SmackDown Doesn't Think Retention Is The Problem. They're Going to POUND Summer Slam In...

A Good Tuesday to You, Enthusiasts!

So, the news that’s circulating about this week’s RAW is the obvious brutalization of Seth Rollins.  I could see this was the plan but the point is just what I brought up on the Twitters.  We don’t mind bumps.  This gig comes with ‘em and requires sturdy types who can take ‘em.  You’re going to catch a bruise or scrape from time to time.  It’s just how it is and we understand.  But of course, Brock Lesnar was depicted as “the Beast” and demolished Rollins but since this was unprovoked, the bigger question comes to the fore.  How do we present violence within our changing social landscape?  Now, I get it.  This act is not to be condoned and I’m sure they’ll address it tonight or next week but We the Audience, the more upstanding ones anyway, do not want people hurting themselves for our pleasure.  It’s not necessary.  We’re glad these ladies and gentlemen sacrifice themselves but we don’t want anyone paying too much of a price.  After this one, they may want to reconsider bringing in the ambulance at all unless it is a real, serious injury and in that case, it probably shouldn't be televised on the show and left for the news outlets to pick up.  This sort of story tactic only works in a movie or typical TV show because in the context of a story, this sort of experience changes the color of things, prompts character changes and serves as a catalyst for more intense action.  In the WWE, it’s used as a selling tactic.  That's considered poor form nowadays.  Lesnar should get some kind of reprimand and Rollins will probably get a few weeks off as he “recovers”.  No complaints as long as a rematch and a “new & improved” Rollins greets us when it’s all said and done.  That's the sort of "violence" we can get behind.

  

In other news, small shout out to Renée Young!  I heard her loosening up and playing off of Corey Graves on Commentary so, I hope she sees the potential.  See, said all she needed to do is keep at it.  So proud.  Also, a pat on the back to Natalya as well.  She’s not known for her charisma but it’s nice to know she has some.  She’s really stepped up in her feud against Becky Lynch.  Must have just been a "Company Woman" all these years.  Alexa Bliss was on point, as well.  The only one who underwhelmed here was Lynch.  Now, I don’t know if that was intended or if Lynch’s true colors are starting to show but it makes things interesting.  We’ll see if Lynch can up her game and take it to a new level.

As for tonight’s SmackDown action, we have Trish Stratus advertised to return and Jerry Lawler is going to hold “King’s Court” in her honor.  Not sure what the reason is but I suppose we’ll find out.  Rumor has it, it’s to start a feud with Charlotte but that is not yet confirmed.  We also have a “Champions” 6-Man Tag that will feature The O.C. with the newly crowned Anderson & Gallows with their compatriot AJ Styles battling The New Day.  That shouldn’t be too disappointing.  As for the rest, we have to wait and see...fair enough.  Funny tweets get retweeted and as for Likes/Favorites, well it depends.  This is a peculiar time due to the Lesnar/Rollins fallout.  Not that people are outraged and about to riot but how they proceed is an indication of the tone of how the WWE may carry on from here.  If too light or heavy, it could prove off-putting.  Lesnar will have to be punished for this.  If it’s blown off then why buy any of it?  How they proceed will dictate whether this a wrestling show or a spectacle of daredevils.  They need to decide how seriously they want to be taken at this point.  I personally don’t want to follow any fare meant for psychopaths so, I hope they demonstrate they know what they’re doing.  If you get that feeling, feel free to keep the bar relatively high, high enough for most to make it through a round of Limbo.

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)