Topic: Wrestling Thread (AEW, NJPW, WWE, etc) (*)

[Barefoot Doctor]

A huge step up after they got rid of Kevin Dunn. WWE really firing on all cylinders now.

Forgetting the production stuff, reckon it might be one of the coolest entrances they've ever done. Hometown hero entering through the front door of the arena, through the fans in the arena then into the crowd, Canadian flag drapped on his back.

Sami Zayn is an absolute star. Arguably WWE's MVP over the last few years. Was a brilliant cowardly heel, and put on probably the best comedy match in Mania history with Johnny Knoxville (it's genuinely good), then into the Bloodline stuff which he elevated to a new level. Huge moment at last year's Rumble with the turn on Roman and then the tag title win at Mania, followed by dethroning the longest reigning IC champion of all time this year.

[Wild Romany Boy]

Forgetting the production stuff, reckon it might be one of the coolest entrances they've ever done. Hometown hero entering through the front door of the arena, through the fans in the arena then into the crowd, Canadian flag drapped on his back.

Sami Zayn is an absolute star. Arguably WWE's MVP over the last few years. Was a brilliant cowardly heel, and put on probably the best comedy match in Mania history with Johnny Knoxville (it's genuinely good), then into the Bloodline stuff which he elevated to a new level. Huge moment at last year's Rumble with the turn on Roman and then the tag title win at Mania, followed by dethroning the longest reigning IC champion of all time this year.

During his time where he just got levelled by Brock, I thought he should cut and run. I was badly wrong.

As you say, the Bloodline was just moving along before Zayn get involved. He electrified it.

[stoa]

Forgetting the production stuff, reckon it might be one of the coolest entrances they've ever done. Hometown hero entering through the front door of the arena, through the fans in the arena then into the crowd, Canadian flag drapped on his back.

A flag he stole from a fan...
The most important change in my view, as someone who only watches some PPVs and, is that they've stopped cutting during matches like a coked-up monkey is pushing the buttons. I've still seen it happening from time to time, but it was always in moments where it was justified. Don't know what it's like in the weekly shows as I don't really watch them and at most watch clips of some angles I stumble upon on Youtube.

[Barefoot Doctor]

Matt Hardy keeps posting Bray Wyatt stuff at a time when WWE is teasing something related to him. Seems they're maybe doing the 'Wyatt 6' idea, which could be a nice way to honour him... Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy would obviously be part of it, there's talk of Erick Rowan returning, maybe Matt Hardy given their former tag team, Alexa Bliss...

I mean, I doubt it'd work in practice - I don't particularly think supernatural stuff works in modern WWE, but maybe if you take that away from it and add some decent talent (because Bo, Matt and Erick aint it) then it could go somewhere.

[Barefoot Doctor]

Rollins getting through some or all of Mania with a torn meniscus. Fair play.

[TheFinalBoss]

This new bloodline is great so far, the way WWE have used Tama Tonga so far has been masterful that's how you introduce a new wrestler on your show instead of killing their aura on arrival.

[ianburns252]

I’d be interested to see a Blood Line vs Boss Line fued when Roman returns which would set up Mania 41 Roman v Rock

[Wild Romany Boy]

Rollins getting through some or all of Mania with a torn meniscus. Fair play.

He was probably the workhorse of the mania season. Very unselfish in his booking and part of at least 2 huge moments.

[Barefoot Doctor]

He was probably the workhorse of the mania season. Very unselfish in his booking and part of at least 2 huge moments.

Did well getting out there for his spot in the Night 2 main event. Saw a video of him trying to get in the ring (prior to Roman taking him out) and he could barely do it. No wonder he didn’t get offence in, didn’t look like he could stand up. Trooper for doing it because that callback to him betraying Roman is the heart of the finish.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Matt Hardy keeps posting Bray Wyatt stuff at a time when WWE is teasing something related to him. Seems they're maybe doing the 'Wyatt 6' idea, which could be a nice way to honour him... Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy would obviously be part of it, there's talk of Erick Rowan returning, maybe Matt Hardy given their former tag team, Alexa Bliss...

I mean, I doubt it'd work in practice - I don't particularly think supernatural stuff works in modern WWE, but maybe if you take that away from it and add some decent talent (because Bo, Matt and Erick aint it) then it could go somewhere.

Matt Hardy turned up on TNA looking even sadder than you'd expect.

In fact TNA had a show which very much looked like an end of days WCW show - booked by an accountant.

There's some stuff come out this weekend which is completely behind the scenes and not interesting for this thread but the post Hard to Kill "TNA could challenge as No2 promotion" talk is completely dead, was delusional from the start, and with the latest backstage stuff seems entirely manufactured from a predictable source.

[Barefoot Doctor]

Matt Hardy turned up on TNA looking even sadder than you'd expect.

Maybe something still pans out with WWE given they have strong links with TNA, but Hardy tweeted something about how he’s been trying to create hype around himself during his free agency. Which is absolutely fine but to be using his links with Bray to achieve that - if there was nothing actually happening with WWE - is a bit grim IMO.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Maybe something still pans out with WWE given they have strong links with TNA, but Hardy tweeted something about how he’s been trying to create hype around himself during his free agency. Which is absolutely fine but to be using his links with Bray to achieve that - if there was nothing actually happening with WWE - is a bit grim IMO.

As a general rule of thumb, if you are going to WWE you don't advertise it. If someone is hyping up a WWE return or move assume they are going to TNA or MLW instead. Or if Meltzer is saying it is a possibility between WWE and AEW, assume they are going to AEW.

If someone quietly withdraws from the indies it is usually safe to assume they are going to WWE. Generally

[Wild Romany Boy]

Had the pleasure of being able to watch Dynasty. Probably the best PPV they have done and, if booking in to it had been better, a surefire top 5 that I've seen. Bar one clanger, this is the AEW I feel they need to be.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Fucking incredible PPV

Ospreay vs Danielson was somehow better than you could even imagine

[Wild Romany Boy]

Fucking incredible PPV

Ospreay vs Danielson was somehow better than you could even imagine

Fully agree. It had the best build and was the best AEW match I've seen.

Danielson has such an array of tricks that he can hold stuff back. His matches build, he makes sense, he sells beautifully. Ospreay does have small, infinitesimal things that could hold him back from that Danielson/HBK level in the hands of others. There was none of that here. The very best have their best matches with Danielson and Ospreay may well, given his age, become the very best of the very best.

Thought Pac vs Okada was beautiful too. Okada had the wrong type of match with Kingston in my view, but he doesn't need to slow down for Pac. Wonderful.

If the build was better, it would probably be my favourite ever PPV in all honesty. Bar that Jericho clanger of a match, I can't fault it.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I think the only thing making me think Revolution is better was the send off for Sting. Otherwise this was just as good.

This is the happiest Okada has looked in years, he clearly absolutely loves being a dick head heel and incorporating some level of comedy in his style along with the Bucks.

While of course still looking a million bucks, and almost always the best part of every thing he is in (last night PAC was just as good though because it is fucking PAC, probably the most underrated wrestler in the world for my book, because while everyone knows he is very good, I think he's top 10, maybe top 5 in the world good)

[Wild Romany Boy]

I think the only thing making me think Revolution is better was the send off for Sting. Otherwise this was just as good.

This is the happiest Okada has looked in years, he clearly absolutely loves being a dick head heel and incorporating some level of comedy in his style along with the Bucks.

While of course still looking a million bucks, and almost always the best part of every thing he is in (last night PAC was just as good though because it is fucking PAC, probably the most underrated wrestler in the world for my book, because while everyone knows he is very good, I think he's top 10, maybe top 5 in the world good)

I don't think Pac is that good in all honesty, but only because we don't see enough of him. If he gets a run together, I'd have him in the mixer in a very impressive set of male wrestlers. And that's a high compliment. They could do a lot more with him.

[please, I have my reasons for it but...]

Dynasty was the best PPV wrestling wise from top to bottom and that's saying something because Revolution was fantastic too.

Ospreay vs Danielson though, that was probably the best match I have ever seen.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I don't think Pac is that good in all honesty, but only because we don't see enough of him. If he gets a run together, I'd have him in the mixer in a very impressive set of male wrestlers. And that's a high compliment. They could do a lot more with him.

I don't know what was up with PAC, by the sounds of it, it was potentially career ending (and one that no one talks about in a Brodie code kind of way so I imagine it was pretty bad)

But when he has wrestled for the last Decade plus, he has just been absolutely fucking incredible and clean every time

[gazzalfc]

Ospreay said in the media scrum after that he will be 'retiring' the Tiger Driver 91 after 'hurting' Danielson. An obvious work as Danielson took it so much safer and cleaner than Omega.

The crowd chanting 'Please retire' to Jericho was just a bit sad

[John_P]

Whose house?

Spoiler

Swerves house!

[close]

Great PPV that from top to bottom.

[Wild Romany Boy]

Ospreay said in the media scrum after that he will be 'retiring' the Tiger Driver 91 after 'hurting' Danielson. An obvious work as Danielson took it so much safer and cleaner than Omega.

The crowd chanting 'Please retire' to Jericho was just a bit sad

Jericho is a huge drain on AEW at the moment.

[Musketeer Gripweed]

Tickets went on presale for the Hydro event in June this morning. My social media has gone mental with people complaining about the ticket prices. Because they are pairing up the Smackdown/PPV tickets the lowest price I have seen quoted is about £500 a ticket.

Thing is, it'll still sell out, even if Scotland are playing on the Friday night.

[gazzalfc]

Anyone think Tony feared for his life last night?

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Anyone think Tony feared for his life last night?

Big Shahid may have feared for his son's life

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I will massively respect Tony's commitment to the bit if he is seen in the Jacksonville war room wearing a neck brace in the draft tonight

If he doesn't do that he is a coward

[Wild Romany Boy]

I was very disappointed with Dynamite in all honesty. It is very AEW to follow up such a great PPV with a stinker of a tv show.

But Tony Khan did take that move very well.

[Samie]

https://twitter.com/TripleH/status/1783495200536424594

WrestleMania in London lads?

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I was very disappointed with Dynamite in all honesty. It is very AEW to follow up such a great PPV with a stinker of a tv show.

But Tony Khan did take that move very well.

I thought it was decent myself. Ospreay vs Roddy is great, women's stuff was good, ending was really good.

Mox/Hobbs should have got more time and Swerve should have got a promo, and Jericho is Jericho, but other than that I thought it was good

[Wild Romany Boy]

I thought it was decent myself. Ospreay vs Roddy is great, women's stuff was good, ending was really good.

Mox/Hobbs should have got more time and Swerve should have got a promo, and Jericho is Jericho, but other than that I thought it was good

I thought the battle royale element, or whatever they are calling it, was an interesting mix of proper challengers and those with no chance but, beyond White vs Ospreay, didn't really click for me. I'd like to see it done again soon enough. Ospreay, apart from that, was a little off I felt and the Callis family stuff isn't brilliant.

Probably the worst Mox match I have seen - he's not exactly fire atm after being the best part of AEW for a fair bit - and Jericho's bit was bowling shoe ugly.

And Swerve going long in a match, with little focus on him, wasn't a great start to his reign.  I think it all encapsulates the problems with AEW booking to be honest.

But yeah, must admit the end segment worked. I don't want to see Tony Khan on air but this made Jack Perry, after all the rigmorole, look like a star. It must have worked somehow.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I thought the battle royale element, or whatever they are calling it, was an interesting mix of proper challengers and those with no chance but, beyond White vs Ospreay, didn't really click for me. I'd like to see it done again soon enough. Ospreay, apart from that, was a little off I felt and the Callis family stuff isn't brilliant.

Probably the worst Mox match I have seen - he's not exactly fire atm after being the best part of AEW for a fair bit - and Jericho's bit was bowling shoe ugly.

And Swerve going long in a match, with little focus on him, wasn't a great start to his reign.  I think it all encapsulates the problems with AEW booking to be honest.

But yeah, must admit the end segment worked. I don't want to see Tony Khan on air but this made Jack Perry, after all the rigmorole, look like a star. It must have worked somehow.

Wouldn't really say that. Away from AEW he's been great, and before his time off he was fantastic too. Last night should have been better though

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Seems the Swerve promo is saved until Collision because they have a massive lead in with the Celtics game.

Logical, hopefully it pays off

[courty61]

https://twitter.com/TripleH/status/1783495200536424594

WrestleMania in London lads?

I can't quite see it. Unless they did night 1 in the UK and night 2 somewhere else.

Or even tried the failed WM2 multiple venue thing.

Just think the weather and time difference would be a factor. But maybe with the PPV model dead they aren't as bothered?

[Stockholm Syndrome]

I will massively respect Tony's commitment to the bit if he is seen in the Jacksonville war room wearing a neck brace in the draft tonight

If he doesn't do that he is a coward

https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing/status/1783692434334973957?s=19

HE FUCKING DID IT!!!

[Wild Romany Boy]

https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing/status/1783692434334973957?s=19

HE FUCKING DID IT!!!

Fair play. I remember Triple H not selling an arm injury Lesnar gave him and it annoyed me.

[jediwarrior]

I can't quite see it. Unless they did night 1 in the UK and night 2 somewhere else.

Or even tried the failed WM2 multiple venue thing.

Just think the weather and time difference would be a factor. But maybe with the PPV model dead they aren't as bothered?

There is talk of Wrestlemania maybe moving to May, which will certainly help with the weather.

[damomad]

Good man Tony, although I don't know why he's smiling about it 

Had a look at Clash at the Castle prices. Would be cheaper to fly to the US and also get tickets for a show.

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Good man Tony, although I don't know why he's smiling about it 

Had a look at Clash at the Castle prices. Would be cheaper to fly to the US and also get tickets for a show.

He is clearly SO HAPPY to be able to wear a neck brace selling the injury.

Dare I say.....releasing the tape has worked out wonders, although maybe not how one expected. Jack Perry has come in with a lot of heat due to it, they have a good angle going, and it's even lead to AEW getting named in the NFL Draft.

They have seemingly stumbled into gold, I hope they run with it

[CornerFlag]

Alright, Tony Khan is officially mental. Just compared WWE to Harvey Weinstein...

[Stockholm Syndrome]

Alright, Tony Khan is officially mental. Just compared WWE to Harvey Weinstein...

Tbf Vince hired his PR firm this week

Nah for real it's completely out of pocket