I feel like I need to talk about how this Brand Split is going so far and a lot of the complaints, Topics, and talk of the day.
First. Who's Winning. Smackdown is winning. Which I really didn't see coming, with the Talent Split and the majority of the up and coming Talent landing on RAW I thought Raw had this in the bag. However, Raw buried several people who had bright futures. At least as of 10/28/2016. I'll get into the superstars in just a moment. Lets focus on why Smackdown is winning. Seven solid reasons and it's easily things Raw could be doing.
1) Daniel Bryan is actually important. Bryan has gotten himself into heat with a few superstars (Notably The Miz) and the relationship between he and Shane is definitely Boss/Employee. Shane has on occasion gave constructive criticism and looks at Bryan to run the day to day and Shane only shows up for important announcements. lets look at this weeks Raw. Stephanie came out and talked to Jericho when He held the ring hostage over his Clipboard. That was a Mick Foley responsibility. Foley, has no real place on Raw. This makes it feel and act the same old way that it did in the past. Other than introducing Cruiser weights and Making bone headed scripted comments like the main event of Hell in a Cell is a Women's Hell in a Cell. Which I responded too as great I can turn it off early and get to bed. (I'll get to why I feel that way in a bit.) Even when it looked like Foley was going to do something when he yelled at Seth Rollins and said "we're going to have a talk, and there will be consequences." Guess what Mick? Nothing, because you don't have any authority. He should have pulled Rollins from the match or gave him a triple threat against some top stars and whoever won could go onto face Owens for the Belt. Rollins could still have won, but Foley would have looked stronger. Bryan is a driving force, Foley is weak.
2) Talking Smack- Raw doesn't even have an equivalent do they? I mean Talking smack is turning into Do not miss stuff. With Ziggler, Cena, AJ and of course the Miz putting on great performances and Bryan going off script dropping references to TNA and the Bullet Club and people who may never show up in WWE. It's good stuff.
3) Storylines are solid and don't dwindle. Solid writing from the smack down writers. Even the bad stuff is pretty good. Each match feels important. Even if its Corbin stomping a jobber. The main event builds have been better. I admit, Raw has the belt on the right guy. Owens is great, but they need to take the leash off of him and let him roll. If they did that, it would go places they wouldn't dream of and everyone would benefit. This is also mentioned in number 5 a little.
4) Belts. I know it sounds silly, but the Raw belts are Hideous and it matters.
5) Different match ups than what we've seen over the last year. Now I'm going to put this out there and say the Tag team division on Smackdown is not good. It's just not. It's flat, but both Raw and Smackdown are struggling with that and there is no hope in sight. Even the NXT tag team division with the Dusty Rhodes Classic going on doesn't look that strong. It's just a place to showcase more of the cruiser weight people they have on contract.
I'm actually excited to see what they do with the World heavyweight Title, I mean Ambrose could have lost his chance due to James Ellsworth and Bliss is out of left field amazing. She did some solid bitchy stuff in NXT, but this new thing is awesome. They spun Lynch being in the hospital a way I didn't see coming. It's way fresher than Charlotte and Sasha who I've seen so many times over the last three years that I just want to puke every time they start at each other. If you watch NXT and main roster, I can guarantee you're done with this feud. It's starting to get Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns bad. Do you remember those days where they would wrestle two matches a night on Raw. They would open the program. Get in each other faces mid program and then end the program. Man that was just bad Television. I think WWE is still recuperating from that fall. The Sasha/Charlotte thing needs to end and quickly. Interject bailey, bring back a older Diva or something to revitalize that Title on Raw. Smackdown wise, Women's Wrestling is on fire. The main event picture is getting stale, but you can see an end in sight. AJ is a great Heel and they're using him Well. Both need help on the Tag Team front, but Raw needs to spice up every single Title they have. Let Owens loose, start the Feud with Jericho already. Give Reigns a different Feud. I want a Reigns and Cesaro match. Someone pointed out that EVERY single match at Hell in a Cell is a rematch. Why did the New Day fight Cesaro and Sheamus on Raw, just wait a week to give it too us.
6) No Cruiser weights. There I said it. Raw is Botching the cruiser weight division right into the ground. Can we please get rid of the purple ring ropes and lights. Perkins was amazing in the Classic and now that he's on the big stage he looks like a scared little doggie. It's so sad. Give it to Cedric Alexander or Rich Swann and let them go wild man. Perkins is dropping the ball. Put him into NXT and give him some more big event feels and then let him move back up into the picture. He isn't ready and it's painfully obvious. I realize this is more of something Smackdown isn't doing, but I think it counts.
7) Cocky Attitude because they know they're better. When they announced the Survivor series stuff, It felt like a kick in the balls to Raw. Foley needs to step up.
Lets change gears and talk about NXT and Roster moves. NXT is where you see new talents. It's the best place for it and right now during the Dusty Rhodes Classic is a great time for that. So lets talk about the NXT Roster and who needs to move around.
Only two people need to come to the main Roster and NEITHER of them are going to be who you think I'm going to say.
First, Andrade Almas. Why? Things are stale for Andrade "Cien" Almas in NXT and honestly it's too big of a pro to leave behind. He needs to come up to Raw. Raw? didn't you just bash Raw. yes, yes I did. Why Raw? Well because they need someone to work with a few of there performers to help that bottom and Mid card players get some story lines going. He can really lend some good Heel heat to any feud. He is amazing in the ring and when they actually give him a Mic he does great work for it. I legit thought he was going to take Bobby Roode in Roodes Debut. They built him that strong and he is just chilling right now. Such a wonderful talent and he could really help push talents like Neville, Zayn, Axel, Young, Dallas and O'Neil. He could be put into matches with any of those guys and Deliver. I would honestly like to see him in the ring with Rollins.
Second, I'm sure to catch Heat here but, Liv Morgan. Also to Raw, because Raw is suffering. Emma is still out. Paige lost her mind. Charlotte is stale, Sasha is also Stale so one of them need to go onto face Bailey for the Title, that will leave someone out of the picture and we all know Dana brooke is awful. Liv Morgan is the only one on NXT's roster that is good enough to move up right now. (I'll get into Asuka in a bit.) Plus, I hate to be a pig. However, lets face some cold hard facts. Not everyone watches women wrestling to watch their in ring talent. There I said it, I'm not one of them, I enjoyed it much better when Paige and Emma were too busy taking each others heads off to worry about which one was sexier. However, Raw lacks in the Sexy Appeal department. Charlotte isn't that great, she has her daddy's nose and not a very muscular body. We need a Vince approved lady in the mix. Morgan has that Appeal and honestly has really stepped her game in NXT and would deliver a good match. I would like to see this happen. Morgan debuts, beats Charlotte clean. Next week comes around and Nia Jax SQUASHES her. Then we get a solid Nia Jax and Charlotte Feud and we see Morgan give some solid work to increase Dana Brookes appeal. I feel like a total pig for saying what I said earlier, but it's just true. It's just the way it is.
So lets talk about NXT and the rest of the Roster.The Brand Split Really hurt it badly and they need to rebuild their depth chart. Especially from the HUGE star perspective, Tag Teams and Women's roster. This means some of their Top talents are going to get stuck in NXT for a while (like Finn Balor long) so that the brand can rebuild around them.
1) Huge Stars that need to stick around. Shinsuke Nakamura. This is one of the biggest complaints Wrestling fans have. Call up Nakamura is being chanted at Smackdown and Raw. Just wait they will and it will be in EPIC fashion. I'm talking Balor good. Man, Balor getting hurt was a kick in the balls. Nakamura is going to be huge. They need him in NXT to establish the brand.
2) Samoa Joe. You may never see Joe on the mainstage. He may be a NXT only guy. However, if he comes up look for him to show on Smackdown to give a Feud to AJ. With the TNA past I think Joe's final swing for the fences would be great going out against AJ.
3) Bobby Roode- Too new too talented. NXT needs him to run the shows Mid card right now, he is one of the few single players that is going to be going against Nakamura for the belt.
4) Austin Aries- He is kind of in the same spot as Roode. Aries will have his due, but he is one of the backbones of the brand right now and without him NXT falls flat on its face. It needs these top Tier talents to carry them along until we see the roster elevated back to it's Glory. I look for Aries to be facing Rollins for the belt in the near future.
5) Hideo Itami- Stop getting hurt.
Tag Teams
1) Dash and Dawson- How many teams are even here right now. Not many, they really need to focus here to give these guys some legitimate competition so they can make their move up. Don't look for it anytime soon, I'm thinking possibly Summerslam you'll see these two move up and take on someone for the titles on the main roster.
2) Authors of Pain- Honestly, they're too dominant to be in NXT because eventually you know they're coming for the Titles and when Dash and Dawson Fall, Who is going to beat them. No team in NXT that's for sure. I say if you're going to pull any team out of NXT for an Immediate Debut do it to these guys. Put them on Raw and put them in a Feud with The Club or Smackdown and the Wyatts.
3) Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa- These guys are only a tag team because NXT is hurting for Tag teams. They'll be better as individual competitors in the long run.
4) TM-61 is a step in the right direction to re establish NXT's Tag team divsion. We need about 10 more of these type tag teams. They'll hold the belt before long and they are explosive and entertaining every time they're in the ring.
5) Sanity- Too early to tell, but the Gimmick needs work. It's not very good so far. over the top and abrasive.
Mid carders
Not really hurting here because they job plenty of Cruiser Weights and no name's throughout this, but some notable Mid Carders.
1) Murphy and Blake- Keep them as Jobbers and eventually let them go.
2) Tye Dillinger- He can move to the main roster now. He is ready. He would be great on either brand.
3) No Way Jose- he bring it and I smile every time he comes out. I think we have it here, but again, we need him in NXT to help the roster gain traction again.
Everyone else is just too new to the brand.
Women's division
How great is it that Mickie James is back. She does it for me man, I'm not sure what it is, but I like me some Mickie James. She will really Feud well with Asuka before any of the other girls are ready. Asuka is the only one on the Roster that could even move up other than Morgan, and Morgan isn't really ready, she's just all they have right now.
1) Billy Kay- Needs a TON of mic work. She's so very bad.
2) Aliyah- Still in Jobber Mode
3) Ember Moon- Not digging it, What a build up and for a talent that really isn't.
4) Mandy Rose- Could be there soon, but just isn't
5) Nikki Cross- Man that Sanity Gimmick needs some polish.
6) Peyton Royce- Face it, she needs to be let go.
7) Where did Tessa Blanchard Go? Blue pants anyone?
Moving onto Raw. Honestly, All of the Belts are in the Right place except one. They just need a fresh start.
1) Kevin Owens is an Amazing Champion of the Universe. His antics while wrestling are what has my juices going. I haven't seen anyone this talented in a long time. He can GO in the ring. His NXT stuff against Sami Zayn was Impeccable. His ROH stuff was way better. He has had CRAZY good matches in WWE so far. That ladder match. My nephews who watched that with me swear Owens is a zombie because Zayn Killed him in that match. Great mic work. I want that Jericho Feud NOW.
2) Sasha Baks- I've already gone into this at length I like her as Champion, but we need her paired with Bailey.
3) T.J. Perkins- Belt needs to be on someone who has a better personality. Swann, Alexander, Neese any of those guys would work. Not Kendrick.
4) The New Day used to be the best Damn thing in WWE. Since the Split. They've fallen a little flat. I liked the clash with the Club, but it just didn't go where it needed too. I'll tell you what's hurting them. They're chasing that Longest Run in History. That's what's Killing them. Once that's over, I think we will see the Phoenix touch here. Their Mojo is gone because of that. The forced Cesaro Sheamus team up is bull and everyone know it. It's just being used to postpone the title loss to Enzo and Cass or The Club.
5) Roman Reigns- He is actually good as the US Champ. I like him here for a while. He should establish Dominance at Hell in a Cell and move onto doing an Open Challenge and give us a good solid match every single Monday night. The open Challenge thing Cena did, was the best thing Cena did in years and Reigns would only gain from defeating Neville, Zayn, Dallas, Axel etc. Week in and week out. Give him a Feud breather and build his dominance all the way to Wrestlemania. Have him Cleanly beat the entire Raw Roster over and over and then have a Huge name challenge him at Mania.
Lets talk about the Roster Now.
1) Enzo and Cass are sinking fast. Something's gotta give and it needs to be the New Day or their tag team in general. Enzo VS. Cass could be coming sooner than you think if they don't win a title soon. They should both individually challenge Reigns for the belt. Have Reigns beat them both on the same night at the next RAW only PPV.
2) Big Show- retire please. I honestly think his last match will be against Shaq at Wrestlemania, I think It'll be a farewell match.
3) Bo Dallas- He needs a tag Partner and a mid card sensational run.
4) Braun Strowman- He's in a good place, I think he's going to CRUSH Sami Zayn. I think his next Feud should be against Rusev and have them trade wins for the scariest big guy on Raw.
5) Brock Lesner- This Goldberg Angle is already getting tough to watch. I hate his matches. He makes Professional Wrestling seem Illegitimate. I mean we all know it is, but he really crosses the line. I'd like to see Owens get a Clean win over him.
6) Cesaro- Needs a Title Run against Owens After Jericho. Maybe in a triple Threat with Sheamus.
7) Charlotte- I've talked about her at length. I would like to see a work with Nia Jax.
8) Darren Young- It's not working Bro. embrace your Jobber hood.
9) The Club- They've been hurt by being separated from AJ Styles. They need some help they would be much better as a 5 or 6 man stable. Straight up Bullet Club Style.Maybe give them some Jobbers to Crush for a little while, It wouldn't be bad to see them #beatupsomepeople.
10) Neville- Why is he not in the Talk for the next Cruiser Weight Champion?
11) Sami Zayn- You're in a tough spot bro. You're amazing, but you need to loose to Braun, You need to stay away from Owens. You would however make the next step for Seth Freakin Rollins an amazing one. I can see a long and amazing road ahead for you. I'm talking top tier Universal Champion, but to be the man you gotta beat the man. Seth Rollins is next for you and I think you two are going to go places.
12) Rollins- See Zayn, but I want this to annoy you. I want you to thin you're better than him and get pissed when he beats you over and over again. Eventually I want you to be in a Fatal four way with Zayn, Owens and Cesaro for the belt.
13) Dreaded 13 for Tony Nese. He needs to be the HEEL of the Cruiser weight Division. He has the moves, the looks the mic work
SmackDown Roster.
Belts are also in a good place. Although I think the Tag Team division is just too deep for the belts to stay in one place too long.
1) AJ Styles- Probably the best acquisition for WWE in a very long time. He was a great face when he first showed up and I like him as a Heel. He is a true pro who let it go down in the record books that he was beat by someone who isn't even really on the roster. Great showing for him. I liked it when he had cronies a little bit more, so lets hope he gets a stable lead again. I'm excited, because you never know what smackdown is going to give you. Right now, it would be a shame if the thing with Ambrose continued. I think a different Feud should go from this point. Why? because Ellsworth cost Ambrose his title shot, they should stick to their guns here and not let Ambrose fight for the title any time soon.
2) Becky Lynch- Obvious Choice for Smackdown Women's champ. However I really want Bliss to beat her. This current run is gold. Way better than what they offer up on Raw.
3) Slater/ Rhyno- I like that they gave them the spot. I like that they held onto the Tag belts, but you have way too many career Tag teams here for this stay a thing. I say, let Rhyno cost the belts and set off a long term Feud between Rhyno and Slater. Have Slater yell at him because he had to return his pool. It would be gold.
4) Dolph Ziggler- I was sad to see the Miz lose the Belt, because he was on an amazing run. However, the Belt vs. Career thing was good and that match at No Mercy. It's in contention for match of the year.
5) Vaude Villains- Settled in nicely as Jobbers unfortunately. I would like to see a split and Gotch come out as a legitimate super star.
6) Alexa Bliss- Currently the most talented all around Woman in the WWE.
7) Apollo Crews- Really should have been left in development, they didn't really have a place for him, he is a massive star and needed more time to perfect a character. His latest work with Corbin, just solidified how good Corbin is at being a Heel. Crews better get something going in a story line or he will be back on the indies quicker than he thinks. Ask Bobby Lashley how far a good body and great moves gets you in WWE without going a good route storyline wise you won't be seeing him around as much as you would like. I think the next time we see John Cena, Crews should smack him in the mouth. Cena isn't afraid to make others look good. Even with Cena coming out on top, working with a top guy is what Crews needs.
8) Wyatt Family- I have no clue why Bray Wyatt isn't the biggest baddest dog in the yard. Wyatt's Character and following should scare everyone to death. However, all he does is lose. Worst booking of all time if you ask almost any wrestling fan.
9) Carmella- Should be on Raw to help the sinking ship that is Enzo and Cass. Not really, her work with Nikki Bella currently is surprisingly good. I like her position and I can see her working for the Title after Bliss has her run.
10) American Alpha- They will have the titles very soon. very very very soon.
11) Jack Swagger- Retire, you would be great in ROH, NJPW or TNA. In WWE You're stale. go away. You've lost your Swagger. We the people want you to leave.
12) Uso's- Still don't like them.
13) Cena- This is the perfect place for John Cena, He can come and go as he pleases and can really elevate the brand when he is around. I think he should work one of the Younger guys like Corbin or Crews. Maybe give Ziggler a run for the IC belt. Super Face vs. Super Face. That always ends good.
14) Baron Corbin- keep doing what your doing man. eventually a title will land on your shoulder. I hope they keep him away from Ziggler though we just went through a terrible angle with Ziggler right before the brand split and it didn't do anyone any favors.
15) Kalisto- Should be on Raw with the Cruiser Weights or Challenging the Miz
16) Kane- Retire please
17) The Ascension- need to ascend. Their Dominance in NXT seems like a huge falsehood now that they loose to teams like the HYPE Bros. Which depresses me to no end because I really like Zach Ryder and was super happy about last years Wrestlemania, However I cannot stand Mojo Rawley. I say give the Ascension to Bray Wyatt and make them cannon fodder for the Wyatts. Get Wyatt to send the Ascension in to attack whoever he's feuding with and after they beat them down have them bring that person to Wyatt. Make the Ascension his slaves.
18) The Miz- He is doing the best work of his career. I say put him against AJ, Let him beat up on Kalisto, anything to keep him the most relevant star on the roster. Have him come out and commentate every single Smackdown. Have him interrupt every single time we see Daniel Bryan and just be the thorn in the bosses the side. Then have him win, All the time. He doesn't need a belt, just have him cheat to win every match.
19) Naomi- She's a no talent hack and the only reason she is even here is Total Divas and she has regular marriage bed fun time with an Uso.
20) Natty- needs the belt at least once before retiring.
21) Nikki Bella- Continues to impress with her in ring work, but needs to cover up. I waiting on something to pop loose. Contrary to my previous comments, I don't watch for that reason, but it's happened with her before and if she doesn't secure those things we're going full out Janet at a superbowl. She does the STF better than Cena.
22) Randy Orton- I don't know what they're doing with him, but I'm waiting to find out, it could be epic.
23) Tyler Breeze- Being with Fandango, might be a good thing. I realize they're buried in the card, but they are entertaining and as long as you have the crowd you have a job. Look at how long guys like Ryder and Santino stayed around.
Lets talk what's going on in Pro Wrestling.
The best Pro Wrestler out there isn't in WWE. It's Kenny Omega. End of story. That's Why the Picture is so big. Don't believe me, Youtube.
TNA- Just let Billy Coragan have it please.
Roderick Stong in NXT- I'm excited, I hope they let him loose.
Hell in a Cell build- They did it poorly, do we need to go on. Yes? Ok. The women should be terrified, they should legitimately beg to be in it. So should Owens and so should Rusev. Anyone who hasn't been in it should always cringe with fear. Nope, instead its just another day at the office. Pathetic.
Goldberg not getting over. Why should he? It was Brocks home town. Why would he?
Okada- Under rated and should be in NXT and would really be great against Nakamura.
Young bucks- Should be in WWE and with AJ Styles.
ROH- I'm sad Moose left. Seeing Colt is great. Can't mention colt without
CM PUNK- Give him a break, He lost, people do that in UFC. He clearly has a ways to go and losing isn't something that is going to get that guy down, stop begging for him back in WWE. I watched his Heyday stuff and honestly, Rollins is better than Punk ever was.
$20.00 is too much for the Evolve/ Shimmer streaming service, just suck it up and do it for $9.97 just to be asses if for no other reason.
Broken Matt Hardy- It's good man, It's really good. I'm going out on a limb and saying it's the best thing TNA has ever done.
Paige and Alberto Del Rio- Honestly, I'm super bummed, because I thought Paige was the greatest Women's wrestler until I saw Asuka. Then I realized I was wrong, now I think WWE should just give her what she wants and cut her loose on good terms so when she comes back later you can use her properly. If she comes back at all. I think she would do great down at Lucha Underground in those amazing Tornado Style matches. I can see her putting Mundo in a submission.
Cody Rhodes- Shouldn't have signed with TNA
NJPW- I need to figure out how to get you on a regular basis.
