Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Last week was the Evolution week. It was an exciting time for change and development in professional wrestling. New stars got a chance to emerge and take the spotlight. It's hard not to be excited after a week like that.
This week was Crown Jewel week. It was a moment of reflection on just how terrible WWE is at continuing to change and develop. Old stars got the spotlight that new stars should have gotten, and the women of Evolution week were left out of large parts of the week. It's hard not to be frustrated after a week like this.
I could go into detail on how many missteps this company made with one single ill-conceived show, but I'll just focus on the bigger picture because no one has time to read every little detail of my thoughts on this mess.
This week was Crown Jewel week. It was a moment of reflection on just how terrible WWE is at continuing to change and develop. Old stars got the spotlight that new stars should have gotten, and the women of Evolution week were left out of large parts of the week. It's hard not to be frustrated after a week like this.
I could go into detail on how many missteps this company made with one single ill-conceived show, but I'll just focus on the bigger picture because no one has time to read every little detail of my thoughts on this mess.
I could make a funny comment here, but how do you beat the simple fact that WWE decided to crown the 48-year-old Shane McMahon as the best in the world?
WWE Crown Jewel
Full cards on the table here, I didn't watch Crown Jewel. I never planned on watching Crown Jewel. I've skipped WWE events in the past, but usually they were clearly glorified house shows. This was a much bigger event to skip, but I couldn't waste my time on this mistake of an event.
The whole Saudi Arabia deal has rubbed me the wrong way from the start. Usually, when WWE goes to a new country for an event, the focus is on bringing WWE style to a fresh product. It's an exciting environment but the same show with the same stars.
Saudi Arabia though did not buy WWE events to get the same show. This is a propaganda routine to make the country's power structure feel more important. WWE promotes them and brings the biggest stars just to appease the Saudi Arabia royalty.
Restrictions include not allowing any of the women to compete, banning Sami Zayn from competing, forcing grand names on generic special event matches, and making sure only well known stars stand out.
There's nothing wrong with making sure the fans in Saudi Arabia get a chance to see WWE stars. It is a problem creating a whole event to promote the powers that be in Saudi Arabia that have just recently facilitated the murder of an American resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
I know what happened at Crown Jewel, and I don't mind missing the show. It sounded terrible and continued to prove this whole Saudi Arabia deal is a joke and honestly morally reprehensible.
The whole Saudi Arabia deal has rubbed me the wrong way from the start. Usually, when WWE goes to a new country for an event, the focus is on bringing WWE style to a fresh product. It's an exciting environment but the same show with the same stars.
Saudi Arabia though did not buy WWE events to get the same show. This is a propaganda routine to make the country's power structure feel more important. WWE promotes them and brings the biggest stars just to appease the Saudi Arabia royalty.
Restrictions include not allowing any of the women to compete, banning Sami Zayn from competing, forcing grand names on generic special event matches, and making sure only well known stars stand out.
There's nothing wrong with making sure the fans in Saudi Arabia get a chance to see WWE stars. It is a problem creating a whole event to promote the powers that be in Saudi Arabia that have just recently facilitated the murder of an American resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
I know what happened at Crown Jewel, and I don't mind missing the show. It sounded terrible and continued to prove this whole Saudi Arabia deal is a joke and honestly morally reprehensible.
Drew McIntyre was so frustrated Kurt Angle got back in the ring after their match during Angle's supposed retirement tour that he came back to WWE just to make Angle tap to an ankle lock.
Monday Night Raw November 5, 2018
Drew McIntyre Is a Star Already Made
Overview: Kurt Angle interrupted Baron Corbin's announcement to start the night that he would be captain of the Raw men's Survivor Series team, challenging the interim GM to a match. Corbin accepted but was run out of the arena before the main event.
Drew McIntyre took his place and destroyed Angle. In their match, The Olympic Gold Medalist could barely keep up with the heel, who eventually just focused on taunting the veteran. He hit Angle himself with an Angle Slam and tap to the ankle lock.
Analysis: This was a great story played out in the main event. It is rare that a veteran comes back and doesn't still have "it". Here Angle looked his age, and I think that was entirely intentional. Even if the WWE Hall of Famer has only a bit left in the tank, he has more than he showed here.
The importance was to sell McIntyre as unstoppable. The Scottish Psychopath is one of the most ready-made stars on Raw, and this match solidified that. When you destroy a legend who still considers himself an active competitor, it makes a statement. Hopefully Brock Lesnar drops the title soon so that a guy like McIntyre can hold it.
WWE Can't Pass Up a Heel Turn Even If It's Completely Premature
Overview: Nia Jax again fought Ember Moon and won with a Samoan drop. After the match, Tamina appeared and aided Jax in doing further damage to Moon, trapping her in a Boston crab for Jax to hit repeated running leg drops.
Analysis: Pairing Jax and Tamina is a fine idea, making both feel more relevant. However, it was odd to so quickly go away from the face run of the former women's champion. This could have been a big story that instead of used for a quick surprise.
Why did Jax turn? Maybe she just didn't like Moon throwing her over the top rope for no reason a few weeks ago.
Conclusion
This was a long Raw, but at least most of the segments were decent. The problem was that the matches largely felt languid, just droning on without purpose. The Riott Squad vs. Bayley, Sasha Banks, and Natalya exemplified this with a contest that rarely went anywhere and built to nothing as a finish.
The booking of Raw just feels wrong, as if the bookers don't know what they're doing week to week. The talent is all there even with Roman Reigns gone. There's just no real clear direction. A week ago, it would have been hard to imagine The Authors of Pain as tag team champions. Now they are despite no extra build.
Raw is just shuffling things around to see what works. What actually works right now is: Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose, Ronda Rousey, and Elias. Everyone else needs some kind of revision.
Overview: Kurt Angle interrupted Baron Corbin's announcement to start the night that he would be captain of the Raw men's Survivor Series team, challenging the interim GM to a match. Corbin accepted but was run out of the arena before the main event.
Drew McIntyre took his place and destroyed Angle. In their match, The Olympic Gold Medalist could barely keep up with the heel, who eventually just focused on taunting the veteran. He hit Angle himself with an Angle Slam and tap to the ankle lock.
Analysis: This was a great story played out in the main event. It is rare that a veteran comes back and doesn't still have "it". Here Angle looked his age, and I think that was entirely intentional. Even if the WWE Hall of Famer has only a bit left in the tank, he has more than he showed here.
The importance was to sell McIntyre as unstoppable. The Scottish Psychopath is one of the most ready-made stars on Raw, and this match solidified that. When you destroy a legend who still considers himself an active competitor, it makes a statement. Hopefully Brock Lesnar drops the title soon so that a guy like McIntyre can hold it.
WWE Can't Pass Up a Heel Turn Even If It's Completely Premature
Overview: Nia Jax again fought Ember Moon and won with a Samoan drop. After the match, Tamina appeared and aided Jax in doing further damage to Moon, trapping her in a Boston crab for Jax to hit repeated running leg drops.
Analysis: Pairing Jax and Tamina is a fine idea, making both feel more relevant. However, it was odd to so quickly go away from the face run of the former women's champion. This could have been a big story that instead of used for a quick surprise.
Why did Jax turn? Maybe she just didn't like Moon throwing her over the top rope for no reason a few weeks ago.
Conclusion
This was a long Raw, but at least most of the segments were decent. The problem was that the matches largely felt languid, just droning on without purpose. The Riott Squad vs. Bayley, Sasha Banks, and Natalya exemplified this with a contest that rarely went anywhere and built to nothing as a finish.
The booking of Raw just feels wrong, as if the bookers don't know what they're doing week to week. The talent is all there even with Roman Reigns gone. There's just no real clear direction. A week ago, it would have been hard to imagine The Authors of Pain as tag team champions. Now they are despite no extra build.
Raw is just shuffling things around to see what works. What actually works right now is: Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose, Ronda Rousey, and Elias. Everyone else needs some kind of revision.
Grade: C-
SmackDown Live November 6, 2018
Nikki Cross May Finally Make Sanity Interesting on Main Roster
Overview: Becky Lynch ran down Ronda Rousey then demanded someone come out and fight her. Nikki Cross answered the challenge, making her debut on SmackDown and returning to the ranks of Sanity. While she pushed the champ, Lynch ultimately caught the newcomer in the Dis-arm-her for a submission.
Analysis: It was great to see the only interesting member of Sanity finally emerge. She's been great on NXT lately, and I do think she still has a story left to tell on that brand. However, it is about time she emerges on the main roster. She adds so much to SmackDown.
While she clearly adds more unique flavor to the women's division, her presence is bigger for Sanity as a whole. The group has disappeared from TV for no reason, but now the group can compete in any division any given week. There's no more excuses.
Daniel Bryan vs. Samoa Joe and AJ Styles vs. The Miz Should Keep SmackDown at the Top
Overview: Daniel Bryan and The Miz were announced as co-captains for Team SmackDown's men's teams. They agreed on Shane McMahon and Rey Mysterio before having Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe fight for the final spot. Joe won with the Coquina Clutch, which did not sit well with The Beard.
Bryan, Joe, Miz, and Shane got into a fight with The "Yes" Man heading up the ramp before he did any more damage to his teammates.
Analysis: It is clear that Bryan vs. Joe is the plan going forward immediately on SmackDown, and it should be fun to watch. The two have long wrestled, and they have their biggest stage so far to compete. That leaves Miz without a rival as well as AJ Styles, the perfect pairing to balance things out.
What I would hope to see happen is Miz winning the WWE Championship while Bryan earned a shot at the title at WrestleMania to set up one final match. What I expect to happen is Miz will lose to Styles before Shane earns a title opportunity, defeats The Phenomenal One, and goes on to face Bryan at Mania.
Conclusion
What else can you ask from SmackDown Live beyond quality wrestling throughout the night and consistent storytelling? While Shane McMahon's return to the brand threatens to ruin the momentum of the blue brand, it has not yet happened beyond Shane taking a spot on Team SmackDown from a better wrestler.
The New Day vs. The Usos and Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade Cien Almas were great. Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy and Lynch vs. Cross were good as well. The whole product just feels better than Raw, and it's not just the tighter production with one less hour. The booking is focused and engaging.
This week made Survivor Series feel far more important for SmackDown than Raw. Unfortunately, Raw will probably still win again.
Overview: Becky Lynch ran down Ronda Rousey then demanded someone come out and fight her. Nikki Cross answered the challenge, making her debut on SmackDown and returning to the ranks of Sanity. While she pushed the champ, Lynch ultimately caught the newcomer in the Dis-arm-her for a submission.
Analysis: It was great to see the only interesting member of Sanity finally emerge. She's been great on NXT lately, and I do think she still has a story left to tell on that brand. However, it is about time she emerges on the main roster. She adds so much to SmackDown.
While she clearly adds more unique flavor to the women's division, her presence is bigger for Sanity as a whole. The group has disappeared from TV for no reason, but now the group can compete in any division any given week. There's no more excuses.
Daniel Bryan vs. Samoa Joe and AJ Styles vs. The Miz Should Keep SmackDown at the Top
Overview: Daniel Bryan and The Miz were announced as co-captains for Team SmackDown's men's teams. They agreed on Shane McMahon and Rey Mysterio before having Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe fight for the final spot. Joe won with the Coquina Clutch, which did not sit well with The Beard.
Bryan, Joe, Miz, and Shane got into a fight with The "Yes" Man heading up the ramp before he did any more damage to his teammates.
Analysis: It is clear that Bryan vs. Joe is the plan going forward immediately on SmackDown, and it should be fun to watch. The two have long wrestled, and they have their biggest stage so far to compete. That leaves Miz without a rival as well as AJ Styles, the perfect pairing to balance things out.
What I would hope to see happen is Miz winning the WWE Championship while Bryan earned a shot at the title at WrestleMania to set up one final match. What I expect to happen is Miz will lose to Styles before Shane earns a title opportunity, defeats The Phenomenal One, and goes on to face Bryan at Mania.
Conclusion
What else can you ask from SmackDown Live beyond quality wrestling throughout the night and consistent storytelling? While Shane McMahon's return to the brand threatens to ruin the momentum of the blue brand, it has not yet happened beyond Shane taking a spot on Team SmackDown from a better wrestler.
The New Day vs. The Usos and Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade Cien Almas were great. Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy and Lynch vs. Cross were good as well. The whole product just feels better than Raw, and it's not just the tighter production with one less hour. The booking is focused and engaging.
This week made Survivor Series feel far more important for SmackDown than Raw. Unfortunately, Raw will probably still win again.
Grade: B+
Imagine what WWE would do with a feud like this on the main roster. Now stop imagining it. It's too depressing.
NXT and NXT UK November 7, 2018
How Do You Not Put the NXT Championship on The Velveteen Dream?
Overview: Lars Sullivan looked to damage The Velveteen Dream too much for him to be able to fight Tommaso Ciampa at WarGames, but Dream refused to stay down. He almost had the victory before Ciampa came out to distract his future challenger, allowing Sullivan to hit the Freak Accident to take the win.
Afterward, the NXT Champion tried to do more damage to his rival, but Dream fought back, hitting a superkick and the reverse STO into a DDT on the championship. The referees tried to separate the two, but Dream still hit a diving elbow on Ciampa.
Analysis: Getting over in NXT is easy for those with experience. If you're a well-known name, the crowd will love you, but it's hard for newcomers. The Velveteen Dream had to start from scratch with a gimmick that seemed more likely to bomb that succeed, but the former Patrick Clark has sold everyone with his performances.
Much like Tyler Breeze, I worry he will lose that momentum and fall into the background on the main roster. In order to get any chance, he needs to get an opportunity to shine right now. That begins with winning the NXT title. Ciampa is a great champion, but he should move up soon and leave Dream to fight NXT's next big stars.
NXT UK Has Only One Story Right Now, But It Has Been Told Extremely Well
Overview: The Coffey Brothers and Wolfgang interrupted Ashton Smith's debut, destroying him to take up how they planned to run NXT UK. Ashton teamed with Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster against the trio, but they still couldn't win in the main event.
Analysis: NXT UK has not told many great stories so far. In fact, there's been just one running feud, but it has been strong so far. The Coffey Brothers and Wolfgang define the brand with their viciousness with so many babyfaces stepping up and failing.
It would be disappointing if the idea for the NXT UK Tag Team Championships does not include The Coffey Brothers even though the two are more imposing than impressive in the ring so far.
Overview: Lars Sullivan looked to damage The Velveteen Dream too much for him to be able to fight Tommaso Ciampa at WarGames, but Dream refused to stay down. He almost had the victory before Ciampa came out to distract his future challenger, allowing Sullivan to hit the Freak Accident to take the win.
Afterward, the NXT Champion tried to do more damage to his rival, but Dream fought back, hitting a superkick and the reverse STO into a DDT on the championship. The referees tried to separate the two, but Dream still hit a diving elbow on Ciampa.
Analysis: Getting over in NXT is easy for those with experience. If you're a well-known name, the crowd will love you, but it's hard for newcomers. The Velveteen Dream had to start from scratch with a gimmick that seemed more likely to bomb that succeed, but the former Patrick Clark has sold everyone with his performances.
Much like Tyler Breeze, I worry he will lose that momentum and fall into the background on the main roster. In order to get any chance, he needs to get an opportunity to shine right now. That begins with winning the NXT title. Ciampa is a great champion, but he should move up soon and leave Dream to fight NXT's next big stars.
NXT UK Has Only One Story Right Now, But It Has Been Told Extremely Well
Overview: The Coffey Brothers and Wolfgang interrupted Ashton Smith's debut, destroying him to take up how they planned to run NXT UK. Ashton teamed with Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster against the trio, but they still couldn't win in the main event.
Analysis: NXT UK has not told many great stories so far. In fact, there's been just one running feud, but it has been strong so far. The Coffey Brothers and Wolfgang define the brand with their viciousness with so many babyfaces stepping up and failing.
It would be disappointing if the idea for the NXT UK Tag Team Championships does not include The Coffey Brothers even though the two are more imposing than impressive in the ring so far.
205 Live November 7, 2018
TJP and Mike Kanellis Could Be a Fascinating Tag Team
Overview: TJP went to Mike and Maria Kanellis last week to get some help against the Lucha House Party. They worked well together as a team, but it was not enough to take the win. TJP pulled another mask from the face of Lince Dorado, but Dorado had another underneath and caught TJP with a Frankensteiner for the win.
Analysis: The Kanellises are a fine combo, but adding TJP to their dynamic really made it more interesting. The former cruiserweight champion comes off like a kid looking for his parents to protect him when working with Mike and Maria, and it just makes too much sense. This also adds some great variety to the feud with Lucha House Party.
Overview: TJP went to Mike and Maria Kanellis last week to get some help against the Lucha House Party. They worked well together as a team, but it was not enough to take the win. TJP pulled another mask from the face of Lince Dorado, but Dorado had another underneath and caught TJP with a Frankensteiner for the win.
Analysis: The Kanellises are a fine combo, but adding TJP to their dynamic really made it more interesting. The former cruiserweight champion comes off like a kid looking for his parents to protect him when working with Mike and Maria, and it just makes too much sense. This also adds some great variety to the feud with Lucha House Party.
Match of the Week
Pete Dunne vs. Danny Burch, NXT UK November 7, 2018 (Rating: 9/10)
In a week lacking for elite matches, it was not surprise that Pete Dunne vs. Danny Burch stood out. These two men went all out in a high energy clash that sold how much Burch wanted this win. Dunne though was ultimately just the better man.
Everything about this match worked. The storytelling was on point from start to finish, and the crowd was completely invested. It was hard to believe Burch could win, but the match almost convinced me he had a chance.
Nothing sold how important this match was than Burch kicking out of the Bitter End. Dunne may be a face in general, but he was the heel here, damaging the hand of Burch until the veteran had to give in.
Honorable Mention: Buddy Murphy vs. Mark Andrews (Rating: 8.75/10)
Another unsurprising hit for this week, Mandrews pushed Buddy Murphy in another great performance from the WWE Cruiserweight Champion. This battle raged around the ring as much as inside with Andrews pulled out multiple impressive stunts to show he's as exciting as any of 205's cruiserweights.
The power vs. speed combo in this match was distinct and effective. From Murphy refusing to fall into many of Andrews' signature moves to the UK star pulling out surprise offense like the inverted hurricanrana, this was a great warm-up for what Murphy and Mustafa Ali will do at Survivor Series.
In a week lacking for elite matches, it was not surprise that Pete Dunne vs. Danny Burch stood out. These two men went all out in a high energy clash that sold how much Burch wanted this win. Dunne though was ultimately just the better man.
Everything about this match worked. The storytelling was on point from start to finish, and the crowd was completely invested. It was hard to believe Burch could win, but the match almost convinced me he had a chance.
Nothing sold how important this match was than Burch kicking out of the Bitter End. Dunne may be a face in general, but he was the heel here, damaging the hand of Burch until the veteran had to give in.
Honorable Mention: Buddy Murphy vs. Mark Andrews (Rating: 8.75/10)
Another unsurprising hit for this week, Mandrews pushed Buddy Murphy in another great performance from the WWE Cruiserweight Champion. This battle raged around the ring as much as inside with Andrews pulled out multiple impressive stunts to show he's as exciting as any of 205's cruiserweights.
The power vs. speed combo in this match was distinct and effective. From Murphy refusing to fall into many of Andrews' signature moves to the UK star pulling out surprise offense like the inverted hurricanrana, this was a great warm-up for what Murphy and Mustafa Ali will do at Survivor Series.
