The Wrestling Discussion Thread

[shaz619]

Nowadays, who is the biggest star in WWE? It's been a long time since I watched WWE.

In that Rock / Austin / Cena type role it’s Roman Reigns.

After that, I’d say CM Punk for similar if not superior star power, his recent signing helped WWE get the 5 billion deal with Netflix

 

[shaz619]

I swear this guy is one of the worst workers that WWE has ever had at a main-event level in the modern era. Even Gunther couldn't get a good match out of him. He should stick to being the company mascot and getting the crowd to chant 'Yeet' because he is not good enough to be world champion. Heck, he is not even good enough to be IC Champion.

Come on that’s savage Whenever he has been in the main event he has had great matches, his style seems to mesh well with superior ring workers.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

As a pure super kick it may be the best, comparing it as a ‘kick’ to Shawn’s SCW; I personally see no comparison in terms of my own preference and as I said before I see the two moves in a different light. Shawn does that build up but also hits the finisher from a variety of positions, his general set-up, technique and psychology of the move is on another level for me, the SWC’s on Angle (WM 21 while unconscious), on Cena ( RAW london, that reversal of the FU & sell into a pin was just mastery), the one on Benjamin/Rey is well known and especially the one to win his first world title all live rent free in my head.

Yeah I agree with that. For the modern style Shawn's superkick works better, because he could use it at any point of the match. Case in point the superkick he gave to Shelton on RAW. In yesteryears, when less was more, Chris Adams's superkick was probably one of the most devastating finishers, along with the DDT and the piledriver.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Come on that’s savage Whenever he has been in the main event he has had great matches, his style seems to mesh well with superior ring workers.

Hey, I'm just being honest. Modern day wrestling demands a certain level of in-ring from the top stars, even in the WWE. In the 80s, you could get by with a corny gimmick, a catchphrase and a limited moveset, but in today's environment, the fans demand more. And because all the other top guys are functioning at that level, Jey Uso stands out like a sore thumb.

The only singles match of his that I enjoyed was the one he had with Bron Breakker on RAW.

 

[shaz619]

Yeah I agree with that. For the modern style Shawn's superkick works better, because he could use it at any point of the match. Case in point the superkick he gave to Shelton on RAW. In yesteryears, when less was more, Chris Adams's superkick was probably one of the most devastating finishers, along with the DDT and the piledriver.

Ah am glad you mentioned the DDT because nobody hit it quiet like Jake, he’s my favourite legend to play with in SvR 206 as well, it just looks like he just killed someone by planting their face in the mat.

I completed the season mode with Christian btw, when I won the world title I celebrated with Austin

 

[shaz619]

Hey, I'm just being honest. Modern day wrestling demands a certain level of in-ring from the top stars, even in the WWE. In the 80s, you could get by with a corny gimmick, a catchphrase and a limited moveset, but in today's environment, the fans demand more. And because all the other top guys are functioning at that level, Jey Uso stands out like a sore thumb.

The only singles match of his that I enjoyed was the one he had with Bron Breakker on RAW.

I disagree but respect your opinion, with the gimmick, am not a huge fan but it’s popular and would be even more over during the AE era.

Did you not like the programmes with Roman during covid, I thought he did a great job and played a big role in the growth of our tribal chief.

 

[shaz619]

Haha. 3 spears + 3 frog splashes = Jey Uso moveset

Hope they get Zila Fatu in WWE soon.

And am so glad they finally let Jacob get on the mic… no more of that I love you solo bs, now he talking real trash and killing it

Zila Fatu going to debut like:

 

[shaz619]

Anyone thinks The Rock is gonna enter Royal Rumble? Have a suspicion he’s gonna enter as #30

Reckon Cena or Rock is winning the Rumble

The Rock I feel could, I hope Lesnar shows up to, I think the crowd will go absolutely bonkers if he does but am not sure. I miss Brock so much man.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Tbh, this is alot like someone patting them self on the back. As much as they may try to show otherwise.

When the hell is Batista going to go in? He was supposed to be inducted 5 years ago.

I agree inducting Trips now when he's at the helm is obvious self congratulations
I was just making a light hearted comment on shaz's hatred of trips.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Anyone thinks The Rock is gonna enter Royal Rumble? Have a suspicion he’s gonna enter as #30

Reckon Cena or Rock is winning the Rumble

Rock isn't doing Rumble I reckon.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I don't think Rock is doing WrestleMania.

I see Cena winning the Elimination Chamber. He won't win the Rumble.

Cena/Punk/Sami would be the winners IMO. Sami vs Gunther rematch might be one of Trips "masterplans" but he won't get to main event.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Apart from the casuals who still take in H’s knob, a big part of the online wrestling community is waking up to his behaviour and starting to see through the fraud he is.

Lol I know. He's not a genius and craves limelight. But he's done some good bits over the years as well in a stark contrast to the kind of person he was during AE and RA (who was defo a real life heel)

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Ah am glad you mentioned the DDT because nobody hit it quiet like Jake, he’s my favourite legend to play with in SvR 206 as well, it just looks like he just killed someone by planting their face in the mat.

I completed the season mode with Christian btw, when I won the world title I celebrated with Austin

I loved the lifting DDT that Edge used as a finisher back in early 2000s.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

The Rock I feel could, I hope Lesnar shows up to, I think the crowd will go absolutely bonkers if he does but am not sure. I miss Brock so much man.

Lesnar would be a defo adrenaline pumper.
Randy and AJ would also be returning I guess.
I'd like AJ to win the rumble and beat Gunther at Mania. Punk could wrestle Roman and Cena can take on Cody.
Randy is defo going for KO.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I disagree but respect your opinion, with the gimmick, am not a huge fan but it’s popular and would be even more over during the AE era.

Did you not like the programmes with Roman during covid, I thought he did a great job and played a big role in the growth of our tribal chief.

Just the enormous character growth and mic work that Jey has done since Covid has made him one of the most likeable personalities on air. Before that, he was hosting women's sing along competitions on Raw. That Jimmy vs Jey match at Mania was an absolute stinker no doubt, but Jey has been good. He's not a singles in ring general and may never be, but he's pretty good being himself.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Cena/Punk/Sami would be the winners IMO. Sami vs Gunther rematch might be one of Trips "masterplans" but he won't get to main event.

Punk has never won. It would be a nice moment if he wins considering he was fired at this show 11 years ago, and suffered that unfortunate triceps injury during last year's match.

Sami's time will come. As long as they book him well, people will care about t even if it comes one year from now.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Punk has never won. It would be a nice moment if he wins considering he was fired at this show 11 years ago, and suffered that unfortunate triceps injury during last year's match.

Sami's time will come. As long as they book him well, people will care about t even if it comes one year from now.

I am not sure about Punk vs Gunther. Punk vs Roman would be a better match for Mania.
Why not AJ? I know it ain't happening. but AJ dethroning Gunther at mania would be great.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I am not sure about Punk vs Gunther. Punk vs Roman would be a better match for Mania.
Why not AJ? I know it ain't happening. but AJ dethroning Gunther at mania would be great.

Who says the belt has to be on Gunther?

AJ, I don't know. He has been out for quite some time. It would feel a little out of the blue.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I disagree but respect your opinion, with the gimmick, am not a huge fan but it’s popular and would be even more over during the AE era.

Did you not like the programmes with Roman during covid, I thought he did a great job and played a big role in the growth of our tribal chief.

I don't have an issue with his gimmick. Not what I like, but I can see why its popular. That was more just a general comment abut the 80s, though I do feel the other two things apply to Jey.

Those were good story matches. You could look past the quality of the work because the story that was being told was more important. That is not the case anymore.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Who says the belt has to be on Gunther?

AJ, I don't know. He has been out for quite some time. It would feel a little out of the blue.

Cody vs Cena seems to be the direction. I am not sure Trips will give Cena a match other than that on his final mania
I don't see Gunther losing the title before Mania

 

[shaz619]

I loved the lifting DDT that Edge used as a finisher back in early 2000s.

The animation for that was done really well in the video games

 

[shaz619]

I am not sure about Punk vs Gunther. Punk vs Roman would be a better match for Mania.
Why not AJ? I know it ain't happening. but AJ dethroning Gunther at mania would be great.

AJ & Punk are the last two and have a 20 min match like Taker / HBK in 2007, but then then they both go over at the same time like HBK / Bulldog; and instead of restarting the match, are declared dual winners.

Both want the richest prize in the sport, Cody’s title at mania.

Meanwhile, Roman Reigns wins the elimination chamber match to secure a world title shot by eliminating John lastly who puts up a great fight, and then uses his influence to exploit the contract terms of his title shot, he should be eligible for the WHC, instead he goes for Cody’s title.

The Wrestlemania Main-Event is set; Cody Rhodes vs CM Punk vs Roman Reigns vs AJ Styles.

As Cena was last eliminated by Reigns, he is declared the no.1 contender for Gunther’s WHC so you have your night 1 main event sorted as well.

Night 1 main-event; Gunther is largely dominating Cena who keeps kicking out like super man, he managed to hit Gunther with multiple AA’s but Gunther kicks out, he tries a super AA Gunther still kicks. Gunther goes for the clothesline from Nazi Germany, Cena ducks and the ref is out, Cena then kicks Gunther in the nuts, then gets his old chain out and begins to apply the STF with it, he then hits an unconscious Gunther with another AA and gets the win. The crowd is emotional, 17 time champ! Gunther looks at him in disgust but Cena insists he shakes his hand, as they do, Cena pulls Gunther in and gives him another AA, he then grabs a chair from ringside and begins to violently attack Gunther, crowd is shocked, just before he leaves the ring he grabs the mic and says just three words ‘F Them Kids’ and leaves as all the babies and fat girls cry into the night.

Night 2 Main Event; hot start, each man gets their time to shine, during the finishing stretch AJ is laid out after a GTS which sends him from the announcers desk into the crowd, Punk is exhausted outside, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are having a war which ends in Cody Rhodes going for the cutter which Reigns blocks with a spear to his back turning him inside out, and then hits another spear when Cody is standing, CM Punk crawls inside the ring and is gesturing to Paul Heyman who begins to plead with Roman Reigns who was going to pin Roman Reigns but is hesitant, meanwhile Punk begins to lift Cody Rhodes up for the GTS and as he does this Roman Reigns begins to leave the ring, Punk hits the GTS and becomes Undisputed World Champion.

@RedwoodOriginal Out comes H, Penta, Stephanie & AJ Lee + Larry, they are all celebrating with Punk and Cody is on his knees shaking his head, but smiles as Punk celebrates and wraps his title around Larry as the fireworks go off.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

The animation for that was done really well in the video game

And DDT from a good height looks even more devastating.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

AJ & Punk are the last two and have a 20 min match like Taker / HBK in 2007, but then then they both go over at the same time like HBK / Bulldog; and instead of restarting the match, are declared dual winners.

Both want the richest prize in the sport, Cody’s title at mania.

Meanwhile, Roman Reigns wins the elimination chamber match to secure a world title shot by eliminating John lastly who puts up a great fight, and then uses his influence to exploit the contract terms of his title shot, he should be eligible for the WHC, instead he goes for Cody’s title.

The Wrestlemania Main-Event is set; Cody Rhodes vs CM Punk vs Roman Reigns vs AJ Styles.

As Cena was last eliminated by Reigns, he is declared the no.1 contender for Gunther’s WHC so you have your night 1 main event sorted as well.

Night 1 main-event; Gunther is largely dominating Cena who keeps kicking out like super man, he managed to hit Gunther with multiple AA’s but Gunther kicks out, he tries a super AA Gunther still kicks. Gunther goes for the clothesline from Nazi Germany, Cena ducks and the ref is out, Cena then kicks Gunther in the nuts, then gets his old chain out and begins to apply the STF with it, he then hits an unconscious Gunther with another AA and gets the win. The crowd is emotional, 17 time champ! Gunther looks at him in disgust but Cena insists he shakes his hand, as they do, Cena pulls Gunther in and gives him another AA, he then grabs a chair from ringside and begins to violently attack Gunther, crowd is shocked, just before he leaves the ring he grabs the mic and says just three words ‘F Them Kids’ and leaves as all the babies and fat girls cry into the night.

Night 2 Main Event; hot start, each man gets their time to shine, during the finishing stretch AJ is laid out after a GTS which sends him from the announcers desk into the crowd, Punk is exhausted outside, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are having a war which ends in Cody Rhodes going for the cutter which Reigns blocks with a spear to his back turning him inside out, and then hits another spear when Cody is standing, CM Punk crawls inside the ring and is gesturing to Paul Heyman who begins to plead with Roman Reigns who was going to pin Roman Reigns but is hesitant, meanwhile Punk begins to lift Cody Rhodes up for the GTS and as he does this Roman Reigns begins to leave the ring, Punk hits the GTS and becomes Undisputed World Champion.

@RedwoodOriginal Out comes H, Penta, Stephanie & AJ Lee + Larry, they are all celebrating with Punk and Cody is on his knees shaking his head, but smiles as Punk celebrates and wraps his title around Larry as the fireworks go off.

We know this ain't happening.

Although I am curious to see an AJ Punk feud.
AJ has been booked pretty weakly since Trips took over.

 

[shaz619]

We know this ain't happening.

Although I am curious to see an AJ Punk feud.
AJ has been booked pretty weakly since Trips took over.

For the jobbers out there, it’s called fantasy booking

AJ is on the way out so he don’t care but I do think he wants to be involved in high profile feuds so don’t think a feud with Punk is far fetched

 

[BunnyRabbit]

For the jobbers out there, it’s called fantasy booking

AJ is on the way out so he don’t care but I do think he wants to be involved in high profile feuds so don’t think a feud with Punk is far fetched

Yup AJ Punk feud needs to happen before Punk KO feud.
I rate AJ higher than many of his contemporaries and would like to see him get one final push like the one he had in 2016 and 2018

 

[shaz619]

Yup AJ Punk feud needs to happen before Punk KO feud.
I rate AJ higher than many of his contemporaries and would like to see him get one final push like the one he had in 2016 and 2018

I would love to as well but AJ I think just wants to be involved in the big matches, he couldn’t do a champions schedule at this stage and he has always said he’d want to help out in NXT. The future is bright when Shawn, AJ & Punk work together in dev to build stars for the next generation, will be quiet the sight to behold. It’s sad how he got injured, but in 2024 it was a good start with him being involved in the title picture and if you think about it, in Cody’s entire reign so far the AJ & KO feuds have been the highlight and AJ doesn’t get enough props, also a shame he is booked by a one dimensional, one lane brain like H.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I would love to as well but AJ I think just wants to be involved in the big matches, he couldn’t do a champions schedule at this stage and he has always said he’d want to help out in NXT. The future is bright when Shawn, AJ & Punk work together in dev to build stars for the next generation, will be quiet the sight to behold. It’s sad how he got injured, but in 2024 it was a good start with him being involved in the title picture and if you think about it, in Cody’s entire reign so far the AJ & KO feuds have been the highlight and AJ doesn’t get enough props, also a shame he is booked by a one dimensional, one lane brain like H.

There's a clear bias against certain wrestlers ever since trips took over. AJ, Lashley, Bianca, Theory etc

 

[BunnyRabbit]

The women's rumble was meh yet again. Went on for too long and then last 10 eliminations in like 2 mins. Felt like it took 2 hours to get to 30.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Dull start to the Men’s Rumble so far.

 

[Bhaijaan]

This crowd is so dead. One of the worst Rumble crowds i have ever seen.

Although can’t fully blame them, the exhibition also has been rather ordinary so far and we’re already 19 entrants in.

Not many so called Royal Rumble moments so far

 

[Bhaijaan]

Cena is in at #23
Punk is in at #24

Cena already eliminates Braun Strauman and Finn Balor

 

[Bhaijaan]

Cena, Punk, Reigns stare down.

Seth Rollins comes at #25

 

[Bhaijaan]

Punk eliminates Reigns and Rollins

Logan Paul eliminates Punk


It’s down to Cena, Jay, Logan

 

[Bhaijaan]

Let’s go Cena

 

[Bhaijaan]

Cena eliminates Logan Paul


It’s down to Cena and Jey

 

[Bhaijaan]

Jey Uso wins!

 

[Bhaijaan]

Fully deserved.
Jey Uso, the most over superstar in the WWE right now. Crowd favorite.

This is his moment.
Main event Jey USO!


Cena showing his respect.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Men's rumble was great especially from no 15 and onwards.
But what a downer for cena in the end.
I don't want to see another Gunther vs Jey especially at Mania.
Cena winning made sense.
Think they're going for Roman vs Seth vs Punk at Mania but don't know the rationale for having a triple threat without any title on the line.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Men's rumble was great especially from no 15 and onwards.
But what a downer for cena in the end.
I don't want to see another Gunther vs Jey especially at Mania.
Cena winning made sense.
Think they're going for Roman vs Seth vs Punk at Mania but don't know the rationale for having a triple threat without any title on the line.

You don’t want a situation like the Rock faced last year when people accused him of stealing Cody Rhodes’ moment.

Nice gesture to keep Cena in till Last 2 but if he had won, only some fans would have respected that and the rest of them would have started crying about it.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Would have liked Cena winning the thing. Jey vs gunther is kind of boring.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

You don’t want a situation like the Rock faced last year when people accused him of stealing Cody Rhodes’ moment.

Nice gesture to keep Cena in till Last 2 but if he had won, only some fans would have respected that and the rest of them would have started crying about it.

We have already seen Jey vs Gunther 2 or 3 times in last 2 months. I don't know why they would give us the same match again and at Mania. I don't really see a plan with Jey winning the Rumble.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Cena, Punk, Reigns stare down.

Seth Rollins comes at #25

Would have been even better had Randy came out at 25 rather than Seth.

 

[Suleiman]

Think everyone’s fantasy WM 41 just got erased lol.

Loved seeing unhinged Cody with that Alabama slam on the ladder. Hope this unhinged violence eventually manifests into full heel turn, not now, but in the future.

Logan eliminating you know who was funny, won’t say more due to spoilers for those who haven’t seen it yet.

 

[Suleiman]

You don’t want a situation like the Rock faced last year when people accused him of stealing Cody Rhodes’ moment.

Nice gesture to keep Cena in till Last 2 but if he had won, only some fans would have respected that and the rest of them would have started crying about it.

Yeah, also would be too predictable and lazy imo. CM Punk made sense, there was at at least sizeable build up to it.

I really wanted Cena to go back in there and give Jey the FU. I thought that’s why he got back in the ring initially especially when he grabbed him by the face that heel turn would’ve rivaled Hogan’s.

 

[Bhaijaan]

We have already seen Jey vs Gunther 2 or 3 times in last 2 months. I don't know why they would give us the same match again and at Mania. I don't really see a plan with Jey winning the Rumble.

There’s no surety it’s gonna be Gunther vs Jey.

 

[Bhaijaan]

A very underwhelming and forgettable Royal Rummle overall. Dominick entering at #29, Logan Paul at #30.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Brock Lesnar has been allegedly named in the new Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon.

This might be it for Brock.
Not gonna see him in the squared circle for a while now if ever.

 

[shaz619]

The women’s RR was sloppy as hell, this was their 3rd largest gate for a single night event and you had like some of the most random names start the match, it never quiet got going until Bianca showed up and Chelsea Green deserved more time because she was entertaining the crowd quiet a bit. People criticise Mercedes Mone and I can accept that for her laid back attitude, but as a talent she was vastly superior to majority of the entrants here. The finish was predictable but a great moment, lets be real, none of these women are remotely on Charlotte’s level, she looked outstanding out there and doesn’t appear to have lost a step, nice little showing for Grace and Perez in there to. I personally would have opened with the ladder match which was one of the most violent ones I’ve seen, this close to Wrestlemania, I was surprised by some of the spots and just how stiff the match was in general, KO has to be the MVP of the WWE, selflessly elevating others almost in a Mick Foley kinda way. Loved the intensity from Cody in the match and the character development / story built off him become more and more jaded in the spotlight.

Men’s Rumble had good flow to it due to the Lucha’s, I feel Gable deserved better though and should have been among the last four. I didn’t like the lack of action between the big entrants in the Rumble, like just fight ffs. Penta had a fantastic presentation, great to see AJ back especially with his OG theme; he should have been a part of that big stare-down between the big players. As for the finish, I didn’t mind it live, not thinking about long term plans in the moment, I felt it delivered for me because the company got me for once, I could not have imagined it until the very last moment and I can’t say I am mad at the idea, I’ve always felt he could be in this position since the programme Jey had with Reigns. P.S if Jey going over was genuinely a non-petty decision, it gives hope to guys like Sami and Gable.

As for Cena, he can still be involved in either of the world title pictures, that’s still possible. If he isn’t, then I hope they finally pull the trigger on a heel turn, now or never. His obsession to be champion again and that entitlement to deserve the keys to the kingdom after all he has done for the company and us fans provides perfect ammunition for a turn, heck, Jey winning can be the perfect catalyst; someone whom he doesn’t really see anywhere close to his level etc I am not concerned about Cena’s plans, think they will do him good with the next 12 months in mind. This is me taking this all in seriously, the pessimist in me, partly feels H had Jey go over just to say to the IWC that he isn’t predictable and be careful what you wish for, he was already b!tching and moaning about predictable not being a bad thing in the post event presser, some of ya”ll need to wake up with how his egotistical mind works.

CM Punk is my guy and I would loved to have seen him win, am not sure if H and co will let him main event, it’s still a possibility but I know that if he gets to Wrestlemania healthy, he will deliver regardless as the franchise star and that’s all I care about with regards to his creative.

 

[The_KING]

What a trash royal rumble. Imagine the final three of Cena, Jey Uso and Logan Paul. When you had star power like Punk, Seth, Reigns. I understand Cena but Paul and Jey Uso? Seriously?

As for Jey USO winning, honestly do the Anoai family have nudes of Stephanie because I am sick of Triple H giving them the sort of push that he has been giving them. I understand Roman because he is a legit superstar, but is his entire family going to be elevated to main event status based on their association with him? Jey Uso is good but not sure if he is main event level.

The women’s royal rumble had Ric Flair’s daughter winning. Honestly I don’t care how good she is in the ring, there is something seriously unlikeable about Charlotte Flair.

Kevin Owens lose again. He has been the best and most believable heel for the past few months But him losing again and again to Cody just hurts him. Seriously, I am sick of these lengthy title reigns. Can’t KO beat Cody to win the title just once? He can lose it the following next on Raw back to Cody in a rematch.

Honestly, I am not feeling the Triple H era so far.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

As a match, it was good. It was entertaining and there was enough story between the entrants. From a booking stand-point, I can't explain how much I hated this. Of all the guys on your roster, this is who you go with? Triple H has made some bad booking decisions but this one takes the cake.

Triple H's lack of imagination was also evident by the complete lack of legends in the match. Are you telling me you couldn't have dropped one of those undercard guys for RVD or some other legend?

 

[Bhaijaan]

As a match, it was good. It was entertaining and there was enough story between the entrants. From a booking stand-point, I can't explain how much I hated this. Of all the guys on your roster, this is who you go with? Triple H has made some bad booking decisions but this one takes the cake.

Triple H's lack of imagination was also evident by the complete lack of legends in the match. Are you telling me you couldn't have dropped one of those undercard guys for RVD or some other legend?

WWE was at its best when Vince McMahon was still young and mentally sound. He was a genius who made it work.

 

[The_KING]

As a match, it was good. It was entertaining and there was enough story between the entrants. From a booking stand-point, I can't explain how much I hated this. Of all the guys on your roster, this is who you go with? Triple H has made some bad booking decisions but this one takes the cake.

Triple H's lack of imagination was also evident by the complete lack of legends in the match. Are you telling me you couldn't have dropped one of those undercard guys for RVD or some other legend?

This is something that annoys me so much. No legends in the royal rumble match. Do we really care about IshowSpeed? RVD was backstage at the rumble. Surely, he could have entered the rumble.

 

[Bhaijaan]

They did Ishowspeed dirty bro. That was a sick spear. I hope he’s alright.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This is something that annoys me so much. No legends in the royal rumble match. Do we really care about IshowSpeed? RVD was backstage at the rumble. Surely, he could have entered the rumble.

The desperate attempts to appeal to kids are so lame. Having ishowSpeed in the match. Constantly giving spotlight to random YouTubers. Booking Logan Paul the way you would book a main-eventer who has been in the company for years. And I'm 80% they will book this clown in a WrestleMania match with AJ Styles now.

 

[shaz619]

Vince is simply on another level as a booker, I’ve always maintained this and how H is just running the creative part of the business on auto-pilot, WWE is so huge now as a business and entity that it’s not reliant on one mind anymore, yes, the lead booker will still make the big calls but not without input from other senior figures in the company.

I am trying to look at the booking decisions positively and I want to assume there’s no pettiness involved behind them.

I personally preferred Punk and wouldn’t have minded Cena either, but can we really complain about this in 2025 and especially when the booking in general is so predictable ? You want to make new stars and give fresh faces more of a chance as far as a major singles push is concerned and from that POV, you can’t really criticise Jey Uso being given a shot in a potential WM main event. He’s one of the most over stars on the roster, among the best merch sellers, isn’t exactly a ring general but works the WWE style really well and is capable in a story driven environment. Triple H fans especially shouldn’t really criticise this when he never ever got close to organic popularity or having any sort of major impact at the top of the card without all the bells and whistles while Jey managed to main event as a tag team wrestler on the back of his own efforts and ability then broke out as a singles star. Again, looking at it positively it gives hope to other stars on the roster and shows the company is willing to give chances to some fresher faces.

On Charlotte, really ? when she’s not there you throw a tantrum, and when she returns you throw a tantrum. She could go on like this for another 5 years and maybe, just maybe, one of the hacks from NXT will be able to compete with her. She’s the greatest of all time, nobody is remotely close to her level so I find it amusing when she is criticised. Literally, a big portion of the first half were jobbers and so bloody green, I for one am glad she has come back and the programme with Tiffy should be great, Charlotte has made so many of these women it’s no joke, the division desperately was begging for her return.

 

[shaz619]

They did Ishowspeed dirty bro. That was a sick spear. I hope he’s alright.

He’s one of those re!ards that thinks it’s all fake so he will be fine, hopefully his skinny &ss will have a bit more respect now.

 

[shaz619]

Imagine Logan Paul won, the meltdown would be justified. Him eliminating two of my heroes was filthy and screams of H’s pettiness, I also smell a WM match between AJ & Logan Paul, AJ deserves better then that.

What about the brawl outside between Punk, Rollins & Reigns - that almost looked like a shoot, really enjoyed that. The RR itself wont ever compare how Vince use to book them but that brawl outside and the dramatic finish made up for the generic quality.

 

[Rana]

Watched wrestling after ages, it was free on Netflix so why not watch the RR match to see where WWE is currently at.

Underwhelming Rumble men’s match and some ridiculous burying with that bloke Speed eliminating a couple of full time superstars.

No surprise legendary returns. Happy for Jay USO as he clearly looks massively over with the crowd.

The most ridiculous part of the rumble was Logan Paul surviving whilst Punk, Reigns and Styles eliminated together lol! What is HHH playing at here? Why is he screwing his current superstars in ways that he and wrestlers from his era wouldn’t allow over their dead body?

John Cena will retire without a proper heel run and a gimmick befitting a sensible adult. Sad.

 

[Rana]

- that almost looked like a shoot, really enjoyed that. The RR itself wont ever compare how Vince use to book them but that brawl outside and the dramatic finish made up for the generic quality.

This was quite interesting, probably the only throwback to the old pre woke days.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Vince is simply on another level as a booker, I’ve always maintained this and how H is just running the creative part of the business on auto-pilot, WWE is so huge now as a business and entity that it’s not reliant on one mind anymore, yes, the lead booker will still make the big calls but not without input from other senior figures in the company.

I am trying to look at the booking decisions positively and I want to assume there’s no pettiness involved behind them.

I personally preferred Punk and wouldn’t have minded Cena either, but can we really complain about this in 2025 and especially when the booking in general is so predictable ? You want to make new stars and give fresh faces more of a chance as far as a major singles push is concerned and from that POV, you can’t really criticise Jey Uso being given a shot in a potential WM main event. He’s one of the most over stars on the roster, among the best merch sellers, isn’t exactly a ring general but works the WWE style really well and is capable in a story driven environment. Triple H fans especially shouldn’t really criticise this when he never ever got close to organic popularity or having any sort of major impact at the top of the card without all the bells and whistles while Jey managed to main event as a tag team wrestler on the back of his own efforts and ability then broke out as a singles star. Again, looking at it positively it gives hope to other stars on the roster and shows the company is willing to give chances to some fresher faces.

On Charlotte, really ? when she’s not there you throw a tantrum, and when she returns you throw a tantrum. She could go on like this for another 5 years and maybe, just maybe, one of the hacks from NXT will be able to compete with her. She’s the greatest of all time, nobody is remotely close to her level so I find it amusing when she is criticised. Literally, a big portion of the first half were jobbers and so bloody green, I for one am glad she has come back and the programme with Tiffy should be great, Charlotte has made so many of these women it’s no joke, the division desperately was begging for her return.

I can't fault the principle. Everything you said about Jey Uso is true. I just personally hate his matches so much. And don't see him as a main-eventer. Maybe that's just my personal taste. I would rather have seen a personal, reality-based feud between Punk and Rollins or Punk and Roman playing out in the main-event of WrestleMania. And it's not like we haven't seen this story that they are going to tell with Jey before with Bryan, Kofi and Rey. But whatever I guess. I'm disappointed but it's by no means a 'set the seats on fire' booking decision. Could have been worse. Could have been Logan Paul.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Watched wrestling after ages, it was free on Netflix so why not watch the RR match to see where WWE is currently at.

Underwhelming Rumble men’s match and some ridiculous burying with that bloke Speed eliminating a couple of full time superstars.

No surprise legendary returns. Happy for Jay USO as he clearly looks massively over with the crowd.

The most ridiculous part of the rumble was Logan Paul surviving whilst Punk, Reigns and Styles eliminated together lol! What is HHH playing at here? Why is he screwing his current superstars in ways that he and wrestlers from his era wouldn’t allow over their dead body?

John Cena will retire without a proper heel run and a gimmick befitting a sensible adult. Sad.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Imagine Logan Paul won, the meltdown would be justified. Him eliminating two of my heroes was filthy and screams of H’s pettiness, I also smell a WM match between AJ & Logan Paul, AJ deserves better then that.

What about the brawl outside between Punk, Rollins & Reigns - that almost looked like a shoot, really enjoyed that. The RR itself wont ever compare how Vince use to book them but that brawl outside and the dramatic finish made up for the generic quality.

I am really interested to see what the WrestleMania plans for Punk, Rollins and Reigns will be, especially after this match.

 

[Rana]

View attachment 150377

Very sad. All of the Mount Rushmore WWE legends have had iconic heel runs at their peak.

The Rock
Hogan
Stone Cold
Rick Flair
Bret Hart

How this guy never had one is really disappointing. His indirect heel run was just getting booed by entire stadiums whilst being peak baby face

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Very sad. All of the Mount Rushmore WWE legends have had iconic heel runs at their peak.

The Rock
Hogan
Stone Cold
Rick Flair
Bret Hart

How this guy never had one is really disappointing. His indirect heel run was just getting booed by entire stadiums whilst being peak baby face

The saddest part is that you just know he would have been a fantastic heel. If you look at his early stuff when he was doing the rapper gimmick, you can see that he has great heel instincts. Even when he was starting out in OVW, Jim Cornette booked him as a heel. And Cornette has said he was surprised to see Cena become the uber babyface because he always thought Cena was a natural heel.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

KO v Cody - probably the best match of the night. Real issues draw money and this feud had a real personal feel. Both guys are great at this type of match, so booking the blow-off as a Ladder match was a good choice. Cody's largely floundering reign has been saved by Owens, who himself has been elevated tenfold by this feud, despite losing every match.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The women’s RR was sloppy as hell, this was their 3rd largest gate for a single night event and you had like some of the most random names start the match, it never quiet got going until Bianca showed up and Chelsea Green deserved more time because she was entertaining the crowd quiet a bit. People criticise Mercedes Mone and I can accept that for her laid back attitude, but as a talent she was vastly superior to majority of the entrants here. The finish was predictable but a great moment, lets be real, none of these women are remotely on Charlotte’s level, she looked outstanding out there and doesn’t appear to have lost a step, nice little showing for Grace and Perez in there to. I personally would have opened with the ladder match which was one of the most violent ones I’ve seen, this close to Wrestlemania, I was surprised by some of the spots and just how stiff the match was in general, KO has to be the MVP of the WWE, selflessly elevating others almost in a Mick Foley kinda way. Loved the intensity from Cody in the match and the character development / story built off him become more and more jaded in the spotlight.

Men’s Rumble had good flow to it due to the Lucha’s, I feel Gable deserved better though and should have been among the last four. I didn’t like the lack of action between the big entrants in the Rumble, like just fight ffs. Penta had a fantastic presentation, great to see AJ back especially with his OG theme; he should have been a part of that big stare-down between the big players. As for the finish, I didn’t mind it live, not thinking about long term plans in the moment, I felt it delivered for me because the company got me for once, I could not have imagined it until the very last moment and I can’t say I am mad at the idea, I’ve always felt he could be in this position since the programme Jey had with Reigns. P.S if Jey going over was genuinely a non-petty decision, it gives hope to guys like Sami and Gable.

As for Cena, he can still be involved in either of the world title pictures, that’s still possible. If he isn’t, then I hope they finally pull the trigger on a heel turn, now or never. His obsession to be champion again and that entitlement to deserve the keys to the kingdom after all he has done for the company and us fans provides perfect ammunition for a turn, heck, Jey winning can be the perfect catalyst; someone whom he doesn’t really see anywhere close to his level etc I am not concerned about Cena’s plans, think they will do him good with the next 12 months in mind. This is me taking this all in seriously, the pessimist in me, partly feels H had Jey go over just to say to the IWC that he isn’t predictable and be careful what you wish for, he was already b!tching and moaning about predictable not being a bad thing in the post event presser, some of ya”ll need to wake up with how his egotistical mind works.

CM Punk is my guy and I would loved to have seen him win, am not sure if H and co will let him main event, it’s still a possibility but I know that if he gets to Wrestlemania healthy, he will deliver regardless as the franchise star and that’s all I care about with regards to his creative.

They should make the Women's Royal Rumble 20-person. 30 is simply too much. There are far too many female wrestlers on the roster whose work is not good enough to be in a match like this. And it brings down the overall quality of the match.

Great point on Cody becoming more jaded and the Owens/Foley parallels. They told a great story here. And I hope we see the subtle changes in Cody's character going forward.

Do we really want to see Cena v Cody at WresteMania though? I'm not a fan of babyface v babyface feuds. And Cena being in there kinda undermines Cody as a babyface in a pretty big way.

Also, while the obvious thing for them to do is Tinny v Charlotte, I really hope they do Rhea v Charlotte instead. The greatest women's wrestling match of all-time needs to be run back one more time.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The women’s RR was sloppy as hell, this was their 3rd largest gate for a single night event and you had like some of the most random names start the match, it never quiet got going until Bianca showed up and Chelsea Green deserved more time because she was entertaining the crowd quiet a bit. People criticise Mercedes Mone and I can accept that for her laid back attitude, but as a talent she was vastly superior to majority of the entrants here. The finish was predictable but a great moment, lets be real, none of these women are remotely on Charlotte’s level, she looked outstanding out there and doesn’t appear to have lost a step, nice little showing for Grace and Perez in there to. I personally would have opened with the ladder match which was one of the most violent ones I’ve seen, this close to Wrestlemania, I was surprised by some of the spots and just how stiff the match was in general, KO has to be the MVP of the WWE, selflessly elevating others almost in a Mick Foley kinda way. Loved the intensity from Cody in the match and the character development / story built off him become more and more jaded in the spotlight.

Men’s Rumble had good flow to it due to the Lucha’s, I feel Gable deserved better though and should have been among the last four. I didn’t like the lack of action between the big entrants in the Rumble, like just fight ffs. Penta had a fantastic presentation, great to see AJ back especially with his OG theme; he should have been a part of that big stare-down between the big players. As for the finish, I didn’t mind it live, not thinking about long term plans in the moment, I felt it delivered for me because the company got me for once, I could not have imagined it until the very last moment and I can’t say I am mad at the idea, I’ve always felt he could be in this position since the programme Jey had with Reigns. P.S if Jey going over was genuinely a non-petty decision, it gives hope to guys like Sami and Gable.

As for Cena, he can still be involved in either of the world title pictures, that’s still possible. If he isn’t, then I hope they finally pull the trigger on a heel turn, now or never. His obsession to be champion again and that entitlement to deserve the keys to the kingdom after all he has done for the company and us fans provides perfect ammunition for a turn, heck, Jey winning can be the perfect catalyst; someone whom he doesn’t really see anywhere close to his level etc I am not concerned about Cena’s plans, think they will do him good with the next 12 months in mind. This is me taking this all in seriously, the pessimist in me, partly feels H had Jey go over just to say to the IWC that he isn’t predictable and be careful what you wish for, he was already b!tching and moaning about predictable not being a bad thing in the post event presser, some of ya”ll need to wake up with how his egotistical mind works.

CM Punk is my guy and I would loved to have seen him win, am not sure if H and co will let him main event, it’s still a possibility but I know that if he gets to Wrestlemania healthy, he will deliver regardless as the franchise star and that’s all I care about with regards to his creative.

They should make the Women's Royal Rumble 20-person. 30 is simply too much. There are far too many female wrestlers on the roster whose work is not good enough to be in a match like this. And it brings down the overall quality of the match.

Great point on Cody becoming more jaded and the Owens/Foley parallels. They told a great story here. And I hope we see the subtle changes in Cody's character going forward.

Do we really want to see Cena v Cody at WresteMania though? I'm not a fan of babyface v babyface feuds. And Cena being in there kinda undermines Cody as a babyface in a pretty big way.

Also, while the obvious thing for them to do is Tiffany v Charlotte, I really hope they do Rhea v Charlotte instead. The greatest women's wrestling match of all-time needs to be run back one more time.

 

[The_KING]

Very sad. All of the Mount Rushmore WWE legends have had iconic heel runs at their peak.

The Rock
Hogan
Stone Cold
Rick Flair
Bret Hart

How this guy never had one is really disappointing. His indirect heel run was just getting booed by entire stadiums whilst being peak baby face

Cena never turning heel was a big illustration of Vince losing his magic touch.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

John Cena v Roman Reigns v CM Punk v Seth Rollins v Drew McIntyre v Sami Zayn/Damien Priest

^This would be a great Elimination Chamber match.

Winner gets Cody at WrestleMania.

 

[Suleiman]

As a match, it was good. It was entertaining and there was enough story between the entrants. From a booking stand-point, I can't explain how much I hated this. Of all the guys on your roster, this is who you go with? Triple H has made some bad booking decisions but this one takes the cake.

Triple H's lack of imagination was also evident by the complete lack of legends in the match. Are you telling me you couldn't have dropped one of those undercard guys for RVD or some other legend?

No, ishowspeed and Logan Laal are too good to pass up for bacha party and marketing… seriously he made the entire roster look like a joke and non serious with these idiotic decisions and zero use of the actual stars in the rumble.

The saddest part is that you just know he would have been a fantastic heel. If you look at his early stuff when he was doing the rapper gimmick, you can see that he has great heel instincts. Even when he was starting out in OVW, Jim Cornette booked him as a heel. And Cornette has said he was surprised to see Cena become the uber babyface because he always thought Cena was a natural heel.

his work in peacemaker where is he essentially a rogue

They should make the Women's Royal Rumble 20-person. 30 is simply too much. There are far too many female wrestlers on the roster whose work is not good enough to be in a match like this. And it brings down the overall quality of the match.

Great point on Cody becoming more jaded and the Owens/Foley parallels. They told a great story here. And I hope we see the subtle changes in Cody's character going forward.

Do we really want to see Cena v Cody at WresteMania though? I'm not a fan of babyface v babyface feuds. And Cena being in there kinda undermines Cody as a babyface in a pretty big way.

Also, while the obvious thing for them to do is Tinny v Charlotte, I really hope they do Rhea v Charlotte instead. The greatest women's wrestling match of all-time needs to be run back one more time.

cherry on top will be karrion kross playing a role in Cody’s eventual downfall into homelander like madness as per his gimmick.

It’s an absolute travesty that Karrion and Gable got treated like jobbers, Karrion didn’t even feature in the RR while buffoons and clowns like speed and Logan are in the RR. Both these idiots would have popcorn and beer thrown at them in the 90s or even 2000s. Every time it looks like trips is making the wwe a better place he has to make one of brainfart decisions as usual

 

[shaz619]

I can't fault the principle. Everything you said about Jey Uso is true. I just personally hate his matches so much. And don't see him as a main-eventer. Maybe that's just my personal taste. I would rather have seen a personal, reality-based feud between Punk and Rollins or Punk and Roman playing out in the main-event of WrestleMania. And it's not like we haven't seen this story that they are going to tell with Jey before with Bryan, Kofi and Rey. But whatever I guess. I'm disappointed but it's by no means a 'set the seats on fire' booking decision. Could have been worse. Could have been Logan Paul.

Yes for what it’s worth I’d prefer this story to be run back with Chad Gable, another unsung hero other then KO in the company

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yes for what it’s worth I’d prefer this story to be run back with Chad Gable, another unsung hero other then KO in the company

I doubt Gable will ever get that kind of push. Sami probably will but I dunno about Gable.

 

[shaz619]

They should make the Women's Royal Rumble 20-person. 30 is simply too much. There are far too many female wrestlers on the roster whose work is not good enough to be in a match like this. And it brings down the overall quality of the match.

Great point on Cody becoming more jaded and the Owens/Foley parallels. They told a great story here. And I hope we see the subtle changes in Cody's character going forward.

Do we really want to see Cena v Cody at WresteMania though? I'm not a fan of babyface v babyface feuds. And Cena being in there kinda undermines Cody as a babyface in a pretty big way.

Also, while the obvious thing for them to do is Tinny v Charlotte, I really hope they do Rhea v Charlotte instead. The greatest women's wrestling match of all-time needs to be run back one more time.

You know I am not convinced about Cena’s motivations, I feel there are some big plans in the works for him character-wise. And right now am not sure how we get to Cody v Cena, this years Chamber is going to be must see because you can make a case for a few guys to be in the title match.

I feel like they really want to make Tiffy and Charlotte can help with showcasing her on the biggest stage and giving her the best match, but a return with Rhea is not a bad shout at all, those two literally could fight forever, tremendous chemistry between the two

 

[shaz619]

I doubt Gable will ever get that kind of push. Sami probably will but I dunno about Gable.

Gable is more likely imo because Sami’s religious beliefs will be a problem for Sami so there’s a certain ceiling for him imo

 

[shaz619]

This was quite interesting, probably the only throwback to the old pre woke days.

I was getting Shawn, Benoit & H rivalry vibes there on the way to WM 20. Did you see H getting himself inducted in the HOF by his bestie, that’s what Molvi Saab would do

 

[shaz619]

Gable is more likely imo because Sami’s religious beliefs will be a problem for Sami so there’s a certain ceiling for him imo

Problem for H*

 

[shaz619]

No, ishowspeed and Logan Laal are too good to pass up for bacha party and marketing… seriously he made the entire roster look like a joke and non serious with these idiotic decisions and zero use of the actual stars in the rumble.

his work in peacemaker where is he essentially a rogue

cherry on top will be karrion kross playing a role in Cody’s eventual downfall into homelander like madness as per his gimmick.

It’s an absolute travesty that Karrion and Gable got treated like jobbers, Karrion didn’t even feature in the RR while buffoons and clowns like speed and Logan are in the RR. Both these idiots would have popcorn and beer thrown at them in the 90s or even 2000s. Every time it looks like trips is making the wwe a better place he has to make one of brainfart decisions as usual

You’ve seen a few people come in this thread tuning in after ages because they have Netflix and then am sure there were many equally curious casuals; H has been absolutely clueless in selling the wrestling product to the wider audience, his idea of that was getting some clicks from the re!arded youtuber’s. It’s very short term and short sighted thinking, H has managed to get Logan Paul & Speed over though at the expense of his own roster. Vince was a master of using celebs and legends to put a spotlight on whatever programme he was pushing strong, now we may not have agreed with said talent he was pushing but whatever he was doing ultimately was designed to put the WWE over and bring in more eyeballs.

People are asking me who Speed is and am like how the f am I meant to know, see what I mean ? They are not asking about anything else, not Gable, not Penta or even Bron Breaker who had a great moment with Reigns.

Vince was always right about H, and if you look at H’s NXT era, who did he actually develop into a star and who from that period actually is doing well for themselves ? The whole thing was designed to massage his huge ego, Shawn is doing a much better job in dev. H is sort of doing the same thing now but just in a slightly different way, he’s a worker at heart and one with a massive ego which doesn’t really match his 4/10 talent & ability.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Gable is more likely imo because Sami’s religious beliefs will be a problem for Sami so there’s a certain ceiling for him imo

In WWE, Sami being a Muslim actually works in his favor somewhat. Because they can use him to show what a "diverse" company they are. It's the same clout they try to get when they push latino or black wrestlers. Plus, Sami has greater reach as a babyface, is one of the best wrestlers in the world, and is also deceptively tall. Gable has incredible upside as an underdog babyface too, is right up there from an in-ring standpoint (though not on Sami's level), but his height really works against him. I would love to see him as a World Champion, but even in today's WWE, I don't think someone that small will be pushed to that level.

With Sami yes, they will always try to muzzle him if he wants to speak on Palestine. But they won't punish him for that. Others like Roxanne Perez and Punk have expressed support for Palestine too.

 

[shaz619]

In WWE, Sami being a Muslim actually works in his favor somewhat. Because they can use him to show what a "diverse" company they are. It's the same clout they try to get when they push latino or black wrestlers. Plus, Sami has greater reach as a babyface, is one of the best wrestlers in the world, and is deceptively tall too. Gable has incredible upside as an underdog babyface too, is right up there from an in-ring standpoint (though not on Sami's level), but his height really works against him. I would love to see him as a World Champion, but even in today's WWE, I don't think someone that small will be pushed to that level.

With Sami yes, they will always try to muzzle him if he wants to speak on Palestine. But they won't punish him for that. Others like Roxanne Perez and Punk have expressed support for Palestine too.

If you made someone like Vince aware of your post, he would actually take it seriously, Vince is a scumbag and has all kinds of weird views plus is the most non-PC guy out there but if you show him the money, he will follow that trail to the end. H am afraid is a completely unique kettle of fish in that regard however.