tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49509247416380687712024-03-05T04:03:06.071-07:00The Heater - WrestlingNews, reactions and thoughts from a life-long professional wrestling fan.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-44718520971610860532017-08-06T18:59:00.000-06:002017-08-06T18:59:01.220-06:00Why New Japan Pro-Wrestling Is Outperforming WWE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's no denying it. New Japan Pro-Wrestling is absolutely on fire right now. WWE, on the other hand, is simply getting by with the same old formula. New Japan has been hot for awhile now, dating back to around the first of the three <i>Wrestle Kingdom </i>shows that were headlined by Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi. The promotion continues to build momentum as they ran two sold out shows in Long Beach, California and are in the midst of an epic G1 Climax Tournament. Now listen, I understand that flat out saying, "New Japan is better than WWE" is a matter of opinion and it depends on what you're into. But honestly, if you're a fan of professional wrestling as a whole and not just one particular promotion, then you know what I mean when I say that New Japan is better than WWE at the moment. Now that we have that out of the way, let's run down the reasons New Japan is outperforming WWE.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Booking:</b></span><br />
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Let's face it, wins and loses don't mean a damn thing in WWE. A prime recent example is Jinder Mahal. What the hell did that guy do within the confines of the show to get an opportunity in a number one contender match? Seriously, I think he'd won two matches up until that point. WWE proved that match outcomes didn't make a difference. "But it's unpredictable," you might say. Well, that might be, but it also means that rooting for wrestlers weekly on <i>Raw </i>and <i>Smackdown </i>is a complete waste of time. Hell, Shane McMahon fought the Undertaker for control of <i>Raw, </i>lost, and then was in charge the next day anyway! What the hell is that?!<br />
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Booking, along with wins and loses, are focal points in New Japan. WWE is definitely hindered by the huge amount of content they have to turn out, but that doesn't mean things don't have to make sense. In New Japan, if a guy is going to get a push and some wins, they commit to it. 50/50 booking is very rare. If there's a tag-team match and a guy pins a singles champion, the result would set up a championship match. It's just a logical promotion.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Creative Freedom:</b></span><br />
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WWE has a major anchor attached to all of its wrestlers. What is that anchor? Scripts, and a lot of them. Yes, there's a lot of stuff going on there and maybe it's easier to just tell people exactly what to do. The major issue with this though is it keeps people from learning via trial and error. No one can take a chance on the microphone. Characters don't develop naturally. Plus, every time I hear a scripted promo it's completely obvious that it's scripted. Stone Cold Steve Austin couldn't have had that unpredictable personality if he was scripted down to the punctuation marks. Austin drew an unfathomable amount of money taking chances and being himself. Times have changed in WWE and it's not favoring the performers.<br />
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So I'll be honest here, I don't speak Japanese. But when I hear the emotion in some of these dudes' voices, I'm convinced that I'm hearing their own words. One thing I do know is that when Karl Anderson cut a promo in New Japan, it damn sure wasn't scripted. Compare his mic work in New Japan to WWE. It's completely different. A huge reason Kenny Omega has stood out in the world of wrestling is the lack of restriction placed upon him. New Japan is creating stars by allowing them to find themselves on their own. WWE seems to believe they can create them with a keyboard. There's a certain authenticity with the top stars of New Japan and that cannot be understated.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Match Quality:</b></span><br />
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WWE fans won't like this, but here it is anyway. New Japan Pro-Wrestling completely destroys WWE when it comes to an in-ring product. Sorry, but I firmly believe that to be a fact. AJ Styles and John Cena had some damn good matches, they really did. But New Japan has produced Hiromu Takahashi vs. Dragon Lee, Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kazuchika Okada, Omega vs. Okada, Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito, and so many others in just over eight months. Again, there's a difference in the amount of content the two companies provide. The New Japan crew works more physically and less often than the WWE crew. I'd be an idiot to not also mention that this physical style can be detrimental to the longevity of a New Japan wrestler. Still, the two companies seem far apart in the quality department.<br />
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Another point of emphasis in New Japan match quality is the level of selling in a match. How many times in WWE have you seen Seth Rollins sell the knee then do a highspot? Then, right after the highspot, he sells the knee and hits the next spot. Neither company is perfect in this category, but more often than not, New Japan wrestlers sell and perform based on what they're selling. Yes, they'll go full strong-style and defy their worked injuries in an act of desperation, but not for the whole match.<br />
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Big-time New Japan matches are stuffed full of emotion as well. WWE can sometimes reach this level, but on far less of a basis. There's just something about the desperation the guys in New Japan can express through facials in the closing moments of a match. Okada vs. Omega II is a great example. The final five minutes of that match are so emotional. The fans in attendance that night were in a state of pure pandemonium. They were screaming and yelling toward the finish, not trying to be the stars of the show with some chant. The point is, the reaction from the crowd was organic, not organized and it stemmed from the emotion the two conveyed.<br />
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Something that really stands out when comparing the two promotions is the style of wrestling from performer to performer. This might be the most glaring point when it comes to match quality. In WWE, everyone largely works in the same manner. There's a reason why Brock Lesnar stands out within the WWE bubble. His matches are different. They're intense and somewhat disjointed. Everyone else seems to be stuck in the same mode. Think about it like this: when a guy is in the comeback sequence of the match, everyone knows it. It's a routine, not a desperate attempt to regain momentum and win a match. Matches in New Japan are different because everyone has a unique style within the company's collective style. WWE wrestlers also do to a certain extent, but it feels more like they're inserting their move-set into a predetermined framework. Guys like Minoru Suzuki Hiroshi Tanahashi possess unique mannerisms that differentiate them from one another. They haven't been robbed of their own originality for the sake of fitting the established mold. That's a big issue in WWE, especially for those trained at NXT from an inexperienced level. But that's a subject for another time. To put all of this simply, compare the matches between <i>Wrestle Kingdom 11 </i>to <i>WrestleMania 33. </i>There's definitely a gap.<br />
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In closing, I stand firm with my opinion. At this point in time, New Japan has WWE beat in terms of pure product. Again, if you're more into insincere promos and one way of executing a match, then WWE is the show for you. I will say this, though: When WWE is firing on all cylinders, has a feud that feels like there's real emotion within it, there's nothing better in the genre. Unfortunately for them, 2017 has been dominated by New Japan Pro-Wrestling.<br />
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Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-68266240105096180632017-07-01T01:33:00.000-06:002017-07-01T20:12:49.975-06:00DEFY 5 Results & Notes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another Defy Wrestling show is in the books and this one did not disappoint. The absence of Pentagon Jr. and Fenix did not slow the Seattle, WA based promotion down, as they capped off a two day run that began Thursday in Tacoma. It was a fitting tribute to the late northwest wrestling legend, Buddy Wayne.<br />
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<b>DEFY 5 GIGANTIC (Night Two)</b></div>
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<b>Washington Hall - Seattle, WA</b></div>
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<b>June 30, 2017</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Steve West def. Joey Ryan</li>
<li>Angelina Love & Nicole Matthews def. Su Yung & Christina Von Eerie</li>
<li>King Khash def. Sonico</li>
<li>Davey Boy Smith Jr. def. Mike Santiago</li>
<li>ReDragon (Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish) def. Matt Cross & Darby Allin</li>
<li>Davey Richards def. Shane Strickland (Richards becomes first Defy Champion)</li>
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Joey Ryan had another highly entertaining match at Washington Hall. He seems to have found a home away from home in Seattle. He and West had a great comedy match here, which featured all of Ryan's trademark spots. </div>
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Mike Santiago turned out another solid performance, this time against New Japan Pro Wrestling talent, Davey Boy Smith Jr. Santiago, for a relative unknown, has displayed good character work and put together very passable matches on the two occasions I saw him wrestle. Smith played the classic babyface and looked great in this independent outing.</div>
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What can I say about ReDragon vs. Matt Cross and Darby Allin? Defy was put in a tough spot with the incident that led to the Lucha Bros. pulling out of the show. With that being said, these four guys made up for it by turning out an excellent tag-team bout. Darby Allin really shined in parts, but the veterans were hard at work here. With Fish having debuted in NXT and O'Reilly seemingly on his way, you'd think the two would be slowing it down and be overly cautious. Even with that in mind, the two were fully engaged in this match and made it as exciting as it could be given the spot on the card. Loved this match.</div>
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Finally, the finals of the Defy Championship 8X Grand Prix to crown the first ever Defy Champion. Defy did their work here, having shot an attack angle from Richards on Strickland in Tacoma the previous night. Richards entered first, then Stickland's music hit. Strickland did not come out, selling the injured knee from the attack. They hit his music again and finally he turned up. Richards attacked him from behind and gave him a suplex on the floor, again putting the match in jeopardy. The story was fantastic in this one, as Strickland willed his way to his feet and fought back. They traded huge shots, pulled off incredible sequences, and overall lived up to the bill of a first-ever title match.</div>
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Davey Richards deserves a lot of credit for this match. The guy accumulated so much heat during the initial beat down. Working an angle can't be the easiest thing without the benefit of television and an announce team, but the angle really got over with the live crowd. Of course, credit to Defy as well. The match had a ton of crowd heat and finally ended with Richards coming out on top.</div>
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Though the result was not what the crowd wanted, it obviously opens the door for many more interesting possibilities. A rematch will surely be on the horizon and more great matches from Strickland on his road to getting that rematch. Defy put out the hook tonight and it seems the fans bit. Personally, I am very excited to see more. And isn't that the point? </div>
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If you are a wrestling fan and live anywhere remotely near Seattle, you must come out to a Defy Wrestling show. The quality of wrestling is incredibly high, especially as you get deeper into each card. Similar to the rise of PWG, Defy is building upon a wild fan base and an ever-growing talent pool of independent wrestlers. The northwest wrestling void has been filled over the limit in just a few short months. If you're a fan, it's time to get up, get to a Defy show, and enjoy the ride. This promotion is heating up fast. Don't miss out.</div>
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Brady Sauvageau</div>
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-The Heater</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-35097844272772250382017-03-31T19:06:00.001-06:002017-03-31T19:13:51.908-06:00WrestleMania 33 Notes & Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>WrestleMania 33 </i>is just two days away and despite what you may think about the build, there is excitement in the air. Before we get to predictions, let's discuss the road that got us here.<br />
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I'd hate to be negative, but is it just me, or has this <i>'Mania </i>build been less exciting than past years? The card itself seems to feature a lot of matches designed purely to get more people on the show. From the battle royal, to the two Women's Championship matches, some matches feel too cluttered. I'm going to point the finger at the brand split. Yes, the draft last July helped many mid-card wrestlers reach greater heights within the two smaller rosters. People like Kevin Owens, The Miz, and Bray Wyatt were able to break through the pack over the year. The negative to this brand split appears to be showing itself in this year's <i>WrestleMania </i>card. At this point in time, Sunday is set to feature 13 matches over the span of six hours. I love professional wrestling, but even I'm a bit worried about the length of this show. 13 matches means that some bouts will be very strapped for time, meaning some may end pretty quickly leaving many of us to wonder why they happened in the first place.<br />
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That being said, there are many matches that won't disappoint, so let's go over the card.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><i>2017 Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal</i></u></b></span></div>
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Slated for the pre-show, the annual battle royal hasn't had as much fanfare as the original incarnation. This appears to be the match to get many wrestlers without storylines onto the <i>'Mania </i>card. The winner of the battle royal could go to Braun Strowman, the most logical choice. WWE recently added Chinese wrestler, Tian Bing, to the match. This is an interesting decision if he's not positioned to win the match. The booking of Tian should at the very least feature him eliminating many participants if he's ultimately not going to win. In any case, I'm going with Strowman purely on the basis of logic.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><i>Cruiserweight Championship Match:</i></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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Fans should be praying to the wrestling gods that these two guys get the time to have a great match on such a large stage. Aries is by far one of the best all-around performers in the company and Neville has single handedly saved the Cruiserweight division. Neville deserves a lot of credit for rising from obscurity to dawning an excellent heel character to lead the division. This match could go either way, but I'm going to pick Neville. Arguments could be made for both, though.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>SmackDown Women's Championship Six-Pack Challenge:</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Naomi vs. Mickie James vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Carmella</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The women of <i>SmackDown </i>have made great strides since the brand split. In saying that, this isn't the best spot to have at <i>WrestleMania. </i>Thrown together with a lackluster stipulation, this match may be the victim of time constraints. Being nearly impossible to predict, I'm going to go with Naomi coming off her unfortunate injury that forced her to vacate the title weeks ago.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>RAW Tag-Team Championship Ladder Match:</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. Cesaro & Sheamus</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is yet another example of an impulsive stipulation. Though the usual six to seven-man free-for-all ladder match seems like a better option, there should be some exciting spots in this one. Cesaro will surely wow the <i>WrestleMania </i>crowd with his athleticism. I'm praying that Enzo lives to see Monday. I'll predict Gallows and Anderson retain here.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Intercontinental Championship Match:</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Baron Corbin</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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The build for this match started decently with the forklift ordeal, but really lost steam shortly after. Capped by a barely passable <i>Talking Smack </i>segment, Ambrose and Corbin really have their work cut out for them at <i>WrestleMania. </i>WWE has made it pretty clear that they have a vision for Corbin, so look for him to beat Ambrose on Sunday. Ambrose has really fallen off the map since his match with Triple H at the first <i>Roadblock </i>event and it seems this trend will continue.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. The Miz & Maryse</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Again, the build to <i>WrestleMania 33 </i>wasn't very strong. Many of the matches seem to hold little importance. This match is an interesting case in that the build has been epic to say the least, yet the match itself may not be that interesting. I'm not sure how exciting the actual in-ring portion of this feud will be, but we can all agree that the road to get here was probably the best built program of <i>WrestleMania. </i>The Miz continues his hot streak of great promo segments and John Cena again has proven why he's still one of, if not, best promo guy in the business. With a rumored finish leading to a marriage proposal, it seems Cena and Bella will win the match. The build points to Miz and Maryse losing as well. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>United States Championship Match:</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chris Jericho (c) vs. Kevin Owens</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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Owens and Jericho have incredible chemistry, as illustrated by their run as a tandem. They have a great chance at really stealing the show at <i>WrestleMania. </i>I could go on and on about how great these two are, but it's completely obvious. Owens will surely go over, considering Jericho is set to leave WWE for his latest Fozzy tour. This should be a quality bout.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>RAW Women's Championship Elimination Match:</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bayley (c) vs. Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte vs. Nia Jax</b></span></div>
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There are a million directions WWE could go with in this match. The fact that it's not a Bayley singles match is disappointing. WWE had a chance to build up a storyline in which Bayley chased after the title all the way to <i>WrestleMania </i>and could've had a huge moment when she won the title. They opted to kill Charlotte's pay per view win streak at <i>Fastlane,</i> which can be described as a head scratcher at best. In short, this should've been the big moment when Bayley finally defeater Charlotte and her win streak. But that's in the past and lost in the black hole of WWE's short term booking direction. Banks has been due to make a heel turn, so I'm predicting that will factor into the finish of this match. With that in mind, I'm going to pick Charlotte to come out on top. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shane McMahon vs. AJ Styles</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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It's a sad state of affairs when a guy that's dominated the WWE landscape since his debut ends up in a strange situation at the biggest show of the year. AJ Style is unfortunately in that position. As of now, this match has no stipulations, which is mind blowing considering that McMahon's gimmick involves spots and situations that call for a no count out or no disqualification type of match. AJ Styles is probably the best wrestler on the planet, so if anyone can make this match work, it's him. Still though, on paper, a straight-up wrestling match with Shane McMahon seems daunting. Shane's bout with the Undertaker at <i>WrestleMania 32 </i>was all built around the cage fall and everything outside of that was mediocre. With all that being said, there is no other acceptable finish than AJ Styles beating Shane McMahon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><i>WWE Championship Match:</i></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bray Wyatt (c) vs. Randy Orton</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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This feud has spanned months and has gotten a lot of time to develop on <i>SmackDown. </i>The storyline hasn't really been my cup of tea, but I can understand the intrigue other fans may have. I'm leaning towards an Orton title win, but that doesn't mean that Bray can't win this thing. This program will probably continue after <i>WrestleMania, </i>leaving the door open for Wyatt to retain. I'm going to stick with Orton until I'm proven wrong.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Universal Championship Match:</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Goldberg (c) vs. Brock Lesnar</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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The story of this match goes into a larger issue with WWE that I'm not going to get into. Did they need the title for this match? Maybe they did, maybe they didn't. If I thought I was going to see a 12+ minute slugfest I would be very excited. All signs point to Lesnar winning fairly quickly, though. I'm hoping for a physical bout that will keep me interested, but that probably won't happen. Lesnar goes over, unless something drastically changes with Goldberg's WWE status going forward.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Non-Sanctioned Match:</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Triple H vs. Seth Rollins</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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The build to this match was enjoyable and had its highs and lows. Triple H excelled on the mic and Seth Rollins finally started to receive the babyface crowd reactions that WWE attempted to kill upon his return last year. The non-sanctioned aspect of this match should make it quite interesting, as it seems destined to be more of a brawl than anything else. Will Somoa Joe get involved? If so, is there a certain returning superstar that could possibly even the score?.....Rollins must win, but expect this one to be exciting and different than the rest of the <i>WrestleMania </i>card.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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The only thing that could hold this match back is the condition of the Undertaker and his ability to work. So let's assume that he can do just enough to make this match exciting. As much as the Roman Reigns babyface push has been a three-year train wreck, this match will probably benefit from it. Reigns has been leaning towards some sort of heel turn, but that's a conversation that's been beaten to death. Reigns <u style="font-weight: bold;">will </u>be the most hated wrestler at <i>WrestleMania </i>and<i> </i>the dynamic of the crowd reactions between the two will be electric. It's said every year, but this could be the last we see of the Undertaker in the ring. I'm picking Reigns to win, but regardless, this match should at the very least, engage the entire audience to the highest degree. Let's all just hope that Taker has a little left in the tank to pull off one more <i>WrestleMania </i>classic.</div>
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There you have it, my thoughts and predictions for the biggest WWE show of 2017. Though the card seems very weak in certain spots, all can be made good if the matches with time are quality. It may not quite measure up to the standard set by New Japan Pro Wrestling's <i>WrestleKingdom 11, </i>but there should be moments that capture the same level of excitement. <i>WrestleMania 33 </i>has its work cut out, so here's to the hope that WWE will exceed many's expectations.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Brady Sauvageau</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Heater</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-11534029176205057762017-01-30T19:10:00.003-07:002017-01-30T19:10:52.112-07:00WWE Royal Rumble Results, Roman Reigns, WrestleMania Implications & News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The 2017 <i>Royal Rumble </i>is a wrap and there's a lot of news and notes as a result. I've got a lot to say about this show both negative and positive. Let's get to it.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">PLEASE NOTE:</u> <i>If you do not want the months leading up to WrestleMania 33 revealed to you, stop reading now!</i><br />
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Before I get too deep into the negative of the results, I need to say that I was very entertained by the Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens. Owens has really put it all on the line in every big match he's had in WWE, and tonight may have been one of his best. Reigns can add a third excellent singles match to his record, the first two being his bout with Brock Lesnar at <i>WrestleMania 31 </i>and his classic first meeting with AJ Styles at the 2016 <i>Extreme Rules </i>event. Those are the three that stand out to me personally, although I'm sure someone has a different perspective. Regardless, Owens and Reigns used the no-disqualification stipulation to their advantage, which gave them an out and prevented Reigns from having to sell for a majority of the match. Owens barely escaped with the title after interference from Strowman, capping off a match that really over-delivered in my opinion. Reigns looks to be moving on to a different program, but more on that later.<br />
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AJ Styles and John Cena hit a grand slam tonight in their match for the WWE Championship. They had a classic at <i>SummerSlam, </i>but I think it's safe to say that this one was their best. Their last bout had drama and crowd heat that many wrestlers would kill for, but something about this match out-shined the last. Typically in Cena main events the match is built around finishers and kick-outs with not a whole lot in between. In this match, the moments and transitions between false finishes were razor sharp. They had the crowd in a frenzy and Cena's final sequence somewhat resembled a New Japan finish as he rattled off two AA's for the win. Cena became a 16-time world champion and even the smart crowd in San Antonio gave him an incredible ovation. Upon victory, referee Charles Robinson, had a conversation with him. It appeared to be very heartfelt congratulatory comment. For those that aren't aware, Robinson has been on record as being a huge fan of Ric Flair and refereed many of his matches over the years. Fitting that he officiated Cena's record tying match.<br />
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Now let's talk about the Royal Rumble match. When it was all said and done, I had the exact same feeling as I did after Triple H won it last year. I felt that the match was solid in many aspects and very exciting at times. I'm just not so intrigued with the fallout. Here's where we get to spoilers. And yes, I understand that knowing the big matches on the <i>'Mania 33 </i>card probably adds to my lack of interest, but if the road seemed interesting, I'd still be interested. Regardless, Dave Meltzer of the <i>Wrestling Observer Newsletter </i>reported that the plan for <i>'Mania 33 </i>is for Randy Orton to face Bray Wyatt for the WWE Championship after Wyatt wins the belt at <i>Elimination Chamber.</i> Now, I'm not going to say that this is a terrible direction or anything like that, I'm just personally not too excited for it. The rumble seemed to be shrouded in mystery this year. Though Orton seemed like an unlikely winner, the result doesn't feel fresh. Recent rumble winners have been Batista, Roman Reigns, Triple H, and now Randy Orton. Pretty expected names in my opinion.<br />
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On the <i>Raw </i>side, Meltzer is reporting that Goldberg is expected to have the Universal Championship by <i>Fastlane </i>and defend it against Lesnar at <i>'Mania 33. </i>In this situation, I see WWE's viewpoint. Goldberg and Lesnar have certainly gotten reactions over the past few months that dwarf the rest of the roster. From their perspective, I can understand why they think that the biggest stars need the championship program. You could argue the match will draw based on name value alone, but does WWE really want to overshadow a separate title program belonging to the brand that Lesnar and Goldberg largely represent? That, I understand. But it's again an illustration of WWE's major issue: the inability to create real superstars. They relied on the Rock to carry the WWE title into <i>'Mania 29. </i>They put the belt on Lesnar entering <i>'Mania 31 </i>and most recently on Triple H for <i>'Mania 32. </i>You can argue that no one on the roster currently is a big enough draw to carry the title into the biggest show of the year. It leaves one wondering: how will you ever elevate anyone on the full-time roster to that level if you don't give them a shot? Eventually, someone is going to need the rub of a <i>WrestleMania </i>main event title match. Roman Reigns was the handpicked choice, but as it stands right now, the crowd still has yet to warm up to him as a babyface and it doesn't appear that they ever will. There's got to be a breaking point here. Somewhere down the line, someone is going to have to get an opportunity. Guys like the Rock, Undertaker, Lesnar, and Goldberg aren't getting any younger.<br />
<br />
Lastly, it appears that we're looking at Roman Reigns taking on the Undertaker at <i>'Mania 33. </i>There's two ways this can go, one much more likely than the other. The more likely scenario sees WWE taking yet another shot at getting Reigns over as a babyface. I'm not too certain that Reigns will beat Taker, but at this rate, he probably will. Regardless, it looks like we're about to see a similar post-match where Undertaker will endorse Reigns. Of course, this has already been tried with Reigns having received in-ring endorsements from both Daniel Bryan and the Rock. It didn't work then, it most likely won't work now, and if Reigns beats Undertaker at <i>'Mania, </i>the fans will probably never forgive him.<br />
<br />
Here's scenario two for Roman Reigns......TURN HEEL. Yeah, about two years later, I still have to bring this up. Like a broken record trying to play the most annoying song anyone's ever heard, here I go again. But seriously, a legitimate second chance to turn Reigns has surfaced and it's truly now or never. Just imagine the heat Reigns could get off of this. Lesnar's win over Taker at <i>'Mania 30 </i>turned him from a damaged part-timer to an unstoppable monster. If Reigns could turn heel on the way to <i>'Mania </i>or at the event itself<i>, </i>he could beat Undertaker taking super heat from the fans and moving on to face a babyface Universal Champion. Now, assuming Lesnar wins the Universal Title from Goldberg at <i>'Mania, </i>some work would have to be done to solidify him as a babyface champion. But at the same time, does it really matter if Lesnar is a babyface? A fresh, heel Reigns taking on Brock at <i>SummerSlam </i>would be a huge match and the rematch we never got. Remember, Reigns/Lesnar at <i>'Mania 31 </i>was great from a physical standpoint. That match was downright brutal, but in a captivating way. A second meeting would certainly be no different.<br />
<br />
So there you have it, some news and reactions to the 2017 <i>Royal Rumble. </i>With the intrigue of the long-overdue Reigns heel-turn, there is some hope that <i>'Mania </i>season will really heat up. Outside of that, we're set to see some interesting matches, though the results may prove to be textbook, recent WWE booking.<br />
<br />
-Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-17224055776180816752017-01-08T22:38:00.000-07:002017-01-08T22:40:04.298-07:00The Rise of Omega, Greatness of Okada, & Wrestle Kingdom 11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Those who tuned in during the early hours of Jan. 4, 2017 were treated to a pure showcase of professional wrestling mastery at New Japan Pro-Wrestling's annual event, <i>Wrestle Kingdom. </i><br />
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<i>Wrestle Kingdom 11 </i>was a show fans will remember forever. The final four matches encompassed everything that professional wrestling can be when it's at its best. But the main event in particular shook the wrestling business at its core, with the reverberations being felt from the Tokyo Dome all the way to anywhere wrestling has ever taken place in the world. The floors of WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut may have just stopped shaking.<br />
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The <i>WK 11 </i>main event of Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada was a match that had been built for months, following Omega's unprecedented victory at New Japan's <i>G1 Climax Tournament</i> in 2016. Until then, a foreign wrestler had never won the tournament. Okada, the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, had solidified himself as the company's number one wrestler after taking the crown from one of the decade's best talents, Hiroshi Tanahashi. The match had an unbelievable amount of hype surrounding it.<br />
<br />
Though the pressure on the two was nearly insurmountable, the results saw Okada and Omega having what was arguably the greatest match in professional wrestling history. If WWE considers itself to be the master of storytelling in a pro-wrestling context, they should definitely take notice of the main event of <i>WK 11.</i><br />
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Storytelling in pro-wrestling is undoubtedly an art. It takes years of honing your craft to perfect and truly understand it. Omega's career began early in the year 2000, while Okada's started in mid-2004. This match was the culmination of approximately 30 years combined experience between the two.<br />
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The match itself featured a opening of beautiful back and forth wrestling. The tone was set. Okada hit a crossbody on the outside, over the guardrail near some of the best seats in the house. Omega hit an enormous Golden Triangle Moonsault from the top rope, to the outside of the ring, past the guardrail. Omega was the victim of a giant back drop from inside the ring through a table on the outside. In a death-defying spot, Omega executed a dragon suplex from the top rope, putting Okada directly on his head and shoulder.<br />
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These classic spots gave the match its modern feel. But what made it so memorable was the story told in the ring.<br />
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Omega brutalized Okada's core, while slowly working his way to the neck. All of which to set up his finishing maneuver, the One Winged Angel. Every time he attempted this move, Okada escaped in a different way, as the results of the move could've proved to be the deciding factor. Okada executed his finishing move, the Rainmaker Clothesline, multiple times, but could not put Omega away. In the closing moments of the bout, Omega demolished Okada with strikes, including a Rainmaker style knee. The Tokyo Dome frantically roared as Omega went for the One Winged Angel for the final time. His efforts were futile though, as Okada again countered the move, transitioning into a jumping tombstone piledriver, and hit the Rainmaker to retain his title. Omega never hit his finisher, leaving many to ponder the result if he had.<br />
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In victory, Kazuchika Okada appears to be stronger than ever at the top of the New Japan mountain. In defeat, Kenny Omega solidified himself as the best foreign wrestler in the history of the company.<br />
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The fallout from the main event of <i>WK 11 </i>has garnered much praise and criticism alike from fans and critics all over the world. Dave Meltzer of the <i>Wrestling Observer Newsletter </i>gave the match a six-star rating based on his five-star scale. This was the first time any match has received more than five stars through Meltzer's rating system. Though the match was groundbreaking in so many positive aspects, many have criticized it based on the incredible risks that were taken. But in praise and criticism, everyone is buzzing.<br />
<br />
Much has changed in the world of professional wrestling over the past year. Independent wrestlers are flourishing in WWE, US independents are beginning to get more press, European companies are on the rise, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling is about to begin global expansion. 2017 looks poised to see pro-wrestling reach new heights. There's no telling what we will see in this new year. One thing is for certain though: Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada's match has set the tone. Now the rest of the wrestling world has to follow it.<br />
<br />
Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-78699980827883143792016-11-20T22:54:00.000-07:002016-11-20T22:54:01.074-07:00WWE Issues Apparent At Survivor Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well folks, WWE's 2016 <i>Survivor Series </i>has come and gone. What does this mean, you ask? It means that I've finally hit my boiling point. If anyone is actually reading any of my posts, you know that I try my absolute best to keep negativity out of the blog. Well, I've had it. This show has sent me over the edge as it illustrated so many of the missteps and mind-boggling decisions WWE has made over the past year or more. So let's get right to it, shall we?<br />
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The Cruiserweight Division. Holy mother of Christ above. How did you screw this up, WWE? Somehow, in a matter of weeks, you've managed to bury a division that wasn't even established. The <i>Cruiserweight Classic </i>did so much to introduce characters, display incredible athleticism in many forms, and bring out emotion all at the same time. Since Brian Kendrick is important to this whole botching, I'll use him as the center of this subject. Kendrick's story in the <i>CWC </i>was fantastic. He was the older wrestler that only had one more shot at greatness and was willing to do whatever he had to in the name of success. When he finally lost in the tournament, he had an incredible moment with Daniel Bryan, sharing both tears and an embrace. It was great and essentially a babyface turn for Kendrick. So what did you do, WWE? You brought Kendrick up as a heel and shot him straight to the top. Now, Kendrick being on top isn't the problem. Here's where everything immediately goes off the rails. Kendrick's work style isn't as high energy or in the air as the others in the division. In my never-worked-in-wrestling opinion, why not hot-shot the division to start with fast paced matches and high-flying? Once the crowd is behind the division, then bring Kendrick in as the slower-paced methodical heel that takes the belt? Then you can have a high-energy babyface chase the title.<br />
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Fast forward to tonight. Kendrick takes on Kalisto, a guy who has done a whole pile of nothing since around <i>WrestleMania. </i>The division has been in shambles for weeks now, due to poor booking and slow matches (which is not what the fans probably expected from Cruiserweight matches). The match has no heat, the crowd is dead, and not even an insane Spanish Fly from the apron to the floor could wake up the crowd. The point of the match is that if Kalisto wins, the Cruisers go to <i>SmackDown, </i>the show they should've been on in the first place. So sadly, they have a dead match and wouldn't you know it, Baron Corbin interferes for the DQ to extend the barnburner of a feud he has with Kalisto. I could go on all year with this, but I'm going to move on.<br />
<br />
Quickly, I'll touch on the matches outside of the main event. The New Day gets beats really early to continue their nonsensical losing streak, Sami Zayn gets screwed again, and WWE seems to be begging the fans to boo Dean Ambrose as a babyface. Main event time.<br />
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<br />
Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar has been hyped massively over the past month. Lesnar has been protected for years and for good reason. Now, logic says that you want a full-time, up and coming star to eventually beat Lesnar, thus creating an actual superstar. So what does WWE do? Goldberg beats him in under three minutes. Just like that. The beast was slain. I will say that it's a feel good story as Goldberg's son got to see his father do what made him famous in a big-time match. Great. What's sad is it seems that WWE is making us watch as they kill long-term success of their full-time roster. I hope I'm wrong and this won't hurt Brock as bad as I think it just did. But the fact is if a full-time competitor does beat him, we'll always know that Goldberg beat him in minutes and is essentially better than anyone who does it in a longer match. Why build this up to the degree that it was and have a squash match? There has to be more to this, as in, another match. If there's not, then WWE just surrendered an opportunity to create a superstar.<br />
<br />
So there it is. That's my rant coming out of <i>Survivor Series.</i> In a night teasing title changes and change within WWE's two brands, nothing really happened. As fans, we want shock and unpredictability. The main event gave us that, but at what cost? Maybe my outlook will change following the conclusion of <i>WrestleMania 33</i>. At least that's my hope.<br />
<br />
Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-33121039694128782562016-10-30T23:06:00.001-06:002016-10-30T23:06:24.995-06:00WWE Hell In A Cell: Reactions & Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN4jPpkyNok7sB6Fr_ZJT0QkXNOc9-qGT1BMlHPiA3E9bhBp7tivoFrXvj1VwwuwIDMWS5Yb1T361CeOiue8j8k-jodm1VYlNUtyW9nfy9iIMbS0RFdiX2m0PHk7s5hu6ns7bq82gfKs/s1600/WWE-Hell-in-a-Cell.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN4jPpkyNok7sB6Fr_ZJT0QkXNOc9-qGT1BMlHPiA3E9bhBp7tivoFrXvj1VwwuwIDMWS5Yb1T361CeOiue8j8k-jodm1VYlNUtyW9nfy9iIMbS0RFdiX2m0PHk7s5hu6ns7bq82gfKs/s400/WWE-Hell-in-a-Cell.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
WWE's annual <i>Hell In A Cell </i>pay-per-view was tonight and featured three matches inside the structure. On paper, this seemed like overkill and it was in some cases. With that being said the show wasn't a complete dud and did showcase some great matches. For the sake of length, I'm going to hit the two more high-profile HIAC matches.<br />
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<br />
Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins was a pretty good match and arguably the best the two have had together in WWE. The finish was what it was. There had to be a play to extend this feud and keep Rollins from winning the championship as it's expected that Rollins will eventually enter a program with Triple H. Presumably, the Universal Championship will not be involved. The highlight of the match was a giant table bump that Owens took via a Rollins powerbomb. Eventually, Jericho got into the cage and helped Owens win. Good match and was what it needed to be.<br />
<br />
Time for the biggest story of the night.<br />
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<br />
Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for the Women's Championship was good, maybe even great. I'll get this out of the way quick: they should not have headlined the show. Now, before you call me a jerk, see it from this perspective. I absolutely believe that the women of WWE have the capability of main eventing a big show and they did a lot to prove that at <i>Hell In A Cell. </i>Dave Meltzer of the <i>Wrestling Observer </i>made a very solid point this week that I agree with. The point is that if the women are going to headline a pay-per-view, then use the weeks of build to that show to promote the fact that they are the main event. Make them the focal point from the beginning of the build. They didn't do that here, but luckily, the women are talented enough to get past that. So let's talk about the match.<br />
<br />
The match opened with a quick attack by Charlotte before the bell even rang. Great idea to start as it extended the match preventing the two from spending way too much time in the cell. Sasha took a crazy table bump and was later put on a stretcher. Reminiscent of Mick Foley's career defining moment, Sasha rolled off the stretcher to meet Charlotte in the cell. They had an awesome match, even if some of their spots didn't go exactly as planned. Some of their table spots didn't exactly work, but for the two's first attempt at a gimmick match like this, they definitely succeeded considering the pressure of the evening. A great positive of this match is that though it was good, they left the door open for improvement. The women still have spots to burn in matches like this, so there is still a lot of ground to cover. The men have done some many crazy spots and taken so many different bumps that fans have come to expect that from every hardcore style match. The women just got their first run at it and it's still fresh. Basically, this means that every crazy bump or spot still means a lot more in a women's match. They still have the ability to do less and get a great reaction from the audience. The future of women's wrestling is bright as the competitors continue to make great strides with the division.<br />
<br />
All in all, this was a decent show with some good matches. I could spend all day talking the woes of the Tag Team and Cruiserweight Divisions, but I'll save that for its own article. The shows have been thin since the brand split and <i>Hell In A Cell </i>was not an exception. Fortunately for the fans, tonight's highs were good enough to get this show a passing grade.<br />
<br />
Brady Sauvageau<br />
-The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-75827096034102203222016-10-09T20:53:00.001-06:002016-10-09T20:53:30.811-06:00WWE No Mercy Results & Analysis (10/9/16)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmHd1o4b1cd2urPcm_ynafeqyXnSmIg3PPySJOaxm9blIshFK8c5fesSB3i0TkV4JavJZ-7PHsBZhX4uxQw8jBhSZp2kgwFhXj9Pxt2iVGGFeycxb-8fflQ_lh1f6FBHJFotL4r6B8yw/s1600/wwe-no-mercy-social.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmHd1o4b1cd2urPcm_ynafeqyXnSmIg3PPySJOaxm9blIshFK8c5fesSB3i0TkV4JavJZ-7PHsBZhX4uxQw8jBhSZp2kgwFhXj9Pxt2iVGGFeycxb-8fflQ_lh1f6FBHJFotL4r6B8yw/s400/wwe-no-mercy-social.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
<b><u>Pre-show:</u></b></h2>
<h3>
<b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>8-man Tag Match:</u> VS. The Vaudevillains & The Ascension</b></h3>
<b><br /></b>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Winners:</u> <b>American Alpha & the Hype Bros</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Fun pre-show match. Good hot tag with everyone hitting a big move leading to Grand Amplitude for the pinfall victory.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u>Main Card:</u></h2>
<div>
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<h3>
<b><u>WWE World Championship Match: </u>AJ Styles (c) VS. Dean Ambrose VS. John Cena</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Winner:</u> <b>AJ Styles</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Cena and Ambrose both tapped Styles with simultaneous submissions, but the match continued due to there being no clear winner. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This match was excellent from start to finish. The three used the match type to its fullest, and at times was reminiscent of the infamous "Night The Line Was Crossed" in the early days of ECW. There are way too many triple threat matches in WWE. That being said, this one felt fresh and was put together with storytelling mastery. AJ dodges a bullet, grabs a chair, and does what he felt he had to do in the situation he was in. Cena and Ambrose both have arguments to continue chasing the title. If I have to nitpick, maybe an argument could be made that AJ tapped and therefore should've been removed from the match. But since it's a triple threat and there are no eliminations, I'm fine with the finishing sequences. Technically, neither Cena or Ambrose won, so an argument can be made that AJ didn't actually lose. The fact of the matter is, the match was so good that I'm willing to take the controversial finish for what it's worth. Great stuff from start to finish.</div>
<h3>
<br /><b>Nikki Bella VS. Carmella</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Winner:</u> <b>Nikki Bella</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Not a lot to say here. Carmella lacks experience and it shows. There was definitely effort from both women and the crowd wasn't completely dead for the match.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<u><i>SmackDown </i>Tag Team Championship Match:</u> Heath Slater & Rhyno (c) VS. The Usos</h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Winners: Heath Slater & Rhyno</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Good match, but just slightly above what you'd see on an episode of <i>SmackDown.</i> Slater's comeback was solid, but in usual fashion, Rhyno was the deciding factor in the champions' victory.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Baron Corbin VS. Jack Swagger</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Winner: Baron Corbin</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Corbin wins after poking Swagger in the eye and hitting end of days. No heat in the match at all, but damn is Corbin's finisher sick as all hell.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<u>Career vs. Title Match:</u> The Miz (c) VS. Dolph Ziggler</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Winner: Dolph Ziggler</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
This match was very, very good. By the end of this thing, the crowd was 100% behind Ziggler. The amount of emotion in this bout was at near peak levels. Ziggler wrestled like his life was on the line, because well, it was. Miz was also fantastic in this match, but Dolph did what he always proclaimed to do and that was steal the show. Can't say enough about how well this storyline worked. The payoff was definitely worth what was initially looked at as questionable booking. Great story, great match.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Alexa Bliss VS. Naomi</h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Winner: Naomi</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<h3>
Bray Wyatt VS. Randy Orton</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Winner: Bray Wyatt</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Biggest story of this match was the finish. Luke Harper appeared and distracted Orton, allowing Wyatt to hit Sister Abigail for the win. Harper has been out with injury for the better part of a year and it's great to see him back. He's a great performer in the ring and as a character. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-38711997327254583922016-08-30T13:46:00.000-06:002016-08-30T13:46:43.189-06:00Kevin Steen's 16-Year Journey Culminates In WWE Gold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzqgYgJwzRn2uGOfuSNGOQGXkiR4wfCGYSfgj9dfSx656bZC88J98HuT45-hqOpms1HLjMlKBhVzQgnRKg8MTd-9SS8EejD5JTz7HYVKCZzPAGFlW2asdxzIh0WXMaQHvb_aYmf1yFag/s1600/WWE-NXT-Superstar-Kevin-Steen-Is-The-Next-CM-Punk%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzqgYgJwzRn2uGOfuSNGOQGXkiR4wfCGYSfgj9dfSx656bZC88J98HuT45-hqOpms1HLjMlKBhVzQgnRKg8MTd-9SS8EejD5JTz7HYVKCZzPAGFlW2asdxzIh0WXMaQHvb_aYmf1yFag/s400/WWE-NXT-Superstar-Kevin-Steen-Is-The-Next-CM-Punk%255B1%255D.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't think that scouts would necessarily say that I don't have a future. They might say I don't have a future like this."<br />
<br />
-Kevin Steen, <em>The Art of Wrestling </em>(Podcast, June 5, 2013)<br />
<br />
Kevin Steen's talent was never doubted by wrestling fans. Though he has never been the most muscular or in-shape athlete, his mic work, in-ring prowess, and close emotional connection with audiences all over the world cannot be questioned. But traditionally in the mainstream wrestling world, physique is often noticed before technical skill-sets. It was this underlying principle that may have contributed to the doubt Steen held in his own mind that he'd ever make it to the largest professional wrestling company in the world, World Wrestling Entertainment.<br />
<br />
While wrestling on the independent circuit, Steen earned the respect of fans and colleagues alike through his rugged style of brawling combined with a fine-tuned foundation of mechanical mastery. Though he was not in incredible physical shape and didn't quite look like the prototypical pro wrestler, fans related to him, as he was not a mammoth bodybuilder like most recognizable wrestling stars. He represented the average guy, though this was not Steen's design in developing his in-ring persona. Steen was a major contributor to independent promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Ring of Honor.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwj0LL_1kBa6z2KlSsjIDHRl41JjeYWyi9yc-ZiSNhbzpmOvFHyinUf6V9DnhNHRSf4WYK4DViQWL-Njeumb4l34fuMwlWRZawABC4D9j-5Dlklb6_Ry6LMZ7BGJkkb3jGCiakHyT5q8/s1600/kevinSteen%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwj0LL_1kBa6z2KlSsjIDHRl41JjeYWyi9yc-ZiSNhbzpmOvFHyinUf6V9DnhNHRSf4WYK4DViQWL-Njeumb4l34fuMwlWRZawABC4D9j-5Dlklb6_Ry6LMZ7BGJkkb3jGCiakHyT5q8/s320/kevinSteen%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a>In ROH, Steen's character and wrestling style evolved throughout the years. Early during his time in the promotion, Steen earned the moniker of "Mr. Wrestling," solidifying himself as one of the most sound workers, wearing a typical wrestler singlet and displaying his excellent in-ring skills. Fans could see that he truly loved what he was doing and an appreciation grew toward him. He believed in what he was doing and the fans, in turn, believed in him.<br />
<br />
Over time, Steen would undergo a major change in character. ROH's booker during this period was wrestling legend, Jim Cornette, a man critical of Steen's work style and physique. The two would have a real life falling out, which resulted in Cornette attempting to eliminate Steen from the ROH roster. Steen would begin to appear on shows in what is now his now trademark shorts and cut-off shirt, playing the part as the man that was looking for a fight, whether he was on the card or not. Steen explained in out-of-character interviews that he felt more comfortable in his new ring gear and that the outfit meshed well with the person he truly was.<br />
<br />
Steen persevered during this time. Although aware that his body type was not sought after by WWE, he continued to wrestle his style, his way. He eventually caught the attention of wrestling icons "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Both expressed their support of Steen and against all odds, he was eventually hired by WWE and assigned to their developmental territory, NXT in 2014.<br />
<br />
"When I first got [to WWE] I didn't know if I should be who I am," Steen said in an interview with Chris Jericho in 2015.<br />
<br />
Steen explained that he had a singlet ready to wear for his first WWE promotional pictures and videos. The pressure of trying to look the part of a wrestler had gotten to him. Steen went on to explain to Jericho that a conversation with fellow NXT wrestler, Enzo Amore, changed his mind on the outfit right before the promotional shoot.<br />
<br />
Steen said that Amore told him, "Bro, just cut the sleeves off that Guns N' Roses shirt, put your shorts on and go down there."<br />
<br />
Amore helped remind Steen that he should continue to be himself, no matter the perceived notion of what a WWE wrestler should look like. Steen would later be asked to change his wrestling name, to which he accepted. Steen would become Kevin Owens, Owen being the name of his son and the last name of one of his favorite wrestlers as a kid, Owen Hart. The name was dear to his heart and the change was welcomed by Steen.<br />
<br />
Steen would debut in NXT in December and then would quickly move up to the WWE's main roster the following May. In his first main roster match, Steen shocked the WWE Universe by defeating one of the decade's biggest stars, John Cena, at the 2015 <em>Elimination Chamber </em>event<em>.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
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<i><br /></i>
Finally, in August of 2016, Steen won the biggest prize on WWE's <em>Raw </em>brand, the Universal Championship, by defeating three men in a four-way elimination match. In storyline, Steen was the antagonist that was enabled to win the title due to the interference that WWE COO, Triple H provided. But in real life, Steen is the family man that bet on himself and realized his dream on the flagship show of the biggest professional wrestling company in the world.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxjpADdeHyIKpa1i43tgA_4rayahrXXX09iQMclOFBvbhs7xPVvCd5WadgEteZMmPXmEFoAXwONlcORuRMV4sOwqZhcdafca1CGg5cmveH1fiFJUIXMjgaPGlTrL16Jx_dpnOPAi0t5U/s1600/197_raw_08292016jg_0872--28581adee7bf6665d22f595b7974b8f9-96b2b81e-b240-4a92-860b-61afd7352c41%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxjpADdeHyIKpa1i43tgA_4rayahrXXX09iQMclOFBvbhs7xPVvCd5WadgEteZMmPXmEFoAXwONlcORuRMV4sOwqZhcdafca1CGg5cmveH1fiFJUIXMjgaPGlTrL16Jx_dpnOPAi0t5U/s400/197_raw_08292016jg_0872--28581adee7bf6665d22f595b7974b8f9-96b2b81e-b240-4a92-860b-61afd7352c41%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Although Kevin Steen portrays the "bad guy" Kevin Owens on television, he has earned the respect of the audience through his hard work and well-developed character. He has a deep connection with the fans that watch him wrestle, whether they cheer or boo him. Upon winning the title, the fans in attendance chanted "you deserve it" out of respect for the real person underneath the villainous character. Though Cornette and many of his critics said he couldn't be successful outside the independent circuit, here he is, the WWE Universal Champion.<br />
<br />
Kevin Steen is proof that if a person believes strongly in who they are and what they're doing, the critics can be proven wrong. Anyone can overcome their own doubts that may arise in times of hardship and sacrifice. <br />
<br />
On television, the bad guy won. But in reality, the good guy was vindicated.<br />
<br />
Brady Sauvageau<br />
The Heater<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-82579327566656033852016-08-22T17:57:00.002-06:002016-08-22T18:03:08.276-06:00Biggest Stories Coming Out of WWE SummerSlam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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WWE <i>SummerSlam </i>is in the books for 2016 and there are a lot of stories coming out of this six-hour show. From title wins, title changes, to injuries and beyond, the biggest PPV outside of <i>WrestleMania </i>definitely created buzz within the WWE bubble. Let's get to it.<br />
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Sasha Banks lost the WWE Women's Championship to Charlotte last night. The match was what it was. To the credit of both women, they set out to top previous Women's Title matches, though they did not succeed. After losing the belt, the internet exploded with rumors that Banks had failed a wellness test, thus resulting in the title change. As it stands right now, there has been no indication from WWE that Banks violated the policy. I'm leaning more toward an injury at this point. Hopefully there will be more information on this situation as the week moves forward.<br />
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AJ Styles and John Cena had a very good match early on the <i>SummerSlam </i>card. Many have criticized the bout on the grounds that there were too many near falls and too many simplistic sequences capped by finishers. While I agree that some of the match was simplistic, the fact of the matter is that this match accomplished its goal to the fullest. John Cena passed the torch. I realize that AJ is not young by any means, but he is now set up to be the number one heel on <i>SmackDown Live</i> as it can be presumed that his next program will be with Dean Ambrose for the WWE Championship. Cena made AJ look very strong through notable kickouts such as one from an Attitude Adjustment from the second rope. After the match, Cena left his "never give up" armband in the ring and left to a standing ovation. Symbolic in that Cena will certainly be taking a lesser role moving forward as many outside-WWE ventures are on the horizon. This may have been the best match on the card.<br />
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In maybe the biggest story coming out of <i>SummerSlam, </i>Finn Balor beat Seth Rollins for the new Universal Championship. The sad news coming out of this is that Balor will be forced to vacate the title due to a shoulder injury he suffered in that same match. This is a huge blow to WWE as Balor has quickly become one of the company's brightest rising stars. The title match itself was great when you get past the fans' extreme displeasure of the look of the newly created championship. Balor will be out for six months. After an excellent debut and many good showings, it's a real shame to see a great performer out after the start he's had on the main roster. This might be an indication that WWE needs to reevaluate who stays in NXT for extended periods of time. Balor is one of many wrestlers that have a decade or more of experience that should probably move through NXT at a faster rate. Like Daniel Bryan, some of these guys and girls don't have a long shelf life arriving at WWE at this point in their careers. It might be time to give a serious look at shorter NXT runs, if not bypassing the developmental brand altogether.<br />
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Finally, Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton had a pretty good match in the main event. The match itself wasn't blow away by any means, but the finish really made it special. Orton took a legitimate elbow smash to the head and gushed a pool of blood in the middle of the ring. This forced the referee to stop the match due to Orton not being able to continue. From everything I've heard and read, this was an agreed upon spot between Orton and Lesnar (Dave Meltzer, <i>Wrestling Observer</i>). I enjoyed this match for one reason. There's a certain realism that comes with Lesnar that no one else in the company can equal. When Brock wrestles, you know you're going to get something special, something that blurs the lines of a work and a shoot. This match was a perfect example of it. It's tough one for Orton, though. It's hard to see where he goes from here as a top performer on the <i>SmackDown. </i><br />
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<i>SummerSlam </i>was definitely a solid show despite it's long length that hurt it in many respects. The PPV at the very least created some buzz. Again, injuries have come to haunt WWE and it will be interesting to see how they handle their plans and title runs being completely derailed as a result. More answers to come on tonight's episode of <i>Monday Night Raw.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-12127387040659894032016-08-20T17:07:00.001-06:002016-08-20T17:07:44.094-06:00The Good Brother's Corner w/ Esai Saldana: SummerSlam Predictions<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">WWE <i>SummerSlam</i> is now the second biggest PPV in the company and this year's card is stacked. I expect this card to deliver a very entertaining albeit, long show. I am very excited for this event so let's get right down to business.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">WWE Universal Championship Match: Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor</span></u></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the battle for the milky way galaxy championship, my prediction is that the "Demon King" Finn Balor takes it. He's a new character, he's exciting, and he's fresh. You can't build him up to lose. WWE has a chance to make another star or make another geek. It has to be the Demon King going over.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">WWE Championship Match: Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler</span></u></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this match you have two guys who may not have always been booked as stars. But one is taking his chance and running with it. That's Dean Ambrose. He isn't going to the standard, “I've been wronged behind the scenes," approach. He's coming off as cool and realistic in this angle. Ambrose is really stepping up his game and will walk out of <i style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SummerSlam</span></i> with the WWE Title.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">WWE Women’s Championship Match: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte (Dana Brooke banned from ringside)</span></u></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is an easy one. It'll be the boss taking it. There is no reason for her not to and I feel everyone knows that.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: The Miz vs. Apollo Crews</span></b></u></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one is interesting. Apollo, while being extremely talented, is definitely floundering a bit since being called up. The Miz and Maryse are doing their job as heels really well thought Miz is not the one who should hold the Intercontinental strap. A title switch would be a great way to get Apollo over and give him a plan going forward as the new IC champion.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson</span></b></u></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While this feud has been built off of Big E’s groin injury, I expect this match to be fun. People that are complaining of Gallows and Gun being too comedic clearly never watched their post-match interviews in Japan or know how they are. You can be smash mouth in the ring and still down the "b double l." I expect the good brothers to take the titles.</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">WWE United States Championship Match: Rusev vs. Roman Reigns</span></b></u></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They gave this match away for free on Monday which was preposterous. But they did it and Roman won. With WWE’s 50/50 booking mentality, I expect Rusev to retain via some heel tactics to keep this program going.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">First In Best of Seven Series: Cesaro vs. Sheamus</span></b></u></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This match a few months ago would have bored me to tears. But the last few weeks they've had some great interactions. I like that it's an old school match, with two hard hitting guys. Cesaro will win the first match here at <span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>SummerSlam</i></span></span> in what could be a real sleeper pick of a great match.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Randy Orton vs. Brock Lesnar</span></u></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A match 15 years in the making and one that before two weeks ago, no one wanted to see. Paul E. being back to sell this match really helps. Any Brock match is interesting because he is still that special attraction. I expect him to suplex Randy to hell and get the win.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">John Cena vs. AJ Styles</span></b></u></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This match will be a great as their first encounter was epic. In usual John Cena programs, he usually ends up on top. But with him going away very soon and working a lighter schedule, he needs to be beat. AJ Styles is the guy to do it. I expect AJ to take this match and then challenge for the WWE Championship.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens vs. Enzo Amore and Big Cass</span></b></u></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A thrown together team vs. an established team. Enzo will surely take the heat. Jericho will take the pin from Big Cass, whom you can tell Vince McMahon is smitten with. And you can't teach that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Esai Saldana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Heater</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-47229287636096754222016-08-16T17:51:00.000-06:002016-08-16T17:51:39.352-06:00WWE Must Go With Finn Balor at SummerSlam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finn Balor's WWE <i>Raw </i>debut was one of the most memorable, well handled pieces of booking in many years. In one night, Balor won two matches, most notably a clean victory over Roman Reigns to set up the first ever Universal Championship match at <i>SummerSlam. </i>Balor's opponent at that event: Seth Rollins.<br />
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As this feud has progressed, we've seen a face off between the two, Rollins delivering a promo dissing the "Demon King," Balor explaining the origins of his name, and finally the Demon emerging to bounce Rollins out of the ring on the go-home edition of <i>Monday Night Raw. </i>Before we dive into the finish of their <i>SummerSlam </i>match, let's briefly go over the unveiling of the Demon persona on free television.<br />
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A lot of people were shocked and disappointed that WWE gave away the Demon entrance for free this past Monday. I completely see that point and agree with it to an extent. I'll defend WWE's decision in this respect: Why not introduce this persona on <i>Raw </i>as opposed to throwing the two out there in separate singles matches or in a tag on opposite sides? I like the fact the both men haven't been in the ring wrestling much leading into this match. They've had a couple very brief exchanges and haven't over exposed either guy. The fact is that the main roster audience doesn't know Balor well. They've done a solid job of introducing his character to this fan base without relegating him to the pack of 50/50 mid-card Superstars. Instead of shooting the typical contract signing or promo battle, WWE opted for the Demon King to confront Rollins. The fans took to this persona and it got over easily with the go-home crowd. I would argue that this made the match more intriguing going into <i>SummerSlam </i>and the now the fans that may have been skeptical of Balor now see him in a completely different light.<br />
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Alright, time to discuss the Universal Title match finish.<br />
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WWE has no choice but to put Finn Balor over Seth Rollins at <i>SummerSlam. </i>There are no other options. It can be assumed that if this match is designed to crown the first Universal Champion, then there has to be a decisive finish. If there has to be a winner, then Balor must beat Rollins. Since the draft, WWE has pushed Balor to the moon and back. It would be completely nonsensical to invest this much time and energy into Balor to beat him in his first big match on the main roster. Also, the Demon persona cannot be beat this early. A major part of Balor's appeal and character comes from his transformation into his alter ego for big matches. If Rollins were to win this Sunday, all of the momentum and mystique Balor has right now will disappear. WWE would eliminate their investment and Balor would fall into the pack of wrestlers that are all positioned to stay in the mid-card. WWE's track record in these situations is not all positive, though.<br />
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Who can forget Kevin Owen's shocking win over John Cena in his first main roster match over John Cena? No one, really. But after the huge victory, Owens was defeated by Cena at two straight PPV's. Looking back on that, it's obvious that Owens should've won the best of three. Why not create a star with the first match and continue his momentum? Luckily for Owens, he's extremely talented and survived the mediocre booking. Another example is CM Punk's loss to Triple H just months after his famous "Pipe Bomb" promo. Why halt Punk's momentum? No one can really explain it.<br />
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The point of this is that Seth Rollins will not fall into obscurity by losing to Balor at <i>SummerSlam.</i> If the plan is for Rollins to eventually beat Triple H after a strong program, then losing to Balor is not a negative. Balor needs the win for his future, as well as WWE's. The Universal Championship will lend credibility to Finn while at the same time Finn will give credibility to the new title. It's pretty simple, really.<br />
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Considering everything that's in play here, it's obvious that Balor must beat Rollins for the Universal Championship at <i>SummerSlam. </i>If WWE wants to establish a new star that will help the company for years to come, the finish must be that. Balor has a win over Reigns already and has proven to be a force on the main roster. Sunday will be very interesting as we will find out if the company has its head on straight for the future. If Balor loses, the repercussions could be felt for years to come.<br />
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Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-85874815734154506752016-08-08T21:46:00.002-06:002016-08-08T21:46:21.828-06:00RAW Trying To Continue Post-Draft Momentum (8/8/16)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week's episode of <i>Monday Night Raw</i> was a somewhat forgettable one in many aspects. At the same time, we saw some decent segments and matches. Booking was here and there with positives and negatives both arising. I'm going to skip over a lot of minor happenings because like I said, there were many forgettable moments on this show. Also, I legitimately can't remember some of the segments that happened. I'm just being honest. With that being said, let's get right to it.<br />
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To start off, Cesaro and Sheamus had an awesome match. When they walked out to the ring I thought, "Dear god, they're doing this match again?" Well, these dudes beat the hell out of each other and entertained me to the fullest. Cesaro is over, but he was even more over as a result of this bout. He gave us new reversals and transitions which prompted the crowd to stand and clap for efforts in a great ovation. Cesaro is underutilized, but more on that later.<br />
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In a long segment, we saw Rusev and Lana attempt to reenact their recent wedding. There were flowers and cakes and everything. Roman Reigns interrupted, challenging Rusev to a United States Championship match at <i>Summerslam. </i>Rusev did not accept and a brawl ensued. The result of this was Lana being bumped by Rusev right into a cake. Mick Foley later made the US Title match official for the PPV. Vince's fingerprints were all over this one, but honestly, it was a pretty decent segment. WWE is again trying anything to get Reigns over as a babyface. It might work here, but the Brooklyn crowd for <i>Summerslam </i>will not be as accepting as the crowd at this show. Reigns was definitely more comfortable than usual in this segment, delivering his lines much more smoothly and genuinely than in segments past. He did a good job here and it'll be interesting to see how the latest Reigns experiment plays out.<br />
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Gallows and Anderson. Wow. I gotta say, I'm so glad that WWE seems to be realizing what they have with the two. In a comedy segment sent from heaven, Gallows and Anderson claimed to be doctors describing Big E's injury as a case of "Ringpostitus." The even had lab coats on. I can't recap this segment and do it justice, so you'll have to go back and watch it yourselves. The fact is that it was great, they're hilarious, and should do this more going forward. Not sure why Kofi basically did a job in the match after this, but hey, the booking is the booking and I really don't want to get into it.<br />
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Seth Rollins came out to do a long promo about how he's the best and he's going to beat Finn Balor for the new Universal Championship at <i>Summerslam. </i>The promo isn't the point of this paragraph, though. The positive coming out of this is that both guys aren't wrestling each week. WWE is holding them off thus creating more excitement to see the two wrestle. I don't want to see each guy wrestle each Monday leading up to the PPV. Keep it fresh, get the most out of the title match. Balor's appearance came in the form of a video, describing the demon persona and the folklore behind it. It was informative and another phase of the build to <i>Summerslam. </i><br />
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Straight away, I loved the final segments of this show. Mick Foley called out Daniel Bryan to discuss the Randy Orton/Brock Lesnar brand invasion situation. What really came out of this segment was to the benefit of Cesaro. Rusev came out to tell them that he was already a champion on <i>Raw </i>and that they didn't need another. Cesaro came out to say he deserved a shot. This is where things got great. Bryan announced his support of Cesaro by saying that he felt he was underutilized on the <i>Raw </i>brand. It was very smart to do this because it gives Cesaro a rub from Bryan. The fans got behind Bryan because he was a great performer. Cesaro is also a great performer. If the fans are getting behind Cesaro now, they may get into him even more if Bryan says he's underutilized. This may create the same type of situation for Cesaro as Bryan had with the fans. Cesaro ended up getting an impromptu United States Championship match, but lost due to interference from Sheamus. It was great booking in the fact that everyone was even more behind Cesaro, but didn't get to see him really win due to the screw job. WWE could be setting up a solid angle to shoot Cesaro to the moon and believe me, he'll deliver if given a real opportunity.<br />
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To wrap it up, <i>Raw </i>felt like a pre-draft era episode in many regards, but did some great things to build for the future. With <i>Summerslam </i>approaching we can expect a hot show next week for the go-home. The momentum of the first post-draft show is still visible and it'll be interesting to see how WWE continues to build on it.<br />
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Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-66976068318777650742016-08-02T17:25:00.001-06:002016-08-02T17:28:25.689-06:00RAW Misses Early, But Recovers Late (8/1/16)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We can all probably agree that the second <i>Raw </i>of the supposed "New Era" largely wasn't very good. The show had some low moments that seemed to revert back to the pre-draft era. For awhile it seemed that maybe last week was a dream and it didn't really happen. But luckily for all, the show picked up in a massive way in the final hour. Let's hit the biggest takeaways from Monday's episode.<br />
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The biggest story of the "New Era" thus far has been the immediate rise of Finn Balor. After winning two matches last week (one over former champion, Roman Reigns), Balor was set to be interviewed by Michael Cole in the ring. Balor began his promo but was quickly interrupted by his <i>Summerslam </i>opponent, Seth Rollins. They had a very strong back and forth and solidified their roles and the angle. Balor dissed Seth saying that he had everything handed to him every step of the way in WWE, while he himself fought for what he had and took the spots of all the people that previously outranked him no matter where he was wrestling. The crowd really came alive for this as it was apparent that they began to realize the excellent match the two seemed destined to have for the new, Universal Championship. This was a fantastic promo segment and a continuation of great booking for the two wrestlers. Last week, Balor immediately made an impact and was able to get over over the course of one night. On tonight's <i>Raw,</i> Balor didn't wrestle but rather was just featured. It was a smart move in that it preserves the allure of Balor and keeps him from being overexposed for the time being. Seth was saved last week, but was featured in an in-ring role on this show.<br />
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Skipping ahead, Rollins had an excellent match with Sami Zayn to cap off the wrestling portion of <i>Raw. </i>It was certainly the best match of the show. Rollins won, but Zayn fought valiantly and wasn't hurt by the loss. Rollins proved he could beat one <i>Raw</i>'s best competitors, strengthening him for his upcoming match with Balor. So far, the build for this feud has been fresh and exciting as the anticipation for the Universal Championship match grows.<br />
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The beat down that The Club laid on The New Day was brutal. I don't agree with the finish of the match as it seemed nonsensical to have a pinfall if the angle was going to be the focal point. I would've rather seen a DQ, but hey, that's just me. Anyway, after The New Day's victory, The Club destroyed them. And when I say destroyed, I mean damn near killed. After the segment, Big E appeared to be injured in the backstage area. The Club got some heat and The New Day looks as vulnerable to lose their championships as they ever have.<br />
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The final segment of the show saw the return of Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman. Heyman delivered another classic promo hyping the Lesnar vs. Randy Orton match at <i>Summerslam. </i>When it comes to textbook ticket selling promos, Paul Heyman probably can't be topped. Personally, Heyman completely sold me on this match even though I wasn't too excited for it when it was announced. He did an epic job of selling Orton's RKO as a dangerous equalizer without underselling Lesnar's perceived invincibility. The promo was really flowing as Heyman had entered his promo zone. Then, all of a sudden, Orton appeared in a flash and hit an RKO legitimately out of nowhere on Lesnar. The crowd went wild for this as we were given clear cut proof that Orton could strike with his finisher from any angle. Orton bailed into the crowd, just as Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon rushed out from the back to confront the <i>SmackDown Live </i>invader. Through Heyman's hype and Orton's brilliant flash-RKO, the <i>Summerslam </i>match received an incredible shot of life.<br />
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To wrap it up here, <i>Raw </i>missed its mark for much of the night, but was highlighted with a few very strong segments. It couldn't live up to last week's hot-shot booking, but still accomplished its goal of building for <i>Summerslam. </i>WWE will have to continue to search for the middle ground between last week's show and this one. Regardless, what was worth while on this week's <i>Raw </i>elevated <i>Summerslam</i>, and that's all we can really ask for.<br />
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Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-41272800758220312892016-07-26T21:24:00.000-06:002016-07-26T21:33:30.462-06:00SmackDown Live Makes The Right Moves (7/26/16)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Was <i>SmackDown Live </i>better than yesterday's <i>Raw? </i>Not really. But it definitely wasn't a bad show by any stretch of the imagination. <i>SmackDown </i>accomplished some important things over the course of the night. Let's hit the big spots of the show.</div>
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To start off, <i>SmackDown</i> utilized a lot of the different camera shots that <i>Raw </i>did, but went in a different direction with its hard cam. It focused in closer to the ring and overall gave a fresh, unique look to the action. The graphics were cool and as always, Mauro Ranallo was excellent from the announce desk.</div>
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The was built around crowning a new number one contender for Dean Ambrose's WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Shane and Bryan announced that it would be decided in a six-pack challenge main event between John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Bray Wyatt, Baron Corbin, AJ Styles, and a to be determined sixth participant. It was announced that there would be a battle royal to open the show to decide the sixth entrant. The battle royal ended up being fun and eventually Apollo Crews won it. Crews looked awesome in the match and instantly was made out to be more of a threat on this show than he has since his call-up.</div>
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Becky Lynch beat Natalya via submission. Lynch needed the win and in turn was positioned as the top star of the <i>SmackDown </i>Women's Division. From there, each member of the division came out and cut a short promo to introduce the full roster. This was a smart move by WWE. They showcased their whole female division in one night without wasting a ton of time. It helped get eyes on the arrivals of Alexa Bliss and Carmella. I don't like the brand split in relation to the Women's Division, but if this is the direction they're going to stick with, they've put their best foot forward.</div>
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Miz did Miz TV and honestly, it was kind of boring. But to be positive, Miz got to establish himself as the heel champion on the show. Randy Orton ended up facing him and they proceeded to have a match rich in story. I really like this match for a couple reasons. One, it showcased Randy Orton as a super-over babyface. Two, they told a story that directly builds to his match with Brock Lesnar. Miz worked over Orton's bad shoulder, the same shoulder that kept him out of action for nine months. This really got over the danger Orton will be in when he takes on Lesnar at <i>Summerslam. </i>They were on the outside, Miz tossed Orton in, and out of nowhere, Orton hit the RKO. He milked the reaction, hit one more RKO, and then pinned Miz for the clean win. Again, this directly built to <i>Summerslam. </i>Though Orton's shoulder does not appear to be 100%, he can still hit his finishing move from seemingly any angle. Loved this match.</div>
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Heath Slater hit the ring and seemed to have enter from through the crowd. He cut an awesome promo and really got the crowd behind him when speaking of his outrage that he wasn't drafted to either show. It was awesome for Slater in that he was able to show everyone that he can cut a good promo and has value on the roster. Rhyno emerged in a surprise appearance, goring Slater. It was an exciting segment and the first of many expected wrestler returns.</div>
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Since we're on the subject of returns, a vignette aired early in the show for Shelton Benjamin's return to WWE. It's a great move in that he's a familiar face that is synonymous with exciting in-ring moments. <i>SmackDown </i>needs more depth and Benjamin will be a great asset.</div>
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The main event did not disappoint. Corbin and Crews fit right into the fray, while Wyatt, Cena, and Styles all did what everyone expected from them. The big star of this match was Dolph Ziggler. Earlier in the show, a promo from Ziggler aired where he talked about how he always tried to steal the show but he lost his way. He didn't quite accomplish what many thought he would. He announced that this was a new era and a fresh start for him in WWE. Well, Ziggler put in his usual gutsy performance and won the match with a superkick on Styles. The only negative of this result was that AJ took the pin. I'm not a fan of 50/50 booking, though if AJ beats Cena at <i>Summerslam, </i>this loss won't hurt him. To defend the finish, the situation was so fast paced that AJ was really taken advantage of. In short, it was a squeaky clean win. Nonetheless, this was huge for Ziggler and in the long term, huge for the show.</div>
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No matter what you think of Dolph Ziggler, there's something we all have to understand. He was robbed of a heavyweight title reign when he suffered a concussion and was buried time and time again for reasons that have never really been explained. He was the star of the 2014 <i>Survivor Series </i>and then was promptly pushed back down the card. The guy never phones it in and is arguably in the top five in terms of selling in the ring. He has a lot of star power in my opinion and deserves to be in a much higher spot on the card than he currently resides.</div>
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The first post draft <i>SmackDown </i>may not have been as exciting and instantly impactful as yesterday's episode of <i>Raw. </i>But realize that the impact of this show deals more with the long-term success of the brand. Crews shined and has a future. Benjamin will debut soon with immediate impact. The anticipation for American Alpha is in motion. Ambrose wasn't used just for the sake of using him. Ziggler was showcased as a bigger star than he was on <i>Raw. </i>All of these are important to <i>SmackDown </i>weeks, even months down the line. Maybe the show wasn't as newsworthy as <i>Raw, </i>but it was a smart, efficient use of talent. <i>SmackDown </i>will build on this night as the weeks go on and has the potential to grow into something very special.</div>
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Brady Sauvageau</div>
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The Heater</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-53133541510031399692016-07-25T21:49:00.000-06:002016-07-26T21:33:44.549-06:00First RAW of New Era Delivers (7/25/16)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first <i>Monday Night Raw</i> of the "New Era" marked a night that no one will be able to forget. From top to bottom, this show was filled with great moments and clear-cut proof that WWE is making a concerted effort to change its way of doing things. Let's hit the top stories.<br />
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<b><u>Sasha Banks Wins the Big One</u></b><br />
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It was very surprising that WWE decided to go ahead and switch the Women's Championship before <i>Summerslam</i>. Regardless of that, Banks and Charlotte had a good match. It wasn't perfect by any means, but the context of the win is what made it so special. After winning the title, Banks was interviewed in the middle of the ring. The fans gave her a great ovation, chanting "yes" and "you deserve it." Sasha was emotional, but composed herself and delivered a great promo. This signified the true rebirth of women's wrestling on the main roster. It'll be interesting to see where WWE goes for a <i>Summerslam </i>program. Seems likely that the rematch will take place there.<br />
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<b><u>Finn Balor's Debut, Booked to Perfection</u></b><br />
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After Balor won the first fatal four-way match to advance in the show's mini tournament, you had to wonder if WWE was going to give him the win. Personally, I bit my nails all night praying that they'd seen the light and wouldn't beat him on his first main roster show. To my surprise (and many, for that matter), Balor got the clean win over Roman Reigns to set up the main event of <i>Summerslam</i>. The first ever WWE Universal Champion will be crowned on that show.<br />
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Balor's win tonight signifies that WWE has seemingly turned a corner. Reigns has now lost three straight matches clean. Before his 30-day suspension, this would have been unimaginable. Instead of going with the same old routine, WWE made a star over the course of a single <i>Raw. </i>Balor looked magnificent and beat one of the company's top stars. He was made legitimate instantly and appears to be a great threat to Seth Rollins at <i>Summerslam</i>. Got to tip the hat to WWE on this one. They really came through and surprised me in a very positive way. As for Reigns, the company has to be careful. Though things haven't worked out for him as they had planned, they can't completely give up on him. He needed to lose tonight, but look for him to bounce back in a lesser role on his journey to reclaiming the top spot in the company.<br />
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<b><u>A Fresh Looking <i>RAW</i></u></b><br />
<b><u><i><br /></i></u></b>
As a whole, <i>Raw </i>just flat out felt new. We got a ton of new camera shots, much improved commentary, less talking segments, and consistent, sensible booking. Angles were set up, such as Gallows and Anderson challenging The New Day for the Tag Team Championships. Enzo Amore and Big Cass looked strong. Corey Graves seamlessly slid into his new announcing role, which was a much needed improvement to the show's commentary team. Hell, we even got a couple squash matches.<br />
<br />
Let's be real here. Squash matches are important. Arguably, WWE's biggest issue over the past year has been 50/50 booking. Trading wins and losses has resulted in a huge roster of wrestlers that all seem the same in terms of positioning. Outside of a small handful of people, no one comes off as a star. Tonight was very different, though. Nia Jax had a strong showing in her squash match. It protected her and her lack of experience. No one in the current Women's Division had to take a pointless loss to accomplish that. Braun Strowman also benefitted from the same type of situation. He debuted a new look that had to have changed many people's perception of him on the surface. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to put together the ring work, but this is a great start. If WWE keeps its booking on this kind of consistent level, they'll be able to create way more stars than they have in recent memory.<br />
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WWE hit a grand slam tonight. This really makes <i>SmackDown Live </i>destination television tomorrow evening. After all, it's supposed to be a competition. Expect the first "New Era" <i>SmackDown </i>to swing for the fence in response to a high-quality <i>Raw. </i><br />
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Things are really looking up in WWE. It's going to be an exciting and interesting ride.<br />
<br />
Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-74776512922666052642016-07-23T19:20:00.004-06:002016-07-23T19:41:25.511-06:00Rebooking The WWE Draft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whether you enjoyed the 2016 WWE Draft or not, it can certainly be argued that it lacked excitement. The draft didn't necessarily excite fans to look toward the future impact that it would have. Specifically though, there was a lapse in logic that underlined the event. Before I start the rebooking process, I need to make one thing very clear. It it very easy to sit back and nit pick the mistakes WWE makes. I am in no way directly affiliated with the business of professional wrestling/sports entertainment. These are simply ideas that myself and my friend, Esai Saldana have spoken about.<br />
<br />
To redraft, we've edited some of the <i>NXT</i> call-ups but used the real WWE Draft list. We also used the same picking format that we saw last Tuesday on <i>SmackDown.</i><br />
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With that being said, let's rebook the draft, beginning with some guidelines dealing with <i>NXT </i>call-ups.<br />
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<b><u>NXT Call-Up Guidelines</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
At some point on <i>Raw, </i>William Regal (In some kind of taped segment) would explain that <i>NXT</i> cannot be a victim of the WWE Draft. Regal says that he will allow the main roster to make six acquisitions as long as they have been <b>signed to an <i>NXT</i> contract for at least one year and are not currently a champion.</b> Tag teams will still count as one acquisition.<br />
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<h3>
<b><u>Phase I: The Cruiserweight and Women's Division Agreement</u></b></h3>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
The first phase of this scenario begins after Mick Foley and Daniel Bryan are named as GM's. Daniel Bryan's first move is to announce that <i>SmackDown </i>is launching a Cruiserweight Division. Stephanie McMahon is obviously annoyed that Bryan and Shane have made the first big move of the brand split. Later in the show, Steph expresses that she will not be showed-up on her program and states <i>Raw </i>will also get an exclusive division. Stephanie demands that the Women's Division be exclusive to <i>Raw </i>to make things even. The two sides decide to make an agreement.<br />
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<b>The agreement is as follows: </b><br />
<br />
-Cruiserweights are now exclusive to <i>SmackDown </i>and female wrestlers are now exclusive to <i>Raw.</i><br />
<br />
-Male wrestlers 205 pounds and under will negotiate with <i>SmackDown </i>if they wish to participate in the division. They will also be allowed to wrestle for other titles on <i>SmackDown</i>, but are also eligible for the Crusierweight Championship.<br />
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-Female wrestlers can only sign with <i>Raw.</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Raw </i>acquires Bayley and Alexa Bliss</li>
<li><i>SmackDown </i>acquires Kalisto, Sin Cara, and Neville</li>
</ul>
<b>Justifying the agreement:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
There are now 12 women's wrestlers going to <i>Raw</i> and 3 cruiserweights going to <i>SmackDown.</i> Since Bryan is going to sign both former talent and current talent from the Cruiserweight Classic, 12 to 3 is not as uneven as it appears. Bayley and Bliss count as two of the <i>NXT</i> acquisitions, though they are not draft picks. Regal specified six acquisitions, not necessarily draft picks.<br />
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<h3>
<b><u>Phase II: The Draft</u></b></h3>
<h3>
<b style="font-family: times; text-align: center;"> RAW</b></h3>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";">1.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times";">Seth
Rollins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Brock
Lesnar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Roman
Reigns<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Finn
Balor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">The
New Day (c)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Kevin
Owens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">The
Miz (c) w/ Maryse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times";">Randy
Orton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Bray
Wyatt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Enzo
& Big Cass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Chris
Jericho<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; padding: 0in; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Alberto
Del Rio<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Baron
Corbin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Dolph
Ziggler<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; padding: 0in; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Darren
Young w/ Bob Backlund<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">The
Dudley Boyz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Kane<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; padding: 0in; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Zack
Ryder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Mark
Henry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Breezango<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; padding: 0in; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Curtis
Axel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">The
Golden Truth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">The
Shining Stars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; padding: 0in; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">The
Big Show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Jack
Swagger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Mojo
Rawley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->27.<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times";">Heath
Slater<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times";"> <b>Agreement acquisitions:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Bayley</li>
<li>Alexa Bliss</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times";"><b>SmackDown</b></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjIyVNTzzEOz5mjYDcQMB8_Qihi8QYiy_hwHTzb8PHLj6b84evBJcXVP3BHFSbrRkgk_i6til5Q0wZNUtyy4IkUr6Xv3ckeh3f2GnMx6_AzGf1UHKzp77hBarLOOtfyht8Eraa4OBp0w/s1600/sdl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjIyVNTzzEOz5mjYDcQMB8_Qihi8QYiy_hwHTzb8PHLj6b84evBJcXVP3BHFSbrRkgk_i6til5Q0wZNUtyy4IkUr6Xv3ckeh3f2GnMx6_AzGf1UHKzp77hBarLOOtfyht8Eraa4OBp0w/s400/sdl.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Dean
Ambrose (c)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .25in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; padding: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">AJ
Styles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">John
Cena<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .25in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; padding: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Gallows
& Anderson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Rusev
(c) w/ Lana<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .25in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; padding: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times";">Sami
Zayn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">The
Usos<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .25in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; padding: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Cesaro<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: .5in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Apollo
Crews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times";">Sheamus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">American Alpha<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Braun Strowman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Tye Dillinger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">The Vaudevillians<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Titus O’Neil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">The Ascension<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";">Erick Rowan</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times";">18. Bo Dallas</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Agreement acquisitions:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Sin Cara</li>
<li>Kalisto</li>
<li>Neville</li>
</ul>
<div>
-Finn Balor, Tye Dillinger, American Alpha, and Mojo Rawley make up the remaining four <i>NXT </i>acquisitions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In any scenario, there will eventually be a major championship created for one show opposite of the WWE Championship on the other. That would give each brand three exclusive championships (WWE, IC, W's / WHC, US, CW) with the tag titles bouncing between each shows. </div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>Reasons For Brand Exclusive Divisions</u></b></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If <i>SmackDown </i>is supposed to be the new, fresh show, they should have the revived Cruiserweight Division. There will be new faces and some familiar ones that will create an excitement unique to the brand. Daniel Bryan's wrestling style is synonymous with the cruiserweight's. He is also commentating for the the Cruiserweight Classic. Why would this not be his idea? It explains the launch of the division and how he had the resources to sign more talent to participate. In our current real life timeline, we know that Kota Ibushi will join the division. With him as well as the speculated signings of Cedric Alexander, Zack Sabre Jr., TJ Perkins, and Gran Metalik, the agreement appears to be fair. In this fantasy timeline, they will be allowed to sign with <i>SmackDown </i>because they're not under an <i>NXT</i> contract, thus the one-year of service stipulation does not apply.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Having the Women's Division on <i>Raw </i>would far outweigh any of the positives of splitting them between two brands. Yes, half on each show would allow them to shine more often. The issue is depth and longevity of feuds. Though in theory mid-card women would be able to move up, about six women on each show would run it's course in a matter of months. You can't add another Women's Championship because of the lack of depth and capable workers. In the fantasy scenario, all the women on one show makes them a special attraction and protects the value of the championship. As the women's division expands there may come a time when they need to be divided. When that day arrives, they should have their own draft unique to the division.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>Tag Team Division</u></b></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The tag team division is the tough part in all of this. Yes, the tag team division will be thin because they're split between the two shows. Consider this: more than likely there will only be one tag division match per show, per week. The champions will have to be responsible for being on both shows at certain periods. This division will require more inter-promotional matches to keep things fresh. Scenarios involving number one contender and championship matches are examples.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><u>Phase III: Resulting Angles</u></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Setting Up Balor vs. Styles</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In this draft scenario, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson go to <i>SmackDown</i>, keeping The Club intact. To get to AJ (heel) vs. Balor (face), we'll have to wait for one of the big-four cross-branded PPV's. Let's say Gallows and Anderson cross paths at <i>Summerslam. </i>It's a Bullet Club reunion where they pal around and reflect on the fact that the three made it to WWE. Then let's say they meet up again at <i>Survivor Series.</i> At this show, AJ expresses a hint of jealousy that the Club is so preoccupied with Balor, but they make it clear to AJ that at the end of the day they're loyal to The Club. Fast forward to the <i>Royal Rumble.</i> Balor explains to Gallows and Anderson that even though they're friends, he's fighting to win the Rumble match. In the match, The Club is in the ring and it is clear that Gallows and Anderson are helping AJ along as the match goes on. Balor enters the match. He tries to eliminate AJ, but Gallows stops him. Gallows tries to argue with Balor, but Anderson attempts to attack Balor. Balor cleans house and eliminates the two. Then AJ strikes. They have no ties other than their mutual connection to Gallows and Anderson. Balor eliminates AJ, but does not end up winning the match. This sets up AJ vs. Balor moving forward, which is a feud that should culminate at <i>WrestleMania 33. </i>Balor beats AJ at <i>'Mania. </i>After AJ's loss, either in the ring at <i>'Mania </i>or <i>Raw </i>the next night,<i> </i>Shinsuke Nakamura debuts on the main roster to challenge AJ.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>Separating Owens & Zayn</u></b></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In this fantasy draft, we've chosen to separate Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Yes, Owens and Zayn have had a great feud, one that started well before WWE was in their sights. They absolutely must cross paths again in the future. Here's an example of how this could work. Let's say Owens, at some point, becomes the major champion of the <i>Raw </i>brand, months or year removed from this brand split. As Owens cuts an in-ring heel promo to gloat over his win, Zayn emerges to challenge him after being traded to <i>Raw </i>earlier in the day. You could get even more creative if Zayn wins a Money In The Bank ladder match. He could cash in and steal the title during Owens' promo. This all depends on how MITB would be handled post brand split in which, there are many acceptable options. This one can go a million different ways. The point of it is, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Zayn and Owens have had an awesome program. Just think of how much better it could be if both go their separate ways, win titles, have more high-profile matches, and then end up crossing paths again. They would both evolve into even more accomplished wrestlers but it would all lead back to the feud that has defined their entire careers.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Bringing In Bayley</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Bayley's arrival into a <i>Raw </i>exclusive Women's Division will immediately position her as a top babyface. She would first be the surprise partner of Sasha Banks at Sunday's <i>Battleground </i>to take on Charlotte and Dana Brooke. They would go over with Brooke being pinned. Sasha heads to <i>Summerslam </i>and beats Charlotte for the Women's Championship, while Bayley beats Dana Brooke on the same show. Bayley could then enter a feud with Charlotte directly. After Bayley defeats Charlotte and makes it clear she's the number one contender, Banks turns heel to feud with Bayley, building towards a big championship showdown in a renewed <i>NXT</i> rivalry. In the fantasy scenario, Nia Jax is not on the main roster. But for the sake of the Banks/Bayley angle, Jax could be brought up to serve as Banks' heater, thus stretching out the build to the title match. With all angles included, this scenario could last from <i>Battleground </i>all the way to <i>Wrestlemania 33. </i>Once Bayley defeats Banks for the Women's Championship at <i>'Mania,</i> the stage is set for Asuka to join the main roster and challenge for the title.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Conclusion</u></b><br />
<br />
In wrapping this up I must reiterate that I am in no way attempting to say that I have all the answers to WWE storylines. Again, I've never worked a day in the business of professional wrestling. Esai and I are simply illustrating what we would've liked to see happen in the draft as well as the angles resulting from it. And who knows? Maybe WWE has a much grander vision than what we saw at the draft last Tuesday. Only time will tell. We will have a much better idea of the impact of the draft six months or more down the line. Regardless, our fantasy draft really shows that there are many ways that this thing could've gone and many ways for it to go as a result. Same goes for what we have in reality. There's still the chance that we see the return of a guy like MVP or Curt Hawkins. Though the WWE Draft may not have gone exactly how we had hoped, there are still many routes WWE can go in the coming months.<br />
<br />
Brady Sauvageau<br />
The Heater<br />
<b><br /></b>
<i><b>Angles and additional draft scenarios were created in collaboration with Esai Saldana.</b></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-73277158879893664582016-07-19T22:24:00.001-06:002016-07-19T22:31:17.785-06:00Analysis of Unimpressive WWE Draft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Tonight's WWE Draft left many scratching their heads. Some good things came, but a lot of bad resulted from the first live <i>SmackDown</i> of the new draft era. Before I begin the burial, let's talk about the great things that went down tonight.<br />
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<br />
Finn Balor. Drafting Balor in the first round was the best move WWE made all night. He was immediately presented as a star and a valuable one at that. Gallows and Anderson were also drafted to the <i>Raw</i> brand, leaving the door open to reunite the former Bullet Club members.<br />
<br />
American Alpha's call-up was also positive. They've proven to have a special kind of charisma and excellent wrestling talent. They're a much needed breath of fresh air for the tag team division.<br />
<br />
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens' feud looks like it isn't going to end anytime soon, and that's a great thing for fans of WWE. The two have had so many classic moments and matches from the independents to World Wrestling Entertainment. The fact that WWE made a conscious effort to keep them together is progress.<br />
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<br />
It was fantastic to see WWE value their Champion, Dean Ambrose by making him the first overall pick to the <i>SmackDown </i>brand. Many fans were gritting their teeth in worry that he'd lose the title by the end of the show, but luckily, he retained in a clean win over Seth Rollins (<i>Raw</i>'s number one pick).<br />
<br />
The overall positive thing about this draft is at the very least there is more room to push high, mid-card wrestlers more than they would within one combined roster. Guys like Kevin Owens and Cesaro now have a bigger window open to succeed at a higher level.<br />
<br />
Now brace yourself. It's time for the negatives.<br />
<br />
The logic of the WWE Draft has left me in a state of utter confusion. After the first round, I was lost. Think about it like this: If the draft is supposed to appear to be a shoot, then why would a team like The Ascension be selected before The Dudley Boyz? Also, if there's a limit of six NXT call-ups that can be drafted, why wouldn't you pick the champions? If that wasn't allowed, we should've been told this. Champions aside, how could a competent general manager justify drafting Nia Jax early and not selecting Shinsuke Nakamura or Bayley, or Asuka at all? It's mind boggling.<br />
<br />
The Women's Division was the biggest victim of the draft. We now have seven women on <i>Raw </i>and six <i>SmackDown</i>. Keep in mind, there's only one belt. I'm not sure what they're thinking here. They've drastically limited their possible matchup total with this move. Not only that, but outside of Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax and Carmella do not appear to be ready for the main roster. I have nothing against any of the NXT call-ups, but I can't imagine how prepared Jax and Carmella are for the spots they're about to fill. I'm hoping and rooting for these women, but the whole division was not done any favors.<br />
<br />
I need to be explained why the Cruiserweight Division has been placed on the R<i>aw </i>brand. If <i>SmackDown </i>is supposed to be the new, hip show, wouldn't they get the revived division? That question aside, why is Kalisto on <i>SmackDown </i>if the cruisers are on <i>Raw? </i>I'm not very excited in general that the division is back. I love that style of wrestling, but WWE has proven that the cruiserweight tag more often hinders a performer than helps one. But that's an entirely separate article.<br />
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<br />
To sum up all the negatives, it's clear which brand was favored coming out of this draft. <i>Raw's </i>roster was going to be larger. That was expected. But as you run down the names that have moved to <i>SmackDown, </i>it's clear that it's still in many ways the "B" show. The top names of the women's division are on <i>Raw.</i> They have the cruisers. They have Rollins, Reigns, and Lesnar. Without Styles, Ambrose, and Cena, <i>SmackDown </i>would be in horrific shape.<br />
<br />
It's hard to make an argument that the WWE Draft helped make both shows equal. No old names returned, either. Maybe they're saving them as "signings" to continue the storyline. We'll have to wait and see. But if the goal was to present this draft as a shoot, it was a complete failure. There were far too many illogical moments for that to be the case. As it stands right now, the draft was not a success. Obviously, we're going to have to wait a few weeks to truly understand the impact of this draft, both positive and negative. Regardless, this was an interesting first chapter to a "fresh start" for the <i>Raw </i>and <i>SmackDown </i>brands.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://theheaterwrestling.blogspot.com/2016/07/live-wwe-draft-results-smackdown-live.html" target="_blank">Full WWE Draft Results</a><br />
<br />
Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-54531097671467136202016-07-19T17:13:00.003-06:002016-07-19T21:06:00.460-06:00Full WWE Draft Results - SmackDown Live (7/19/16)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2fYR4EnmhflMzPnghsYNhOnKXhy8XVF-_9IhoHkWWHD5FgmodnQihtIuOFrhyaFxLa1vVhdN9IO4Zfu-OpZ36vyIIF0473-oy9at_URSOpYXSRIwipUaFCZ9BJUEgepbIBIhU598ghw/s1600/maxresdefault-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2fYR4EnmhflMzPnghsYNhOnKXhy8XVF-_9IhoHkWWHD5FgmodnQihtIuOFrhyaFxLa1vVhdN9IO4Zfu-OpZ36vyIIF0473-oy9at_URSOpYXSRIwipUaFCZ9BJUEgepbIBIhU598ghw/s400/maxresdefault-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<h3>
<u>RAW:</u></h3>
<ol>
<li>Seth Rollins</li>
<li>Charlotte</li>
<li>Finn Balor</li>
<li>Roman Reigns</li>
<li>Brock Lesnar</li>
<li>The New Day</li>
<li>Sami Zayn</li>
<li>Sasha Banks</li>
<li>Chris Jericho</li>
<li>Rusev w/ Lana</li>
<li>Kevin Owens</li>
<li>Enzo Amore & Big Cass</li>
<li>Gallows & Anderson</li>
<li>The Big Show</li>
<li>Nia Jax</li>
<li>Neville</li>
<li>Cesaro</li>
<li>Sheamus</li>
<li>The Golden Truth</li>
<li>Titus O'Neil</li>
<li>Paige</li>
<li>Darren Young</li>
<li>Sin Cara</li>
<li>Jack Swagger</li>
<li>The Dudley Boyz</li>
<li>Summer Rae</li>
<li>Mark Henry</li>
<li>Braun Strowman</li>
<li>Bo Dallas</li>
<li>The Shining Stars</li>
<li>Alicia Fox</li>
<li>Dana Brooke</li>
<li>Curtis Axel</li>
</ol>
<h3>
<u>SmackDown:</u></h3>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Dean Ambrose</li>
<li>AJ Styles</li>
<li>John Cena</li>
<li>Randy Orton</li>
<li>Bray Wyatt</li>
<li>Becky Lynch</li>
<li>The Miz w/ Maryse</li>
<li>Baron Corbin</li>
<li>American Alpha</li>
<li>Dolph Ziggler</li>
<li>Natalya</li>
<li>Alberto Del Rio</li>
<li>The Usos</li>
<li>Kane</li>
<li>Kalisto</li>
<li>Naomi</li>
<li>The Ascension</li>
<li>Zack Ryder</li>
<li>Apollo Crews</li>
<li>Alexa Bliss</li>
<li>Breezango</li>
<li>Eva Marie</li>
<li>The Vaudevillians</li>
<li>Erick Rowan</li>
<li>Mojo Rawley</li>
<li>Carmella</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-65700401576516263802016-07-18T22:27:00.002-06:002016-07-19T17:08:53.415-06:00WWE Raw Results, GM's Named (7/18/16)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Tonight's edition of WWE <i>Raw </i>had its highs and lows as we're only one night away from the 2016 Draft. The naming of the shows' general managers opened the show and essentially overshadowed everything else that took place. Straight away, let's hit the match results:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Sami Zayn & Cesaro <i style="font-weight: bold;">Over </i>Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens</li>
<li>The Club & The Wyatt Family <i style="font-weight: bold;">Over </i>John Cena, Enzo Amore, Big Cass, & The New Day</li>
<li>Darren Young <i style="font-weight: bold;">Over </i>Alberto Del Rio</li>
<li>Baron Corbin <i style="font-weight: bold;">Over </i>Sin Cara</li>
<li>Rusev & Sheamus <i style="font-weight: bold;">Over </i>Dolph Ziggler & Zack Ryder</li>
<li>Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch <i style="font-weight: bold;">Over </i>Charlotte & Dana Brooke - via DQ (Natalya interfered)</li>
<li>Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Seth Rollins (Match ruled a draw after apparent double pin)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
The show opened with Stephanie and Shane McMahon naming their shows' general managers. Steph introduced Mick Foley, who came out to a fine ovation. Foley cut a promo stating that he was ready to do his job to the fullest, but delivered it with a serious undertone. Foley really gave off the impression that another side of his character may emerge, certainly different than his original run as the <i>Raw</i> Commissioner years ago. Shane introduced his GM, the returning Daniel Bryan, to a thunderous pop. The crowd went wild for Bryan. Bryan cut a babyface promo setting up his character's role on <i>SmackDown. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
To be completely honest, this show started off hot and slowly became less and less interesting as the night wore on. The 12-man tag match was fun and had entertaining entrances and promos. After that, we saw a lot of unimportant matches that served little purpose. Instead of burying the middle two hours of this show, let's just move on. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the few important segments of the middle portion of this show was a backstage encounter between Foley and Bryan. They exchanged words expressing their respect for one another, but Foley took the tone of the conversation in a different direction. He explained to Bryan that he saw drive and determination in Stephanie and that he was ready to make <i>Raw </i>the best show it could be. He told Bryan that they were each representing their respective shows, and "Let the games begin." This was a well done segment and set the stage for future interactions between the two in their new roles on-screen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The WWE Championship had some great stuff, but the crowd was dead at this point. Rollins and Ambrose turned out a solid <i>Raw </i>title match. The match ended after Rollins hit a superplex on Ambrose, but Ambrose hooked Rollins' leg after impact. Both were in a pinning predicament and the referee counted three. The crowd was basically silent for the finish, as many were perplexed as to what exactly happened. Stephanie declared Rollins the winner, but it was obvious that we were looking at a draw situation. It was later announced on the WWE Network that the match was ruled a draw. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It looks as if the finish of the WWE Championship match was the company's way of creating another title for the <i>SmackDown </i>brand. Tonight's episode certainly wasn't the best, but it did do a decent job in setting up the brand feud and saved the big moments for tomorrow's draft. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Expect <i>SmackDown Live </i>to be a much more exciting show.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-Brady Sauvageau</div>
<div>
The Heater</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-87169183345644646112016-07-17T19:56:00.000-06:002016-07-18T22:29:46.386-06:00Breaking Down the WWE Draft Rules<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1jxiPrXUFZp3OIzSm9hhhsnFUUaEIbsvIK9HkSv46PTIVA0nlIIMt-ytZO7bniFbCthwOrfm16ClKyJsuRzMZzs15UUGQ7bOeG9P6ZVZbBCipI2vjLPohu4lDe5SM8or1ofeLYSreok/s1600/draft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1jxiPrXUFZp3OIzSm9hhhsnFUUaEIbsvIK9HkSv46PTIVA0nlIIMt-ytZO7bniFbCthwOrfm16ClKyJsuRzMZzs15UUGQ7bOeG9P6ZVZbBCipI2vjLPohu4lDe5SM8or1ofeLYSreok/s400/draft.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
WWE has released guidelines for the draft. Let's break it down and isolate the pros and cons. First, here's the rules as written by WWE.com:<br />
<br />
<b>The rules for the WWE Draft are as follows:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Raw has the first overall pick.</b></li>
<li><b>Since SmackDown Live is a two-hour show and Raw is three hours, for every two picks SmackDown Live receives, Raw will receive three picks.</b></li>
<li><b>Tag teams count as one pick unless a Commissioner/General Manager specifically only wants one member of the team.</b></li>
<li><b>Six draft picks will be made off the NXT roster.</b></li>
</ul>
<div>
In addition to the listed rules, WWE has listed a roster of singles wrestlers and tag teams, with singles wrestlers divided by gender. Absent from the singles list is the Undertaker, which opens up speculation on his future with the company. Obviously, this could be because of the fact that he wrestles the most limited schedule of any performer in the company. Brock Lesnar, however, is eligible for the draft. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's hit the <b>positives</b> that come out of this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tag teams. Thank goodness there are rules that add hope that most tag teams will not be broken up. Though there is no guarantee that every tag team will remain intact, hope is there. The fear is still apparent that WWE will deem someone ready for a singles run even if that really isn't the case. I guess we'll find out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Only six NXT wrestlers will be brought up to either <i>Raw </i>or <i>SmackDown. </i>Six call-ups somewhat insures that NXT will not become a victim of this situation. In theory, gutting NXT of most of its top talent could be bad for WWE as a whole. There are veterans at NXT that are valuable to the growth of younger talent working along side them. To bring up more than six (Possibly more depending on the number of tag teams) NXT wrestlers could make it easy for new call-ups to get lost in the shuffle on either of the two shows. Hopefully WWE has done their due diligence in determining which NXT wrestlers are truly ready for a spot on the main roster. There's another way to look at this call-up situation, though.<br />
<br />
If WWE is presenting this draft as a shoot, then how could a general manager justify not drafting Shinsuke Nakamura or Samoa Joe? If the goal is to draft the best wrestlers possible and at least six people from NXT can be picked, you're basically obligated to draft the current champions from developmental. NXT has actually made enough signings to stay strong (Bobby Roode, Eric Young, Austin Aries, Kota Ibushi, and some of the other Cruiserweight Classic competitors). We'll have to see how the company plays this one.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alright, time for the <b>negatives</b>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm a bit back and forth on this one, but I'm going to discuss it anyway. I think splitting the women is a bad idea. Assuming that there's only going to be one Women's Championship (there's not enough women to justify a second belt anyway), why split such a small roster? There are only ten women listed as eligible to be drafted. One or two of the NXT selections will certainly be women, so we're looking at about five to seven women on each show. WWE is really limiting the different match-ups in its women's division. My fear is that the non-title angles will come off as unimportant compared to the main title angle that will be taking place on one show for a period of time. Cutting such a small division in half doesn't appear to be the right thing at this stage of women's wrestling in WWE. This issue speaks for the tag team division, as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's take moment away from the rules. When taking into consideration all of the booking issues that the draft could create, we must also consider the amount of WWE programming that will result. We will not be getting (in theory) five hours of important weekly content between <i>Raw </i>and <i>SmackDown.</i> We will also get pay-per-views for each show. That's a lot of extra content and an enormous amount of time that a fan will have to invest in the product. For diehard fans, this is not a problem. The issue is that WWE has ran off most of, if not all of the casual viewers. It would be hard to make an argument that the casual fan would be willing to watch both <i>Raw </i>and <i>SmackDown</i> and then watch a three-hour special event on a Sunday. WWE's creative department seems to always be under fire, so imagining quality programming on an even larger scale is a tough proposition.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
WWE has an incredible challenge ahead of them. They must make <i>SmackDown </i>important, that's the obvious. But straight away <i>Raw </i>is recieving the first pick and getting more talent in terms of quantity. Yes, it's a three-hour show, so in those terms it makes sense. But for Vince McMahon to clearly state that <i>Raw </i>is the "flagship show" last Monday seems to illustrate the mindset that's been in the company for years. I agree, <i>Raw </i>is the main brand of the company. But Vince didn't need to put that out there, front and center. It's somewhat of an unspoken fact. Everyone knows it's true, don't beat the point into everyone's head, especially right before a draft that is supposedly making the two shows equal. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div>
With a heel Stephanie and a babyface Shane as figureheads, it feels right that their general manager selections need to both be babyfaces. Shane's will certainly be a face. Stephanie's must also be one. If Stephanie opts to pick Triple H as her GM, then what has really changed on <i>Raw</i>? We've seen the heel authority figure angle for years now. It's played out. Time to move on. If the draft is about shaking things up and doing something different, that's your first move. Two babyfaces underneath Stephanie and Shane. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We're two days away from what is arguably the most important show in WWE in a considerable amount of time. Our questions will be answered over the coming weeks. This is the company's opportunity to right the mistakes they've made over the past decade, as well as learn from the ones they made in the first brand split.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is great opportunity ahead. WWE must capitalize now, or the consequences could be severe.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Link to official rules and eligible Superstars:</i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-draft-rules-2016" target="_blank">WWE Draft Rules 2016</a><br />
<br />
Brady Sauvageau<br />
The Heater</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-52815206647981030532016-07-16T19:27:00.002-06:002016-07-16T19:27:48.323-06:00Balor/Nakamura From NXT, Cruiserweight Classic, Brock Lesnar & More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div>
<br /></div>
This past Wednesday's WWE NXT episode certainly seemed to mark Finn Balor's final match before his impending main-roster debut. Balor battled Shinsuke Nakamura, NXT's newest, hottest commodity. Balor, once NXT's biggest star, lost to Nakamura after a hard fought performance. It seemed fitting, as Nakamura seems to have taken Finn's spot as NXT's top babyface. Nakamura is poised to face current NXT champion, Samoa Joe, at <i>TakeOver: Back To Brooklyn </i>later this summer. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's been a lot of speculation on the draft, as well as WWE's plans for Balor on <i>Raw</i> or <i>Smackdown</i>. Many have suspected that he'll meet up with his former running mates in the Club, but nothing is for sure in WWE. Plans change and nothing seems to ever be set in stone. We'll have our answers in the coming weeks. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The <i>Crusierweight Classic</i> debuted this past Wednesday on the WWE Network after months of anticipation. There's a ton of reasons to love this show. First, the commentary. Mauro Ranallo and Daniel Bryan completely surpassed the main roster announce team in a single, one-hour show. Ranallo, known for his sports-like announcing style, called the action while Bryan chimed in with analysis and expertise on wrestling style and the competitors' strengths and weaknesses. The show felt fresh and organic. The overall presentation of the show was almost a glimpse of what WWE could be as a whole and in many ways demonstrated the change that the main-roster programs desperately need. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Standouts of the tournament include Cedric Alexander, Kota Ibushi, Gran Metalik, Zack Sabre Jr., and many, many more. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The WWE Draft takes place this Tuesday, July 19 on the first live <i>Smackdown </i>of the brand division. There are many interesting stories in play as it relates to the draft. Roman Reigns' suspension will almost certainly have an effect on his positioning within the company. Where will he end up? Many expect that he'll land on <i>Raw</i>, which is most likely still the case. Another point of speculation revolves around Brock Lesnar and his recent USADA drug test violation leading into UFC 200. There's not a lot of information out about what he tested positive for and the penalties that will follow. Regardless, penalties could result in a ban that could prevent him from participating in another MMA fight in the foreseeable future. Depending on how the situation plays out, a ban handed out by the Nevada State Athletic Commission could also prevent Lesnar from working WWE shows in specific states that still govern professional wrestling through athletic commissions. This year's <i>Summerslam </i>takes place in New York, which could prove to be an issue for the already billed Lesnar/ Randy Orton match (Dave Meltzer, <i>Wrestling Observer Newsletter)</i>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Many positive and negative stories have dominated the month of July as it relates to WWE. The draft will prove to be crucial to the company in both storyline and business. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next few months should be very interesting.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Brady Sauvageau</div>
<div>
The Heater</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-55157843600777494962016-06-10T02:07:00.002-06:002016-06-10T02:07:55.693-06:00The Latest: Cody Rhodes, Tommy End, WWE Brand Split & More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
After a hiatus, I'm back in front of the computer. Moving, spending too much money, and getting my car back after a parking incident have really set me back over the past few weeks. But the past is in the past, so let's talk some wrestling!<br />
<br />
The past few weeks have been pretty interesting in the world of wrestling, WWE and beyond. Cody Rhodes asked for his release, Tommy End got signed, a brand split is looming, and all sorts of news. So here we go.<br />
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First up, the release of Cody Rhodes took many off guard when it happened. Cody will be using the Rhodes name, as it seems WWE is not going to fight him on it. After posting an interesting picture to Twitter illustrating his independent goals in wrestling, Rhodes hit the ground running. He's already booked to wrestle at the PWG <i>Battle of Los Angeles </i>with many more announcements on the way. Not to bring the <i>Wrestling Observer </i>into this, but I'm going to have to disagree with Alvarez and Meltzer on this one. I really believe that Cody is going to adapt to the "Indy" style well. The dude can go and will certainly be able to speed up his work. When I saw him do that moonsault off of the cage on an episode of <i>Raw </i>right before he became Stardust, I thought, "Wow, this dude has truly arrived." He was over for life in my book. The Stardust character allowed him to prove that he could take a strange gimmick and run with it. He made it entertaining and got over. For whatever reason, WWE apparently didn't see him as a top tier talent and made it clear that he would not be returning to the Cody Rhodes persona. This is what led him to asking for his release. Cody is betting on himself and as a fan, I'm ready to enjoy the indy ride that he's about to embark on.<br />
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Some awesome recent news comes in the form of Tommy End apparently heading to NXT. Last I heard he was getting his physical and completing the preliminary hiring process. End is an insanely interesting character, assuming he'll keep many of the characteristics of his gimmick upon debuting in NXT. Long story short, the dude won't disappoint. Awesome signing for NXT as it's been rumored that the roster will soon be raided to fill up the rosters for WWE's upcoming brand split.<br />
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So let's talk about this brand split for a moment. Some things that worry me:<br />
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<b>One</b>, two world titles. I thought we were done with this. Cena and Orton unified these things, so why are we taking a step backwards? The schedule would be tough, but why not have the champion take on all comers? Have him go back and forth from feuds on both shows. I'm not saying do two feuds at once or anything, but why not have a traveling champion that appears on both <i>Raw </i>and <i>Smackdown</i>? It would be cool dynamic and throwback to the territories days.<br />
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<b>Two</b>, the tag-team division. Please, for the love of God, do not create another set of tag belts. The tag division has made huge strides over the past year or two and another set of championships would effectively nullify all of that progress. Keep it simple and schedule teams in a smart manner.<br />
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<b>Three</b>, don't screw over the women. Don't make another belt. Just don't. Feature the women's division on both shows. They could use some more television time and this is the opportunity to give it to them. This is the time to have a main angle and an opening for some sub-angles. The more women that get to work, the better.<br />
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I could get into the Intercontinental and United States Championships, but WWE has done so much to damage those belts over the past 15 years that I wonder if it's even worth it. We'll hit that topic after more details come to light.<br />
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The big question I have is this: What happens if <i>Smackdown </i>starts to beat <i>Raw </i>in the ratings? Does Vince become angry that the flagship show is getting beat? History cannot repeat itself from the past brand split. Hopefully mistakes will not be repeated, but boy is this going to be interesting to watch play out.<br />
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NXT will have to adjust. Many top performers of the brand will surely be moving up to fill the huge opening of spots for the two rosters. You know what that means? Watch out, independents because your talent pool is about to get much smaller. Don't be surprised if guys with expiring Ring of Honor contracts make the jump over the next half year.<br />
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2016 continues to get more and more interesting. The <i>Cruiserweight Classic</i> is coming up, along with PWG <i>BOLA, NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, </i>and <i>Summerslam. </i>Strap in people, it's getting real.<br />
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Brady Sauvageau<br />
-The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-13914637975816421532016-05-13T01:54:00.000-06:002016-05-13T01:59:53.403-06:00Witnessing NXT Seattle & Change In Professional Wrestling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the course of the past couple years, NXT has evolved from WWE's developmental territory into its own brand. NXT has showcased some of the best wrestlers in the world and changing the way many mainstream fans view WWE and "sports entertainment." Now, in 2016, NXT has become a touring force, bringing its version of sports entertainment to markets far from its origins in Orlando, Florida.<br />
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Tonight, myself and a group of friends were able to experience NXT live in person at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, Washington.</div>
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Seattle did a fine job in living up to the enthusiasm and interaction that made the original NXT fans in Orlando so unique in the WWE world. All the matches on the show had their place, but I'm going to hit the notable ones here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKIveqjOlLUCwpeuBfR_MFXhiMKzSXuTBxlfwKPa48WylnKwXNGrdxtHCZYkVbMS9bEEQ4T7A9UgCWRmOeMyc1CkHcnFy3HO3nvumEiDJJrcFcjh237WwEtMyGt4t2paqKQQ5CXg9NUI/s1600/13199506_10209880899047276_549499901_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKIveqjOlLUCwpeuBfR_MFXhiMKzSXuTBxlfwKPa48WylnKwXNGrdxtHCZYkVbMS9bEEQ4T7A9UgCWRmOeMyc1CkHcnFy3HO3nvumEiDJJrcFcjh237WwEtMyGt4t2paqKQQ5CXg9NUI/s400/13199506_10209880899047276_549499901_o.jpg" width="297" /></a>In what might have been the best match of the night, American Alpha took on The Revival for the NXT Tag-Team Championship. All of us in the audience were hanging on every false finish of this bout. With the surprise finish between Finn Balor and Samoa Joe only a couple weeks in the past, it's no wonder why we were unsure about the outcome of this one. To sum it up, American Alpha and The Revival absolutely killed it. This one had everything. High IQ tag-team wrestling, technical sequences, excellent false finishes, and excellent character showmanship. More than once during the match, we all stood up and clapped to show appreciation for the performance we were receiving. These two teams are going to make a huge impact when they finally arrive on the main roster. Chad Gable really shined. His mat wrestling was so on-point throughout. Jason Jordan tossed Dash and Dawson around on a couple occasions with suplexes that even Brock Lesnar would endorse. Alpha ended up getting the win off their finish, much to the delight of all of us. All and all, this match was incredible and a testament to the strides and progress NXT has made as a product.</div>
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Bayley took on Alexa Bliss in a good match. Bliss seems to have a solid handle on her character and has shown that she's clearly improved in the ring. But at the same time, Bayley has reached a level of overness that maybe only two or three other NXT performers have obtained. She got one of the biggest pops of the night. Bayley has become so confident in her character and her in-ring work. I'm not sure if she's capable of having a terrible match at this point in her NXT career. </div>
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Skipping ahead to the main event, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe had a great match. Nothing over the top here, probably because the two have some tricks left in the bag saved for their title match at the next <i>TakeOver</i>. The crowd was split 50/50, adding so much drama and an amazing atmosphere. Joe won with the Muscle Buster.</div>
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After the match, Joe extended his hand to Balor in what appeared to be a show of respect. They shook hands, but Joe clotheslined him to continue the feud. They battled a little more and Balor ended up hitting the Coup de Grace to end the show with a bang. </div>
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There were so many memorable moments tonight. With that being said, one really stuck out in my mind. After intermission, The Drifter came out to be interviewed by Tom Phillips. He played a song and took some shots at the crowd and the city. Then, Shinsuke Nakamura's music hit. Now, the Paramount only holds about 2,800 people. But believe me when I tell you that when Nakamura's music started to play, the place came unglued with a pop so loud that I was in awe of the moment. </div>
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To see Nakamura live meant a lot to myself and apparently everyone in attendance. It was only six months ago that the idea of The King of Strong Style in WWE was merely a fantasy. I've said this many times and for good reason. WWE, though creatively it still needs work, is changing for the better in terms of personnel. At the same time, professional wrestling as a whole is changing. I can't see into the future, but we seem to be on the brink of something big. Never before has WWE assembled a roster this diverse. We've seen many of the top independent names make the jump to WWE and have success. We're now seeing international talent make the jump. Outside of WWE, the independents have never been better. Ring of Honor is growing. PWG has arguably become the ECW of my generation. Lucha Underground has made waves. Evolve now has somewhat of a WWE affiliation. Overseas, groups such as Progress and ICW have become legitimate promotions. New Japan Pro Wrestling has the attention of many American fans that may have never watched in years past.</div>
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The point of all this is that we as fans are recognizing the talent that exists outside of the WWE bubble. It's talent that's so undeniable, that now WWE can no longer ignore it. It's no surprise to many of us that NXT has become what it's become while showcasing talent that became stars in other promotions. Professional wrestling fans around the world have spoken and now even WWE has acknowledged what is going on around them. Will wrestling ever match the viewership of the WWF Attitude Era? Maybe not. But there's something going on. There's a movement taking place. As a fan seeing Nakamura live for the first time tonight, I'm just proud that I may have witnessed a small piece of an even bigger revolution that could be on the horizon in professional wrestling.</div>
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Brady Sauvageau</div>
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The Heater</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950924741638068771.post-46309262824809974062016-05-07T01:22:00.001-06:002016-05-07T01:23:49.911-06:00WWE Payback About the McMahons, Not Wrestlers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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WWE <i>Payback </i>is about a week in the past and some unanswered questions have come to light. To many fan's chagrin, the "special event" proved to be a vehicle to get the McMahon's storyline over, not the main event.<br />
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Let's be real here. The WWE World Heavyweight Championship main event was stellar. At least the in-ring parts were. I don't want to bash WWE here, but what did we really learn at <i>Payback</i>? Quite honestly, we were reminded that this show is about the people that run it, not the men and women that make it go.<br />
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AJ Styles turned out one of the best performances of his career, elevating Roman Reigns as the company's top guy. Reigns shined as a champion and at times, as a heel. The Chicago crowd was very much in AJ's corner and Reigns didn't pretend like that wasn't the case. Reigns jaw-jacked the crowd and finally seemed to come into his own in the persona that's going to get him truly over with the fans. What was troubling was the match's stoppages, which acted as openings for Shane and Stephanie McMahon to restart the bout to insure that it didn't end in count-out or disqualification. It was a vehicle to progress the storyline, but it certainly hurt the match and its momentum. If this is the beginning of the "new era" of WWE, it doesn't seem to be a positive one.<br />
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Many speculated that Finn Balor would debut at <i>Payback,</i> helping Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson attack AJ and form the Balor Club. While this didn't happen, it can't be ruled out. The fact of the matter is it was speculated that we'd see a major storyline development, but instead, we were given the beginning of the Shane/Stephanie power struggle angle. At this point, we ask ourselves: Is this angle in anyway groundbreaking to significant in terms of a new direction within WWE?<br />
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<i>Payback's </i>card included two standout match-ups: Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens and AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns. Zayn and Owens was an epic, with both proving why they deserve some major time for their feud going forward. Owens was a masterful heel and at the same time, Zayn was the ideal babyface as he gained sympathy after shining bright during the match. As stated earlier, Styles and Reigns lived up to the billing, but both matches were overshadowed by the McMahon's feud that played out at the event.<br />
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After last Sunday, not much has really changed in WWE. Perhaps <i>Payback </i>was what we should've expected. Maybe it was simply a filler event coming off the heels of <i>WrestleMania 32. Extreme Rules </i>will be interesting, though. Will WWE start showing signs of a new creative direction? Maybe we'll get our answers in the coming weeks.<br />
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Brady Sauvageau<br />
The HeaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900639350126260368noreply@blogger.com0