Author Topic: Wrestling Thread (AEW, NJPW, WWE, etc) (*) (Read 470241 times)

Stockholm Syndrome · « **Reply #9200 on:** May 4, 2024, 09:17:33 pm »

Quote from: damomad on May 4, 2024, 09:11:01 pm

Backlash card didn't do it for me at all, it all felt very house show. The main event was brilliant though, and hardly surprising as AJ is still a class act.

The crowd was pumped up but also very distracting from the work in the ring. A full rendition of La Marseillaise wasn't really appropriate while Cody and AJ are trading slams.

Card didn't look brilliant except that match, but fuck me that crowd was BOILING

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #9201 on:** May 4, 2024, 10:05:08 pm »

Mania next year in Vegas at Allegiant Stadium. Was expected to be in Minnesota but they’ve changed tack. Also doing it later than normal, 19 and 20 April. Almost certainly headlined by Rock/Roman, surely.

Tonyh8su · « **Reply #9202 on:** May 4, 2024, 10:18:32 pm »

Quote from: Stockholm Syndrome on May 4, 2024, 09:17:03 pm

In other news, looks like Seth Rollins is bald now, or at least a very trim cut on his sides

https://twitter.com/BethanyWWE1/status/1786837328582852792?t=zfzhONgnIkxtN2H1L-sPGA&s=19

He’s an absolute dweeb

Bread · « **Reply #9203 on:** May 4, 2024, 11:06:01 pm »

If the past 12 months is Jey auditioning to be a main-event calibre singles superstar, then I think it's fair to say it's going poorly. Maybe it's not entirely his fault, but between this match with Priest, his Wrestlemania match with Jimmy and his Summerslam match against Roman last year, he's getting into the habit of having one of the worst matches on the card of some very good shows.

That said, some would argue that presentation, charisma and being able to talk outweigh actually technical in-ring ability so there's hope for him yet, but I've just been struggling for the past 12 months to buy him as a credible singles star. I ultimately think all roads lead to him reuniting with Jimmy.

Wild Romany Boy · « **Reply #9204 on:** May 5, 2024, 07:28:04 am »

Quote from: Bread on May 4, 2024, 11:06:01 pm

If the past 12 months is Jey auditioning to be a main-event calibre singles superstar, then I think it's fair to say it's going poorly. Maybe it's not entirely his fault, but between this match with Priest, his Wrestlemania match with Jimmy and his Summerslam match against Roman last year, he's getting into the habit of having one of the worst matches on the card of some very good shows.

That said, some would argue that presentation, charisma and being able to talk outweigh actually technical in-ring ability so there's hope for him yet, but I've just been struggling for the past 12 months to buy him as a credible singles star. I ultimately think all roads lead to him reuniting with Jimmy.

I think that's right. Within the context of the entire Bloodline storyline, Jey was probably MVP (maybe Herman or Sami, but Jey edges it for me) and Jimmy has done quite well establishing a more comedic character.

They both now have something outside of the Usos team, which is a bonus, but them finding a way back to one another is probably the best use of them. They can take their time with that.

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #9205 on:** May 5, 2024, 07:53:33 am »

Quote from: Bread on May 4, 2024, 11:06:01 pm

If the past 12 months is Jey auditioning to be a main-event calibre singles superstar, then I think it's fair to say it's going poorly. Maybe it's not entirely his fault, but between this match with Priest, his Wrestlemania match with Jimmy and his Summerslam match against Roman last year, he's getting into the habit of having one of the worst matches on the card of some very good shows.

That said, some would argue that presentation, charisma and being able to talk outweigh actually technical in-ring ability so there's hope for him yet, but I've just been struggling for the past 12 months to buy him as a credible singles star. I ultimately think all roads lead to him reuniting with Jimmy.

I mean they’re definitely reuniting as part of the Bloodline story, but I reckon WWE probably view singles star Jey as a big success. As you say, great presentation, fans seem to adore him and he’s moving a lot of merch. Would be nice if the in-ring stuff was better, but I think he’s over delivered as I really didn’t expect much from his singles career.

CornerFlag · « **Reply #9206 on:** May 6, 2024, 08:36:56 am »

Quote from: Stockholm Syndrome on May 4, 2024, 09:17:03 pm

In other news, looks like Seth Rollins is bald now, or at least a very trim cut on his sides

https://twitter.com/BethanyWWE1/status/1786837328582852792?t=zfzhONgnIkxtN2H1L-sPGA&s=19

"I've sold monorails to Brockway, Ogdenville and North Haverbrook and by gum it put them on the map."

Wild Romany Boy · « **Reply #9207 on:** May 8, 2024, 03:47:05 pm »

Seth is living his best life. Happily married, kid, pets, paid a fortune, acknowledged as really good at what he does (but probably missing absolute love from the more cynical/serious end of the fanbase), part of huge Wrestlemania moments, dressing however the hell he likes and enjoying some well earned recovery time.

I know I am going to sound like the dweeb I am for being envious of Rollins but damn, dude is killing it.

jediwarrior · « **Reply #9208 on:** May 8, 2024, 03:54:54 pm »

Quote from: Stockholm Syndrome on May 4, 2024, 09:17:33 pm

Card didn't look brilliant except that match, but fuck me that crowd was BOILING

Think the crowd made that PPV. It was quite average match card for Backlash but they were so involved in every match made it great to watch.

Samie · « **Reply #9209 on:** May 16, 2024, 06:47:56 pm »

Turkey Shake wants a Rumble or WrestleMania in Saudi in 26/27.

https://twitter.com/WrestleOps/status/1790845368986439744

Quote

Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh says there are talks about the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia for 2026 or 2027.

GinKop · « **Reply #9210 on:** May 23, 2024, 09:26:05 am »

Quote from: Stockholm Syndrome on May 4, 2024, 09:17:33 pm

Card didn't look brilliant except that match, but fuck me that crowd was BOILING

One of the best crowds I can remember in terms of heat was the Canadian Stampede PPV in 97. Might go back and watch that this weekend.

Also, anyone else seen Dark Side of the Ring by Vice?

The New Jack and Nick Gage episodes are so messed up. And David Arquette? Who is clearing this kind of shit?

Riquende · « **Reply #9211 on:** May 23, 2024, 11:06:13 am »

I didn't think the 'Bryan Danielson Dream-Matchathon Retirement Tour' would include 10 minutes with Satnam Singh, but hey, this is AEW. Where the best wrestle, so they tell me. Ad nauseum.

I actually didn't realise how close we were to DoN. I won't be staying up or having the day off after, so it's going to be one of those 'watch it in 6-8 chunks across Monday/Tuesday kind of PPVs' that totally ruins the experience.

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #9212 on:** May 23, 2024, 03:07:44 pm »

Summerslam going to two nights this year.

EDIT: Tell a lie, it’s going two nights in 2026. In Minneapolis, seems to have been done to make up for ditching them for Mania next year at the last minute.

courty61 · « **Reply #9213 on:** May 23, 2024, 03:21:56 pm »

25 years since Owen's death. Remember reading an article in the Echo about it the day after.

Taped the PPV and even then at 13 I was like - oh they are carrying on?! After JR made that announcement.

Such a tragic incident

Samie · « **Reply #9214 on:** May 23, 2024, 04:21:22 pm »

Wow! 25 years today.

Stockholm Syndrome · « **Reply #9215 on:** May 23, 2024, 05:12:36 pm »

Quote from: Riquende on May 23, 2024, 11:06:13 am

I didn't think the 'Bryan Danielson Dream-Matchathon Retirement Tour' would include 10 minutes with Satnam Singh, but hey, this is AEW. Where the best wrestle, so they tell me. Ad nauseum.

I actually didn't realise how close we were to DoN. I won't be staying up or having the day off after, so it's going to be one of those 'watch it in 6-8 chunks across Monday/Tuesday kind of PPVs' that totally ruins the experience.

Tbf it's bank holiday weekend so unless you are in a job without bank holidays, or not in the UK, there is a day off. So I will be watching, mainly because it is very rare that I get to watch it live, and there's enough there getting me excited

I think the best description I had for the Danielson vs Singh match is that it was a 3/10, I absolutely loved it

Riquende · « **Reply #9216 on:** May 23, 2024, 07:30:20 pm »

Quote from: Stockholm Syndrome on May 23, 2024, 05:12:36 pm

Tbf it's bank holiday weekend so unless you are in a job without bank holidays, or not in the UK, there is a day off. So I will be watching, mainly because it is very rare that I get to watch it live, and there's enough there getting me excited

I think the best description I had for the Danielson vs Singh match is that it was a 3/10, I absolutely loved it

Yes, I don't get the bank holidays off sadly. It might be quieter in the home office though, maybe enough that I can put it on in the background for some longer stretches.

Wild Romany Boy · « **Reply #9217 on:** May 23, 2024, 07:50:59 pm »

Quote from: courty61 on May 23, 2024, 03:21:56 pm

25 years since Owen's death. Remember reading an article in the Echo about it the day after.

Taped the PPV and even then at 13 I was like - oh they are carrying on?! After JR made that announcement.

Such a tragic incident

Oh I remember being told about that the day after.

Owen seemed like the nicest guy in wrestling and a natural talent. Probably wins the world title once or twice in this era, criminally used in his own.

Such a tough spot to be in but the wrestlers looked lost afterwards. Jarrett was a broken man in interviews afterwards and I remember Triple H crying buckets - it still surprises me slightly because they obviosuly weren't close friends - the following Raw.

OsirisMVZ · « **Reply #9218 on:** May 23, 2024, 08:00:31 pm »

Doing the night shift so have caught Raw and Dynamite this week. Danielson vs Singh started with about 9 mins left of air time, and they somehow managed to fit in a reasonable length match along with a double-feature post-match angle to go home to the PPV with too.

I also caught the first Marigold show on Monday. That's the breakaway fed from Stardom's booker Rossy Ogawa who was fired a couple of months ago. It sold 1300 tickets at Korakuen Hall which is about 50% more than what New Japan has been doing lately

Giulia the Ace who is NXT-bound broke her wrist 4 mins into the 28 min main event, what a bummer. They have a Sumo Hall show booked for July I think with her main eventing so hopefully she'll be back by then.

gerrardisgod · « **Reply #9219 on:** May 25, 2024, 07:50:31 pm »

Someone will need to explain the pushes Liv Morgan keeps getting to me, I just don’t see it.

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #9220 on:** May 25, 2024, 08:27:04 pm »

Thought Randy was going to beat Gunther given the winner gets a Summerslam title shot. Thought they’d have gone Randy/Cody. Although suppose they still can as Gunther is challenging for the other title…. I’m presuming against Drew (who I think beats Priest for it at the big Scottish show).

Wild Romany Boy · « **Reply #9221 on:** May 26, 2024, 09:54:40 am »

Quote from: Barefoot Doctor on May 25, 2024, 08:27:04 pm

Thought Randy was going to beat Gunther given the winner gets a Summerslam title shot. Thought they’d have gone Randy/Cody. Although suppose they still can as Gunther is challenging for the other title…. I’m presuming against Drew (who I think beats Priest for it at the big Scottish show).

Certainly varies it up a bit. When Gunther gets his shot, I was hoping they run with him. He is more than ready.

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #9222 on:** May 26, 2024, 10:02:45 am »

Quote from: Wild Romany Boy on May 26, 2024, 09:54:40 am

Certainly varies it up a bit. When Gunther gets his shot, I was hoping they run with him. He is more than ready.

Yeah you could easily put the belt on Gunther at Summerslam. Be a shame for Drew to have a short reign, but his feud with Punk doesn’t need a title. Also wonder if they might want Gunther to have the belt for Bash at Berlin, or maybe win it there.

Wild Romany Boy · « **Reply #9223 on:** May 27, 2024, 09:59:10 am »

Double or Nothing was more nothing than it was double. Bar a nice match between Swerve and Christian, I wouldn't give anything over the 4.

Usually the matches have a fair amount of sizzle, but this didn't seem to have anything much.

Spoiler

Lovely to see MJF back, and pleased he'sgone back to his original presentation but that promo reminded me of Keir Starmer rather than anyone else, and I never thought I'dday that about one if his promos

[close]

Stockholm Syndrome · « **Reply #9224 on:** May 27, 2024, 03:32:24 pm »

Quote from: Wild Romany Boy on May 27, 2024, 09:59:10 am

Double or Nothing was more nothing than it was double. Bar a nice match between Swerve and Christian, I wouldn't give anything over the 4.

Usually the matches have a fair amount of sizzle, but this didn't seem to have anything much.

Spoiler
Lovely to see MJF back, and pleased he'sgone back to his original presentation but that promo reminded me of Keir Starmer rather than anyone else, and I never thought I'dday that about one if his promos
[close]

I'd say it was a good show, an 8 or a 7.5. Ospreay/Strong, Swerve/Christian, Mercedes/Willow, and AitA all being really great matches. Moxley/Takeshita was great too, although I can do with less Callis.

They can do with shaving off perhaps 2-3 matches from the show though.

Spoiler

You can see MJF got surgery, although it wasn't on his shoulder, and he had to go to a specialist in Turkey to have it

[close]

Wild Romany Boy · « **Reply #9225 on:** May 27, 2024, 04:19:54 pm »

Quote from: Stockholm Syndrome on May 27, 2024, 03:32:24 pm

I'd say it was a good show, an 8 or a 7.5. Ospreay/Strong, Swerve/Christian, Mercedes/Willow, and AitA all being really great matches. Moxley/Takeshita was great too, although I can do with less Callis.

They can do with shaving off perhaps 2-3 matches from the show though.

Spoiler
You can see MJF got surgery, although it wasn't on his shoulder, and he had to go to a specialist in Turkey to have it
[close]

I'm thinking all those matches, bar the AEW title match, were about 3.5 stars or thereabouts. Swerve and Christian got about 4 25 for me.
I thought Ospreay was a little off to be honest.

It's a good card, much to enjoy. But, for me, cos I don't necessarily chime with the booking or storyline elements, I hope for 3 or 4 above that 4 star mark to make it a show for me. And, tbf, I haven't been disappointed often when it comes to their big event cards.

And, yeah, I know what you mean. If I had his money though I'd be in Turkey most weeks. I need it these days.

Spoiler

Though they put over Jack Perry huge, although I didn't like the match itself. Will it stick?

[close]

Stockholm Syndrome · « **Reply #9226 on:** May 27, 2024, 04:59:52 pm »

Spoiler

I would be interested to see if MJF is heel or face - while he is insulting everyone that's exactly what got him over. He is full of confidence, vigour, a love for the company, and betting on himself.

Aspects of his promo were hellish saying all your favorites suck donkey dick, but also a lot of face vibes, in the same sense that face Rock was a young, egotistical, loud mouthed cocky star who respected no one, who you loved for all of that

[close]

Wild Romany Boy · « **Reply #9227 on:** May 27, 2024, 06:47:24 pm »

Quote from: Stockholm Syndrome on May 27, 2024, 04:59:52 pm

Spoiler
I would be interested to see if MJF is heel or face - while he is insulting everyone that's exactly what got him over. He is full of confidence, vigour, a love for the company, and betting on himself.

Aspects of his promo were hellish saying all your favorites suck donkey dick, but also a lot of face vibes, in the same sense that face Rock was a young, egotistical, loud mouthed cocky star who respected no one, who you loved for all of that
[close]

Spoiler

Yes, it was quite striking how big the reset was. You have to think Adam Cole is done as anything approaching main event as a result.

In theory, keeping a heel character face by just doing what the crowd liked in the first instance sounds simple. The Rock, as you say, did it for years. But even the great one struggled at times, he pondered quite a bit.

MJF is not the physical athlete that Rock is, but he has a fair smattering of charisma and ring skills. Keep him the same, vary the targets and he will be fine. I enjoyed Cole and him, but it went wayward at one point and I'm not sure when. MJF is a talent and a half, he will probably learn from that and filter himself a bit more.

[close]

gazzalfc · « **Reply #9228 on:** May 28, 2024, 03:10:49 pm »

Becky Lynch out of contract as of 1st June and she's dropped the belt and put over Liv Morgan at the ppv and the rematch last night on raw.

amir87 · « **Reply #9229 on:** May 28, 2024, 03:11:44 pm »

Thought her and Seth were both set to renew?

Stockholm Syndrome · « **Reply #9230 on:** May 28, 2024, 06:49:43 pm »

Quote from: amir87 on May 28, 2024, 03:11:44 pm

Thought her and Seth were both set to renew?

Talk was they were but hasn't signed yet.

I expect her to go on hiatus for a bit and return in 6 months to a year. From what I have seen of her book she is very much excited to being a mother for a bit so will probably take some time off for that.

In other news, sadly Adam Copeland has broken his leg jumping off a cage feet first, a spot I wouldn't recommend anyone doing even at a young age never mind 50

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #9231 on:** May 29, 2024, 09:00:30 am »

Quote from: amir87 on May 28, 2024, 03:11:44 pm

Thought her and Seth were both set to renew?

Rollins was reported to have signed a new deal. I can't imagine Lynch going elsewhere, she maybe just wants a bit of a break. Probably could go to being a part-time attraction in the future, given how much she's already achieved.

Ethan Page debuted on NXT last night, and Jordynne Grace from TNA was on it too again - presume she'll come over full time when her contract expires.

amir87 · « **Reply #9232 on:** May 29, 2024, 09:03:09 am »

Makes sense for her to have a break to spend some quality time with her daughter. Also, her character seem to be going to stale and fans were definitely getting bored of her.

damomad · « **Reply #9233 on:** May 29, 2024, 01:23:32 pm »

Quote from: Stockholm Syndrome on May 28, 2024, 06:49:43 pm

In other news, sadly Adam Copeland has broken his leg jumping off a cage feet first, a spot I wouldn't recommend anyone doing even at a young age never mind 50

That will be him out of the Wembley show I'd imagine, which is a real shame. What is the main event for that show anyway now that MJF is back? Was assuming Ospreay was nailed on but they haven't ever really crossed paths.

Quote from: amir87 on May 29, 2024, 09:03:09 am

Makes sense for her to have a break to spend some quality time with her daughter. Also, her character seem to be going to stale and fans were definitely getting bored of her.

Definitely noticed it in the build up to Mania, Rhea is more over by a distance. I enjoyed their match at Mania but Becky needs some sort of reset because she hasn't really evolved "The Man" character since her peak. Which to be fair to Becky will be hard to top because for a while in 2019/20 she was in the top 3-5 stars in all of wrestling, male and female.

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #9234 on:** May 29, 2024, 01:40:33 pm »

Quote from: damomad on May 29, 2024, 01:23:32 pm

That will be him out of the Wembley show I'd imagine, which is a real shame. What is the main event for that show anyway now that MJF is back? Was assuming Ospreay was nailed on but they haven't ever really crossed paths.

Definitely noticed it in the build up to Mania, Rhea is more over by a distance. I enjoyed their match at Mania but Becky needs some sort of reset because she hasn't really evolved "The Man" character since her peak. Which to be fair to Becky will be hard to top because for a while in 2019/20 she was in the top 3-5 stars in all of wrestling, male and female.

Was thinking earlier about wrestler's peaks. With Becky, 'The Man' persona came around in autumn of 2018, and she won the belts against Ronda and Charlotte at Mania in 2019. So that's five and a half years, with the period she was away having her first kid in there.

That, by my count, isn't much different than the time span between Austin winning KOTR in 1996 and walking out in 2002, And he wasn't at the top of the pile until Mania in 1998, meaning he only had three and a bit years at the very, very top. The Rock had what, four years at his peak? From his first title win in late 1998 to dropping the belt to Lesnar at Summerslam in 2002.

Guess my point is it's really hard to keep things interesting and hot for a significant amount of time, and Lynch has done a pretty good job all told. Not every wrestler is going to be a Triple H, Cena, Taker, Reigns etc and be around for absolutely ages in the main event.

Stockholm Syndrome · « **Reply #9235 on:** May 29, 2024, 02:00:19 pm »

Quote from: damomad on May 29, 2024, 01:23:32 pm

That will be him out of the Wembley show I'd imagine, which is a real shame. What is the main event for that show anyway now that MJF is back? Was assuming Ospreay was nailed on but they haven't ever really crossed paths.

If it was me booking it I would have an undefeated Ospreay vs an undefeated Okada to merge the belts. Both belts are not necessary, both big new stars who can claim to be best in the world, both putting an undefeated streak on the line. That's the match.

I would also have Swerve vs Danielson as the world title match - Danielson desperately driven to be a singles champion at the top before he goes and Swerve proving himself. Have Swerve win then have Danielson win at the Seattle wrestledream (him and Swerves hometown) by cheating for one last run as champ. Still a huge match for Ospreay but he can win the title at the next Wembley

MJF and Cole in a blood feud match is what I would do, if Cole is cleared.

Moxley vs ZSJ for the IWGP title

damomad · « **Reply #9236 on:** May 29, 2024, 02:12:45 pm »

Quote from: Barefoot Doctor on May 29, 2024, 01:40:33 pm

Was thinking earlier about wrestler's peaks. With Becky, 'The Man' persona came around in autumn of 2018, and she won the belts against Ronda and Charlotte at Mania in 2019. So that's five and a half years, with the period she was away having her first kid in there.

That, by my count, isn't much different than the time span between Austin winning KOTR in 1996 and walking out in 2002, And he wasn't at the top of the pile until Mania in 1998, meaning he only had three and a bit years at the very, very top. The Rock had what, four years at his peak? From his first title win in late 1998 to dropping the belt to Lesnar at Summerslam in 2002.

Guess my point is it's really hard to keep things interesting and hot for a significant amount of time, and Lynch has done a pretty good job all told. Not every wrestler is going to be a Triple H, Cena, Taker, Reigns etc and be around for absolutely ages in the main event.

It's a great point. It is worth pondering about Austin. In 2002 he was getting, dare I say it, a bit stale. You can blame booking for some of it but he'd been at the very top so consistently for 4-6 years (depending on injuries) that it was really jarring to see him reverting into the shuffle and doing jobs. Once you are that over, there's no sense in moving backwards on the card.

I guess it happens all wrestlers if they stick around long enough. Cena and even Triple H had a period where they dropped back to the upper mid card (US title for Cena, IC for Triple H) but you always got a sense for them it was just a holding position to allow the company to build up other stars. With Austin (and Hogan) that's just not possible. They almost have to leave and come back time and time again like the Rock has.

I think Becky is in the same position, and if she's smart, could arrange short term deals for the remainder of her career and still make a tonne.

damomad · « **Reply #9237 on:** May 29, 2024, 02:16:01 pm »

Quote from: Stockholm Syndrome on May 29, 2024, 02:00:19 pm

If it was me booking it I would have an undefeated Ospreay vs an undefeated Okada to merge the belts. Both belts are not necessary, both big new stars who can claim to be best in the world, both putting an undefeated streak on the line. That's the match.

I would also have Swerve vs Danielson as the world title match - Danielson desperately driven to be a singles champion at the top before he goes and Swerve proving himself. Have Swerve win then have Danielson win at the Seattle wrestledream (him and Swerves hometown) by cheating for one last run as champ. Still a huge match for Ospreay but he can win the title at the next Wembley

MJF and Cole in a blood feud match is what I would do, if Cole is cleared.

Moxley vs ZSJ for the IWGP title

I like all that, although the way MJF buried Cole at the weekend it might take longer than 3 months to dig him out!

Stockholm Syndrome · « **Reply #9238 on:** May 29, 2024, 02:23:04 pm »

Quote from: damomad on May 29, 2024, 02:16:01 pm

I like all that, although the way MJF buried Cole at the weekend it might take longer than 3 months to dig him out!

Have him cost MJF the title match in the Owen Cup, and have MJF pissed at that. Go full dog collar or Texas Death Match for it; violent hatred match

Winner can face Swerve at All Out

Wild Romany Boy · « **Reply #9239 on:** May 29, 2024, 03:50:45 pm »

Quote from: Barefoot Doctor on May 29, 2024, 01:40:33 pm

Was thinking earlier about wrestler's peaks. With Becky, 'The Man' persona came around in autumn of 2018, and she won the belts against Ronda and Charlotte at Mania in 2019. So that's five and a half years, with the period she was away having her first kid in there.

That, by my count, isn't much different than the time span between Austin winning KOTR in 1996 and walking out in 2002, And he wasn't at the top of the pile until Mania in 1998, meaning he only had three and a bit years at the very, very top. The Rock had what, four years at his peak? From his first title win in late 1998 to dropping the belt to Lesnar at Summerslam in 2002.

Guess my point is it's really hard to keep things interesting and hot for a significant amount of time, and Lynch has done a pretty good job all told. Not every wrestler is going to be a Triple H, Cena, Taker, Reigns etc and be around for absolutely ages in the main event.

Hogan had a fair chunk of time granted, they tried other wrestlers but nobody went past Hogan as the main guy, but Cena's as the main man (which I don't think Triple H or Taker ever truly were) is huge.

As you say, Austin was at the top for 4 years and he was injured for nearly a year of that. Rock wins at Survivor Series 98 and isn't ever really full time again after he films Scorpion King. Both Austin and Rock change alignment after they win the title, Cena doesn't really.

Lesnar left before his era was 2 years old.

Reigns doesn't get going until 2020 or so but he is arguably top from 2015 so I suppose you can say he rivals Cena in that regard. But Vince was gonna make him main to spite us anyway I guess.