Stranded on Death Row
Roman Reigns was a busy man this week. That has nothing to do with the song reference above this sentence, but I’ll get to it I promise.
Let’s talk about Roman and Sami Zayn first. They started the build for their Crown Jewel match with some nice visual storytelling. Peep what happened when Raw started:
Sami “big dogged” Roman, which set the stage for their verbal back and forth. Now, to his credit, Roman reached out to Sami for help
in this 946 situation. He reminded the Undisputed Champion about his honorary Uce status after the two bonded on the burden that comes with holding a championship. The problem came when they argued over which one of those titles is the championship.
This is a basic story that wouldn’t do much for me if not for the history between these two. Sami pointed out Roman’s arrogance since the Tribal Chief once called the Undisputed Championship the championship but now it’s secondary since it’s not on his shoulders. Roman said it’s not about arrogance; it’s about the man holding the title. The World Heavyweight Champion also told the world the Undisputed Championship hasn’t “meant shit” since WrestleMania XL. Reasonable people can disagree on that, but I mean, yeah.
This isn’t just about which title is more important now; it’s a battle for supremacy between two guys who consider themselves family. Ish. And about Sami finally earning Roman’s respect. That is, of course, if Sami makes it to Crown Jewel as champion, a possibility Roman happily mentioned. That led to a brief showdown between Roman and Penta during the latter’s entrance for his match, and then a backstage interview that showed Roman on his way out of the arena. That’s how this usually works these days: Roman shows up early, talks his trash, then leaves to let his cousins handle the dirty work.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Roman didn’t leave:
I’m not a fan of the Air Jordan 14s he rocked. Not at all. I love the style but that color does those kicks no favors. I digress again because you didn’t come here for sneaker commentary.
For once, The Bloodline outsmarted 946. Jimmy & Jey Uso lured 946 to come out and play, Solo Sikoa surprised them, with Roman being the very big surprise. That led to a visual I’m sure WWE will put on a loop from now until Survivor Series.
Now, back to the song. There’s a real Death Row Records vibe to 946 right now that I love. Royce Keys is Suge Knight. Carmelo Hayes is Tupac. OTM is Tha Dogg Pound, and Jaida Parker is Lady of Rage. They have a ‘90s Hip Hop aesthetic that speaks to my heart.
That said, I still need a bit more from them on the verbal front. Like I said last week, an explanation or two would be cool. They don’t need to be very deep or long explanations either. I just don’t know how many times they can show up on grainy footage, look menacing, and tell us ain’t nobody safe. Even when they got to the ring, Royce picked up the mic to emphasize the few people safe from their wrath. If you’ve ever seen the Prince of Space episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000, it’s a lot like the insane amount of times the titular hero reminds the bad guys how ineffective their weapons are against him.
It’s a cool catchphrase I just want a bit more from Suge, Pac, and crew.
All that aside, War Games can happen tomorrow and it would be extra hot. We’re already at the tipping point and we’re not even a month away. I hope they can sustain the hype.
B-Sides
- Penta vs. Bron Breakker felt like an appropriate opening match in San Diego. It was technically sound, enhanced Penta without demoting Bron in any way, and furthered the latter’s feud with Je’Von Evans. Oh yeah, it also gave Je’Von some get back after Bron obliterated him last week. I love this insecurity tour Bron is on right now. He’s battling anyone WWE deems as the new hotness to prove he’s not yesterday’s news. Meanwhile he’s so distracted by said insecurity that he allows The Vision to lend a hand when he’s already got two very good ones. So when he and Penta are locked into a battle where they’re drawing even, leave it to The Vision to turn the tide in the wrong direction for Bron. Austin Theory, who still refers to himself as “The Pressure” for reasons passing understanding, grabbed Penta’s incredible briefcase. What he didn’t count on was Je’Von showing up, taking him out, snatching the briefcase, and hitting Bron with it behind the ref’s back. Turnabout being what it usually is, that opened the door for Penta’s win. Poor, Bron.
- Someone who I have no sympathy for? Roxanne Perez. Okay, I lied. Three people I have no sympathy for are Roxanne, Raquel Rodriguez, and Liv Morgan. With the first two facing IYO SKY & Chelsea Green in a tag match, Liv stood ringside constantly annoying Chelsea or flat-out interfering in the match. The story here was all about getting Chelsea some respect. Judgment Day thinks she’s a joke. Liv even took her hat, how dare she! Only Chelsea can rock that hat and look even mildly good. Liv just doesn’t have the head for it. I digress. That disrespect meant Chelsea got the hot tag even if she didn’t get the win. And why didn’t she get the pin for her team? Liv, of course. The WWE Women’s Champion perched on the top rope with Raquel in the drop zone. Liv stopped her motion, but didn’t completely derail the champ as she fought off Raquel’s top rope attacks. That was a good moment for Chelsea coming off last week’s loss. While I like the champ not losing two weeks in a row as we head to Crown Jewel, I wish she got the pin instead of IYO.
- Lola Vice defeated Lyra Valkyria in a match the former Intercontinental Championship brought upon herself. Bayley stalked her like a cartoon character and Lyra caught Lola in the jaw thinking she was Bayley. The match ensued and Lyra loss…because of Bayley. It’s not paranoia if it’s true, right? But let’s cut to the chase because the big news is Bayley challenged Lyra to a match to finish this once and for all: a no DQ match next week on Raw. I have no idea who to pick in this one. Lyra made Bayley her daughter the last time they wrestled so logic says give the win to Bayley. But I have no idea what the territory plans for Bayley in the future. I don’t even know if she’s a part of their future. I can’t wait to see this because it feels unpredictable.
- Chad Gable, Dragon Lee, and Rey Mysterio sent San Diego to heaven. I don’t know what to say about their triple threat match. I don’t know if any words will do it justice. I try to do my recaps with at least a little tongue firmly in cheek as a way to have a little fun with a sport I love but I think sometimes gets written about with a bit too much reverence. And anyone who knows me knows reverence just isn’t my thing. But it’s hard not to feel awed after watching these three dance together in the ring. Chad won but I wish they’d stop putting him in these tight binds with the audience. San Diego couldn’t wait for Rey to win. Hell, I couldn’t wait for it either. Not only did Chad stop that from happening but he also pinned Rey for the W. Let him pin Dragon in that moment. Or just stop putting him in matches with guys who are a bit or a lot more over than him. San Diego is not the place to face the guy who reps the 619. That said, this might be the last time it happens because…
- Ethan Page and Big Cass attacked everyone post-match. All Ego wants his title match with Chad and he just might get it now.
- JD McDonagh defeated Joe Hendry with a headbutt. Yup. He also beat the Funko Pop mascot senseless with Joe’s guitar. I have no words.
Excellent night of wrestling in San Diego. The crowd was excellent and the matches rewarded their energy. The stories worked and the last segment gave The Bloodline some needed momentum in this battle with 946. Great work all around.
What say you, Cagesiders?
