POSSIBLY THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE EMPIRE OVER

Of course the title is referring to the Roman Empire that is lead by WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Roman Reigns. Although there appears to be change in the air, and we could see AJ Styles win the title this Sunday at WWE Payback. Or we could see Reigns turn heel appeasing many who feel it is his best route. But, history has shown us that ole Vinnie Mac is a stubborn man. Roman Reigns is THE guy, meaning both WWE World Heavyweight Champion, but also Vince's chosen one.

So, lets approach this with that mind set. Which leaves the question, how can WWE get Roman Reigns back over with the WWE Universe? Back, because people were behind him until it was overly obvious Vince was pulling the strings (promo delivery and wording, weak stories, etc). I can really only think of one way to possibly do this. And although some may think just a basic switch would do, they are forgetting that the point of this would be to get Roman over as a baby face. How would I do this? John Cena heel turn. But wait a minute, likely not in the way that you would like. Cena's heel turn would consist of only willingly joining The Authority and screwing Reigns out of the title. John's promos and playing to the youth would remain the same. He is already garnering heat with how he has done things the past few years, and is right in that fans would cheer if he turned thus negating the point.
John Cena's next World title ties him with The Nature Boy at sixteen. This alone would cause massive heat with the crowds already booing him. So, keep him the same but as THE guy for The Authority, and keep the title on him for a bit until fans would cheer for anyone who dethrones Cena. Enter Roman Reigns. If they don't root for him after that, then it would be time to give in and follow cousin Rock and turn heel. I honestly think that Seth Rollins will be returning to an ovation of cheers, similar to Triple H after his first quad injury. Rollins was WWE World Heavyweight Champion when he went down with an injury. Roman being the champ upon his return will garner more heat for Reigns. Rollins returning to Cena as champion would play into a heel Cena. They can even have Rollins fail at his attempt to recapture the gold. I wouldn't but this is about Roman remember. Seth fails, and maybe a Shield reunion with Reigns as the leader, and being the one to topple Cena.

I just can't see any other way to get Roman Reigns over as a face. If he is truly going to replace John Cena as the face of WWE, then perhaps Cena needs to be sacrificed so to speak to help Reigns. If they aren't willing to do this, then I really hope this "new direction" isn't a smoke screen or something. Guess we will find out soon. Until then my fellow wrestling nerds, Stay Nerdy!


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NGN FAVORITES: WRESTLING BACK STABS

With WWE Payback approaching, I can't help but get the vibe that there will be a swerve, a rouse, a back stab. I can only pinpoint it to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Roman Reigns and AJ Styles. Beyond that I can't get exactly how it will play out. Either AJ or Roman get screwed over, and either by The Balor Club or The Authority. Is AJ in the group or not? Will the Balor Club be apart of The Authority and screw either? I love how that even though it became very obvious Finn Balor is being promoted to the main roster, but we don't know exactly how everything will play out. So, that brings me to the point of this. Which is my favorite back stabs in sports entertainment history. Some were obvious but played out well, or they were total shockers at the time. Here they are...

Shawn Michaels And Marty Jannetty

It is one of if not the most referenced back stabs in wrestling history. Rightfully so, and just getting it out of the way haha I was a child when it all went down on The Barber Shop, so it had that much more impact given my fresh, innocent brain haha Even then the build up was clear with Shawn showing signs during matches. But, again with an innocent brain I thought they would mend fences and rock on, or at least shake hands and part ways. Some Sweet Chin Music and a broken pane of glass later, and history was made. Given HBK's Hall Of Fame career and the WWE Network, it will likely live on forever....well until future generations "forget" or ignore past generations haha

Triple H And Shawn Michaels

It had kind of happened during his hiatus with D-X turning on HBK, but upon his return it had shock value. The WWE version of the nWo, which included HBK and teased of Trips joining, had imploded. Hall had his issues at the time, Nash tore a quad, it just fell apart with nobody to be blamed really. However, just like during the Wars WWE had a longer lasing faction that rivaled the nWo, and we were quickly given a Degeneration X reunion with Shawn and Hunter starting it off with a in-ring promo. And just as quickly as we were given , it was taken away.  A kick to the gut, Pedigree delivered, back stab complete. It made for an amazing feud, which added to the Heart Break Kid becoming the Come Back Kid (despite those ugly brown tights for a minute). If Nash hadn't of torn the quad', curious as to how it all would have played out. Would Hunter have eventually joined nWo, or would there have been a nWo V D-X battle of sorts? We'll never know I guess.

Mr. Fuji And Demolition

In hindsight I can see it. Demolition was starting to get over a bit with fans. But, at that time I was a kid so I was oblivious to it really haha Adding that I hadn't really seen a heel turn on heels and join heels before. I had seen good turned bad with Andre, and even Bad News Brown turning on Bret Hart but that was to win a battle royal so it made sense. Seeing Mr. Fuji turn on Demolition and begin to manage the Powers Of Pain was fresh and unique for me way back when. Bad turning on bad, and joining bad to be more bad. There was enough bad's in there to quote Jacko haha

Paul Heyman And Brock Lesner

It happened at Survivor Series 2002. Lesner was still in his initial run as WWE Champion, and Big Show was being showcased as a legit unstoppable force. We didn't see it coming despite Heyman's pleas to Brock leading up to the match, and we also didn't expect there to be in my opinion Big Show's best run as WWE Champion to follow. Adding to the moment was also when the initial turn didn't result in a three-count on Lesner, meaning Heyman would have failed, but of course Show got the dub. It is something I am looking for now, but then I think no Heyman would mean Lesner was done for now (or for good). I would assume the person who Paul joins would be the next top guy in WWE.

There are some others, and I am sure there will be more. But, we shall save those for a later date. With WWE Payback next Sunday, I get the vibe we won't be waiting long for another back stab. Until then my fellow Wrestling Nerds, Stay Nerdy!

For more Wrestling, Comic Book, Movie, Television, and Video Game stuff! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!

WWE PAYBACK MATCHES & PREDICTIONS-UPDATED

Some things have been added to the card like the United States Championship match on the pre-show, and Baron Corbin against Dolph Ziggler. On RAW, Stephanie McMahon stated that Vince McMahon would be announcing who would be running Monday Night RAW. Although this is Sports Entertainment, can't see any reason to not have Shane be in charge, and perhaps this could spawn RAW and Smackdown! splitting. Anyways, back  to Payback and predictions...

WWE United States Championship
Ryback V Kalisto (C)
Prediction: Ryback new US Champ.

-Perhaps a Sin Cara heel turn. Ryback doesn't have much else going for him at the moment so why not? To be honest, this guy needs a manager or valet. Not Heyman, but someone else to do his talking and help him go full heel. This is why Vince shouldn't have let the art form die out.

Baron Corbin V Dolph Ziggler
Prediction: Corbin pins The Showoff 1-2-3.

-Dolph seems to be the guy who tests the new guys whom are of the heel nature after their run of squash matches are over. This will be Corbin's first real main roster feud, and Ziggler knows he can still look amazing taking a loss to a rookie. I must add I like the new red in Baron's entrance. They never got the camera angles right on the main shows with the blinding white light, so the red adds to the auro of his persona.

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDERS MATCH

The Vaudevillains V Enzo & Cass

Prediction: The Vaudevillains win.

-I am huge on Enzo & Cass, as are many others, so they are too obvious as well as being an over face team, which is an issue with The New Day being over as well. I can see The Vaudevillains possibly getting stale (unless the gimmick evolves over time), but would be a good opposition to The New Day given the difference in gimmicks. And, I see the Dudley Boyz getting involved and beginning a war with Enzo & Cass. Possibly taking the new team to yet another level.

Kevin Owens V Sami Zayn

Prediction: Sami Zayn with the win.

-Sami has been on the receiving end too many time for this not to culminate with a victory over his long time friend and antagonist, Kevin Owens. Regardless to who wins this or the main event, good chance the next Number 1 contender comes from this bout. Why? Both are over, and this is going to possibly be Savage/Steamboat at Mania 3 good.

Chris Jericho V Dean Ambrose

Prediction: Dean Ambrose defeats Y2J

-No offense to Jericho, who is a future first ballot Hall Of Famer, but after the beating Dean took at Wrestlemania 32 at the hands of Brock Lesner he deserves a win here. Jericho can make him look even better in the process like he does. Why not pass the torch of "talk shows" while they're at it too, Dean's Ambrose Asylum has been pretty decent in its infancy.

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

 The Vaudevillains V The New Day (C)

Prediction: The Vaudevillains are new Tag Team Champions.

-Hard to pick given the height The New Day has reached in terms of being over, and The Vaudevillains are rookies with no real exposure on the main roster beyond their matches. So the shock value plays in here, and also shows a start of the supposed change happening.

WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Miz (C) V Cesaro

Prediction: Cesaro as new IC Champion.

-The title doesn't make the superstar, the star makes the title. Time to see the Swiss Superman begin his ascension into the main event picture, starting by having a good run with the Intercontinental Championship. Plus, I am already bored with Maryse's return. I hate them mostly, but time for a battle with another couple. I am pretty sure the Cesaro Section agrees.

WWE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP

Charlotte (C) w/Ric Flair V Natalya w/Bret Hart

Prediction: Natalya takes the title.

-Slightly bias being Canadian, but also although we're not looking for a direct Ric Flair clone, it would be interesting to see how Charlotte handles a loss. Naitch is a sixteen time World Champ, but that means he lost it that many times as well. Plus, Flair Country is on Hart Land haha

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

AJ Styles V Roman Reigns (C)

Prediction: Roman retains.

-If you read my other posts, then you know this is a very hard one to predict fully. Even though I want AJ Styles to win, I don't see the Roman Empire's reign ending so quickly. Again. I have this gut feeling Anderson and Gallows are going to screw over AJ, add rumors of Finn Balor making his debut soon adds to that. The actions on RAW in London simply added to that feeling. Or maybe they try to help and the Usos get involved and start a war...adding Balor and Samoa Joe (not "Dynasty" but Samoan regardless, and respect has got to be there). Or does The Balor Club join or work for The Authority? Will Roman join Triple H and Stephanie now? Make for a good set-up for Rollins return, who is likely going to be turned face by fans upon his return. Was Champ and top guy in The Authority, coming back to Roman in his spot would make sense.

It is really hard to call as of late, and like DDP of old would say, that's a good thing. With Wrestlemania 32 I went perfect on the pre-show, and then got only the one I wanted to be wrong on correct. The new additions and proposed "change" has things highly unpredictable right now. It feels much better making guesses based more on likes and dislikes, instead of predictability in recent years.

 For more Wrestling, Comic Book, Movie, Television, and Video Game stuff! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!

UNPREDICTABLE PAYBACK

Unpredictable is used loosely in regards to WWE Payback, but is needed to describe things. Not focusing on the other matches (which you can find my predictions HERE), but solely on the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match. We are still a week away, which includes a RAW and Smackdown! before the special event that is WWE Payback and although a lot of things seem for sure, there are variables to make things not as they appear possibly. Bare with me though, as trying to explain all of the options might get wonky.

They are hinting at Anderson and Gallows helping AJ Styles defeat Roman Reigns. That, or it is a swerve? Either are possible, both are still unpredictable. If they help AJ, is it a Bullet Club (Balor Club) reunion sans Finn Balor? Are they face or heel? Face is obvious on fan reception, but what if say they were apart of The Authority who has been absent since Wrestlemania 32? It is the only way I see an AJ victory gaining any heat. What if they turn on Styles? Does Roman retain and move on, or does he turn heel and lead The Authority? Orrrrr, does Finn Balor make his borderline expected main roster debut and forms The Balor Club without AJ Styles? Or somehow we have AJ as both The Champ and Balor Club member? The only way I see Finn gaining heat in his debut, would be like AJ, and joining The Authority in the process or simply screwing Styles out of the title. Even then, who would be more over between Balor and Styles?
See what I mean about things being predictable, yet very not so at the same time? And how it doesn't make sense really based on my ability to clarify? haha And given the current direction of things, well what appears to be, we can't even guarantee Roman retains right now. Before AJ became the Number One Contender, there was unwavering certainty the Roman Empire would continue his run atop the mountain. As a face. Now, not sure of anything at all. I love that. Last week on RAW, Roman's "I'm THE Man" line had some sting behind it looking more like a heel, then a face with a doesn't care of opinions.

So, unless a lot changes via the next RAW and Smackdown! we are in a wait and see situation. Which we should technically always be, but then what would we have to read, write, and talk about? haha Until then fellow wrestling nerds, Stay Nerdy!

For more Wrestling, Comic Book, Movie, Television, and Video Game stuff! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!

DID A SPOT OPEN UP FOR SANDOW?

WWE does have the group as a new age Job Squad, that group being #SocialOutcasts of course haha And personally, I think there is a chance to be more than just the enhancement talent of today. Regardless of what they are, it is still a platform to entertain, and if done well could be rewarded down the road.

With Adam Rose on suspension for a second offense, it leaves a temporary or permanent spot on the Social Outcast group. It isn't that I outright want Rose of the team, it is just that this is Strike 2, and he has been stale since The Bunny garnered spotlight. So, why not have Damian Sandow fill that void? It would appear he has returned to his Intellectual Savior Of The Masses gimmick, but I can't confirm that because he hasn't been used on television since....Mania? I forget. Which is sad, as Sandow was getting over with fans with his impersonations before Hogan's racist rant was publicly exposed and the Meta Powers gimmick was cut short. It was understandable, but since Curtis Axel was able to return (ironically to the #SocialOutscasts), why not Sandow? Axel was the one impersonating Hogan, not Damian. Is there more to all of this? Because from this side of things, it doesn't make sense. Even if you don't like him, why not pay him to lose a lot on again a new age Job Squad, instead of doing nothing? Sandow could even return to impersonation WWE Legends, or people Vince doesn't like which was basically Triple H was. Which I think I mentioned awhile ago that Sandow's early imitations seemed like punishment (until Mizdow, but that was short term once he faced The Miz), as though he had to learn to eat sh!t and like it. Just like Hunter did after The Curtain Call. Back to the point though. They could even use Sandow to test the market on past WWE talent, to see if it sparks an interest or reaction from audiences. If a positive response, then consider bringing them back. There first opponent and win? Sandow. Triple H isn't going to be able to sign away every worthy indie talent. Some would never go to WWE, and the promotions would do something in some fashion. Or use his Legends gimmick to test the Hall Of Fame waters for some past performers. Not everyone with the WWE Network has the On Demand features (it sucks not having it), and even those who do may never bother or simply don't come across people who should go in. I know a big part of the selection process is based on location of Wrestlemania. Understandable, but what about those to fill the gaps, or when they return to a city and run it dry of local Legends? He could also do the impersonations of those who have passed as homage. We are luckily slowing down in regards to yearly deaths, there are still those have or could at any time for any reason (they are humans as well). Of course, wait a minute before honoring, given the whole Benoit thing. Then there is the final option of simply letting him go back to being the intellectual snob. Always felt like a throw back to The Genius (as it now dawns on me he has almost impersonated/updated the Poffo brothers gimmicks), and how is it bad to have another heel? He was good at talking down to us, making us hate him. Which I think he is capable of doing, and then even then taking it "face" later on if need be and garner cheers.

3MB was another group that had potential to be more than what they were. Heath Slater was in his element, Drew McIntyre looked the part, Jinder Mahal didn't really fit but could have been replaced with say R-Truth if keeping with the comedic aspect but adding talent. That of course never came to fruition. I just think with Adam Rose being on the outs right now, it is a spot Damian Sandow could fill. I'm repeating, but there has to be more to all of this, or they really don't like him and are okay with paying him for nothing really.

For more Wrestling, Comic Book, Movie, Television, and Video Game stuff! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!

TIME TO INDUCT SOME FORGOTTEN LEGENDS

Nope, not referring to any of the in-ring talent from over the years. Not really, that is. There is a group of people who aren't "superstars" but have logged just as much, if not more time in the squared circle. They are an important part of each and every show, from the opening card, to the main event. They also take quite a few bumps along the way at times. Who? Referees.

Some may snicker at this, even I did when TNA inducted legendary referee Earl Hebner into their Hall Of Fame. However, the chuckle didn't come from his induction, it was aimed at TNA and their sad HOF. Earl, as well as some others rightfully deserve their spot among the immortals. Referees do so much more than count to 3 or 10, and signal for the bell. They are the "middle man" at times with backstage and the performers in the ring. Giving new directions, time limits, to being a part of the story. When you really think about it, they are even performing similar to the talent in the ring. Taking bumps on all levels, from the traditional hit in the corner to getting legitimately injured a la Timmy White in one of the Hell In A Cell matches. Referees also "sell" the bumps, laying motionless and "coming to" at the right moment. They act out the stories at times, with things like arguing with a heel or sending the entourage to the back. This all adds to the show. Remember when Andre won the WWF (WWE)  title? Earl and Dave Hebner is what really made the story work that night, which ultimately led to the events of Wrestlemania IV.
Refs also do things behind the scenes, if you want to hear any Andre stories? The man to see would be Tim White (yes, him again) who traveled with the late legend ensuring the Boss was a comfortable as he could be. Another Tim White reference comes from how many times his bar, The Friendly Tap, has been used in WWE programming during the Attitude Era.
They do more than what was mentioned, but you get the idea. If not, then simply think about who has technically appeared in the most Wrestlemania main events, possibly Earl Hebner or another referee. And also remember that the "Montreal Screw Job" doesn't happen without a referee playing his part. If Hebner dropped the ball that night, we could have seen (despite what Bret says) the WWF (WWE) Championship on WCW programming. And lets be honest, the better company won that war. Don't agree? Russo. I win.

Basically, it would be nice to see the referees get their recognition and be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Starting with saving Earl from TNA and inducting him, as well as guys like Tim White, Jimmy Korderas, and when he hangs them up, Little Naitch Charles Robinson. Teddy Long isn't on here as I am not sure which category he would fall under as he was everything really. Ref, manager, General Manager. There are others as well, but lets start here.

For more Wrestling, Comic Book, Movie, TV Show, and Video Game stuff! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!

WWE PAYBACK MATCHES & PREDICTIONS

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDERS MATCH

The Vaudevillains V Enzo & Cass

Prediction: The Vaudevillains win.

-I am huge on Enzo & Cass, as are many others, so they are too obvious as well as being an over face team, which is an issue with The New Day being over as well. I can see The Vaudevillains possibly getting stale (unless the gimmick evolves over time), but would be a good opposition to The New Day given the difference in gimmicks. And, I see the Dudley Boyz getting involved and beginning a war with Enzo & Cass. Possibly taking the new team to yet another level.

Kevin Owens V Sami Zayn

Prediction: Sami Zayn with the win.

-Sami has been on the receiving end too many time for this not to culminate with a victory over his long time friend and antagonist, Kevin Owens. Regardless to who wins this or the main event, good chance the next Number 1 contender comes from this bout. Why? Both are over, and this is going to possibly be Savage/Steamboat at Mania 3 good.

Chris Jericho V Dean Ambrose

Prediction: Dean Ambrose defeats Y2J

-No offense to Jericho, who is a future first ballot Hall Of Famer, but after the beating Dean took at Wrestlemania 32 at the hands of Brock Lesner he deserves a win here. Jericho can make him look even better in the process like he does. Why not pass the torch of "talk shows" while they're at it too, Dean's Ambrose Asylum has been pretty decent in its infancy.

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

 The Vaudevillains V The New Day (C)

Prediction: The Vaudevillains are new Tag Team Champions.

-Hard to pick given the height The New Day has reached in terms of being over, and The Vaudevillains are rookies with no real exposure on the main roster beyond their matches. So the shock value plays in here, and also shows a start of the supposed change happening.

WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Miz (C) V Cesaro

Prediction: Cesaro as new IC Champion.

-The title doesn't make the superstar, the star makes the title. Time to see the Swiss Superman begin his ascension into the main event picture, starting by having a good run with the Intercontinental Championship. Plus, I am already bored with Maryse's return. I hate them mostly, but time for a battle with another couple. I am pretty sure the Cesaro Section agrees.

WWE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP

Charlotte (C) w/Ric Flair V Natalya w/Bret Hart

Prediction: Natalya takes the title.

-Slightly bias being Canadian, but also although we're not looking for a direct Ric Flair clone, it would be interesting to see how Charlotte handles a loss. Naitch is a sixteen time World Champ, but that means he lost it that many times as well. Plus, Flair Country is on Hart Land haha

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

AJ Styles V Roman Reigns (C)

Prediction: Roman retains.

-Even though I want AJ Styles to win, I don't see the Roman Empire's reign ending so quickly. Again. I have this gut feeling Anderson and Gallows are going to screw over AJ, add rumors of Finn Balor making his debut soon adds to that. The actions on RAW in London simply added to that feeling. Or maybe they try to help and the Usos get involved and start a war...adding Balor and Samoa Joe (not "Dynasty" but Samoan regardless, and respect has got to be there).

It is really hard to call as of late, and like DDP of old would say, that's a good thing. With Wrestlemania 32 I went perfect on the pre-show, and then got only the one I wanted to be wrong on correct. The new additions and proposed "change" has things highly unpredictable right now. It feels much better making guesses based more on likes and dislikes, instead of predictability in recent years.