Week in Wrestling - Monday, August 9, 2021

By: Larry Causion Jr.    
​CausionsCreations.com           
Posted: Monday, August 9, 2021

WWE NEWS

Rest in Peace Bobby Eaton

We lost the greatest tag team wrestler of all time last week. I would like to send my condolences to the family and friends of ​'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton, who was in my opinion a part of some of the best tag teams matches I have ever seen and one half one of the greatest teams ever, The Midnight Express. Bobby passed away at the age of 62 after a litany of health issues, and most notably, he lost his wife just a month ago.

I had the pleasure of seeing Beautiful Bobby work in person multiple times here in Baltimore and he was the work engine of every tag team match. His bumps, selling, and high flying were so crisp, so believable and made every match better. I remember the entire crowd shouting "BOOM" every time Bobby took a punch or took a bump, and he sold his ass off. He was such a great performer and storyteller inside the ring. He wasn't a great talker but he had Jim Cornette or Arn Anderson, or Paul Heyman for that. Bobby's teams with ​Dennis Condrey, ​Stan Lane, Arn Anderson, and even Lord Steven Regal were all some of the best teams I ever saw.

Beautiful Bobby will live forever through the legacy he left us in the ring.

More on Why Ric Left WWE

We spoke on the breaking news last week about Ric Flair requesting and receiving his release from WWE. Flair put out a statement that was pretty generic this week basically saying "We Have A Different Vision For My Future". In other words, he still wants to work and be a regular and they weren't using him enough. Like I said last week, it can't be easy seeing Tully and Arn be featured in key managerial roles and even taking bumps and cutting serious promos on AEW, while Ric gets used sparingly and in largely stupid angles below his dignity.

But in the most recent Wrestling Observer by Dave Meltzer, he reported that "those in the company are claiming that it was a Vince McMahon decision and not a mutual decision. Flair claimed he asked for his release. There are many other factors in play including McMahon looking at cutting salaries, and Flair having a high one, and perhaps Flair thinking he could get a deal with AEW that would give him more television exposure."

Dave also reported "​Apparently he sent a message to Vince complaining about the creative involving his daughter. That apparently led to the company cutting ties with him."

Summerslam Line-up Update

WWE's SummerSlam is taking place on Saturday August 21, 2021 from Las Vegas. 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
  • Edge vs. Seth Rollins
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Rey & Dominik Mysterio

WWE RAW/ SMACKDOWN

Too Overbooked

Finn Balor got a dominate win over Baron Corbin, which I thought was perfectly booked. Balor looked like badass and a real contender, dominating the bigger man. He then called out Roman Reigns for a fight, which was great. Next he was jumped from behind by the Uso's, almost laid out, but thwarted the attack and kicked both their asses. Loved it! But then he was overwhelmed by Reigns and the Uso's 3-1, and made to tap out to the guillotine by Reigns. The entire time the fans were begging for Cena to come out naturally and not pumping up Balor for a comeback. That alone tells you the fans care waaaay more about Cena than Balor. But the real problem was how long all this took, the beating Balor received and why NOBODY came out to help Balor! On this very show, the set up Rey and Dominik Mysterio vs. The Uso's for Summerslam, so you would think they would come running down to join this fight. Come on! On this very show Big E approached Paul Heyman and teased a cash in. Why did no babyface come to the aide of Balor. Where is Cesaro, Nakamura, Kevin Owens, The Street Profits! I hate when babyfaces are booked to look like idiots. This was so overbooked, but Super Cena to rescue next week.

Bianca vs Sasha 2 is Set

So the rematch is set between Bianca and Sasha for Summerslam. Sasha just brings a certain level of star power to the women's division that only she and the Horsewomen bring and her returning has really helped Bianca. It will be interesting to see who wins at Summerslam because I can actually see the value in both outcomes. Bianca had her crowning moment at Mania, but for a lot of reasons, her reign has been pretty lackluster, largely because they didn't have any viable heel contenders lined up. So if Vince feels the reign wasn't hitting, he may put the strap back on Sasha. But the Draft is coming up, and a lot of this depends on what are the plans for the roster debuts. Tony Storm is there now, and I could easily see them skyrocket her into a program with Sasha for the title. We shall see. At least there is some intrigue.

They know they screwed Keith Lee Up

So explain this shit to me. Keith Lee comes back after being off TV for months, and you put him in there to basically get squashed by Bobby Lashley and Karrion Kross in back to back weeks. However, instead of using the losing streak to build a story or reason for a personality or character change, this past week on RAW, he just gets his win back over Kross. I hate the decision makers of this company in complete honesty. Such stupidity. Why should I care? Honestly, why should anyone have any investment in Keith Lee at this point. They are just putting shit on TV with no rhyme or reason. Hey Keith, get out as soon as possible. 

I get it, But....

I see where they are building with Riddle not being able to overcome Omas and AJ alone, which will lead to the return of his RK-Bro cohort, Randy Orton. I get it. But why must Riddle be beaten so often like this? Riddle is one of the most over guys on the roster and a month ago he was so hot, and I could've easily seen him a title contender. But I don't like having him taking these beatings in order to get over an angle. I am of the thought that your popular guys should always be showcased strong, as how you book people is how the fans will see them ultimately. So even if Riddle isn't in the plans now to be the top guy, he should be kept strong enough that if you decide to shoot him up to the top, he has credibility and isn't seen as a jobber or mid-carder. 

There are Levels to this

I'm going to keep this short. With a roster that includes Charlotte, Rhea Ripley, Asuka, Shayna Bazsler, and Becky Lynch, there is no excuse for a Nikki A.S.H title reign. This is why many people don't take WWE seriously.

Drew deserves better than this

  • Why should we care about an extended feud with Jinder Mahal?
  • If Drew uses the sword, will he be arrested?
  • What are we doing here?
  • This is so stupid.
  • What's next, an AK-47?

These guys Crack me Up

I just want to take a minute to give them some credit for giving Nakamura a shot in the arm the last several months and giving him Boogs, the guitar hype man. Nakamura's entrance is one of my favorite things about WWE today and I absolutely love when Pat McAfee gets on the table and goes crazy. Love it.

NXT

Vince is trying to Kill NXT

News broke on Friday night that WWE had released another load of talent out of now here. Some the names admittedly shocked the hell out of me and really show how dumb Vince McMahon is. I knew that it wouldn't be good news when Vince went down to NXT to scout a few months ago. He was always going to cut people and not care if HHH liked it or not. Vince does not give a shit that HHH is trying to build something. Names include:
  • ​​Bronson Reed
  • Bobby Fish
  • Jake Atlas
  • Kona Reeves
  • Mercedes Martinez
  • Tyler Rust
  • Leon Ruff
  • Zechariah Smith
  • Desmond Troy
  • Ari Sterling
  • Stephon Smith
  • Giant Zanjeer 
  • Asher Hale

Some of the names like Bronson Reed and Leon Ruff really pissed me off because these guys have been contributing on TV, with Reed dropping the North American title recently, with the assumption he was being called up to the main roster. He is a great, agile big man who deserves so much better than this. To just cut him is so stupid. A young, big talented guy like him with a unique look is nothing something that grows on trees.

​Bobby Fish is a great tag team and all around technical wrestler who has excelled as a member of the Undisputed Era. I knew that when they broke the group up, there would be a causality, most likely Fish because of his injury history. I think that this was a terrible decision politically, because Fish is close with the best guys on the roster and cutting him will have an impact on moral and future decisions. More on that later.

As I have said before, the worst thing to ever happen to NXT was moving off the Network, going two hours in an attempt to undercut AEW. It was never intended to be a third brand and should've stayed developmental.

Adam Cole Contract Situation

Speaking of ripple effect, earlier last week we learned that Adam Cole was working on a short term extended contract through Takeover, as the WWE talent relations department dropped the ball and let his contract expire. So now Cole has all the leverage to resign or leave and sign with AEW. This is huge and in my opinion, Cole should run for the hills. Vince refuses to book anyone correctly, so why would Cole e any different. News broke that Cole was called to come to Smackdown and meet with Vince on Friday at the arena, and after that meeting WWE cut all those people from NXT, including Bobby Fish. If I'm Cole, I tell them to shove that contract and I go to AEW where they have shown repeatedly that they know how to position talent with name value. Also Cole's partner, Britt Baker is a top star there and he is best friends with The Bucks and Kenny and was an original member of the Elite. No real choice in my opinion. Kiss my ass Vinny BAYBAY!!!

Pete Dunne's Contract is Up Too

In even more contract news, Pete Dunne's deal is up to and even more than Cole, he needs to get out of there NOW!! Dunne will be joke on the main roster to Vince, simply because of his height. It's not happening. As great as he is and as great as he is in his current role in NXT, Vince McMahon will never give him a proper push. Hell, Vince has Chad Gable on the Smackdown and called him Shorty G. I hate to see Dunne go, but he's to good to be wasted in the hands of Vince. I can envision Dunne and Pac now on Dynamite.

Joe is Killing It!

While I have been extremely frustrated and frankly pissed off at the use of Karrion Kross on RAW, I try to separate just how great the build to his title match with Samoa Joe has been on NXT TV. Joe has simply been sensational, and once again is showing why Vince McMahon has lost all sense of any eye for talent. Can you even conceive the fact that Vince cut Joe and it took HHH to bring him back to NXT for this run? Joe could easily be debuting in AEW with CM Punk and Bryan Danielson and his work here is an example of how he should've been used on the main roster. His promos and any interactions he's had physically have been top notch and have me hook, line, and sinker excited for Takeover.

Grimes is excellent in this role

I really have been enjoying this butler storyline with LA Knight & Cameron Grimes. Both men are great personalities and have been playing their roles perfectly in my opinion. Knight isn't the best worker but he's by no means bad and Grimes can simply do it all. I really think he is one of the most unique and talented people they have on the roster and he would actually be someone I could see getting over on the main roster. Both guys really. Ted DiBiase has really been a welcomed addition to the show as well, and this program is over with the fans. Which is the goal. Long term storytelling where a satisfying conclusion is in sight.

Take Over 36 Line-up Update

​​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

ALL ELITE WRESTLING

Black Squashes Cody

Malakai Black's Debut match was a shocking squash of Cody Rhodes in the main event of Dynamite. I figured Cody would probably do an injury angle or something since he's leaving to film the next season of the "Go Big Show", but I didn't suspect he would just get squashed just like he was by Brody Lee last years when he left to film season one. It was a big debut for Black, but I hope they keep his momentum and just don't allow Cody to return and get his win back at All Out. Black has always been one of my favorites since NXT, and I'm so glad that he's being featured prominently in AEW. I love how AEW features talented performers the right way. hey rarely miss on the guys I deserve to be featured. There is money in Black and Cody will be just fine.

Jericho gets his win Back

I know fans loved the idea of seeing Juventud Guerrera last week for nostalgia purposes, but I thought that not only was the concept dumb, the match was sloppy too. Juvy was a cruiserweight wrestler in WCW who Jericho did have a program with, but why the hell was this the right spot for him to be a challenge for Jericho? Last week MJF had Jericho wrestle Nick Gage, a certified hardcore maniac. And this week, to up the ante in his next labor, he has Jericho face Juvy? Who the hell planned the order of these matches. This was dumb.

Wash, Rinse, & Repeat

So after losing the 10 man tag two weeks ago, last week it was made explicitly clear that Hangman and the Dark Order are not in the plans for upcoming title matches. Not only did Hangman return to his heavy drinking gimmick, but he's once again telling the Dark Order that he isn't worthy of being part of their group. I feel like we have seen this shit before and this whole story is just on a treadmill. Honestly, dragging this out is a bad call. I was not feeling it before, and this certainly is not making me clamor for a Hangman title win. To make matters worst, he got his ass beat down at the hands of the Elite one more time, just for good measure. This was not brilliant storytelling as many will try to paint it as. This is another unnecessary layer on a story that has no peak.

What's Next?

So ideally the Hangman match was changed because AEW has a bigger opponent in mind for Omega at All Out. With all the speculation swirling about Punk and Danielson coming in, either of those guys against Omega would be huge, and sell a lot of PPVs. But is that the plan? I've read some theories that say that Omega could defend his title against someone like Christian Cage, because All Out is already sold out and the show itself will be a draw on PPV. I don't think that is a wise move. The audience for AEW PPV's still isn't big enough where you can just assume that if you book a higher profile match you can't add significantly more buys. Yes, AEW sells more PPVs that any company outside of WWE has done since WCW died. But while that's impressive for a start up, they are on prime time on TNT, and being ecstatic about the less than 200k buys is still a low bar in my opinion, when your featuring real names people know amongst even casuals. Christian is a name, but CM Punk vs. Omega trumps whatever you will draw with Christian in my opinion. Hell, they sold out the United Center by just dropping hints that he will be there. You don't cancel Omega vs. Page for Christian.
From the Creative mind of Larry Causion Jr.