SmackDown Sets the Table for WrestleMania...

Happy WrestleMania Eve, Enthusiasts!

There’s a lot of buzz and speculation circulating. It’s hard to say what to believe per usual but some things can be deduced. Let’s break it down shall we. 

So, the word is that Roman Reigns is slated to main event SummerSlam. If that is so, then we can anticipate another bullshit win for Reigns at WrestleMania. Yet, if WWE can make that win intriguing and maybe set up the Reigns vs. The Rock match for SummerSlam I don’t oppose it. However, those “Cody Crybabies” are definitely not going to like seeing Cody Rhodes lose. I don’t think it will be on par with when Drew McIntyre had to take out Brock Lesnar a few years ago but if they don’t execute it correctly, they’ll deflate what would otherwise be considered a fun night. 

Conversely, that rumor could be disinformation. Get us all half-mad about something that doesn’t  happen so when what does go down happens, we have an even bigger pop! We can dream, I suppose but as They say, go ahead and prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

As many of you already know, this is a big PR time for WWE. They have all sorts of pre-events happening during this WrestleMania week. LA Knight and AJ Styles did their part by having a scuffle on the floor of wherever they’re doing their live fan events. Triple H had a brief sit down with Pat McAfee. Even Rhodes’ tour bus caught on fire last night. Was it “sabotage”? What’s clear is that WWE is trying their damndest to make WrestleMania XL the big deal it’s supposed to be. So far, I commend the effort.

Let’s take a quick detour to the Realm of AEW as the news there is that there were a series of releases this week. I wasn’t familiar with any of the names let go but what’s on the grapevine  is that Tony Khan is trying to put himself in prime position to scoop up any choice talent. 

Given AEW’s low attendance and ratings, it’s clear that Khan has to do something to stay relevant and keep the boat afloat. I wasn’t much of a fan but I did wish them well. I think WWE having a competitor keeps them honest and hungry so opposing promotions have a place in the industry but WWE is the only one who appears to have lasted the test of time for some reason. I would say maybe Ring of Honor is a distant second but having been absorbed by AEW, I feel it is only fitting that AEW assumes the 2nd slot. I’m sure TNA fans would say something about that but they’ve always been 3rd rate. Sorry not sorry. In any case, I’m hoping a solution is found. I would love to see some crossover someday.

And so, that brings us to tonight’s SmackDown. We get the final offering before it all starts tomorrow. Kevin Owens will give his contribution has he hosts special guest, Randy Orton on the “KO Show”. We’ll have the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale. Bron Breakker sounds like a favorite for that one. The New Catch Republic will face the Upstarts, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. Zelina Vega will stay sharp courtesy of Elektra Lopez and Jey Uso will have at his other brother in Solo Sikoa. We’ll see if we get any “surprises” on that one. Unofficial watch party starts at 8pm PDT. Pick your platform and play along. 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)