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2017/07/07 09:38:21
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
Chad Gable again being put into a match with a top guy and being allowed to look good.
Nice little rub from Styles at the end too.
Hoping they can build something with him. Didn't seem to be getting much of a reaction from the crowd (although Styles is a big favourite), but I'm hopeful.
It does beg the question of where JJ is, but either way, it's good to see talent being pushed.
In local news, I've bought tickets for ICW's Shug's Hoose Party 4.
It's a two day event they put on over a weekend at a decent sized venue in Glasgow.
I only bought tickets for the first night. Noar Dar will be there and there's to be a good ol' wrestling wedding taking place but the real reason for going will be Pete Dunne.
I've not managed to catch Dunne live yet but at this event (29th July) he's defending the WWE UK Championship... in an ICW event which is kinda cool.
His opponent will be decided this Sunday at ICW's regular Fight Club. There's a #1 contenders match between Wolfgang and BT Gunn. You'd expect Wolfgang to be winning that given he's already connected to WWE but it'd be nice to see BT getting a big moment.
BT Gunn is one of those guys who's been around ICW forever, always been great by all accounts, very hard working but seems to have just missed the recent wave currently carrying a few UK guys onto international recognition.
There must be hundreds like him mind you. There's at least 3 or 4 in ICW alone.
Talking of the UK Championship, I went back and rewatched the title match from NXT Takeover Chicago. It really was a tremendous match. If you haven't seen it yet, you should try make time for it.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/07/07 09:40:01
Still not happy about the Universal Championship Belt being on a 'part timer'. Also not happy that Lesnar got dominated, but still won with a 'luck' F5.
Still REALLY not happy that it was yet another PPV with NO Finn Bálor.
And we're still having to 'look forward' to Finn Bálor vs. Samson the Drifter?
OK.
In quick order:
OK with the Tag Titles staying on the heels - IF it leads to the Broken Hardy Revival!
Hopefully this is the LAST chapter in Miz v. Ambrose.
Bliss retaining 'by any means necessary' is OK, but I'd like her to just win a few of these things too.
Strowman v. Reigns. Meh. Strowman wins, but then Reigns kinda still wins. In an 'evil' way. And he's the Babyface here?
In other news:
I'll be at the RAW taping the Monday before Summerslam (wish it was the Monday after Summerslam, but that's the schedule for you!).
Pretty good tickets too.
I just hope Finn Bálor is on the card.
Even if it is just vs. Samson, and not setting up a triumphant return to the Main Event at Summerslam for a shot at the title again...
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2017/07/10 16:59:35
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
I, for one, didn't mind the Reigns vs Strowman match. Plenty of big spots, albeit nothing we haven't seen before. The finish was decent too, but only as long as we FINALLY get a proper Reigns heel turn. Match of the night is easily the Iron Man tag match, probably my favourite Shesaro vs Hardy match (that I can remember anyway). A little something that will probably never happen but would be great is a Finn Balor vs Cesaro match - they certainly carried last week's RAW matchup and a singles match would be fantastic. Everything else on the Card was pretty lackluster that I remember, though Bliss gave a good performance. Can't stand Sasha being back in the title picture again, but that's not her fault so I'll let it slide.
If you can't believe in yourself, believe in me! Believe in the Dakka who believes in you!
2017/07/10 17:05:17
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
The match may have brought the rivalry between Balor and Samson to an end, and it may have been well-wrestled, but Sunday's Great Balls of Fire lost nothing by not having the bout on the card.
Balor won decisively, as he should have, but he still appears directionless on the red brand.
At what point will he re-enter championship contention? When will he seek the title he never lost?
More importantly, when will he do something that actually matters?
These are questions that need answering before Balor descends too far into a state of irrelevance.
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2017/07/18 01:35:58
Subject: Re:The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
By the time I go to see the RAW taping live in Boston on August 14th, I really, really hope we're all done with the Finn Bálor vs. Elias Samson program...
...but why do I have the feeling that *this* is what Finn will be up to at Summerslam?
Ugh.
EDIT!
Er, so - wait - Bray (yawn) Wyatt is now all up in Finn face now because...reasons?
THIS is what we're going to (eventually) waste the Demon King's reappearance on?
And not on his rightful WWE Universal Championship match?
No!!!
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/07/18 02:50:59
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2017/07/18 20:08:46
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
I feel like Finn Balor is going to turn into the Miz - a fuctionally great wrestler that can only feud with like 2 people (Dean Ambrose and Dolph). That will get boring real fast.
And now feuding with Bray, which Wyatt will totally lose the feud to (though he did win his last one to be fair to him), just because they're "spooky dudes". Now I know there's some real die hard Wyatt fans out there, but I can't stand the whole cult leader crap, it has no weight behind it at all so you can't take him seriously.
I'm a bit sad about ANOTHER tag team breakup (I won't say who it is just in case, but if you've watched the most recent RAW you'll understand what I'm going on about), and the worst part of it was how necessary it was. There wasn't heat behind it, and it even seemed like the other half of the duo stranded on Smackdown didn't even know it was happening! Please WWE, no more breakups. I've had enough of that this year. I will honestly flip if they break up The Revival, those guys are great heels, and I bet with a good feud could easily become RAW's Usos as champions.
In other news, New Japan's G1 has kicked off and while it has been great wrestling - as expected - it hasn't been as amazing as the G1 in the US.That's probably a result of Naito Vs Omega, but it is pretty hard to top that - maybe apart from Omega vs The Rainmaker V2.0 of course.
If you can't believe in yourself, believe in me! Believe in the Dakka who believes in you!
2017/07/21 15:28:24
Subject: Re:The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
But for whatever reason, WWE seems to be very reluctant to go full heel with Roman.
They pulled him back from the brink of heel again on Monday... and there was such an opportuniy.
All he had to do was run away from Strowman, that's all. Do that and he's a heel.
They fethed it.
Alpharius wrote:
THIS is what we're going to (eventually) waste the Demon King's reappearance on?
And not on his rightful WWE Universal Championship match?
No!!!
I'm afraid that's how it looks. I actually thought his matches with Samson were... ok but the "fued" stunk. (and that guitar shot, man)
And you know this one is going to stink too.
I like Wyatt but he carries no threat now. And his gimmick totally jumped the shark during the Orton feud.
That week where he looked great winning, then defending the title seem so long ago now.
They don't have a clue what to do with Balor.... or Wyatt. Although, to be fair, neither do I at this stage.
WarbossDakka wrote: I'm a bit sad about ANOTHER tag team breakup (I won't say who it is just in case, but if you've watched the most recent RAW you'll understand what I'm going on about), and the worst part of it was how necessary it was. There wasn't heat behind it, and it even seemed like the other half of the duo stranded on Smackdown didn't even know it was happening! Please WWE, no more breakups. I've had enough of that this year. I will honestly flip if they break up The Revival, those guys are great heels, and I bet with a good feud could easily become RAW's Usos as champions.
I'm going to assume people have heard about Kurt Angle's happy news by now.
I'm conflicted. I agree that it's a shame about American Alpha (I was a huge fan). I think these types of angles (get it?) are a bit silly. Actually, really silly.
However, I'm excited for each guy's upcoming singles career. Well, excited and worried. Jordan's push will have to be handled very delicately if he's to get over big with the fans. I think he's likeable though? And he's super talented. I dunno. Nervous but I hope it goes well. Interested to see how slowly they build him. Hopefully glacially slow.
Gable though.... As I've mentioned before, his last two singles matches against top guys have been really good. And he looked great in the matches. Which is very encouraging. He's also somewhat protected on Smackdown, it feels like. He could do well. I genuinely think he's got the right stuff. As a smaller guys he could be a great underdog babyface. I wouldn't mind seeing him perform great, and just fall short against the bigger guys for a good while. Be a Daniel Bryan. Just please, please, please WWE.... don't drop him to 205. He's far to good. Again, I'm worried.
Anyone interested in Battleground?
No?
Nah?
Owens, Styles will be great obviously. That's probably it.
Automatically Appended Next Post: In other news. Looks like Shane has been warming up for his next match....
This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2017/07/21 17:32:59
I can't even be bothered with Battleground. I was so bored, incredibly disappointed with Smackdown. Even the Styles/Owens match which would have been good any other week, was pretty run-of-the-mill. Also, why did they give the title back to Owens? WWE Creative get more delusional every week.
If you can't believe in yourself, believe in me! Believe in the Dakka who believes in you!
2017/07/25 12:25:59
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
Which is a shame, as there are some great wrestlers on there...
There are times when wrestling is just too damn predictable.
I mean, how long have we been hearing about Summerslam's main event becoming a 'Fatal 4-Way'?
And after you heard that Bálor/Samson was a "NO DQ Match", who here didn't 100% KNOW that Bray Wyatt was going to interfere last night and cost Bálor the match?
It is when wrestling surprises us that the best moments happen. The most memorable moments.
WWE "Creative" seems to have forgotten that, and they look like they've really lost their way, and as a result, they're giving us some really boring, unmemorable stuff.
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2017/07/25 17:33:29
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
To be honest, I thought RAW was pretty great, though it doesn't make up for Sunday. Also, why can't we just have a Summerslam Main Event which is a singles matchup? I don't even care if its Roman vs Lesnar again! Given that Roman is main eventing Wrestlemania again, I can't imagine he'll win the title at Summerslam, so there's that at least. There's one good thing about this whole thing though, Brock is finally dropping the title at Summerslam - well overdue.
If you can't believe in yourself, believe in me! Believe in the Dakka who believes in you!
2017/07/25 19:15:29
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
I'll be at the 'go home' edition of RAW tonight, live in Boston!
I REALLY want to see Finn Bálor's entrance live...
I predict that somehow, someway, Bray will interfere with Finn, get the better of him, and then Finn will announce that he'll see Bray at Summerslam - as the DEMON KING!!!
And that return will be wasted on this no build up feud with no titles at stake!
Still, it should be a fun time tonight in Boston!
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2017/08/15 21:07:27
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
Glad you enjoyed it. And glad you got to see Balor's entrance live.
It looked like a good show. I think I'm reasonably optimistic about Summerslam
The ICW show I was at a few weeks ago was great.
Glad I finally got to see Pete Dunne wrestle.
And ICW have just put the full main event from that evening up on you tube
Fatal Four Way for the WWE UK Championship....
Automatically Appended Next Post:
I'll be seeing him again next month too. A decent wee card this.....
Spoiler:
Automatically Appended Next Post: And.......
PREDICTIONS
Universal Championship -- Lesnar vs. Reigns vs. Joe vs. Strowman:
Lesnar. I think the “walking away” stipulation from Heyman is a bit of a red herring. And if Lesnar really is going to fight Jon Jones, I’d imagine the WWE (confident that he’ll win) will want him to be their champion going into that fight.
WWE Championship -- Mahal vs. Nakamura:
Mahal. Seems like there hasn’t been much of a build-up (although I have missed a lot of TV). I just can’t see Nak winning here.
United States Championship -- Styles vs. Owens:
Match of the Night and a Styles win. I’m actually not to fussed who wins here. They’re both great.
Balor vs. Wyatt:
Balor. Because Wyatt always loses these things. The only way I see a Wyatt win is if they’re planning on padding the feud out until Hell in a Cell.
Raw Women's Championship -- Bliss vs. Banks:
Bliss.
Naomi vs. Natalya:
Naomi.
Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Ambrose & Rollins:
Sheamus and Cesaro… I hope.
The New Day vs. The Usos
New Day.
Cena vs. Corbin:
Cena. Why would they make a total arse of Corbin, then have him beat Cena at Summerslam. Cena is building up to another title push. Mahal – Cena at Survivor Series.
Orton vs. Rusev:
Orton…. Ugh.
Big Show vs. Big Cass:
Big Cass 100%.
Cruiserweight Championship -- Tozawa vs. Neville:
Neville… Come On Neville!
Jason Jordan & The Hardy Boyz vs. The Miz & The Miztourage:
The Faces I guess… meh. Actually, this could be a good match, but I doubt they’ll get much time.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2017/08/18 07:12:06
Mahal. Seems like there hasn’t been much of a build-up (although I have missed a lot of TV). I just can’t see Nak winning here.
Agreed!
Nakamura allegedly is getting heat for his strong/dangerous/reckless style - especially over the Cena Suplex Issue from a few weeks back.
United States Championship -- Styles vs. Owens:
Match of the Night and a Styles win. I’m actually not to fussed who wins here. They’re both great.
Agreed again, on all counts!
Owens gets 'screwed' here, somehow, even if it is in his own mind.
Plus it sets up a TEAM SHANE vs. TEAM OWENS for Survivor Series (?)...
Balor vs. Wyatt:
Balor. Because Wyatt always loses these things. The only way I see a Wyatt win is if they’re planning on padding the feud out until Hell in a Cell.
No way - agreed again!
But, for different reasons. Because, outside of RARE occasions, The Demon should *never* lose!
And hopefully that is the end of this feud. But that's probably not going to be the case, and both will continue on in this battle with no championships at stake, because WWE "Creative" doesn't quite know what to do with either of them right now.
Raw Women's Championship -- Bliss vs. Banks:
Bliss.
I *think* this is the outcome too, possibly with Jax interference costing Sasha the match setting up...something?
Naomi vs. Natalya:
Naomi.
Yup. And *yawn* too.
Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Ambrose & Rollins:
Sheamus and Cesaro… I hope.
A-ha!
Our first disagreement.
I think the mini-shield (buckler?) win here.
What I would LOVE to happen is for Roman Reigns to FINALLY go full heel, interfere here and cost them the match, telling them they are "nothing with me!!!"
Probably not though. Instead...(see later on for my prediction!)
The New Day vs. The Usos
New Day.
Sure, yes, I think so too.
Cena vs. Corbin:
Cena. Why would they make a total arse of Corbin, then have him beat Cena at Summerslam. Cena is building up to another title push. Mahal – Cena at Survivor Series.
I think you're right here as well. WHAT A WASTE of Corbin's MITB shot.
Weird...
Orton vs. Rusev:
Orton…. Ugh.
Again, yes.
Is SUMMERSLAM this predictable?
Big Show vs. Big Cass:
Big Cass 100%.
Unsure, but I'm going to go BIG SHOW here, with Enzo somehow managing to still make a difference even though he's 'trapped' in the shark cage.
Cruiserweight Championship -- Tozawa vs. Neville:
Neville… Come On Neville!
Nope!
Tozawa maintains!
If only because rapid title changes are lame.
Jason Jordan & The Hardy Boyz vs. The Miz & The Miztourage:
The Faces I guess… meh. Actually, this could be a good match, but I doubt they’ll get much time.
Didn't we just see this match?
Would be great if the heels win, and Jordan decides to go heel here and sign up for a spot with the Miz!
Universal Championship -- Lesnar vs. Reigns vs. Joe vs. Strowman:
Lesnar. I think the “walking away” stipulation from Heyman is a bit of a red herring. And if Lesnar really is going to fight Jon Jones, I’d imagine the WWE (confident that he’ll win) will want him to be their champion going into that fight.
Maybe?
Unfortunately, I think LESNAR retains, and the Part-Time Champ continues to be just that.
HOWEVER - what might also happen?
Rollins and Ambrose show up, and help Reigns triple power bomb Lesnar and REIGNS IS YOUR WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION!
I'd say 75% Lesnar wins, 25% the above happens and Reigns wins.
So as to now weasel here, I'll enter this in as a Lesnar win!
SO...even though it feels like a VERY predictable show, I'm also feeling like it will be a good show, and that the WWE team will actually manage to make it even better than that and surprise us too.
I hope!
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2017/08/20 15:28:03
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
Well, Summerslam is right around the corner and once again it is shaping up to be worse than NXT Takeover. I remember the exact thing happening last year, except 2017's card is much, much worse. You know something is wrong when the US Title is WAY better than the Championship, but whatever. I'm rooting for Shinsky Naks, but I can't see him winning at all. Wasted Balor entrance, The Revival on the shelf again (if you remember one of my previous comments, I expected them to be in the title picture. I guess not 'till December now), and the Hardy Boys on the Kick Off Show, this is looking to be a pretty naff Summerslam. At least the Main Event is looking good.
Oh yeah, I think Alpharius has it bang on for predictions, but I'm slightly leaning toward Roman winning the main event. I don't mind Roman, so as loud as the boos will be, I'll be quite happy.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/08/20 15:30:38
If you can't believe in yourself, believe in me! Believe in the Dakka who believes in you!
2017/08/20 18:06:03
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
As long as the Demon goes over tonight, I suppose I'll be...as OK as I was going to be with him showing up for this mediocre feud...
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Jason Jordan & The Hardy Boyz vs. The Miz & The Miztourage:
Miz
I was right? Sort of? I only kind of made a pick but in true wrestling heel fashion, I’m gonna count this as a win for me!
1-0
Cruiserweight Championship -- Tozawa vs. Neville:
Tozawa
I was wrong!
And yes, rapid title changes are still lame.
1-1
The New Day vs. The Usos
New Day
I was wrong here! The New Day lost – and it was a pretty decent match. The finish was pretty brutal with all those super-kicks to the Big E’s face, and then the double frog-splash…
1-2
Cena vs. Corbin:
Cena
I was right!
And the inexplicable burying of Corbin..continues? Rumor has it that WWE Creative ‘lost confidence’ with Corbin recently due to…reasons…including a social media feud he was involved in with another wrestler? Huh?
2-2
Naomi vs. Natalya:
Naomi
I was wrong!
And Naomi lost by submission too…
Huh. And I totally forgot that Carmella could have been looming here too…
2-3
Big Show vs. Big Cass:
Big Cass
I was right!
Not sure what the point of Enzo ‘escaping’ from the cage was in order to do…nothing?
Lame match, really.
But now I’m:
3-3
Orton vs. Rusev:
Orton
Wow.
We were right – and not only that, but they outright embarrassed Rusev here.
How long was that match?
6 secconds?
What was the point here?
More political punishment?
Ugh.
4-3
And there’s still 3 hours left in the show at this point…
Raw Women's Championship -- Bliss vs. Banks:
Bliss
(Ha! Sasha gets heel heat from being from Boston!)
Oddly paced semi-OK match…with a lame finish. Wasted psychology, not enough build up.
Can a match be slow and rushed at the same time?
Yes.
And I was wrong again!
4-4
5 matches left, and probably 2 ½ hours too?
30 minutes for each match left? OK…
OK - Here’s the one we’ve I’ve been waiting for!!!
Balor vs. Wyatt:
Balor
Did Finn just steal one of Bray’s songs?!?
And…no Eye of Bálor on Finn’s back?
I don’t like this…
…but apparently all is well, as the Demon King is able to out-freak-out Wyatt for the win!
And he’s now the new…
…er…
….winner of this match.
At least the Demon King is still undefeated in the WWE – and can show up to win the title from Lesnar at the next Wrestlemania!
(I can dream, right?!?)
5-4
Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Ambrose & Rollins:
Ambrose & Rollins
No revival or remix of the S.H.I.E.L.D. theme – and we’re off!
And after a frantic finish – Ambrose and Rollins are new champs!
And I was right!
6-4
United States Championship -- Styles vs. Owens:
Styles
A little sloppy, with lots of ref bumps (of course!), but Styles retains, and Owens has enough ‘cause’ to be upset at Shane-O’Mac too…
7-4
And I’m now guaranteed a winning record here!
WWE Championship -- Mahal vs. Nakamura:
Mahal
Mahal REALLY slows things down. Do not like Mahal. And they NEVER let him win ‘clean’ – and that’s what happens here again.
I’m now 8-4!
Universal Championship -- Lesnar vs. Reigns vs. Joe vs. Strowman:
Lesnar
And Lesnar retains, in a chaotic spot-fest!
Pinning Reigns no less, after doing a mid-match stretcher job too!
(And keeps that dream Lesnar-Bálor Wrestlemania Match alive!)
I’m 9-4, and I’m off to bed!
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/08/21 03:05:38
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2017/08/21 03:05:44
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
Right, I'm watching Summerslam right now and I honest to god confused why Jinder still has the title. Like why. This is just a quick post seperate to my full opinion of the event, but Sasha and Jinder have left me completely dumbfounded.
If you can't believe in yourself, believe in me! Believe in the Dakka who believes in you!
2017/08/24 14:46:08
Subject: Re:The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
So, it’s taken most of the week, but I’ve finally managed to watch NXT Takeover and Summerslam.
SUMMERSLAM PREDICTIONS
Mahal. Seems like there hasn’t been much of a build-up (although I have missed a lot of TV). I just can’t see Nak winning here.
1-0
Match of the Night and a Styles win. I’m actually not to fussed who wins here. They’re both great.
2-0 Although, not sure about the MotN thing. It was decent. Good actually, but too many ref bumps harmed the flow. I think you were right about them setting up something Owens Vs McMahon.
Balor. Because Wyatt always loses these things. The only way I see a Wyatt win is if they’re planning on padding the feud out until Hell in a Cell.
3-0 Early lead! A nothing match this. As expected. A waste of the Demon, and I still really dislike the criminal misuse of Wyatt.
Bliss.
3-1 Surprised by this. I had been really enjoying Bliss’ work. Not sure where they’re going to go with the title now. Jax soon and hanging on until ‘mania? Not sure at all. Not sure WWE know either.
Naomi.
3-2 Another surprise. Can’t say I particularly care though. I like Natalya though. Hopefully a program between her and Charlotte could be (sort of) entertaining?
Sheamus and Cesaro… I hope.
3-3 That lead didn’t last long. Bahh…. Disappointed by this. I have no real attachment to the Shield, and I’m not a fan of Ambrose. I really like the S+C team. Hoping they reclaim the titles soon. Cesaro’s run into the crowd to burst that ball was great. The commentary team dealt with it well to. A good match, I thought.
New Day.
3-4 As I say, have’t watched the KO show. A good match though by all accounts. Didn’t think they’d take the titles off New Day so quickly. I can see a few switches over the next wee while.
Cena. Why would they make a total arse of Corbin, then have him beat Cena at Summerslam. Cena is building up to another title push. Mahal – Cena at Survivor Series.
4-4
And the inexplicable burying of Corbin..continues? Rumor has it that WWE Creative ‘lost confidence’ with Corbin recently due to…reasons…including a social media feud he was involved in with another wrestler? Huh?
They were saying something on the MLW podcast about racist undertones to one of his T-Shirts.
Orton…. Ugh.
5-4. At least it was short. Merciful. Terrible for Rusev though. Wasted again.
Big Cass 100%.
6-4
Neville… Come On Neville!
7-4
Jason Jordan & The Hardy Boyz I guess… meh. Actually, this could be a good match, but I doubt they’ll get much time.
7-5
Lesnar. I think the “walking away” stipulation from Heyman is a bit of a red herring. And if Lesnar really is going to fight Jon Jones, I’d imagine the WWE (confident that he’ll win) will want him to be their champion going into that fight.
8-5... Although that JJ fight sure isn't happening now
You win with 9-4….
Or….. wait…..
Alpharius wrote: Big Show vs. Big Cass:
Big Cass
I was right!
But….
Alpharius wrote: I'm going to go BIG SHOW here
Ha! Tied with 8-5
So, I thought the show was alright. Ignoring the Kick Off show and watching the event over two evenings definitely helped.
There were a couple of fun matches and the bad ones were, at least, fairly short. The main event was genuinely awesome… Really fun and it felt like a big deal. Reasonably happy with the outcome, although I’d rather they saved Lesnar – Strowman for Survivor Series or the Rumble. Feels like it’s big enough for those shows. They should be keeping them apart and teasing the match for months.
As entertaining as I thought some (4?) of the matches were though, I thought some of the booking was odd; Orton burying Rusev, Sasha Banks, Nakamura losing (not that I think he should’ve won, I just don’t think he should’ve been in that match).
As the Warboss predicted though, Takeover was way better. Yes, it’s a different show, less of spectacle (as it should be), but the standard of match was soo consistently good, that it really should shame WWE Prime. OK there were only 5 matches but each one of them was far better worked and engrossing than anything on the main show (perhaps the main event excepted). I didn’t think the Woman’s match was fantastic but it was better than anything in the RAW or SD title matches.
Did you guys watch it? The first 3 matches particularly were great.
Also, did you watch that UK Championship Match I linked to earlier? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.
And in other news; I’m excited to see Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin working together
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also, will any of you be watching the Mae Young classic?
I'd like to, but I'm gonna struggle to fit it in.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/08/24 14:47:09
The way WWE is mishandling the women's and tag divisions, it doesn't seem worth it.
See, I was in favour of the brand split. I still like the idea, but I don't think they done it right.
I like the split… but I wouldn't have introduced the new titles. Having two Women's champs, 2 (4?) tag champs totally devalues both titles.
The new Universal Title was an awful idea. No heritage, no history, no prestige, and it's existence really hurts the existing Title.
Lose - lose.
I think it would've been much better to keep only one set of titles.
My vision….
Assuming the Title still went to SD with Dean Ambrose at the split....
• RAW would have gotten the IC Title. Instant elevation to 80’s level prestige for that title.
• The storylines on RAW, culminating at brand specific PPVs, would have revolved around the IC Title (elevating guys like Owens, Zayn, Rusev and Balor to legit Main Eventers) and….
• No.1 contendership for the WWE Championship at the next of the big 5 PPVs (they bring back KotR). Imagine the main event on the go-home show before Summerslam for example.
• Over on Smackdown, the WWE Championship is fought over, obviously. The current Champion has the honour of defending the title at one of the big 5 PPVs.
• That big PPV main event will be huge because, unlike now, it’ll be contested between guys who have been mostly kept apart for the last few months while anticipation builds. At the moment we’ve usually already seen the Wrestlemania main event 100 times before the actual show.
• At the big show, there’ll also be huge pressure on the contestants from their respective GMs to bring the title home. Lots of storyline potential there.
• If these opportunities for the title to switch between shows are limited to only 5 times per year, it makes those title matches really important. Although…..
• Money in the Bank will still be a thing. Imagine the RAW after Wrestlemania where Roman Reigns has just won the Title, bringing the belt back to Monday nights. He comes out to gloat and issue an open challenge arrogantly (because he’s most definitely a heel). The equally arrogant IC Title holder Kevin Owens accepts. Just as Reigns finally pins Owens…. AJ Styles invades RAW, cashes in and feths off back to Smackdown with WWE Championship. Awesome.
• Similar No.1 Contendership storylines would run for the Women’s, IC, US and Tag Titles on whichever show didn’t hold them. (We need more tag teams for this to work)
• We could have situations where Vince is looking at firing Daniel Bryan because all the titles end up on RAW leading to a HUGE survivor series 10-man tag with DB’s job on the line.
• Under this model, all titles gain prestige and those big PPVs all become must watch… rather than a 6 hour long procession of RAW matches and Smackdown matches (which we’ve already all been watching for the past few weeks)
I like the idea of the brand split, and I’m still quite liking it. I think the roster is generally deep enough to support it (tag teams notwithstanding). I just think it could’ve been handled much, much better…..
But what do I know?
Automatically Appended Next Post: And fun fact...
In the 2016 Draft (19 July 2016), Braun Strowman was the #48 pick.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/08/25 10:49:46
Mostly because WWE "Creative" has pretty much shown that they don't know how to manage it, we'll never get your version/vision and yes, the new titles are, essentially, 'worthless' in terms of history, prestige, etc.
I can *almost* get by pretending SMACKDOWN doesn't exist, but then I'd miss out on AJ and Owens...
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2017/08/29 02:55:42
Subject: Re:The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
Balor would have really benefitted from a Miz feud.
Hopefully we'll still get it, but you've got to worry about how the rest of the Wyatt program is going to work out... It hasn't exactly been stellar up to now.
I never watched RAW, but just been catching up with it on Wrestlinginc.com ( I find it difficult to find time during the week to watch all 3 hours on catch-up. It's on too late for me to watch it live).
How did this Cena - Reigns exchange go down? It sounds pretty... real? Similar to the promos Cena and Miz were cutting on eachother back on Smackdown.
Wrestlinginc.com summarises....
Angle calls out John Cena to the ring.
Cena says this match is WrestleMania worthy but Angle is ready to get it done now. Cena says this is why he came to RAW, to step in the ring with The Big Dog. Cena says Reigns hasn't been just the blue chip prospect, he's been the blue chip prospect that's been protected against anyone in his path. Cena talks about himself and how there's no protection there. Cena says he wants to fight Reigns because he knows Reigns doesn't want to fight him. The music interrupts and out comes Reigns to some boos.
Reigns wants to get this straight - he's scared to fight Cena? Reigns wonders if that's what is in Cena's head. Reigns says Cena probably won't understand this because no one has ever said this to him but Cena is not as big of a deal as he thinks he is. Reigns says he's done something Cena will never be able to do - he retired The Undertaker at WrestleMania. Reigns says maybe he just doesn't need to fight Cena. Cena ends up calling Reigns a corporate Cena bootleg. Cena says Reigns isn't the guy, he's just a guy... a guy trying desperately to fill shoes he never will. Cena says listen carefully young man... he's not The Undertaker, he's not a battered veteran with a bad hip at the end of his career. Cena is the fastest and strongest he's ever been. Cena says Reigns knows if he signs that contract, his Roman Empire... can't see me. Reigns comes back and says fans don't boo Cena because they want him to be a bad guy, they boo him because he sucks. Cena makes a joke about Angle getting the "you suck" chants and Reigns tells him to shut up. Reigns looks to be searching for words and Cena disses him. Reigns tells him to shut up again. Reigns ends up calling Cena a fake b---h. A part timing, fake b---h.
Reigns goes on about Cena being a part-timer and how he buries younger talents. Reigns says that's how Cena stays on top of the mountain. Reigns calls him a backstabbing shark. Reigns says what bothers Cena is that he can't bury Reigns, he can't touch him. Reigns says he's the one guy in WWE who Cena can't see. Reigns asks why he would want to lessen himself, his bloodline and his legacy to be the next John Cena when he could be the one and only Roman Reigns.
Cena says Reigns is a fool, a damn fool. Cena says Reigns of all people comes down to the ring and uses the same poor excuse that the others in front of him have done. Reigns, with all his abilities, has the gall to blame Cena. Cena congratulates Reigns, saying it took him 5 years to cut a half-decent promo but now Cena is about to cut him down to size. Cena says everyone thinks he has a magical golden shovel. Cena can't tell if Reigns is blind or stupid. Cena says the fans have always held the keys and always will. Cena goes on, mentioning how he won the United States Title and used it to help guys like AJ Styles and Kevin Owens. He says Reigns took the US Title as a demotion. Cena says he's still here because Reigns can't do his job.
Cena goes on and says Reigns should be ashamed because he can do this better part time than Reigns could ever do it full time. Cena drops the mic and the crowd gets riled up with him. Cena has signed the contract. Reigns signs the contract and Cena loves it. Reigns flips the table over and they face off. The music interrupts and out comes Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. They talk about the egos in the ring, calling both men "not a good brother." They believe Cena and Reigns need to be taught a lesson by a couple of good brothers. They're headed to the ring to beat up a few nerds. Angle makes a tag match for right now. We go to commercial
They could have a good match or two, and it keeps Reigns out of the immediate title picture which is nice.
Also, Sasha dropped again?
Why did they even bother with the switch at SS? How many title reigns has Sasha Banks had now?
The Cena/Reigns exchange was...somewhat real, except Reigns flubbed it a bit in places - which Cena then called him on - making it...more real than real?!?
It was odd...
It felt a bit forced - not at all like how the Miz can do his promos, which, while clearly being a work, come across as...real?
And yes, Banks dropped the title - again.
WWE seems to really enjoy short title 'reigns' for its Women's Divisions.
And...yeah, the Wyatt/Bálor Feud lives on....hurrah?
I hope this does NOT mean Wyatt gets a win back vs. The Demon at No Mercy.
Ugh.
Hard to believe how lame WWE Creative is at times.
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2017/08/29 13:37:10
Subject: The DakkaDakka Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread
Alpharius wrote: And...yeah, the Wyatt/Bálor Feud lives on....hurrah?
I hope this does NOT mean Wyatt gets a win back vs. The Demon at No Mercy.
Ugh.
Hard to believe how lame WWE Creative is at times.
The rumours I've heard were that the WWE want to protect the Demon character, so they'll only use it at the big PPV's and when they do, it's likely Baylor will win the match
Angels Amaranthine - growing slowly
Currently 200pts 
If you can't believe in yourself, believe in me! Believe in the Dakka who believes in you! 
orkmojis to express my disappointment with this 'development'...
