May Random Rants

 

MJF made his long awaited return to AEW at Double Or Nothing. Paying homage to Triple H, by wearing a similar attire to Triple H's mid 2000's look. He looks to have done away with the Burberry scarf and reinvented himself slightly. We'll have to wait to see how he has reinvented himself overall. He cut a passionate MJF style promo that to me at least solidifies why he and AEW are the perfect team. His promo style and delivery, I just don't see working in the WWE even under the new regime. 

I kind of get why AEW held off on having him appear at Dynamite this week, but it's also kind of a missed opportunity to capitalize off his return. Having him show up on dynamite, this past week.

Mercedes Mone defeated Willow at Double Or Nothing and is the new TBS Champion, and looks like she is starting her heel turn. After Willow's defeat Kris Statlander and Stokely Hathaway turned on her, and I'm kind of bummed it wasn't the other way around. Willow showed so much edge when she was feuding against Mercedes I was looking forward to seeing more of that. Especially if she maintained her bubbly personality, but had that sinister streak under the surface.

                                           I think it's been long enough, where is Britt Baker? 

Arn Anderson, Mark Henry, and Jake Hager have all recently separated from AEW as their respective contracts have expired. I think it's the right move, no need to keep these gentleman on the payroll if there is nothing for them to do and they have fulfilled the duties of their jobs. Many complained that AEW's roster had become too bloated and they are working to quasi fix that, by not renewing contracts of certain talents.

I'll give it time since we're still two years away, but I am not a fan of SummerSlam becoming a two night event as well in 2026. Like I mentioned in a previous blog I'm concerned WWE will put themselves into a corner, rotating among the same cities for these PLE's especially going the stadium route. They also risk burning fan's out with this method, not to mention the sheer cost of attending WWE event's now.

On the other hand after watching Triple H's promo video announcing the event, I wonder if a deal was struck since Minneapolis lost out on next year's Mania. And Minneapolis offered WWE more money to host a 2 night event, and that set the wheels in motion. We'll never know but it's a theory I have.

Speaking of which when is Baltimore gonna get blessed with hosting SummerSlam??

On that note, there also are whispers whispers in the wind, WWE is discussing having cities bid to host Raw and Smackdown much like they do PLE's now. More power to them if they are able to finagle that, but I just don't see cities especially in this economy subsidizing WWE events for standard programming. The Big Five is one thing, as they are event's that entire weekends and in the case of 'Mania a week are built around and numerous tourist flock in to enjoy the atmosphere.

Getting a east coast or mid-west city to subsidize Raw or Smackdown in the dead of winter, when no tourists are coming just to see a weekly program. I'm just not buying.

On the other hand and I know I'm kind of contradicting myself here, AEW was able to secure a residency from the city of Arlington, Texas to host 5 Collision's from July 20th-August 17th and a Death Before Dishonor PPV. Arlington is reportedly subsidizing this residency as ticket sales are anticipated to be on the low side. However, I am in favor of this type of plan, as opposed to strong arming cities for a one night affair here and there. 

Kudos to all parties involved in the slow burn of the dissolution of Alpha Academy. Chad Gable is playing his role to perfection as a man gone mad. Maxxine and Tozawa are playing the timid roles well, Sami is contributing as the moral guy. And Otis the conflicted character, when he finally snaps and attacks Chad I'm sure whatever arena they are in will go crazy.

Holy Crap!! Everyone was in genuine shocked including Roxanne Perez when Jordynne Grace appeared on NXT and challenged Roxanne to a match at Battleground June 9th. TNA vs NXT who in the world would have thought that would happen? Jordynne is a seasoned pro and held her own on the mic against Roxanne, and their match at Battleground I'm sure will be nothing lower than a 4 star match.

Side note I really appreciated Jordynne's theme being a remix of Scott Steiner's with the sirens wailing, a little wink and nod to her Thick Momma Pump persona in the indy's. 

I plan to follow up with my full thoughts on this new partnership in the coming days.

NXT didn't stop last Tuesday with the Jordynne Grace appearance. Former TNA and AEW wrestler Ethan Page debuted and attacked Trick Williams. Page has a lot of potential and is one of those guys, could be a big fish in a smaller pond so I could see him becoming NXT champion. However, he claims he is still a free agent. Which if he is, is another interesting wrinkle in how WWE is conducting business now a days.

AEW Match & A Meal on TBS YouTube. I am all here for it. Such a nod to the TBS classic Dinner and a Movie series. Which by the way, TBS announced is coming back June 1st with husband and wife duo Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen. In my washed age, I am very excited about that.

They are very polarizing right now and the rock star status they once had seems to have cooled, but I for one am enjoying the Young Bucks current run. I was apprehensive about their new EVP focused act when it debuted, but I love how detached from reality they come across in their quest to "save" AEW. I work in a job that requires interacting with multiple personalities, and there are far more people detached from reality and delusional in general than one would think. So every time the Bucks make silly statements, I get a kick out of it.

The Always give back hype video that aired on Collision before Double Or Nothing was gold. It was so over the top you could not help but laugh at it. The hype video promoting their history and Arena Anarchy match was just as gold.

NWA has  reportedly secured a television deal that they can't reveal just yet. Which is understandable, but let's hope for the benefit of the company and the contracted wrestlers on the roster. It is a good deal that brings additional eye balls to the product.

That's all for me folks, Summer is upon us. Enjoy the beautiful weather, stay healthy, and watch wrestling. Come back next month for June's Random Rants.