WWE's NEW ERA THUS FAR

Only one episode in with each brand, but the new era has begun. I wasn't too focused on draft picks as it didn't really matter given different styles was all that mattered. I did question some picks though, such as Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens being on the same show after their feud having already gone on for so long. Like many, although only just starting things I have an opinion, and of course I typed it out for you haha Here it is...

RAW
I like how there will be a new title, WWE Universal Championship, and not a rehatching of the old World Championship. Not that I dislike the World title, it is just that it is well known to be #2 to the WWE Championship. Now the World Heavyweight Championship and Universal Championship can be on par. Universal is technically bigger than World.

I am hoping perhaps Cesaro's "dislike" of being on RAW, was actually part of the storyline. A feud against The Authority could work in his favor. If it was a shoot, here's hoping he isn't "too right" about it being about Steph and Mick.
Having the WWE Women's Championship change hands on the opening show was good to see, and hoping it is a look into the future of the womens division is a major part of the show.
Unlike Ric Flair, I am overly happy that Finn Balor was put over by Roman Reigns. I am a fan of Balor, and think Reigns should be out of the title picture for a bit. I can't wait to see The Demon make its way into things.
Although I used to like the Cruiserweight division, I saw how it pigeon holed some guys into being "too small" for the top titles. But, if they perhaps pushed the fact that someone like Shawn Michaels could have fit into the weight class, it could make sure that doesn't happen. I must say that I don't like how they always promote the division with mainly high flying vignettes, as it isn't just high flying as we see in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. Hopefully things go well when it debuts.

Smackdown! Live
With this show, I am taking mainly a wait and see approach. The initial brand extension had Smackdown! even with RAW, and at times surpassing it in some stories, and matches. So, the inaugural Smackdown! Live being good wasn't surprising. Even the WWE title going there wasn't shocking, as it was done the first time around.
Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan has seemed hyped about everything but the Smackdown! Live women's division. Sure, there was a match and then all the ladies came out, but nothing about the future. Is there going to be a new title? I pray that they don't bring back the Divas title, a new WWE Universal Womens Championship would be better. I am hoping it is simply a case of what happened on RAW, and things will be explained next episode.

Is Dean Ambrose about to set on a long run with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship? They say that there will be opportunity, but does that mean a lot of guys will get a title shot? And then will it be simply a shot or will the championship get "whorey" for awhile? Dolph is the new #1 contender, but that isn't something new. Ziggler has been on top before, and then reduced to simply being the overly good hand who can make anyone look better than they are. Is this the start of something, or again just a shot?
I like that Smackdown! Live is getting their own special events/ppv's, as at times it becomes clear as to which is Vince's preferred brand via main event (last match) in joint shows. Plus, keeping them separate allows for more stories from one brand. Which is always a matter of opinion, which feud one prefers, but that way we don't have to sit through something from say RAW when Smackdown! is why I am watching.

It is still too early to say how things will be of course. Especially since the rosters aren't "full" yet with some big names returning and some more NXT call-ups happening in the near future. I am curious as to how they will all fit, especially with Smackdown! Live still being a two-hour program. Of course, I am also already wondering how this affects the Royal Rumble haha

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RAW VS SMACKDOWN LIVE

I can't really think of how I would draft the rosters for RAW and Smackdown Live. That's the great thing about sports entertainment/professional wrestling, all of the different styles and how they create unique matches. Contrary to popular belief, John Cena can wrestle. He has taken too many moves to say he can't. Pro-wrestling is both offense and the ability to take someones moves without making it look horrible or getting hurt. Cena does that. Regardless, it is the variation across the roster that makes it exciting. One of the major draws for the original UFC was seeing different fighting styles go head to head. Now we know that some are just not that good, and even the best fighters today require at least a general knowledge of everything beyond there offensive strong suit.

So, while everyone is holding their own mock drafts, I am going to focus on simply how I would like it set-up. We found out on RAW that the Cruiserweight Division is returning exclusively to Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley's brand. This is good and bad imo. As long as they don't pigeon hole anyone in the division it is good. Simply have the weight class for entry and nothing more. Shawn Michaels was 195 lbs. through his career I believe, so if HBK was still in the game he could take part. And there was no way he would've allowed anyone to hold him down, and that was before and after finding God. But, does that also mean we have an idea of who will be drafted to RAW now? Need superstars 205 lbs. and under to fill that roster now for the division. Are there plans to bring in other stars that simply aren't named in the drafting list? Tag teams are drafted as a pair unless only one star is wanted, will this be Vince's way of splitting up Enzo and Cass?
Many will disagree, but I think that it is the only way to make things even. WWE World Heavyweight Championship is split into the RAW World Title and the Smackdown World Title. They may have the champ bounce around at first, but will likely split them into two. And putting the WWE title on Smackdown Live is what they did in the initial brand extension before it became obvious that the "top" title was whichever one was on RAW. Obviously ended up being the WWE title, with the World title as the B show strap. This way it is even steven, or at least would appear that way.
Since another mens division (although women could compete) is part of RAW, I would make the Women's Division an exclusive to Smackdown Live. Or I would split the title in the same manner as the mens. It is now just starting to happen via Natalya and Becky Lynch, but the division needs to grow beyond the title and title holder. Although I am sure it will be a situation of the champ feuding on one show, while one other story takes place on the opposing show, and then switching. Still leaving a large portion of the female superstars on the sidelines.
If both shows were 3 hours it would be easy to see everything fitting in and being even. But everything mentioned above and there is still the IC and US title pictures and of course the tag team division. If all these stars are able to appear on both shows, it doesn't really make things "unique" either.

Guess it is all a wait and see, as is everything in entertainment and sports. The General Manager picks were good, but lacked any shock power like before. I am assuming the stories will initially be conflict between Foley and Steph, and Daniel Bryan adjusting to a corporate position. Not bad, but was just hoping for more.


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WWE BRAND EXTENSION 2.0

I enjoyed the early days of the initial brand extension. RAW was good, but Smackdown! was a bit better initially for me. Undertaker was the cornerstone, Rey Mysterio was exclusive, and many levels of stardom being reached by many performers. Top names like John Cena, Brock Lesner, Edge and Eddie Guerrero. But, also guys like Jamie Noble and even Matt Hardy's star shined a little brighter (I was a MFer back then haha). It really held its own, and really didn't feel like a taped show most times.
But, that was the early portion of the split. It slowly and simply outright obvious that RAW was their A-Show, and Smackdown! the B. If someone was really doing well on SD!, they were heading over to RAW at some point whether via the draft, a trade, or something. It made for some great moments and stories, like when Benoit won the Rumble and opted to go after the WWE World Championship on RAW at Wrestlemania XX. But, it general it only made Smackdown! fall further.
Even after the brand extension was dissolved, Smackdown! was almost viewed by the fans, as top WCW names looked at Thunder, a joke. It was pretty much a guarantee every episode of Smackdown! would consist of highlights from RAW, a minimum of four men in the ring as to inspire Teddy Long to make a tag-team match in some fashion. Sure, it was nice to see all the talent get on the show, as television is still television, but product wise it was just stagnant.

Here we are now in 2016 and about to enter another brand extension. This time around, both shows will be live every week. Evening the playing field. And they keep pushing that each show will have its own unique set of superstars. Which is making me wonder if we will see all the indy guys Triple H has brought in on one show, and Vince's "usual" on the other. Or if perhaps Smackdown! is possible another test for Triple H after the success of everything he has accomplished with both NXT and the performance center. Smackdown! going live just has me curious. After all this time, and clamoring about the cost to run a live show I am left wondering "why?".
Regardless of the why's, I am really looking forward to this. Other questions that come up are more about the products. The thriving Women's Division needs more room to showcase the superstars beyond the WWE Womens Championship and its holder. Will we see all the female talent on one show with more room, or will they be spread over both with the Champion bouncing back and forth. Title picture on one, while a separate story takes place on the other? If they stick to the current format of one story, it hasn't really changed beyond the title name. Too much talent sitting on the sidelines, and some ready to come up from NXT. Speaking of titles, it is safe to say that the WWE Intercontinental and WWE United States Championships will be separate. But, what of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Tag Team Championships? Will there be two separate titles like the initial brand extension? If they were to split them like before, this time however I wouldn't go WWE and World titles. I would perhaps go RAW World Champion and Smackdown! World Champion.
Splitting all of the titles would help avoid there appearing to be an A or B show, if perhaps more people on RAW are "over" than on Smackdown! or if it is almost blatantly obvious who will be winning the title match. But, this also opens the door to perhaps have John Cena on one, and Roman Reigns on the other and it is simply two live squash shows.
Another thing that was great in the early days of the initial brand extension was the General Managers. The days of Stephanie McMahon, Eric Bischoff, and Paul Heyman were entertaining and added to each shows quality. It became lame and clear that the Smackdown! GM was always the runner-up given they were running the B-Show. Will we see McMahon V McMahon? Shane V Stephanie? Or will we see someone new or someone like Bischoff return to the roll? Hoping it isn't something lame like the Anonymous or majority of the Celebrity Guest General Managers (some were good when you knew they were legit fans too).

And what of NXT? Rumors are simply rumors, but at times they turn out to be true. Rumor has NXT being split as well. This is something I am hoping won't happen. Having NXT be one show that is the "farm system" for both RAW and Smackdown! adds to the "surprise" when call-ups happen. Even if we know someone is being called up to the main rosters, we won't know which one for sure until it happens.

Guess we will find out most things come July 19th on the now live Smackdown!. Being Canadian I need to make sure that Smackdown! will be aired live every Tuesday, and not on Wednesday or something. In a perfect world RAW and Smackdown! would air on the WWE Network, but Vince makes way too much money from the shows to be doing that anytime soon, if ever.

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FUTURE ENDEAVOR SAFE LIST

I made a list of Superstars who I think are possibly on the verge of WWE wishing them the best of luck in all their future endeavors (you can find that HERE ). But, there is also what I consider a "safe list". Superstars who are not likely to be released as part of an almost annual cleansing of the roster. Most are obvious, some are simply a matter of current situations, and if they are listed here or on the not safe list, then we shall consider them in "limbo" which are both safe and unsafe from unemployment...

John  Cena and Randy Orton

They might not be getting younger and are likely WWE 4-Life, but are also the two names with enough left in the tank and star power to boost another company. As well as like the next names listed, earned the right to retire in WWE.

Big Show, Kane, and Mark Henry

These are the Superstars who have earned the right to retire from the roster rather than be endeavored. So, no need to really explain further.

Women's Division

Unless it was to remove "weak links" I would be shocked given they are still in the midst of a Women's Division movement. Only Superstars I could see would be Alicia Fox, or even Emma. Yes, I know Eva Marie should be, but lets be honest.

Brock Lesner, Chris Jericho, and The Dudley Boyz

You don't endeavor part-timers. Especially these ones. You simply agree to not resign at this point in time. And the Dudley's aren't part-timing, but are there to help the younger stars, so I see a similar handling of them leaving.

Roman Reigns, Usos, AJ Styles, Anderson & Gallows

Reigns is THE guy, and everyone else is in the main event picture. Sooooo, assuming they are all safe. Most notably Reigns of course.

The Miz, Kalisto, and The New Day

Title holders aren't usually just "let go" for obvious reasons. It's almost always a title drop and then released haha The New Day is over with the WWE Universe, just brought in Maryse for The Miz, and Kalisto is "better" than Sin Cara given WWE's current lack of Mysterio haha

Seth Rollins

Self explanatory. Unless you're a hater of course. A lot awaiting his return, and was WWE World Heavyweight Champion before going down with an injury haha


That is who I think are completely safe from being future endeavored by WWE. Like I said there are those who I think aren't safe at all (HERE), and those who I am not sure. Stars like Del Rio, Sheamus, Ziggler, etc. Rumors are that it all will begin soon. Wait and see, as per usual.

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FUTURE ENDEAVORS

Rumor mill has it that it is that time of year again. The time of year not long after Wrestlemania, when the WWE releases talent. Some are always obvious picks given a superstars lack of support from crowds or WWE's usage of them. Shocking isn't a word to describe the rest though as there is almost a safe list of people who would likely be allowed to retire or mutually part ways of sorts. People like John Cena, Randy Orton, Kane, Mark Henry given there longevity and status with the company. But there are some that not everyone would expect, people who appeared to be getting a push or character revamp, etc etc. Of course like everyone else, I have my opinion on who may be leaving or who should be in some cases. And they would be...

Ryback

The Big Guy is at home right now, awaiting to talk about his future with the company. Although Vince was a fan of Ryback early in his career, McMahon has other guys who are even bigger to fill that void now. Although The Big Guy may benefit from spending time elsewhere, say New Japan hopefully not TNA, he also may not. Not a good time to be asking for more money, deserving or not.

Adam Rose

Although he claims it was a known prescription, Adam Rose is on his second suspension for violating the WWE's Wellness Policy. With Chyna's recent passing likely due to drugs, not a good time to be suspended for something WWE is trying to eliminate.

#SocialOutcasts

Although I am a fan of all 3, I can see the new age Job Squad disappearing. Things slowed a bit after Rose was suspended, other than some light entertaining moments with Apollo Crewes, haven't seen them as much. Heath has been absent from television, Curtis may have had his time in WWE unless a total revamp ensues (WWE failed this guy), and Bo isn't Bray so  not sure where he stands with WWE officials. Hoping they simply remain as the comedic trio among the 3-man teams all over WWE right now.

The Ascension

Although it was only Konnor who was suspended for violating the company's Wellness Policy (for a second time), it may be a case of taking out two birds with one stone. As a team they have been under utilized and not well received since coming to the main roster from NXT.

Jack Swagger

Swagger had something when he was with Dutch Mantell aka Zeb Colter when the "We The People" gimmick was getting over with the WWE Universe. Ironically, it would likely make for a comedic hit right now given Trump and what has come out of his mouth lately. But, the All-American American was fed to Rusev and hasn't been the same since.

Those listed above are mostly based on current position and usage. Some are used and even fan favorites, but could be on their way out. Dolph Ziggler, Zack Ryder, maybe even Del Rio could be borderline shock level if released, but are still just as possible. I composed what I think is a "Safe List" which you find HERE. Be interesting to see how all of this plays out.

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THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

It is a theory that makes one want to both test and avoid. Do we want to see if it is true? Sure, there are a lot of things we think we should go back and change. Do we want to risk making something even worse? No, because then what was the point? It applies to everything, including professional wrestling and sports entertainment. Both good and bad in nature. Here are some that come to mind...

Madison Square Garden Curtain Call

Some loved this, mainly fans, but it was still something that has even bigger ramifications if changed in any way. Obviously if it didn't happen, but if say, Sean Waltman had been there, then he likely would have been the guy to take all the heat. Hall and Nash were gone, HBK the champ, clearly had plans for Triple H to win the King Of The Ring. If that hadn't had been taken away, then it wouldn't have been given to Stone Cold. Which we all know, King Of The Ring that year was where "Austin 3:16 Says I Just Whooped Your Ass" was born. Could it have happened at another time? Maybe, but would it have been the same if he hadn't just beat Jake "The Snake" Roberts, who was thumpin' the bible as part of his gimmick at the time, for the crown? It was too perfect to even think of touching. Austin was over, and rising, but that moment solidified everything. I guess the Kliq haters can be grateful if a Stone Cold Steve Austin fan. What? I said thank you Hall, Nash, HBK, and Trips for being above the business at that time, and Waltman for being in rehab instead of being there haha

Eric Bischoff, Ted Turner, & Black Saturday

This involves two separate instances, but I think that without them both, The Monday Night War doesn't happen or just not the way it did. First, Black Saturday was the day WWE (then WWF) replaced Georgia Championship Wrestling on Turner's TBS. How this sparked RAW V Nitro, was that Ted initially refused Vince's offer, and Vinnie Mac went and simply bought a floundering (financially) GCW. Which now allowed him to air WWE. Vince mainly used clip from his shows on opposing network, USA, on his TBS show. Because of this, and the non-WWE GCW fans, as well as Gordon Solie fans lead to horrendous ratings. Combine the tactics and the outcome, Ted Turner wasn't too pleased to say the least. Long story short Vince sold GCW to Jim Crockett, who later would have to sell to Turner. Enter WCW. And all of this initiated the McMahon/Turner rivalry that feuled the wars. How does Bischoff play into this? It was Ted's money, but it was Eric's vision and direction (what direction there was) that kicked WWE's butts for a long time. This could have not happened if things prior hadn't played out the way that they did. Most of us have seen the Easy E audition for WWE from back in the day. For those unaware, Vince had Eric interview a broom for his audition. Which I get, as the guy holding the mic may have to save an interview, or to see how they initiate things (look at Macho and Mean Gene, Randy was great, but Okerlund would make it that much better). Regardless of the why, Eric apparently left with a chip on his shoulder. What if things were different? An actual person to interview, or if he got the position? Would Eric have had that drive without the anger, and who would've replaced him had he been in WWE at the time? Would they have done better or worse? It is why I put them together. Change anything here, and our favorite era is gone or altered.

Spoiler Report Gone Awry

Wasn't sure what to call this one, didn't want to use the quote that caused the clicks, and didn't want to put the heat on the guy who had to say it (Tony Schiavone). So, it is called what it is because it was a common occurrence, but backfired badly at this moment. It is a moment that in this regard have to wonder "what if...?". For example, what if it had been someone else who had won the WWE Championship? That could have and maybe did cause the hardcore and pre-Hogan WCW fans to turn over and see Mick Foley a former "WCW guy" win the competitions main prize. Would someone else have caused so many people to change channels? Even if it was just about the title changing hands, what if it hadn't? Would there have been something else to take place that caused the same reaction? It was literally the moment that turned the tide in the ratings battle. Could something have triggered this further down the road? It was unlikely given the misdirection that came to the surface, but then again might not have exposed the holes leading to further disasters, aka Russo. Would AOL Time Warner have been so quick to sell had it been the success it was? They say Vince McMahon would never have given up, but that is also after having not to. Who's to say that if this moment is taken away that Vince wouldn't have had a choice at some point?

The Third Man Was Sting

Even those involved said that it wouldn't have worked the same way it did with Hogan. We won't know really, we kind of but still don't know that it likely wouldn't have worked at all for Hulk who's popularity was pointing to the exit. Would he have returned to WWE and gotten the reception he did in 2002? Or would he have been forced into retirement. I can't envision Hogan doing anything similar to what Sting did at that time. Which is another big question, what about Sting? He tends to get lost in all of this when talking about the nWo and how Hogan's turn is what lit the fuse to the rocket. If it was Sting would there have not been The Crow version that also reignited his career? Which wasn't in bad shape, but it sky rocketed his career to an even higher level. Or would it have come to be, but different? Scott Hall was the one to suggest it to Sting, but again the question, success or failure? Hogan's "darkside" lameness just prior to the nWo turn, was exactly that, lame. Would that have happened to Sting turning heel at that point in time? Wolfpac Sting was okay for a minute, but never really meshed with the nWo vibe whether red or white.

That's what came to mind at this moment, there is more I am sure. Even if I had to really reach for a what if and the butterfly effect that would follow. Examples like "What if Hogan's back gave out at Wrestlemania 3?" or a simple yet dark "What if one of the promoters who had their territory become obsolete actually attempted and succeeded in killing Vince McMahon?" It is a crazy business both in and out of the ring. Part of why we love it so much I guess haha Stay Nerdy!

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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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