SmackDown Keeps Its Head Down. Does Its Job...

How’s It Going, Enthusiasts?

 

Welcome to the weekend. Well, there’s not much to report but I’ve got a couple things to talk about. It’s an interesting time in the Wrestling World, I think. I’m sure many have some things to gripe about but when is that not the case. I don’t think there’s been a time there wasn’t someone bitching but it is what it is. In any case, this could go a little long but I hope it’s captivating enough. I’ll try not to bore you. Let’s dive in.

 

In the Realm of AEW, it would seem that MJF is angling for a bigger part in the Future. After CM Punk returned to wrench the Undisputed Title from Sami Zayn’s hands he posted a face-swapped image of Punk as Hulk Hogan when he did something similar back in the day. He quickly deleted the image but that didn’t stop other posters from picking up on the sentiment and posting their own. Now, many are calling Punk “CM Hogan” or some rendition thereof.

 

I’ll get into my take of this move when I speak on WWE Universe business but in regards to MJF, he’s really trying to catch himself a beating. I only say this given Hogan’s tarnished reputation. It certainly falls in line with MJF generally talking shit. He seems to pride himself on being an antagonizer. I would have it lead to “repercussions” in the near future but we’ll let the wrestling Powers That Be decide on that. All I’m saying, it would serve the Future well 😉 Let’s see if MJF runs his mouth in this sort of vein a couple more times between now and September.

 

Speaking of MJF, I caught his match with Kenny Omega on this week’s Dynamite and it was a solid display. Omega does tend to be too nice, doesn’t he. It was a fun match and one that showed us Omega does still have it. If anything, MJF slows him down but regardless, he’s now slated to face his comrade, Will Ospreay at all in at the end of next month. This is interesting because right now, they’re certainly allied but a lot can happen between then and now. Will the competition fracture their relationship or will they have a gentlemanly showdown?

 

Personally, it doesn’t matter to me. At present the Riders of Death don’t have any quarrel with Omega but they may suggest that Ospreay get more…focused on victory despite their friendship. This could cause a “disagreement” and serve as potential foreshadowing to the inevitable break but that doesn’t have to happen now either. I still think there’s room for MJF and Don Callis to devise a “Screwjob” but they can put that anywhere. It’s just an idea given some of the parallels. We’ll see what they do.

 

In the WWE Universe, the big news is Zayn losing the Title and Punk picking it up. Zayn had me cracking up with his WWE clip circulating. Cursing Punk out and then “sobbing” in frustration and defeat. Great work. That’s exactly what I’d expect from this version of him. It’s hilarious. I wouldn’t be surprised if he vies for a rematch but we’ll see if people would find that interesting.

 

There are reports also going around saying that WWE Brass doesn’t see Zayn as “money player”. Given his Starbucks patron look, it’s hard to take him seriously as a “Face of WWE” but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t bring anything to the table and how he’s handling his subversive Heel-itude proves it.

 

I understand the aesthetics of the game but WWE should also reflect the Truth and the American Way. When I say that, I’m speaking from an honest place. Let’s be honest. Just because a person doesn’t have “the look” doesn’t mean they can’t wrestle or put on a great match. Coupled with the basis of this country is coming from anywhere and “making it”, that should be emulated in a basic diversity in the roster. If it works, it works. If a wrestler can make their shtick land and can handle themselves in the ring, they got a chance.

 

Now, let’s also keep it real. It will always be a popularity contest so, don’t be surprised when the usual suspects hold the major Titles and get the bulk of the attention. We have our own viewership and investment to account for that. If they move the merch and the ratings spike when they’re on TV, what are you gonna do? I believe Danhausen is demonstrating that. I never thought he’d land as well as he is but, there he is. He still should give Kids in the Hall a percentage, though 😜

 

Nonetheless, this can also explain why Punk returned when he did. With news of Sheamus unceremoniously leaving and them being in Chicago, WWE had to do something to soften the blow. However, this timing leads many, myself included, to suspect a Heel Turn coming for Punk. It’s a fair way to get in front of any backlash should Punk decide not to grant a rematch or is in any way protective of his new Championship run.

 

I’m fine with it, should they decide to do so. Punk is a lot of fun when he’s mean. He’ll start the shit and people will get to scrapping. And should they do so now and allow him to, shall we say, soft launch the Future, after it’s done, he could easily slide himself into the Rogue/Tweener position he tends to end up in anyway. They could easily make it make sense so let’s see if they come up with something equal to or better.

 

And so, that brings us to tonight’s SmackDown. There’s not much to look forward to since it’s trimmed down for the summer months but what’s advertised is Finn Bálor getting some screen time courtesy of Tama Tonga. Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams will settle some of their on-going business in the ring. And the new Champion, CM Punk will celebrate a little and tell us how it’s gonna be. We’ll get some insight on which way he’s gonna go, I’m sure.

 

As for me, I do have dinner duty but it’s easy to make so I shouldn’t be held up for show time. Enjoy yourselves if you have summer fun planned but for the homebodies like me, make sure you’re nice and comfortable by 8pm PDT. Start the weekend off right.

 

See You in a Bit,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)