Conspiracy Theory
What’s the opposite of, “it was me, Austin?”
I’m not sure. I don’t know if there is one. I do know the Austin Theory reveal was anticlimactic. Yeah, part of that is the internet revealing it weeks ago. The other part of that equation is my apathy for the man. The last time I saw him, Big G sonned him and sent him home packing. He referenced the man as deadweight and is now a New Day groupie. And then there’s everything with him prior to
joining A-Town Down Under, like getting force fed into my eyeholes as the United States champ and the supposed future of the industry. As soon as the company booted the old man for being a nasty old man, Triple H promptly tossed Theory aside.
That brings us to now. I’m glad the Hersey, Pa crowd dug it. They chanted his name as Raw ended and Bron Breakker speared CM Punk. But this requires one hell of a rehabilitation. Paul E.’s worked magic before so I’m not betting against him, it’s just weird The Vision now consists of Bron, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Austin Theory. That’s not a foursome that strikes fear in my heart nor does it excite it much either.
As usual, I maintain an open mind about these things. I don’t have much to say about it yet because I’m not impressed but I hope that changes. I want to like things because walking around disliking everything sucks. Writing about things one dislikes is even worse. Well, unless you’re Statler and Waldorf. Those cats are the original haters.
With Seth Rollins in control, The Vision had a clear purpose, along with a name he inspired. I have no clue what it is now or why they still call themselves The Vision with him on the shelf. Bron’s title match against Punk is in a couple weeks, so here’s hoping things get sorted between now and then.
Teaser Trailers:
- Wade Barrett said one line that brilliantly summed up the tag match between New Day and The Usos: Both teams know each other so well they could switch partners and create two equally great tag teams. That said so much about the history and understanding between rivals. This match, not for a number one contender spot per se, played perfectly into Wade’s sentiment. They didn’t add much new to their repertoire, despite not facing each other in many, many, many moons, but it just feels right seeing these four battle with high stakes. The Usos got the W after successfully taking Xavier Woods out of the picture and pinning Kofi Kingston after executing the 1D. This potentially sets up Jimmy & Jey for a title match against Dragon Styles (call me, WWE) and yet, I’m not sure if it means they’re getting the ultimate win. And if not, then what? Jey’s whole thing reasoning behind rejoining his big brother is Scrooge McDuck gold. If they don’t obtain it, I have no clue how he’ll react. This is a case where I think an L means more story, so that’s what I’m rooting for. For now.
- This was our first look at Maxxine Dupri post training with the dungeon master in the dungeon. Ivy Nile, for those unfamiliar with her game from NXT, was actually the perfect person for this spot. She’s a rabid, technical wrestler who builds her rep off that tenacity. The Intercontinental champ showed off a few new moves. Maxxine is still a work in progress and Ivy isn’t Becky Lynch, but her attack style provided a few openings for counters that Maxxine executed really well. Especially this one. I still believe they made the right call giving her the title. She’ll get better with time but it was a good win for the champ. Maxxine showed toughness, determination, and made her opponent tap with an Ankle Lock.
- I wondered why the territory sacrificed a match between Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer so soon. Well, I got my answer when Nikki Bella interfered in the late stages. I got more of an answer when Nikki called out Stephanie and Raquel for being beneath her. A triple threat incoming. And all while the mini drama brewing between Raquel and Liv Morgan. Raquel has a lot on her plate, doesn’t she?
- CM Punk clearly had a dope promo brewing with all that time away. He questioned Bron’s heart, knocked Paul’s character, and nicknamed the Steiner Bros. “dumb and dumber.” Oh, and he used Steiner Math against them, which was a nice touch. That’s why Bron speared Punk after the main event and during all the chaos theory. Things got personal between these two and I’m all for more of that.
- Logan Paul and Rey Mysterio wrestled in the main event. But everything with the Austin Theory reveal overshadowed it for me. Which, of course. Logan won thanks to Theory attacking Rey when the hall of famer went for the brass knuckles that Logan dropped. Weird moment for a true blue babyface, one that seemed only necessary to set up Rey getting Stomped into the mat.
- Last but certainly not least, GUNTHER was excellent here. I’m not getting into the whole Saturday Night’s Main Event debate because it’s been done to death. And it only happened a few days ago. WWE handled it well here. They let him embrace the boos and egg on the pissed off crowd. He called John Cena a “b*tch,” held his smug head high, only fro Adam Pearce to kick him out of the building for stomping on John’s legacy. AJ met GUNTHER at the latter’s ride and got in his face about the disrespect. GUNTHER repaid him in kind, mocking the “you can’t see me” gesture as he drove off into the moonlight. Perfect all around.
Raw was solid for the most part but then deflating in the end. That’s not a shocking reveal in the least and I’m leery of the follow-up as the territory isn’t the best at that these days. But we got solid matches, story progression all around, and some promising developments with GUNTHER’s made man status. Not a bad night but not great either. I won’t be surprised if they coast for a couple weeks before the big Netflix anniversary show in Brooklyn.
What say you, Cagesiders?
