UkWrestleFan

They didn't want Lesnar to look weak. I think the finish was pretty clever. 'Taker got his revenge but had to use some shady tactics so Lesnar is kept strong. They can still have the blow-off match and I assume it will be at WM32 in some sort of No DQ/No Holds Barred match. I agree it made The Undertaker look weak but I think it was intentional in the sense that he'll no longer be portrayed as The Phenom and instead a mere mortal.

Great post.

Or maybe the company want to increase ratings and merch revenue.

It looks like Cena v Rollins @ Summerslam. What does that mean for the US Title?

Unrelated to anything but I've been thinking about how Bray Wyatt has gotten a bit stale, and while doing so I got to thinking about how some of the NXT guys who've made it to the main roster aren't so hot; the likes of Bo Dallas, Adam Rose & The Ascension. While thinking about this, I had a thought that it would be pretty cool if Bray went on some sort of recruitment drive, bring The Wyatt Family back with these guys a part of it. Bo Dallas - I got excited when he got involved in the Ryback / Wyatt feud a few weeks or so back. I thought we were finally going to see Bo accept who he was and stand side-by-side with his brother (Bo Wyatt? Dallas Wyatt?) Adam Rose - Have him slowly realize he is not the party animal WWE want you to believe he is and transition back into Leo Kruger. The Ascension - They'd need some sort of makeover; the 80's power-and-paint look wouldn't really work, and in terms of storyline, I'm not sure how it would play out but I think it would be cool if they became Bray's henchmen. You could even have Rowan & Harper be pissed that Bray didn't turn to them and you've got a ready made feud.

Point I was trying to make is that it isn't really the 2nd year in a row they've undermined the Rumble winner.

It wasn't totally undermined last year. Batista still got the title shot he earned only it was in a Triple Threat. I don't think they explicitly say you get a one-on-one title match for winning the Rumble.

Won't putting Reigns in a match with Bryan just make the fans boo Reigns even more? Especially if he wins.

I seen the finale but I sure do hope you haven't spoilt it for anyone else. I just meant the way he delivered some of his lines on RAW. I what he did on RAW was fine. They made the right move by giving him very little to say while keeping it serious.

Watched the Reigns / Lesnar / Heyman segment from last nights "RAW" and have to say, it was pretty good. Yes, this was because of Heyman, but I think Reigns handled himself just fine (even if the rumors are to be believed that he was being fed the lines) For anyone who watches Sons of Anarchy, I think he (Reings) came across very Jax Teller. Honestly, the fact that RAW was cancelled may be a blessing in disguise, and may give fans a chance to cool down on the Reigns Rumble win before they have to put him in front of a live audience again. The build-up to 'Mania is certainly going to be interesting with Reigns' shortcomings on the mic, and the heat he is getting. They need to somehow hide his promo flaws while trying to get some good reactions for him again. I think he has to be involved with the beloved babyfaces of the company (Bryan, Ziggler, Ambrose) to try and get the fans back on his side. Teaming with them, saving them from beatdowns etc. It's going to be a big challenge for the creative team and I am looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds.

Exactly this, especially if it's confirmed that Lesnar will be leaving after 'Mania. I hope Lesnar sticks around for a bit longer as a destructive babyface but I don't see it happening.

Difference is, WWE do it with one wrestler whereas TNA do it with several, and far more frequently. Dumb booking.

Read spoilers for the next couple of shows and the name for MVP's group is just absolutely terrible.

I watched the Main Event, and have to say, I enjoyed it. Wasn't put off in he slightest by the booking and it's actually peaked my interest for the next show so job done.

Works for me. Triple H is the boss, he can do what he wants. It's not too difficult for me to think; "Ah, Trips arranged for those cinder blocks to be put there so Rollins could Curb Stomp the crap out of Ambrose's face" Maybe it was discussed backstage earlier in the night? Maybe it will be addressed on RAW next week? It was a cool looking spot and really isn't a massive deal. The Ambrose / Rollins feud has been very entertaining, and the segment last night helped further it.

Fair enough, seems like I completely mis-read.

A little more info about WWE 2K15: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/08/12/wwe-2k15-first-hands-on-ign-first I like the sound of the overhaul but I'm a little worried about the grappling to open the match. I mean, really, does every wrestling match start with that sort of grapple? What if I just want to get into a slugfest and take it from there? If there has been a heated rivalry that's been going on for a while, and finally, the two workers get the chance to get their hands on each other, is grappling going to be one of the first things they want to do? The rivalry between Rollins & Ambrose comes to mind. Their feud has been pretty intense so I'd imagine when they face-off again, they won't start the match by just getting into a grapple, surely? Of course, I could be wrong and that might be exactly what happens Still, my point is, it would be better if this was optional and would give the match opening more options. If somebody initiates the opening grapple, then fine, I'll grapple with you, but if somebody opens the match by trying to unload rights and lefts then that's also fine; I see how you want this one to be. But overall, I'm happy they're going with big changes and can't wait to see some gameplay footage.

Watched RAW this morning. It was a decent enough show but one thing really irked me... When Dean Ambrose got attacked by Rollins, Orton & Kane while he was talking with Reigns & Cena via the Titantron, did Reigns & Cena just stand in the ring and watch it happen? How come the made no effort to get backstage and help Ambrose out a little? I just found it pretty weird.

<p>I watched some TNA for the first time in a while yesterday. I've generally kept upto the with what's going on but not actually tuned in for a little while.</p><p> </p><p> I have to say, I did enjoy what I saw, even if it was a little bizarre.</p><p> </p><p> - I watched the debut of The Menagerie. While it does come across as TNA trying to do something like WWE are doing with The Wyatt's, it was pretty cool. The story of Knux helping him family out is interesting at the moment but I don't have a lot of expectation and don't think TNA will develop this story that much.</p><p> </p><p> - The group of MVP, Lashley & Kenny King; do they have a name? Anyway, I like them. Nice to see Lashley getting pushed even if I can't stand his little girly voice. Wasn't MVP feuding with heel Dixie at one point? What happened there?</p><p> </p><p> - Dixing / Bully is a good story. I'm loving how much Bully wants to put her through a table. Is this the story? Bully wants to put Dixie through a table because she is a bitch? Works for me. I can imagine there being an insane pop if/when that happens.</p><p> </p><p> - What's the deal with Willow? Looks cool enough but Hardy hasn't got the acting skills to pull it off. Despite this, the feud with Magnus/Bram is still interesting. I'd expect a Matt Hardy return at some point.</p><p> </p><p> - Eric Young being World Champ is cool and all but I don't think he's the guy to take them forward. I understand why they've gave him a run; he's a total veteran, but I would expect that end to run pretty soon.</p><p> </p><p> In closing, I can see TNA beefing up the roster a little since WWE recently released a ton of people. I wouldn't be surprised if they brought in Ezekiel Jackson to join up with MVP, Lashley & King. I'd also be a fan of them bringing in Drew McIntyre to join forces with Magnus & Bram (playing on the fact that their all British) Plus, TNA have a pretty big following in the UK so why not?</p>

<p>I really hope they add people to this re-formed Evolution. Their previous selling point was the whole thing about "past, present and future" which they can't really with now considering two members of the group are 40+. Then there's the chance they will add Flair back into the group for a while which is cool and everything, but who is representing "the future" in the group?</p><p> </p><p> Maybe they'll turn Rollins & Ambrose at Extreme Rules and have them join the group for a while? That could work and it'd be cool to see HHH, Orton, Batista, Flair, Rollins & Ambrose turning up in a limo every week and rocking awesome suits.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="milamber" data-cite="milamber" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Time for some fantasy booking:<p> </p><p> - Ambrose beats Big E to unify the IC & US Titles. Cesaro beats Ambrose for the Unified IC Title. He retains against the likes of Sheamus, Ziggler & Rollins before dropping it to Reigns.</p><p> - Lesnar beats Bryan at Summerslam 2014 for the WWE Title.</p><p> - As per Lesnar's limited appearances contract, he holds the WWE Title ransom. Bryan challenges Lesnar to his rematch at Wrestlemania 31.</p><p> - Cesaro wins the Royal Rumble 2015 while Lesnar retains the WWE Title against Cena.</p><p> - At Wrestlemania 31, Bryan is outnumbered in the triple threat match but Lesnar turns on Cesaro and retains the WWE Title. Cesaro ambushes Lesnar after the match with a big uppercut and delivers the Gotch Neutralizer.</p><p> - At Extreme Rules 2015, Cesaro beats Lesnar for the WWE Title after Bryan provides a distraction. Cesaro eventually drops the WWE Title to Batista (or Bray Wyatt).</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> What about the eventual MiTB winner throughout this time? Any thoughts on how they could work that sort of thing in.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="CQI13" data-cite="CQI13" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The crowd reaction was priceless when Undertaker lost. On another point, <strong>how come Bryan wasn't selling the shoulder during the celebration</strong>?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Noticed it, too <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> It also led to my wondering why they haven't made a new belt; why is it still 2 titles?</p>

<p>Really enjoyed the show and it'll go down as one of the most memorable Wrestlemania's ever.</p><p> </p><p> I was pumped for Austin turning up during Hogan's promo. I'd heard he was confirmed to be at the show but didn't expect it that early. What I really wanted was for Austin to have some beers tossed in and for him to then give Hogan a Stunner. I didn't really care for The Rock being there; it didn't seem like that much of a big deal considering he's been at the event for the last 3 years. Still, it was a very entertaining segment and a great way to start the show.</p><p> </p><p> Bryan v Triple H really delivered. I loved the pacing of it, the way it built slowly with Triple H focusing his attacks. Stephanie did some good stuff at ringside and really got under my skin. I was happy to see Bryan get the win and progress to the Main Event. The post-match stuff was also good and served it's purpose even if it did make Triple H look like a little bitch.</p><p> </p><p> The Shield v The OAP's was a total squash but made The Shield look good. Strong showing from Reigns again with his devastating spear (and double-spear!) The ending with the double-powerbomb was also pretty cool.</p><p> </p><p> The Battle Royal started slowly and was too much of a clusterfest to begin with but once the numbers starting going down it more entertaining. As expected, Kofi did another cool spot but it was Cesaro who came out looking great, picking Show up with ease and powerslamming him over the top rope. Full face turn tonight, I'd expect.</p><p> </p><p> Cena v Wyatt had some great storytelling. I really wanted Cena to just lose it and he came close several times. Really wanted Wyatt to go over here but it was not to be. The ending to the match also felt a little unnatural to me.</p><p> </p><p> Taker vs Lesnar was not at the same level of Taker's last 5 matches at Mania but it was still decent; a slow-paced, old-school slobberknocker. It seems like Taker has declined a lot since last year so who knows what sort of shape he'd have been in next year. I didn't like Lesnar ending The Streak to begin with but I've had some time to digest it and am totally fine with it now. It makes sense for a lot of reasons.</p><p> </p><p> The Divas stuff actually surprised me. Didn't enjoy the first half of the match but it finished strong and I left it feeling satisfied which I hadn't anticipated.</p><p> </p><p> MoTN for me was the Main Event. Orton did a really great job keeping things ticking over while Batista was gassing out. Bryan proved himself as the ultimate underdog and it was really fantastic to see him finally get his moment despite taking a hell of a lot of punishment throughout the night. I particularly enjoyed seeing him slug Triple H with the sledgehammer. The Batista Bomb into an RKO (neckbreaker) through the table was cool as hell. Really enjoyed seeing Orton & Batista work together.</p>

RAW was excellent and they played the whole CM Punk thing really well. Does anyone think he'll return before 'Mania? I think it's still possible, and I hope he does. Or, maybe he could make a big return at Wrestlemania and help Bryan win the title? Or something...

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Raw/Smackdown doesn't get added until 30 days later. I made that mistake as well. Not sure why the rest of the content isn't showing for you though. If I had a 360, I'd check to see if it's there for me, but I only have a PS3</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> One of the main reasons I was interested in the WWE Network <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Still, I wouldn't mind paying the subscription if I could actually watch stuff but I keep getting this server error. For now, I can only put it down to the fact that I am outside of the US.</p>