AJ STYLES: THE LONG SHOT

It is kind of weird to think of AJ Styles being the "underdog", as he truly is phenomenal. He's transitioned perfectly into the WWE Universe, you would think that he is a WWE Veteran, and not just an overall Vet. But, in the WWE he is a rookie none the less. AJ is also not the "traditional" WWE Superstar in regards to being THE man. We've seen others break that invisible glass ceiling, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, etc. Difference being that they had to acan still lmost "earn" their way to the top through the WWE Universe. AJ Styles is still a WWE rookie, having only been in the WWE since being a surprise entrant in the 2016 Royal Rumble.

Those are the basics. AJ Styles is also not Roman Reigns. WWE has been building to all of this for almost 2 years now. Money In The Bank cash in, The Authority, etc are a thing of the past. Unless things have changed, The Roman Empire is on a run as being the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The new don't care attitude says that they are going to keep trying to win fans over. So again, unless things have changed, AJ isn't walking out with the title after Payback.
Are they at least turning Roman heel or going with the new evolved "good" and "bad" guy routine? Which is where it isn't face versus heel, as it is fan fav against person fans like less. I say evolved because of people like Kevin Owens, who are fan favorite in regards to ring ability but can garner cheers as a face and boos as a heel. If people booed Owens as champ, it would be because his character at that time called for it. If Reigns doesn't turn, fans will be booing because he wins and not because they simply prefer Styles. It isn't because Roman is a bad guy, it isn't because Roman is a good guy, it is because fans just don't want him as THE guy in this manner. Just like with John Cena, who I've mentioned could "turn" without doing anything but acknowledging he is a heel. Same stuff, just justifying the chorus of boos. It is also hard to see past a traditional "someone runs in and screws AJ over, he feuds with them, Reigns on to the next challenger" scenario as well.

Things aren't horrible with a Reigns win though, well, if they played it out as such it wouldn't. I've said before how The Usos are going through a similar situation as their cousin Roman. Beyond their entrance, fans don't seem to be behind the tag team. So, why not have them join The Roman Empire and have all turn heel? Usos run in costing AJ the title, Karl Anderson and Doc/Luke Gallows follow-up clearing the ring and starting The Bullet Club now The Balor Club with AJ? Then feuding of course. Joe isn't part of the Samoan Dynasty, but he could be included in the Roman Empire, with Finn Balor in the Balor Club to make this that much better.

Guess we shall see soon. Again, I am big fan of AJ Styles and have been wanting a WWE jump for years. I would just be shocked if he walked away from Payback as the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. A very welcomed shock, but a shock none the less. Guaranteed positive is that I'll be watching via the WWE Network. Couldn't handle disappointment at PPV pricing.

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.

DYNASTY SIZE HEEL TURN

It isn't that they aren't talented. It isn't that the problem is even with them. Fans have fallen off the bandwagons of both Roman Reigns and The Usos. There have been a few occurrences, but Wrestlemania 32 and the following night on RAW solidified things. I've said before that I don't think it is so much that Vince is behind Roman, but more how he is presenting the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Triple H is one the legends who can go full baby face or full heel, and get anyone over on the opposing side. Wrestlemania 32, it didn't happen. Chris Jericho, also overly capable of getting someone over as a baby face or heel. April 4th's RAW, it didn't happen. The same thing with The Usos on both nights against the Dudley Boyz. A tag-team as capable as Triple H and Y2J.

So, not only because it makes sense in regards to character development (remember how The Rock started), but also because of the current landscape of the WWE. Factions of 3 or more are everywhere. The Wyatt Family, The New Day, League Of Nations, #SocialOutcasts, etc. Now that I think about it, this is VERY similar to when we saw Rocky Maivia turn into The Rock. Degeneration X, Nation Of Domination, Job Squad, and more. Heck, even Legion Of Doom was somewhat functioning as a three man unit.
If we are going to make this a WWE total domination type group, then I am adding Samoa Joe to the mix. Not a member of the Samoan Dynasty, but Samoan none the less. Highly capable one to boot. Roman as WWE Champ, Joe with either US or IC titles, and Usos with the tag straps. I am also going with them all in suits and shades. Might be kind of over-done nowadays, but for them it further cements them as new day Samoan wrestlers. Not the large, wild warriors of the past, but the fit, calculating assassins of today. Sorry, tried to sell that a bit haha If we get the Balor Club (formerly Bullet Club) on the main roster, that would make for a great feud in many ways.
Not sure what else they can do to get Roman over with the crowds the way that they (WWE) want. It didn't help that his push began while Daniel Bryan was still in the picture and nobody having a clue that Vince was looking out for D Bryan and not "holding him back". Fans may have to hate him before they can love him. I know that it isn't good to try and replicate the past, but this is almost becoming not an option with Reigns needing to follow The Rock. Not directly, not a carbon copy, but same destination of being so over as a heel that they love you.

It does seem to be going that direction though. Roman taking a "don't give a______" type stance on things. I will admit that the line, "I'm not a bad guy. I'm not a good guy. I'm THE guy!" is really good. But, really good for a heel. Believe that.

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.

WRESTLEMANIA 32 MATCHES & PREDICTIONS

It is that time of year again. The time wrestling fans of all levels have been waiting for. Wrestlemania! Wooooooooooo! And this year doesn't look to be a disappointing one, at least on paper. But, the only things that could seemingly go wrong are stage fright and injuries. Beyond that, this card is pretty stacked. Especially it is injuries that have John Cena, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Cesaro, and others out of action and likely to miss out on Wrestlemania 32. Obviously, like many others, I have predictions and opinions on it all haha And they would be...

The Usos V The Dudley Boyz

 Prediction: The Usos

-Although I want The Dudleyz to win, they are back in WWE to help the next gen. Usos aren't as over as they once were, and Bubba n Devon will get a massive pop the first time they break their current "no tables" rule. Plus, it leaves open the chance for Bubba to turn on Devon and become Bully.

Lana, Naomi, Tamina, Summer Rae, & Emma

V

Brie Bella, Paige, Natalya, Alicia Fox & Eva Marie

 Prediction: Brie, Paige, Natalya, Alicia, & Eva Marie

 -Likely Brie's last Mania as she joins Daniel Bryan, so a good send off if she does retire. Must say that although this is slightly a filler match, it is great to see that all the women...Divas got on the card this year, and that the title will be defended later on. Two Divas matches at Wrestlemania, and none of them are bra-n-panties type or have any celebrity involvement. That does show how much things have change. Kudos. But please don't let there be yet another turn by Paige among all of this haha

The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Kane, Big Show, Mark Henry, Heath Slater, Curtis Axel, Adam Rose, Bo Dallas, Goldust, R-Truth, Jack Swagger, Tyler Breeze, Viktor, Konnor, Fandango, Darren Young, Damian Sandow, and more?

Prediction: Kane

-Was hard to pick really, as this match holds no real meaning. No offense to Andre's memory, it is just it is a filler type match with a trophy. Hard to really steal the show in a battle royal too. Positive note is that the wrestlers use this as their Wrestlemania appearance and pay day. And since it really leads to nothing, why not put over other legendary big guys like Kane or even Mark Henry(my runner up for being worthy as well as a Texas boy) before they retire. Sure, an up and comer could win, but why not be the guy who beats the winner after a nice build up?

The League Of Nations V The New Day

Prediction: The New Day

 -I thought that the WWE Tag Team Championship was on the line, but it appears to be not the case. Which is okay, as it gives everyone a chance to be in the ring. Can't see The New Day losing this one, given they are over with the WWE Universe and WWE themselves are "behind" them. NEW DAY!

 

Chris Jericho V AJ Styles

 Prediction: AJ Styles

-Honestly, this could go either way and make sense in my head haha Fan of both, but Jericho is my past, AJ my future if we get all deep with things. It would be a great start to a promising WWE career. AJ skipped NXT, and went straight to the main roster labeled as the hottest free agent. What better way to show that than with a dub at Mania? Regardless though, this match is sure to be phenomenal. Pun intended, but also applies to both guys performances.

WWE Intercontinental Championship

Ladder Match

The Miz V Dolph Ziggler V Sami Zayn V Stardust V Sin Cara V Zack Ryder V Kevin Owens (C)

Prediction: Sami Zayn

-Shockers would be Ryder and Sin Cara. Slight shockers would be The Miz, Ziggler, or Stardust. Zayn got the "rub" plus a likely seal of approval from Cena, added with previous heat and great matches with Owens, and that is my "why". I can see Owens retaining, but this sets up the feud. Plus, KO is a great heel both as the antagonize and as a "cry baby" type. You stole my belt so I kick ruin your life or I cry about it. Those are the options I see.

WWE United States Championship

Ryback V Kalisto (C)

Prediction: Kalisto

-Kalisto is pretty over with the WWE Universe, and has "Next Gen' Rey Mysterio" written all over him given his size, move set, and marketable mask. Ryback hasn't done too much latley beyond going from the singlet to trunks. Although I can see a disgruntled from losing Sin Cara doing a run in and turning on Kalisto. But, that could also be done after the match or on RAW the next night.

Street Fight

Dean Ambrose V Brock Lesner

Prediction: Dean Ambrose

-This one was really hard to pick. Lesner "lost" last year at Wrestlemania 31 when Seth Rollins pinned Roman Reigns after cashing in his Money In The Bank briefcase. But, this has to be "more" than Dean Ambrose showing us he can take a beating. Street Fight rules and a certain Bray Wyatt seemingly having nothing to do *cough*run in on Lesner*cough* would "protect" Brock Lesner's character of being The Conqueror. One things is for sure, no blood rile or not, there is going to be some color in this one.

WWE Divas Championship

Becky Lynch V Sasha Banks V Charlotte (C)

Prediction: Sasha Banks

-Becky although just as deserving, is the dark horse  in this one. Charlotte is the favorite to retain I think, but Sasha Banks is Snoop Doggs cousin, and although also just as deserving, blood and money may play into Vince's decision on this one.

Hell in A Cell

If Shane Wins He Controls RAW, & Undertaker Never Wrestles At Wrestlemania Again

Shane McMahon V The Undertaker

Prediction: Shane McMahon

-Hardest match to predict this year. But, the stipulations and their outcomes play into what I want, which is brand split between RAW and Smackdown!. And if Undertaker is going to have a last match, although I get why many feel it should be at a Mania, I however think it should be at a Survivor Series where he originated. Also, I have a feeling Shane won't be alone after Sting appears, and we get as close as we will to Sting V Undertaker at Wrestlemania. Not as good, but a huge moment none the less. Remember Degeneration X and nWo last year? Not as awesome, but great regardless.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Roman Reigns V Triple H (C)

Prediction: Roman Reigns

-This has been a 2 year process. Vince wants Roman as the top guy, as per usual fans are resisting, not so much Reigns but how Vince is making him approach this. Triple H winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was for this moment. I've mentioned in a previous blog entry about this being a good time for Cena to turn heel by simply joining The Authority and Triple H literally hands him his 16th World Title on RAW, use this as a last ditch effort to get Reigns over again. Cena won't change anything but simply acknowledging he is now a heel and fans will despise that and add that he would now be tied with Flair, they may beg for anyone to take him down. Summerslam, or even a year from now Reigns reclaims his title...maybe even a Sting like approach going silent or minimal verbal for a year (it is what most seem to chirp about, his new mic work). All that, or simply have a reunion of The Shield with Reigns as champ. Not sure when Rollins is due back, but story line wise he could have learned error of his ways during time away and is bitter Triple H is/was Champ. Ambrose, 'cause why the F not...looking around at all of the factions at the moment. Split them up again if the brands split.

I am actually excited to see Wrestlemania 32 on the WWE Network for $11.99 (I'm Canadian), as this show looks worth double of what it cost on PPV. Shane O'Mac is back, and brings possibility of RAW and Smackdown! separating. This could be Undertaker's last match at Wrestlemania (if not ever, given he is from Texas). Brock and Ambrose in a Street Fight and the Ladder Match for the IC title are the only things that has me concerned, but only for everyone's well being. They're going to be barn burning, slobber knockers for sure. AJ Styles at Wrestlemania? Nuff said. And for the first time in the history of Wrestlemania, other than my teen years (haha), I am looking forward to seeing the women blow the proverbial roof of the place. Some legends are likely to make appearances, just looking forward to how they are involved. Stone Cold Steve Austin in his home state, The Rock, HBK, will Hogan return? And that is just the most likely things, don't forget about the surprises and shockers. And never forget to tune into RAW the next night, as it tends to be the RAW of the year some times. Surprises, Mania fallout, beginning of new directions.