Week in Wrestling - Monday, August 16, 2021
WWE NEWS
Keith Lee Tells All
After months and months of speculation, we finally found out why Keith lee was off TV damn near all year. There were rumors about Lee refusing to sign some sort of trademarking agreement, but that never made any sense, since Keith Lee is his real name and he's been using it since wrestling on the Independents. Lee took to social media and gave an extended, detailed explanation that conformed what was reported early on as the cause, and that was he suffered complications due to COVID-19. In the video Lee said that after being out with COVID, he returned three weeks later and the doctors informed him that they found inflammation of the heart as a result of his bout with COVID. He said he battled this for four months and had multiple MRIs on the heart. After so many tests were performed and trips to specialists, over time the inflammation in his heart went down to normal.
After Lee was cleared medically, he had to work to get back into ring shape because of how long he was made to be inactive. There was a point where Lee was basically forbidden from training or any activity outside of a light walk. There was a fear that with the heart issue, too much activity could simply kill him. This was an extremely crazy story and I wish the company would capitalize on this real life issue and just tell the truth to its audience. If they are scared of a lawsuit if he were to have issues in the future, that should be a moot point, because if he's not healthy, he wouldn't be cleared to wrestle. But this company can never just be real.
After Lee was cleared medically, he had to work to get back into ring shape because of how long he was made to be inactive. There was a point where Lee was basically forbidden from training or any activity outside of a light walk. There was a fear that with the heart issue, too much activity could simply kill him. This was an extremely crazy story and I wish the company would capitalize on this real life issue and just tell the truth to its audience. If they are scared of a lawsuit if he were to have issues in the future, that should be a moot point, because if he's not healthy, he wouldn't be cleared to wrestle. But this company can never just be real.
Summerslam Line-up Update
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WWE's SummerSlam is taking place this Saturday August 21, 2021 from Las Vegas. I will be at the show live and will provide full coverage in a separate article on the front page. Here's the updated card:
- Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against John Cena
- WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Bill Goldberg
- SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks
- RAW Women's champion Nikki A.S.H defends against Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley
- United States Champion Sheamus defends against Damien Priest
- Edge vs. Seth Rollins
- SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Rey & Dominik Mysterio
- Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal
WWE RAW/ SMACKDOWN
Reigns & Cena Face To Face
The face to face promo between Roman Reigns and John Cena that kicked off Smackdown was probably one of the greatest examples of why John Cena is truly the last great box office draw the wrestling business has had. The guy simply has charisma that can connect with a variety of sectors of the fan base and he is extremely versatile. I don't like his silly stuff, that is clearly aimed at the kids, but they eat it up. But when its time, the guy simply can cut a griping, edgy, money promo, flawlessly. I thought he and Roman were both great here, but Cena was just on a different level verbally. His jabs are quick and they cut, and if he wants to throw a knockout blow, he always has one in the chamber. Even after Roman dropped the Nikki Bella line, Cena was ready and waiting with the "running off Dean Ambrose" line. Masterful, and really felt like a money promo for Summerslam.
Bianca & Sasha contract signing
Speaking of a strong segment, I have absolutely loved how strong they have booked Sasha Banks since her return. I have a feeling that this certainly means she's losing at the PPV, and that's ok, because they have truly done everything possible to make it clear that she is the heel you should be hating. That Banks-Statement on top of the table, using Bianca's hair was a money close to the show and I have no doubt it worked in generating more anticipation, if that is even possible, for their upcoming rematch at Summerslam. Check out my look back at their first match from this past Wrestlemania here.
Nothing has been confirmed as of the day of publishing this article, but Bianca and Sasha have both missed house shows over the weekend, and there is some speculation that this may be COVID related. We don't deal in rumors here, so I will not surmise what's happening, but if for some reason this match is not on Summerslam this Saturday, the value of my tickets will plummet. So selfishly, I hope this isn't the case.
Nothing has been confirmed as of the day of publishing this article, but Bianca and Sasha have both missed house shows over the weekend, and there is some speculation that this may be COVID related. We don't deal in rumors here, so I will not surmise what's happening, but if for some reason this match is not on Summerslam this Saturday, the value of my tickets will plummet. So selfishly, I hope this isn't the case.
Orton is Back
The big news from RAW was Randy Orton's return after being out the last few months. There has been no explanation on where Randy has been but one would assume that either it was health related or they wanted to keep him out and delay the tag team title build for closer to SummerSlam and a match with RK-Bro and AJ & Omas. Orton and Riddle are hilarious together and I really like their chemistry with the partners who are not on the same page angle. Riddle just does great in any role he's give, and Orton plays a great angry guy who turns on people, because the snake role comes natural to him. The crowd is going to explode when these two finally get their shit together and Randy accepts Riddle as his partner.
The King is IC Champ
I know I said this in last week's update, but I absolutely love the combination of King Nakamura and Boog's and it was extremely fun that they pulled the trigger on the Nakamura title win here on Smackdown, since they clearly have no slot for them on the Summerslam card. They are just fun together and Pat McAfee is the PERFECT hype man and 3rd wheel. I literally watched the end and celebration twice. Very fun.
Next week, I want to discuss Apollo Crews and why he was cooled off so much post Wrestlemania.
Next week, I want to discuss Apollo Crews and why he was cooled off so much post Wrestlemania.
NXT
Walter shows up on NXT
I really enjoyed the main event between Pete Dunne and Ilja Dragunov, but I didn't like Ilja losing before his title match at TakeOver. This was so stupid because this was maybe the first major match he has had on NXT TV, as he's predominantly featured on NXT UK on Peacock, and has not been conditioned in the NXT weekly viewers minds to be a major player. So you would think that a big win over Dunne would show the audience that this guy means business and is someone we should be taking serious. I get that he looked great and the match was exciting, but the finish matters, and another STUPID distraction finish took away from the match, because it didn't lead directly to the finish.
Post match saw Walter try to attack Dragunov and get get dropped on his ass. This did show him as the baby face standing tall to close the show, but I just would've love a win here for him to get more credibility.
Post match saw Walter try to attack Dragunov and get get dropped on his ass. This did show him as the baby face standing tall to close the show, but I just would've love a win here for him to get more credibility.
O'Reilly vs. Cole 2/3 Set for Takeover
I like the three stipulations for the final encounter between Cole and O'Reilly at TakeOver. Single match, street fight, cage. This series reminds me of those Ciampa vs Gargano matches and if we can get the same level of greatness, we are in for a treat. If Cole is resigning, most likely he will be called up to the main roster after TakeOver. If he's leaving, he's going to AEW. Either way, TakeOver will most likely be Cole's last night in NXT.
Grimes gets Another Chance
I have enjoyed this entire LA Knight and Cameron Grimes Butler angle and the vignettes have been gold. This week we got the twist where Knight agreed to the match with Grimes at TakeOver with the stipulation where if Knight wins again, Ted DiBiase becomes the new butler. I like this stip so much that I could see it going either way! I could even see DiBiase turning heel and becoming Knight's full time manager. I'm intrigued.
Take Over 36 Line-up Update
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TakeOver 36 is taking place the day after WWE's SummerSlam pay-per-view. Here's the updated TakeOver card:
- NXT Champion Karrion Kross defends against Samoa Joe
- NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER defends against Ilja Dragunov
- NXT Women's Champion Raquel Gonzalez defends against Dakota Kai
- Adam Cole vs. Kyle O'Reilly III - 2-out-of-3 falls match, with each picking one of the stipulations
- Million Dollar Champion LA Knight defends against Cameron Grimes
ALL ELITE WRESTLING
Christian pins Omega
In the debut of Rampage this past Friday night, Christian Cage defeated Kenny Omega to become the new Impact Wrestling champion. I actually thought everything about how all of this was done was perfect. The in ring work between Omega and Cage was exciting and crisp, the crowd was hot, and the logic to set up the rematch at All Out for the AEW title, made perfect sense. I do questioning Omega not losing for months and months and months, only to lose to Christian, but it was a great way to kick off the new show.
Dr. Britt had a hell of a Week
Britt Baker was treated like a true superstar in her hometown of Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Friday night. Her in ring work is not great, and I didn't enjoy her match with Red Velvet, but her charisma elevates her to another level. I really don't understand what they are doing with her booking wise, as she's the most popular, they welcome her being cheered, but they position her as a heel. The problem with that is, she undercuts the heat the baby face she faces gets. Red Velvet had no chance. And now they've given her another person to her stable, Jamie Hayter. She came out and attacked Kris Statlander, and this all feels very illogical. I get that Statlander is getting the nest shot, but why? Where the hell is Jade Cargill?
Reason Hangman is Leaving
As we we have discussed for weeks here, I didn't feel that Hangman Page was ready for a title match with Omega in the way that many were overhyping it. But once they started down the path, I didn't see a reason to change course, unless Omega would be defending against CM Punk or Bryan Danielson. Well last week we found out that the cover reason going around for why Hangman was removed from the plans is because Page asked to take time off to be with his wife to prepare for their first child. I'm not trying to be insensitive, but on the surface, there are several reason why I want to call bullshit on this, but I won't because we are living in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, that will never end. There are so many variants popping up, and issues with those who are unvaccinated and vaccinated, that I could see why Hangman wouldn't want to be on the road, and going back home to his pregnant wife. So even though in a different era this would be ridiculous, this era is completely different and life as we knew it, has changed.
Dante Martin Shines Bright
Dynamite kicked off with a hell of a six man featuring the Elite defeating the Sydal's and Dante Martin. This is the type of action packed match that a crowd pays money to see, and AEW does a great job with presenting creative, fun matches every week, that showcase a variety of wrestlers and styles. Here, Martin was sensational, and allowed to showcase everything in his toolbox. In the end he was destroyed and the right team won, but the losing team was featured in a way that the fans weren't left with a bad taste in their mouth and given a glimpse of what could be in the future. I loved this. AEW does this often, but I feel they need to follow up far more often and not just move on to the next hot thing of the moment.
Featuring Matt Hardy Puzzles Me
I really don't understand why Matt Hardy is used so much on TV, especially in the ring. This company has so much talent and young talent that could use the TV time, so using any of that valuable time on an old star from a different era is just silly in my opinion. Private Party had so much promise back when AEW started, and they got a big win over the Young Bucks. But over the past year they have been regulated to being Hardy's lackeys. I don't get it. Jack Evans, Angélico, and Blade.... what the hell is this group. Its like having an alliance just for the sake of having an alliance. Just look at the AEW roster list on there website and you could pick 15 names that would be better served on TV than some of these guys and the way they are used. It's frustrating to me because the company has so much talent and they don't need to force old WWE guys on TV just for what, ratings? Hardy isn't a draw at this point of his career, unless he is used sparingly and kept special. This isn't accomplishing that.
ALL OUT Line-up Update
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AEW's All Out is taking place on Sunday September 5, 2021 from Chicago. Here's the updated card:
- AEW Champion Kenny Omega defends against Impact Wrestling Champion Christian Cage
- Andrade El Idolo vs. PAC
- Casino Battle Royale for AEW Women's title shot
New Japan Pro Wrestling
Will Ospreay returned
Great news, I mean phenomenal news this past weekend, as Will Ospreay showed up at New Japan's Resurgence event in Los Angeles and said that he's medically cleared to return to the ring. Ospreay, who has been out since early May with a neck injury, was stripped of the IWGP title, however he said that although he is the rightful champion, he won't be in the G-1 tournament. The thought is that he will be appearing on NJPW Strong show, which takes place in the U.S, and defending the IWGP title on that show.
With all the travel issues and quarantine restrictions for foreigners who travel to Japan to work New Japan, it does make sense for Ospreay to wrestle in the U.S on the NJPW String shows and it will add a great boost to the expansion. Ospreay is one of the best in the world, and I could easily see some crossover with AEW while he is in the States. This story will be very interesting to track.
With all the travel issues and quarantine restrictions for foreigners who travel to Japan to work New Japan, it does make sense for Ospreay to wrestle in the U.S on the NJPW String shows and it will add a great boost to the expansion. Ospreay is one of the best in the world, and I could easily see some crossover with AEW while he is in the States. This story will be very interesting to track.
Tanahashi wins the IWGP U.S title
Speaking of interesting to track, Hiroshi Tanahashi was also on the LA show, and he defeated AEW's Lance Archer for the IWGP United States Championship. Archer was essentially a transitional champion, as he just beat Jon Moxley a few weeks ago on Dynamite for the title, and has already dropped it here to Tanahashi. This was always the direction, as it appears to be Tanahashi vs Moxley for the title at AEW's All Out PPV, as Jon Moxley sat ringside for the match. The partnership between the two companies is extremely interesting as the politics continue to favor AEW in my opinion, because NJPW is in such bad shape due to heath issues due to the pandemic and restrictions in Japan.
Ric Flair shows up at AAA
Much to my surprise late Saturday night, Ric Flair showed up in the corner of his daughter Charlotte's fiancé, Andrade El Idolo, at Triplemania XXIX. Triplemania XXIX. Kenny Omega defeated Andrade to retain the AAA Mega Championship, but Flair still was featured in a spot during the match and he got some of his signature chops in and figure four leglock on Konnan. It was a hell of a scene. Its crazy that just a few weeks ago Flair was in WWE doing nothing, and it makes complete sense that he would want out of there if he could be elsewhere being featured like this. There is no question he will be in AEW very soon, most likely with Andrade.
As for the match itself, Andrade was scheduled to beat Omega for the title, but Tony Khan veto'd that plan, as Kenny lost the Impact title to Christian Cage on Rampage, and he didn't want Omega losing back to back. I completely understand that, as I don't like the idea of Kenny losing at all before he loses the AEW title to be honest. If he loses to Christian and Andrade, it diminishes whatever rub or bump whomever they choose to beat him for the AEW title would get. This isn't like the old days when you lose a title in a different territory and the match is untelevised and nobody but the local promotion would see it. These days, everything is streamed and everyone knows when a loss happens. The politics with these partnerships may get tricky.
As for the match itself, Andrade was scheduled to beat Omega for the title, but Tony Khan veto'd that plan, as Kenny lost the Impact title to Christian Cage on Rampage, and he didn't want Omega losing back to back. I completely understand that, as I don't like the idea of Kenny losing at all before he loses the AEW title to be honest. If he loses to Christian and Andrade, it diminishes whatever rub or bump whomever they choose to beat him for the AEW title would get. This isn't like the old days when you lose a title in a different territory and the match is untelevised and nobody but the local promotion would see it. These days, everything is streamed and everyone knows when a loss happens. The politics with these partnerships may get tricky.