WingedEagle

Really looking forward to the Chamber match. Can't see how its anything worse than very good given the talent involved, time allotted and unique wrinkles the cage can add. Curious to see what AJ does in his first appearance here. Cautiously optimistic about Harper/Orton as the former almost always over-delivers and will hopefully overcome Orton's inclination to wrestle his matches in the right lane until its RKO time. Tag Title situation is definitely bathroom/extensive internet/other break time unless AA vs. Usos gets any extended time. Very interested to see how the women do tonight. Becky hasn't looked great in the ring lately and I'm curious to see if that's due to her opposition since the brand split or perhaps some of her own limitations. Natalya/Nikki have had some decent brawls on Smackdown so with the right layout and time that could be fun.

I was really impressed by this match and how effectively and smartly they worked it for this setting. This was a very simple match that opened with headlocks and basic counter action before progressing to Chono attacking the neck while Muto would work the knees with his dragon screws, dropkicks and figure-four offense. The pacing and selling projected very well for the Dome crowd. Chono's execution, viewed in a vacuum, is pretty poor. But they give almost every spot time to matter and register with the crowd and sell it as they build to bigger & bigger offense. The only thing really holding this back for me is that the finish felt a bit sudden. Perhaps that contradicts what a fan I was of Chono's neck work, but even though the STF is Chono's hallmark it seemed we were missing Muto fighting back once more before finally giving in. Still a really fun, old school main event. ***3/4

Are these available online?

Awesome, thanks.

How long does a live Evolve show usually run from opening to final bell?

They just announced that the Rock N Roll Express are going in this year.

I've shoehorned some shady psychology justifying the network at this point by bumping my monthly ACLU donation to a multiple of the network expense. Right or wrong it helps me sleep at night. With my sports teams a few levels below the gutter, wrestling is my main passion/hobby. Hanging on as long as I can.

I have no problem hearing it but its a major pet peeve when I see it. Its like turning on the lights and showing the crew and catering on a movie set. Marufuji (although I didn't notice it much, if at all, on his recent NJPW run) and Hero are definitely the two that most stand out in my mind for it. Definitely envy those who can overlook it or don't mind, but just one of those things that really bug me. Its similar to one of my main problems with Lucha Underground where they amplify the sound effects on all kinds of offense to a level that is completely unrealistic and disproportionate to the action in the ring. They seem to have really kicked it up a notch this past season.

I was really excited to check this out again after seeing a lot of recent feedback on this match. This is definitely the best, hottest blend of shoot style and pro wrestling that I've seen. Arguably the best Tokyo Dome crowd ever makes it feel like you're watching a classic before there's any action. The atmosphere and energy really carry this further than the match on its own would, as you're almost watching in awe of what might happen and how this may break down into something spectacular and unfamiliar. There are very few matches where the anticipation literally continues from bell to bell but that was very much accomplished here. It still boggles my mind that Ogawa didn't become the ultimate heel around whom the promotion was built with Murakami as the gatekeeper, as it really felt like they had something uniquely hot and broad in their pocket had they not gone so far down the MMA hole. Either way this is as compelling a watch as it gets. I can't really rate it any higher as a match, but this was very much more than that in how it was presented, and I'm not sure they could'e achieved as much had they attempted any more traditional pro wrestling. ****1/4

Can we keep PWO one of the few sites that serves as an escape from all of this?

Hunter will certainly be wrestling. Shane likely but perhaps not definite. Its logical to acknowledge and consider those realities when discussing the card as the lineup takes shape and is revised.

Love these quick hit podcasts. Always fun and never overstay their welcome.

Watch it happen.

I wouldn't bet a shiny nickel on the Smackdown Mania title match being Orton vs. Cena.

So Bray/Orton at Mania after Wyatt wins the title at Elimination Chamber. Rest of Mania lineup feels very much up in the air.

They are teasing so many matches. Brock/Goldberg. Goldberg/Taker. Goldberg/Reigns. Reigns/Strowman. What's Fastlane vs. Mania?

There's an interesting swerve at #30. Very surprised no surprise entrances.

Jesus they are teasing so many potential matches. Fastlane a loaded show?

This Rumble has been spectacular.

Jesus, they are going to have Brock kill Goldberg dead at Mania huh?

They clearly had no concerns back loading this match. Could've worked against them but there have been more than enough angles and twists to make the match work to this point. Should be a fun close. And while I may regret saying this later, it really looks like the show will wrap up early. What a night of wrestling.

Rusev needs to rock the mask post-injury like Rip Hamilton. Dig it.

They made just about perfect use of Ellsworth. What a wonderfully put together match thus far.

Number 10! Its the little things that put smiles on faces!

So much fun thus far. Between the bigs making Braun look stron gto Gallagher's comedy, this has been great.