SmackDown Does a Double Shift for Night of Champions...

Happy Friday, Enthusiasts!

How’s it going for you so far? I have a few headaches of the external kind but nothing I can’t handle. So, there was a little action this week. Definitely some stuff to talk about. It’s somewhat, same ole, same ole but with some slight twists. Let’s get into it.

So, you probably don’t need me to tell you that CM Punk appears to be on the outs with AEW again. From what I’m reading, the sticking point this time around is Ace Steel. Apparently, he was supposed to be on this deal for AEW’s Saturday show, Collision. But management didn’t want Steel there and once it was clear Steel wasn’t going to be there, that’s when Punk peaced out.

Punk also took to social media to squash all the noise and point out some wrestling insiders need to keep to their own business. Now, I’m not sure what to think here. It’s hard to tell if it’s real or not. Could this be misinformation to make Punk’s return a bigger surprise?

Yet, on that note, I’m not sure it’s the right message to create a whole other show just to accommodate Punk. I know he’s their biggest draw but if a performer is that problematic, is it worth it? This is why I’m all for him going back to WWE. WWE has the clout to keep him in check, ego-wise and make doing so entertaining.

Yet, there could be another side to this. Perhaps CM Punk is toying with the idea of going into business for himself. If the AEW return did fall through, could that explain why he was visiting WWE and Impact not too long ago? Perhaps he decides to become the “Scourge of Wrestling” as a perpetual free agent. He could show up anywhere, WWE, Impact, AEW, NWA, MLW, AAA, NJPW anywhere and just start some shit and maybe have a match.

It could all look like he just showed up. “Management” or General Managers could appear flustered and upset. There’s a lot of bustling and buzzing. Punk manages to cut some promo on someone with some interest and what do you know, looks who’s in the revamped main event. He may have to do stints with a promotion for a time so the antic doesn’t get old but I think it could work if the parties involved have fun with it. 

Every time he blows his brief “contract” we lie in wait to see which promotion he’ll start shit in next. Could be a way to drum up interest across the Industry and then look who’s suddenly misunderstood. Could work 😉

In other news, we’ll head over to the WWE Universe as Nick Khan does the media outlet rounds. He is reported as saying that WWE is open to moving SmackDown to another night to appease/woo would be networks. The sentiment seems to be “whatever works for both sides” as opposed to “our way or the highway” so we’ll see if we have to get used to a new night in the near future.

Elsewhere, there are reports Bad Bunny was injured in his bout with Damian Priest at BackLash. Well, the paparazzi has seen him out and about with Kendall Jenner so, he can’t be that laid up. It sounds like he’s doing his job and playing up the drama. Bunny has shown he gets the gig and isn’t letting up now. I’m glad he’s having fun with it. 

That, for the most part, brings us to tonight’s SmackDown. Word is this is going to be a long night for the roster because they’ll be taping for next week as well after the show. Gotta get over to Saudi Arabia next week. Tonight will have Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa having some sort of face-to-face with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Whether it goes to plan will be another matter. We’ll see if LA Knight and Rick Boogs make any sense as a tag team against The Street Profits. LWO will take on The Usos and we’ll get a look at some of the NXT call-ups. Grayson Waller will host a segment with AJ Styles as his guest and we’ll see Pretty Deadly in action against The Brawling Brutes. Let’s hope it doesn’t disappoint. 

I get to watch along today on West Coast time so feel free to join the watch party if you’re willing and able. I got business tomorrow so, gives me incentive to stay in.

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)