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

[Com Fox]

Here's my question to you guys, do you think Kayfabe is dead?

Not entirely but I think it is better for little kayfabe, when you watch the storylines it is obvious that everyone in it is a character and that's the charm of the programming, watching the characters but I think it is more suited that they don't act that way in real life to keep "kayfabe" it allows us to like the wrestlers more.

Kayfabe would be dead if everyone acted like themselves and the if all the firings were real.

 

[Darla Starch]

Here's my question to you guys, do you think Kayfabe is dead?

It's in a gray area to me.

While we're here, there's a mobile game out called SLAMMED!, which is in essence a text-based RPG about pro wrestling. The top promotion mixes up work and shoot matches as part of their presentation. That'd be an interesting thing to see IRL.

 

[Stephan]

It's in a gray area to me.

While we're here, there's a mobile game out called SLAMMED!, which is in essence a text-based RPG about pro wrestling. The top promotion mixes up work and shoot matches as part of their presentation. That'd be an interesting thing to see IRL.

It seems that SLAMMED! is a mobile version of WWE SVR 2007-09's GM Mode or the mobile version of WWE Universe mode.

 

[Com Fox]

I've been watching a lot more TNA lately and I must say, I think they are telling better stories than WWE even if their stories aren't that original.

Matt Hardy as a Villainous TNA World Champion has been more entertaining than Triple H as a Villainous WWE World Champion, Hardy whole family gimmick is pretty strong especially those moments you sense that Matt Hardy isn't in total control, Matt Hardy has actually been defending his Title, competing in normal matches and appearing with the title frequent enough for me to pay attention to it (I actually thought the WWE Title was vacated when I saw on display and not with Triple H) and it feels fluent with Hardy's goals since he came from a double turn with EC3.

The whole Decay angle with the Wolves has been far more interesting than the New Day and whatever tag team is going to job to them. I honestly think the Wolves could be my favourite tag team.

I'll admit that the X Division and the King of the Mountain Championship storylines have been more horrible than the Intercontinental and United States Championship storylines

and I'd take the Knockouts over the Divas any day.

That is just me though and I know that I'm in the minority but TNA has got me more hooked than WWE and WWE is reaching its biggest event.

Though in brighter news, due to the backlash the WWE might scrap Undertaker and Braun Strowman.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

So Kanye West invited Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair to his album launch party this week, but got David Otunga instead!

 

[Stephan]

Has anybody watched any of Xavier Woods' UpUpDownDown videos? It features wrestlers playing video games out of character.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Haven't seen it but have heard of it as he tweets about it a lot.

 

[Com Fox]

Well Dean Ambrose's reign as Intercontinental Champion was Anti-Climatic..

 

[NW48]

Well Dean Ambrose's reign as Intercontinental Champion was Anti-Climatic..

The way I'm looking at it, is now he's dropped that belt, it either opens him up to win the WWE World Heavyweight Title or a feud with The Undertaker, since Taker vs Strowman is not happening.

 

[Com Fox]

The way I'm looking at it, is now he's dropped that belt, it either opens him up to win the WWE World Heavyweight Title or a feud with The Undertaker, since Taker vs Strowman is not happening.

It still feels like a very lazy way, and I doubt Dean will win at Fastlane because of Roman Reigns as Roman has nowhere to go.

Even still why not let Dean win the match at Fastlane and lose the championship later on to give Triple H more heat or even better, let him be a double champion and force him to defend both titles at the next PPV.

Or at the very least make Ambrose lose the title in a non-cheap way

As for Undertaker, I don't think him keeping the title would change anything as the match would obviously be a non-title match.

 

[NW48]

It still feels like a very lazy way, and I doubt Dean will win at Fastlane because of Roman Reigns as Roman has nowhere to go.

Even still why not let Dean win the match at Fastlane and lose the championship later on to give Triple H more heat or even better, let him be a double champion and force him to defend both titles at the next PPV.

Or at the very least make Ambrose lose the title in a non-cheap way

Two words: WWE Creative

As for Undertaker, I don't think him keeping the title would change anything as the match would obviously be a non-title match.

I do think him keeping the title wouldn't have been the smartest option as you're essentially throwing away another match if you have the champion compete in a match at a PPV but don't let him defend it, so with him dropping the title, an IC Title feud is possible while Ambrose hopefully goes on to bigger things.

 

[Com Fox]

The IC Championship is rarely defended on the Wrestlemania main-card anyway, a lot of the times the IC Champion is in another non-title match so it isn't much of a loss if it ain't defended.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

That IC title change was the only notable thing that happened on a pretty rubbish Raw, and Fast Lane doesn't look that good either

 

[Stephan]

That IC title change was the only notable thing that happened on a pretty rubbish Raw, and Fast Lane doesn't look that good either

I think Ambrose dropping the Intercontinental title was a good move if they're going to make him face HHH at WM32.

Honestly they could've made Ambrose hold on to the title and either make him or HHH as a double champion.

On the other news, the term "Paul Heyman Guy/s" are back with the Dudleys aligning with Heyman.

 

[Com Fox]

I think Ambrose dropping the Intercontinental title was a good move if they're going to make him face HHH at WM32.

Honestly they could've made Ambrose hold on to the title and either make him or HHH as a double champion.

On the other news, the term "Paul Heyman Guy/s" are back with the Dudleys aligning with Heyman.

I doubt it, because Roman Reigns has nowhere to go if he loses, not to mention he is billed as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion during the European Tour.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Y'know what on second thought Fast Lane doesn't look too bad, I don't see the point of that Divas tag match and it should be on the kick-off show and not the US Title match, the talk show segment between The New Day and Edge & Christian is only really there to promote E&C's new show on the Network which is premiering after Fast Lane, that show looks terrible!, and it distracts from the fact that creative cant come up with any sort of new feud for The New Day right now, maybe they have something planned for when Enzo & Big Cass get the call up, which looks like happening soon as they have been spotted backstage at Raw and Smackdown several times since the new year.

Rest of the card looks good.

 

[Com Fox]

Aside from Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler and Kalisto vs. Del Rio I honestly couldn't care less for the rest of the card as it is all predictable hype 🤬

 

[Ken]

Spoiler: Major News on Barrett

Wade Barrett is leaving WWE soon, according to Ryan Satin over at ProWrestlingSheet.com. Barrett recently "gave notice" to WWE and told them he won't be signing a new deal when his current contract expires around June. As for why he's leaving - it's believed that he's simply not satisfied with his standing in the company and he's not enjoying himself anymore. No word on what's next for him, but he's appeared in a few WWE Studios films so acting is certainly a possibility.

Spoiler: Major News on Brie Bella

Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella appeared on Good Morning America to discuss Bryan's retirement from WWE, concussions in wrestling and more.
Bryan revealed that he kept his post-concussion seizures a secret from even Brie, until she noticed him having one and was heartbroken for him. He begged her to keep it a secret because he knew WWE would make him retire if they ever found out.

Brie also confirmed the rumors that she will be retiring later this year, telling the interviewer that she expects to make an official announcement this summer.

 

[NW48]

the talk show segment between The New Day and Edge & Christian is only really there to promote E&C's new show on the Network which is premiering after Fast Lane, that show looks terrible!, and it distracts from the fact that creative cant come up with any sort of new feud for The New Day right now, maybe they have something planned for when Enzo & Big Cass get the call up, which looks like happening soon as they have been spotted backstage at Raw and Smackdown several times since the new year.

Maybe Enzo & Big Cass crash the Edge and Christian Peep Show/Cutting Edge segment, maybe attacking the New Day or challenging them in the process? I mean, it's certainly a possibility and could set up a feud for an eventual match at Wrestlemania.

 

[m8h3r]

Really annoyed at reading the Barrett news. Was always one of my favourites since his main roster debut.

 

[NW48]

I doubt it, because Roman Reigns has nowhere to go if he loses, not to mention he is billed as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion during the European Tour.

If Ambrose did win at Fastlane, Reigns could (and should) turn heel and fight... The Undertaker. Taker still doesn't have an opponent since Cena is still out and Strowman has been ruled out as an opponent (thank god). And apparently this new opponent is supposedly an unexpected contender. Reigns would be a perfect heel, given he's already half way there. They should try and put as much heat on him as possible, because why not? A heel Reigns is so much better than a face Reigns.

But as for Reigns being booked as champion for the European Tour, things can change, and there's still time for Ambrose to drop the title (I'd rather he didn't) to Reigns after Mania and before the European Tour.

As for Ambrose, he'll go up against Triple H at Mania, and given it's Texas, HBK will probably be there in some capacity (Special Referee?) and since WWE Creative seems intent on this whole Authority thing, why not get Mr Anti-Authority himself, Stone Cold Steve Austin, to have some role in the match as that'd get a massive pop.

 

[Com Fox]

If Ambrose did win at Fastlane, Reigns could (and should) turn heel and fight... The Undertaker. Taker still doesn't have an opponent since Cena is still out and Strowman has been ruled out as an opponent (thank god). And apparently this new opponent is supposedly an unexpected contender. Reigns would be a perfect heel, given he's already half way there. They should try and put as much heat on him as possible, because why not? A heel Reigns is so much better than a face Reigns.

But as for Reigns being booked as champion for the European Tour, things can change, and there's still time for Ambrose to drop the title (I'd rather he didn't) to Reigns after Mania and before the European Tour.

As for Ambrose, he'll go up against Triple H at Mania, and given it's Texas, HBK will probably be there in some capacity (Special Referee?) and since WWE Creative seems intent on this whole Authority thing, why not get Mr Anti-Authority himself, Stone Cold Steve Austin, to have some role in the match as that'd get a massive pop.

Reigns turning heel has the same chance of Cena turning heel, this is Vince's second chance to make Roman Reigns a star sfter pretty much being forced to make Rollins win last year.

They could but they won't, the Australian tour pretty much spoilt Battleground and Summerslam and I doubt they'll do changes for the European tour, they only ever do changes for Raw and Smackdown, rarely do they do it on tours and when they do they are pretty much fored ti change it due to things like injuries.

Lets not forgot WWE wants its face world champions to set an example, a character like Dean Ambrose according to Vince's eyes would make WWE look unprofessional and we all know how strict they are on that thanks to O'neil's suspension . Of course it worked in the Attitude era but things have changed where there is no competition and WWE wants to be shown as an all pro company.

As for part timers showing up for the match it will happen, though in a Roman like way, though to me it makes the WWE look like they have no faith in their Main Event and have to rely on relics to make it worth watching (same if Dean Ambrose won as well)

 

[Stephan]

If Ambrose did win at Fastlane, Reigns could (and should) turn heel and fight... The Undertaker. Taker still doesn't have an opponent since Cena is still out and Strowman has been ruled out as an opponent (thank god). And apparently this new opponent is supposedly an unexpected contender. Reigns would be a perfect heel, given he's already half way there. They should try and put as much heat on him as possible, because why not? A heel Reigns is so much better than a face Reigns.

But as for Reigns being booked as champion for the European Tour, things can change, and there's still time for Ambrose to drop the title (I'd rather he didn't) to Reigns after Mania and before the European Tour.

As for Ambrose, he'll go up against Triple H at Mania, and given it's Texas, HBK will probably be there in some capacity (Special Referee?) and since WWE Creative seems intent on this whole Authority thing, why not get Mr Anti-Authority himself, Stone Cold Steve Austin, to have some role in the match as that'd get a massive pop.

I think I heard this before......Adam Blampied.

Honestly they should make this even more dramatic. How about if Ambrose wins, the Authority is no more and they will no longer appear as the authority figures of Raw and Smackdown thus having GMs again but if HHH wins, Ambrose either gets fired or he will never get another WWEWHC title shot ever again.

 

[Com Fox]

I think I heard this before......Adam Blampied.

Honestly they should make this even more dramatic. How about if Ambrose wins, the Authority is no more and they will no longer appear as the authority figures of Raw and Smackdown thus having GMs again but if HHH wins, Ambrose either gets fired or he will never get another WWEWHC title shot ever again.

GMs are rather redundant since Raw and Smackdown don't have their own storylines.

We just need an authority figure that isn't apart of the main storylines and is only there to make matches and nothing more.

 

[NW48]

I think I heard this before......Adam Blampied.

Yup. Just a few tweaks as I really dislike the idea of feeding the streak to Reigns. Do that and Taker's stock would fall even more.

Reigns turning heel has the same chance of Cena turning heel, this is Vince's second chance to make Roman Reigns a star sfter pretty much being forced to make Rollins win last year.

I think WWE is very slowly waking up to the audience not liking being force fed someone who just isn't believable. I mean, different context but still, WWE canned the Strowman vs Taker match at Mania after fan backlash, and it seemed Vince was pretty high on Strowman going over, so whilst Vince might not be anywhere near as invested in Strowman as he is in Reigns, it does give us a glimmer of hope.

A heel turn though will, in my eyes anyway, make Reigns more believable when he turns face again (probably later this year, sometime after Summerslam maybe?). Adam Blampied brought up a good point, WWE Creative needs to do a Reigns heel turn, and make him acknowledge that he was always trying to do right by the fans, but he was never accepted by them all. And I also like his idea of bringing The Rock in, but make Reigns beat up on him, taking away that "Oh, he's just The Rock's 'cousin'" thing he has on him. Because if he's going to turn on his own blood, someone who has been there for him, it makes Reigns look very 🤬 off.

Vince and Creative need to return to looking ahead (and I'm talking years, maybe months), and not just a few hours ahead.

 

[Com Fox]

Yup. Just a few tweaks as I really dislike the idea of feeding the streak to Reigns. Do that and Taker's stock would fall even more.


I think WWE is very slowly waking up to the audience not liking being force fed someone who just isn't believable. I mean, different context but still, WWE canned the Strowman vs Taker match at Mania after fan backlash, and it seemed Vince was pretty high on Strowman going over, so whilst Vince might not be anywhere near as invested in Strowman as he is in Reigns, it does give us a glimmer of hope.

A heel turn though will, in my eyes anyway, make Reigns more believable when he turns face again (probably later this year, sometime after Summerslam maybe?). Adam Blampied brought up a good point, WWE Creative needs to do a Reigns heel turn, and make him acknowledge that he was always trying to do right by the fans, but he was never accepted by them all. And I also like his idea of bringing The Rock in, but make Reigns beat up on him, taking away that "Oh, he's just The Rock's 'cousin'" thing he has on him. Because of he's going to turn on his own blood, someone who has been there for him, it makes Reigns look very 🤬 off.

Vince and Creative need to return to looking ahead (and I'm talking years, maybe months), and not just a few hours ahead.

I agree but it won't happen unless HHH takes over. Vince is still trying to push Braun Strowman but not with the Undertaker.

 

[Stephan]

GMs are rather redundant since Raw and Smackdown don't have their own storylines.

We just need an authority figure that isn't apart of the main storylines and is only there to make matches and nothing more.

Yeah something like during the Attitude Era where Raw and Smackdown were ruled by....oh yeah the McMahons/McMahon-Helmsley faction.

Honestly getting rid of the Authority would be a great idea especially since they are getting low in numbers. We need a authority figure like Mick Foley where he was the commissioner of WWF during the McMahon-Helmsley era and he was only there to book matches.

 

[Stephan]

Yup. Just a few tweaks as I really dislike the idea of feeding the streak to Reigns. Do that and Taker's stock would fall even more.


I think WWE is very slowly waking up to the audience not liking being force fed someone who just isn't believable. I mean, different context but still, WWE canned the Strowman vs Taker match at Mania after fan backlash, and it seemed Vince was pretty high on Strowman going over, so whilst Vince might not be anywhere near as invested in Strowman as he is in Reigns, it does give us a glimmer of hope.

A heel turn though will, in my eyes anyway, make Reigns more believable when he turns face again (probably later this year, sometime after Summerslam maybe?). Adam Blampied brought up a good point, WWE Creative needs to do a Reigns heel turn, and make him acknowledge that he was always trying to do right by the fans, but he was never accepted by them all. And I also like his idea of bringing The Rock in, but make Reigns beat up on him, taking away that "Oh, he's just The Rock's 'cousin'" thing he has on him. Because if he's going to turn on his own blood, someone who has been there for him, it makes Reigns look very 🤬 off.

Vince and Creative need to return to looking ahead (and I'm talking years, maybe months), and not just a few hours ahead.

About the Rock, I remember him becoming a corporate sellout when he turned heel and became a member of the Corporation as a WWF Champion because he was getting too much "Die Rocky Die" and "Rocky sucks" chants so he had enough of that and joined Vince's Corporation. I think that could work for Roman.

 

[Com Fox]

Yeah something like during the Attitude Era where Raw and Smackdown were ruled by....oh yeah the McMahons/McMahon-Helmsley faction.

Honestly getting rid of the Authority would be a great idea especially since they are getting low in numbers. We need a authority figure like Mick Foley where he was the commissioner of WWF during the McMahon-Helmsley era and he was only there to book matches.

Who said I was refering to the Attitude era? I wasn't really refering to anything.

 

[Stephan]

Who said I was refering to the Attitude era? I wasn't really refering to anything.

Whoops sorry. But still if they are planning to get rid of the Authority, they better bring back the Commissioner title in that way, there would only be one authority figure.