INJURY BUG BITES WWE YET AGAIN

Seth Rollins, John Cena, Randy Orton, Neville, Luke Harper, and now Bray Wyatt. Cesaro was on there, but came back the night after RAW. I may have even forgotten some, but that is a pretty big number. Nothing beyond confirmation that there is an injury has been released yet, but the acknowledgment indicates it is bad. The level of bad is the question. Can he still walk on it, but can't compete? Bray of course could still work the mic while Rowan and Strowman unleash hell. Or is it bad enough that there is yet another void to fill?

To make things worse, this was a freak accident with Bray slipping and falling while walking backwards from the corner. The opponent was Roman Reigns, who did absolutely nothing to cause this.Regardless of the how, if Bray Wyatt is out of action for a period of time, how does this effect...everything? On television we were witnessing The Wyatt Family turning baby face, with Bray even teaming with Reigns in a tag match against the League Of Nations. A part of me senses this was maybe part of a bigger story involving Wyatt and Reigns, how does this effect that?
And lets not forget about The Wyatt Family as a whole? It has been cut in half, leaving the two who aren't as strong on a mic as the fallen members. Bray is the leader of course, where do Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan go from here? Remain as a tag team? Split up and go the singles route? The latter would benefit Strowman more, given reports of being a fav of Vince McMahon's. I am still wondering why the white sheep left and returned to the flock, so not sure what they would do with him. Sheamus' cousin? haha
If Bray is out for awhile, will we see another NXT call-up? The Balor Club (Bullet Club) members signed by WWE are a Finn away from completion. And of course there is Samoa Joe, interesting to see what Vince does with him when it happens. Or will a different NXT star make their way onto the main roster?

I guess we will find everything out as it happens. We still don't know anything beyond that there is an injury, and it is the right calf. It is ironic that there are so many questions surrounding this, for me at least, being so fitting of a character like Bray.

NGN FAVORITES: PRO WRESTLING II-FINISHING & SIGNATURE MOVES

Another installment of my favorite things in sports entertainment and professional wrestling. This time I am listing my favorite signature and finishing moves. At times the two get confused, but signatures are more of a simple trademark move that isn't always getting a finish from it. It does at times, but it isn't really supposed to. Finishers are divided into "impact laced" and submissions.

Fav Signature Moves

• The People's Elbow (The Rock)
• 5-Knuckle Shuffle (John Cena)
• The Spinarooni (Booker T)
• The Spear (Goldberg)
• Stratusphere (Trish Stratus)

I hated when The Rock used The People's Elbow to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It was his signature, not either of his finishers (even though nobody should tap to his Sharpshooter haha). Love it either way and was the precursor to others as well Cena and Booker for sure. Booker's has nothing to do with actual wrestling moves, but it shows the arrogance or confidence (depending on heel/face) so it makes the cut. The Spear is used as a finisher in most cases now, but Goldberg used almost exclusively as a Signature Move before delivering The Jackhammer (he even did it on Show). Stratusphere is on there as it showed Trish her creativity, as we hadn't seen the men doing that at that time. Plus, it looks great.

Fav Finishing Moves

• Stone Cold Stunner (Steve Austin)
• RKO (Randy Orton)
• Hellavator (Matt Morgan)
• The Last Ride (Undertaker)
• KO Punch (Big Show)

The Stunner and RKO (and Diamond Cutter) are there for the out of nowhere and ring clearing ability. Well, it looks good when done on everyone. The RKO would be tops if not for Austin, but what Randy Orton and his opponents have done with the move puts in right under it. Morgan's Hellavator just looked cool. Taker's Last Ride was basically a power bomb, but that little extra lift just made it feel like it had more impact. Not everyone likes the KO Punch, but to me if a Giant punches you on the button, you're going for a snooze. If they wanted to add to things, the people who are only staggered by an initial blow would be considered tough as hell. They could make it where he actually misses and gets caught in another persons finisher at times.

Fav Submission Moves

• Sharpshooter
• Walls Of Jericho
• Figure 8
• Kimora
• Bank Statement

When I say that The Sharpshooter is my favorite, I mean when delivered like Bret Hart or Natalya, and not The Rock haha And when I say Walls Of Jericho, I mean the original neck torquing version and not the Boston Crab that he does mostly now. Charlotte has shown she better than Daddy with a simple elimination of illegal rope use to add to the submission. It also shows her superior athletic gifts. The Kimora simply adds realism to things, obviously not going to break an arm, but there is that "if he wanted to" vibe when someone like Brock Lesner slaps it on someone. Sasha Banks' Bank Statement is more of a combo, but it ends in a submission and the whole thing just looks great.

This is somewhat ever evolving as I see new moves, and sometimes it is "who" and how they look delivering it. The Sharpshooter again is an example of that.

NGN FAVORITES: PRO WRESTLING I-SUPERSTARS 

THINGS CENA WASN'T GIVEN

I've seen many a postings about John Cena being given everything. Some foolish enough to think he doesn't at least earn what he gets, which he does. But, when you are the top guy for so long it will appear as though you are just the boss' b!tch. It happens. Regardless, despite everything that John Cena has earned over the past decade there are some things he didn't and in some cases will not get (ever). Allow my Non-Geeky Nerd butt to list those for you haha

The Undertaker's Wrestlemania Undefeated Streak

If there were a list of guys, I am sure Cena was on it along with Triple H, Kurt Angle (supposedly), etc. But, it didn't happen and Brock Lesner became the 1 in 21 and 1 (I feel like that should've began with "My name is...." haha). It is something we could still see depending on how many more Mania's we have The Phenom for. And it would still mean something win or loss. Not because of a streak, but because it is still The Undertaker.

WWE Intercontinental Championship

Of the active championships, the Intercontinental title is the one championship John hasn't won. It has evolved over the years, but the "grand slam" right now would be WWE World Heavyweight Championship, WWE Intercontinental Championship, WWE United States Championship, and the WWE Tag Team Championship. Cena is a title short at this point in time. Although it could be achieved before he retires.

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Possibly even more so than with The Rock, I am sure John wants/wanted this to happen. He got the "torch passing" with Austin giving him a beer at a Hall Of Fame ceremony, but it lacked anything really. Don't know about others, but I felt like Cena's run using a Springboard Stunner was a way to draw the Texas Rattlesnake out of retirement. Yes, I am aware of how adamant Austin is about being done, but a boy can dream for...one...more...match! If Wrestlemania 32 is as close as we get, then fine, but a boy can still dream haha

WWE Divas Championship

This started as just a joke, but then my dirty mind took into an obvious direction. Which would be John and Nikki getting it on, when out of nowhere he puts her in the STF, makes her tap, then proceeds to run around the room naked with the WWE Divas Championship belt in the air haha Okay that was a toned down version but you get it haha

That is what comes to mind at this point in time, I am sure I will think of more things later or be given a new example haha It isn't so much he's been handed the 15 World titles and other accolades, it is more that it has become "Hogan just before nWo" levels of staleness.

VINCE ISN'T HELPING ROMAN

He is in the sense of getting behind Roman Reigns and giving him the "push". Fans began to reject Reigns, showing weekly that they are not a part of the Roman Empire at this point in time. Although many will disagree, I don't think this is exactly what is hurting Reigns current stock. Anyone who holds a title has Vince's support on some level. Even if only a "transitional" champion, Vince entrusted them to fill that spot, and if the selected hits it out of the park at that time, meaning they will remain at the top a little longer or will be in the near future. If they don't then they weren't able to maintain their fan fare. Yes, there are exceptions (ie Zack Ryder years ago) but true greats can turn sh!t into shineola.

How I think Vince is negating Roman Reigns progress with the audience is the sudden promo delivery, and just tonight on RAW, as Roman was delivering his new "I'm not a bad guy. I'm not a good guy. I'm THE guy" schtick, there was a brief moment where Vince's voice chimed in with a "I love that!" (or something along those lines). Combine that with the endless reference to how the post Wrestlemania RAW crowd will cheer who they usually boo and visa versa. The crowds are always very vocal, but not usually in Bizzaro Land fashion like us Canadians. They booed Roman because they aren't behind him anymore. All of this is what is really killing this moment.
I can't even think of a superstar who could get Roman over as a baby face. Jericho kind of proved that tonight, where the crowd opted to chant "We Are Idiots!" instead of getting behind Reigns. Jericho, like Triple H, is a master of going ultimate Heel. Neither have been able to get this to work. I have mentioned before that the only guy who could pull this off is perhaps John Cena. A heel turn that simply is his acknowledgment of it, joining The Authority, being handed his 16th WWE World Championship. After six months to a year, fans would be begging for anyone to knock him off the throne. It is either that, or Roman turns heel himself a la The Rock.

Not sure how long this will go on. AJ Styles is now the #1 Contender, and is pretty over with the crowd. Will he get the nod to wear the belt for now, or are they prepping Roman to turn? Because this isn't going to help Roman's Empire in regards to the crowd reaction.

WRESTLEMANIA QUICK RESULTS & OPINION

Pre-Show:

WWE United States Championship Match

Kalisto wins and retains US Championship

-This match was on too early, as there were a lot of empty seats as fans had just begun to enter the stadium. Which really took away from the match, and maybe even Ryback and Kalisto's experience. Record setting crowd, and they had to come out to what felt like only a couple hundred people. Kalisto especially is a high spot guy, and needs a crowd to really get his stuff over.

8 Divas Tag Team Match

Paige, Natalya, Brie Bella, & Eva Marie win

I missed this match mostly, being not prepared for such an early start (match wise). But will say that I am happy all of the women made it onto the card this year. Highlight for me was the unveiling of the new WWE Women's Championship. Not a fan of white, but love that it is a WOMENS title, and looks like the WWE Championship.

The Uso's V Dudley Boyz

Uso's with the victory.

A good match to set the tone of the main show. Crowd reaction says that perhaps the Dudleyz and Uso's should have swapped in regards to baby face and heel. Even the post match table sequence didn't get them cheers.

Main Show:

WWE Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match

Zack Ryder is the new Intercontinental Champion.

A lot of holy shit moments. A lot. Main spots for me came from Zayn, with dive through ladder and almost killed KO. Ryder win was a shock. Good for him though. Hopefully creative doesn't bury him again.

AJ Styles V Chris Jericho

Chris Jerico wins with a Code Breaker.

Was phenomenal as expected for a match that is for pure bragging rights. AJ didn't get stirred (or appeared not to) in his first Wrestlemania, showing one of many reasons he needed to skip NXT. It will be interesting to see where things go.

The New Day V The League Of Nations

League Of Nations win.

Only disappointment in this one was lack of the Kofi Skip in the entrance (which stared with a massive box of Booty-Ohs). League Of Nations showed 4 was greater than 3 against The New Day. Post match began to brag about that.
That is when HBK's music hit, but he was in his ring gear, then Mick Foley's music hit as he came out ready to fight. Then my heart stopped for a moment. The glass broke. The crowd exploded. Was jeans and t-shirt but Stone Cold Steve Austin joined the group, as they headed to the ring and whooped some ass. As close as we'll ever get to seeing any of those three men in a match, so I will goddamn take it.

Brock Lesner V Dean Ambrose

Brock wins with a F-5 onto a pile of chairs.

Heyman's face for everything made the violence that more entertaining. Thought Ambrose was gonna get a clean pin (as clean as it can get in a street fight) at some points in this one. Ambrose IS this generations Mick Foley, I should add. I am shocked there wasn't blood though, only "color" was from the welts and scraps. Which were on both men. Lesner we always know will deliver a beating, just like we know Ambrose can always take one. This time there were moments where the roles were reversed showing more toughness for each.

WWE Women's Championship Match

Charlotte retains with help from Daddy.

Good match as expected, and just as good as the main event.Any of these women winning would've been a win for fans.  They went the route of Charlotte retaining, with Naitch stopping Sasha from saving Becky from taking the loss. I love the new(original) name and championship belt. Not a fan of white straps, but it is growing on me, as the rest of it is appealing and is very similar to the WWE Championship. The WWE Women's Championship and Division has returned! Next year, this could be either the second last match as a co-main event, or even be the last match aka THE main event.

Hell In A Cell

Shane McMahon V Undertaker

Taker with the dub.

Another match I am surprised there wasn't blood, Taker had a dribble, but there was so much room for error that blood shed seemed inevitable. Shane with The Van-Terminator was as epic as it was over a decade ago. My gf couldn't watch THE elbow drop, and even I was wondering if I was about to watch a man die. Had feelings going in that it could happen, but the moment Shane looked up we knew someone was about to fly. I was perfect. Ya, Shane has taken the plunge from extreme heights before, but not through a table like he did at Wrestlemania 32. Am I the only one wondering how this plays out story line wise? Was looking forward to RAW V Smackdown!, or just a brand split.

The Wyatt Family V The Rock And John Cena

The Rock And John Cena win.

I knew right away The Rock was ready to wrestle after a big entrance. How? His boots haha Noticed them and immediately realized what they were. I was surprised to see Bray and company. Not about them being at Mania (as I was waiting to see how they would be involved), but against The Rock. The People's Champ owned on the mic as always, but Bray held his own in their small battle (how Bray didn't crack at parts I don't know). Cena, I also knew would be involved tonight, but didn't expect this either. It was an okay moment. Made for an okay surprise, but a build up could have been epic.

The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Baron Corbin wins.

Was nice to see this used as the "buffer" match, and was happy to see DDP. And was happy in many ways, but mostly for my gf seeing what I meant by Shaq could've been a WWE star. He's a big man, not your typical tall and skinny NBA centers. I didn't even know Baron was in it, or I would have considered him. Does this mean he is on the main roster now? His win works either way, either as a good start to a main roster career or as bragging rights over everyone in NXT having achieved his glory over main roster stars.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match

Roman Reigns regains the title.

The match itself was really good. From start to finish. Stephanie even looked amazing and was part of Triple H's entrance (which was great as per usual). Steph' even took a spear from Reigns which was a great high spot. Only thing this match lacked was crowd support. The live audience gives and takes away from these moments. And the closing cheers felt like they were dubbed in by WWE. Again, great match but just lacked that crucial crowd support. Another thing that will be interesting to see

It was one of, if not the best Wrestlemania's in a long time. The entire weekend was great. But, the main attraction was on par. Like the Hall Of Fame, it felt more on the fly and not so scripted. If that makes sense. Like every year I am looking forward to the next nights RAW. This year I am pumped.

TIMES WE GOT WHAT WE WANTED & IT BACKFIRED IN WRESTLING

Just saw a highlight of when John Cena pinned JBL to win the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 21. I remembered how that was something majority wanted, and how we couldn't wait for Cena to be drafted to RAW. That was truly the start of the John Cena we see today, as the "Thuganomics" gimmick began to be rolled back. It wasn't the first nor the last time things wouldn't turn out how we wanted them, or at least how I felt about them. Examples would be...

Goldberg V Brock Lesner

Two beasts locking horns on the grandest stage of them all. The type of match that could've even been the main event if a different time. Problem was both Goldberg and Lesner were making their last appearances for WWE (Brock of course later returned), and weren't looking to go in in style. What we were left with was a below mediocre match, and the highlight being Stone Cold Steve Austin hitting both with Stone Cold Stunners after the match concluded. That was only cool because it was as close as we'd get to Austin V Goldberg, and Lesner flipping the crowd which now feels like a "Watch what I am going to become, biotches!".

The Invasion

I'll be honest, this is only disappointing in hindsight. During that time, sure it was obvious big WCW names weren't there, but we did get guys like Booker  T and Diamond Dallas Page in a WWE ring. A dream match for me was The Rock V Booker T (sorry, DDP), and w got that. For some of that talent, it was probably best that nWo (Hogan, Hall, Nash) and others came later. Gave them an opportunity to show Vince and WWE Universe what they had.

Ultimate Warrior V Hulk Hogan

The first time, not the second. Nobody asked, nor deserved that. I am not even knocking the quality of match. Warrior didn't last long as champ, when he could have been bigger than Hogan. No offense to the memory of the Warrior, but Hogan is a bigger name. Love or hate him. I can't really remember Warriors run as champ either, his IC run yes, as the main man, no.

Zack Ryder Got A Push

You can replace Zack with a few names really, and it isn't that they got a push, or that said push was a flop and it was their fault. No, sometimes it is a simple case of fans get behind someone, WWE finally notices and orhastrates a push, and then creative expects them to turn sh!t into gold. That can happen, but shouldn't be needed. Ryder's deal with Kane and Brie Bella was a no-win situation. Ironically, if WWE kept ignoring him, he would probably be at least a Intercontinental/United States title contender if not holder.

I know most of the reasons for why these things turned out the way they did, and I understand them. It doesn't take away the disappointment though. WWE did do a pretty good job at "saving" things like The Invasion. That has to be said. For a business that plans and plans, they are pretty good at recovering on the fly.

TRULY IS SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT

Yes, there is professional wrestling, it is what the 20x20 squared ring is used for. But, what the WWE truly is, is Sports Entertainment. As a company it has become more than just professional wrestling. Movies produced by WWE with WWE Superstars and Divas in leading roles, the WWE Network and the original programing we are starting to see on it. Look at the highest rated (or one of the highest rated) segments from the Monday Night Wars, it wasn't "professional wrestling" per say. Ya, there has always been promos and whatnot, but the "This Is Your Life" segment with The Rock and Mankind was a bit more than that. Low budget, live improve comedy. That is entertainment, not wrestling.

I think a lot of the problem, or perhaps the root of it all, is Vince McMahon's complete and outright refusal to reference WWE as professional wrestling, or any of the WWE Superstars are professional wrestlers. He is both right and wrong in going about things that way in my humble opinion.
In the right was, establishing that his brand was different than others. WCW was dying out before the Monday Night Wars too really (in comparison to the 80's at least). And what did Turner and Bischoff do? Make WCW more like WWE in regards to promotion and production. They became more Sports Entertainment than wrestling, did very well, and if not for poor creative as well as the AOL Time Warner deal may have survived. The original ECW, originally TNA, and ROH are/were professional wrestling organizations. ECW is now part of WWE, and TNA made the mistake of trying to compete directly with WWE in a failing manner that began the slow demise. No not done yet, but when mjority of your top stars who practically made TNA what it is have left and are either signed with WWE or a possibilty of doing so (if not other professional wrestling companies).
Vince was wrong in many ways as well. Not all of his WWE Superstars are anything more than professional wrestlers. And a lot of them will tell you so as well. An example would be Daniel Bryan. He was/is a professional wrestler, and got over with the crowd for not being the typical WWE guy (was he really an underdog?) in a massive way. Sure he could maybe do bit parts, but I cannot see someone like Daniel Bryan becoming an actor like The Rock, John Cena, or some others. Not a dis in any way, I would almost assume DB would say himself that his way of entertaining people was in a squared circle. Perhaps if Vince and WWE allowed more people to simply be wrestlers, the entertainers would stand out even more. Perhaps, perhaps not.

So again, what the WWE has become is truly Sports Entertainment Company that produces a professional wrestling show, among other things. Ring Of Honor? TNA? GFW? Those are purely professional wrestling companies, who should focus on that instead of competing with WWE (looking at you, Dixie).

HEEL TURN COMING?

Probably beating the proverbial dead horse again, but John Cena. Heel turn. The reason I am thinking about it again, is that his next World Championship will be his 16th. The is Nature Boy Ric Flair's thing. Even if Naitch came out and publicly endorsed everything with the utmost sincerity, we could see Daniel Bryan level of fan reaction. The women and children can cheer all they want, they will be drowned out by booing half of crowds everywhere.

John has said that technically he is already a heel since there are the jeers among the cheers. And has also said that if he went heel via a throwback of sorts, those who booed would begin to cheer. Both are very likely true in a sense. His heel ways would "lose kids" and men would cheer when they should boo. However, it dawned on me that he could go heel and possibly be the one capable of putting Roman Reigns over like they are trying.

Whether it be at Wrestlemania 32, or maybe even the RAW that follows, but Cena somehow screws Reigns out of winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship from Triple H. It is then revealed that he has joined The Authority. To put the heel turn through the roof, Cena's 16th World Title would simply be handed to him. This works if there is a brand split and the title is divided again, remember when Bischoff rewarded Triple H (ironically) the World Heavyweight Title after Brock Lesner took the WWE Championship to Smackdown!? Trips got massive heat for both being handed the title, and for those who think everything is simply because of who he married (morons, tbh. position now? likely ya. inring? rewatch history). With Cena, that heat could be amplified for being the current face of WWE.
Fans did boo Hogan during his nWo turn, and we was able to "return to the kids" after. This could also help get someone like Roman Reigns over once fans simply want anyone to take the title from Cena. Since they seem against having Reigns make the turn a la The Rock.
To make things possibly uber hot, start things at or RAW after Wrerstlemania 32, then possibly have Lesner end title reign #16 at Summerslam or Survivor Series, and with help of The Authority win it back for #17 next night on RAW. Forget tying Ric Flair, imagine the reaction to #17. Then at Wrestlemania 33, Reigns ends the reign.

Now, that is all banking on the fans simply hating Cena to the point that they will take Reigns no matter how Vince prefers to push him. Might be easy to think of Bray Wyatt as a heel who could get Reigns over, but fans love him too much for that to work yet. Bray's best bet to really go heel is be the guy who screws over and feuds with the people that the fans love.

INJURY BUG LOOKING MORE LIKE A PLAGUE

Neville. Seth Rollins. John Cena. Cesaro. Tyson Kidd. That's just the performers who are out of action at the moment (could be forgetting some) due to injury. There are some others who are apparently working through their injuries, but are injured none the less.

Why is this happening more frequently nowadays? There have always been runs where people would get injured and be on the shelf for awhile. But, not really in the cluster it is right now, right before Wrestlemania to make things worse.Mind you, the wrestlers out right now are out with major injuries. Neville breaking his ankle and shin last night on Raw during a baseball slide. Kidd is still healing from surgery on his broken neck (hopefully he can come back from this, we all know he'll give his all in the attempt). Basically, the type of injuries the "old school" guys wouldn't have been able to work through no matter how much or what type of "gimmick" they use to numb the pain. Although the late Kerry Von Erich did wrestle after losing his foot, unbeknownst to me anyhow. But, everyone else seemed to be "done" after major injuries, partly because of where the medical field was at those times (unlike today), but finished regardless.
So again, why is this? It is getting harder to argue that the style and pace of today's wrestling is playing a factor into things. The schedule is still massive, but not what it once was. The performers are almost in superior condition compared to yesteryear. Only real difference is the style and pace. Sure, a high flyer like Neville got injured with a routine none high risk move. But, who's to say the wear and tear from before didn't play a part in things. A doctor could maybe, but again, just trying to make a
Could we go back to a slower paced, less high risk style of sports entertainment? Would fans "allow" that? Looking back at the greats of all time to the recent ones, they had a slower pace. Stone Cold, The Rock, Undertaker, Randy Orton. They didn't have a high risk style of move sets. Sure, Taker added some, but they were almost reserved for moments that called for it. Meaning he didn't do them all the time, so it made them stand out more when he did.

So, perhaps it is time to tone things down. We already have to now worry about others joining Daniel Bryant in retirement due to concussions. Which are always a risk with even the most basic of bumps. Speaking of D-Bryan, he showed that the audience can dictate things, and with all these stars out it is the era of opportunity right now. Creative or Vince can't hold anyone back right now, even if they wanted to.

Rumors

Making my rounds reading things across the web, some headlines and rumors caught my attention. Now which are 100% truth, and which are completely untrue, we'll never know unless they actually happen, and/or are admitted by legitimate sources. A lot are hard not to believe, even if far from the truth. None the less they are quite interesting.

STING & WWE

Now every year really since Vince McMahon won the Monday Night War, people have been speculating that Sting was going to sign on with the WWE. Especially at this time of year with the "Road To Wrestlemania" and the Hall Of Fame inductions, and The Undertaker's "Streak".
This time around however, there seems to be some valid steam behind the rumors this year. Sting is currently not under contract nor working with TNA Wrestling, and according to the bigger wrestling sites, the deal with WWE is all but finalized.
The ink isn't even on the dotted line yet, but rumors of who, what, when and where are rabidly swirling around, "Will he face Taker at Wrestlmania XXX? Or will it be next year when WM31 is in Sting's hometown of Los Angeles? When is the Hall Of Fame induction? If not Wrestlemania, will it be the next night on Raw?" The list goes on. Regardless, with some actual validity behind this one, personally I cannot wait for Stinger to make a splash in WWE (pun intended).

CM PUNK QUITS WWE

This is even more interesting than the Sting situation. While many say they think that this is true, nobody can give 100% that this isn't some kind of "work". When everything is "analyzed" by at least us "outsiders", everything points to both a legit walk out and a scripted event.
Legit: Drained both mentally and physically from a grueling schedule, mixed with frustrations with "Creative". Needing a break is totally understandable.
Work: With similarities with Stone Cold in the past, this "take your ball and go home" moment is very familiar with what happened with Austin back in the day, where he was just totally burnt out. Absence can also make the heart grow fonder as they say, Punk is already "over", imagine the size of the crowd pop he would get upon a return?
Everyone says we likely haven't seen the last of CM Punk in a WWE ring, but who knows, maybe we have.

NEW WRESTLING PROMOTION

Another rumor making its rounds is that former co-founder of TNA Wrestling, Jeff Jarrett left his "office" job with the company to possibly form a brand new wrestling promotion with country music star, Toby Keith. Jarrett and Keith were apparently close to buying the sinking ship that appears to be TNA, from the Carter's. Supposedly the deal went south when Bob Carter's only stipulation was the Dixie stay on in the same spot (title as well as tv spots), with the same amount of stroke she had when her father owned the company. If that is truly the case, we all should be thankful Jarrett and Keith walked away from what would clearly be a bad business venture.
If Double J and Toby really are bringing us a new promotion, it will be interesting to see for many reasons. Will it be new? Will it just be TNA 2.0? Successful? Can it compete with the WWE? Will they even try too? AJ Styles needs a new home, unless WWE gets smart and gives him a chance. Plus, there's always the question of how long until Jarrett puts the main belt on himself. Half joking on that one. I did enjoy some of his runs as Champ with WCW and TNA.

WHO'S #22?

I've come across rumors stating that WWE was hoping for Brock Lesner Vs Undertaker, but it isn't a lock. John Cena was also another high on the rumor list to be facing the Deadman, but rumors all seem to point to Cena Vs Bray Wyatt at the big show. I haven't come across anything stating so, but remember the last time we saw Undertaker. The red hot Shield took over his yard. Well, fast forward to present day, and we have what looks like a possible if not likely split amongst the talented trio. Why not have that happen at or during the aftermath of becoming victims number 22? With Reigns being over, perhaps Ambrose or Rollins try to steal the glory or turn on Reigns causing the loss, I would go with Rollins with the turn, being played out as the voice of reason at the moment and Ambrose is too obvious....wait...why am I even thinking about this group breaking up? Likely will happen though, the split. Who knows, maybe Punk will come back if given the option to do the honors a second year in a row, if he returns.

Stay Nerdy!