from Austin, sadly. They missed their opportunity by not having him behind the limo explosion or having him help Shawn Michaels against Vince McMahon in his rivalry against Shawn and God.

The building blocks were all there. Paul’s first match in the WWE was signed by Mr. McMahon. He was put in the ring with WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar. It all comes around as London looks for revenge for being overlooked.

[xrodmuc316]

L.A. Knight is so over, it is outstanding.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-4EXxjdkPA?si=m8va0tmClNcYGI9r&amp;start=370" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[RaginRonic]

It's only fair to do so when the wrestling forum is riddled with nonsensical takes from old geezers with mental health problems.

Speaking from experience, are we? ;)

[xrodmuc316]

That is the pop Tiny WISHES he could get when he enters the arena. HHH Rules All!

[xrodmuc316]

Dominik Mysterio is incredible lol

[Ben Rodrigues]

Smackdown is big time. Epic staredown between Cody and Roman! Finish the story!

[mitchables]

Dominik Mysterio is incredible lol

he is so good, seriously. just a tremendously punchable heel

[mitchables]

also cena is doing so much to help put LA knight even further over and i kind of love him for it

although going straight for the universal title feels weird; like there's no way knight beats roman when they're so clearly working up to reigns v cody at WM40... don't want knight to be thrown under the bus to kill time

put the US title on him or trade him to raw so he can end gunther's reign

straight to universal title just feels like a bit of a leap

[mitchables]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">a shot.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmackDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmackDown</a> <a href="https://t.co/OZHsjsvsr4">pic.twitter.com/OZHsjsvsr4</a></p>&mdash; Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestleOps/status/1712985812239786445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

this was a sick shot tho

[mitchables]

also KO traded to smackdown was a choice i guess

[Mr. Nerfect]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">a shot.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmackDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmackDown</a> <a href="https://t.co/OZHsjsvsr4">pic.twitter.com/OZHsjsvsr4</a></p>&mdash; Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestleOps/status/1712985812239786445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

this was a sick shot tho

That’s actually artistic.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Big mistake if Roman beats LA Knight, I feel. Knight should win the belt or they need something to spin him off and put it on him at Mania.

[DaveWadding]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">a shot.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmackDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmackDown</a> <a href="https://t.co/OZHsjsvsr4">pic.twitter.com/OZHsjsvsr4</a></p>&mdash; Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestleOps/status/1712985812239786445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

this was a sick shot tho

YEAHHHHHHHH ze goggles, zey do nothing!
https://i.ibb.co/8mgZT0v/Picsart-23-10-14-17-33-26-015.png (https://ibb.co/vc4ngHy)

[drave]

Big mistake if Roman beats LA Knight, I feel. Knight should win the belt or they need something to spin him off and put it on him at Mania.

This is actually a great idea. It'd be fresh in addition to having one of those "will he lose" champs who seem "beatable" by most of the roster.

They'll play it safe and keep it boring tho :(

[Mr. Nerfect]

They’ve just done Roman screwing over the babyface so many times that I don’t think you can be surprised by it. It’s another straw on the camel’s back.

[Ruien]

LA Knight wins with Jey, Cody, Owens, and Sami interfering. The number games catch up to Roman as he loses the same way he has defended the title.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That’s not a bad idea. I don’t think you want too many faces getting involved. Makes LA Knight look a bit weak. Solo can take out Cena earlier in their match (if that happens). Cody can just not show up. Story drama. Owens can do something with Jimmy that can take them both out. That leaves Zayn and Jey to cancel out Jimmy and Solo in the main event. Maybe Cena cancels out a super-desperate Heyman so he can get in on it?

[DAMN iNATOR]

I’ll go ahead and say it. I don’t “get” Louisiana (that’s intentional, deal with it...YEAH) Knight or why he’s so popular.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I used to hate Eli Drake. HATE Eli Drake. Warmed up to him because of his NWA work and realized he “got it.” Sometimes his work is a little glossy and performative, but underneath it is the drive of a guy who actually works like he’s a logical entity.

He does what is studied to have worked and what suits him. He doesn’t do “too much.” Everything ties into who he is supposed to be, even if that personality is an affectation. It’s why I started to notice Rusev in WWE too and stopped seeing him as a foreign heel pushed too hard.

It helps that Knight was put into a program with Bray Wyatt. RIP and all, but the guy absolutely sucked. He’s been riding that momentum. But that’s also why they can’t count on him being over forever even if they hit him with Mack truck after Mack truck.

[Ben Rodrigues]

El-Ay-Nite!

[Ben Rodrigues]

USA Network commented on photo of LA Knight with Roman in his glasses posted by WWE with "look in my eyes, what do you see?"

Oh my goodness.

[erickman]

yeah this smack down is good

[erickman]

time for a cena match uhoh solo

[Mr. Nerfect]

USA Network commented on photo of LA Knight with Roman in his glasses posted by WWE with "look in my eyes, what do you see?"

Oh my goodness.

WWE doesn’t want him back tho. You’ve got to memba that.

[Ben Rodrigues]

WWE doesn’t want him back tho. You’ve got to memba that.

:lol::lol:

Can't wait for Survivor Series. Wrestling is back!

[xrodmuc316]

USA Network commented on photo of LA Knight with Roman in his glasses posted by WWE with "look in my eyes, what do you see?"

Oh my goodness.

WITH EVERYBODY SAYING!!!!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">YEAH! <a href="https://t.co/a194vNO4uN">https://t.co/a194vNO4uN</a></p>&mdash; RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/RheaRipley_WWE/status/1714473245443817725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Ben Rodrigues]

WITH EVERYBODY SAYING!!!!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">YEAH! <a href="https://t.co/a194vNO4uN">https://t.co/a194vNO4uN</a></p>&mdash; RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/RheaRipley_WWE/status/1714473245443817725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

:lol:

[Ben Rodrigues]

The product right now feels (at least to me) like a toned-down version of 1997 WWF. LA Knight playing the role of Steve Austin about to face The Undertaker at Cold Day In Hell.

[Helmsphere]

The time is now to put the belt on LA Knight. He's got and you need to do it. Even if Roman wins the belt back literally 3 weeks later. It would do a lot of good, as good as Roman work has been during this time, he needs to be defeated so his character can turn another corner.

[Ben Rodrigues]

The time is now to put the belt on LA Knight. He's got and you need to do it. Even if Roman wins the belt back literally 3 weeks later. It would do a lot of good, as good as Roman work has been during this time, he needs to be defeated so his character can turn another corner.

Kind of conflicted on this one. As much as I want LA Knight (or Cody) to he the WWE Champion, I don't know if I want Roman Reign's title reign to end. Also Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes 2 at Weestlemania feels bigger than the first time round.

[Ben Rodrigues]

WWE doesn’t want him back tho. You’ve got to memba that.

Given what has already happened with Vince and with the company looking to maximise the TV rights deal, I can't imagine a world where Ari Emmanuel would let Vince McMahon's personal feelings get in the way of them signing a major star that would make the organisation more valuable. They're still in debt from the UFC acquisition so anything that has the potential to return profit would be appealing.

Besides, it's not like they haven't dealt with backstage conflict. The UFC has had numerous incidents over the last few years with athletes getting into backstage scuffles at events. Also, the parent company deals with movie stars who I'm sure have been difficult to work with at times.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I highly doubt Vince McMahon even gives a shit. It gives off real bullshit made up by the dirt sheet writers vibes.

[Sepholio]

Exactly. That guy isn't important enough for Vince to give a shit about him.

[Ben Rodrigues]

Exactly. That guy isn't important enough for Vince to give a shit about him.

Nah, Punk is awesome.

[Ben Rodrigues]

I highly doubt Vince McMahon even gives a shit. It gives off real bullshit made up by the dirt sheet writers vibes.

True!

[Mr. Nerfect]

Conspiracy theory: Dave and SRS have been engaged to make Punk’s signing with WWE seem unlikely so the optics of him signing with anyone else seem less damaging to AEW.

[Ben Rodrigues]

Conspiracy theory: Dave and SRS have been engaged to make Punk’s signing with WWE seem unlikely so the optics of him signing with anyone else seem less damaging to AEW.

:lol: makes sense. AEW is done. They can do all the damage control they want. It will never be bigger than it is now.

I watched AEW every week when it first started and then I realised it was ass and stopped watching the shows and buying PPVs. They wasted Daniel Bryan. CM Punk got me invested again. I watched everything he did and bought PPVs he was on. Now that he is out, I have zero interest in what they do.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I wanted it to succeed so bad. But it just hasn’t been good.

They can pull out the stunts to try and surprise people, but everyone knows that the Khans have more money than some nations. They had CM Punk, who can talk so well it covers up for any deficits he might have as a performer. He was also willing to help with creative and was actually help structure the shows and discipline the roster. They ran him off. Now we’re supposed to get excited about Edge or Dolph Ziggler? Dudes, you’re gonna run them off too. How are they going to make a difference?

The shows are either as bad as they’ve always been or even getting worse. The fresh car smell is long gone. Other products are just…better. I’m now rooting for Impact or the NWA to get their shit together so whatever marks left for this shit have to realise that 900k on prime time basic cable isn’t impressive.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I used to hate Eli Drake. HATE Eli Drake. Warmed up to him because of his NWA work and realized he “got it.” Sometimes his work is a little glossy and performative, but underneath it is the drive of a guy who actually works like he’s a logical entity.

He does what is studied to have worked and what suits him. He doesn’t do “too much.” Everything ties into who he is supposed to be, even if that personality is an affectation. It’s why I started to notice Rusev in WWE too and stopped seeing him as a foreign heel pushed too hard.

It helps that Knight was put into a program with Bray Wyatt. RIP and all, but the guy absolutely sucked. He’s been riding that momentum. But that’s also why they can’t count on him being over forever even if they hit him with Mack truck after Mack truck.

I guess part of it for me is that it seems they’re pushing way too hard to make “YEAH!” the next “WHAT?!” and it doesn’t help that the crowds chant it every time Knight opens his big dumb mouth. Just seems like they’re trying too hard to push him as a middle-aged edgelord, and I find that extremely off—putting.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I used to see him as just a catchphrase/Rock cosplayer in TNA. And he was honestly close to being just that. But his work does have more dimension than that. I’d be happy if they leant more into him being a more organic character, but it’s been there in the clips I’ve seen.

[xrodmuc316]

Every week it seems Knight gets bigger and bigger reactions. It's not just the the level of the noise though, it is the movement of the audience. They are jumping to their feet, and are very animated which you just don't see much anymore.

[xrodmuc316]

LOL

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bayley vs “Michael Cole” finally takes place! �� <a href="https://t.co/kdvcmloqbO">pic.twitter.com/kdvcmloqbO</a></p>&mdash; Kaylee♡ (@kotaXdeville) <a href="https://twitter.com/kotaXdeville/status/1718066047545156095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[DaveWadding]

That Penta / Vikingo / Komander match absolutely fucked. Gonna end up watching that one on replay. Wow.

[DAMN iNATOR]

LMAO Leave it to Bianca to ruin a heartfelt reunion and nice moment. :nono: 🤦🙎

[Lock Jaw]

That damn jezebelle

[Ben Rodrigues]

Cody Rhodes in Nick Aldis' office!? What is happening!?

[erickman]

road dogg on color tonight

[Black Widow]

Cody Rhodes in Nick Aldis' office!? What is happening!?making the sex tape to get them fired from the company

[erickman]

eskbar getting real heel heat the dom kind

[xrodmuc316]

LOL man WWE never learns.

They are trying to setup this Iyo/Charlotte showdown, and the fans are chanting "Becky Becky Becky", just like everytime they try to push Charlotte.

[rez]

making the sex tape to get them fired from the company

https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/191/035/135.png

[DAMN iNATOR]

LOL man WWE never learns.

They are trying to setup this Iyo/Charlotte showdown, and the fans are chanting "Becky Becky Becky", just like everytime they try to push Charlotte.

Xs5k7hVjlbY

[Mr. Nerfect]

That should just be the storyline: Fuck you, I’m better than you, but the people love you because they think there’s a chance you’ll blow ‘em.

[Mr. Nerfect]

So I watched SmackDown for the first time in ages. Just didn’t feel like it last week, despite the Punk buzz. My thoughts:

* I don’t get this Kevin Patrick as an announcer. He’s obviously in the WWE mould. He brought up an interesting tidbit every now and then, but it’s just still that annoying Vince style.

* The opening segment was good in terms of story told, but it went FOREVER. Jimmy Uso was a bit hammy with his acting. Paul Heyman’s facial expressions are gold. Orton is great. It’s just…so long. It could be told a lot quicker.

* Carmelo Hayes looked impressive as shit. Man he’s a talent. Grayson Waller can go too. He’s quite innovative.

* Logan Paul’s little inserts were about as entertaining as the matches themselves.

* Owens and Theory was good wrestling too. Told a story around the hand. Theory seems to be doing more acrobatics. A nod to Waller teaming with him? He’s such a talent. Owens seems better than ever, to be honest.

* The women’s tag was alright. Seems like they’re abandoning the Bayley leaving the group storyline. That’s kind of interesting. Wonder if it’s kayfabe a strategy to put Charlotte off they don’t need now or if it’s still going to be a factor? I like Bayley has a specific goal in the Rumble.

* They advertised a lot for next week. The women’s tag and the US Title semi-finals. Dragon Lee vs. Butch is an interesting choice.

* Not sure I buy this Karrion Kross stuff.

* Jimmy Uso is quite the worker. I enjoyed his match with Orton. Dude is legit in that top mix, huh? The ending of the show was quite dramatic. Roman got physical, the drama between the top faces (and top heels) continued. The AJ return was well done and I’m intrigued by his heel tun. My guess is he’s reconsidered going against the Bloodline like Anderson suggested, and got annoyed seeing LA Knight take his spot and end up fine and getting a title shot.

[Ben Rodrigues]

So I watched SmackDown for the first time in ages. Just didn’t feel like it last week, despite the Punk buzz. My thoughts:

* I don’t get this Kevin Patrick as an announcer. He’s obviously in the WWE mould. He brought up an interesting tidbit every now and then, but it’s just still that annoying Vince style.

* The opening segment was good in terms of story told, but it went FOREVER. Jimmy Uso was a bit hammy with his acting. Paul Heyman’s facial expressions are gold. Orton is great. It’s just…so long. It could be told a lot quicker.

* Carmelo Hayes looked impressive as shit. Man he’s a talent. Grayson Waller can go too. He’s quite innovative.

* Logan Paul’s little inserts were about as entertaining as the matches themselves.

* Owens and Theory was good wrestling too. Told a story around the hand. Theory seems to be doing more acrobatics. A nod to Waller teaming with him? He’s such a talent. Owens seems better than ever, to be honest.

* The women’s tag was alright. Seems like they’re abandoning the Bayley leaving the group storyline. That’s kind of interesting. Wonder if it’s kayfabe a strategy to put Charlotte off they don’t need now or if it’s still going to be a factor? I like Bayley has a specific goal in the Rumble.

* They advertised a lot for next week. The women’s tag and the US Title semi-finals. Dragon Lee vs. Butch is an interesting choice.

* Not sure I buy this Karrion Kross stuff.

* Jimmy Uso is quite the worker. I enjoyed his match with Orton. Dude is legit in that top mix, huh? The ending of the show was quite dramatic. Roman got physical, the drama between the top faces (and top heels) continued. The AJ return was well done and I’m intrigued by his heel tun. My guess is he’s reconsidered going against the Bloodline like Anderson suggested, and got annoyed seeing LA Knight take his spot and end up fine and getting a title shot.


Bloodline in general is like that. It's like Days of Our Lives. I don't mind jt as I always want to know going to happen next and the twists and turns are intriguing.

Yeah Carmello Hayes is solid. Kind of annoyed that Austin Theory loses everytime he wrestles.

They need more women's teams. It seems like it's always x and x teaming up randomly.

I'm still hopeful for Karion Kross. He just needs something/someone interesting.

Glad they're doing something with LA Knight beyond being Randy Orton's buddy. AJ Styles is a solid way to keep him busy.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I like the idea of Theory & Waller as a team. If there were two Tag Championships, I could definitely see them ruling the roost on Smackers.

I’ve noticed a ramping up of the women’s tag division. They emphasized The Kabuki Warriors as an actual team. Yim & Zelina even had an aesthetic this week. Don’t know how long that lasts. But I’m pretty sure Triple H’s prerogative is to make the women’s tag scene better than AEW’s men’s tag scene. :lol:

[Ben Rodrigues]

That's a good idea. They'd be good tag team champions.

Oh yes - that reminds me. Two things:

1. Heard Raven say years ago about how unrealistic it is for wrestlers to get kicked in the gut and stay hunched over waiting for a move (happened a lot with Booker T). It's bothered me ever since. It looks far better when they drop to a knee, try to correct themselves by using their hand to push off the mat and then take the move. Almost all wrestlers just wait. Been noticing it especially with Carmelo's finish as he has to climb to the top rope.

2. Is this holding onto the ropes with both arms and hanging in mid air waiting for your opponent to hit you with a move new? Saw Dom do it on NXT and Waller do it on Smackdown. Horrible.

Lol, such a competitor, must still be angry with the ratings tweet Tony put out when NXT beat AEW. Heard the other day more about Triple H going over CM Punk after he won the WWE title. I know Punk implied it but it was interesting to hear Nash confirm that Triple H did deliberately try to sabotage him by telling Nash that Nash was no longer going to wrestle Punk and that he was going to and beat him. All because Punk pissed Triple H off.

[Sepholio]

AJ Styles looked absolutely jacked last night. But I guess he is from GAINSville, so.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Didn’t notice AJ being jacked honestly. Was probably distracted by his glorious hair.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Points to Roman for letting his hair fly when the brawling started. It’s the little things.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That's a good idea. They'd be good tag team champions.

Oh yes - that reminds me. Two things:

1. Heard Raven say years ago about how unrealistic it is for wrestlers to get kicked in the gut and stay hunched over waiting for a move (happened a lot with Booker T). It's bothered me ever since. It looks far better when they drop to a knee, try to correct themselves by using their hand to push off the mat and then take the move. Almost all wrestlers just wait. Been noticing it especially with Carmelo's finish as he has to climb to the top rope.

2. Is this holding onto the ropes with both arms and hanging in mid air waiting for your opponent to hit you with a move new? Saw Dom do it on NXT and Waller do it on Smackdown. Horrible.

Lol, such a competitor, must still be angry with the ratings tweet Tony put out when NXT beat AEW. Heard the other day more about Triple H going over CM Punk after he won the WWE title. I know Punk implied it but it was interesting to hear Nash confirm that Triple H did deliberately try to sabotage him by telling Nash that Nash was no longer going to wrestle Punk and that he was going to and beat him. All because Punk pissed Triple H off.

Yeah, that holding onto the ropes spot is a little much. I guess the “psychology” is that the wrestler is trying to pull themselves up, but there isn’t enough visible struggle.

Hayes does sooooo many things incredibly well, but maybe that particular spot should go.

[erickman]

now this site works time for a good smackdown

[Ben Rodrigues]

now this site works time for a good smackdown

:heart:

[erickman]

game time

[erickman]

aj jobbing again

[Lock Jaw]

HHH: "Here's the thing..."

[DAMN iNATOR]

So now Rock is officially in The Bloodline. OK, I'll bite, but the payoff had better be worth it.

[Ben Rodrigues]

Interested to see how this plays out.

Built this promo up in my head to where there was no way it was going to actually going to be as good. It was fine - looking forward to stronger promos in future. Not a fan of The Rock dressing like Ricky Starks...

[Fignuts]

That was the classic $500 shirt, or a version of it anyway. So if anything, ricky starks dresses like old school rock.

[screech]

I hope we get more $500 and $800 shirts.

[XL]

That was the classic $500 shirt, or a version of it anyway. So if anything, ricky starks dresses like old school rock.

Very nearly posted this but figured BR had to be joking…

[mitchables]

it is very funny seeing the rock do his 1999/2003 schtick in 2024 and just being surprised when it does not go very well

like i know "fatty" was something he used to say all the time in his promos but he dropped it on smackdown in that bit about smacking the guy's herpes off his lips and of course he is now in the year of our lord 2k twenty four being vocally dragged for fat shaming lmao

[Ben Rodrigues]

Very nearly posted this but figured BR had to be joking…

:lol: more pointing out that he looked like a blown up version of Ricky Starks. Aware of the $500 shirts from the 90s. Don't recall them being in vest form though!

[mitchables]

also idk man he seems weaker on the mic than he used to be? like he is a very lazy promo writer now. big reliance on just rolling out The Hits

i will be genuinely interested to see how he goes in the ring. doesn't seem like there's a tonne of steam in the tank but here's hoping he surprises me with what he's cooking

perhaps my sense of smell deceives me, as it were

[mitchables]

:lol: more pointing out that he looked like a blown up version of Ricky Starks. Aware of the $500 shirts from the 90s. Don't recall them being in vest form though!

i have googled ricky starks and am delighted to report he looks much too little to believably be dressing that way. a deeply unserious choice

[The Fraze]

That Bloodline segment was absolutely sick, love this iteration of The Rock. Gonna get him over as a heel with him being this cool if they're not careful.

[Ben Rodrigues]

That Bloodline segment was absolutely sick, love this iteration of The Rock. Gonna get him over as a heel with him being this cool if they're not careful.

That's the challenge. They're starting to cheer him again. Looking forward to seeing him go face to face with Cody.

[The Fraze]

Has been mildly infuriating to see kids crying about the Die Rocky Die sign, not researching it at all, or realizing that it's a callback to when The Rock first turned heel.

[Ben Rodrigues]

Forum holding for Smackdown!?

[Ben Rodrigues]

Look at him now!

[Ben Rodrigues]

Good. Thank goodness it's not Austin Theory jobbing again.

[Ben Rodrigues]

I am a fan of the tag rope. They need to bring this rule back consistently.

[Ben Rodrigues]

Logan Paul. So good.

[Ben Rodrigues]

Naomi heel turn?

[Ben Rodrigues]

LA Knight needs to be a world champion. Crowded at the top!

[erickman]

mania smackdown tonight

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

That didn't look good, hope Tozawa is alright.

[erickman]

andrata is a face now

[erickman]

uh oh cody vs paul next ppv

[The Fraze]

Haven't caught up with Down of Smacketh yet but initial thoughts are that Cody vs Logan Paul is too soon and could have been huge down the road. Might feel differently after watching, though.

Regardless, hate champion vs champion matches. It takes away a feature match from whatever card it's on.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Hey at least after his bro gets his shit pushed in by Mike Tyson, they can commiserate about what losers they both are in every sense of the word.

[The Fraze]

Holy sh*t, it's DAMN iNATOR.

[screech]

They 100p will tell Mike Tyson to "pull back" against Jake Paul, right? Like there's no way Tyson will actually just destroy Paul. (Right?)

[Destor]

As ive heard it there was an agreement in the Roy Jones JR fight to not head hunt because Tysons size advantage would lead to a rapid mauling and it was an exhibition.

To my understanding there is not such thing is the Paul fight. Its a real fight. It counts on their pro-records.

If true, and im fairly certain it is, Tyson will be coming at him at full force.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I’m intrigued by Logan Paul as the next Cody challenger. Champion vs. champion can be an interesting gimmick if not overused. Makes everything feel more fluid. Think it’s better for the US Title to get this sort of spotlight than it just hovering around on its own island — no matter how good Logan Paul is.

[screech]

Well the prospect of that has me more intrigued about this (not really a boxing fan, tbh).

[drave]

They 100p will tell Mike Tyson to "pull back" against Jake Paul, right? Like there's no way Tyson will actually just destroy Paul. (Right?)

To add on what Destor said about it being a pro fight......


Tyson is training for fucking war dude. There was a recent interview where he sounds like the Tyson of "yesterday".

"Dude, you look like you're 20 years old. What're you doing?"

- I'm eatin raw meat

"What? C'mon Mike man, be real, you spit that out though right? You used to spit that out back in the day."

- My opponent gonna be raw meat




He's going to be a fucking beast.

[screech]

I did not see that but hell yeah

[xrodmuc316]

Tyson's problem was never he started losing punching power, but that his foot speed slowed. That is to say, even at his age, I wouldn't want that guy punching me.

Money Mayweather, who is one of the most accurate with his punches, accidentally knocked Logan Paul out when they had their bout, which is to say there is no chance Mike Tyson can control his punches enough not to knock Jake Paul loopy.

[Destor]

Yeah youre exactly right. What made Tyson elite was the speed of his power punches. He could throw punches that most heavy weights would dream of throwing faster than you could see them. When his speed became more reasonable his power was easier to avoid for Lewis or other elite technical boxers.


Paul isnt an elite technical boxer. He's a solid to good amateur level boxer. Tyson still throws with enough force to punch through Pauls guard. Easily. Paul i think has the reach advantage but Tyson has more than enough skill to walk him down and more than enough resilience to eat his shots.


Paul is left with a punchers chance and in 14oz gloves Paul is looking at 1% chance here to knock Tyson out. The only question that's left is can Tyson get a knock out at 60 in 14oz gloves.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Holy sh*t, it's DAMN iNATOR.

I’d be on more often if the boards were more stable.

Seriously, Triple A has been running his April Fools 2024 joke way too long now. :shifty: