WingedEagle

Kushida coming full circle here from the loss at Sakura Genesis was a really great moment, even if it could've been stretched out a bit longer. I'm still just not drinking the Hiromu Kool Aid and preferred Kushida's matches with Liger and Ospreay in the BOSJ better than anything in the Hiromu series. These are perfectly solid, enjoyable matches that undoubtedly feature a ton of violent, breathtaking spots. The way they're put together just comes off very cold without a ton of impact on most occasions. ***3/4

I like them best as the Von Erichs, only no one gets to play Kevin.

Here's hoping Paige gets the help she needs and is soon able to surround herself with supportive people.

Both scenarios work for me.

Between the setup with all 3 in the ring tonight and Braun's non-appearance, it very much feels like Braun returns next week to build for a Summerslam 4 way.

But would make a tremendous heel. And potentially, eventually, a tremendous face. Or not. But its a different mindset now. A proper heel run used to set up the big babyface turn but I guess that's no longer in the cards. At least he's an excellent worker.

Haven't heard either way but my instinct while watching is that the post-match angle was pretaped.

Whoa, you didn't think the Tag Titles match resembled a MOTYC? No. Very good match that vastly exceeded expectations, but far shy of a MOTYC.

Absolutely thought it was a great show, despite the absence of anything resembling a MOTYC. Almost every match met or exceeded expectations and none really went too long, which is not something I thought was possible given the iron man match. They got one stinker (Bray/Seth) out of the way immediately and even that was better than expected. The other (Miz/Ambrose) came at an opportune time to reset and take care of some other things around the house while they ran through their act again. Basically everything else on the show was good to very good. I wish it didn't run long but the extended Braun/Roman angle made that happen, and the potential of super babyface Braun may make that worthwhile. A great, easy watch.

No to Braun/Roman Ambulance Match. See MDA.

This was a fun spectacle that was best when one man was being incredibly aggressive and the other was forced to sell (or in one instance not sell). Loved Braun throwing Roman around like a rag doll and just overpowering him early. His WSM background and athleticism really shines here as he runs and moves with force that isn't common for most at his size. AJ may be the best bumper on the roster, if not the business, but Roman may have him beat on selling. Once Roman took over I thought the work on the with the post & chair was terrific. Then came repeated yellow flags for delay of game. The movement up the ramp and delays around the stage leading to the big spots, which were impressive in their own right, held this back from being anything terrific. ***1/2

This was a very fun and interesting read. I don't agree with all of the points but think it touched on a lot of relevant current & evolutionary issues in impressive fashion given space limitations.

I absolutely loved that while it went. Not quite enough there to be great, but it was great while it lasted. Don't know how long this approach lasts, but between this and the Goldberg series they've very much changed expectations on Brock title matches. No clue whether he goes 5 minutes, 10 or 20. The uncertainty is refreshing.

That was one hell of an intense, quick match. Definitely protected Joe coming out of it.

THAT'S A START!

When did Bray start dressing baby bro Bo?

So Sasha/Bliss was a great match until they stole the Uso finish from the last PPV. Odd to repeat that once again. Perhaps the creative teams are in fact operating in independent silos. Nice post-match brawl though. It would not appear as though Bliss/Jax is on the horizon just yet.

Iron Man tag was world's better than I thought possible. Both teams did so many little things throughout the match to play off of what just occurred and work into the story of the iron man gimmick. I'd probably go about ***3/4 due to a decent 5-6 minute stretch where it was a bit dull, but outside of that this was a lot of fun and never the bore that was possible. The finish was also well executed and timed perfectly. Not to get too kayfabe, but if Cesaro was the legal man at the finish, how come the ref didn't try to wave off anything when Sheamus was involved?

Love the flash pin opening there as well as Cesaro & Sheamus then killing clock and working like a proper heel team before going up 2-0. This match is vastly exceeding expectations thus far.

Color me shocked if the match lasts a fraction as long as this promo.

That was the best Bray match in quite some time. Not great, but it very much over delivered. Rollins was bumping all over the place to him over along the way and much of it looked very good. Not sure this is a feud we need to continue, but certainly feels like one that's getting a round 2.

Neville/Tozawa was on its way to being really great when they went to the finish. Still amazing how easily Tozawa can fire up any crowd. The man has purple rope immunity.

You would be correct.

So the US Title change may have been AJ's worst match of the year. Owens did not do anything to make that a match. Pretty disappointing.

I am super excited for this show as there is potential up and down the card. Joe has been very underwhelming on the main roster thus far, but the build for this match has been terrific and I have no reason do doubt a Brock match given time with an opponent who can push him. The ambulance gimmick can certainly bring things down, but there is no reason to doubt that Reigns & Strowman will kill each other along the way. Sasha & Alexa apparently do not care for each other at all which will hopefully translate to a fiery title match. Neville's been one of the best performers in the company this year and if that match is given time there's no reason it can't be great and a sleeper MOTN. The Iron Man match may very well be hit or miss, but hey, it could hit. Something to look forward to until its not. Miz/Ambrose and Rollins/Hocus Pocus are a great chance to snack, catch up on things online and do other things. Let's do it!