In a move that surprised absolutely no one, WWE held a "Raw on Netflix Kickoff" event today at their headquarters, because apparently just being on the biggest streaming platform in the world wasn't enough self-congratulation for one day. The event, streamed on YouTube (because irony is dead), featured the usual suspects patting themselves on the back for the groundbreaking achievement of... well, getting a TV deal.

Triple H, clad in his finest "I'm the cool exec now" attire, kicked things off by reminding everyone that the "Triple H Era" is "your era," in case you forgot who to thank for this momentous occasion. He spouted the usual buzzwords: "global appeal," "sustainable," "future is incredibly bright," before promising "biggest stars," "biggest storylines," and things "fans have never seen before." Because clearly, the past few decades of wrestling have been a complete snoozefest.

In a shocking twist that absolutely no one saw coming, Logan Paul was announced as the newest member of the Raw roster. Paul, never one to miss an opportunity to remind everyone how awesome he is, declared WWE his "playground" and promised to become World Heavyweight Champion. Because apparently, boxing, YouTube, and energy drinks weren't enough to conquer.
Liv Morgan, flanked by her entourage of Raquel Rodriguez and Dominik Mysterio (because apparently, WWE still thinks this is a compelling storyline), was gifted a title match against Rhea Ripley on the Netflix debut. Ripley, who seems to be the only one with a shred of self-awareness, just smiled and vowed to take the title.

Meanwhile, Kevin Owens, proving that even tuxedo t-shirts can't make him look like he belongs in a corporate setting, crashed the party and complained about not being invited. The Bloodline, because no WWE event is complete without them, showed up to remind everyone that they're still a thing, and Paul Heyman did his best to make a Tribal Combat match sound like the most important thing in the history of ever.

Gunther, who apparently flew in at the last minute because someone remembered he's the actual World Heavyweight Champion, showed up to scoff at Logan Paul's championship aspirations. And finally, CM Punk, in a suit that probably cost more than my car, reminisced about the good old days of Saturday Night's Main Event and traded barbs with Seth Rollins, because apparently, their feud is still a thing too.

In conclusion, the "Raw on Netflix Kickoff" was exactly what you'd expect: a lot of hype, a lot of self-promotion, and a lot of reminders that WWE is now on Netflix. Because apparently, we needed an entire event to tell us that.

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WWE's attempt to recapture the magic of Saturday Night's Main Event fell a bit flat, feeling more like a glorified house show than a must-see television event. While the retro presentation with classic sets and appearances by legendary figures like Jesse Ventura was a nice touch, the predictable booking and lack of significant developments left much to be desired.

With the exception of Chelsea Green's victory in the Women's United States Championship tournament, every match followed a familiar formula. Established stars like Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan, and Gunther all emerged victoriously, reinforcing the status quo.

Even the main event, featuring Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens, played out as expected. Despite a referee bump and the introduction of a steel chair, Rhodes ultimately retained, adding another predictable outcome to a night of them.
While the action in the ring was certainly entertaining, the lack of surprises or meaningful storyline progression made the event feel somewhat inconsequential. It was a fun trip down memory lane for longtime fans, but ultimately lacked the excitement and unpredictability that defines truly memorable wrestling events.

The crowning of a new mid-card champion offered a glimmer of novelty, but it's hard to imagine the Women's United States Championship holding much weight in the grand scheme of things, especially given the frequent title changes and inconsistent booking that plague WWE's women's division.

In the end, this iteration of Saturday Night's Main Event served as a harmless dose of nostalgia, but failed to deliver the impactful moments and shocking twists that would elevate it beyond the level of a standard house show.

While it's understandable that WWE might be hesitant to drastically alter storylines or crown new champions on a special event like this, the lack of risk-taking ultimately resulted in a rather forgettable night of wrestling.

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Wrestling today is like a Rocky movie with just the fight scene. Will Saturday Night's Main Event be The Calm Before the Netflix Storm of suspect live streaming and shuffling excuses when subscriber numbers remain stagnant and do not grow.

RAW setup Saturday Night's Main Event as Cody Rhodes opened the show addressing the fallout from Survivor Series and his feud with Kevin Owens, leading to a confrontation with Chad Gable. This resulted in a match between Rhodes and Nick Aldis (later replaced by Cody Rhodes vs. Chad Gable).

Several matches took place: including a Triple Threat match for the Women's United States Championship Tournament (won by Tiffany Stratton), Bianca Belair vs. Piper Niven (won by Belair), and a WWE Tag Team Championship Match where DIY (Ciampa & Gargano) defeated The Motor City Machine Guns to become the new champions.
The Bloodline storyline continued with Solo Sikoa asserting his dominance and demanding acknowledgment.

Other notable moments: Shinsuke Nakamura's US Championship win was recapped, and there were backstage segments involving various superstars like Bianca Belair, Naomi, Kevin Owens, and DIY. The episode ended with a brawl between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens.
Essentially, this SmackDown episode focused on continuing storylines from Survivor Series, setting up new feuds, and showcasing a title change with DIY becoming the new tag team champions.


On this week's WWE Raw, World Heavyweight Champion Gunther and Finn Bálor had a tense confrontation ahead of their title match at Saturday Night's Main Event.

Gunther addressed Bálor's recent attack, promising their upcoming match won't end like Survivor Series where Bálor helped him retain the title.
Bálor, accompanied by his Judgment Day stablemates, claimed Gunther made a mistake by provoking him and that he'll be the reason Gunther loses the title at Saturday Night's Main Event.

He declared that after eight years, he will finally become World Heavyweight Champion again.
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce then intervened, announcing a major change to the title match. Due to the earlier actions, the match has become a triple threat, with Damian Priest added to the contest. Bálor expressed his displeasure but ultimately accepted the challenge, stating that it would make his victory even more satisfying.

Seth Rollins addressed his history with CM Punk, highlighting Punk's hypocrisy and negative impact on the company. He emphasized his own achievements surpassing Punk's, and despite a brief interruption by Sami Zayn who apologized for accusing Rollins of attacking Jey Uso, Rollins reiterated his focus on dealing with Punk himself.

Important note, WWE Saturday Night's Main Event will have no major sporting events to compete that night.... no NBA, No Football! The card will include.

World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat Match: Gunther (c) vs. Finn Bálor vs. Damian Priest. Originally scheduled as a singles match between Gunther and Bálor, this match has been changed to a triple threat with the addition of Damian Priest. Expect an explosive encounter as these three powerful superstars clash for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Cody Rhodes will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Kevin Owens. These two have a storied history, and their matches are always intense and hard-hitting.
Liv Morgan will put her Women's World Championship on the line against the dangerous IYO SKY.

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Wrestling Fandom Implodes: Raw Jumps to Netflix, AEW Dynamite Delivers, and the Internet Burns. The wrestling world is a dumpster fire this week, and it's not just because of the flaming tables. WWE Raw's impending move to Netflix in January has ignited a toxic war between WWE and AEW fans, with both sides battling over ratings, rumors, and who has the "better" product. Triple H and Nick Khan's promises of a global, family-friendly show haven't stopped the speculation about a more mature, edgier Raw on Netflix. But honestly, who cares about "family-friendly" when the real entertainment is in the online mudslinging?

Meanwhile, in the actual wrestling ring, Raw delivered a mixed bag. The New Day's shocking heel turn and Big E's brutal ousting left fans reeling. CM Punk and Seth Rollins reignited their fiery feud, promising an explosive showdown in the future. And just when you thought things couldn't get any wilder, Drew McIntyre returned to unleash chaos on Sami Zayn.

Over in AEW land, Dynamite continued its hot streak. Jay White and PAC tore the house down, Orange Cassidy's resurgence brought some much-needed sunshine, and HOOK's challenge to Christian Cage has fans buzzing. But let's be real, the real action is happening on Twitter, where the wrestling fandom is tearing itself apart.

So grab your popcorn, folks, because the wrestling world is burning. Will Raw's move to Netflix be a glorious rebirth or a catastrophic flop? Will AEW Dynamite climb back and compete? And most importantly, will wrestling fans ever learn to coexist without turning every discussion into a toxic wasteland? Stay tuned, because this trainwreck is just getting started.

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As Survivor Series 2024 exploded onto screens, a spectacle of athleticism and drama... but also a glaring reminder of WWE's frustratingly inconsistent booking. While the matches themselves delivered, the overarching narratives felt like a tangled mess of missed opportunities and baffling detours.

The Men's WarGames match, the event's centerpiece, exemplified this perfectly. CM Punk, inexplicably inserted into the Bloodline saga instead of pursuing Gunther's World Heavyweight Championship, now found himself entangled in a web of family drama and owing a mysterious favor to Paul Heyman. This felt less like a compelling storyline and more like a haphazard swerve, sacrificing a potentially epic title feud for a convoluted subplot.

Meanwhile, Gunther, the dominant force of the roster, steamrolled Damian Priest in a predictable, albeit brutal, encounter. The same went for Bron Breakker, who retained his Intercontinental Championship against Sheamus and Ludwig Kaiser. While both matches showcased impressive athleticism, the foregone conclusions underscored the creative stagnation plaguing these titles.

Even Shinsuke Nakamura's US Championship victory over LA Knight, a rare highlight in terms of surprise, felt tainted by the "Greater Muta" gimmick. It's a tired trope in WWE – when a Japanese wrestler's natural charisma fades, they're inexplicably repackaged with mystical elements, a lazy substitute for genuine character development.

The women's WarGames match, while a chaotic spectacle, suffered from a similar lack of focus. With a bloated roster of talented women crammed into one match, individual stories were lost in the shuffle. It was a spot-fest, entertaining in its own right, but lacking the emotional weight that a well-built narrative provides.

And therein lies the crux of the issue. While the "toxic WWE fandom" might be satisfied with the in-ring action, the lack of long-term storytelling and character development leaves a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. It's as if WWE prioritizes immediate pops over crafting compelling narratives that keep fans invested.

Survivor Series 2024 was a microcosm of WWE's current creative state: flashes of brilliance overshadowed by a pervasive sense of missed potential. Until the company commits to building cohesive storylines and utilizing its talent to their fullest potential, events like this will continue to feel like a series of disconnected moments rather than a cohesive narrative tapestry.

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The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to passionate fans, but a recent surge in tribalism and online toxicity has many questioning the state of the WWE Universe. While loyalty is admirable, a vocal segment of WWE fans have crossed the line, engaging in relentless attacks against rival organizations, wrestlers, and even those who simply express different opinions.

This hyper-aggressive behavior manifests in various ways. Online forums and social media platforms are flooded with derogatory comments aimed at AEW, Impact Wrestling, and their respective rosters. Wrestlers who choose to sign with non-WWE promotions often face a barrage of personal insults and accusations of "selling out." Even wrestling journalists and commentators who dare to criticize WWE's creative direction or booking decisions become targets of online harassment.

Industry insiders have expressed concern over this escalating trend. One veteran wrestling journalist, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "It's become impossible to have a rational conversation about wrestling online. Any perceived slight against WWE is met with an avalanche of vitriol and personal attacks. It's stifling genuine discourse and creating a hostile environment for fans and professionals alike."

This intense tribalism seems rooted in a staunch defense of WWE's current product, despite criticisms of its repetitive storylines and over-reliance on part-time performers. Many fans seem unwilling to acknowledge the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, clinging to the nostalgia of WWE's past glories while dismissing any alternative as inferior.

The situation has escalated to the point where some prominent wrestling personalities have been forced to limit their online presence or even withdraw from social media entirely. This self-censorship not only hinders open communication within the wrestling community but also raises serious concerns about the mental health and well-being of those targeted by these online attacks.

While passionate fandom is an integral part of professional wrestling, the current climate of toxicity threatens to overshadow the enjoyment of the sport. A call for greater respect and civility within the WWE Universe is growing louder, urging fans to celebrate their love for wrestling without resorting to personal attacks and tribalistic behavior. The future of wrestling fandom may depend on it.

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AEW Full Gear 2024 featured a full card of matches with championships on the line and rivalries coming to a head. The event began with Private Party successfully defending their AEW World Tag Team Championships in a four-way match against The Outrunners, Kings of the Black Throne, and The Acclaimed.

The night continued with several singles matches. MJF defeated Roderick Strong, Jay White emerged victorious against "Hangman" Adam Page, and Kyle Fletcher bested Will Ospreay in a display of athleticism. Daniel Garcia captured the AEW TNT Championship from Jack Perry, while Konosuke Takeshita retained the AEW International Championship against Ricochet.

In a match with high stakes, Bobby Lashley defeated Swerve Strickland. The main event saw Jon Moxley defend his AEW World Championship against Orange Cassidy. Moxley ultimately overcame Cassidy's unique style to retain his title.

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AEW's Full Gear Approaches Amidst Fan Frustration and WWE's Netflix Jitters
as All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is heading into its Full
Gear pay-per-view this weekend with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the company. While AEW has undeniably shaken up the professional wrestling landscape, recent months have seen growing criticism directed at CEO Tony Khan. Fans are increasingly vocal about the lack of television time for certain contracted wrestlers and a perceived dip in crowd excitement leading up to the big event.
The absence of stars has fueled frustration among fans who feel AEW isn't utilizing its talent effectively. This, coupled with a sense that storylines have lost some of their spark, has led to concerns about declining audience engagement. While AEW still boasts a passionate fanbase and dedicated viewership, the buzz surrounding Full Gear feels somewhat muted compared to previous years.
Khan has acknowledged the criticism, citing injuries and personal situations as factors in some absences. However, he remains confident in the Full Gear card and emphasizes AEW's commitment to delivering a compelling show.
Meanwhile, WWE finds itself navigating a different set of challenges. Their recent move to stream premium live events on Netflix has been met with trepidation following the technical difficulties that plagued the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight last weekend. Fans are worried that similar issues could disrupt major WWE events, potentially alienating viewers and damaging the company's reputation.
WWE executives have assured fans that they are working closely with Netflix to prevent any future disruptions. They are emphasizing the platform's vast reach and potential to introduce WWE to a new audience. However, the shadow of last weekend's streaming debacle looms large, and WWE will be under immense pressure to ensure a smooth transition to their new streaming home.
Both AEW and WWE are facing crucial moments in their respective journeys. AEW needs to address fan concerns and reignite excitement, while WWE must overcome the technical hurdles and prove the viability of its Netflix partnership. The coming weeks will be telling for both companies as they navigate the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling.

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RAW had the usual roster of decent matches, but WWE is really stretching to make every feud and faction feel relevant. Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Kairi Sane, and IYO SKY) defeated Pure Fusion Collective (Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark) in what felt more like a team-building exercise for Damage CTRL than a serious contest. There’s only so much suspense you can get from throwing together another “heel team vs. heel team” clash. The booking team may need to decide if they want to push Damage CTRL’s dominance or start rotating some fresh faces in, or else we’re looking at a faction that’s already lost its impact.

Then there’s Pete Dunne versus Kofi Kingston. Don’t get me wrong—Dunne is an incredible talent, and he deserves some spotlight. But is beating Kingston, a former WWE Champion, really going to catapult him up the card? Instead, this victory felt like a consolation prize with no long-term implications. Why not develop a real feud here, something that goes beyond a one-off win? WWE has the talent for meaningful storylines; what they seem to lack is the willingness to push anything outside the box.

The main event featured yet another “wild brawl” between Seth “Freakin” Rollins and “Big” Bronson Reed, continuing their feud with little evolution. It was the same formulaic scrap as usual—lots of yelling, predictable interferences, and a whole lot of nothing by the end. If they’re going to push this storyline, at least let them do something memorable rather than recycling the same tactics. For next week’s RAW, we’re set up for Rollins vs. Reed again, alongside a WWE Intercontinental Championship match between Sheamus and champion Bron Breakker. Here’s hoping something fresh finally lands on Monday night.

SmackDown wrapped up with The Bloodline firmly in control, but was there much substance beyond the familiar themes? Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes took center stage once again, facing off in an opening segment that sparked some crowd energy. However, Reigns’ return to make his presence felt was met with the usual mix of cheers and jeers. By now, the routine has become predictable: Cody talks big, Reigns responds with stoic silence or brief intimidation, and everyone teases a climactic showdown. It’s time WWE adds some new layers if they’re serious about maintaining this rivalry’s heat.

The Bloodline’s influence continued as Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso took down LA Knight and Sami Zayn in a tag team match. While the action was solid, the storyline hasn’t evolved enough to keep fans fully engaged. LA Knight, for instance, has been riding a wave of popularity, but he’s been stuck in situations that don’t maximize his potential. WWE has an opportunity to elevate Knight beyond these filler roles, yet they seem hesitant to pull the trigger. Zayn, too, deserves more than to simply be a pawn in Bloodline drama that’s overstayed its welcome.

The main event saw WWE Women’s Champion Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez facing Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. While the women’s division has gained considerable talent, it’s clear that this match was more about keeping Belair and Cargill dominant than anything else. Morgan and Rodriguez deserve credit for their resilience, but at this point, the lack of depth in their storyline is undercutting the division’s momentum. For next week, WWE could inject some creativity to stop the show from feeling like a rinse-and-repeat cycle with predictable outcomes.

On NXT
Stephanie Vaquer & Giulia defeated Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend.
Women’s Iron Survivor Qualifier Match: Sol Ruca defeated Cora Jade.
Men’s Iron Survivor Qualifier Match: Wes Lee defeated Cedric Alexander.
Nikkita Lyons defeated Adriana Rizzo.
Men’s Iron Survivor Qualifier Match: Je’von Evans defeated Lexis King.
Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley (w/ Fatal Influence’s Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx) defeated Kelani Jordan.

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WWE NXT was the place to be for nostalgia as a hardcore legend made his presence felt. Bubba Ray Dudley, one half of the legendary Dudley Boyz, competed in his first WWE match since 2016. He teamed with Trick Williams to take on Ethan Page and Ridge Holland in a tag team bout. Elsewhere on the show, Tony D'Angelo continued his dominant reign as North American Champion, adding another successful defense to his record. The NXT Tag Team Champions also put their individual skills on display as they faced off against each other in a singles competition. The night concluded with an action-packed Ten Women Tag Match that showcased the depth of the NXT women's division.

SmackDown emanated from Brooklyn and delivered a night of surprises and high-stakes matches. The women's division took center stage as NXT Women's Champion Roxanne Perez made a shocking appearance, confronting SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair. This led to an impromptu title match, which saw Flair retain her championship. In tag team action, The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus and Ridge Holland) picked up a win against the formidable team of LA Knight and Grayson Waller. However, the biggest moment of the night belonged to The Bloodline. The original Bloodline, consisting of Roman Reigns and The Usos, reunited in a powerful show of force, leaving the WWE Universe buzzing.

Finally, Monday Night Raw saw several stars punch their tickets to championship opportunities. Damian Priest emerged victorious in a chaotic Fatal Four-Way Number One Contenders Match, earning a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. IYO SKY soared to victory in a women's Battle Royal, securing her place as the Number One Contender for the Women's World Championship. The red brand also featured tag team excellence as the War Raiders, the reigning NXT Tag Team Champions, made a statement by defeating the New Day. In a clash of styles, the high-flying Dragon Lee overcame the technical prowess of Chad Gable.

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