WrestleMania XL - SmackDown Fallout

How’s It Going, Enthusiasts!

So, the wake of WrestleMania has left a few things to talk about. Again, it’s nothing too shocking but it does give us something to chat about for a few minutes. Are you up for it? Let’s break it all down.

For the most part, AEW has been making the headlines with the posting of the backstage fight between Jack Perry and CM Punk. I didn’t bother to see it for myself because I’m not sure what it proves at this point. AEW does get the ratings bump but that’s about it. Most commentators feel this was a odd move but given the ratings increase, most can also see that Tony Khan probably got what he wanted, some eyes on the product. 

Personally, this whole ordeal didn’t really grab me. I’m not sure what’s going on over at AEW but its “green” status seems to be what’s at cause most here. It’s a young company with a young CEO. There are going to be bouts of immaturity and insecurity by default. To me, that’s all this is. Khan will learn the hard way. In this particular case, it’s the experience that informs. If he wants to find success in this endeavor, he will heed the lessons that come to light. Allow the process to do its work.

Elsewhere in the Realm of AEW, Will Osprey gave himself away. During all the WrestleMania festivities, Triple H stated in an interview that some hopefuls show the wrong energy when in consideration for becoming a WWE Superstar. Some are looking for a lighter schedule and something outside of the typical “grind”. H took some offense to this because the grind is the gig. If one is starting out, one needs that grind to polish the proverbial stone into a gem. If one simply wants the accolades without being polished, then WWE is probably not the best place for that sort of hopeful.

Osprey felt this statement was a dig at him and had to offer up a rebuttal at the most recent airing of Dynamite. Many felt his response was a bit immature itself as he resorted to an old dig at H for his being married to Stephanie McMahon. It did seem like a 20-year-old joke but that’s the easy go-to. In my opinion, Osprey seemed to jump to conclusions because H named no names so, he could have just gone about his life but no, he had to presume H meant him and he felt the need to comment. I would say this is an instance of learning when to pick your spots. 

Osprey is a great performer but I’m not sure how well he’d be received in WWE. I don’t doubt he’ll do a stint before his wrestling years are over but how the run would go is debatable. I’m not sure how many people know who he is and if they’d care. Moreover, CM Punk has proven his overall marketability and I feel he’s the last real star out there as far as wrestling is concerned. I have no idea who’s got more buzz going at this moment. So, there’s an argument that WWE doesn’t need him so, Osprey needs a little humble pie and remember not every comment is about him. And even if it was, no one would have known if he just kept his mouth shut. All in all, the matter could have been handled better. Hopefully, this lesson is learned.

On the AEW periphery, Matt Hardy is a free agent and is supposedly talking to everybody who’ll listen and has a promotion. Many commentators feel his wrestling days are over so I would think he’d be looking for a producer type role. Maybe help with getting talent TV ready? Not sure what the future holds for him but I do wish him well.

Back in the WWE Universe, there’s news of a new acquisition in the form of Giulia. She’s of Stardom fame in Japan and has a solid reputation. I’ve never seen her work so, don’t know what to expect but she looks like she doesn’t mess around. She has a few prior engagements to address and once those are done, it’s anticipated that she’ll be with WWE full-time. I’ll welcome her officially then.

On the other side of the WWE Universe, Zelina Vega has found herself embroiled in some controversy. Apparently, a couple of artists/vendors have accused her of stiffing them out of payment. Vega has been quick to defend herself and from what I can gather, it may be a bit of a misunderstanding on the accusers' part. The whole thing is unfortunate because Vega is a great performer on the rise and it sucks to see a mild smear campaign. Yet, she appears to be on top of it so let’s hope the matter is resolved soon. 

And so that brings us to tonight's SmackDown. We’ll officially wrap up WrestleMania. Cody Rhodes will make an appearance as will Bayley given they’re our new Champions. It’s also likely that any new NXT call-ups will start making their presence felt. So, don’t be surprised if Bron Breakker is on hand to run through some jobber. We’ll have to watch to see what else goes down. Unofficial watch party starts at 8pm PDT. Pick your platform if you want to play along.

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)