WWE has made its way overseas, with SmackDown in Ireland and Raw in Birmingham, England. The European trips often provide the best shows to watch. The crowds are engaged and loud, making for a fun time. They got to see a couple of decent shows that set up Clash in Paris about as well as can be hoped.
Of the two, I enjoyed Raw more. There was a lot of actual wrestling on the show, which is a nice development. We also learned that the women’s championship match scheduled for Clash in Paris won’t be taking place due to Naomi relinquishing the title. Instead, we’ll see Becky Lynch defend the IC title against Nikki Bella. We’re also getting Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed and Sheamus vs. Rusev.
Farewell To The Pretty Bird
Last week, I speculated that WWE’s ESPN money grab wouldn’t have PLEs there until next year. If this September counts as next year, I was spot on. Wrestlepalooza was announced to be exclusive on ESPN on September 20. The PLE will take place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. That signifies two things. First, it will be the beginning of the ESPN relationship. Second, Pat McAfee is essentially guaranteed to be there. Sigh.
That all means that Clash in Paris on Sunday will be the final PLE to be aired on Peacock in the United States. The good news is that WWE has assembled a card that looks to be pretty fun. For a comprehensive preview of Clash in Paris, we have all the details here. But we’re seeing talent on Sunday that we usually don’t get on a PLE in the Triple H era. I personally really enjoy Sheamus and Rusev, but they wouldn’t crack the lineup of many standard PLEs right now. My guess is that it’s because WWE is saving the big stories, like Cena vs. Lesnar, for Wrestlepalooza. Whatever the reason is, Paris should be a good time.
The Peacock Legacy
It’s been an interesting run on Peacock. The NBC streamer has been home to WWE PLEs and the vault for a few years now. I’ve always found the PLEs to be fine on the platform, especially given the price. The vault, however, is another story. It’s so poorly organized compared to what the WWE Network had that it’s hard to find things. Is it really so hard to have playlists by year?
The WWE vault will remain on Peacock for now, but it is expected to be on ESPN by the end of the year. In the meantime, WWE is hoping you won’t notice that it will cost you almost $1,000 a year to watch everything the federation has to offer if you’re in the United States. Of course, VPNs are still an option. Internationally, every bit of WWE is on Netflix. Just saying.
A Women’s World Championship Delay
When Naomi surrendered her Women’s World Championship to take time off and become a mother, it left a Paris-sized hole in WWE’s story plans. Stephanie Vaquer was set to face Naomi at the PLE this weekend. On Monday Night Raw, Adam Pearce informed Vaquer that the match was off, but that Vaquer would still be considered the number one contender. An announcement will be made next Monday night about who she will face for the title.
My bet is on a revamped Bayley, who is producing exceptional vignettes right now. The Role Model appears torn between hugger Bayley and Karen Bayley. The new Bayley will hopefully be a character who shifts between the two. It will accelerate WWE’s plans for Bayley, but putting the belt on her right away gives the new iteration gravitas.
Don’t count out mainstays like Iyo Sky or Rhea Ripley, both of whom are capable of a great match with Vaquer. Choosing Iyo would give Asuka and Kyrie Sane a chance to get involved and further that upcoming feud. Or, it could be a massive surprise return. I can’t imagine WWE bringing back a name like Ronda Rousey, but I didn’t think Lesnar was coming back either.
The Best Of The Rest
- Monday Night Raw was a big step up this week. Aside from a long opening segment that was still fun, there was a lot of quality wrestling. Nothing that’s PLE quality, but still good weekly TV.
- Even if a Penta match is mid, I find myself thoroughly enjoying watching him in the ring.
- Sheamus is an immediate Hall-of-Famer when he retires, and he still makes about any segment he’s in better. He deserves a PLE match, and I’m glad he’s getting one in Paris. Now, do the IC title, WWE.
- Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss need to be on TV every week. They deliver great TV segments.
- Chelsea Green and the Secret Hervice are a prime example of “so stupid it’s brilliant and fun” in WWE.
At Least They Tried
- It might just be me, but Logan Paul looks so in over his head on the mic against John Cena. Cena has made a career of burying talent in promos, but I’m enjoying it this time.
- The Nick Aldis-John Cena-Logan Paul segment at the end made Aldis look like he was in on it with the outsider (he wasn’t). Either that, or it was poorly executed.
- My biggest problem with Cody Rhodes right now is that he’s responsible for Drew McIntyre playing a weird mentor role for Logan Paul on TV. All because Drew needs something to do until Cody gets back. Street Fighter had better be good. Hopefully, Randy Orton takes up more of McIntyre’s time than Paul does.
WWE Power Rankings
These aren’t about who’s the best — it’s about who had the best week in terms of performance and fun factor. Feel free to disagree.
- Roman Reigns
- Bayley
- Iyo Sky
- The Bron Brons
- Sheamus
- Paul Heyman
- CM Punk
- Jey Uso
- Becky Lynch
- LA Knight
