Slasher

Does this mean we'll see a meta breakdown of Braun's career? If so, pass.

The Revival are in for a big surprise if they go to AEW.

Better than no crowds, though, no? It also serves the function of sparing wrestlers from unnecessary exposure to the pandemic.

I am not as weird as people here are about needing crowds to validate matches but if it's such a big issue the AEW (and WWE) should follow this team's lead. https://www.espn.com/soccer/belarus/story/4083968/belarus-dynamo-brest-uses-mannequins-to-replace-fans-during-coronavirus-pandemic

With no live shows for a long time, they're gonna have to use that money from the TV deal to pay their employees. They just brought in Matt Hardy and Brodie Lee, and while they won't be paid stupid money, they're not getting indy level paychecks either. I do think they will survive the pandemic because they were doing well before then, so fans will definitely be ready to come back whenever the doors open again, but I don't think getting in bidding wars for TUE is a good idea for them financially.

If they are, its because they planned ahead for their arrival. They certainly did not plan for TUE. edit: but point taken. They will spend if they think its worth it.

Why are people here talking about AEW signing those guys? They don't have money! And with the pandemic hitting them so early in their development, which is going to cripple them for a while. They are not signing anyone from TUE, let alone them all.

I have a feeling Cole won't go anywhere without his Undisputed Era mates. So AEW would have to fork over a considerable sum of money to get them all, and while AEW is doing pretty well, they are not in good position to spend money.

Yeah, and as the Miz situation illustrated, the WWE aren't even stopping people who are symptomatic either.

Finally saw the Brawl for All episode, and it was definitely balanced between Russo and Cornette, but it was interesting that Russo was focused on talking about the situation whereas Cornette seemed more interested in badmouthing Russo than anything else.

Thanks for the clarification. But isn't Jimmy the one who worked the match? Interesting.

Furthermore, since the WWE is apparently proceeding with taping more episodes of their shows soon, does this mean Reigns is coming back under the same circumstances that existed before? Does he stay home for months and months and months until it passes over? What is he gonna do now?

Well I wasn't there so obviously I am only offering a guess here, but assuming the reports are true, it was the Usos bitching about the Miz when Reigns came to work. Then Reigns realized that the WWE wasn't on top of things in terms of safety so he bailed out. Of course the decision was made by Reigns alone. But its just funny to me the Usos ended up working the show, considering they also have kids of their own (IIRC), and would be as wise as Reigns to step away, and they didn't. I know the leukemia situation makes it extra sensitive of an issue with Reigns that the Usos don't have to deal with, but still. And I'm all for Roman showing Vince he doesn't give a fuck what he thinks.

Vince can punish people without it looking it looking like punishment. It's a secret skill of his. Plus, as far as Reigns's "options" go, I don't know what kind of contract Reigns has and how much time is left on it, but I have to figure them taking him off the road in 2018, they'd extend his contract due to time lost.

Also wanted to add to my earlier point about Reigns pulling out, Vince is a guy who expects his TOP GUY to be something of an alpha dog/male of the locker room. So now he's looking at Reigns allowing the Usos talk him out of the show. They were absolutely right to help Reigns get the proper perspective on his life, but to Vince, thats not a leader, but a follower. Also I find it amusing the Usos were so mad that Miz was sick and riled up Reigns, and in the end, one of the Usos performed at the show. Nothing about this situation is good for Reigns, as far as Vince would be concerned.

Yes I am only speaking from the mindset I believe Vince to hold. I don't think he did anything wrong or anything but I just know that's what he's gonna think.

According to the breakdown of the match, Cena isn't dead. He's retired. Look, I know people here don't like Braun Strowman, but I hope he hangs on to that belt for a bit longer than people seem to expect. The truth is, whatever they are saying publicly about understanding why Roman pulled out, I don't think the way he did it (first allowing them to believe he'll be part of the show, then changing his mind after the match already announced) is gonna do him any favors for a bit.

Yeah I am pretty sure we are meant to think that about Sonya. It is just that I don't trust the WWE to handle that kind of storyline with any thought or consideration for the audience who might share Sonya's sexual orientation.

Vince loves shitty comedy. If he finds someone who excels in that role, they're never escaping it.

Yes, that is how they see it. And that is where they get in trouble often with the fans. Because what they see and what the fans see are rarely ever the same thing. Not to mention, hey maybe Otis has bigger aspirations than what is being offered to him? What if he got as over as a main event caliber star, think the WWE would change tracks for him? History would indicate the answer being no. Just look at Rusev for example.

I think having him win the match, and having Mandy kiss him and all, that is probably gonna be the peak of his push in the WWE. I don't see Vince doing anything meaningful with him.

Sonya Deville was there because she is part of the story. The fact she bothered to get involved with the texting shows she has some investment in the storyline, for whatever reason.

I think my thing with the FFH match is that unlike the Boneyard match, this looked more like a skit you'd find in a comedy. And Cena didn't even look like he was fighting against anything the whole time. He was playing along with whatever Wyatt had planned, and then he was pinned. There was no sense of "Cena vs Wyatt" and while it was amazing to watch, it really wasn't the right move.

I'm almost certain that Funhouse match was Bray's idea. He is one of the few guys that WWE seems comfortable in allowing him to do what he wants creatively because "it's such good shit".

There's something tragic about choosing to box yourself into an era that is long gone. I'd take the future any time on any day.