Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Covering WWE is exhausting. For some reason, this company has lost its mind, showing no remote idea of how to tell cohesive and coherent stories anymore. Every problem is handled with the most awkward-looking sledgehammer shots.
I find myself desperately waiting for AEW to start airing. I wonder more than ever why I don't cover Impact Wrestling instead, a consistently solid product that uses its talent far better on a weekly basis. I question why I don't just take a break from wrestling all together for a while.
The answer is that I'm committed. It's the ultimate trick WWE loves to pull. They pull you in, and then you can never escape their grasp.
I find myself desperately waiting for AEW to start airing. I wonder more than ever why I don't cover Impact Wrestling instead, a consistently solid product that uses its talent far better on a weekly basis. I question why I don't just take a break from wrestling all together for a while.
The answer is that I'm committed. It's the ultimate trick WWE loves to pull. They pull you in, and then you can never escape their grasp.
Nothing brings up the ratings like Vince McMahon telling you he's a genius for 20 minutes.
Monday Night Raw May 6, 2019
The Brand Split is Dead. Long Live the Wild Card Rule.
Overview: Roman Reigns announced he was appearing on Raw to deal with unfinished business. Vince McMahon was not happy with Reigns' actions, only fueled by Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston also arriving.
In response, Vince McMahon announced the Wild Card rule with 4 wrestlers from each brand allowed to appear each week on the opposite brand. This allowed Vince to book Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre and Kofi vs. Bryan for the WWE Championship.
Analysis: This is idiotic. It's a showcase of WWE being desperate. Rather than attempting to correct the issues backstage that lead to shoddy storytelling and lackluster talent use, WWE is just going to overload both brands with well-known names and stop using other stars even more.
I cannot imagine that the writers all came together and decided this was the best way to battle the recent ratings slump. The answer is not to thrown Reigns on both shows every week. The answer is to use your massive roster better, and, if you can't, let people leave.
Sami Zayn Deserves Better Than Another Feud with Braun Strowman
Overview: Sami Zayn continued talking down to the audience, but Braun Strowman interrupted. He ran Zayn to the backstage area and threw him into the dumpster, leading him to getting taken by the garbage truck.
Analysis: I like Zayn and Strowman, and they have the ability to put on good matches together. However, I dread the idea of them working together. The last time they feuded, neither man benefited, and this feels even more like a lose-lose scenario.
The Monster Among Men is a great talent continually used to expose the insecurities and failures of heels. He never actually wins titles. He just makes sure other top heels aren't seen as good enough to win titles. Zayn is good enough to be a champion soon, but he won't get there with Strowman chasing him.
Conclusion
I thought Raw was bad before, but it just got worse when WWE started trying to make it seem historic. The only part of this show worth watching was Kofi vs. Bryan, a Smackdown match for some reason thrown on Raw that wasn't even close to their WrestleMania clash. Absolutely garbage week.
Overview: Roman Reigns announced he was appearing on Raw to deal with unfinished business. Vince McMahon was not happy with Reigns' actions, only fueled by Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston also arriving.
In response, Vince McMahon announced the Wild Card rule with 4 wrestlers from each brand allowed to appear each week on the opposite brand. This allowed Vince to book Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre and Kofi vs. Bryan for the WWE Championship.
Analysis: This is idiotic. It's a showcase of WWE being desperate. Rather than attempting to correct the issues backstage that lead to shoddy storytelling and lackluster talent use, WWE is just going to overload both brands with well-known names and stop using other stars even more.
I cannot imagine that the writers all came together and decided this was the best way to battle the recent ratings slump. The answer is not to thrown Reigns on both shows every week. The answer is to use your massive roster better, and, if you can't, let people leave.
Sami Zayn Deserves Better Than Another Feud with Braun Strowman
Overview: Sami Zayn continued talking down to the audience, but Braun Strowman interrupted. He ran Zayn to the backstage area and threw him into the dumpster, leading him to getting taken by the garbage truck.
Analysis: I like Zayn and Strowman, and they have the ability to put on good matches together. However, I dread the idea of them working together. The last time they feuded, neither man benefited, and this feels even more like a lose-lose scenario.
The Monster Among Men is a great talent continually used to expose the insecurities and failures of heels. He never actually wins titles. He just makes sure other top heels aren't seen as good enough to win titles. Zayn is good enough to be a champion soon, but he won't get there with Strowman chasing him.
Conclusion
I thought Raw was bad before, but it just got worse when WWE started trying to make it seem historic. The only part of this show worth watching was Kofi vs. Bryan, a Smackdown match for some reason thrown on Raw that wasn't even close to their WrestleMania clash. Absolutely garbage week.
Grade: D-
Sami Zayn's going to hold onto Kofi as long as he can because, once he lets go, he knows he's headed right back to Raw.
SmackDown Live May 7, 2019
Kofi Kingston is the Best Champion in WWE Right Now
Overview: Kofi defeated Bryan clean in the main event of Raw. He then agreed to a triple threat against Zayn and AJ Styles on SmackDown. He managed to overcome distractions from Kevin Owens and a trio of Blue Thunder Bombs to win with Trouble in Paradise on Zayn.
Analysis: I was skeptical for a short while about Kofi's long term potential as champion. His feud with KO is likely to fizzle out quickly, but I do think he has shown he can hold the championship for a while. He has massively stepped his game in the ring and come off more as a star even with limited mic skills.
While I like Becky Lynch as double champion, she has been aloof since winning the titles, and Seth Rollins' title reign has been surprisingly understated. At least until Money in the Bank, Kofi's the one champion absolutely pulling his weight.
Daniel Bryan and Rowan as SmackDown Tag Team Champions Was the Best Case Scenario for the Division
Overview: Shane McMahon announced that Daniel Bryan and Rowan would be the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions with The Usos arriving to demand the heels earn their shot. The new team did just that when Rowan connected with The Iron Claw for the win.
Analysis: I came into SmackDown expecting Shane and Elias would be named the new tag team champions. It would not surprise me if that was heavily considered over the past week. Luckily, a better option emerged. While Bryan and Rowan aren't a "true" or "traveled" tag team, they are quality performers with massive credibility.
At a time when this division is as low as I can remember, Bryan and Rowan are a light that shines on the division. The heels can help elevate guys like Heavy Machinery into a stronger role and carry the brand through a rough patch for the time being.
Conclusion
The Wild Card rule is stupid, and it's already ruining SmackDown's depth. So many stars entirely missed this week so that Styles, Zayn, and The Usos could get more screentime. While those guys are all great, there's too much talent getting crippled by this booking.
That said, the show itself was good, far better than Raw certainly. The wrestling got cut a bit short especially the potentially fantastic Andrade vs. Ali, but the end result was a strong episode that showed all the holes in the long-term potential of the brand.
Overview: Kofi defeated Bryan clean in the main event of Raw. He then agreed to a triple threat against Zayn and AJ Styles on SmackDown. He managed to overcome distractions from Kevin Owens and a trio of Blue Thunder Bombs to win with Trouble in Paradise on Zayn.
Analysis: I was skeptical for a short while about Kofi's long term potential as champion. His feud with KO is likely to fizzle out quickly, but I do think he has shown he can hold the championship for a while. He has massively stepped his game in the ring and come off more as a star even with limited mic skills.
While I like Becky Lynch as double champion, she has been aloof since winning the titles, and Seth Rollins' title reign has been surprisingly understated. At least until Money in the Bank, Kofi's the one champion absolutely pulling his weight.
Daniel Bryan and Rowan as SmackDown Tag Team Champions Was the Best Case Scenario for the Division
Overview: Shane McMahon announced that Daniel Bryan and Rowan would be the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions with The Usos arriving to demand the heels earn their shot. The new team did just that when Rowan connected with The Iron Claw for the win.
Analysis: I came into SmackDown expecting Shane and Elias would be named the new tag team champions. It would not surprise me if that was heavily considered over the past week. Luckily, a better option emerged. While Bryan and Rowan aren't a "true" or "traveled" tag team, they are quality performers with massive credibility.
At a time when this division is as low as I can remember, Bryan and Rowan are a light that shines on the division. The heels can help elevate guys like Heavy Machinery into a stronger role and carry the brand through a rough patch for the time being.
Conclusion
The Wild Card rule is stupid, and it's already ruining SmackDown's depth. So many stars entirely missed this week so that Styles, Zayn, and The Usos could get more screentime. While those guys are all great, there's too much talent getting crippled by this booking.
That said, the show itself was good, far better than Raw certainly. The wrestling got cut a bit short especially the potentially fantastic Andrade vs. Ali, but the end result was a strong episode that showed all the holes in the long-term potential of the brand.
Grade: B+
205 Live May 7, 2019
Tony Nese vs. Ariya Daivari May Be Make or Break for 205 Live
Overview: Ariya Daivari put away Noam Dar with a hammerlock lariat. Tony Nese then stared down his challenger who it was announced earlier in the week he would be fighting at Money in the Bank on the Kickoff show.
Analysis: Nese vs. Daivari is far from the most exciting title feud this brand has put together. It has stakes, and both men have momentum. However, it's hard to get excited about it. The two will have to deliver in massive fashion at MITB to prove they are worthy of their spot even on a main roster preshow.
Overview: Ariya Daivari put away Noam Dar with a hammerlock lariat. Tony Nese then stared down his challenger who it was announced earlier in the week he would be fighting at Money in the Bank on the Kickoff show.
Analysis: Nese vs. Daivari is far from the most exciting title feud this brand has put together. It has stakes, and both men have momentum. However, it's hard to get excited about it. The two will have to deliver in massive fashion at MITB to prove they are worthy of their spot even on a main roster preshow.
The lack of interesting character in this ring is palpable.
NXT and NXT UK May 8, 2019
The Undisputed Era Breaking Up Would Be a Terrible Mistake
Overview: Adam Cole struggled to get out of the gates against Matt Riddle, but Undisputed Era got involved to keep the leader in the fight. However, Roderick Strong's interference backfired to set up Cole to tap to the Bromission. Afterward, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish had to step in to separate Cole and Strong from fighting.
Analysis: Please stop teasing breaking up UE. The stable is the only thing keeping everyone involved relevant. I find them somewhat boring, but it would far worse with them fending for themselves. NXT needs them as a constant stable threat on a roster lacking real pressure.
It's Time for NXT UK to Create New Challengers
Overview: Sid Scala announced a No. 1 contender tournament with four qualifiers for a Fatal 4-Way that would decide the next man to step up to the winner of WALTER vs. Pete Dunne. Joe Coffey defeated Flash Morgan Webster to get the first spot with Dave Mastiff vs. Wolfgang set for next week.
Analysis: This week began what should be the perfect opportunity to start establishing fresh challengers for the NXT UK Championship. Coffey got the first spot, but there's room for fresh stars to stand out. Mastiff is the perfect example of a guy ready to take that next step. He and WALTER would be a fun hoss fight.
Overview: Adam Cole struggled to get out of the gates against Matt Riddle, but Undisputed Era got involved to keep the leader in the fight. However, Roderick Strong's interference backfired to set up Cole to tap to the Bromission. Afterward, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish had to step in to separate Cole and Strong from fighting.
Analysis: Please stop teasing breaking up UE. The stable is the only thing keeping everyone involved relevant. I find them somewhat boring, but it would far worse with them fending for themselves. NXT needs them as a constant stable threat on a roster lacking real pressure.
It's Time for NXT UK to Create New Challengers
Overview: Sid Scala announced a No. 1 contender tournament with four qualifiers for a Fatal 4-Way that would decide the next man to step up to the winner of WALTER vs. Pete Dunne. Joe Coffey defeated Flash Morgan Webster to get the first spot with Dave Mastiff vs. Wolfgang set for next week.
Analysis: This week began what should be the perfect opportunity to start establishing fresh challengers for the NXT UK Championship. Coffey got the first spot, but there's room for fresh stars to stand out. Mastiff is the perfect example of a guy ready to take that next step. He and WALTER would be a fun hoss fight.
Match of the Week
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston vs. AJ Styles vs. Sami Zayn, SmackDown May 7 (Rating: 9/10)
This was a tremendous triple threat that likely would have been a match of the year contender without commercial break. These three went all out in a match that showcased why each of them are among the best in the business right now.
In particular, this felt like a true return to form for Zayn, who looked at his best here. He was a conniving heel with the speed and athleticism to make any time he wasn't hiding look lethal. His trio of Blue Thunder Bombs at the end of the match was top notch.
This was all about solidifying the reign of Kofi as WWE Champion, and it really worked wonders.
Honorable Mention: NXT UK Tag Team Champions The Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Noam Dar and Kenny Williams, NXT UK May 8 (Rating: 8.75/10)
Zack Gibson and James Drake are fantastic, and they always deliver together. It's great to see them getting time. While this was a stalling tactic for the actual tag team feud the company is building, it worked because Noam Dar is on the best run I've seen from him in WWE.
This was a great showcase of what the champions do well. They isolated and dominated while the faces with much less chemistry struggled to match up but fought hard throughout. NXT UK is great when the main matches like this have a story and are well executed.
This was a tremendous triple threat that likely would have been a match of the year contender without commercial break. These three went all out in a match that showcased why each of them are among the best in the business right now.
In particular, this felt like a true return to form for Zayn, who looked at his best here. He was a conniving heel with the speed and athleticism to make any time he wasn't hiding look lethal. His trio of Blue Thunder Bombs at the end of the match was top notch.
This was all about solidifying the reign of Kofi as WWE Champion, and it really worked wonders.
Honorable Mention: NXT UK Tag Team Champions The Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Noam Dar and Kenny Williams, NXT UK May 8 (Rating: 8.75/10)
Zack Gibson and James Drake are fantastic, and they always deliver together. It's great to see them getting time. While this was a stalling tactic for the actual tag team feud the company is building, it worked because Noam Dar is on the best run I've seen from him in WWE.
This was a great showcase of what the champions do well. They isolated and dominated while the faces with much less chemistry struggled to match up but fought hard throughout. NXT UK is great when the main matches like this have a story and are well executed.