This week in pro wrestling, there is a new norm. Without a crowd, promotions are trying to adapt to the pandemic of COVID-19. Will it be entertaining or not, in this uncharted territory of pro wrestling? PPVs have been postponed, while the “Grandest Stage of Them All” continues to go on. WWE makes a path for WrestleMania. AEW proposes a different avenue. NXT shifts it’s sights for a different night. Let’s dive in this new world of pro wrestling!
RAW:
The COVID-19 lock down brings us another episode of Monday Night Raw, live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL on 3/23/20.
These are trying times to say the least and not having the live crowd makes some of the television hard to watch, but some of the promo work has been outstanding. If you’ve never appreciated Randy Orton before this, you should now.
We continue down the rocky road tonight, and they make the best of it that they can. AEW has had a field day during this with cutting edge story-lines and angles, not missing a beat.
Wrestlemania is not delayed and they are trying to continue on the road to it, but they keep losing talent to isolation or infection. We hope for full and speedy recoveries for all the talent and we hope for a successful show despite the hiccups along the way.
Drew McIntyre, Paul Heyman and WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar, really shine in the opening segment. Even without the live crowd, this has gone on like clockwork. This is the match that can truly elevate the card and it needs to main event the second night of the show, if that’s the route they choose to go.
McIntyre really holds his own, and Lesnar, through Heyman, says that so many people have tried and just as many have failed. They end the segment with Heyman using the WWE tagline of then, now, forever, to describe Lesnar’s run with the world title.
The first match of the night is a replay of Lesnar successfully defending the title in a classic match against John Cena and Seth Rollins. This was really the match that took Rollins to that next level and it showed. Lesnar would pin Rollins in that triple threat following an F-5.
We recap the feud between the Undertaker and AJ Styles before Styles hits the ring to cut a promo, saying that he’s surprised that Michele McCool let Taker out of the house for the evening. These promos have been outstanding as well. He mocks Taker coming to the ring in “stretch pants”, the type that housewives wear and it just gets better and better. He ultimately says that he and Taker will face off in a “Boneyard Match” and he’ll bury Taker in the same plot his wife picked out for him. Damn. This was terrific.
An actual match happens in the ring finally as US Champ, Andrade, and Angel Garza defeat Ricochet and Cedric Alexander after Andrade rolls up Alexander for the victory. Garza and Andrade seem like they will eventually collide and the rumors are that Andrade is now off the ‘Mania card and it’s a shame, because he and Garza were set to compete for the world tag team titles against the Street Profits.
Hopefully Ricochet doesn’t get buried on the card, because he’s so incredibly talented and hopefully he’ll have a resurgence after we get through these difficult times.
The Street Profits then defeat Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink after Ford hits the top rope frogsplash on Vink for the victory. It’s a great, albeit brief, showing for the world’s champion from the Performance Center as they continued to develop that story.
R-Truth wins back the 24/7 title from the charisma vacuum that is Riddick Moss. Mojo Rawley jumped over to Smackdown as Rob Gronkowski has been appearing on the Smackdown brand. Moss was out for a job and sees a referee. R-Truth wasn’t practicing social distancing as he rolled up Moss to take the title. It’s a perfect time to repackage Moss, as he gets absolutely no reaction, even without an empty arena. Hell, he probably got a louder pop this evening.
Shayna Baszler cuts a great promo from a dark area before she is attacked from behind by Women’s champion, Becky Lynch. “The Man” makes her exit, leaving Baszler in the center of the ring as the darkness subsides and gloats as they continue to build towards their title match.
Kevin Owens hits the ring and he is ultimately joined by Seth Rollins as we get all the trappings for that match as the framework is finally laid. That’s another contest that has the potential to really steal the show if they give it time. As expected, these two are terrific on the mic.
They replay the Wrestlemania 34 Women’s title match where Asuka was made to submit to Charlotte Flair. That was a decision that many were not in favor of at the time and I recall my own reaction watching that live. It was a poor decision on a show where Shinsuke Nakamura was also made to lose as both Royal Rumble winners weren’t able to walk away with championship gold. Asuka recovered and it took a while, Charlotte has been tremendous ever since then as well.
The show ends with Randy Orton cutting one of the best promos of his career after cutting another one of equal caliber the week before. This match is absolutely going to rock the house, and those watching from home are in for a treat. I can’t even do this justice. Go find it, watch it and enjoy it. That was it for Raw this week as they continue on the Road to Wrestlemania.
AEW Dynamite:
After the great start from least week’s Dynamite, can AEW continue it’s success? The Exalted One, Brodie Lee makes his in ring debut! Commentary duties fall on to The Elite and Tony Schiavone. Kenny Omega defends his AAA Mega Championship against Sammy Guevara! One the most epic promos happened before our eyes, thanks to Matt Hardy and Chris Jericho. Let’s dive in to this week’s show. Because this is Dynamite!
The night’s first match ends in a challenge. Youngsters duke it out. Jake Hager dominates.
Cody vs Jimmy Havoc. Cody wins via Cross Rhodes pin fall.
The night started of the face of the company against a hungry competitor. With the COVID-19 situation, commentators Jim Ross and Excalibur sat this show out. Leaving Tony Schaivone and guest commentators to call the shots. First up is Kenny Omega, the duo did well. With Tony Schiavone doing extremely fantastic, I mean it is his forte.
The action was good as you would expect, Cody weathering the onslaught from Havoc. While the enigmatic Jimmy used questionable moves and targeted Cody’s arm. Which Cody sold with it affecting his ability to land a Superplex. This was a clash of styles for sure, Cody fought hard and hits the Cross Rhodes for the win.
After the match, Jake the Snake Roberts arrives on screen to let Cody know that his client Lance Archer wants a match. Roberts does what Roberts does well and cuts a promo that was fantastic. Jake tells Cody to bring all his friends and his wife Brandi, Archer does just wants one match, just one match. I have a feeling this will not be a one off, but at least a trilogy of matches and I’m fine with that.
Darby Allin vs Kip Sabian. Allin wins via The Last Supper and roll up pin fall.
Two of the brightest AEW stars face off in the second match. This was really entertaining, however the match was hampered from a commercial break out of nowhere. The duo did finish hot and a highly contested ending. Kip seems to probably relish more with a story line with Colt Cabana and Darby just continues to ascend the ranks of AEW. Allin even drew a comparison from Cody as a young Sting. I can see it, but more of a mashup of Sting’s later characters and in a younger body. The ending featured a new hold from Allin, in which Schaivone dubbed The Last Supper. It is more like a Gibson Leglock, afterwards Darby rolled up Kip for the win. Great match, bad commercial break.
Jake Hagar vs Chico Adams. Hagar wins via Triangle Hold submission.
Poor Chico, it’s hard enough for independent to find work in midst of this pandemic, but when Adams does, he faces Hagar. OK, that’s the story I’m going with because Jake quickly and apologetically squashes the poor guy. After the match Jon Moxley runs out and attacks Jake, Jon and The Inner Circle have history. Moxley seems not to be done with that history, just yet. However, I do feel that it is too early to put Hagar in the title scene. AEW should build up Hagar and his unstoppable ways before handing him to Moxley. I really can’t imagine Moxley dropping the title to Hagar just yet, but this is AEW after all.
Brodie Lee mocks Vince. AAA Mega Championship defended! Matt Hardy is a wizard.
Brodie Lee vs QT Marshall. Lee wins via Discus Lariat pin fall.
Before the match started, there was a video package with Brodie, Alex Reynolds and John Silver. In the segment, Lee talks about strength in numbers, while eating a steak. The Exalted One then kicks out John for eating before him and then Alex for sneezing. Right there are three things Vince is known for… McMahon loves a steak dinner, he hates people starting a meal before he does, and he hates sneezes. No really, I can’t make this stuff up. Vince is known to be a target from competitors, but watching Brodie parody the creator of WrestleMania is entertaining. Especially when it shows Lee’s range in promos, something he never got a shot at in WWE.
To the match, poor QT. This was an absolute crushing. From start to finish Lee dominated, showing speed, power, and athleticism. The Exalted one was hitting power moves to a Guerrero Splash. Pretty nice from a guy his size. The ending was the same nod to Bray Wyatt, as he held QT in the Sister Abigail prone stance. Then finishing it off with a Discus Lariat, they need to come up with a name for that, by the way. With a defeated Marshall laying on the ground, Lee offers a mask to join the Dark Order. This did everything right, have Lee mock his former employer from years of frustration to squashing opponents in the ring. It will be interesting on who will start a program with Brodie in the future.
Kenny Omega vs Sammy Guevara for the AAA Mega Championship. Omega wins via One-Winged Angel pin fall.
What a fantastic match! Even though Sammy earns another loss on his record, this time he actually looked real good in doing so. Omega did everything he could to get the Spanish God over, then dethroning him. The action you would expect was a mixture of high flying moves from Sammy, to the grit of Omega. A perfect blend for a successful match. Sammy was in control early on, targeting Kenny’s surgically repaired hand. The Spanish God even hilariously had caricatures of talent at ringside. Guevara then made out with a Brandi caricature, with Brandi responding with a meme fueled disgusted look.
Honestly, this match had it all. Action, in ring story telling, comedy, and further along The Elite vs The Inner Circle feud. The closing minutes was fast paced as the two men traded Shooting Star Presses, V-Triggers, Snapdragons, and Jay Drillers. However, one of the most protected moves in pro wrestling, The One-Winged Angel found its mark on Sammy. Ending the Spanish God’s hope of raising the AAA title. We all know that the AAA title wouldn’t be won in American soil, it’s one the biggest titles in Mexico’s AAA promotion. Yet, Sammy and Kenny provided a great match in which felt like it could’ve happen.
Chris Jericho calls out Matt Hardy face to face.
Alright, deep breath here.. I need it because I was laughing so hard watching these two pros go at on the mic. It all begins with Le Champion filming a cameraman sing Judas, since there isn’t a crowd to do so. Afterwards, Jericho gets in the ring to call out Hardy for joining The Elite. The Pain Maker is not greeted by The Broken One just yet. Chris is greeted by Vanguard-1, Matt’s drone. Instead of ignoring the drone, Jericho cuts a promo on Vanguard-1! Treating as if the drone was a sentient being! Le Champion insults the drone’s political views to its arrogance, then invited Vanguard-1 to join the Inner Circle! Don’t you ever change Le Champion.. don’t ever.
Then the Broken One music hits. Matt Hardy begins his decent to the ring from the rafters, not by walking, but by teleportation his way down! Even Kenny Omega gets on the absurdity calling it Hardy’s “Psycho Power”, a nod to Street Fighter’s M. Bison (yes, Omega is a gaming nerd). Jericho wants Hardy to join the Inner Circle and ditch the Elite and insults the group, while Cody and Omega yell out “we can hear you!”.
The bizarre encounter keep going as Matt states that he can not join them, he owes “The Bucks Of Youth” a favor. Chris tells The Broken One, he can revive his career like he did so for Moxley and Hagar. Matt declines and states that he is now Damascus and is over 3,000 years old. Jericho retorts with you’re the same man I’ve known for 25 years. Hardy then states that even Jericho is a chameleon, Chris is still the same man. A hole of ass, Le Champion then asks again who are you with? Hardy answers with “DELETE!”, this ensues Jericho to miss hear Matt and asks “Elite”. The two go at it like a Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck and it was glorious! Sammy attacks Hardy from behind as Cody and Omega run in for the save.
You’ll either love it or hate it. Afterthoughts. Postponements.
Watching Matt Hardy’s Broken Brilliance is an oft debated conversation. Some love the over the top wackiness and some despise it. However, you can not deny that the fact Tony Kahn is giving the workers the okay to be as creative as they want. Something that has been a main focal point in AEW. This was just the tip of what Matt and Chris can conjure up and it is going to be a wild ride. My one sour note was that no one talked about the longtime friendship between Matt and Chris, while NEVER having a featured match together. They have waited 25 years for this and there was no mention of it.
The show overall, seemed a step back from last week. I understand the CDC guidelines, yet the show was brilliant with a few heels and faces on opposite side of the ring. The locker room take on having the the workers root from there was okay, but it was a far from them yelling at the competitors at ring side.
Blood and Guts.
As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world, Tony Kahn stated that Blood and Guts will be postponed. Opting to not go the WWE route and airing a crowd-less show. This was going to be a show that was going to air live on TNT and was shaping up to be a thriller of a card. Alas, the concept of the show is really suited for a live crowd and I’ll take postponing any day over a crowd-less show.-David G.
NXT:
After a week away from live action, we get back at it this week on NXT. As was announced earlier in the week, the matches planned for Takeover: Tampa will play out on NXT TV in the coming weeks, and tonight, we start to learn how things will shake out, so let’s get right to it!
NXT eminates from the WWE Performance Center, with Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton on the call. Understandably, this show will be missing the passion from Mauro, Nigel, and Beth, but given the circumstances, we still get an exceptional performance from Tom and Byron.
Breeze Is STILL Gorgeous, Dain Dominates, Grimes Gets Back In The Win Column
Tyler Breeze vs. Austin Theory
After the confrontation a couple weeks ago, Prince Pretty takes on All Day in the opening match. I really enjoyed the banter between the two, helping to break the silence of having no fans at ringside. Theory is taking to the cocky heel persona very well, while Breeze shows why he’s so underrated in the ring.
After Theory takes Breeze’s phone to record how great he is, Breeze hits the Beauty Shot on Theory to finish the match and take the W. This was a great opener to get us back into the feel of NXT minus the raucous crowd that we’re accustomed to.
Winner – Tyler Breeze
Killian Dain vs. Tehuti Miles
We get a little backstory on Miles as he makes his entrance. Former college football player and serviceman in the US Army, having served one tour in Afghanistan. However, he also has some wrestling history, both in Ring of Honor and WWE. He even had a minor spot on Monday Night Raw in April of 2019, taking on Braun Strowman in a handicap match that, of course, he would lose.
Fast forward a year later, and not much has changed. Dain dominates Miles in a relatively short match. Miles gets a little bit of offense in, but not enough to slow down the Belfast Brawler.
Winner – Killian Dain
Cameron Grimes vs. Tony Nese
This was a fun match to watch, with the differing styles between the two competitors. Not having much of a story behind the match, there’s not much else to report. They go at it for a while before Grimes gets the upper hand by evading the Running Nese to down Tony with the Cave In.
Winner – Cameron Grimes
Women’s Ladder Match Qualifiers, Keith Lee Apologizes, The Champ Celebrates, Brit-Am Brawlers In Action
Aliyah vs. Xia Li
Remember what happened the last time these two faced off? Aliyah remembers, having suffered a nasty broken nose after taking a roundhouse kick from Xia. As Xia Li’s music starts to play, we go backstage to see Li nursing a leg injury, having been taken out by a blindside attack. Aliya seems to be playing it off like she’s the one that took her competitor out, as she urges ring announcer Greg Hamilton to call the match, giving her a free pass into the ladder match. However, Hamilton announces that Xia Li isn’t cleared to compete, but this woman is…
Io Shirai vs. Aliyah – Qualifier for the #1 Contender Women’s Ladder Match
The Genius of the Sky makes her return from injury to take on Aliyah. Io domniates Aliyah in a short match, earning herself a spot in the #1 Contender’s Ladder Match for the NXT Women’s Championship.
Winner – Io Shirai
Competition Heats Up
NXT North American Champion Keith Lee is asked about his attack on Dominik Dijakovic two weeks ago. Lee says he didn’t see who attacked him from behind, but when he came to, and saw Dijakovic holding his title, Lee assumed it was him. Lee tries to apologize for powerbombing Dijakovic, but the towering Croatian isn’t having any of it. Dijakovic tells Lee that the only thing he cares about is the North American Championship, but he respects Lee enough to not attack him from behind.
Damian Priest makes his way out, mocking both Lee and Dijakovic. Priest says he has his eyes on Lee’s title because he wants his name to live forever. Lee says that the reality is that the champion is standing there. Priest says “Maybe it’s time that you don’t stand anymore,” and pulls out his nightstick. The Archer of Infamy comes down to the ring, but Dijakovic pushes Lee out of the way and attacks Priest. Lee pushes Dijakovic out of the way and Lee and Priest brawl to the outside of the ring. Dijakovic hits a dive onto both of them from inside the ring and stands tall.
This is building to exactly what we thought it would get us to: a Triple Threat Match for the North American Championship. As much as I would love to see Lee and Dijakovic go at it once again, adding Priest is a good move, as it gives him an opportunity to climb up the rankings in NXT.
ADAM COLE BAY-BAY!
NXT Champion Adam Cole (BAY-BAY!) checks in from poolside at his residence, telling us he’s enjoying his vacation. Cole says he’s been thinking about the altercation with Velveteen Dream, and how he’s been flustered, but shouldn’t be. Dream doesn’t deserve a shot at the gold, but Cole says that Bobby Fish wants a shot at him. Looks like Dream is going to have to run the Undisputed Era gauntlet before he gets a shot at Cole. I’m all for that, as it gives Dream a chance to build himself back up as a main-eventer.
Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch vs. Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink
I don’t know who the hell this guy Brendan Vink is, but man he’s impressive. He has the look and the attitude of a mega star, and he carries himself very well in the ring. I see big things coming from the new Aussie superstar.
The match itself isn’t very eventful. Burch and Lorcan finally pick up a win against the boys from down under.
Winners – Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch
Candice LeRae vs. Kayden Carter – Qualifier for the #1 Contender Women’s Ladder Match
In the second qualifying match of the night, Mrs. Gargano picks up a quick victory over the Phil-Am beauty. Not a bad match, but pretty short, as has been the standard for all of the matches so far tonight.
Winner – Candice LeRae
Roddy vs. The Bro, Ciampa and Gargano One Last Time, The Last Sign of the Apocalpyse?
Matt Riddle vs. Roderick Strong
The King of Bros and The Ironman of Undisputed Era make their entrances without their respective counterparts, as Pete Dunne is unable to travel from Europe, while Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish are isolating themselves for the time being. Very competitive back and forth contest from these two, highlighting Riddle’s “Strong Style” offense and Strong’s amazing endurance. This was easily the longest and best match of the night, with Riddle outlasting Strong in a solid main event.
Winner – Matt Riddle
After the match, two unknown behemoths attack Riddle and leave him beaten in the ring. Malcolm Bivens makes his debut, I guess as their manager/handler? Bivens says that since Dunne was stuck in the UK, it was the perfect time to introduce the “future of the NXT tag team division”… but we don’t even know their names! That’s a huge miss there.
Confirmed for next week: Velveteen Dream vs. Bobby Fish, Lee vs. Dijakovic vs. Priest in a Triple Threat Match for the NXT North American Championship, and a “Second Chance” Gauntlet Match to determine the final competitor in the #1 Contender Women’s Ladder Match.
Ciampa and Gargano. Face to Face.
Man, this was a fantastic main event segment to really help build the inevitable match between Ciampa and Gargano. Triple H talks about the rivalry between Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano being the most intense rivalry in NXT history. Trips doesn’t get much further before Ciampa comes out and demands that Hunter bring out Gargano. Hunter tells Ciampa that there will be no physicality tonight, and invites Johnny out.
Gargano comes out without music. He says that he doesn’t want to be in the ring with Ciampa because Ciampa tried to kill him the last time that they were together. Gargano says that nothing is his fault and he doesn’t understand why he is being fined. Triple H says that the only reason that they are both still there is because of Triple H; Regal wanted to fire them. So he tells Johnny to get in the ring, emphasizing the fact that there will be no physicality.
Triple H likens this rivalry to the one he had with Shawn Michaels, which is a comparison I have personally made as well. Hunter says that he wants to end everything on the biggest stage possible and Gargano says that things were supposed to end last year but Ciampa broke his neck. Once again, Hunter says that they need the biggest stage possible, to which Ciampa and Gargano agree that they don’t need an arena or a crowd, just a referee and a cameraman.
Hunter says we can do the match right now, but Gargano backs down, saying he was just assaulted two weeks ago, and that he isn’t ready. Triple H asks him how long he needs, and Johnny says, “Give me two weeks.” Hunter tells both guys that he will find an empty arena, put a ring and a ref in it, and they can go at it there to determine who the true face of NXT is.
Clock Strikes Midnight
Just as Triple H is finalizing the match between Gargano and Ciampa, the familiar apocalyptic video plays, showing the ticking clock striking midnight, and we see flashes of a familiar face…Killer Kross! I’m not sure how I feel about the placement of this vignette as of right now. Does it signify that Kross is going to get involved in the match? Or is he coming after one of them? Who knows? We’ll have to wait to find our answers! –Josh L.
Smackdown:
The build for WrestleMania continues for the Blue Brand at the Performance Center. With eight days to go for Mania, SmackDown ramps up the stories. Bray Wyatt issues a challenge to John Cena. Will Drew Gulak win his match against Shinsuke Nakamura and give Daniel Bryan a title shot? Can Alexa Bliss overtake Asuka and plant her team as the top contenders for the tag titles? An odd HHH interview. Let’s dive in o this weeks episode of SmackDown!
Banks and Bayley meet the final participant. Will Daniel Bryan get his chance? Dolph Ziggler’s plans for Otis.
Who is the final participant?
Sasha Banks and Bayley open the show with their usual banter. Citing that Paige for the Five-way match at Mania. I still do not know how Paige has the authority to book a match. Anyways, the segment turned in to a interruption fiesta, With Lacy Evens and Naomi making their way in. After the taunting of the four ladies reached its peak, they all brawl. Tamina arrives and take out the faces. The heels have a stare down and leave. This only served the purpose of getting Tamina some push towards the match, as she does need it. Other then that, a boring way to open the show.
Drew Gulak vs Shinsuke Nakamura. Drew wins via Roll Up pin fall.
You can see this telegraphed a mile away, Daniel Bryan gets to face Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental Championship at Mania. All thanks to his new protege, Drew Gulak.. and a quick re-positioning. Gulak and Shin provided a really good fight, both men had spots that made them shine. Yes, these are two men that are capable of having a great match in their sleep. It was a tad short, but did what it needed to do. At the end, Shin went for the Kinshasa.. but Bryan pulled Gulak down and Shin missed. Allowing Drew to quickly roll up Nakamura for the win and Bryan’s chance at winning the title.
Plans in the works.
Dolph Ziggler is backstage talking to someone on his phone, when Otis runs up to him. The big guy is held back by backstage security and Ziggler said it’s time to end this and it will be at Mania. Otis agrees, and it is stated that Mandy Rose will be at ringside. It was nice to see a serious Otis in the past two weeks. However, if WWE is going to try to pull the Macho Man/Miss Elizabeth trigger at Mania.. it will be a bad choice.
The whole angle is meant for a crowd that fully invested itself to have the proper reaction. Later on, Ziggler tells Sonya DeVille that the plan is going according to plan. However, Mandy interrupts and states that she won’t stop Ziggler fighting Otis.. but it will not be over her. What is going on here? Such confusion! Is Mandy in on the plan or is she only a pawn in this game? Who knows anymore.
Elias gets tossed. Alexa Bliss faces Asuka. Weird HHH interview. Bray Wyatt challenges John Cena.
The Drifter hits rock bottom.
Elias gets a segment at the raised platform, to debut a new song about King Corbin. It is as insulting as Elias is known for. The result was that King Corbin attacked Elias. The Drifter had no chance as Corbin took him by surprised. But honestly, you think Elias would learn by know, that when he sings his songs, he may be attacked. What followed was that Corbin flung Elias over the railing and kicked his hands that were grasping for dear life. The Drifter plummeted to the hard concrete. This actually felt like an upgrade. The segment? No. The way it was edited.. you can tell this was probably not live, but a pre taped segment.
The fact the WWE wanted to make us believe that Elias slammed on to the concrete, may be a way of testing out the rumored ways that how Mania will be presented. Rumor has it that Mania is already being taped and will go through heavy editing to provide the fans a action film type setting. Will it succeed? We will find out.
Alexa Bliss vs Asuka. Bliss wins via DDT pin fall.
This was a straightforward match, nothing too special. The thing to watch was that Nikki Cross was on commentary with Micheal Cole. You can actually see Cole absolutely losing it during his interaction with Cross. At first, I thought he was really annoyed with Nikki being green in commentary. However, as the match went on, you can see Cole having a blast with her and trying to figure her out. Asuka can make anyone look good, you throw in an ever improving Alexa, then it;s a good match. Bliss then hits a nice DDT for the win and probably punches a ticket to Mania with Cross to fight Asuka/Kairi Sane for the titles.
Huh, HHH?
SmackDown aired a Mania match between Roman Reigns and HHH. The replay was fine, but again… many saw the match. Then this happened… HHH gave his perspective on who would win in a match between Roman and Goldberg. HHH is one the few men that actually got to wrestle both of them. Trips goes on how if it’s a quick match, Goldberg will win. If Roman can withstand the early onslaught, Reigns will win. The thing is.. it has been known that Roman has pulled out of WrestleMania. The Big Dog pulled out because of the COVID-19 pandemic and his compromised immunity system, havinf battling Leukemia twice. While one is blaming Roman for doing so, it begs the question on why HHH is still promoting the match. Was this pre-taped as well? We can only guess at this time.
Fun House time.
Bray Wyatt concocts a smoothie recipe in beating John Cena. Wyatt mixes in “disappointment, self loathing, rage and resentment”, with a dash of hot sauce. Bray then adds Ramblin’ Rabbit in the blender for “unnecessary and irrelevant opinions” for the final ingredients. Latly Wyatt challenges Cena to a Firefly Fun House match at Mania. THis was kind of all over the place, but it is the Fun House. It will be very interesting to see a Fun House match, ala’ Matt Hardy Compound matches. If this match in any way resembles a Broken Matt Hardy compound match, WWE may come off as copycats and sadly so may Bray Wyatt.
Main Event and afterthoughts.
The Usos vs New Day. No contest decision.
Usos and New Day face off for the umpteenth time, not complaining.. but they have had better matches. The Miz and John Morrison were on commentary for the fight and decided to involve themselves in the bout. The chemistry between the Usos and any member of New day can not be dismissed. The two teams just have that other worldly like sense about their fight that it is always a good to great watch. This fell on the good side, only because the teams really feed of a crowd.
The ending result was Miz and Morrison running in to attack both teams. Not too smart A-Listers, because it led to a match at Mania. A Three-Way LADDER MATCH FOR THE TITLES!! In the past pro wrestling world, I would’ve lost my bazonkers. However, a match of that caliber, without a crowd is going to feel somewhat lifeless. Hopefully, the trio of teams will prove me wrong.. but I am not holding my breath.
So what now?
Well it’s all up in the air. There was reports that Roman Reigns pulled out of Mania and respectfully so. then there is the Dana Brooks and Rey Mysterio self quarantine that changed up matches. On one side, I applaud WWE in attempting to still put on a WrestleMania in its designated spot. However, no one will judge WWE if Vince and company decides to postpone the Showcase of the Immortals. Every week I cover these shows, I feel like it is the only way to save it.
Vince, please don’t push on with Mania to please for financial backers or your ego. The only way for a show of this scale can and will be successful, is in front a huge live crowd. The worlds situation is bigger than putting on a show in its time slot. Also, the fact remain that fans will still tune in to this years WrestleMania, just to see if it’s a train wreck or not. I am wagering it will be, but with flashes of good stuff.-David G.
