Every week, Kevin Eck will run down his burning thoughts from "RAW," "SmackDown Live" and the rest of the pro wrestling world.
‘RAW’ thoughts
Am I the only one who …
… wonders if the powers that be in WWE are concerned with fans’ reaction to Ronda Rousey?
When Rousey’s name was mentioned on “SmackDown Live” two days after her appearance at the “Royal Rumble,” the Philadelphia crowd booed. Perhaps that could’ve be written off as Philly fans just being Philly fans, but when Kurt Angle announced on “RAW” that Rousey would sign her “RAW” contract at the “Elimination Chamber” pay-per-view on Feb. 25, the crowd in San Jose booed as well. Even worse, the fans didn’t even boo her with enthusiasm — the way they do Roman Reigns, for example. It came off as disinterest more than anything.
I’m anxious to see what kind of reaction Rousey receives at “Elimination Chamber” in Las Vegas. And if it’s not a positive one, will WWE address it?
… had mixed emotions about Braun Strowman’s musical segment with Elias?
On one hand, I think it’s important to add layers to Strowman’s one-dimensional character, and Strowman singing and “playing” an upright bass was a step in that direction. However, what has gotten Strowman over is that he’s a no-nonsense badass.
WWE has to make Strowman more than a one-note (see what I did there?) character, but the company doesn’t want to diminish his aura in doing so. It’s a fine line, for sure. As for this particular segment, I think it worked. Strowman holding the huge instrument as if it was an acoustic guitar was a cool visual, and having him smash it over Elias’ back ended the segment on a high note (see what I did, again?).
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… couldn’t suspend my disbelief when John Cena said that if he doesn’t win the Elimination Chamber match he won’t have a spot at WrestleMania?
Right, the biggest star in WWE won’t be on the biggest show of the year. Are all the slots in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal filled already? Cena not appearing at WrestleMania is about as likely as Baron Corbin having a good hair day.
… thinks it would be hilarious if John Cena drew No. 2 in the Elimination Chamber match?
That would mean that his victory over The Miz, which was to determine who would enter the Chamber match first, would be totally meaningless.
… thinks it’s ridiculous that Ivory is going into the WWE Hall of Fame before Chyna?
Yes, we all know the WWE Hall of Fame is a joke, but it would be nice if WWE at least tried to pretend that it isn’t. No disrespect to Ivory, who was a fine performer and had a decent career, but she didn’t come anywhere close to achieving the level of stardom that Chyna did. The fact that WWE highlighted the program between the two in Ivory’s Hall of Fame video only reinforced how glaring the omission of Chyna in the Hall of Fame is.
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… hopes the Asuka video is not foreshadowing that she’s losing at the “Elimination Chamber” pay-per-view?
I thought the video that played up Asuka’s undefeated streak was very well done, but it made me wonder if WWE put it together because Asuka is doing the honors for Nia Jax. Asuka is special. When she does eventually lose, it should be on a bigger stage than “Elimination Chamber” and it should not be to Jax.
‘SmackDown Live’ thoughts
Am I the only one who …
… was surprised the crowd got behind Baron Corbin during his match against Kevin Owens?
Sure, Corbin was booked as the de facto babyface in the angle, as he was jumped by Owens and Sami Zayn backstage and then competed at less than full strength against Owens and even managed to win, but that didn’t guarantee the fans would find him sympathetic. There have been times during Corbin’s run when it felt like he had go-away heat rather than legit heel heat. If this match was a test run for a babyface turn for Corbin somewhere down the line, he passed.
On a side note, I thought it made Owens look weak that he couldn’t beat Corbin even though Corbin was banged up. KO should be protected better than that.
… thinks the angle with Shane McMahon giving Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler opportunities to be added to the Triple Threat match between WWE Champion AJ Styles, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at “Fastlane” didn’t make sense?
What did Styles do to piss off Shane O’Mac? In trying to stick it to Owens and Zayn, Shane also severely increased the odds of Styles losing the title. And what did Corbin and Ziggler do to warrant the opportunity to be in the WWE Title Match?
… thinks The Bludgeon Brothers is a bad gimmick?
I like Luke Harper and Erick Rowan as a monster heel tag team, but I’m not a fan of The Bludgeon Brothers act. The vignettes introducing them were cheesy, and their color coordinated ring attire takes away from their menacing presence. Worst of all is the oversized rubber hammers they carry around. Harper and Rowan were much scarier when they were members of the Wyatt Family.
… really hates the oversized graphics that have been accompanying some of the promos?
Who IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would think that having words and phrases from the promos appearing on the screen in HUGE CAPITAL LETTERS is a good idea? It’s DISTRACTING and OBNOXIOUS! Please STOP IT!!!
… has grown really tired of New Day’s act?
I like Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. I really do. But I just find their act to be cringeworthy these days. A feud over pancakes? Suddenly, a heated rivalry over a Japanese shampoo commercial doesn’t seem so bad. New Day have become like three Fonzies. And no, Honey Bunny, I don’t mean that they’re cool.
Miscellaneous thought
Am I the only one who …
… thinks the Bullet Club drama that is playing out on the “Being the Elite” YouTube series is the most compelling story line in pro wrestling right now?
The rift between Bullet Club members Kenny Omega and Cody is a big angle in both New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Ring of Honor, and the “Being The Elite” series not only has been integral in telling the story, but it’s also highly entertaining.
The series is great platform to showcase the personalities of Omega, Cody, The Young Bucks, Marty Scurll (who often steals the show) and Adam Page, as well as recurring guest stars such as Flip Gordon, Joey Ryan and Best Friends (Beretta and Chuck “Chuckie T.” Taylor).
If you haven’t seen “Being The Elite,” do yourself a favor and check out it out (I especially recommend Episode 91). You’ll one-sweet me for it.