ChrisPBacon

Just a thought, but it is constantly referenced how analytical TK is, and at the same time, there is a large portion (95%ish) of the wrestling fanbase that have gone elsewhere. TK, im certain is wondering how to get those fans back into the product. Triple H as well. CM Punk had a stint in UFC; I'd venture to guess some portion of the late 90s wrestling audience has gone in that direction. How do you galvanize that audience? By capturing the very real tension and animosity of those very real UFC fights in a fictional environment, with a dash of reality and what do you get? You gauge interest and blur lines, and get people. TALKING. It will be interesting to see if Triple H goes this route as well, because ive seen shades of this with Rollins/Riddle. It could make for great episodic TV and send the business into an interesting direction. Im strapped in.

Work or not, this is damn entertaining. Ive consumed 8 hours of AEW today. Because Punk is Hitman, i am to make of it that The Elite are the new Kliq?

MjF and the Devil's Rejects.

CM Punk retaining and Claudio Castagnoli winning the Casino Ladder Match would be awesome, if only Claudio wasnt ROH champion. I Love how Punk is keeping us guessing on outcomes. Wrestling. MjF just has to be involved in the Casino match or the main event, right? There's money and eyes being left off the table. Please, no lights out and then he is standing in the ring pointing a cane to the sky as Tony Shiavone asks what he is doing here, before he threatens to urinate in the ring. I first envisioned a duo of MJF and Punk, because they share something that could bond them. Punk has an issue with certain routes AEW Is going that differs from MJF, but there is an opening to meet in the middle. However, maybe the Batman and Joker are not meant to join forces, ever. I just figured Punk was living long enough to see himself as the Villain. Wished there was some Starks-Hobbs hype tonight, i figure we will get it on Friday. Stokely Hathaway doing his best Clarence Mason impression, just has to lead to a legit Faction, surely? Id like it if he kept to Cargill, and potentially Swerve with Lee being torn on it.

No time for a diatribe on how quick Mox/Punk was. But, given how many people are deeming CM the new top Heel, I wonder if its not out of the realm of possibility that MJF helps Punk win the title at All Out and Punk and MJF rule the AEW into the new year as the 'Shooters'. I mean, Punk did ask MJF to be his "Valentine", and technically brought out old CM Punk. I think its exciting, unpredictable and works.

Scott Putski meets Aron Stevens.

Rewatched Regals speech, and I am now convinced, Mox is being played, and Regal/Danielson will somehow turn on him causing a rematch and maybe, hopefully, probably adding Samoa Joe in the mix. Regal spent 15 minutes putting Danielson over and 15 seconds giving Mox his roses. No coincidence detected.

MJF costs him the match and fires him on the spot, only for Tony Kahn to hire him the next week? Regal is a talker man, he, with a quickened pace, sent me on an emotional rollercoaster. I just dream of Claudio Castagnoli and Samoa Joe joining this squad of relentless ass kickers. What a crew of world beaters that would be! Tully Blanchard brings in The Briscoes for revenge against FTR firing them? Uh, yes please. Is it too soon to bring in Ric Flair for FTR? Hoping we get maybe a Page-Cole TV match down the road, but someone else (maybe Kenny Omega returns to side with the Bucks against the Paragon?) Distracts Cole in the meantime. Happy to see Scorpio Sky finally win a big one, I was expecting the trigger to be pulled when he wrestled Cody Rhodes for the title, but this is a good time for him. Looking forward to a Scorpio Sky-Swerve Strickland match. Wow at AEW retaining the Hardy Boys ORIGINAL WWF theme music, just wow. That pop was huge, and to be back in the ring with Sting for the first time since the "incident" was epic. Still waiting on Miro to return by attacking Adam Page. Max Caster's clever wordplay was on point tonight. Probably one of his better verses imo.

Ricky Starks is so money. Now that "What's his name?" Is gone, i fear he could be lured away to be a manager or commentator for NXT. However, his mannerisms in the ring and charisma on the mic should be showcased a lot more. Got a kick out of him cracking Keith Lee up. If Fenix isnt ready for the six man against House of Black, "What's his name?" Would have been a good replacement. I like that Malakai's Mist doesnt hypnotize you into joining his cause, it just brings out the darkest aspects of your character. Love that. And kudos for AEW acknowledging Buddy Matthews. He is also going to give AEW some great matches. I eagerly await Buddy Matthews-Bryan Danielson killing one another for our entertainment. Does Bryan Danielson join up with Jon Moxley? After tonight, I hope so. This was a full blown heel turn for Chris Jericho and much needed. Hes better in this role, and I Hope this elevates Eddie Kingston into a more consistent role atop the card. Knowing Young Bucks are probably winning to advance is a bummer, because the glimpse of reDRagon and FTR against each other tonight, had me excited for them fighting Jurassic Express. So what AEW "rookie" debuts to defeat Deeb? Mia Yim perhaps? Would love to see Mayu Iwatani answer the challenge imo. Loved this crowd they were red hot tonight.

Channeling my Meek Mahon for a second, Keith Lee really gives me Jonathan Coachman vibes in tone. Would love for reDRagon and Bucks to cancel each other out, and Santana/Ortiz and FTR face JE at the PPV with a reDRagon/Bucks match to settle their differences. CM Punks subtle jab at Malakai Black for "sitting like I do" has me jacked up for an interaction between the two, which could eventually lead to a darker more aggressive Punk out of this. Where does Scorpio Sky go after his cousin leaves for Titan towers? Speaking of Titan, Caster had a pseudo diss converging NFL Titans with Cody Rhodes, although I assume it is too soon. The face off between Keith Lee and Wardlow will be tremendous. So, the face of the revolution match is for a shot at the TnT title or for the title?

Fresh Thoughts: This would have been boderline overkill after the surprises tonight in Jay White and Keith Lee, but how crazy would it have been if CM Punk brought out Samoa Joe as his partner? Still hoping I get to see Joe, Punk, and Danielson all in the same promotion for the first time since ROH. Adam Cole has really not been presented as a credible challenger for the AEW Championship with all due respect, and aside from his epics with Bryan Danielson, Adam Page's reign leaves a lot to be desired. I was hoping his first challenger after Danielson would be Ricky Starks or Hobbs, followed by a PPV showdown with Miro. Lance Archer was a serviceable Kane here, but this title reign is looking similar to D Bryans after his WrestleMania moment. Amped up for Adam Coles eventual takeover and turn on The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, but he needs to stray far away from slapstick and get more serious and vicious. Wardlow has some of the best facial expressions in the business. When he finally has enough of MJF's shit, the pop should be glorious. Love T Kahn going with two womens matches tonight, although back to back enhancement talent matches probably wasnt the best idea, the crowd was "you can hear a pin drop" quiet. Jade Cargill needs some veterans to get her over, like Melina, Molly Holly, or Gail Kim. Shes not yet capable of calling her spots and when you stick her with young talent, her green glows like a lantern. Keith Lee is so much money the federal reserve couldnt print it fast enough.

I had a dream not too long ago that Samoa Joe and Eddie Kingston had a promo battle, and im excited to know this may actually happen soon. Biff Busick and Martin Stone unhinged anywhere is going to be exciting. There is such an opening for a new promotion, im sure Jeff Jarrett is salivating right now.

Page-Danielson is absolutely logical as a draw, i just felt before the match started, they had built up to the conclusion being Page wins and Danielson complains that he was out every week wrestling while Page was taking time to train, and was more prepared than he was. But that may be too chickenshit heel for what the American Dragon is going for. So, I was thinking, is this all leading up to a Three Way Dance between Omega, Danielson, and Page at the next Pay Per View? No time limit, three men, in the same ring, at the same time, vying for the AEW World Heavyweight title ::joeystylesvoice:: If so, thats a helluva Main Event match right there. Next Page opponent should be Miro in between this build up, complete with Miro going full Ultimate Warrior WrestleMania 7 and staring to the heavens asking God without saying a word, how can he beat The Hangman. Absolutely loved that Adam Cole has fully taken Young Bucks kindness for weakness. Looking forward to the full Undisputed takeover of the Elite and Cole going full serious heel. Malakai Black bringing in Brody King is the logical next step to progress House of Black. I would like to see very few Fully Infected members, and more subtle, not-so-subtle changes in the semi-infected. Maybe Pac goes full in and takes the Black disease fully and marches with him, while others like Julia Hart, just step away from the jocks and start to wear darker colors and hang out with Bunny and Penelope Ford. Maybe even Cody Rhodes goes dark hair again ? Man, when the lights went off when FTR and MJF were in the ring, I thought for sure it would be the Briscoe Brothers to attack FTR. What a debut that would have been. Also, hoping MJF and FTR come out to the Pinnacle theme next week. That song, in a very short time, made my Spotify top listened songs of 2021. Ricky Starks is a STAR. Facial expressions, delivery, all top notch. May need to see a bit more in the ring from him, but the guys charisma is prime time.

When not done every week, an opening 20 minute promo is great for setting the tone for the rest of the show, and revving up the crowd. Especially when you have CM Punk and a young hot rod, who more than held his own in there with a veteran. If Punk is going for Terry Funk, MJF did well as his Ric Flair. I wonder if Punk is going to use a plastic bag next ;D Dante Martin as the young guy making several deals with "devils" until realizing he doesnt need anybody but his brother could be really fun, or maybe he doesnt need anybody at all. Seems the TBS championship is destined to be around the waist of Jade Cargill. I would love to see Thunder Rosa or Ruby Soho win, however, it seems that they are set up to be opponents for Britt Baker long term, which im fine with. Loving this slow build to 'Blacks Throne' Malakai Black. A certainly more sinister, manipulative Black, once a certain American embraces the Nightmares buried deep within. He has infected Cody slowly, and we are seeing the decay set in as Cody fights to mask the changes. I know the roster is bloated, but i would like to see Brody King show up alongside Black soon. Maybe once Black snags the TNT Title. Happy Thanksgiving from a long time lurker who just recently started posting. If i didnt have two young daughters, a writing side hustle and full time job, id post more. But, i love reading you guys insight and spread love when i can. Im from the AOL grandstand wrestling days, hopped onto rec.sport.pro-wrestling soon after (even the fantasy board, i had my own e-fed for awhile) and finally settled here in the early 2000s. Ive been a fan for awhile, and i hope i contribute some. Cheers!

Cant hear "Gimmie Back My Bullets" without thinking about The Briscoes. MJF has to bait Punk in, with very "Shooty" comments, Shawn Spears and eventually Wardlow before getting the big match, very slow build until the eventual Match imo. Bobby Fish reminds me of Owen Hart (when he was with the yellow tape and Jeff Jarrett) and i only realized that when he said "Enough is Enough" backstage. Ishii has a DMV line of "Dream" opponents before he heads back to NJPW. With Okada looming behind the forbidden door, when he walks thru, whos the first opponent? Jay Lethal with the Black Machismo theme song tease was great stuff. I saw insta-chemistry with Guevara from the start. So confused, how is Lio Rush now sympathetic babyface in this scenario after "stealing" Dante Martin from Matt Sydal? I think Bryan Danielson is being American Dragon, nothing more, nothing less. Hes being "you have till five!" Dragon and always has been since arriving.

What a War of Attrition. The right man won, Hangman Page is the face of AEW. Give Kenny some much needed rest, and bring him back fuming at the Bucks and Cole for letting him fall on his shield. Loving Black Machismo in AEW. Such a humble guy and workhorse. Could have some great matches with Moriarty and Fish. When does Kyle O Reillys contract expire? Miro is definitely a Bloodsport Van Damme mark, or just loves Bolo Yeung. That sidekick no sell was straight from that movie. Where was Anna Jay to help Tay Conti?? Three on One for goodness sake, and her best friend was nowhere in sight. Interesting old school finish to the FTR/Lucha Bros match, giving FTR an excuse to lead to a potential winner take all tag title match. MjF is a student of the game. The man is a legit old soul in professional wrestling. That being said, could have done without the ending. Darby has taken so much punishment, to fall to a shot by a ring wasnt convincing. But i understand why it was done. Eddie Kingstons matter of respect is compelling TV. Who is going to be the outsider that earns that handshake? Kevin Steen?

Dan Lambert enlists Tom Lawlor as one of the members of Americas Top Team, and maybe Paiges husband against the Inner Circle. Lawlor should be a given considering his history with Lambert and how hes no longer with MLW.

Trying hard not to compare generations here, but i get a real Dean Malenko vibe from Bobby Fish with an added killer instinct that i love. About last night... i got memories of watching Samoa Joe vs Kenta Kobashi, watching Bryan Danielson and Minoru Suzuki, although Danielson and MiSo had a better intensity and environment. Moxley has been hinting at going heel for awhile now, hes fed up with these new guys taking his spot. he cripples orange cassidy, and cheats to escape american dragon (maybe with interference) and challenges hangman page. Hows about cm punk and darby allin team up at full gear and face mjf and wardlow?

Wow, ive missed long term storytelling, so glad its back. If Page really does dethrone Omega as the final to their awesome feud, im totally fine with Miro being the first person to get a shot at the belt, because "my god, looks down on alcoholics." And something about how he rides horses and his wife rides him.

Love CM Punks "Whaddamanuever!" Vince McMahon shot (he used that in his match against VKM on raw way back). Enjoyed the backstage promos tonight, albeit excessive, established future match ups and enhanced the idea that these performers will be featured more. throwback to 90s wrestling tv in the best way. Im having a fantasy that Adam Page wins that ladder match for the 2 year anniversary, culminating in a win at Full Gear, and his championship speech in his hometown following. is too much wishful thinking for my own good? Codys transformation into "The Game" after smashing his thrown, but getting poisoned by Malakai Black is some wicked homage to Venom that im down for. Who could knock some sense into him, other than Jon moxley? I really hope Ricky Starks is healthy enough to battle with CM Punk. itll be a good warm up before Punk inevitably battles MJF on the mic and in the ring. Wished Brodie had his moment at this show, but awesome seeing him get his moment through his family.

He really layed on the hell turn thick. interrupted Jungle Boy, and didnt put over J.E. at all.

Hangman Page thwarting an attack from the Elite to give Bryan Danielson the win, leading to a full gear double main event of Adam Page/Kenny Omega and American Dragon/ Adam Cole is a dream i had or a TNM simulation, swear to Gawd.

"Caps for sale! Fifty cents a cap!"

Hobbs with the Harlem Heat gear, going Full Stevie Ray was dope. I absolutely looked passed Punk-Hobbs and went straight to Starks-Punks and giggled. What an exciting back and forth those two will have. Jim Ross seemed tipsy or tired. at the beginning saying 'hyper bowl' was hilarious and hopefully intentional. Dante Martin is AEWs 1-2-3 kid. who will be his razor ramon? Loved MJF channeling Bubba Ray Dudley tonight, but wished it would have been used to get Wardlow (who is also from Ohio) to finally snap and have enough, turning face. that has to be around the corner though, so ill be patient. Please play "ruby soho" in full! we need the whole song for effectiveness! This could be the womens divisions "judas". Gotta say, if FTR are the Brain Busters, would love to see the Varsity Blondes play Strike Force. Cocky American Dragon is dope, i missed him a lot. Who humbles him, besides someone like CM Punk? Take my money Punk-Danielson and Page-Omega double header! take it, All.

Prophetic Miz at work lol