WingedEagle

I have no idea what prompted the nonstop changes to the Survivor Series lineup over the past couple weeks as its produced a more interesting show from a booking perspective while also improving how things look in the ring, but I have no idea what prompted it as its not as though they can hotshot a buy rate. So we've got a 4 hour show on Sunday. What's the over/under on entrance time allotted to the men's SS match? Minutes and seconds, please.

You're better off with back issues of the WON covering the figures featured in here. What about it makes you prefer the Observer? I bought this book when it first came out and really enjoyed it myself. I thought the Observer features generally went into a greater level of detail and context. Leaving content aside, as much as Dave could use some better editing, I thought this book had an unacceptable number of errors -- whether typos or poor grammar -- generally a lesser quality of writing.

Akiyama has the Misawa & Kobashi matches headlining his resume, but I'm not sure I can make a case for him bumping Kobashi here, especially given that he's got my runaway MOTY for 2000. Very much agree on AJ's 2016. Just out of this world and a legit all time year. Would have to look things over, but you don't think Danielson's run in '06 rises to that level? Its the only other year that came to mind on the domestic side, but haven't looked back at the lists for a close comparison. My ROH watching is very sketchy admittedly. Within American wrestling that's my biggest blindspot. its more than worth going back with a particular focus, whether Danielson, AJ, Joe, or even more broadly the promotion's best matches over the years.

You're better off with back issues of the WON covering the figures featured in here.

Really enjoying your takes on these older matches. Will have to check some out on the site.

Akiyama has the Misawa & Kobashi matches headlining his resume, but I'm not sure I can make a case for him bumping Kobashi here, especially given that he's got my runaway MOTY for 2000. Very much agree on AJ's 2016. Just out of this world and a legit all time year. Would have to look things over, but you don't think Danielson's run in '06 rises to that level? Its the only other year that came to mind on the domestic side, but haven't looked back at the lists for a close comparison.

And my point which was seemingly skipped over is that TMZ has scooped major conglomerate-backed media on bigger stories than this before. I'm not sure why everyone's dander is up over an ex-TMZ guy knowing how to break stories. And I'm not even a big Satin fan, but his track record is pretty darn good. Some people just like to immediately respond to any and everything with loud noises.

Survivor Series looks like a really interesting show after all of the changes this week and pending another likely addition on Monday. No complaints at all, but I wonder why they called so many audibles this late in the process.

Lineup for Survivor Series got a major upgrade today. Check Smackdown spoilers for more.

Styles/Balor has been confirmed by WWE since yesterday. I'm curious if we hear whether they inquired about Cena's availability/willingness to take Roman's place.

The Kane angle really leaves me at a loss. 4 on 3 felt awkward and unnecessary as well as providing for a pretty crowded ring. 5 on 3? Does this increase anyone's interest in the match or show? That arguably doesn't matter on a minor PPV in the network era, but what is the upside to this?

This show is going long isn't it? They probably know John Oliver starts at 11:07 and want the wife to give me a hard time when this goes late.

Nakamura vs. Jinder -- I didn't pay much attention and I know I didn't miss anything. If Mahal is moving business in certain markets that's great. But he's death to watch.

Its amazing that a title match with Shinsuke Nakamura is the bathroom break on a PPV, but here we are.

Charlotte vs. Natalya - Natty doesn't really excel as a strong face or heel, and babyface Charlotte certainly doesn't feel right, but they more than made this match work. Strong, simple story around Charlotte's injured knee. I didn't even mind the finish as the chair shots were on point and looked really strong. This show is absolutely over-delivering. ***1/4

AJ vs. Corbin vs. Dillinger This won't make any MOTY lists and may not even be among AJ's top 15-20 matches since joining the company, but it was an absolutely incredible performance that should be pointed to when making a case for him as one of the greatest of all time. Styles bumped all over the ring and floor, killing himself at every turn while supplying most of the impactful spots and near falls to turn a match that featured one of the company's poorest workers into a real highlight. Not a fan of Corbin's push being reignited here, but there's no denying this was a joy to watch. Just amazing. ***3/4

Rusev vs. Orton was perfectly solid but never not at all special beyond Rusev's always underrated and underutilized strikes. A real shame he can't get a push. **3/4

Okay that was a pretty terrific tag and cell match. Loved how they used the weapons and gimmicks in creative fashion and managed to fill so much time without it ever dragging. Add in a clean, decisive finish and you've got a pretty great match. ****

It looks like the Cell isn't properly centered around the ring. Looks like a lot less space between ring and cage on one side in particular.

The lineup is close to trash. Tag Title HIAC should be good. Women's title very well could be. Adding Tye Dillinger to the US Title match is an upgrade. The main event may offer memorable stunts. But the build the entire way to this show has been awful save for the Vince angle. Best thing going for tonight is that when expectations are this low the show usually delivers. Then again, I said the same thing about Battleground and that was an all time bad PPV. Let's do it!

This got a recent mention in Melter's Wanz obituary. Fun to get a little context and look back on it.

Fuck you, you idiot. Ole was anything but and was a perfectly fine bumper to boot. You just had not watch enough Ole, who's a terrific worker (and one of the best promo ever). Great team. You tell him! Not to mention possibly an all time squasher.

Parv lives!