Whether you call it sports entertainment, or professional wrestling, (I prefer athletic novelas), we can all agree that aside from athleticism, storytelling is a big part of what makes it so great. What is their motivation? Why are we cheering for these people to fight to the death in a cage to see who has to shave their head bald? What do you mean this guy has an entrance to hell, likely underneath that very ring?
It’s interesting, funny, and ridiculous. But it’s also so compelling and a key way of roping people in. When you’re fully into the story and invested in what’s going on, it makes what they do in (or out) of the ring that much more enjoyable to watch. That's mainly why I've become so invested in the feud between Joe and Styles, we love a good cup of drama filled tea. Yeah, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles have historically had incredible matches and feuds outside of the WWE. Both of them have a fierce intensity to them and you can’t help but be enthralled; and that applies to both their ringwork, and their characterization. The feud currently going on between the two of them is compelling because of how it reaches into aspects of the home life, what viewers typically don't get to experience.
Samoa Joe’s being perfectly creepy, disrespectful, and an all around douche; a great contrast to AJ’s hard working, determined family man. Samoa’s disrespecting AJ’s wife, his family, and yes it seems so novela-esque, but Joe’s coming off as such a disrespectful bad man and it’s absolutely sucking me in. It’s just fun, and the drama between the two of them has been a highlight on SmackDown so far, similarly to how personal it is between The Miz and Daniel Bryan. They’re dramatic, and bring forth an intensity that can’t be found in every storyline these days.
Personal, passionate feuds with speckles of truth or real life just feed the drama hungry human in me. What feuds are you interested, and why have they gotten your interest? Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter. Follow @ThisLazyPanda on Twitter.
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SB NATION'S CAGESIDE SEATS- Well isn't this something great. WWE is getting frustrated that a free agent is appearing on another wrestling show. This was all avoidable so the only people WWE can blame is themselves.
Jericho is super smart. Also ALL IN is smart. Their event was even more legit due to his appearance. Not to mention his cruise should be a blast for pro wrestling and rock fans. Some speculated that Jericho would join IMPACT. He was the one that suggested Don Callis to takeover the booking/management. It has resulted in a dramatic change of product. The once laughable IMPACT is rebuilding towards being the clear number three promotion in the world. Even IMPACT hinted at Jericho coming to the company in a tweet. Where fans were chanting for Jericho. Jericho is currently trying to prove he can show up anywhere. He has appeared in NJPW, ROH, and ALL IN. The next logical destination would be IMPACT. If WWE was mad at Jericho for ALL IN could you imagine the "heat" on him if he showed up at IMPACT? WWE could easily lure Jericho back for WrestleMania season but let's be real they are going to act bitter about this. Jericho will continue running with his incredible band Fozzy and doing independent shows. I'm sure he will continue New Japan, Ring of Honor, and the sequel ALL IN event on top of appearing on IMPACT. My prediction for a WWE-Jericho reunion would be early 2020 on the road to WrestleMania 36. Seems far away right? Yet let's see if Jericho can make an impact! Comment below on what you think Chris Jericho should do. Follow @TripleZ_87 on Twitter Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter Whoever created this tag team deserves a raise. What is this? WWE Creative placing two criminally underutilized talent into a less than stellar tag team division? I would of never thought of this duo. Finally, Chad Gable and Bobby Roode have the opportunity to showcase their skills. In a division that desperately needs a spark. Roode was part of the tag team Beer Money with James Storm back in TNA. Gable of course was a part of American Alpha, which was killed off by WWE in favor of a Jason Jordan singles career. No more drifting for Bobby Roode on the mid-card. He can finally break out and maybe hold some gold. Gable can also get back on track within WWE. Roode & Gable could make a good challenge for Ziggler/McIntyre or Ambrose/Rollins depending on where the gold goes. In other tag team creative news, AOP finally has gotten direction. Even though they dropped the name Authors of Pain. AOP has finally gotten a mouthpiece and manager that is worthy. Drake Maverick, 205 Live GM will also manage AOP. Maverick should bring AOP back to where they were in NXT alongside Paul Ellering. So RAW delivered with two great decisions. That is becoming a rarity. Not to mention Gable and Roode could end up becoming a feud. The direction of WWE's weekly television is getting stronger and stronger. What are your hopes for Gable/Roode and AOP? Comment below! Follow @TripleZ_87 on Twitter Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter Editor's Note: This piece is a part of our new content strategy of creating more blogs that are shorter and quicker to read for our audience. This should lead to more overall content for the site. We hope you enjoy them. On RAW, HBK and The Undertaker teased the possibility of one more match. I mean when it was revealed that Shawn Michaels was going to be on RAW. I think we could all assume that it wasn't going to be a big deal. That it was going to be a promotion for WWE Network's WWE Super ShowDown in Australia. Yet, something magical happened. Shawn Michaels was talking smack about The Undertaker. Then the man he was taunting came out in a surprising moment. The two icons went back in forth verbally. HBK went as far as saying he is offered "dream matches" every year before WrestleMania. Which is true but this time the glaring "One More Match" chant felt more believable. You could even tell Michaels has the itch to get back into the ring, or maybe he is just an incredible actor. The Undertaker was clearly provoking the situation. The promo focus went from Triple H/The Undertaker to the confrontation between Shawn Michaels/The Undertaker. The segment between the two legends was brilliantly done, and it was something that added a little extra to an already good RAW that was creatively better than most weeks. I thought for sure that it was going to end with Shawn Michaels hitting Sweet Chin Music on The Undertaker. This over-the-top teasing might just be for WWE Super ShowDown and the Last Time Ever match between The Undertaker and Triple H. Fans are speculating the possibilities of Taker/HBK at WrestleMania 35. Ten years have past since The Undertaker retired Shawn Michaels. Out of all the dream matches and part time matches that could happen at WrestleMania 35, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker weren't on my list. We all assumed the story was over. Shawn Michaels name pops up in dream match scenarios every year. Most recently, AJ Styles vs Shawn Michaels. And before that, Daniel Bryan vs Shawn Michaels. This brings up the question of should pro wrestling get rid of the term retirement? Wrestlers compete at all ages. Plus it doesn't matter how long or inactive they are. They usually come back to the ring. Just look at Goldberg last year. We thought he was comfortably retired. Look at Ric Flair when he went to TNA. Look at the countless legends on the independent scene who have matches time to time. Billy Gunn, Tommy Dreamer, and Bully Ray all competed at ALL IN. All three of them were though to be retired. Or at least retired from WWE. Heck, The Undertaker ignored his retirement from Roman Reigns. Who could blame him? He clearly didn't want to leave. If Taker is wrestling on borrowed time can we at least see him face Sting? Michaels may have gained more time after taking ten years off. Michaels coming out of retirement for another match is similar to a legendary film franchise coming out with another installment. Fans of the franchise want the past to stay in the past, and not mess with the original films, yet it is so exciting to see something from the past come alive again. Michaels probably was doing his job, and he has stayed true to his retirement similar to Stone Cold Steve Austin. The matter of if he should stay retired is up to him of course. In my opinion I'm fine if any wrestler wants to come back for one more match. Because one day they will be truly gone, and we won't have that chance. Also "retirement" in pro wrestling needs to be revised. Not to mention the old, traditional "go out on your back" gimmick. If HBK triumphantly returns it will be one of the most shocking developments in WWE history. Who should HBK face if he has one more match? Comment below! Follow @TripleZ_87 on Twitter Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter Editor's Note: This piece is a part of our new content strategy of creating more blogs that are shorter and quicker to read for our audience. This should lead to more overall content for the site. We hope you enjoy them. Triple Z poises ten questions for WWE after SummerSlam. Where Does Brock Lesnar Go From Here? I mean we know he will be fighting in the UFC soon but is he really finished in the WWE? Brock Lesnar won't turn down millions to walk away from WWE. Would Dana White be fine with Lesnar carrying both the UFC & WWE Championship? Or would that be his worst nightmare? It seems like Lesnar has unfinished business with Braun Strowman. Especially after the "Beastie Boy" call out. What feuds are left for Brock to do? Will Samoa Joe and AJ Styles Main Event Hell in a Cell?Samoa Joe was electric last night. He brought new stakes into the feud. Samoa Joe made it personal bringing up AJ Styles' wife. We also got to see AJ completely snap on Joe in one of the coolest beatdowns in recent memory. Will WWE give the blue brand a chance to main event during these co-branded events? If so, AJ Styles and Samoa Joe inside Hell in a Cell should be the main event. Can We Have Almas/Vega In A Higher Card Feud?Andrade "Cien" Almas is so smooth in the ring. Zelina Vega provides the extra help being at his side. Can this man move up the ranks on SmackDown? Give him a feud for the United States Championship, that could elevate him even more. Almas taking on Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura, or Jeff Hardy are all exciting possibilities. Who Does Ronda Rousey Face At WWE Evolution, Let Alone Hell in A Cell?Ronda Rousey defeated Alexa Bliss by submission at SummerSlam. Despite, being speculated earlier in the night that The Bella Twins were going to start a program with Rousey that wasn't the case. Ronda Rousey VS Nikki Bella was a match that was on no ones radar. It does have the potential to be entertaining but it wouldn't be the smartest move for Ronda. If WWE was smart they would throw Asuka at Ronda Rousey, and have it be her toughest opponent yet. Even have Asuka maybe beat her? So Rousey doesn't develop the "undefeated streak" only to lose it to Charlotte Flair. For Hell in a Cell, will Rousey step into the famous structure. I don't expect that but it could be a cool possibility. I think at the event she will have a rematch with Alexa Bliss. This will allow her to get a title defense under her belt. When Will Braun Strowman Cash In?Reigns and Lesnar was finally going to go down and then Braun Storwman's music hit. Braun was about to cash in Money in the Bank post-match. Reigns squeaked out with the title but Braun will still be waiting to cash it in. Maybe even tonight on RAW? When Will WWE Reboot The Tag Team Divisions?WWE's tag team division should be stacked on both shows. Yet creatively the divisions have faded. SmackDown has the stronger division by far. RAW's division consists of thrown together talent. On RAW, you have the B-Team, Titus Worldwide, Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt, Authors of Pain, and The Revival as your regular teams. On SmackDown, you have The New Day, The Uso's, The Club, Sanity, Bludgeon Brothers, The Bar, and Shining Stars. SmackDown is the clear winner but RAW could get better. Still I think a tag team reboot would be necessary. Too bad all the teams in NXT right now are far from call ups. Heavy Machinery, Street Profits, The Might Don't Kneel, The Undisputed Era, Moustache Mountain, and The War Raiders aren't probably getting the SummerSlam call up.. Should The Demon Come Out More Often?Finn Balor's alter ego "The Demon" is his wrestling side mixing with his artistic side. The body paint was suppose to be for special occasions like SummerSlam even though Finn skipped it at WrestleMania. I think if "The Demon" is used more maybe it could avoid these terrible feuds Finn Balor has been in. More on Finn Balor later. Why The Weird CGI Graphics During The Entrances?Uh, WWE why are we doing this CGI during entrances. It comes across really weird. If we are spending money on that use it for making the set seem a little different. Roman Reigns entrance doesn't need a weird dog above it. Finn Balor's demon entrance doesn't need a red floating tornado or whatever that was. How Does The Alexa Bliss and Trish Stratus Feud Start?Most people aren't thrilled Alexa Bliss is taking on Trish Stratus at Evolution and they think that Sasha Banks should be the one. I'm honestly pumped to see Bliss and Trish fight. It's probably more seeing Trish fight. The match was announced but when does Bliss make the feud personal? Will Finn Balor Finally Get His Rematch for The Universal Championship?Now that Brock Lesnar is no longer holding on to the Universal Championship. Maybe it is time for Finn Balor to get his rematch for the championship he never lost. Balor vs Reigns would be a great babyface vs babyface feud. Maybe it could lead to a Balor title run? I'm happy that Reigns won and that he defeated Brock Lesnar. It gives WWE a world of possibilities on where to go next. Reigns will be a fighting champion, and that just means more fun for us. Bonus: Is Anyone Getting Called Up?Velveteen Dream made it clear that he wanted Vince McMahon to call him up. Which is actually quite plausible considering Dream doesn't hold a title in NXT, and is ready for the jump.
It should be interesting to see what answers WWE provides for these questions on RAW and SmackDown. Follow @TripleZ_87 on Twitter. Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter. Triple Z discusses WWE's TV deal for SmackDown Live which is $205 million for five years. WWE's stock price currently sits at $56.87 a share. Bidding for streaming rights are at an all time high. Especially ones connected to live sports. Not to mention we are currently in a era of content. Networks and different media giants are battling for viewers. WWE has a gigantic audience and it has been regulated to networks like TNN (Spike) and USA. SmackDown has bounced around quite a bit. Now SmackDown Live will be making the transition to broadcast TV.
WWE's contract with NBCUniversal is set to expire in 2019. The two brands of RAW and SmackDown are going to be split once again. USA Network is planning to keep WWE RAW, one of its flagship shows. They will be paying WWE "three times the current value." SmackDown ended up making out like gangbusters. Especially for being consider the B show. FOX has been interested in WWE for a long time. There name has popped up multiple times while discussing WWE's television deal. So they finally were able to pull off a deal for SmackDown. Fox is planning to promote SmackDown between their NFL and MLB coverage. Right now SmackDown is averaging 2.5 million viewers this year. RAW is averaging 3 million viewers. Those ratings are good for television standards especially in a increasingly digital world. The ratings for SmackDown should translate to Friday nights on FOX. Although Fridays are typically the graveyard for television shows. Putting live wrestling on Friday nights is smart for Fox. It fills the 8-10pm slot all year. That slot is usually terrible for scripted dramas or comedies. It's still a billion dollar gamble so Fox will have to promote it heavily. SmackDown boasts the sixth biggest audience on cable. Something that WWE brought up in negotiations. SmackDown will have the legitimate chance to top RAW. Both in quality and in value. Later this year SmackDown will be celebrating 1,000 episodes. A truly historic feat that RAW reached earlier. The brand rivalry would only intensify. Now the question will be if WWE moves valuable stars like Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey to SmackDown at the request of Fox. Bigger network with deeper pockets will change the typical WWE routine. Other questions to consider while looking at this deal.
Vince McMahon is continuing his quest to do what's best for business. He still has sights on the rebirth of the XFL. Is he trying to raise the value of WWE for a potential sale? Doubtful but anything is possible. The SmackDown to Fox deal is a game changer both for the fans and for the ones in suits. It solidifies pro wrestling in 2018. Not to mention does the unthinkable with WWE being on broadcast TV. Something that hasn't been done since Tribute to the Troops or Saturday Night's Main Event. It also could signal the happy relationship between WWE and NBCUniversal. Although RAW will still air on USA. You have to believe that NBCUniversal is upset the expensive SmackDown got away. SmackDown will be a fun follow for the rest of 2018. In 2019, Friday Night SmackDown will return. The blue brand may ascend to the top of WWE once again. Resurrecting the glory days. Now go buy some WWE stock (or don't it might've peaked). Follow @TripleZ_87 Follow @ZWrestleTalk Triple Z does a running diary of WWE's Greatest Royal Rumble. Make Running Diaries Cool AgainWelcome to the running diary. I will be giving my thoughts throughout WWE's Greatest Royal Rumble event which is held in King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. A WrestleMania level of event. I'll be writing this as I watch in real time. 12:00PM EST- Super strange for me to be watching a WWE pay-per-view at Noon on a Friday but I honestly I don't mind it. 12:02- United States of America's National Anthem is playing. I have a feeling the crowd won't be chanting USA. 12:06- So if this is the Greatest Royal Rumble will there ever be a greater Royal Rumble? 12:07- Time to play The Game. 60,000 seat stadium provides an interesting look for the event. It's crazy we are witnessing a WrestleMania like event especially post-Mania. 12:13- It is warm in Saudi Arabia. Michael Cole makes it a point to mention the temperature. 12: 17- Crowd is electric at King Abdullah. 12:21- This is some nice back and forth. Triple H did a DX version of the "Five Knuckle Shuffle." Cena/HHH isn't really talked about as a match that most fans want but this is delivering. This is a real treat. 12:23- Uh I think Cena just botched. Looked like he was going for a top rope hurricanrana but Triple H hits him with a modified power bomb. Either way still cool. 12: 26- That was a two and half count if I've ever seen one. Triple H and Cena are putting on a show. 12:29- Cena and HHH brought it. That final sequence was incredible. Slingshot into AA was so smooth. John Cena defeats Triple H in a thrilling opener. Triple H has had two great matches already in 2018. First at WrestleMania and now at Greatest Royal Rumble. 12: 32- I absolutely cringe at this WWE lip sync, dancing promotion video that is hyping co-branded events. 12: 36- Haven't followed 205 Live. I'm assuming Drake Maverick is taking it in the right direction. Cedric Alexander VS Kalisto now. 12: 37- Kota Ibushi name drop. The one that got away from WWE. 12:47- Cedric Alexander retains. Crowd was quiet but it is hard to follow HHH/Cena. 12: 49- This is such a bizarre sequel to WrestleMania 34. Most events that take place after Mania aren't in 60,000 seat stadiums in a foreign land. 1:02- Cole calling Hardy a "nutjob" still makes me laugh. Elevated "Twist of Fate" leads The Woken Duo to victory. Very slow so far since the greatness which was Cena/HHH. 1:03- Please give us something good now. 1:04- Jeff Hardy taking on Jinder Mahal has potential. Hardy is on SmackDown now. Whoever wins this match could lead to a potential spoiler in the IC match. 1:06- Wait they just gave Jeff Hardy pyro? 1:07- SmackDown still destroyed RAW in the shake-up. SmackDown literally committed highway robbery. 1:15- Hardy Wins. Meaning we get a RAW IC Champ. 1:18- The Kickoff panel has returned featuring Byron Saxton, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, and Booker T. 1:19- WWE is heavily promoting Saudi Arabia. I wonder how much they paid WWE. 1:22- Backstage interview with Chris Jericho. Mike Rome just made the list. The camera guy made the list. The sound guy made the list. The crowd is dead. Are the fans not allowed to cheer? 1:26- Rusev VS Taker, IC Ladder Match, Styles VS Nakamura, Reigns VS Lesnar, and the 50 man Royal Rumble is left. 1:27- Also Bludgeon Brothers VS Uso's... ugh. 1:28- Okay so that long break was their Prayer Time. This is truly crazy to watch. 1:31- Taking a quick break.... 1:44- Excited for this ladder match. It will be the last time we see Samoa Joe and The Miz fight Seth Rollins and Finn Balor for a while. WWE is really trying to promote Saudi Arabia. Although this is an excellent business move. Will WWE be able to carry the baggage that comes from this event? 1:46- Finn Balor is not wearing his "Balor Club is for Everyone" shirt. Which is a shock to absolutely no one. 1:48- Give us just Cole & Graves on commentary every week for RAW. It seems like they really understand each other. No need for the third extra voice when you got a solid duo. If this happens just send Coach to SmackDown and they can continue the three man booth. No need to stretch Corey Graves thin. He is one of WWE's best voices. 1:50- Wow, this set has some cool features. The four poles that hold up the tarp over the ring also have TV's on them. So the crowd could watch on the screen if their view is disrupted or blocked. 1:54- While watching this match. I realized Backlash is coming up fast with it being held on May 6. That's some crazy timing right there Seth and Finn are on top of the ladder. Clobbering each other at the top. Joe and Miz push them off the ladder. 1:56- Samoa Joe is absolutely dominating this match right now. The crowd is finally waking up. 1:57- OH THE HUMANITY. 1:58- "Look at the impact. Look at the impact!"- Michael Cole (2018) The Miz hit the "Skull Crushing Finale" on Samoa Joe onto a ladder. No way, The Miz is winning this match. 2:00- Lights almost went out. Production crew in Saudi Arabia screwing up big time. Thought we were getting The Undertaker for a second. OFF THE ARABIC ANNOUNCERS TABLE. 2:04- What a finish. Rollins literally rips the title out of Finn Balor's hands. Seth Rollins pulls it off. Finn Balor still hasn't had his crowning moment yet.
2:08- Four WWE prospects from Saudi Arabia. Nassar is the first one. Oh gotta change his name for the American crowds. Second is Hussein. Monsoour is the third one. Fisal is the fourth prospect from Jedha. 2:09- Let's bring back Breaking Ground but let's do it with these guys. 2:10- Woah the Daivari brothers are now coming out. Shawn Daivari is waving the Iranian flag. 2:12- I don't think the crowd is going to chant USA. 2:13- The prospects fight back. Come on give me Breaking Ground: Saudi Arabia. It would be such a fun series to see the first four Saudi Arabian superstars and how they start their journeys to WWE in NXT. 2:16- Cole and Graves have even traveled together. Come on WWE do the right thing. Give them a two man booth. The chemistry is there. 2:17- Although it is still awhile away. I wonder if Reigns will be booed? If so maybe he changes the minds in the crowd. Similar to Rocky IV. 2:19- I am so ready for the Nakamura remix. 2:20- I was so worried about Nak's heel turn. Now he has proven he can still be charismatic, and being a heel hasn't hurt him at all. I think he may upset Styles tonight. Gotta have a title change somewhere. This is too big of an event not to have one. 2:22- EXCLUSIVE: Meeting between Vince McMahon and Mohammad bin Salman VINCE: It's a pleasure to do business with your great nation. MOHAMMAD: Just make sure you use some money on pyro. We love pyro. 2:25- Nakamura VS Styles is now up. We still have the 50 man Rumble, Rusev/Taker, and Lesnar/Reigns. 2:39- Wow, this ends in a double count out. They are really saving themselves up for their big time match. If it will ever come. This match was faster pace than Mania's but still. 2:43- The Undertaker VS Rusev up next. This should be super short. Although it is a Casket Match. This should be quick. 2:46- The Undertaker's entrance has started. 2: 52- The Undertaker has finished his entrance. 2:54- The Undertaker still looks good. Taker hits "Old School" which is always a good sign. 2:57- Leg drop on Rusev. Taker's new hip must be great. Aiden English tries to interfere. Delaying Rusev's ultimate fate. 3:00- Rusev is trying to lock in The Accolade on Taker. The Deadman sits up. 3:01- This is going longer than most expected. Taker delivers a chokeslam. That has to be it. Taker then chokeslams Aiden English and delivers a Tombstone piledriver. Both men go into the casket. Match is over. The Undertaker wins the Casket Match. 3:10- The WWE Universal Championship match is up now. Lesnar VS Reigns inside a steel cage. 3:17- Brock needs to find his next slogan. "Suplex City" is legendary but still he needs another new thing. Especially after all this time. 3:19- Reigns with a flurry of superman punches. Reigns is now scaling the cage. Lesnar is trying to pull Reigns back into the ring. Lesnar is now trying to escape the cage. 3:22- How many spears? 3:26- REIGNS SPEARED BROCK THROUGH THE CAGE. 3:28- I'm not surprised Brock won. There was no way Reigns was going to win. Lashley VS Lesnar is already planned for SummerSlam. 3:31- Still can't believe that Daniel Bryan returned and now he is going to face Big Cass. 3:37- Speaking of Daniel Bryan, he is starting off first in the Greatest Royal Rumble match. Dolph Ziggler follows at two. 3:43- Mark Henry who is a WWE Hall of Famer enters at 5. Wonder what he is going to do. 3:45- Poor Mike Kanellis. 3:46- Hiroki Sumi has entered the match. How will anyone get him over the top rope? 3:47- Wow Mark Henry eliminates Sumi. Before being eliminated himself. 3:50- Tony Nese has entered the Greatest Royal Rumble. I'm amazed that 205 Live guys are going to be given a shot. 3:52- Hornswoggle enters the match. Well that is a insane sentence. 3:57- The New Day once again did a fun spot. 3:59- Kurt Angle enters the fray. Eliminating Bo Dallas, Primo Colon, and Dolph Ziggler. 4:04- Michael Cole is super thrilled to see that Elias is at the Greatest Royal Rumble. 4:05- Elias just eliminated everyone. 4:06- We are getting to witness Kurt Angle VS Daniel Bryan. Although it is done in a really odd way. Still such a treat to see this. 4:07- Elias eliminates Kurt Angle... 4:10- Heavy Machinery's Tucker Knight enters the match. 4:15- Rey Mysterio comes out at 28. Hasn't lost a step in the ring. Kinda hoping he returns part-time at this rate. 4:18- Tyler Breeze enters at 30. We have 20 more to go. 4:23- Roderick Strong enters the match. I think Roderick Strong just destroyed Rey Mysterio. That backbreaker looked terrible. Quite a nice spot to be in for the NXT star despite the fact it looks like he almost injured Rey Mysterio. 4:26- UPDATE: Daniel Bryan is still in the match after entering at number one. 4:31- Michael Cole is now laughing over Titus O'Neil's stumble. Also can the sheiks please stop moving around in the background. Please sit down and enjoy the lavish show. Okay thanks... 4:34- WWE Network streaming feed is acting all messed up. BRAUN is coming down to the ring. 4:40- Bobby Lashley is about to make this match wild. He can't wait to see Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. 4:42- Daniel Bryan is still going hard. The Great Khali is up next. Can't wait to see him and Braun now. 4:43- "Lumbering" is the perfect word for Khali. 4:44- The Great Khali has been eliminated. Well that was quick. 4:46- Shane McMahon entering the Greatest Royal Rumble is slightly weird but this whole entire match and event has been weird. 4:47- Kevin Owens is getting beaten by Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan. Shelton Benjamin comes out at number 48. 4:50- Big Cass is now in the match, and he went straight after Daniel Bryan. Shane McMahon just went "Coast to Coast" on Braun Strowman. 4:51- Number 50 is Chris Jericho. 4:52- "Go back to Japan."- Kevin Owens 4:54- Braun just tosses Shane McMahon through the announcer's table. Only throwing him with one hand. Braun goes on to eliminate Lashley, Jericho, and Kevin Owens. 4:56- Big Cass eliminates Daniel Bryan. WHAT A WASTE. 4:57- Braun Strowman wins the Greatest Royal Rumble. Can't believe Daniel Bryan once again loses a Royal Rumble. This time because of BIG CASS.... Yes, one half of Enzo & Cass. 5:00- Perfectly fine with Braun Strowman winning. Braun wins the title and trophy. Fireworks surround the stadium. 5:01- That was one wild WWE Network special. It had its ups and downs but for the most part it was really unique to watch. 5:02- I think after this blog I'm probably going to be blackballed from Saudi Arabia but this is worth it. The word to describe this entire event was unique. I don't think we are going to get another Noon start WWE event on a Friday for quite some time. It was fun to experience another WWE stadium event on the network, and I have feeling it was successful. Can't wait to see the fallout of this event. The fallout that happens in front of the camera and backstage. Follow @TripleZ_87 on Twitter. Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter. WWE didn't explain why certain superstars ended up on which brand. Probably for status reasons. What if the General Managers (Kurt Angle and Paige) actually made trades for the superstars? What would they be? What if the General Managers actually had to make the trades. Well I try to justify what the trades would've looked like during the Superstar Shake-Up.
SmackDown trades Jinder Mahal for RAW's Samoa Joe If they were trying to make actual deals this one would logically make sense. A former WWE and United States champion for a former NXT champion and future beast. SmackDown trades Riott Squad for RAW's Absolution Ironically, both groups copied each other now they are swapped on separate brands. GM Paige was the original leader of the group Absolution so them ending up on SmackDown makes sense. The Riott Squad never truly stood out so they were sent to RAW. SmackDown trades Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn for RAW's The Bar Although Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn weren't technically on SmackDown. This was probably the wager Kurt Angle would have to give up in order to acquire Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. SmackDown gains Cesaro who could potentially become a great singles star for them. SmackDown trades Zack Ryder and Breezango for RAW's R-Truth One of the very few "trades" or pickups RAW won that night. Getting Breezango gives RAW the potential to have Fashion Files each week. So that should be some good comedy. Zack Ryder is still popular just remember the reaction at WrestleMania 32? SmackDown trades Natalya for RAW's Asuka Most of you probably thought I would dog this fictional trade. Actually I'm quite optimistic about Natalya's run on RAW. Especially now that she gets to be a partner with Ronda Rousey. SmackDown also wins because they pick up an extraordinary talent. How would GM Kurt Angle justify this trade. Really just says he needs another veteran in the locker room, and that there is only room for one dangerous woman (Ronda Rousey). SmackDown trades Dolph Ziggler, rights to Drew McIntyre, and The Ascension for RAW's Gallows & Anderson Am I overvaluing Gallows & Anderson? Absolutely not. SmackDown had to do everything in their power to get them on the same brand as AJ Styles. Especially since Styles is currently tangled in a feud with Shinsuke Nakamura. Plus future matches with Sanity and The New Day will be worth it. RAW gets to see if they can reinvent Dolph Ziggler and somehow make Drew McIntyre entertaining. The Ascension is just a throw in. SmackDown actually wins this trade. Just wait and see. SmackDown trades Baron Corbin and Chad Gable for RAW's The Miz Let me start off by saying The Miz is worth more than this. Although looking at the haul Angle got back I would not be surprised to see "him" make a deal like this because it seems like his character. To be clueless yet passionate for the show. Corbin will just be boring on RAW. The real win here is getting Gable. So the American Alpha reunion could potentially happen or a continuation of the Jordan/Gable mini feud that started at Survivor Series last year when SmackDown invaded RAW. SmackDown getting The Miz is a gigantic move. He was the one that originally put the New Era SmackDown Live on the spot. Now we get to enjoy his feud with Daniel Bryan. SmackDown trades Bobby Roode for RAW's Jeff Hardy WWE is keeping Brother Nero (Jeff Hardy) away from WOKEN Matt Hardy and his newfound friend Bray Wyatt. We now get to experience a Jeff Hardy singles run. Many dream matches can now take place. Bobby Roode may finally get to shine on RAW. After being jacked around on SmackDown. SmackDown trades Mojo Rawley and Mike Kanellis for RAW's Big Cass In the NFL world this is the equivalent of two teams trading 2024 4th round picks and being like "Will see who got the better end of this trade in 2025!" RAW gains Mike Kanellis who has been criminally underutilized. Plus his wife Maria will come back into the picture. It may elevate him to stardom on Monday nights. SmackDown gets Big Cass, who is still living in the shadow of a certain Certified G, and Bonafide Stud. WWE finally got their monster Big Cass but will it even work? I don't think so. SmackDown additionally signs Andrade "Cien" Almas, Zelina Vega, and Sanity's Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe, and Killian Dain. RAW signs Bobby Lashley, Ember Moon, Authors of Pain, and No Way Jose. I tried my best to make the most fair trades as possible but all I could picture in my head is Paige just absolutely committing highway robbery with each trade and Kurt Angle believing he got someone really good with each deal. My final thoughts are that although this is a shakeup SmackDown's entire roster got a facelift and was rebuilt to be a freaking dynasty. SmackDown has the potential to be the better show... by far. They have everything going for them. The most over guy (Daniel Bryan), a Women's division (Carmella, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Asuka, and The Iconic Duo plus more), new incredible pick ups (Hardy, Almas and Vega, Sanity, The Miz, Gallows & Anderson, and Samoa Joe), and WHILE keeping Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles, and The New Day. I have been a religious RAW watcher for years but looking at the current rosters. SmackDown may be a more tempting watch. It's a whole hour less too. Still RAW kept some key guys but they really took on some of SmackDown's "bad contracts." It seems RAW will build around the core of Bobby Lashley, Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. Plus Brock Lesnar whenever he is there. The shakeup really changed the landscape and it will be fascinating to see what else happens. But for now SmackDown got the better end of the second Shake-Up. Follow @TripleZ_87 on Twitter. Follow @ZWrestleTalk on Twitter. ZWrestleTalk writer Dom Bouchard gives his dream WWE roster picks for Raw, 205 Live, and Smackdown. 205 LiveChampion: Cedric Alexander- He is the perfect athlete to bring 205 Live to new heights. He has the in ring skills, the charisma, and fans love him. Johnny Gargano- The most beloved NXT superstar ever. He is a future WWE world champion, but a few years on 205 Live could help him and the brand. Tommaso Ciampa- Same as Gargano, the best heel in the business and a wonderful wrestler. A 205 Live stint before the main roster. Buddy Murphy- The best kept secret is not a secret anymore. What an amazing competitor, and he has the look and swagger to be a main roster mega star. TJP- He has everything that superstar needs. Charisma, speed, high flying skills, and mat prowess. In my opinion he's a top five wrestler in the WWE. SmackDown LiveChampion Finn Balor- Imagine all the dream matches with Finn on Smackdown. AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Bobby Roode to name a few. This is the most underrated wrestler in the WWE. He is also over big time. AJ Styles- AJ should still remain a top guy on SmackDown Live and get a few more title runs. He is still going strong at 40 years old. Braun Strowman- Braun wouldn't be in Reign's shadow anymore.He could remain one of the most dominating guys on the roster and a title run here is conceivable. Samoa Joe- A very skilled, big warrior that can have great matches with anyone. Shinsuke Nakamura- As a heel sky is the limit for him. He is a very ordinary wrestler but has so much charisma that it makes up for the lack of skills. Andrade "Cien" Almas- In my opinion the best wrestler in the company. With Zelina Vega by his side it is only a matter of time until he is world champion. Bray Wyatt- Leading Sanity that is made up of Killian Dain, Eric Young, and Alexander Wolfe. Talk about a great heel stable. The New Day- The heart and soul of the WWE. A feud with Bray and Sanity and The Revival would be great. Plus another tag title run. The Revival- That would be a great change for them to be in a loaded tag team scene. The Top Guys can finally break out in a top division. TM61- They would be a great addition to a strong division. Bludgeon Brothers- Harper and Rowan deserve a long run with the the titles. They are incredibly underrated. Lower Card Elias- A very great character and a SmackDown Live stint would keep him fresh. Tye Dillinger- A renewed push for the Perfect 10. Shelton Benjamin- A veteran to help round up the roster. Round up with Curt Hawkins, Heath Slater, Apollo, Gallows and Anderson, Heavy Machinery, and No Way Jose. RAWChampion Seth Rollins- No doubt the second best wrestler in the WWE he is Mr. Monday Night and he is miles ahead of Roman Reigns as a talent.
Daniel Bryan- A slow and steady climb and an eventual showdown with Rollins are what we could witness. Dean Ambrose- As a heel attacking Seth Rollins, and being a real lunatic fringe. So much potential could finally be unlocked. Roman Reigns- A little bit in the background for a while and hopefully he adds more moves to his repertoire. Fans would be fine to see him in the mid-card for awhile. Aleister Black- In about six months he would be a perfect call up and a welcome addition to the best RAW roster ever. Drew McIntyre- Sky is the limit for the Scottish powerhouse. An Intercontinental title reign to begin with, and then a feud with Roman Reigns with McIntyre telling him, "Once upon a time I was the chosen one too." The Miz- Enough said. Best heel in the company and a feud with Daniel Bryan will be amazing. Kevin Owens- KO is a guy that fits in any situation. Sami Zayn- Sami Zayn is another guy who fits any roster. Zayn is one the top five wrestlers in the company. Maybe a tag team title run with Kevin Owens while he stays on RAW. Rusev- A strong run on RAW and maybe a title run. The Bar- Cesaro and Sheamus are awesome together and a few more title runs are on their way. The Usos- A run as RAW tag team champions is what's next for those awesome twins. Best team in the world. American Alpha- No more stupid stuff with Kurt Angle. Let the two kids finally shine. WWE is so stacked with singles stars. Gable and Jordan wouldn't be able to compete in the mix. If wrestlers like Cesaro and Sheamus can't get successful singles runs. What makes you think the American Alpha split would be any different? The reunion is necessary in order for RAW's tag team division to stay strong. Authors of Pain- They will be the most dominating tag team for the next ten years. WAR Raiders- Again in about 1 year they will give the tag division a big boost. Round up Mojo Rawley. Baron Corbin Tony Nese Zack Ryder Aiden English Fashion Police Tozawa and Itami Gone from my roster. John Cena (part timer) Randy Orton (part timer) The Undertaker Big Show Kane The Ascension The Colons Rhyno Titus O'Neil Thanks for reading. Follow @domghosthunter on Twitter. 4/9/2018 WrestleMania 34 Analysis: Rousey Impresses, Nakamura Turns, and The Deadman Is ResurrectedRead NowZWrestleTalk's Triple Z discusses WrestleMania 34 and all of its shocking, underwhelming, and exciting moments.
The elegant, expensive set was the centerpiece in the crowded Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It was the beginning of what would become a lengthy night in New Orleans. The first match which kicked off the entire night was the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. It set the tone.
Woken Matt Hardy would continue his legendary saga with a win on the grandest stage of them all. With the help of Bray Wyatt he would become the victor of the battle royal. The next contest was for WWE's purple brand. General Manager Drake Maverick was sitting ringside. It is still weird to see Drake Maverick formerly known as Rockstar Spud in the WWE. It has been strange to witness this TNA takeover between the main roster and NXT. The Cruiserweight Championship was a battle between Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali. Alexander, a fan favorite since WWE's Cruiserweight Classic, won the terrific battle. Although the match delivered the future of 205 Live is still in jeopardy. It will be quite engaging to see how they turn it around. The third and final match that took place on the Kickoff show was another battle royal but this time for the Women's division. NXT was well represented in the battle royal. Featuring Mae Young Classic winner Kairi Sane, Peyton Royce, Bianca Belair, Taynara Conti, Dakota Kai, and Kavita Devi. The match featured Bayley and Sasha Banks among others but that was the main story. In classic fashion, Naomi wins the battle royal making Bayley once again look terrible. Her and Sasha Banks constantly lose. Not everything has to always go to SmackDown. Yet once again this battle royal finished in favor of SmackDown. The actual contest itself was poorly executed but it served its purpose. It was a "Kickoff" match. The first match of the main card was the triple threat for the Intercontinental Championship. The Miz would defend his title against Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. It was a thrilling contest to start the night. Resulting in Seth Rollins becoming a WWE Grand Slam Champion. A prestigious honor only a few superstars can reach during their career. Asuka and Charlotte Flair were next. Having a solid match which ended with a unpredictable result. The unthinkable happened. Charlotte Flair defeated Asuka. Ending the long streak of Asuka ever since her start down in NXT. Did WWE always plan to end the streak in New Orleans? The place where streaks go to die. Where does Asuka go from here? There is a few routes they can take. Asuka is still one of the most striking talents on the roster. It is clear that WWE wants Charlotte Flair taking on Ronda Rousey next year. Some speculate that it may be the main event. Depending on the value of the rivalry it may be. Asuka could of easily been in that spot to face Rousey but obviously WWE is going in a different direction. Still it looks like we will see more from Asuka/Charlotte Flair down the line. The fatal four way match for the United States Championship was highlighted by the phenomenon known as "Rusev Day." Yet WWE's most pushed star of the last year Jinder Mahal picked up the win. Which honestly I'm fine with. Mahal worked hard and he became a force within SmackDown. Rusev's time may never come which is a shame but we so often see that in the world of WWE.
The match of the night was Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle taking on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Rousey sure impressed the crowd. Coming out in gear inspired by her hero "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Rousey proved she will be WWE's Woman for years to come. The supporting cast also deserves quite a bit of credit. Kurt Angle still can go. It can be debated if him and Triple H could of had a singles match with the pace they were going at. Stephanie McMahon always finds a way to impress. On Twitter I said that I couldn't wait until Stephanie McMahon and Triple H faced Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Especially now that WWE is fine with intergender wrestling. All in all the match solidifies Rousey and is one of the most memorable parts of the show.
The next match had a lot to live up to. Sadly The New Day, The Uso's and Bludgeon Brothers only got five minutes. Resulting in a "Meh" match. Nothing really memorable but nothing to pick on. The New Day is a charismatic trio but they can only do so much. At least The New Day blessed us with this.
Oh then the moment finally came. The Undertaker finally answered John Cena's challenge. After the little encounter with Elias I thought we were going to get a no-show from Taker. Glad, I was totally wrong about that. The Undertaker came out and delivered his best interaction since WrestleMania 31. Yeah the match was only two minutes but it doesn't really matter. What did you expect out of a 50 year old star? Goldberg/Lesnar had an amazing five minute match at WrestleMania 33. Yes, Taker completely dominated but even if the contest was longer that's how it was going to go. Cena made Taker look marvelous again. This wasn't The Undertaker of the past two years. His hair looked normal and he looked strong. A lot of people were touting that he had a new hip. Yet no one mentioned the possible usage of steroids. Quite strange... especially for WWE fans. Especially that because he is a part-time talent he doesn't get tested for steroids.
Right when The Undertaker hit "Old School" I knew he was a lot different from previous years. Like I said in my BreakDownZ piece. Taker has been resurrected and he will live to fight another day. It's time to enjoy Taker for what it is. There is no need for him to lose anymore. If that was indeed his last match then I am good with it. He looked like how we always remembered him. Anyways this was my favorite segment of that match. Taker sits up, and Cena freaks out.
After that we witnessed the return of Daniel Bryan. The occasion should of been more momentous then it was. Still Daniel Bryan proved that he's still WWE's most over star. The Yes movement is still going strong. Despite being thrown into this last minute. Bryan still put on a fantastic sequence with Sami Zayn. I am very optimistic about the return of Daniel Bryan. I truly hope to see him once again main event WrestleMania.
I don't think anyone really cared about the stakes of the tag team match other then hardcore SmackDown fans. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn lost and they will continue to drift on the mid-card until something changes. Shane McMahon's presence was unnecessary in this match although he started this rivalry. Ironic to say that just after how fresh he was during WrestleMania 32. Nia Jax and Alexa Bliss almost had the same amount of time as Charlotte Flair and Asuka. It was fine and the result was predictable. It was going to be a uphill battle either way. Even with Mickie James at ringside it didn't do anything to help better the match. Not too much could of gone differently unless Carmella decided to cash in Money in the Bank. Nia Jax is now the champion on RAW. Who's going to stop her? It should be pretty easy because she has been stopped many times before. I wouldn't be surprised if she lost the title the next night. Our next long match was AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura got to have his fancy, live music entrance at WrestleMania. The match wasn't the best either had to offer. It was still decent. The ending sequence consisted of Nakamura screwing up and getting hit by a Styles Clash. The post-match respect session lead to the most shocking twist of the night. The lovable Shinsuke Nakamura turned HEEL. HEEL TURN. It was outrageous and random but now at least in the rematch we will have true heel and face fighting. Usually the best matches have a clear babyface and a true heel. The classic hero taking on the villain. So Nakamura-Styles on WrestleMania 34 is a set up for the future showdown that promises to be a much better affair. Sidenote: Not to mention the crowd was still cheering especially after being there for hours before. Right when I thought WrestleMania would be done with the plot twists. It continued to surprise me. Braun Strowman needed a tag team partner for his tag team championship match against The Bar. There was big hype surrounding around who Braun would choose. Would he go in alone or would a legend emerge? Braun decided to pick ten year old Nicholas from the "crowd." Honestly it was a extremely cool moment. WWE went in a direction no one predicted and it was entertaining. After all this is entertainment. I am excited to see how this continues on RAW tonight of course. This just makes "The Monster Among Men" more over than he already is. I really hope WWE decides to milk the Nicholas thing. Send out a press release saying "WWE wishes him his best in his future endeavors." Especially if they ever decide to wrap it up. Just keep trolling it works.
The swerve didn't stop there.
Lesnar and Reigns got to fight in front of a dead crowd. The crowd was non responsive to anything that was going on in the contest. The beach balls were flying, different chants were started, and fans were leaving. Reigns didn't bring out everything in his arsenal. That's mostly due to Lesnar. The "Finisher Face-off" match wasn't well received. The match got me thinking maybe it is time to depart from the same main event scene that gets booed out of the house every time? Maybe it would happen to anyone because the show is just too rich. There is too much to truly enjoy. The event is going til midnight now. Meaning WrestleMania starts on Sunday and ends on Monday. People in other timezones struggle to stay awake due to the awkward timing. People in the correct timezones struggle to stay awake due to the awkward timing. Yet WWE can't go back now. Similar to RAW being at three hours. You can't just cut back to two. Once the show became seven hours it will stay seven hours. Now back to the bloody mess of a match. Literally a bloody mess of a match.
I mean look at this. This is at Ric Flair levels of bleeding. Brock Lesnar is known for busting opponents right open a la Randy Orton at SummerSlam last year. Despite the back and forth, spears and F5's were everywhere. Brock Lesnar shocked the world and retained the title. The dead crowd was still confused at what was going on. I think WWE was as well. As they ended WrestleMania without the traditional fireworks or good night. Maybe everyone was a bit tired?
A truly hair scratching moment. The crowd still hates Reigns. I would've been fine with him winning though. Reigns has been booked horrendously ever since WrestleMania 31. They rushed him up. He had the skills to put on big time matches yet they did it to fast. He developed a persona but then WWE hangs him out to dry every time. Now we have Lesnar VS Reigns III at the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. A possible title change may happen. The main event of WrestleMania didn't live up to anyone's standards. Maybe it's time for WWE to focus on a main event scene that doesn't have to constantly feature Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. It doesn't make them any worse than the next guy if they don't "main event." Just look at Cena/Taker. Two legends and if they wanted to could of clearly convinced Vince McMahon to let them go on last. Yet they didn't out of respect. Maybe it is just time. WWE and its counterpart NXT is stacked with talent. Switching up the main event scene doesn't hurt. Especially when you have Daniel Bryan and Ronda Rousey at your disposal. Lesnar will forever be a draw. But, in order to stay a draw you have to stay impressive and dominant. Lesnar could be losing his edge, and that's good for no one. WrestleMania 34 was a event filled with exciting and shocking moments. It rightfully fits in with WrestleMania lore. Historically, New Orleans has been home of two WrestleMania's both featuring Brock Lesnar, Daniel Bryan, The Undertaker, John Cena, and Triple H. New Orleans is a lucky wrestling town. Also fun fact Kid Rock did the same exact theme song for both events. Good effort WWE! Another tid bit WWE dropping roman numerals is a disappointment. The next WrestleMania is in New York. Well technically it is New Jersey. If WWE keeps its loaded roster then the sky will be its limit but for now we get the current excitement about a possible Draft or Shake-Up. We have the two key shows after Mania which always deliver. So the bottom line is that Ronda Rousey impressed the world at WrestleMania, Shinsuke Nakamura decided to turn heel and gets to play with everyone's emotion, and The Deadman is resurrected. The Deadman will retire on his own terms. Feel free to comment below. Follow @TripleZ_87 Follow @ZWrestleTalk |
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Triple ZCreator of ZWrestleTalk. This page I give you my thoughts on the current state of the WWE product. I look back at the history of WWE. Sometimes even predict the future. If your lucky you get comedic articles too. Archives
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