Jmare007

Can't believe this is the go home week before Summerslam. It feels like there's zero buzz about the show.

This is like saying in 2013-2014 that Daniel Bryan doesn't need the belt to be over, and given that he was the ultimate underdog. it fitted that he kept coming up short and shoved aside by booking. I don't think people want Naito to have an Ace run with 300+ days with the belt and be THE guy. I think people want to see him get his coronation after 3 years of turning things around character wise and becoming the most over guy in the company (and a legit draw). The fact that his moment has been delayed twice already - and most likely thrice seeing how things are going - because Gedo wanted to give Okada basically a 3 year reign (with a 70 day "vacation") doesn't help either. It's not like Naito is/was doing interesting stuff without the belt that would make the wait worth it. He's just "there", either recycling angles and feuds (like his last IC title run) or simply without a direction. The "angst" comes from seeing this dude doing something interesting, as so far there have been no signs of anything being there for him besides finally getting the top belt.

We gotta wait and see if Tana keeps his title shot though, he's already called out Okada and he might just lose that match. Tanahashi vs Omega sound a lot more compelling than Okada vs Omega V but with Gedo's lazy ass it's not out of the question. Still, would Kenny vs Tana and Jericho vs Okada (or a rematch with Naito) be enough to finally get 40k paid at the Dome, or even the same attendance as this year? We are 4 months away but right now it doesn't feel like it could. I feel this was a perfect time for an interpromotional feud were they could give Okada or Naito a big angle and match to wrestle in, but sadly there's no other promotion for New Japan to work with right now. All Japan could produce some great matches and interesting stories but I have a hard time picturing that sort of feud making any difference drawing wise in 2018/19.

Bryan has been clearly a source for Dave when it comes to any stories related to him - a bunch of times Dave would report something and then days later Bryan would say the exact same thing on an interview - so I wonder why can't Dave talk about it. I guess it will really be a part of his Summerslam match and they want to keep the fans guessing/speculating? I have a hard time seeing D-Bry not staying in WWE.

I'm not sure Naito will cool off before he finally gets another title reign, the problem to me is the path to him finally getting is not worth the wait.

Damn it man, last couple of months have been brutal. RIP.

at the winner. I wonder if he'll become the first guy to lose his "MITB" title shot before WK.

These last two shows are the most compelling booking Gedo has done in like 4 years. I'm so glad we are not getting the Tana/Okada storyline for Naito, though I'm still not sure what the hell is in store for him, I'm interesting in seeing it play out though and that's something I never thought I'd say up until 5 days ago. Get the fuck out of here with this

The most surprising thing this whole tournament was Gedo actually running an angle that mattered today and opening things up for Block B, and setting things up for future shows that go beyond "possible/future title challenger". It felt really refreshing.

I hope Miz forces Bryan to put his career on the line for Summerslam as the only way for him to accept the match.

I'm so happy Ishii will get a IWGP title show, if it's at KOPW Sumo Hall is gonna be rocking like when Shibata challenged Okada last year.

Wasn't it reported Bryan signed for 2 years? Or did that never went further than "twitter sources"?

Another amazing promo by Miz, Bryan was good too. This match is gonna be heated as fuck, can't wait.

With no Orton (up until now) and no Cass, pretty much any pairing you make for SD is worth a watch though. The joke after the draft was that "not even Road Dogg can fuck this up".

I actually think Bryan wins, the Miz has had the upperhand for more than 2 years now so my guess is they give people a feel good moment (for once) with him having a convincing W over his nemesis.

AJ vs Joe and Miz vs Bryan as SD's top matches for Summerslam, great choices.

5 months ago I was eager to watch Roman wrestle Lesnar. After Mania and GRR, I dread the thought of it, how many finishers are they gonna kick out of with zero reaction this time?

I've really enjoyed Yano this tourney, I knew he was going to be fun to watch in Korakuen but his first match with Ishii was really good too. The theory Boss Rock was saying he read was that Okada/Naito would happen in 2020 so it could sell out the Dome, that's just hilarious to me. No matter how baffling or lazy Gedo's booking is, people come out with incredible ways to justify it.

We all get not wanting to have an uncomfortable conversation with your kids, but that doesn't excuse them from this situation imo. Specially because their kids will find out eventually and will have to deal with it anyway, avoiding it is even worse.

The fact they are doing a WWE 24 on this is pretty horrible. It's not something I wouldn't expect from WWE, but it's still horrible.

I think an interesting discussion could be had about WWE agents and their role in putting matches together in 2018 (or the last couple of years). Do we have any reliable info on what % of a match falls on their shoulders and how much freedom do the wrestlers have when it comes to structure? My viewing the last couple of years is fairly limited to most PPVs and Smackdown 2018, but it seems to me that the structuring of matches has gone to the shitter in most cases, specially main events and important matches. It takes all time elite talents like Styles and Bryan to do different stuff and make it feel fresher than the rest of the roster, and even Styles had a ton of issues with the Nakamura feud. People that follow the product more closely would have a much better understanding than me on this regard, but I've been surprised at how bad the layout of a lot of big matches is these days.

I wouldn't call this "Very mad"

*Seth goes for the pin, time expires* Coach: :"he needed 5 more seconds" what?

After 25 minutes and 7 previous falls, that moronic ass Superplex-Falcon Arrow spot still can't get a 3 count, jesus christ