Burgundy LaRue

*types this from a high ledge* I'm OK, I'm OK! But really, good on Luck for getting out. I'm surprised he came back a couple of years ago after that lacerated kidney. You could see the wear and tear getting to him. There's no way he only suffered one concussion. I can't imagine dealing with constant pain four years running, even when receiving quality medical care and physical therapy. On top of that, Luck is a pretty regular guy beyond football. He's not a maniac like Peyton. He actually belongs to book clubs and plays board games. Luck just got married and has a baby on the way. His family is well-off, he's got millions in the bank. He can design houses with his architecture degree and live a normal life. And he doesn't have to deal with Jim Irsay's drug-induced insanity anymore. Heck, he's probably guaranteed an executive position in XFL if he wants, with his dad as commissioner. Go be happy and healthy, I say.

It's similar to a lot of health problems: once you've had it, you're more susceptible to getting it again. That it's in the same elbow is concerning. Sounds like Mox is optimistic that removing the bursa sac will solve the problem for good.

PPV buys were done once the Network came about, so no one is to blame for that. TV is a mixed bag. WWE's resistance to freshening up their shows didn't help, but TV as most of us grew up with is gone. It feels like a combination of things. Show attendance is the one indicator that can be partially put on wrestlers' shoulders. But even then, if we're in the Brand Era, WWE has to accept fault, too. Even if one doesn't like any of the bigger stars, they all bring enough to the table to enjoy some mainstream success. Wasn't there a rumor about WWE setting high appearance fees for their stars that many couldn't or wouldn't pay? Not to mention the constant road schedule keeping wrestlers from having time to pursue at least some other options.

That's partially true, but also because wrestling has become more niche as entertainment options have grown and TV viewing habits have changed. It's not a surprise the one full-time wrestler moving into the mainstream not only has the inspirational aspect of being a two-time cancer survivor, but also happens to be directly connected to the world's #1 movie star.

That, too. Considering the popularity of comic-based movies, you'd think someone would mention to Vince that coming up with his own version of Justice League or Avengers is a license to print money.

I'm still surprised someone didn't show Vince a picture of Drago/Dany from Game of Thrones and pitch the idea for a Roman/Alexa duo.

You'd be surprised.

I think it's a case of making sure his health holds. Not to mention he's been pulling extra duty with promoting Hobbs & Shaw, ESPYS, etc. I would think the last thing anyone wants is to push him to exhaustion. They did something similar with Bryan. Combine that with some still clutching their pearls at the thought of him going after a world title again, and this is the current landscape. For Clash of Champions, I wouldn't be opposed to Nakamura vs Reigns for the IC Title. If their brief interaction at the 2018 Royal Rumble is an indicator, they have good chemistry.

I think it was more for Roman to continue building his stamina by having weekly singles matches. He spent his first three months of his return in 6-man tags, save for facing McIntyre at WM. His house show schedule is also getting back to normal. With Murphy and Ziggler, that's two 'high motor' guys who can help Reigns gauge his progress while being safe.

And during none of these moments did I think he had accomplished anything. Because Rollins doesn't inspire that sort of emotion. There's at least a story being told with this dual run, so woo-hoo to that.

What I liked about the Fiend/Lawler bit is Lawler realized what was happening when he saw the lights go out. He used logic in trying to get out of harm's way. It was to no avail, but at least he showed awareness to the situation. That was good.

You have a point. Every conversation about Alexa and/or Sasha here breaks down along those broad strokes, so I may be projecting. I think a big problem with Sasha and a number of other wrestlers is they grew up wanting to be this so much, so their passion clouds their understanding the business side of show business. Money and miles, that's what it's about. I'm all for wanting to put on great matches and striving to be the best. But anyone who signs with WWE knows what they're getting into. Vince's methods aren't a secret. Sasha saw her career through the prism of NXT and thought it would always be that way. When it wasn't, she got upset. While some of her frustration is valid, walking away for months while under contract seems wrong. But hey, she's in a top story right out of the gate, so maybe she has the right idea. But again, I look at all the other women who get NOTHING and wonder how they feel about this. By all accounts, this is the best locker room WWE has ever had in terms of wrestlers getting along. But you have someone who says she wants to promote women's wrestling, be a leader. Is her recent behavior setting a good example? Sasha looked out for herself. That's fine and expected. I hope she and her diehard fans realize how she may be perceived as arrogant and self-absorbed. Some of what's thrown at her isn't fair and is based on factors I won't discuss as to avoid getting political. But there is room for honest criticism.

Alexa being tag champion means 1) the belts will actually be featured on TV and 2) they'll develop a story that will lead to Alexa vs Nikki somewhere along the way. I don't know why it's hard to recognize both Alexa and Sasha bring different strengths to the table. You don't have to be a fan of either to acknowledge that.

All this just shows why WWE ultimately won't ever give a flying fig about women's wrestling. Not that they were ever inclined to do so consistently anyway, but still. Why should they, when fans are arguing over hair color and IG followers? Meanwhile, the same few will get TV time while the others gather dust in catering. And you'll claim that they deserve more, but not more than your favorite, without understanding that even on the worst day, your favorite is always given something to do. So what is supposed to happen, exactly? That's a legitimate question, because I have no clue. A vicious cycle. And sad to boot.

Supposedly, YouTube didn't want Bray's lantern to be shown. No idea if that's really true.

My point isn't based on gender. It's simply a fact: very few wrestlers, male or female, generate a lot of online buzz. Could Sasha become one of those wrestlers? Maybe, her return certainly has people talking. We'll see. As for why she took a sabbatical: it'll probably be years before we know the entire story, if then. She was the victim of bad booking, but so are others. Do you think if Naomi or Asuka left in a huff, they would be put into a main event story immediately upon coming back? I get it, Sasha is more valuable to the overall product. But I can't imagine her behavior sits well with everyone in the locker room. They may understand to a point, but it's still lousy to see her be rewarded while you try to do your best with almost nothing while properly honoring your contract. I wish Sasha well. But she had better be on point about everything. The moment she's not, her detractors and anyone she's pissed off along the way will tear her to shreds.

It'll be interesting to see if Sasha's YT numbers remain high going forward. 3 million (so far) for her return is good, but she has to do it repeatedly. There are only a few in WWE who are guaranteed social media movers.

That would be tremendous. I had thought about Seth being jealous of Roman sharing the WWE 2K20 cover and other PR moments with Becky. There would be nothing happening between them, but Seth's warped mind went there and his vindictive side comes out.

She's not wrong. Rollins' selling is one of his worst traits. Brock stomped mudholes into him, and Rollins still ran around like everything was fine. Next time, Brock should shoot him with a harpoon.

This is where they need to do more to promote 205 Live. Mike and Drake's fight will be on that show, but they can easily have Renee follow Drake over and keep an eye on Maria somehow.

Missed opportunity with the Carmella-Renee Michelle mini pull apart.

I *think* Sasha has another two years on her contract. I recall hearing she re-upped sometime last year. Don't hold me to that, though. Not certain about Rusev. A question: what match will main event All Out? The obvious answer is Jericho/Page since it determines the first-ever AEW Champion. But Moxley/Omega seems to have more build. Would they possibly do Moxley/Omega last?

You get more flies with honey than vinegar may be a Beyoncé adage. There is something to be said for her approach vs Solange, who I agree is the more undiluted artist. But as a Black women who communicates with a lot of other Black women, trust me: Beyoncé is pressing a lot of the right buttons that someone who doesn't share our experience can't fully understand.

Makes sense. I don't think they have Bianca beating other women senseless right now unless there's a payoff. The payoff is quickly transitioning the belt from Mia to Bianca in time for whatever TV they strike to put NXT on FS1.