SmackDown Gets Everything Back on Track, Then Sends Everyone Home for Elimination Chamber...

How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

 

Hope you’re having a great Friday. This one has been chill for me so, can’t complain. There are some things to chat about in the Wrestling World but we’ll begin with what’s happening in the Entertainment World since there are some trickle-down effects. Let’s begin, shall we?

 

So, Paramount was eventually successful in their hostile takeover of Warner Bros/Discovery. Netflix basically said eff it and let the babies have their bottles. Given the current political climate in the U.S., many see this as President Trump solidifying a hold on some of the media given that one of the outlets held by Warner Bros. is the news network CNN. Paramount also holds ownership over the CBS Network which has been decidedly conservative.

 

This will have some implications for AEW but what they’ll be is hard to say at present. There won’t be the threat of any crossover now that Netflix is out of the picture but it’s hard to say if the new owners even really care about the product. Could AEW be searching for a new home in the months or years to come? Anything is possible. It will be some time before everything is said and done so, their powers that be can develop some contingency plans in the meantime.

 

This change in affairs could bode well for the Future however but I won’t elaborate at present. Those who know, probably understand what I’m getting at. Better the devil you know, kind of thing 😉 But for now, things are going smoothly in the Realm of AEW. The Riders of Death continue to “hate” the Don Callis Family and this was reiterated on this week’s Dynamite. Our Man Jon Moxley faced the very talented and agile El Clon.

 

To be honest, it was Clon’s time to shine and he did so quite brightly, if I may say. He was creative in his offense and served as a tasty, marinated Carne Asada Plate to counter Mox’s savory pot roast with potatoes. The carrots and parsley are only added for color. He’s a foot to ass kind of guy. I was actually surprised at this match up due to that fact. Clon is a far more skilled practitioner but Mox can and will get the job done and that’s all that mattered here.

 

Mox picked up the win but I don’t really have anything to critique for Clon other than he may want to get a back scrubber and perhaps a salicylic body wash. Finish with some cocoa or shea butter. There’s a lot going on back there. Perhaps a gentler detergent for when he’s in street clothes as well.

 

The match itself was above board but I will just close with that perhaps it’s best Renée Paquette starts giving Mox the slap to get him going. Marina Shafir’s explanation kinda makes me think that’s the safer route. Paquette can wait until she’s mad at him, if that helps.

 

Over in the WWE Universe, there’s a bit of a scramble now that Bronson Reed is out with an injury. Guess it was real. From what I’m hearing, he probably recently had surgery for a bicep tear and is out indefinitely. That messes up the plans for Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania. The New Vision is definitely getting hazy.

 

There’s plenty of talent on hand, so filling in the blanks shouldn’t be hard. Making it make sense is what tends to stump them. From where I’m looking, I’d stick to the characters still in play. Paul Heyman goes where the grass is green so I wouldn’t be surprised if he ditches Logan Paul and Austin Theory and doubles down on Brock Lesnar but maybe develops a new “Vision” that involves CM Punk and Roman Reigns. We all know none of them are friends and they don’t necessarily need to be a stable but they’re game ready and bankable to a certain degree and that’s all that really matters to Heyman. I can see him preaching letting bygones be bygones and running this thing like only they can. They don’t have to take the bait but it’s very on brand considering Heyman.

 

The Masked Man can be used to keep things realistic by interfering with whatever super group Heyman hopes to form. Lesnar should give a shit and Punk and Reigns should be leery but perhaps open to a strong argument. It all depends on how things play out for WrestleMania.

 

There’s talk that Finn Bálor may “upset” the Championship plans which could open the door to an alternative approach but we’ll see. I don’t mind this sort of pivot, though. It keeps with real life. Shit does happen and the show does have to go on. All that matters is that it makes for good television, which it could.

 

When it comes to Paul and Theory, easy out is they ingratiate themselves into the Judgment Day. They could try to start their own faction but they don’t really have the clout for that but they could bolster the Judgment Day with relative ease. This would probably support a Bálor win, though so, we’ll see how Elimination Chamber goes.

 

In the meantime, SmackDown will send everyone off with their Go Home Show. I think we can all agree that RAW was a little off this week with Reed’s injury and AJ Styles’ “retirement” so hopefully, SmackDown will pick up that slack and build some excitement for Saturday. Tonight, we can expect Jordynne Grace to see what Candace LaRae has in her back pocket. Carmelo Hayes will continue to take on any and all challengers for the US Championship. Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas will have a little fun with Solo Sikoa. Oba Femi will continue to make his mark courtesy of The Miz. Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky will defend the Tag Team Championships against Nia Jax and Lash Legend. And our players for the Elimination Chamber will assemble to talk some smack one last time.

 

I have to cook tonight but it’s an easy recipe so, I should be all ready to go by go-time. It’s hot out here in Southern California so, I don’t blame you for getting out of the house when it’s cooler. Yet, if you’re a homebody like me make yourselves comfortable and have some indoor fun. It’s Friday night!

 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)