Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
WWE's biggest competition in the United States made its debut this week with Double or Nothing, and it was a rallying cry that most major companies would never have dared ignored. AEW didn't just hit it out of the park. They made a statement.
While I still need to sit down and watch the entire event, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. I expected WWE would take a serious stand here to match up to the work of the AEW talent.
I expected too much of WWE. The company did what it always does, barely try. In particular, I cannot say enough about how embarrassing this week's Raw was coming off of DoN, but I'll try my best to be concise.
While I still need to sit down and watch the entire event, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. I expected WWE would take a serious stand here to match up to the work of the AEW talent.
I expected too much of WWE. The company did what it always does, barely try. In particular, I cannot say enough about how embarrassing this week's Raw was coming off of DoN, but I'll try my best to be concise.
Suddenly I am now looking forward to Brock Lesnar appearing on WWE programming again. Not to wrestle, just to dance to random songs.
Monday Night Raw May 27, 2019
Brock Lesnar Can Be Entertaining When He Wants to Be
Overview: Brock Lesnar answered the challenges of both Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins by coming out, but he wasn't interesting in challenging either men. He just wanted to jam out to his Money in the Bank briefcase, which now had speakers.
Later in the night, The Architect came out to face down The Beast Incarnate again with Paul Heyman going over the rules of the contract. When he stated that Lesnar had until May 19, 2020, The Beast freaked out on Heyman, slapping him with the contract and walking out, realizing he didn't need to cash in for months.
Analysis: This was a surprisingly funny night for Lesnar. He embraced the meme of his head bobbing with his briefcase and further played up his complete lack of knowledge of the WWE product. Just a week after I was lamenting The Beast's involvement in WWE, he is the most entertaining he has been in years.
Baron Corbin is a Perfect Challenger for the Completely Missable Super ShowDown
Overview: AJ Styles announced he was injured and would not be able to compete tonight in the Fatal 4-Way match to crown a No. 1 contender at WWE Super ShowDown, replaced by Baron Corbin who attacked Styles in the trainers room.
Corbin then managed to steal the win after Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman brawled into the crowd, hitting End of Days on The Miz.
Analysis: We were so close to Rollins vs. Miz, but I'm glad that match was held off. Corbin is the blandest of heel competitors for the world title, and he will be a fine missable opponent to The Architect. I would hope it doesn't go beyond that show as, at best, The Lone Wolf should be competing for the United States Championship.
Conclusion
What a terrible show. This was slow to start with no real wrestling for an hour then Cesaro vs. Ricochet tried to be the jump start to the night, but it slowed back down afterward. Super ShowDown is coming up, and it barely feels like WWE cares while still shoving the events in fans' faces.
Overview: Brock Lesnar answered the challenges of both Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins by coming out, but he wasn't interesting in challenging either men. He just wanted to jam out to his Money in the Bank briefcase, which now had speakers.
Later in the night, The Architect came out to face down The Beast Incarnate again with Paul Heyman going over the rules of the contract. When he stated that Lesnar had until May 19, 2020, The Beast freaked out on Heyman, slapping him with the contract and walking out, realizing he didn't need to cash in for months.
Analysis: This was a surprisingly funny night for Lesnar. He embraced the meme of his head bobbing with his briefcase and further played up his complete lack of knowledge of the WWE product. Just a week after I was lamenting The Beast's involvement in WWE, he is the most entertaining he has been in years.
Baron Corbin is a Perfect Challenger for the Completely Missable Super ShowDown
Overview: AJ Styles announced he was injured and would not be able to compete tonight in the Fatal 4-Way match to crown a No. 1 contender at WWE Super ShowDown, replaced by Baron Corbin who attacked Styles in the trainers room.
Corbin then managed to steal the win after Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman brawled into the crowd, hitting End of Days on The Miz.
Analysis: We were so close to Rollins vs. Miz, but I'm glad that match was held off. Corbin is the blandest of heel competitors for the world title, and he will be a fine missable opponent to The Architect. I would hope it doesn't go beyond that show as, at best, The Lone Wolf should be competing for the United States Championship.
Conclusion
What a terrible show. This was slow to start with no real wrestling for an hour then Cesaro vs. Ricochet tried to be the jump start to the night, but it slowed back down afterward. Super ShowDown is coming up, and it barely feels like WWE cares while still shoving the events in fans' faces.
Grade: D
Roman Reigns would have taken the 24/7 Championship for himself, but he apparently decided it was too ugly for him.
SmackDown Live May 28, 2019
The 24/7 Championship Should Just Be Renamed The R-Truth Championship
Overview: R-Truth was still chased around the arena on Raw then into SmackDown until Drake Maverick ran him right into the screen. While Truth ended up successfully defending his title by pinning Maverick, the champion ran right into the middle of Shane McMahon Appreciation Night.
Shane directed Elias and Drew McIntyre to lay out Truth with The Living Truth taking the pinfall after The Drift Away to become 24/7 champion. Shane then forced an injured Truth to team with Roman Reigns against Elias and McIntyre. Reigns won with a Spear then hit a second one to set up Truth to pin The Drifter and win back his title.
Analysis: I feel like most have been down on the 24/7 title from the start, but Truth has to be changing some people's minds. It is the perfect championship for him. It keep him relevant and leads to solid comedy segments, which is where the veteran thrives.
It even got him in a main-event angle. It was great to see him fight adversity here by losing his title and managing to get it back by the end of the night. I do hope more of these segments are in the future as Truth getting chased around the arena can only work for so long.
Daniel Bryan and Rowan vs. Heavy Machinery Might Be the SmackDown Tag Team Feud for the Next Year Because Who Else is There?
Overview: Daniel Bryan and Rowan were interviewed about their role as champions, disparaging the entire SmackDown tag team division. This brought out Heavy Machinery, who wanted a title shot. Bryan accepted, for a later date.
Analysis: Bryan and Rowan remain the only relevant element of the blue brand's tag division, and I hope they can elevate multiple teams along the way. Otis and Tucker are a fine comedy duo, but it will be interesting to see if they can be more. If they can, this division desperately needs them.
Conclusion
Opening with Kofi vs. Kevin Owens really energized this entire show. It got me excited about the entire night and made up for multiple lackluster moments. Bayley vs. Lacey Evans as well as the entire use of the 24/7 title this week made this a worthwhile event to watch all around.
Overview: R-Truth was still chased around the arena on Raw then into SmackDown until Drake Maverick ran him right into the screen. While Truth ended up successfully defending his title by pinning Maverick, the champion ran right into the middle of Shane McMahon Appreciation Night.
Shane directed Elias and Drew McIntyre to lay out Truth with The Living Truth taking the pinfall after The Drift Away to become 24/7 champion. Shane then forced an injured Truth to team with Roman Reigns against Elias and McIntyre. Reigns won with a Spear then hit a second one to set up Truth to pin The Drifter and win back his title.
Analysis: I feel like most have been down on the 24/7 title from the start, but Truth has to be changing some people's minds. It is the perfect championship for him. It keep him relevant and leads to solid comedy segments, which is where the veteran thrives.
It even got him in a main-event angle. It was great to see him fight adversity here by losing his title and managing to get it back by the end of the night. I do hope more of these segments are in the future as Truth getting chased around the arena can only work for so long.
Daniel Bryan and Rowan vs. Heavy Machinery Might Be the SmackDown Tag Team Feud for the Next Year Because Who Else is There?
Overview: Daniel Bryan and Rowan were interviewed about their role as champions, disparaging the entire SmackDown tag team division. This brought out Heavy Machinery, who wanted a title shot. Bryan accepted, for a later date.
Analysis: Bryan and Rowan remain the only relevant element of the blue brand's tag division, and I hope they can elevate multiple teams along the way. Otis and Tucker are a fine comedy duo, but it will be interesting to see if they can be more. If they can, this division desperately needs them.
Conclusion
Opening with Kofi vs. Kevin Owens really energized this entire show. It got me excited about the entire night and made up for multiple lackluster moments. Bayley vs. Lacey Evans as well as the entire use of the 24/7 title this week made this a worthwhile event to watch all around.
Grade: B
205 Live May 28, 2019
Humberto Carrillo Finally Proved His Worth to 205 Live
Overview: Jack Gallagher challenged Humberto Carrillo to see who was the best man one on one. They went all out in the main event with a twisting 450 sealing the win for Carrillo. Afterward, the two men hugged.
Analysis: I have not been kind to Carrillo so far in his run in 205 Live. He's a fine performer, but he has been treated like a star despite never coming off as one. Here though, he put on the best performance of his WWE career, and it really made me see him more clearly.
It certainly helped that Gallagher was finally getting a spotlight again, and he's fantastic. However, this match was about both men raising their game. It was all around a reminder that both men are worth watching.
Overview: Jack Gallagher challenged Humberto Carrillo to see who was the best man one on one. They went all out in the main event with a twisting 450 sealing the win for Carrillo. Afterward, the two men hugged.
Analysis: I have not been kind to Carrillo so far in his run in 205 Live. He's a fine performer, but he has been treated like a star despite never coming off as one. Here though, he put on the best performance of his WWE career, and it really made me see him more clearly.
It certainly helped that Gallagher was finally getting a spotlight again, and he's fantastic. However, this match was about both men raising their game. It was all around a reminder that both men are worth watching.
That's a star right there. Can't believe 205 Live isn't respected more with leading men like this.
NXT and NXT UK May 29, 2019
Pitting Mia Yim and Bianca Belair Against Each Other is the Best for Both Women
Overview: Mia Yim fought Bianca Belair in the opening bout with the two pushing each other farther than they ever have before. With Protect Ya Neck and a sly cradle with a handful of hair, Yim took the surprise victory for Belair.
Analysis: Belair is absolutely a star in the making. Her athleticism is off the charts, and she overdelivers with the spotlight. However, she is still fairly new to the business. Yim is a veteran with proven acumen. She can bring the most out of Belair and gain some needed recognition on a roster where she's been ignored too often.
Nina Samuels is Not the Heel NXT UK Needs
Overview: Nina Samuels got her chance finally to take on Toni Storm after weeks of insults. However, despite her best efforts, she was out of her depth against the NXT UK Women's Champion with Storm hitting the Storm Zero.
Analysis: I'm still waiting for someone to really step up to Storm. While the NXT UK Championship picture grows more exciting, the women's division is a mess. I can't believe in anyone as a challenge beyond Rhea Ripley, who is preoccupied with her forever feud with Piper Niven.
Samuels is a fine character performer, but she does very little in the ring. She's much like many of the other women in the division, fading quickly into the background after brief moments of shine.
Overview: Mia Yim fought Bianca Belair in the opening bout with the two pushing each other farther than they ever have before. With Protect Ya Neck and a sly cradle with a handful of hair, Yim took the surprise victory for Belair.
Analysis: Belair is absolutely a star in the making. Her athleticism is off the charts, and she overdelivers with the spotlight. However, she is still fairly new to the business. Yim is a veteran with proven acumen. She can bring the most out of Belair and gain some needed recognition on a roster where she's been ignored too often.
Nina Samuels is Not the Heel NXT UK Needs
Overview: Nina Samuels got her chance finally to take on Toni Storm after weeks of insults. However, despite her best efforts, she was out of her depth against the NXT UK Women's Champion with Storm hitting the Storm Zero.
Analysis: I'm still waiting for someone to really step up to Storm. While the NXT UK Championship picture grows more exciting, the women's division is a mess. I can't believe in anyone as a challenge beyond Rhea Ripley, who is preoccupied with her forever feud with Piper Niven.
Samuels is a fine character performer, but she does very little in the ring. She's much like many of the other women in the division, fading quickly into the background after brief moments of shine.
Match of the Week
Kofi Kingston vs. Kevin Owens, SmackDown May 28 (Rating: 8.75/10)
Once again, Kofi and KO deliver in a great athletic showcase from bell to bell that also told a strong story. While they could have done more to sell their heat as rivals, they still never lost the fact that Owens had the mental edge while Kofi was just too in the zone to fail despite his anger.
In particular, this was a great match for The Prizefighter. He showed off his athleticism at its finest. His senton bomb was a thing of beauty, and I hope he is not lost in the shuffle now just because he refused to work Saudi Arabia.
Honorable Mention: Humberto Carrillo vs. Jack Gallagher, 205 Live May 28 (Rating: 8.75/10)
I mentioned this earlier, but this match was a showcase for Carrillo. Finally, I understood why he was made so high profile from the start in 205 Live. He was electric when it mattered especially in the top notch closing stretch of this match.
However, the match was first and foremost proof of how much more Gallagher deserves. He and Drew Gulak are stars despite the way they have been used lately, and this was a showcase of his star power. The way he manipulated and dominated Carrillo was next level technical work.
Once again, Kofi and KO deliver in a great athletic showcase from bell to bell that also told a strong story. While they could have done more to sell their heat as rivals, they still never lost the fact that Owens had the mental edge while Kofi was just too in the zone to fail despite his anger.
In particular, this was a great match for The Prizefighter. He showed off his athleticism at its finest. His senton bomb was a thing of beauty, and I hope he is not lost in the shuffle now just because he refused to work Saudi Arabia.
Honorable Mention: Humberto Carrillo vs. Jack Gallagher, 205 Live May 28 (Rating: 8.75/10)
I mentioned this earlier, but this match was a showcase for Carrillo. Finally, I understood why he was made so high profile from the start in 205 Live. He was electric when it mattered especially in the top notch closing stretch of this match.
However, the match was first and foremost proof of how much more Gallagher deserves. He and Drew Gulak are stars despite the way they have been used lately, and this was a showcase of his star power. The way he manipulated and dominated Carrillo was next level technical work.
