SmackDown Acknowledges the Assignment - Money in the Bank...

 How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

Ready to enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend, if that’s your lot? I’m prepping to make the most of it. May those who don’t apply find rest and entertainment. As for the Wrestling World, there are a few things going on. I’ll only talk about some of them so, let’s get into it. Then we can all get on with our lives.

In the Realm of AEW, things appear to be moving along nicely. I took a look at how the Death Riders are progressing and this week’s mayhem seemed very focused. I saw a lot of good execution and teamwork all around, Faces included. Everyone seemed keen on performing well and putting on a good show. Hard to knock it. Never a bad thing when concerning the Future.

The pleasant surprise for me, however, was discovering that Gabe Kidd is like a complete “hooligan”. This kid would have been striding with the crew down Green Street, if you get my drift. He may be too young to get the reference but that’s the vibe, perfect for a young cohort of Moxley’s. Not afraid to mix it up. 

Looks like we’ll get a look at him in the ring soon so, I may just check that out to see how it translates. There’s no real comparison to PAC but I can see how he can serve as a suitable fill-in for the time being. Proceed.

In the WWE Universe there are a lot of thought-provoking rumors floating around. The most engaging for most being talk of Roman Reigns being considered for the role of Akuma for a new Street Fighter II movie. Now, most of us between the ages of 30-50 have some knowledge of this game as it has more than likely graced our youth at some point. So naturally, people have a lot to say.

Mainly, those aware point out that Akuma is Japanese or at least stems from Japanese lore and so, what would that have to do with Reigns. Yeah, he’s ethnically ambiguous but anyone who knows, knows that he’s not Japanese. That makes me think this is more speculation than full rumor. However, those with more familiarity with more recent installments of the game have tossed around possibilities such as Dan and Rolento. They may even take liberties and make him someone like Guile. 

Given that Jason Mamoa may also be tied to this vehicle, I’m thinking they do something like make Mamoa, Guile and Reigns is like his little brother or friend that gets “caught up with the bad guys” and that forces Mamoa to come in and either save or avenge him. If not that, they may be up for the same role. Regardless, I’m kinda iffy on both of them. Neither one of them are martial artists. Yet, if Keanu Reeves could get up to speed to do the Matrix, in theory, these guys could be choreographed into believability. We’ll have to wait and see if this ever comes into fruition.

In administrative WWE news, there’s talk that WrestleMania in Las Vegas may become a regular thing. What is verified is that WrestleMania will no longer be held in New Orleans next year. It’s likely to be in Las Vegas a second time. The reasoning is simple. Money. They just netted a huge profit and the feeling is they can’t miss out on the opportunity. Yet, many commenters note the greedy motivation, which in these uncertain times, could make the move backfire. 

I think it could work if they work it more like the Olympics and make it biannual or every 4 years, maybe even on the 5s. Next would be in 2030 then 2035 kind of thing or even the WrestleMania 5s. Next would be WrestleMania 45 then WrestleMania 50. I get that Vegas is a big deal and the whole theme is to go out and go hard and if you can, go expensive. A periodic blowout could be a draw if properly applied. Yet, if they try to milk it too overtly, they’ll have to give away tickets to fill the stadium. Surely not the plan. 

In addition, they should have some low-priced lotteries or something so that the common man has a chance to participate. I don’t know if they do something like that already but with times like they are, I hear a lot of griping about the pricing. They should aim to meet fans in the middle where they can. Just reading the lay of the land.

In any case, that brings us to tonight’s SmackDown. We also have the Saturday Night: Main Event tomorrow so all focus is on the final set up for that. Qualifying Matches continue for Money in the Bank as Charlotte, Giulia and Zelina Vega vie for a spot in a Triple Threat for the Ladies while Aleister Malakai Black, LA Knight and ShinsukeNakamura battle for the Men. That one should be interesting. Fraxiom will continue to make their mark as they face the Street Profits again, now for all the marbles. And R-Truth will have some final words before he faces his “childhood hero”, John Cena tomorrow. 

The unofficial watch party will start at 8pm PDT. I should be more available than usual due to the 3-Day Weekend schedule. I’m chilling with the family and that leaves me less to do overall. If you have the same luxury, feel free to swing by. Kick your feet up and enjoy.

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)