WWE Musings

Happy Memorial Day, Enthusiasts. I’m not sure of what’s the best way to approach this holiday. I don’t have any direct connections to fallen military heroes so, I’m just taking advantage of having a holiday.   I’m trying to be respectful about it, though.   I do appreciate the sacrifice.   Those brave men and women are certainly better than I.   In any case, there’s not too much going on in the WWE Universe at present.   It’s the equivalent of a slow news day.   The most interesting tidbit floating around is that the WWE will see how using willing talent to provide some audience feedback during the matches goes over.   I’ll have to see for myself before I can comment.   I’ve seen it on AEW and to me it feels a bit forced but maybe WWE’s guys can make something out of it. As for tonight, RAW has the Ladies in Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax and Natalya in a #1 Contenders match.   If I remember my information right, I think the plan was to have J...

Greetings Enthusiasts! How’s this Tuesday faring for you?   Well, last night was actually kind of feisty, especially with Liv Morgan getting her dome rocked by Brie Bella.   We all know it was a bit of a botch but Morgan was tough.   Looks like she got evaluated for a concussion but it sounds like she’ll recover.   I missed that moment but it’s all over the wrassling sites. As for the ring action for RAW it was palatable.   Naturally, we were geared for the main event but I’m sure people liked seeing Finn Bálor and Bayley out there.   I don’t know if I’m ever gonna get Bálor but I respect his following.   He’s got some spunk for being out there regardless of being one of the runts of the litter.   He’s got moxie.   I’ll give him that.   As for the main event, with The Shield versus Baron Corbin with The Authors of Pain and the newly formed Dogs of War in Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler on the sidelines, as t...

How’s Your Tuesday Going, Enthusiasts! Can’t say I can complain.  What I can complain about was the sloppy RAW put forth last night.  This is the sort of thing I don’t like to be able to call but I guess the true take-away is that WWE Creative can pull itself together when it wants to.  I would suggest lighting the fire a little more regularly…just a suggestion. In any case, thankfully SmackDown doesn’t need RAW ’s help because it has to hype up its own PPV in Clash of Champions set for this Sunday.  Tonight’s Go-Home show boasts a dance between Shinsuke Nakamura and Kevin Owens, I’m not expecting that one to be pretty.  The unlikely but quirky pair of Aiden English and Rusev take a shot at some “One Day-ish” against The Usos, anybody’s guess there.  The presiding ladies in Tamina, Lana and Carmella see if they can put a dent in the Riott Squad, all depends on how they go about it.  And Jinder Mahal takes a moment to continue to dislike AJ S...

How Goes It, Enthusiasts! I have to say that RAW was a lot better than usual and so, I had a lot more fun than usual.  Naturally, the buzz is Matt Hardy’s “Woken” gimmick has been initiated and will be pitted against Bray Wyatt in the first bout.  There’s promise but to be honest…I don’t know.  It wasn’t what I was expecting but, the one thing I’ve noticed about the Hardy Boyz/Men is that they know how to put on a great match.  They just get how to tell that sort of story.  In that respect, I’m pretty certain he’ll be able to do something interesting with Wyatt.  We will have to see what exactly what that will be, though. In any case, that leaves us with SmackDown .  They’re prepping for the final PPV of the year in Clash of Champions.  I’m assuming the build will start tonight but, we do have a few pending matters to see to beforehand.  Mr. Shane McMahon will have to address the shenanigans of Sami Zayn.  Charlotte is booked...

Dunno, guess we’ll see… What’s Happening, Enthusiasts! Well, RAW closed with its own sort of bang with Dad (Kane) and Braun Strowman battling to prove who’s the biggest of them all!  The battle resulted in Strowman slamming Dad through the ring.  I sense the attempt at epic-ness but it was simply surprising.   It’s hard to be "Epic!" in this Day and Age.  They probably shouldn't try to stage that anymore.  The night's either awesome or it's not.  Nevertheless, after some anticipation, Strowman emerged to proclaim his dominance but I don’t know…Dad always has a trick up his sleeve.  Can’t wait until they let him just wear slacks and a wife-beater again, though.  He’s getting too old for the usual get-up. So, tonight we will be awaiting the strike that lets SmackDown know that House RAW remembers Green Bay.  Word has it that there are plenty of members of the RAW faction in attendance tonight so, who knows where they’ll pop ...

How Goes It, Enthusiasts! Well, looks like Shane McMahon went and declared himself war and took RAW as if his last name were Bolton and the Resch Center were Winterfell but, let’s be honest…RAW locations probably equal the Red Keep 😉 So, how will RAW respond with their General Manager and veteran hero, Kurt Angle taken as a POW?  Well, if it’s Game of Thrones we’re playing, probably with “Fire & Blood”.  I know, it’s all mixed up but don’t expect the WWE to stick to the story.  It’s always their rules. Well, besides inevitable payback, it appears we will at least have AJ Styles in a match against one of the Singh Bros. That should be over with quickly, an 8-Man Tag is set to tickle our fancy and Baron Corbin is going to stomp around until he gets his rematch with Sin Cara.  We’ll see what will really happen.  Expect some “rude interruptions”.  Funny tweets get retweeted and Likes/Favorites…we could get a few…it’s possible. See You in a...

A Merry Monday to You, Enthusiasts! Well, TLC saved all the TLC for last and I have to say, it was nice to see good ol’Kurt Angle back at it again.   He definitely seemed like he enjoyed himself.   I wouldn’t be surprised if he missed it.   He definitely made the end of the night interesting and I'm not upset with him showing up in a PPV from time to time.  If he's still got it and healthy, why not?    Yet, I have to state this again, comes off as an old patch being used on something that should probably be renovated or straight up replaced.   I loved seeing Angle out there but I’m not sure too many of the old-timers outside of, Dad (Kane) can make it work out there nowadays.   He did seem a little out of place.   Yet, with the new kids being new at this whole "firing up the crowd" thing, Angle certainly brought a taste of the Old Days back to the ring.   But the WWE certainly needs to think about how to keep the old vibe going in...

Evening, Enthusiasts! So, RAW saw the return of Dad (Kane) and I have to say I have mixed emotions.  Don’t get me wrong, I was glad to see him but I thought he was on the campaign trail for mayor somewhere in Tennessee…did that not pan out?  Well, glad he’s always got a home with the WWE.  Personally, I don’t see why he has to “suit” up still, though.  I liked him better as an enforcer of The Authority as Director of Operations and I think him being a suit is more believable for his golden years.  I’m still all for him being “Dad”.  “These god-forsaken kids!...” He should be yelling, mumbling some form of that almost every promo and that’s the sentiment he should be projecting as he storms down the ramp or busts from the ring floor or wherever.  He’s still got it, is all I’m saying. Anyway, we’re on to SmackDown and it looks like they’re gearing up for Survivor Series.  Word has it that Jinder Mahal is set to make an announcement....

Just look under the apron 😉 Good Evening, Enthusiasts! So, how’s everyone doing?   Sometimes it feels like it’s been ages since I talked some wrassling.   Didn’t even realize that tonight’s the Go-Home show for TLC.   Wowzers. Well, in any case, we’re being kept in the dark for the most part tonight besides the steel cage match set between Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns.   This may bring a hand to the chin in contemplation because the one-off singles match amidst a SHIELD Reunion seems either set for interference and/or DQ probably in  Braun Strowman's favor.   With the lovable bullies reunited, one can’t expect matches to playout fair or clean.   I’m thinking maybe Sheamus and Cesaro might break up the party to set up some sort of 3-on-3 for TLC. That'd be my bet. Now, last week I bemoaned a SHIELD Reunion because I didn’t feel it’s worth a half-assed approach but fans appear to be eating it up so, I won’t rain on this parade. ...

Happy Monday, Enthusiasts! So, Hell in a Cell opened well and closed well but there wasn’t much to speak of in-between.   Have to say I was a little disappointed at that but at least there were some bright spots.    The Usos and The New Day lost their minds in the Cell and Shane McMahon, God bless him, took one more for the team but for what?... More on that tomorrow. So, mum’s the word as for what we can expect for tonight’s RAW.   Only speculation is that foundation may be laid to set-up a 6-Man-Tag for TLC with Sheamus and Cesaro teaming up with The Miz to take on a reformed Shield.   Personally, I would only like to see this if it’s set-up well.   If all it is, is a sloppy publicity stunt, they can have it.   If reuniting The Shield isn’t done right, there’s no point in doing it at all.   It would be another mark of WWE using a Band-Aid for issues that require surgery.   I don’t mind hints and teases but if they don’t have a...

Happy Tuesday to You, Enthusiasts. Yes, I know, it’s still a little hard to be too jovial with current events hanging in the air as they are but let us try, shall we?  It is the Go-Home SmackDown for Hell in a Cell this Sunday so, they’ll try to get us ready and raring to go for it.  I don’t see why we can’t play along. Looking at what’s been announced, it appears we’ll see if Tye Dillinger is able to keep himself from falling to pieces during a rematch against Baron Corbin.  I say this because his character comes off as one that could be easily...unhinged.  Something in the eyes says, “delicate”.  Corbin, on the other hand, will probably pick on this presumed weakness and we’ll see if that bites him.  Also on the docket, Shinsuke Nakamura will sit for an interview, we’ll see if it’s with or without mouthpiece.  And the New Day will hear what The Usos have to say regarding their "rights".  So far, I haven’t been displeased with this l...

Just saying...😉 How Goes It, Enthusiasts! Well, RAW was a much cleaner episode than I can remember so, it’s nice to know there is some thought to all this rigmarole.  The best moment of the night would have to be the closing segment with a seemingly “wasted” Neville, absolutely destroyed over the surprise loss to Enzo Amore.  So much so, he just has to take it out on him.  I was not expecting the cheeky follow-up and it did make up for Amore’s unwarranted win.  That sort of drama certainly works.  Keep at it.  This shit shouldn’t make us think too much. Yet, speaking of contemplation, on Smackdown tonight, we have a few concerns to address.  Shane McMahon will confront the “delusional” Kevin Owens regarding the showdown set for Hell in a Cell.   And Shinsuke Nakamura will have a retort for Jinder Mahal’s “tasteless” display last week.  Now, I was a little surprised to see that segment make the news because the way I read ...

A Happy Tuesday to You, Enthusiasts! So, RAW did an all right job of only moderately sucking last night with most of the fare watchable.  I have no real complaints.  If anything, I can commend Braun Strowman on coming into his own to fill the “Big Man” shoes.  We have to face that Big Show doesn’t have much left in the tank for in-ring play so, it’s nice to see that we have some up and coming alternatives developing.  Hopefully, Big Cass can pick up some of the slack when he’s healthy.  We'll be watching and commenting. In any case, as for SmackDown, they’re in Las Vegas right now and the big news circulating is that our Chairman of the Board, Vince McMahon will be making an appearance to address Shane’s suspension among other things.  Also, The Usos and The New Day have a knock-down, drag ‘em out Street Fight scheduled so, that should be a high point of the evening if they go ahead and let loose.  They’ve been gradually manifesting the tag...

Greetings, Enthusiasts! Well, it appears RAW is just down the street from me in Anaheim tonight and we’ll be tantalized with No Mercy lead-up material.   Word has it that Mr. Paul Heyman and Brock “Gun Jack” Lesnar will be making appearances tonight in hopes of intimidating the "Monster Among Men" in Braun Strowman.   We’ll see how that goes.   Strowman’s supposed to face John Cena as well…I can imagine We the Audience will have fun with this one.   And as Cena does that, Roman Reigns is set to face-off against an excitable Jason Jordan.   What do you, think Enthusiasts?   Good Jock vs. Bad Jock?   Got a feeling that's how it might boil down.   Who would you vote for Homecoming King?   Don’t know…who throws better parties? 😉   Outside of that we’ll see how the self-proclaimed “Goddess”, Alexa Bliss will maintain her reign as Women’s Champion.   I say anyone with some meat on them should just sit on her and take the belt. ...

Happy Labor Day, Enthusiasts! I hope you are enjoying your day off as I am.  So, we arrive again for RAW to see well…whatever it is they’ll come up with to get us interested in this months PPV, No Mercy, slated for the end of the month.  The WWE was so kind as to accept blame for the “over-work” of John Cena’s and Roman Reigns’ segment last week and so now we’ll see if they’ve learned their lesson.  What’s the lesson you ask?  Well, probably something more along the lines of if it makes you wince, it probably isn’t good for business.  Hopefully, they come up with some more palatable fare.      The well-informed probably also have gotten wind that Samoa Joe has been sidelined with an knee injury and we’ll be missing him in action for a good 6 weeks.  I wish him a speedy recovery.  Though he can lay it on a little thick at times, I appreciate what he brings to the roster.  His veteran status has proven most useful.  I’l...

What’s Going On, Enthusiasts! Well, I don’t know what’s happening on with RAW , maybe someone’s sick or Ric Flair’s hospitalization distracted but last night felt just a touch phoned in.  Yet, it wasn’t all bad.  Mickie James turned in a solid match against Emma, solidifying her veteran status.  In addition, Akira Tozawa performed beautifully alongside Neville to give the CruiserWeights a well-deserved shot in the arm to win the title.  It was a gutsy performance that showed that this Tozawa can gain your interest if you let him.  I’m charmed by his energy.  Though I enjoyed the WWE's other displays,  I'm pretty sure   these 2 examples weren't exactly what the general Enthusiast would expect to be the defining moments.  That being said, the send off left Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman held back by the B-Players as they ampped up not being able to wait until Sunday to wring each other’s necks.  It’s a standard ploy the WWE uses and...

What’s Going On, Enthusiasts! So, not sure about this lead-up to SummerSlam but, they seem to have fail-safes if things go south.  Comforting.  Hats off to Samoa Joe for last night's save.  The Ladies also had RAW last night.  Sasha Banks displayed why she made it to the Big Leagues so, we’ll have to see who the shining star for SmackDown will be.  Let’s keep an eye out for those who earn their keep tonight. There’s talk of no title matches for this evening.  Jinder Mahal is set to face Randy Orton in a Grudge Match, could be entertaining but I’m kinda leaning towards an Orton vs. Baron Cobin match in the near future.  Naturally, it’ll probably have to wait until after SummerSlam but that appears to be the next piece of drama that could be cooked up.  They’re both kinda punk-ass so, it may be hard to choose a side but that could be the appeal.  Just could be interesting when it comes to pass.  Mahal I’d like to see face J...

How Goes It, Enthusiasts! Hope you're having a splendid Monday.  Can't say I can complain myself.  So, tonight we see the precursor to SummerSlam and we start seeing how people are going to get matched up for our viewing pleasure.  Tonight touts a Main Event of Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns to see who gets to tussle with Brock "Gun Jack" Lesnar for the title.  Now, to be perfectly honest, it doesn't really matter to me who wins this contest.  My thinking is we'll see everybody box at some point or another.  What I root for is an entertaining exchange.  I care not for who wins but rather an exciting contest.  Both fellows can be commended for that and "truthishly" that should ultimately be the point: a well-played match. Granted, who wins more often than not has to be taken into account to some degree but overall, we should be witnessing fun bouts of back and forth that keep us coming back for more.  The whole "sports entertainment" thing ...

How Goes It, Enthusiasts? So, how did Great Balls of Fire treat you?   Well, to be honest, I was a little surprised at the direction they’re going in.   I’m glad I called the good contest between Neville and Akira Tozawa.   Have to say I didn’t expect the Tag Team IronMan Match to be as fun as it was in the end.   Cesaro giving Jeff Hardy the “little brother” treatment to close had me rolling.   Yet, I’m sure many of you were confused a bit by the Ambulance Match and upset by the Brock Lesnar win. Personally, I didn’t mind the Ambulance Match until it got “real”.   Thing about trying to add realism to a genre such as this is that for the most part, We the Audience know that all of this is scripted.   So, given that, the bulk of us peruse the WWE’s offerings looking for a good time and fun.   So, to see a wrestler – doesn’t even really matter who it is but, in this case we all know it was Roman Reigns – “go to extremes” by actually tr...