SmackDown Kicks Everyone Out So It Can Prepare for Elimination Chamber...

 Happy Friday, Enthusiasts!

Hope it’s treating you well. In the Wrestling World, there isn’t all that much that caught my interest but there are a few things to toss around. For the most part, the WWE Universe is preparing for Elimination Chamber tomorrow but before we get into that, let’s see what else is going on, shall we.

So, there’s some speculation wafting through after Chris Jericho responded to a fan tweet reminiscing about when Jericho and CM Punk threw down for WrestleMania 28 way back when. Jericho doesn’t mind a tussle with Punk apparently. Does that mean all is mended with our tempestuous modern day icon? Will we see a return to AEW soon?

Well, there’s also rumors that Punk and those who he was beefing with haven’t made up at all. Sounds like bad blood still lingers. Unless some sort of mediation is held, I don’t see Punk returning to AEW any time soon. Yet, word is that the AEW ratings haven’t been all that much to write home about either so, his return could serve a purpose even if it is just to get eyes on the product. We will see how things proceed.

In the WWE Universe, some news about the potential sale of WWE dropped this afternoon. It appears that Mr. Vince McMahon is looking to get $9 billion for his company and there are factions who have presented offers. Whether they’re close to asking price remains to be seen but it’s clear Mr. McMahon is looking to get the best value for his product. The question will be is anyone willing to give it to him or at least something in the ballpark.

Fans know that the product, at its best, is priceless but will new owners be able to elevate it regularly? That’s the only real way to get it worth what it could potentially be. New owners would have to understand the nuance of this form of entertainment and try to coax its evolution, not water it down or overly mainstream it. It’s hard to say WWE being in new hands would lead to an improved product. 

Yet, with Triple H running creative, we can see that it can become a steadily watchable product at least and this is a glimmer of hope. I’ve always said that WWE has yet to tap into its true potential. We all know the Attitude Era was its own phenomenon and can’t be replicated, for various reasons, but that doesn’t mean that WWE will never be “must see television” ever again. I see other specks of hope online with wrestlers faux beefing and otherwise talking shit on their feeds. This is what I’m talking about. Having fun with it. Keeping it funny and playful as opposed to trying to make it seem comparable with say, UFC. 

Humans are complicated beings yet, at our core, we’re quite simple. We have aggressive feelings that bubble up for all sorts of reasons and they need some release. Not all of us are satisfied with a hot bath and massage. Some of us prefer losing our damn minds and screaming our heads off, in a safe space of course. WWE and pro-wrestling in general provide this and if WWE is willing to double down on Human Nature, that’s the true key to lasting “forever” and potentially being able to name an asking price and expect to receive it. No harm in trying.

In any case, that brings us to tonight’s SmackDown. It is the Go Home Show for Elimination Chamber and to look at it, you wouldn’t think we’re heading into a PPV. The main event appears to be the Intercontinental Championship match between GUNTHER and MadCap Moss. It’s clear this is Moss’ big shot and I hope he doesn’t blow it. I view him in the same capacity as Rick Boogs. There’s potential in everybody but I’m not sure what these guys specifically bring to the table. So, it’s up to Moss to show us tonight. I’ll be the first to say I don’t know everything so if Moss has something in his back pocket, now’s the time to pull it out. Dolph Ziggler should be the patron saint of talent reveals in this capacity. I’ll never forget how he dropped my jaw when he finally got his shot. Sure we don’t see him all the time but his street-cred is bonafide. Moss should be aiming for this sort of notoriety. 

We can also expect to see Asuka's new no-nonsense form take on Liv Morgan. Ronda Rousey is back to pair with Shayna Baszler and they’ll face the team of Natalya and Shotzi Blackheart. We can also plan on seeing the “The Bangers” as Sheamus and Drew McIntyre have at the Viking Raiders in Erik & Ivar. Naturally, we may get some Bloodline follow up as we know The Usos have been instructed to sit things out. We’ll see what that actually means tonight, I would assume.  

I’ll be a bit behind tonight as I have out of town business this weekend. I’m putting my DVR to work and I’ll watch once I’m at my destination this evening. With the PPV tomorrow, gotta cram it in. Feel free to catch up with me on Twitter if for whatever reason you’re not available at 8pm PST. 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)