this Puerto Rican crowd is fucking great

they were on 11 last night for the best ep of TV since Mania, and they seem to have found another gear tonight. theyre treating Belair-Sky like its an NWA title match, and theyve decide Iyo Sky is their woman. incredible energy.

Cody's promo last night convinced me to not even ask my mom to babysit for this bday party and just send my wife with my regards.

havent watched much Dynamite without heavy fast forward lately but ive seen enough to know that Jungle Boy is NEVER going to happen. never ever ever ever.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Malakai Black is one lucky cac

<--- Big Baller World Order

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

breh got that Austin/Rock pop and whatever song he came out to went hard

<--- Big Baller World Order

Liked the opening match a lot. Damn, Iyo was crazy over. Didn’t count on that.

Rollins did as much as he could with Omos. Three-way for the US tile was decent. The crowd was the best part of Zeilna/Rhea. And this Bab Buddy/Priest is perfectly fine so far as a garbage match.

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But it’s clear that they needed a lot of smoke and mirrors to hold that match together.

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I’ve give him a ton of credit for not being “protected” via a tag match, which is the route most of these guys go. It could be that I’m spoiled after Logan Paul vs Rollins, which was legit great.

I will say that it’s impressive that one of the biggest pop stars in the world is legit good in the ring. But they did have to pad the match quite a bit, including the 5-10 break for all the crowd pleasing run ins.

So,yeah, certainly enjoyable. And even exceeded expectations. But, still, a lot of smoke and mirrors.

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That crowd was bonkers

Sky and Zelina were chefs kiss and BB didnt embarrass himself. I love that cole always has to muscle in "punishment" whenever Priest has a match.

http://i.imgur.com/vPqCzVU.jpg

They go and do stuff like this. Focused Brock is fucking TERRIFYING, and having him call for a fight - not a match, a FIGHT - was awesome.

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"This (and every, actually) conversation needs more Chesterton and less Mike Francesa." - Walleye

and unlike Jey/KO/Sami, distance from Roman is working for him rather than taking the air out his balloon

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They just had to give him that one last failure. Usos versus Solo/Roman is on its way and will be something fun I think.

But Cody's promos connecting the dots have been excellent. There was nuance, heart and all the fight you could want of a white meat babyface. And Brock getting caught slipping and now going away from "sarcastic Brock" is phenomenal. As fun as it is seeing Paul E. talk circles about how BRRRRRRRRROCK is going to continue REIGNING, DEFENDING, him shouting "LOOK AT MY FACE" was his best promo segment maybe ever.

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"This (and every, actually) conversation needs more Chesterton and less Mike Francesa." - Walleye

and Cody doesnt

in regards to Brock they obviously had a VERY clear post-Mania plan for both of them and im thoroughly invested. and if these are the promos we're gonna get? whew!

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Because they had to do their part in moving Jey and Jimmy on, plus they need to be in a bit of a holding pattern until they're past the Saudi show, since Sami's not allowed in and KO also won't go. And especially with all the tag teams that came over to Raw, there's a bunch they can do now. They can fight off Priest and Balor (or Priest and Dom) from Judgment Day. They can take on the Good Brothers. Shit, Ciampa's coming back- Sami and KO vs. DIY would hit REAL nice. And that's before we get into Sami and KO's interpersonal chemistry and history.

Like, even if Cody won at Mania, there are some story beats that the Bloodline still have to hit before the Usos can be moved on independent. Besides, we KNOW they can carry a story- look at their wars with New Day. That was while Roman was Hulk Cena.

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"This (and every, actually) conversation needs more Chesterton and less Mike Francesa." - Walleye

This is the 3rd cage match outta 4 shows I've been to at LCA.

http://i.imgur.com/vPqCzVU.jpg

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Um, yea that would rule

hes got another chance to pin Roman and youre shoveling dirt on him

sheesh lol

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that was fuckin awesome

Ricky Starks FINALLY with something to sink his teeth into, and Jay White has successfully made me care. Juice Robinson made me care a long time ago just by looking like a fucking derelict, but I was apprehensive about Jay White. Was afraid he would irritate me in the ways Will Ospreay irritated me on occasion, but he doesnt.

A-tier TV match, highlighted by a finish that the fans didnt know how to react to. Too smarky to be happy about seeing the beleaguered babyface take the law into his own hands and run off the cheaters singlehandedly I guess, but I for one am already looking forward to getting mad about these dickheads crowing about Jay White's big win, fair and square.

Ive been saying it for like 3 years...they need a LOT more of this. This is the foundation for heat. Well done all around.

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Like, seriously,they’re about to give you your own show, let you work it with your friends, probably have you headline in front of the largest live audiences at wrestling event ever, and you’re gonna risk tanking it over Ace Fucking Steel?

Yeah, this better be a work.

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some story about his "difficulty" finds its way into the aether?

if there is a work at play, id guess its turning "hey I'd really like to have Ace around to help with XYZ" into some sort of hostage demand

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Especially considering that the word is that AE re-hired Steel months ago. He just hasn't been on the road. I guess the "tension" would if he's backstage during Collision or not. But even that seems overblown.

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are we supposed to have feelings about Punk vs Tony Khan?

might explain why TK has been getting so much promo time lately

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Brock is a terrifying coward. Cody looks like a million bucks getting his ass whooped. Pride gonna goeth before the fall or is Cody gonna overcome all? Also, it CAN'T be a coincidence that he had that sitdown with Aytches. Does Cody have a date with a sledgehammer coming?

Oh shit. We're gonna Summer of Punk poor Cody.

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Until Friday when Roman bumped into Solo and gave him that look then realized what he did. That small, minute, detail is what I've liked about Roman during this whole time. His actions/facial expressions tell more of the story than his words and matches. I didn't plan on watching NoC at all, but now I'm interested to see the finish of the tag title match.

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"you gotta be real white to hate on a nxgga for eating." (c) okp infin8

>Until Friday when Roman bumped into Solo and gave him that
>look then realized what he did. That small, minute, detail is
>what I've liked about Roman during this whole time. His
>actions/facial expressions tell more of the story than his
>words and matches. I didn't plan on watching NoC at all, but
>now I'm interested to see the finish of the tag title match.

Yep. Roman and them are gonna make faces, make their Umanga-like cousin, and good times will be had.

But yeah, I'm at the point now where I'm back to not watching every weekly show anymore. I'm picking my spots and trying to make sure I see the major stuff. I'm not even sure they're doing anything majorly wrong per se, but I know I cooled off on my end and I don't want to hate watch stuff like so many innanet folks apparently love to do. I trust them to heat stuff up mighty nice by Summerfest at the latest so it'll be fine. I'm gonna play street fighter and sleep a little more.

And as for AEW, I want to be woken up when Phil is back. Until then, all of the speculation, postering, and shenanigans ain't it for me. I was over all of that when he was gone for all of those years the first time. And still, I smiled for 30 minutes at his return promo on Rampage. It was obviously a great time, a good get, and a on-brand as hell in the best way possible promo. And I watched it at least 4x over 3 days. I don't expect anything like that again, but I'll be glad to see him if he gets back and he can convince me that he's excited to be there and get back to it (and hopefully not get hurt again).

>I don't want to hate watch stuff like so many
>innanet folks apparently love to do. I trust them to heat
>stuff up mighty nice by Summerfest at the latest so it'll be
>fine. I'm gonna play street fighter and sleep a little more.
>

Yeah, I've spot watched since Mania. Things are a bit predictable between the big 4 so around July is when I'll probably start to try being a bit more consistent with watching


>And as for AEW, I want to be woken up when Phil is back. Until
>then, all of the speculation, postering, and shenanigans ain't
>it for me. I was over all of that when he was gone for all of
>those years the first time. And still, I smiled for 30 minutes
>at his return promo on Rampage. It was obviously a great time,
>a good get, and a on-brand as hell in the best way possible
>promo. And I watched it at least 4x over 3 days. I don't
>expect anything like that again, but I'll be glad to see him
>if he gets back and he can convince me that he's excited to be
>there and get back to it (and hopefully not get hurt again).

I'm so far gone from AEW its a shame. If it wasn't for this board I would've forgotten MJF was champ. I know I'll eventually get back into it but I'm ok with not watching it right now.

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"you gotta be real white to hate on a nxgga for eating." (c) okp infin8

i started dynamite at 930 on my DVR, caught up to live, and turned it off before it was over

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http://i.imgur.com/vPqCzVU.jpg

I'm guessing that there's going to be a lot of "returning" people in that Blackjack Battle Royale, and I figure one of them (Miro, Andrade, Pac, or even Osprey) is going to be the one to win and take the belt off of Cassidy.

Putting Punk out there as well, even if it's after the Elite win, would seem weird, especially if they decide to keep him under wraps again until Chicago.

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http://i.imgur.com/vPqCzVU.jpg

Since he build-up to that match has been getting the stronger reaction from the crowds.

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and its half jabronies. didnt see any of the people you mentioned

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

I know your feelings on Cassidy, but I actually think that they're telling a good story here: Over-matched slacker wins the belt, and then defends it against a stream of bigger, stronger, and/or more technically skilled opponents. He's forced to find a way to use his wits to find ways to win, but gets more injured and worn down in the process. This proceeds until he's ripe for the picking, and eventually gets smashed by the right guy to loose the belt. Then takes a break for a while.

I figured that the pay-off would be at this PPV, especially with the number of guys who hadn't been around for a while and the impending launch of Collison. Then I saw the list of participants and saw clearly all the Ari Davari/Big Bill types. Which I was not expecting.

You might be able to pull off the above ending with Sabian, who I believe was the first person Cassidy defended the belt against. There aren't a lot of likely winners otherwise, seeing as Swerve & Lee and Starks & Bullet Club are there to further their own angles. Or any number of the guys I mentioned earlier could end up being "surprise" entrants.

They could also have Cassidy run the gauntlet and win, eliminating the Best Friends and Bandido, and then have Miro/Pac/Andrade/Osprey return later that night or at the Wednesday Dynamite and squash Cassidy like a bug.

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Orange Cassidy is the least obnoxious part of this

wasnt enough to determine title challengers by battle royales, now someone has volunteered to defend his title in one.

that just makes no sense, and if its about Orange Cassidy being able to say he hasnt lost in 2 years for an MJF match that will be my last segment of AEW tv

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

I mostly don’t care for AEW so I should start from there…

But I could totally see Tony Khan making “a deal with the devil” and aligning with MJF to keep Punk down. What WWF tried to do with Austin and Vince at Mania 17.

I’m really curious about these upcoming CM Punk reactions. I too think they bring him back in Chicago for a soft landing.

It would be awful, but if he’s avoided the temptation for 4 years, I think we’re in the clear.

...doing the off-air hellos/good-byes at events, and the occasional signing announcements. And as we can all tell, anything beyond that on-air would be a disaster. I figure he knows that as well.

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Especially if he starts getting heel reactions, and they decide to go for the Elite vs. Punk for All In or beyond.

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http://i.imgur.com/vPqCzVU.jpg

we gotta take this company to the next level brother!

backhh on trackhh!

this company!

this company!

this company!

this company!

*cue dixie guitar riffs*

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http://i.imgur.com/vPqCzVU.jpg

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Where Jericho metaphorically represents the AEW locker room.

But I agree that turning Punk into an anti-establishment Stone Cold figure would be a mistake.

I think the crowd reactions (outside of Chicago) are going to determine where a lot of this goes. In the meantime, putting him in a program with Samoa Joe is a good idea.

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does Jericho represent them?

does the winner get to be President of "the company"?

my head hurts contemplating these things. the closest this should come is to be like Ric Flair talking about how it makes Jim Crockett sick to pay him such obscene amounts of money, but he knows he has to because Flair is the man

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

And of most of the guys you mentioned, listed, truthfully. But I figure that was your point.

But yeah, I was talking about the "locker room" in the abstract sense, but it would really be an informal version of what you listed described below, philosophy vs. philosophy. And Jericho, at least on the mic, would be best at expressing the grievances that the Elite/Best Friends/California clique faction have with Punk.

>my head hurts contemplating these things. the closest this
>should come is to be like Ric Flair talking about how it makes
>Jim Crockett sick to pay him such obscene amounts of money,
>but he knows he has to because Flair is the man

Which is basically what MJF is doing now. Without the "threats" of leaving for WWE.

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there actually might be a thing worth doing here

but its not something the ppl in charge would have the stomach for

give Punk FTR, Wardlow, Starks, Hobbs, The Acclaimed, Andrade, Jade, and Thunder Rosa. their audience all knows those people have relationships, and make it about philosophy vs philosophy. let them be the avatars for people like me, the only people who can draw real heat (digital tho it may be) from AEW fans.

let them run absolutely rough shod for the next year. i mean dominant. DOMINANT.

then at DoN next year, do what WCW should have done at Starrcade 97

-Page beats Punk for the World title
-Bucks beat FTR in #5 of their trilogy for the tag belts
-Britt takes the title off Thunder Rosa
-Anna Jay beats Jade for Jades first loss
-Darby Allen beats Wardlow for the TNT title
-Omega/Takeshita/Kota Ibushi beat Starks/Hobbs/Swerve for the Trios
-Jack Perry beats Andrade for the AAC

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I assume ELite vs CMFTR

http://i.imgur.com/vPqCzVU.jpg

but it will probably end then

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athletic prime has obviously come and gone, but she hung in there the whole way, and she absolutely still knows how to be Trish Stratus

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

unfurling the red tapestries with Gunther's silhouette is... evocative, to say the least

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Aside from the matches the were already under 10 minutes, all of the others could have had 5-10 minutes trimmed off of them.

Brock vs. Cody was the match of the night. Gunther vs. Ali did what it needed to do and I dug it. Didn't love Asuka vs. Bianca (aside from the finish), but it was time to take the belt off of Belair. Rollins vs. Styles was solid enough, but five minutes shorter should have been the move.

As for the main event, I liked the beginning (all the intros, the Zayn reaction/talking to the crowd in Arabic, the Zayn vs. Roman face-off) and the end (basically starting a minute or two before the ref bump). Otherwise, it my least favorite match of the parties involved facing off against each other. Don't get me wrong, the psychology and the "character work" was all top notch. And Heyman was fucking gold, especially with his facial expressions and mannerisms towards the end. But the match dragged. I understand why they decided to slow things down, and why Zayn played Ricky Morton for most of the match, but it made the middle portion a chore. I also get why Solo was the one who took the fall (Roman again gets to blame everyone except himself on Friday), but the Tribal Chief should have eaten the pin.

They are indeed advancing the Bloodline story in a very interesting direction. But they're playing with fire if they kept trying to hold off the pay-off until Wrestlemania. Roman really should lose the belt at Summerslam.

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Spend the Summer with Roman going through the family one-by-one … or do Usos v Roman/Solo at MITB, then end it with Cody/Roman at SS. Summerslam is another stadium show, and I feel like the only match WWE has that can fill an NFL stadium right now is Cody/Roman. So let’s send it home. Bravo to all involved.

With Roman abandoning Solo rather than taking a pin at the end.

However, I'm worried that WWE is going to decide not to pay-off Cody/Brock until Summerslam. Which would be too much.

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