Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
A new year brings with it new opportunities. There are a number of fascinating matches and moments on the horizon, but, for the moment, WWE is just laying the groundwork. Things are not getting serious yet.
The January 7-9 run for WWE was fairly low key. The main roster is focusing on Royal Rumble. NXT has a TakeOver the night before to build. The only real outlier is NXT UK, a brand just starting to find its wings with NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool on Saturday.
With so much just waiting to explode, it's fascinating to look over episodes like these to decide what is truly indicating the direction of WWE's biggest moments.
The January 7-9 run for WWE was fairly low key. The main roster is focusing on Royal Rumble. NXT has a TakeOver the night before to build. The only real outlier is NXT UK, a brand just starting to find its wings with NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool on Saturday.
With so much just waiting to explode, it's fascinating to look over episodes like these to decide what is truly indicating the direction of WWE's biggest moments.
Can't wait for Corey Graves to distract from this action by making this all about Renee Young's relationship with her husband.
Monday Night Raw January 7, 2019
Seth Rollins is Great But Does Not Need to Work a Full Hour of Raw
Overview: Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley opened the show brawling and interrupted John Cena's confrontation with Drew McIntyre to set up a six-man tag after Dean Ambrose and Finn Balor also got into the fight. The Kingslayer managed to catch The Lunatic Fringe with The Stomp to win.
Afterward, he demanded a match for the Intercontinental Championship from Triple H which he was granted in a Falls Count Anywhere main event. The two men warred through the arena until Rollins hit a superplex into a buckle bomb then a superkick into The Stomp before Lashley interfered and Speared Rollins to give Ambrose the win.
Analysis: Rollins is clearly being built up as Raw's top babyface, and WWE is not being subtle about it. Ever since The Architect proved he could put on an incredible performance over an hour with his gauntlet match work, the company has attempted to recreate that magic in various ways.
It hasn't worked. His Iron Man clash with Dolph Ziggler was their worst match. He put on a better match with Ambrose in 10 minutes than did in 25 at TLC. He doesn't need to be the absolute center of attention, opening and closing far too long segments each week. Just let his work speak for itself.
Hulk Hogan Can Go Back to Not Being on TV Please
Overview: Hulk Hogan introduced a great video package for the late "Mean" Gene Okerlund. Afterward, he went on a tangent about how heaven is now filled with many wrestling greats, all greatly missed.
Analysis: Just because Hogan is here for a segment celebrating a good man's career doesn't mean we should forget what he did. In fact, it makes it more dubious. He's using Okerlund's death to gain sympathy in the same way bringing up all his dead friends distracts from Okerlund and Hogan's past mistakes.
This was such a manipulative situation, and it made me queasy and frustrated from the moment The Hulkster started talking.
Conclusion
This was supposed to be a big Raw with the company trying to refocus into the new year. Instead, it was a complete slog. An hour was spent on Rollins in some form, who did his best in everything but still felt overexposed. The rest of the night fell mostly flat.
The only real segment that truly stood out well was Ronda Rousey's appearance on A Moment of Bliss and the subsequent match between Sasha Banks and Nia Jax to crown a new No. 1 contender. It helped that The Boss needed that moment months ago, but it was also just well done.
The rest of the show was not so well done. Even in its strongest moments, it felt like WWE was a complete slog. No one seemed to be able to tell much what they needed to do to get people interested.
Overview: Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley opened the show brawling and interrupted John Cena's confrontation with Drew McIntyre to set up a six-man tag after Dean Ambrose and Finn Balor also got into the fight. The Kingslayer managed to catch The Lunatic Fringe with The Stomp to win.
Afterward, he demanded a match for the Intercontinental Championship from Triple H which he was granted in a Falls Count Anywhere main event. The two men warred through the arena until Rollins hit a superplex into a buckle bomb then a superkick into The Stomp before Lashley interfered and Speared Rollins to give Ambrose the win.
Analysis: Rollins is clearly being built up as Raw's top babyface, and WWE is not being subtle about it. Ever since The Architect proved he could put on an incredible performance over an hour with his gauntlet match work, the company has attempted to recreate that magic in various ways.
It hasn't worked. His Iron Man clash with Dolph Ziggler was their worst match. He put on a better match with Ambrose in 10 minutes than did in 25 at TLC. He doesn't need to be the absolute center of attention, opening and closing far too long segments each week. Just let his work speak for itself.
Hulk Hogan Can Go Back to Not Being on TV Please
Overview: Hulk Hogan introduced a great video package for the late "Mean" Gene Okerlund. Afterward, he went on a tangent about how heaven is now filled with many wrestling greats, all greatly missed.
Analysis: Just because Hogan is here for a segment celebrating a good man's career doesn't mean we should forget what he did. In fact, it makes it more dubious. He's using Okerlund's death to gain sympathy in the same way bringing up all his dead friends distracts from Okerlund and Hogan's past mistakes.
This was such a manipulative situation, and it made me queasy and frustrated from the moment The Hulkster started talking.
Conclusion
This was supposed to be a big Raw with the company trying to refocus into the new year. Instead, it was a complete slog. An hour was spent on Rollins in some form, who did his best in everything but still felt overexposed. The rest of the night fell mostly flat.
The only real segment that truly stood out well was Ronda Rousey's appearance on A Moment of Bliss and the subsequent match between Sasha Banks and Nia Jax to crown a new No. 1 contender. It helped that The Boss needed that moment months ago, but it was also just well done.
The rest of the show was not so well done. Even in its strongest moments, it felt like WWE was a complete slog. No one seemed to be able to tell much what they needed to do to get people interested.
Grade: D+
Can't wait for all of The Man's work to lead to Charlotte getting her match against Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania.
SmackDown Live January 8, 2019
Asuka vs. Becky Lynch is the Biggest Match at the Royal Rumble
Overview: Becky Lynch fought Charlotte Flair and Carmella for a title shot against Asuka. The Man survived the best shots of both women, taking The Queen out of the equation before trapping The Princess of Staten Island in the Dis-arm-her for the tap out.
Analysis: There are few matches I have anticipated more over the past couple years than Lynch vs. Asuka. It's a money match for two women who work similar styles. Sure, The Empress is a better in-ring performer, and The Man is the more entertaining one. Together though, they are among the best wrestlers in WWE (male and female).
This match isn't just a big match. It's the match at the Royal Rumble. It's the biggest match announced so far for 2019, and it is the final nail in the coffin for the men having any chance of outshining the women this year at the Rumble. We're also getting Rousey vs. Banks, just a minor No. 2 match for the show.
Why Is The Miz Stuck Trying to Convince Us We Want to See Shane McMahon Rather Than The Usos?
Overview: Mandy Rose cost The Usos a match against The Bar by distracting Jimmy Uso from saving his brother from The Neutralizer. Afterward, The Miz challenged Sheamus and Cesaro to a title match at Royal Rumble 2019 with Shane McMahon, and the champions agreed after The Celtic Warrior planted The A-Lister with a Brogue Kick.
Analysis: The Usos and The Bar have the first standout match of 2019, and the reward is that Jimmy is still stuck in a Naomi-Rose half-hearted feud while Miz and Shane are getting a title opportunity at Royal Rumble. This coming just a few weeks after the tag team division seemed to be opening up again.
What happened to Sanity? Are we supposed to forget that Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson defeated The Bar 2 weeks ago? Apparently we are because now Miz and Shane are the only tag team left for The Bar to conquer, and they're probably failing. Why do I suddenly hate Miz for putting me through this?
Conclusion
This was a top notch edition of SmackDown. It was A+ on the Raw scale (that's a joke, but it still feel pretty true). Every segment had a purpose. The wrestling was top notch, and there are so many genuinely engaging stories going on right now.
All you have to do is watch Lynch vs. Flair vs. Carmella and Bar vs. Usos to get a steady fix of solid wrestling, and I cannot pick out a bad moment in this show. I didn't even get into just how great it was to have Daniel Bryan open the show insulting everyone.
The blue brand really has taken the promise of change seriously, and I really appreciate its commitment to excellence that the red brand lacks.
Overview: Becky Lynch fought Charlotte Flair and Carmella for a title shot against Asuka. The Man survived the best shots of both women, taking The Queen out of the equation before trapping The Princess of Staten Island in the Dis-arm-her for the tap out.
Analysis: There are few matches I have anticipated more over the past couple years than Lynch vs. Asuka. It's a money match for two women who work similar styles. Sure, The Empress is a better in-ring performer, and The Man is the more entertaining one. Together though, they are among the best wrestlers in WWE (male and female).
This match isn't just a big match. It's the match at the Royal Rumble. It's the biggest match announced so far for 2019, and it is the final nail in the coffin for the men having any chance of outshining the women this year at the Rumble. We're also getting Rousey vs. Banks, just a minor No. 2 match for the show.
Why Is The Miz Stuck Trying to Convince Us We Want to See Shane McMahon Rather Than The Usos?
Overview: Mandy Rose cost The Usos a match against The Bar by distracting Jimmy Uso from saving his brother from The Neutralizer. Afterward, The Miz challenged Sheamus and Cesaro to a title match at Royal Rumble 2019 with Shane McMahon, and the champions agreed after The Celtic Warrior planted The A-Lister with a Brogue Kick.
Analysis: The Usos and The Bar have the first standout match of 2019, and the reward is that Jimmy is still stuck in a Naomi-Rose half-hearted feud while Miz and Shane are getting a title opportunity at Royal Rumble. This coming just a few weeks after the tag team division seemed to be opening up again.
What happened to Sanity? Are we supposed to forget that Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson defeated The Bar 2 weeks ago? Apparently we are because now Miz and Shane are the only tag team left for The Bar to conquer, and they're probably failing. Why do I suddenly hate Miz for putting me through this?
Conclusion
This was a top notch edition of SmackDown. It was A+ on the Raw scale (that's a joke, but it still feel pretty true). Every segment had a purpose. The wrestling was top notch, and there are so many genuinely engaging stories going on right now.
All you have to do is watch Lynch vs. Flair vs. Carmella and Bar vs. Usos to get a steady fix of solid wrestling, and I cannot pick out a bad moment in this show. I didn't even get into just how great it was to have Daniel Bryan open the show insulting everyone.
The blue brand really has taken the promise of change seriously, and I really appreciate its commitment to excellence that the red brand lacks.
Grade: A-
Good on Gargano. He's finally learned he doesn't have to win ever and can still get any title match he wants by asking for it.
NXT and NXT UK January 9, 2019
A Genius Thought Up Johnny Gargano vs. Ricochet, and NXT TakeOver Looks Amazing Again
Overview: Feeding off the suggestion of Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano made clear he now had his eyes set on Ricochet and the North American Championship. The One and Only immediately agreed before the NXT Champion arrived to try and goad Gargano on with Aleister Black arriving and brawling with the champion.
As they brawled to the back, Gargano took his shot and superkicked the NA champ. Ricochet stated backstage that he had lost all respect for Gargano and would not stop until he got his match with him.
Analysis: NXT TakeOver: Phoenix has a lot of potential great matches, and most of them will be for the first time ever in NXT. While Ciampa vs. Black is the headliner, Gargano vs. Ricochet feels like the showstealer. These two are the perfect pairing at this point, and they could probably go 20 minutes without pausing.
NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool Has Its Trio of Highlight Matches
Overview: Zack Gibson and James Drake managed to dominate and isolate Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews early in this match, but they could not keep the explosive duo down. Gibson hit the Helter Skelter on Andrews on the ramp to set up Webster to take Another Ticket to Ride, giving the heels the win.
Analysis: Great TakeOvers have often been defined by trios of great matches. The very first TakeOver had Tyler Breeze vs. Sami Zayn, Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya, and Neville vs. Tyson Kidd. TakeOver: Blackpool could match up to that impressive lineup with Pete Dunne vs. Joe Coffey, Toni Storm vs. Rhea Ripley, and Moustache Mountain vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans.
While I'm dubious about the whole show's potential given the lack of genuine momentum, the show's card is stellar especially these three matches. Travis Banks vs. Jordan Devlin could also pick up the slack for any match that disappoints.
Overview: Feeding off the suggestion of Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano made clear he now had his eyes set on Ricochet and the North American Championship. The One and Only immediately agreed before the NXT Champion arrived to try and goad Gargano on with Aleister Black arriving and brawling with the champion.
As they brawled to the back, Gargano took his shot and superkicked the NA champ. Ricochet stated backstage that he had lost all respect for Gargano and would not stop until he got his match with him.
Analysis: NXT TakeOver: Phoenix has a lot of potential great matches, and most of them will be for the first time ever in NXT. While Ciampa vs. Black is the headliner, Gargano vs. Ricochet feels like the showstealer. These two are the perfect pairing at this point, and they could probably go 20 minutes without pausing.
NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool Has Its Trio of Highlight Matches
Overview: Zack Gibson and James Drake managed to dominate and isolate Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews early in this match, but they could not keep the explosive duo down. Gibson hit the Helter Skelter on Andrews on the ramp to set up Webster to take Another Ticket to Ride, giving the heels the win.
Analysis: Great TakeOvers have often been defined by trios of great matches. The very first TakeOver had Tyler Breeze vs. Sami Zayn, Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya, and Neville vs. Tyson Kidd. TakeOver: Blackpool could match up to that impressive lineup with Pete Dunne vs. Joe Coffey, Toni Storm vs. Rhea Ripley, and Moustache Mountain vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans.
While I'm dubious about the whole show's potential given the lack of genuine momentum, the show's card is stellar especially these three matches. Travis Banks vs. Jordan Devlin could also pick up the slack for any match that disappoints.
205 Live January 9, 2019
205 Live Cannot Afford to Add Too Much More Talent Without Other Cruiserweights Heading to the Main Roster
Overview: Drake Maverick continued to tease the idea that new cruiserweight will be heading to the brand in 2019. Mike and Maria Kanellis arrived to question the general manager, promising to put down anyone new until Mike got more opportunities.
Analysis: There are many stars I would be happy to see get a new chance in 205 Live, but I don't know how the brand can manage the numbers. Even though Mustafa Ali seems to have fully transitioned to SmackDown, there's no space. Kanellis obviously has felt out of place even while being used better.
I would love to see a complete shake-up. Why not have Jack Gallagher and Noam Dar head fully to NXT UK? Cedric Alexander and Drew Gulak can work the main roster. The roster can even shift month to month with who is working where. WWE doesn't even have to be consistent with characters given Maverick's use on the main roster.
Overview: Drake Maverick continued to tease the idea that new cruiserweight will be heading to the brand in 2019. Mike and Maria Kanellis arrived to question the general manager, promising to put down anyone new until Mike got more opportunities.
Analysis: There are many stars I would be happy to see get a new chance in 205 Live, but I don't know how the brand can manage the numbers. Even though Mustafa Ali seems to have fully transitioned to SmackDown, there's no space. Kanellis obviously has felt out of place even while being used better.
I would love to see a complete shake-up. Why not have Jack Gallagher and Noam Dar head fully to NXT UK? Cedric Alexander and Drew Gulak can work the main roster. The roster can even shift month to month with who is working where. WWE doesn't even have to be consistent with characters given Maverick's use on the main roster.
Match of the Week
The Bar vs. The Usos, SmackDown January 8, 2019 (Rating: 9/10)
There are few pairings in WWE that have me more immediately invested than The Usos battling Sheamus and Cesaro. They are so perfect together that it's hard not to enjoy every second. Some will knock this for its finish which was abrupt and silly, but nothing can take from this action.
The way Jimmy and Jey Uso can make everything work individually and as a team is impressive. It's like they are solely raising the bar for tag team wrestling every time they get a major spotlight, and they are already WWE's best team.
I want this match on a major stage with 15 minutes and no commercial breaks. The last time that happened, the two teams had one of my favorite matches of 2017, and I think they have even better in them.
Honorable Mention: Cedric Alexander vs. Hideo Itami, 205 Live January 9, 2019 (Rating: 8.75/10)
This match was somewhat let down by a crowd that was not interested, but Cedric Alexander and Hideo Itami continue to be good rivals. Alexander makes Itami's strikes look dangerous, and he pushed the Japanese legend to be at his best even if he feels less committed than he does against certain other opponents.
This was a fun, vicious striking fest with both men getting in their best. A few of the spots really sold the action, and a hot crowd would have likely made this match of the week. Instead, it was just a strong showing that was a nice way to bring Itami back into the spotlight.
There are few pairings in WWE that have me more immediately invested than The Usos battling Sheamus and Cesaro. They are so perfect together that it's hard not to enjoy every second. Some will knock this for its finish which was abrupt and silly, but nothing can take from this action.
The way Jimmy and Jey Uso can make everything work individually and as a team is impressive. It's like they are solely raising the bar for tag team wrestling every time they get a major spotlight, and they are already WWE's best team.
I want this match on a major stage with 15 minutes and no commercial breaks. The last time that happened, the two teams had one of my favorite matches of 2017, and I think they have even better in them.
Honorable Mention: Cedric Alexander vs. Hideo Itami, 205 Live January 9, 2019 (Rating: 8.75/10)
This match was somewhat let down by a crowd that was not interested, but Cedric Alexander and Hideo Itami continue to be good rivals. Alexander makes Itami's strikes look dangerous, and he pushed the Japanese legend to be at his best even if he feels less committed than he does against certain other opponents.
This was a fun, vicious striking fest with both men getting in their best. A few of the spots really sold the action, and a hot crowd would have likely made this match of the week. Instead, it was just a strong showing that was a nice way to bring Itami back into the spotlight.
