RAW Wraps Everything Up for Elimination Chamber...

A Merry Monday to You, Enthusiasts!

 

Enjoying a new week? It wasn’t the most exciting Monday, I’ll admit, but it wasn’t a bad one for me. As for the Wrestling World, I would say it’s a bit of a mixed bag. There’s plenty to kick around. I’ll choose a few points I find interesting and then leave you all to your night. Can you handle that? Let’s do it.

 

We’ll start in the Kingdom of TNA as there are some legal rumblings from Ryan Nemeth, Nic Nemeth’s (aka Dolph Ziggler) brother. Apparently, Nemeth feels that Tony Khan, CM Punk, AEW and presumably unknown “Does” have conspired against him. Thus, limiting his wrestling opportunities and leading to his subsequent dismissal. From what I read, the charges seem trumped up at best but I’m no expert on the situation.

 

I’m not sure if Nemeth has a case but the action could have repercussions. Given reports of low morale for WWE staff despite record profits reported and the recent releases, the concept of Fairness is certainly up for review. You don’t need me to see how arbitrary the Wrestling Industry can be. Though it’s true to a degree in just about any industry, the intangibles seem to have more weight in Wrestling than elsewhere. You have to stay popular, current and relevant. Ideally, your body holds up as well, but if you get old or start to falter the previous 3 tenets could buoy you for the rest of your days. I would say the likes of Mick Foley is the best example. Daniel Bryan/Bryan Danielson may be a decent second. If people like you, you can somewhat do no wrong.

 

Nemeth claims that CM Punk sits on the negative side of that sentiment. He’s popular and relevant but he can be pissy and argumentative and we can safely say he had a lot of sway while in AEW. I don’t accuse Punk of any wrongdoing, per se. I’m sure he can be a son of a bitch but so can a lot of co-workers and you don’t see the lot of us filing civil suits.

 

However, my point lies in how this could open a door to better structured grievances being brought forth. I’m not sure what’s in a person’s contract or terms of employment when working for these promotions but if they collectively don’t factor in fair treatment, suits like this could become more prevalent. I’m sure a state’s labor laws need some consideration as well but there’s an underlying sentiment of discontent simmering. Though I know that the reality of the professional wrestler’s life is full of unglamorous aspects, it’s ultimately a “dream job” and promotions should try to conduct themselves more like it.

 

I’ve worked in toxic jobs in the Entertainment Industry and those tended to lead with a “Be Thankful for What You Got…” tone ‘cause some other hungry fool is chomping at the bit to get paid minimum wage to lug cable or equipment around. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of that lurks in the halls of any profitable promotion. It breeds contempt and resentment. If I’m any of these promotions, I would be checking this, just as a precaution. They can afford to offer incentives and rewards. They should consider more ways to make the life worth it outside of the steady paycheck. Give talent and employees profitable reasons to adhere to the NDA not just fear it. That also allows those who know what's what to roll their eyes when someone tries to "take the boss to court". Just my 2¢.

 

We won’t do much with the Realm of AEW this week as it seems Uncle Edge is building to the next chapter. He “dispatched” PAC which should lead to something but I’m not sure what. PAC could figure for or against Moxley and given his stellar skill, I would say that the beatdown serves as a wake-up call. But, I’m not sure if it’s time to fracture the Death Riders just yet. It should get PAC thinking, though. Mox probably should placate him for now but, it could begin…but again, the real stuff shouldn’t start happening until the end of the year, depending on how things go and who’s healthy. 2026 should be very interesting. Let’s let it percolate.

 

So, as always, we’ll close in the WWE Universe for tonight’s RAW. It’s technically the Go-Home Show for Elimination Chamber so the final pieces should be slotting into place. In the meantime, Dakota Kai is gonna try to take the Intercontinental Championship off of Lyra Valkyria. Rhea Ripley is gonna tell Iyo Sky to watch her ass if she wants a piece of the Women’s World Championship. Lucha-Mitsu aka Penta will see if he can stay alive while Pete Dunne and Ludwig Kaiser try to kill him. CM Punk is gonna sit Seth Rollins and Logan Paul down and tell them and us everything that’s wrong with ‘em. And Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez will see if they can snatch those Tag Team Championships off of Bianca Belair and Naomi.

 

The unofficial replay party will start during the 8 o’clock hour but don’t be surprised if I get going at 9. Got a few other things to do but I’ll be there. Take your time and enjoy that Mondays can now be leisurely.

 

 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)