Does Anyone Watch Wrestling? (WWE, AEW, TNA, NWA, etc)

[Sanji Himura]

- The Rock is slated to make an appearance at Wrestlemania 32, according to his Instagram account. There has been speculation on who he is wrestling if at all.

Spoiler: Big Show

After some confusion as to where The Big Show might enter the Rumble after announcing on RAW that he would enter at the top position, he spoke to the media and said that he would not enter #1. He would redo the announcement and clarify that he would be the first to enter Rumble overall.

- JBL announced that he will return to Russia this upcoming Summer to finish Mt. Elbrus. He first attempted the mountain three years ago, but had to come back down due to weather, and has since tried again in July of 2014, with no attempt actually made.

 

[m8h3r]

The reason they're all getting injured is because they have too many house shows. Pushing 250 matches a year is ridiculous. Imagine if you made a footballer play 250 matches a year, a hell of a lot of them would be getting injured. Cut it down to around 100 house shows a year mixed with the raws/smackdowns/ppvs and you'll see a decrease. Our previous WWEWHC just got injured at a house show. Did they house show really mean anything? probably not and I bet they have another show 2 months later.

 

[Com Fox]

The reason they're all getting injured is because they have too many house shows. Pushing 250 matches a year is ridiculous. Imagine if you made a footballer play 250 matches a year, a hell of a lot of them would be getting injured. Cut it down to around 100 house shows a year mixed with the raws/smackdowns/ppvs and you'll see a decrease. Our previous WWEWHC just got injured at a house show. Did they house show really mean anything? probably not and I bet they have another show 2 months later.

I never got the whole point of House Shows in the United States, isn't that where the majority of Raw, Smackdown, Main Event and Superstars are. I understand their usefulness but I think they are a waste if they are in the United States

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Raw shaping up to be pretty good with WWE WH title on the line between Reigns and Sheamus with Mr McMahon special guest ref also possibly a US title re match from last week's Raw between ADR and Cena which has been teased on WWE.Com this week.

Little bit of news is that Zack Ryder and Emma are dating in real life...

 

[Stephan]

I know this is late but RIP Lemmy Kilmister. Triple H's close friend and responsible for making three epic entrance themes (Line in The Sand, King of Kings and The Game.)

http://loudwire.com/lemmy-kilmister-dead/

 

[Darla Starch]

Close enough to topic, but segues into something completely topical:
New Japan had their yearly January 4 Dome Show today (akin to WrestleMania). Now the segue....

Spoiler

Allegedly AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows are WWE bound. (Or in Doc's case, WWE-returned)

We can all thank one man for this. He did the unthinkable back at WrestleMania 30.

Spoiler

HE IS THE BEAST! THE CONQUERER! THE ONE IN TWENTY-ONE AND ONE! BBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOCCCCCCCKKKK, LLLLLLLLLLLESSSSSSSNNNNARRRRR!!!!!!!

(Bear with me. Lesnar ended The Streak in 2014. Since then, we've had Sting in a WWE ring, the artist formerly known as Tyler Black wins the WWE Championship, and the following noted independent talent appear on programming in major roles: Prince Devitt, Kevin Steen, KENTA, Kana, Samoa Joe, and Uhaa Nation. Not exactly thought possible a few years ago.)

 

[Stephan]

Close enough to topic, but segues into something completely topical:
New Japan had their yearly January 4 Dome Show today (akin to WrestleMania). Now the segue....

Spoiler

Allegedly AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows are WWE bound. (Or in Doc's case, WWE-returned)

We can all thank one man for this. He did the unthinkable back at WrestleMania 30.

Spoiler

HE IS THE BEAST! THE CONQUERER! THE ONE IN TWENTY-ONE AND ONE! BBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOCCCCCCCKKKK, LLLLLLLLLLLESSSSSSSNNNNARRRRR!!!!!!!

(Bear with me. Lesnar ended The Streak in 2014. Since then, we've had Sting in a WWE ring, the artist formerly known as Tyler Black wins the WWE Championship, and the following noted independent talent appear on programming in major roles: Prince Devitt, Kevin Steen, KENTA, Kana, Samoa Joe, and Uhaa Nation. Not exactly thought possible a few years ago.)

WWE has been targeting those who are leaving NJPW.
http://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/20...hinsuke-nakamura-wwe-signing-notice-new-japan

 

[Sanji Himura]

Let's be honest. The only reason why WWE has been making money today is because of NXT. Even though I am not a religious watcher of New Japan, WWE targeting such talent is because of the fact that NXT has turned out to be a superior show to even the main roster shows.

 

[Darla Starch]

I now want to see Bo Dallas take a bunch of Boma Ye's.

 

[Com Fox]

Close enough to topic, but segues into something completely topical:
New Japan had their yearly January 4 Dome Show today (akin to WrestleMania). Now the segue....

Spoiler

Allegedly AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows are WWE bound. (Or in Doc's case, WWE-returned)

We can all thank one man for this. He did the unthinkable back at WrestleMania 30.

Spoiler

HE IS THE BEAST! THE CONQUERER! THE ONE IN TWENTY-ONE AND ONE! BBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOCCCCCCCKKKK, LLLLLLLLLLLESSSSSSSNNNNARRRRR!!!!!!!

(Bear with me. Lesnar ended The Streak in 2014. Since then, we've had Sting in a WWE ring, the artist formerly known as Tyler Black wins the WWE Championship, and the following noted independent talent appear on programming in major roles: Prince Devitt, Kevin Steen, KENTA, Kana, Samoa Joe, and Uhaa Nation. Not exactly thought possible a few years ago.)

I don't think it has anything to do with Lesnar but more to do with the success of NXT (like what of @Sanji Himura said).

I like seeing all these TNA guys I grew up watching coming in the WWE or conisdered (back during the Main Event Mafia vs Frontline storyline and before then) albeit some cases, they are returning to WWE or being considered to return.

 

[Stephan]

I don't think it has anything to do with Lesnar but more to do with the success of NXT (like what of @Sanji Himura said).

I like seeing all these TNA guys I grew up watching coming in the WWE or conisdered (back during the Main Event Mafia vs Frontline storyline and before then) albeit some cases, they are returning to WWE or being considered to return.

NXT for me is almost becoming a indie brand or more likely, the indie version of WWE. They knew the trend of indie wrestling so it's the perfect time for HHH to find some new fresh wrestlers even though some are old now like Styles.

I just found out that Doc Gallows was Luke Gallows before. Remember him being part of CM Punk's Straight Edge Society? And also known as the Imposter Kane?

 

[Com Fox]

NXT for me is almost becoming a indie brand or more likely, the indie version of WWE. They knew the trend of indie wrestling so it's the perfect time for HHH to find some new fresh wrestlers even though some are old now like Styles.

I just found out that Doc Gallows was Luke Gallows before. Remember him being part of CM Punk's Straight Edge Society? And also known as the Imposter Kane?

Also Festus

 

[Stephan]

Also Festus

Festus? Is he the one who is paired with Jesse and mentally challenged but at the same time powerful when he is hurt a lot?

 

[Com Fox]

Spoiler

I'm already sick of Roman Reigns as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, his words to Stephanie McMahon were horrible and the match was nothing new or game changing, instead over shadowed by what Vince McMahon said afterwards.

I often hate it when WWE write a story that puts someone in massive odds intentionally (story-wise) like a biased referee, or facing so many superstars, it often creates the "too good to be true" effect. where either the person overcomes all the odds and wins or the title is given to someone out of the blue and people don't like (myself included). I see the winner of the Rumble now being Roman Reigns or some random guy returning.

In the words of LittleKuriboh "For Christmas, I got Roman Reigns as the WWE Champion, I must've been a very naughty boy".

 

[Eva]

As much as I love Roman Reigns, the only way his Championship run will mean anything is if he ends up getting rid of the Authority. I think the direction his reign is going is pretty predictable unless they pull out something spectacular

 

[Stephan]

As much as I love Roman Reigns, the only way his Championship run will mean anything is if he ends up getting rid of the Authority. I think the direction his reign is going is pretty predictable unless they pull out something spectacular

Many people predict that Lesnar will win RR then take the title from Reigns at WM32 so it will be a Reigns V Lesnar II without any cash ins.

 

[Com Fox]

Many people predict that Lesnar will win RR then take the title from Reigns at WM32 so it will be a Reigns V Lesnar II without any cash ins.

Not anymore, since...

Spoiler

The royal rumble match is NOW for the Championship itself.

 

[Gotbeefboy564]

Not anymore, since...

Spoiler

The royal rumble match is NOW for the Championship itself.

He could still be the last entrant and win.

 

[Ken]

It is probable that he will win. They do have him beating all the odds.

 

[m8h3r]

Let's be honest. The only reason why WWE has been making money today is because of NXT. Even though I am not a religious watcher of New Japan, WWE targeting such talent is because of the fact that NXT has turned out to be a superior show to even the main roster shows.

I was actually reading the other day that NXT is currently running at a loss, hence why the stars don't get paid that of the top guys. Maybe when they finally do get on the road as much as WWE they will run at a profit.

I could say a decent amount of the WWE Network Subscriptions are influenced by NXT though.

 

[Stephan]

Not anymore, since...

Spoiler

The royal rumble match is NOW for the Championship itself.

What? Now this should be interesting especially for the surprise entrants. Plus I guess Reigns will go as #1 right?

 

[Com Fox]

What? Now this should be interesting especially for the surprise entrants. Plus I guess Reigns will go as #1 right?

Hasn't been confirmed but I think it is going to the Big Show.

I reckon this stipulation just narrows it down to who'll win the Royal Rumble, currently, I am conflicted between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, and I will not be happy at all if any of them win.

 

[Stephan]

As long as its not any of the wrestlers like Big Show, Kane, Sheamus, Del Rio or Barrett, then it shouls be fine but I'll be more surprised if the winner happens to be an surprise entrant.

 

[Eva]

As long as its not any of the wrestlers like Big Show, Kane, Sheamus, Del Rio or Barrett, then it shouls be fine but I'll be more surprised if the winner happens to be an surprise entrant.

I see it being either Reigns or Lesnar, but this also means Cena will be in that match by near default. Can't rule out anything now with how volatile WWE booking has been for the past two years. However, if Balor were to pop in and steal it, I'd be one happy woman.

 

[Com Fox]

As long as its not any of the wrestlers like Big Show, Kane, Sheamus, Del Rio or Barrett, then it shouls be fine but I'll be more surprised if the winner happens to be an surprise entrant.

I like the Royal Rumble to pull big ones out on us and make it unpredictable, sadly for 3 years in a row it has been predictable. I want to see someone you wouldn't think much about winning it (though they have to be deserving too ).

I'd love Daniel Bryan to be a shock entrant and win the rumble but knowing Vince McMahon who hates today's technical Wrestler's, that'll never happen.

 

[Eva]

And of course when we think that power has been taken from Vince, he becomes an apparent on-screen figure head. Just our luck. My money is on one of three. Reigns, Lesnar, or, just to see how bad I really am at outside odds, Ambrose.

 

[Sanji Himura]

Betting Odds as of this moment:
Source: Sky Bet
Note: This is listed in no particular order and this is by all means not an indication as to who will appear in the Royal Rumble.

Roman Reigns - 1/1
Dean Ambrose - 4/1
Triple H - 5/1
Brock Lesnar - 6/4
John Cena - 4/1
Kevin Owens - 6/1
Daniel Bryan - 10/1
Ryback - 12/1
Bray Wyatt - 14/1
Rusev - 14/1
Braun Stowman - 16/1
Dolph Ziggler - 16/1
Neville - 20/1
Randy Orton - 20/1
Finn Balor - 22/1
Sheamus - 25/1
Stone Cold Steve Austin - 25/1*
The Miz - 25/1
Cesaro - 28/1
The Big Show - 28/1
Kane - 33/1
King Barrett - 33/1
Kurt Angle - 33/1
Seth Rollins - 33/1
The Rock - 33/1
The Undertaker - 33/1
Titus O'Neil - 33/1
Chris Jericho - 40/1
Curtis Axel - 40/1
Damien Sandow - 40/1
Heath Slater - 40/1
Kofi Kingston - 40/1
R-Truth - 40/1
Zack Ryder - 40/1
Big E - 50/1
Goldust - 50/1
Luke Harper - 50/1
Mark Henry - 50/1
Stardust - 50/1
Darren Young - 66/1
Fandango - 66/1
Tyson Kidd - 66/1
Alex Riley - 80/1
Erick Rowan - 80/1
Fernando - 100/1
Jeff Hardy - 100/1
Mr. McMahon - 100/1
Rob Van Dam - 100/1
Shane McMahon - 100/1
Shawn Michaels - 100/1
El Torito - 200/1

*Stone Cold Steve Austin has indicated that he would not wrestle another match. His inclusion on this list must have some Wrestlemania influence.

And of course when we think that power has been taken from Vince, he becomes an apparent on-screen figure head. Just our luck. My money is on one of three. Reigns, Lesnar, or, just to see how bad I really am at outside odds, Ambrose.

Historically speaking, there is a position that is primed to win the Rumble, Number 27. Whoever enters at number 27 has the best odds at winning the Royal Rumble and go on to Wrestlemania. Back in the Attitude Era, they used to openly announce which of the participating wrestlers got what position on camera. Then the internet came along and spoiled the surprise. However, that isn't to say that the other spots aren't bad. To date, only four of the countless starting men in the Rumble have gone on and won the match, Shawn Michaels, Mr. McMahon, Chris Benoit, and the recently departed Rey Misterio, and only one man won from number 30, The Undertaker.

EDIT: Yesterday marks 17 years since Hulk Hogan won the WCW Championship from Kevin Nash using nothing but a finger poke to the chest.

 

[Darla Starch]

BRB, gonna put my life savings on El Torito.

Updated surprise entry hope list: Daniel Bryan, Tatanka, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles.

 

[m8h3r]

I see it being either Reigns or Lesnar, but this also means Cena will be in that match by near default. Can't rule out anything now with how volatile WWE booking has been for the past two years. However, if Balor were to pop in and steal it, I'd be one happy woman.

Have the 4 people from Bullet club who have reportadly signed to WWE come in and hold fort for Balor to win the title. One hell of a faction I tell you.

 

[Stephan]

I like the Royal Rumble to pull big ones out on us and make it unpredictable, sadly for 3 years in a row it has been predictable. I want to see someone you wouldn't think much about winning it (though they have to be deserving too ).

I'd love Daniel Bryan to be a shock entrant and win the rumble but knowing Vince McMahon who hates today's technical Wrestler's, that'll never happen.

Yeah...the last 3 Rumbles were predictable and they have their own reason why.
2012- Cena. Because when The Rock won the WWE title from CM Punk, it's clearly obvious that we're going to have another "Once in a Lifetime II".
2013- Batista. Because since The Authority will try in every way to avoid DB from getting the title plus the Vince logic.
2014- Roman Reigns. Because Vince wants Reigns to be become the new face of the company so in order for that to happen, he had to let Reigns win the RR.

I hope someone not predictable wins the RR.