WingedEagle

Is Mania actually that big a cash cow these days? Between gate and merch I figure its similar to losing a couple weeks worth of TV money. It stings but is hardly that big a hit to the year. That's not to defend the decision, I just don't think there's any major financial imperative behind the decision.

I need every distraction and escape I can find right now. But this might finally be the filth that keeps me from watching Vince TV. I've got enough old stuff to watch that it isn't necessary. Just inhumane.

I actually thought Jake vs. George Wells was the best of the squash matches. Bulldogs/Dream Team was okay but it didn't bowl me over at all. Hogan/Bundy was a perfectly acceptable version of that kind of match, but man, what a horrendous show.

How is it that Wrestlemania 2 isn't always at the top of the conversation among all time bad shows? What a slog to get through even as background material.

This has quickly become the most stereotypical wrestling fan thread on the board.

I'd be shocked if Mania takes place as scheduled. Perhaps they move it to an arena, perhaps to summer or perhaps its postponed indefinitely. But I'd bet against what the schedule currently says. Same goes for most sporting and entertainment events of any size.

Kabuki Warriors campaigning hard for Best Interviews in the 2020 Observer awards.

Angel Garza's look, work and presence deserve a shot at the top of the card.

What do you those of you who are fans of both eras think about the integration of tag matches in each? In 90s AJPW they were arguably some of the best matches of that or any era as well as vital chapters in the stories and feuds of the time. In modern New Japan they haven't been any kind of focus outside of using the Golden Lovers to sell some US shows in 2018 and as a feature attraction on the last Korakuen before Wrestle Kingdom. This undoubtedly saves the top stars for the grueling singles matches they work, but do you think their absence has been left any kind of hole in the booking?

Seriously, her antics in the pod have been amazing and the highlight of this match.

When did AJ Styles become the Guerrillas of Destiny? This match isn't bad but if you ed to step away, this is clearly the time. I thought there was a great chance the show would end by 10 given the lineup. While that won't happen it should certainly end well before 11, and thus far has overdelivered.

Are there any quick guides or links to TV or other network content that builds PPVs before the Raw era? I.e. SNMEs, Prime Times, etc.? Curious what's out there that sets up shows like the early Manias, Summerslams and Survivor Series.

I just hope Mauro is up to the task of filling his own shoes and Beth's on NXT this week.

If Orton isn't careful he's going to turn himself into the babyface in this feud . Why can't he deliver like this more than a couple times per decade?

Are they essentially treating the EC show like a throwaway episode of TV? What is going on here?

Thanks!

Anyone want to talk me into listening to the RVD episode? I could see that going either way but would prefer to hear someone say its interesting before making time for it.

I just got through Starrcade '87 on the 4H set and it really is incredible how that series rate all time. They've got 5-6 matches all at the level of a MOTYC and are all pretty varied as well.

Any speculation as to what the teases were about during the Smackdown 8 man tag?

Without question. But given the expectation of Cena/Elias and Roman/Bray this is a hell of a lot better.

If accurate that is a huge, huge improvement. I've got no use for Wyatt beyond an opening act but this looks like Rock/Cena when compared with Cena/Elias or Bray in a title match. So they find a compelling match for Roman but again its one where hell be booed even if happened on the night he returned from cancer. At least its something to get excited about.

Everyone who's no less than a casual fan of the promotion should watch the last two matches of today's Nakanishi retirement show. The semifinal was highlighted by the Shingo/Ishii and Shingo/Ospreay segments while also teasing Naito/Ospreay. Its about as great as a match can be where the talent involved doesn't go all out and was essentially just below the four star mark in my book. It left you wanting more in this setting and from multiple singles matches. There's not much more you can ask for from this kind of talent on a minor show. The main event was also fantastic. Nagata and Kojima are still capable wrestlers but Tenzan and Nakanishi are as shot as Lincoln. Despite that this was an awesome affair because the current gen stars went out of their way to heel and sell for the dads until the stretch run where the all star team took out Nakanishi 4 on 1. Its really incredible. You've got these older vets who to varying levels have at best been phased out over the last couple years and at worst been rendered opening card sympathy acts. Despite that, they're positioned here as a top act, even if just for 20 minutes. Its so easy given what they've accomplished throughout their careers. You could easily envision this in WWE with acts like the Hardys, Angle, or countless others in 2020. But its also as likely there as the Jetsons. It wouldn't be so sad if it weren't so simple. But it'll never happen, not even for a night. Nakanishi's retirement ceremony afterwards was also great and along with Tiger Hattori's sandwiching the Ishii/Shingo NEVER title match made for a terrific week despite no major events.

Pardon the lukewarm takes as I'm a bit behind, but after a phenomenal intro last week and great video packages building him up I thought tonight's match and post-match established Cobb as just another heel rather than any kind of special act.