Matt D

As a kid, I always bought Flair winning the belt as the payoff to him messing with the babyfaces' heads at Summerslam, like how he beat Sting right after the Black Scorpion stuff.

I'd be ok with him if he didn't try to do an epic style match. He could probably do an awesome 1991 style attraction match with the right opponent feeding and stooging for him and it'd bring presence and star power.

Hopefully this leads to him working LA Park on some Mexican Indy.

Especially because he makes it very obvious that he really doesn't know that much outside of a very specific bubble.

Generally, even if it's not a work, if there's money to be made, they'll find a way to eventually make an angle out of it and everything will end up all the more blurred. That's pro wrestling for you.

Whatever they do, the key is to make it matter and have some weight. I think the idea that losing to Rocky started some sort of downward style for Cena wasn't actually born out in the text or the "selling" of it, but I like the general concept of it. Let's say Cena catches a superman punch attempt and turns it into an AA for a pin and it turns into some sort of actual character development for Reigns paid off whenever Cena gets back, great. I just have zero faith for them to manage that, or even to attempt it.

Because we loathe Sexy Star and like Taya, obviously. Let us riot in peace.

In some ways, this could almost extend his main event run. I feel like he was a PPV away from getting cycled down as it was. Now he'll come back fresh in 6 weeks able to make an immediate impact and get into a program for the fall.

I've been on the hunt for this. Haven't found anything concrete yet, but: So there could at least be footage of their 8/7/81 match in STL since Dusty's jacket says '81 on it. Johnny P or someone should do a documentary on the hunt for footage.

Maybe a can of worms they don't want to open when the Young Bucks do Too Sweet and Suck It gestures Can you really trademark that? http://www.mtv.com/news/1517546/diamond-dallas-sues-jay-z-over-diamond-cutter-hand-sign/

CMLL is free live streaming arena footage three times a week.

I have never seen a match with any of the ROH goons, but it sounds like they're booking them very well.

If India ends up being an important facet of WWE business and he's the guy who opened up that market then you have to examine his case as an important drawing card whether you like him or not.

El Hijo del Santo vs. Negro Casas (WWA 05/17/1991) https://youtu.be/94XaNoEJKNk Upped it on YT for anyone who wants it. Piling on the thanks for that upload. If I had ever seen it, it was before I had any sense of what I was watching. I really love how defined the rudo/tecnico roles were in that brilliant opening matwork. (And obviously it picks up to be an almost iconic version of the rest of the form as it goes).

Reading in between the lines, Tony has to follow more of the current product due to his radio show he has now. I'm not sure if that's streaming online anywhere. I wouldn't mind hearing the Flair interview he mentioned if so.

I honestly feel like the best big match WWE matches are multimans. It covers for the weakness of big match WWE Style, and can be constructed perfectly. Some of that is because it allows for break-ups instead of kick-outs making things mean more. That, and it leads to less "both men are beaten down and hurting" stuff, cause others can be taking there place for a while. And it spreads out Brock's suplexes which helps too.

I honestly feel like the best big match WWE matches are multimans. It covers for the weakness of big match WWE Style, and can be constructed perfectly. Some of that is because it allows for break-ups instead of kick-outs making things mean more.

Sometimes wrestling is really great.

There was a fun moment there where I had forgotten Joe was even in the match and then I was happy to see him show up.

Braun holding the stairs up over his head like a barbarian should be on the Then, Now, Forever thing for years.

Well, Fit Finlay just hit the scene. Shit's on now.

In some ways, this feels like the ultimate realization of WWF Big Man Main Event Preference.

Them building to Braun/Brock within the match is good stuff.

Unless it's a Shield reunion.

I'm really happy for Joe. This is the biggest match of his life and that says a lot.