Industry Moves: Will WWE Buy ROH?

The wrestling world is buzzing after Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet broke the news that WWE has been in secret talks with Sinclair Broadcast Group since January about the potential acquisition of Ring of Honor. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer elaborated on the report stating that WWE made their initial inquiry about purchasing ROH back in August.

While there is no deal on the table as of yet, WWE’s plan of acquisition seems to include the tape library, talent contracts and closing down the company. This move indicates that WWE is attempting to completely monopolize the professional wrestling market in the United States.

WWE purchased WCW and acquired ECW’s assets in 2001 because all three companies were competing for the same audience. In 2017, groups such as ROH and Impact Wrestling are competing with WWE for talent due to sub-genres in wrestling being more pronounced and defined. Continue reading “Industry Moves: Will WWE Buy ROH?” →

Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin is on for WrestleMania

The Intercontinental Championship has officially found its seat on The Ultimate Thrill Ride, WrestleMania 33. Dean Ambrose will defend the title against Baron Corbin as the match was made when Ambrose accepted Corbin’s challenge on SmackDown.

“The Lone Wolf” versus “The Lunatic Fringe” will mark the first WrestleMania singles match for the IC title since The Big Show pinned Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 28, five years ago. This is now the twelfth match added to the six-hour event. Continue reading “Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin is on for WrestleMania” →

Southpaw Regional Wrestling is Awesome

I have given WWE much flak for their lame attempts at comedy. Well, I’m eating my words today as they released on YouTube a four-part mockumentary of 80’s southern territorial wrestling called Southpaw Regional Wrestling.

Those who watched regional wrestling will enjoy seeing various WWE stars in a creatively comedic light. Some aspects are aggregated while others are hilariously accurate. The VCR filter, events at the county fairgrounds and autographs from the wrestlers at the local KFC augments the old school aesthetic. Continue reading “Southpaw Regional Wrestling is Awesome” →

Styles vs. Orton: A Wrestling Lesson

I apologize for being late to the party with one, but I watched a really, really good wrestling match last week. It won’t go down as an instant classic or awarded five stars among journalists, however, the wrestlers took their time telling a fun and engaging story.

Whatever do I mean? Well…

Wrestling is an art form like any other creative and entertaining means of expression. Sometimes, in a particular space, certain nuances fall by the wayside, looking to be picked up again. In wrestling matches, it’s the little things that can make all the difference.

Over the last few years in WWE, punches, kicks, submission holds, and selling has been devoid of any real intensity and effort. Also, the action in the ring is too fast and does not leave enough time for anything to properly marinate with the audience.

Instead, back-and-forth matches, where the wrestlers take turns delivering big moves, appear to be a substitute for an arbitrary application of the smaller moves that support the assembly of a match.

Now, I know I sound like that older guy that emphatically claims it was better in my day, but stay with me. Continue reading “Styles vs. Orton: A Wrestling Lesson” →

Updates Card for WrestleMania 33: Styles vs. McMahon and More

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WWE Television this week saw five more matches made official for WrestleMania 33 line-up for a total of eleven matches. Three of the matches were leaked online a few months ago, one was heavily implied last week and the last match wasn’t too surprising.

Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns: Will Taker slay another victim or is Reigns going to put down the Deadman? If Reigns goes over, will WWE try to keep him as a babyface or will they flip the script and go full on heel with the Roman Empire? This will end up being one of the most anticipated matches on the card because we have no idea who is going to win.

Wrestling is always better that way! Continue reading “Updates Card for WrestleMania 33: Styles vs. McMahon and More” →

WrestleMania Officially takes Shape

Raw and SmackDown this week began to bring about some clarity to WrestleMania 33, which emanates from Orlando, Florida on Sunday, April 2nd. While several of the key matches, including the main event, were officially announced, there were no shocking revelations considering that the card was leaked online a month ago.

Vince McMahon deserves credit for sticking to his guns this time around where in years past he would change booking plans if he got the slightest whiff of a leak. So far, the storylines leading up to the matches have been good, thus making the journey as important as the destination. Continue reading “WrestleMania Officially takes Shape” →

WWE 2017 Fastlane Review

Atlee Greene is here with a review of WWE Fastlane, which emanated from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The main event saw Kevin Owens defend the WWE Universal Title against Goldberg. We also saw Roman Reigns take on Bruan Strowman and Bayley defended the Women’s Title against Charlotte.

Is Shinsuke Nakamura Ready for WWE’s Main Roster?

If you’re an NXT fan, there is one question that comes up in every conversation: “when will Shinsuke Nakamura make his WWE main roster debut?” Those who appreciate the work of this ultra-charismatic and super talented superstar want to see him on either Raw or SmackDown, sooner rather than later.

Conventional wisdom says that Nakamura should be on the main roster by now. He’s a great worker who, unlike most Japanese wrestlers. is tailor made for WWE and the showmanship it requires to be one of their performers. I mean, come on…anyone who can dress as a hybrid of Michael Jackson and the Statue of Liberty, and make it work, is a performer through and through. Continue reading “Is Shinsuke Nakamura Ready for WWE’s Main Roster?” →

Braun Strowman Passed the Test

Braun Strowman took a test on Raw last Monday when he worked the Big Show in the main event. It happens to every wrestler who’s been groomed for a featured role. Yes, he can bump, he can sell, he is a towering colossus but can he tell a story in the ring that is worth the price of admission? Continue reading “Braun Strowman Passed the Test” →

Thoughts on DDP Joining the WWE Hall of Fame

The master of the Diamond Cutter will enter the WWE Hall of Fame as Diamond Dallas Page joins Kurt Angle, the Rock & Roll Express, and Teddy Long as a part of the 2017 class. There are those who question and completely dismiss the legitimacy of WWE’s HOF. Regardless of one’s position on the matter, it’s good to see these great performers getting a celebrated recognition with a payday to boot.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer brought up an interesting point regarding DDP’s pending induction into the Hall of Fame. Page’s one year run in WWE was a far cry from the heights he reached in WCW. In fact, backstage gossip made the rounds with rumors that Page couldn’t work (wrestle) and was made to look less than stellar on television as a result. Continue reading “Thoughts on DDP Joining the WWE Hall of Fame” →