Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
I really don't want to jinx it, but I think WWE is finally starting to get it. I'm talking about their storytelling or booking. That will always be all over the place. It's the match quality. The wrestling is finally starting to feel like it's rising to the level of the talent.
Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Raw are putting on a pair of quality matches at the least every week. 205 Live and the NXTs had already gotten there, but they feel even more consistent. It just feels like the shake up backstage and potential additional freedoms have given this roster its due.
Even when the booking isn't great, I'm excited to watch all these shows again because there's a chance for an absolute killer match every night.
Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Raw are putting on a pair of quality matches at the least every week. 205 Live and the NXTs had already gotten there, but they feel even more consistent. It just feels like the shake up backstage and potential additional freedoms have given this roster its due.
Even when the booking isn't great, I'm excited to watch all these shows again because there's a chance for an absolute killer match every night.
They backed into this title opportunity after losing almost every match, and now they're champions in classic WWE booking fashion.
NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff
New Champions Is The Right Direction for NXT UK Even If They're Downgrades
Overview: In the chaos, Mark Andrews snuck in with a shooting star press to capture the NXT UK Tag Team Championships for himself and Flash Morgan Webster. A pair of Gory bombs sealed the victory for Kay Lee Ray to become the new NXT UK Women's Champion.
Analysis: Andrews and Webster are a good team. I wish they had been treated better up to this point to come off more like worthy champions, but they likely comes after the fact. Their chemistry makes them a good pairing for anyone, and they already have two worthy challengers in Gallus and The Grizzled Young Veterans.
However, much like Ray who was obviously not on Storm's level but still ended up winning, it feels like these new champions walked into a situation where the brand needed fresh competitors rather than the challengers proving they were worthy. Still, I am happy to see fresh blood at the top. I do wonder if Storm heads to NXT proper soon.
Cesaro Should Take The Tyler Breeze Approach and Work NXT as a Top Guy
Overview: Cesaro issued an open challenge which Ilja Dragunov accepted emphatically. While he gave his all and showed how good he can be, it felt like he was running into a motivated man working on a higher level. The Swiss Superman stopped Dragunov and hit him with a European uppercut into a Gotch Neutralizer for the win.
Analysis: This was surprisingly cool. It is actually the coolest Cesaro has been since peak Bar. He felt like an unstoppable machine and had an opponent willing to just go off with him. This might have just been a one-off, but I hope there's more to come.
Cesaro is so much better suited for this role, challenging guys to be better rather than enhancing whoever comes his way on the main roster.
Conclusion
This show was impressively great. I expected nothing, and every match delivered. The main event was an absolute physical epic. The tag team triple threat was a blast of pure energy. Cesaro delivered as expected. Storm vs. Ray deserved some of the time that Dave Mastiff vs. Joe Coffey got, but both delivered better than expected.
It was a showcase of the brand at its best that not enough people will see for obvious reasons. The actual weekly product isn't living up to this high bar.
Overview: In the chaos, Mark Andrews snuck in with a shooting star press to capture the NXT UK Tag Team Championships for himself and Flash Morgan Webster. A pair of Gory bombs sealed the victory for Kay Lee Ray to become the new NXT UK Women's Champion.
Analysis: Andrews and Webster are a good team. I wish they had been treated better up to this point to come off more like worthy champions, but they likely comes after the fact. Their chemistry makes them a good pairing for anyone, and they already have two worthy challengers in Gallus and The Grizzled Young Veterans.
However, much like Ray who was obviously not on Storm's level but still ended up winning, it feels like these new champions walked into a situation where the brand needed fresh competitors rather than the challengers proving they were worthy. Still, I am happy to see fresh blood at the top. I do wonder if Storm heads to NXT proper soon.
Cesaro Should Take The Tyler Breeze Approach and Work NXT as a Top Guy
Overview: Cesaro issued an open challenge which Ilja Dragunov accepted emphatically. While he gave his all and showed how good he can be, it felt like he was running into a motivated man working on a higher level. The Swiss Superman stopped Dragunov and hit him with a European uppercut into a Gotch Neutralizer for the win.
Analysis: This was surprisingly cool. It is actually the coolest Cesaro has been since peak Bar. He felt like an unstoppable machine and had an opponent willing to just go off with him. This might have just been a one-off, but I hope there's more to come.
Cesaro is so much better suited for this role, challenging guys to be better rather than enhancing whoever comes his way on the main roster.
Conclusion
This show was impressively great. I expected nothing, and every match delivered. The main event was an absolute physical epic. The tag team triple threat was a blast of pure energy. Cesaro delivered as expected. Storm vs. Ray deserved some of the time that Dave Mastiff vs. Joe Coffey got, but both delivered better than expected.
It was a showcase of the brand at its best that not enough people will see for obvious reasons. The actual weekly product isn't living up to this high bar.
Grade: A
Think of the children, Bayley! Think of how much they'll cry!
Monday Night Raw September 2, 2019
Bayley's Turn Was Rushed But Not Unwarranted
Overview: Sasha Banks challenged Becky Lynch to a match at Clash of Champions which the Raw Women's Champion readily accepted. Later in the main event, The Boss attacked The Man to cause a disqualification. Bayley then turned on Lynch, her partner in the match, and attacked her with a steel chair.
Analysis: This was a great scene as The Hugger finally reached into her dark side. It had been a long time coming as she had been a face her entire run. It will be interesting to see how she evolves from here. My main concern is simply that this feels rushed. Why do this before she fight Charlotte Flair? Is The Queen forced to turn face to balance it out?
Draws in Tournaments are Cop Outs and Should Be Illegal
Overview: Ricochet and Samoa Joe fought in a physical war where The Samoan Submission Machine wore down The One and Only until he was barely able to stand. The two fought to the top rope with Joe trapping Ricochet in the Coquina Clutch only for both to fall to the mat and pin each other for a double three count.
It was revealed later that the decision had been made that both would advance to the semifinals in a triple threat against Baron Corbin, who defeated an injured Cedric Alexader who had been attacked by The OC earlier in the night.
Analysis: This was such an impressive cop out. Joe dominated the match, and it would be an emphatic statement for him to win. However, Corbin had already won, so a face had to win. To save both guys, WWE went to a draw even though the contest could have easily been restarted.
I just hope that Joe emerges with the win next week. He needs it way more than Corbin or Ricochet, and he's the best fit to face off against Chad Gable... who I'll talk about in a second.
Conclusion
This was a bit of a weird show. It wasn't bad. It was just... weird. The booking felt off, but the wrestling was again really strong. Corbin had one of the best matches of his career, and Ricochet and Joe got so much time and delivered. The Bayley turn solidified it as a night to remember even if not everything clicked.
Overview: Sasha Banks challenged Becky Lynch to a match at Clash of Champions which the Raw Women's Champion readily accepted. Later in the main event, The Boss attacked The Man to cause a disqualification. Bayley then turned on Lynch, her partner in the match, and attacked her with a steel chair.
Analysis: This was a great scene as The Hugger finally reached into her dark side. It had been a long time coming as she had been a face her entire run. It will be interesting to see how she evolves from here. My main concern is simply that this feels rushed. Why do this before she fight Charlotte Flair? Is The Queen forced to turn face to balance it out?
Draws in Tournaments are Cop Outs and Should Be Illegal
Overview: Ricochet and Samoa Joe fought in a physical war where The Samoan Submission Machine wore down The One and Only until he was barely able to stand. The two fought to the top rope with Joe trapping Ricochet in the Coquina Clutch only for both to fall to the mat and pin each other for a double three count.
It was revealed later that the decision had been made that both would advance to the semifinals in a triple threat against Baron Corbin, who defeated an injured Cedric Alexader who had been attacked by The OC earlier in the night.
Analysis: This was such an impressive cop out. Joe dominated the match, and it would be an emphatic statement for him to win. However, Corbin had already won, so a face had to win. To save both guys, WWE went to a draw even though the contest could have easily been restarted.
I just hope that Joe emerges with the win next week. He needs it way more than Corbin or Ricochet, and he's the best fit to face off against Chad Gable... who I'll talk about in a second.
Conclusion
This was a bit of a weird show. It wasn't bad. It was just... weird. The booking felt off, but the wrestling was again really strong. Corbin had one of the best matches of his career, and Ricochet and Joe got so much time and delivered. The Bayley turn solidified it as a night to remember even if not everything clicked.
Grade: B
SmackDown Live September 3, 2019
Chad Gable Is The Last Man Standing in King of the Ring That I'm Rooting For
Overview: Elias badly injured the leg of Ali to make sure he could not use his best offense, allowing him to hit Drift Away to take the victory. Chad Gable pulled off a huge upset by rolling up Andrade for the three to advance in King of the Ring.
Analysis: When The Living Truth defeated Ali, it was disheartening, but it did set up for a result I never expected. I expected either Andrade or Drew McIntyre in the finals, and neither man made it. I was rooting for Ali, Buddy Murphy, or Cedric Alexander, and they all are out too (though they have all been incredible this past month).
All I have left is to embrace the ultimate underdog. A month ago, I would have assumed it was more likely Gable was a mainstay on 205 Live at this point rather than set to win King of the Ring, but we're here now. I'm excited to see what Gable will do next and whether he will adopt the name Shorty G as his king title.
Erick Rowan is a Weird Choice to Suddenly Push to the Main Event
Overview: Daniel Bryan once more demanded an apology as he refused to be called a liar. Roman Reigns headed down to the ring only to be ambushed by Erick Rowan. The Planet's Champion tried to save The Big Dog, but Rowan stated he was done being order around and chokeslammed his intellectual peer through the announce table.
He then admitted he was behind everything all on his own.
Analysis: I don't really know what to make of all this. I like Rowan. He's not a top guy, but he's fairly reliable in any position. They announce Reigns vs. Rowan for Clash of Champions before this, and it baffled me but this segment made it make more sense. I still don't know why they chose him for this role.
Maybe he'll knock it out of the park and prove he deserves better. Maybe there's another reveal coming that someone else was helping him all along. I am certainly more interested now than I was a week ago.
Conclusion
Speaking of weird shows, the booking was all over the place on SmackDown. I couldn't tell who mattered on the blue brand. Suddenly, Elias is stacking up victory with Chad Gable. Erick Rowan is a monster heel dominating two former world champions. At least WWE isn't trying to be predictable anymore.
Overview: Elias badly injured the leg of Ali to make sure he could not use his best offense, allowing him to hit Drift Away to take the victory. Chad Gable pulled off a huge upset by rolling up Andrade for the three to advance in King of the Ring.
Analysis: When The Living Truth defeated Ali, it was disheartening, but it did set up for a result I never expected. I expected either Andrade or Drew McIntyre in the finals, and neither man made it. I was rooting for Ali, Buddy Murphy, or Cedric Alexander, and they all are out too (though they have all been incredible this past month).
All I have left is to embrace the ultimate underdog. A month ago, I would have assumed it was more likely Gable was a mainstay on 205 Live at this point rather than set to win King of the Ring, but we're here now. I'm excited to see what Gable will do next and whether he will adopt the name Shorty G as his king title.
Erick Rowan is a Weird Choice to Suddenly Push to the Main Event
Overview: Daniel Bryan once more demanded an apology as he refused to be called a liar. Roman Reigns headed down to the ring only to be ambushed by Erick Rowan. The Planet's Champion tried to save The Big Dog, but Rowan stated he was done being order around and chokeslammed his intellectual peer through the announce table.
He then admitted he was behind everything all on his own.
Analysis: I don't really know what to make of all this. I like Rowan. He's not a top guy, but he's fairly reliable in any position. They announce Reigns vs. Rowan for Clash of Champions before this, and it baffled me but this segment made it make more sense. I still don't know why they chose him for this role.
Maybe he'll knock it out of the park and prove he deserves better. Maybe there's another reveal coming that someone else was helping him all along. I am certainly more interested now than I was a week ago.
Conclusion
Speaking of weird shows, the booking was all over the place on SmackDown. I couldn't tell who mattered on the blue brand. Suddenly, Elias is stacking up victory with Chad Gable. Erick Rowan is a monster heel dominating two former world champions. At least WWE isn't trying to be predictable anymore.
Grade: B-
And with that kick, Myles was sent right back to the end of the line, leaving a spot open for underused title contender Johnny Gargano.
205 Live September 3, 2019
Tony Nese's Latest Turn Shows How Terrible His Character Is
Overview: Tony Nese lost in shocking fashion when he was caught by Mike Kanellis with a neckbreaker. Oney Lorcan tried to console a frustrated Nese, who laid him out. Lince Dorado pulled off a shocking upset over Humberto Carrillo with a Frankensteiner to be added to the Clash of Champions title match.
Afterward, Drew Gulak attacked both men and was joined by Nese. The two beat down the title contenders and stood tall.
Analysis: Nese has showed up in a big way in his matches in 2019, but he has failed to truly stand out. He was a fine but unremarkable champion. When he lost the title, he so quickly fell into the background that it was easy to forget he even was champion. Turning him heel just pushing back to where he was years back.
There's no real reason to care about The Premiere Athlete, and there's no way he'll stand out next to Gulak, who is at the best point in his 205 Live career.
Overview: Tony Nese lost in shocking fashion when he was caught by Mike Kanellis with a neckbreaker. Oney Lorcan tried to console a frustrated Nese, who laid him out. Lince Dorado pulled off a shocking upset over Humberto Carrillo with a Frankensteiner to be added to the Clash of Champions title match.
Afterward, Drew Gulak attacked both men and was joined by Nese. The two beat down the title contenders and stood tall.
Analysis: Nese has showed up in a big way in his matches in 2019, but he has failed to truly stand out. He was a fine but unremarkable champion. When he lost the title, he so quickly fell into the background that it was easy to forget he even was champion. Turning him heel just pushing back to where he was years back.
There's no real reason to care about The Premiere Athlete, and there's no way he'll stand out next to Gulak, who is at the best point in his 205 Live career.
NXT and NXT UK September 4, 2019
The Breakout Tournament Was a Complete Miss
Overview: Jordan Myles officially cashed in his Breakout Tournament contract to challenge Adam Cole in the main event for the NXT Championship. While an overconfident Cole was quickly forced to eat his words as Myles pushed him, the challenger was still unable to capture the title, falling to a pair of superkicks into the Last Shot.
Analysis: I had high hopes for the Breakout Tournament. It started strong, and the talent was noteworthy. However, it ultimately fell short. Myles was clearly the standout, and he should get more opportunities from here. His earned title shot was just thrown away though here when it could have been saved for a TakeOver.
It will quickly be forgotten that he even won the tournament, and everyone in that tournament is starting from scratch now.
Rhea Ripley and Piper Niven Really Should Be Treated a Bigger Deal
Overview: Rhea Ripley and Piper Niven fought in round two of their long-standing feud. This time, Ripley countered the Michinoku driver into Riptide for the win.
Analysis: This was another solid match between two, who are not getting the time or spotlight they deserve. Just a few days after WALTER and Tyler Bate got 42 minutes, a feud that has been far longer and more developed went 8 minutes in the opener.
Overview: Jordan Myles officially cashed in his Breakout Tournament contract to challenge Adam Cole in the main event for the NXT Championship. While an overconfident Cole was quickly forced to eat his words as Myles pushed him, the challenger was still unable to capture the title, falling to a pair of superkicks into the Last Shot.
Analysis: I had high hopes for the Breakout Tournament. It started strong, and the talent was noteworthy. However, it ultimately fell short. Myles was clearly the standout, and he should get more opportunities from here. His earned title shot was just thrown away though here when it could have been saved for a TakeOver.
It will quickly be forgotten that he even won the tournament, and everyone in that tournament is starting from scratch now.
Rhea Ripley and Piper Niven Really Should Be Treated a Bigger Deal
Overview: Rhea Ripley and Piper Niven fought in round two of their long-standing feud. This time, Ripley countered the Michinoku driver into Riptide for the win.
Analysis: This was another solid match between two, who are not getting the time or spotlight they deserve. Just a few days after WALTER and Tyler Bate got 42 minutes, a feud that has been far longer and more developed went 8 minutes in the opener.
Match of the Week
NXT UK Champion WALTER vs. Tyler Bate, NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff (Rating: 9.75/10)
This was a really long match much like many of the recent TakeOver main events, but it was so much better than all its recent peers. Bate and WALTER have the kind of chemistry you just don't see from most competitors, and they used every inch of it.
The brutality on display made this feel like an epic where the smaller man was goaded into fighting the bigger opponent but refused to stop swinging. Every move and building sequence made it feel like the end was approaching.
The homestretch of this contest was unforgettable, and the ending felt so appropriate in a way that WWE just does not do. The sheer force of all the moves by men allowed WALTER to seal this match not with a powerbomb but a brutal lariat. Even if it could have been slightly better with some time shaved off, it was stellar all the same.
Honorable Mention: NXT UK Tag Team Champions The Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster vs. Gallus, NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff (Rating: 9.25/10)
Going into this, it was hard to say which team would step up to the level of Zack Gibson and James Drake. The answer was Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster. The first time these teams fought was pretty ordinary, and this was anything but. Gallus had moments here, but this was a battle of these two teams at its core.
Out of nowhere, the babyfaces emerged as the unstoppable underdogs who refused to quit. They rose above their station against two dominant alliances to drive the action. In particular, Andrews was made for matches like this.
I have rarely been truly sold on the alliance of Andrews and Webster, but they were completely engrossing this week. I was on my feet rooting for them during the homestretch.
Matches of Note: Baron Corbin vs. Cedric Alexander, Raw (9); Cesaro vs. Ilja Dragunov, TO:C (9); Chad Gable vs. Andrade, SmackDown (8.75); Elias vs. Ali, SmackDown (8.75); Joe vs. Ricochet, Raw (8.5), Storm vs. Ray, TO:C (8.5)
This was a really long match much like many of the recent TakeOver main events, but it was so much better than all its recent peers. Bate and WALTER have the kind of chemistry you just don't see from most competitors, and they used every inch of it.
The brutality on display made this feel like an epic where the smaller man was goaded into fighting the bigger opponent but refused to stop swinging. Every move and building sequence made it feel like the end was approaching.
The homestretch of this contest was unforgettable, and the ending felt so appropriate in a way that WWE just does not do. The sheer force of all the moves by men allowed WALTER to seal this match not with a powerbomb but a brutal lariat. Even if it could have been slightly better with some time shaved off, it was stellar all the same.
Honorable Mention: NXT UK Tag Team Champions The Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster vs. Gallus, NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff (Rating: 9.25/10)
Going into this, it was hard to say which team would step up to the level of Zack Gibson and James Drake. The answer was Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster. The first time these teams fought was pretty ordinary, and this was anything but. Gallus had moments here, but this was a battle of these two teams at its core.
Out of nowhere, the babyfaces emerged as the unstoppable underdogs who refused to quit. They rose above their station against two dominant alliances to drive the action. In particular, Andrews was made for matches like this.
I have rarely been truly sold on the alliance of Andrews and Webster, but they were completely engrossing this week. I was on my feet rooting for them during the homestretch.
Matches of Note: Baron Corbin vs. Cedric Alexander, Raw (9); Cesaro vs. Ilja Dragunov, TO:C (9); Chad Gable vs. Andrade, SmackDown (8.75); Elias vs. Ali, SmackDown (8.75); Joe vs. Ricochet, Raw (8.5), Storm vs. Ray, TO:C (8.5)
