I don't think they did actually. They've told one hell of a story here over the past few months, and this is just another chapter in it.
The seeds sown with The Usos tension between Jimmy and Jey, but with Sami inadvertantly spearing Jey, after all they've been through, is the catalyst to set up Sami and KO finally putting aside their differences to team up and take out that part of The Bloodline at Wrestlemania. That's been the plan for months apparently and I wondered how they'd get to that point whilst still showcasing Zayn, and I think they've juggled it all so well.
Zayn can say he had Reigns beat last night it if wasn't for the ref. Reigns can say "back of the line" to Zayn for pinning him. KO and Sami can be in a programme that keeps them apart from the Cody/Reigns story that now needs to be told.
Everyone comes out of it elevated, and it's got enough backstory and open elements to heat back up again after Mania if they choose to.
They also managed to get a proper reason in for Seth and Logan to fight, they kept Lashley looking strong whilst getting Lesnar's appearance fee in to keep him away from anywhere else, they have Finn a reason to fight Edge 1 on 1 at Mania and bring out the Warpaint, and they heat Asuka back up again for a Mania match that she and her Murder Clown gimmick deserves to be in.
They also made stars out of Reed and Ford in the elimination chamber IMO, and Gargano looked great too.
They have made more stars in 2023 than they have in the last 4 or 5 years. They have made Reigns an even bigger star. Really enjoying WWE at the moment for the 1st time in a long, long time.
The next chapter is Reigns v Cody and one of the Usos brothers falling out with the bloodline.
Second time they've let down the home crowd after Cardiff, and what did that lead to? Don't get the 97 vibes comment. The screwjob didn't lead to Owen getting a title match.
The next chapter is Reigns v Cody and one of the Usos brothers falling out with the bloodline.
Second time they've let down the home crowd after Cardiff, and what did that lead to? Don't get the 97 vibes comment. The screwjob didn't lead to Owen getting a title match.
Big opportunity missed last night.
I meant that 97 was the year the WWE really elevated a lot of talent and actually made new stars. It didn't start and end in November :-)
Edit: Sorry I stupidly didn't get the location connection 🤦
Don’t think they dropped the ball at all, and the Zayn/Reigns story was capped off pretty well. Not sure if the build would have had the steam to last another 6 weeks, especially after having a 1 on 1 PPV main event in Zayn’s hometown already.
Whilst I’d have been more than happy see Zayn in the Mania main event, it would have probably just ended up being one great underdog winning moment that then eventually has to fall apart at some point - similar to Kofi Kingston a few years ago.
Whereas I think Zayn’s character is better suited to being the nearly man with a dream. It’s similar to how Paul E would book Tommy Dreamer in ECW. Keep him as the underdog, man of the people.
If I were being ultra critical then I’d say it may have been better to somehow have Zayn turn on the Bloodline at Elimination Chamber and then have the 6 week build to the match at Mania. But then again you’ve got Cody in the way from winning the Rumble.
Cody is someone they will have as a regular main eventer. Not quite sure that would have been Zayn’s destiny outside of this story.
Overall, they did a superb job of making what is usually a ‘connecting’ PPV like Elimination Chamber feel like a massive event of its own.
Zayn turning at Elimination chamber would have been superb. I said a few pages back it would be disappointing if the pay off would be the Usos v Zayn and Owens and that's seems to be where it's going.
If Zayn won Reigns could have demanded a rematch, Cody also has a shot. Could have been interesting, maybe a three way, maybe two matches over two nights, lots of possibilities. If Cody ends the streak after getting the number 30 spot in his first world title match, I'm not sure how the fans will take to him long term.
Finn Balor had a 290 day title run end on a house show! Having it end before 'mania would have made it more special and shocking, then factor in Montreal.
If it ends at 'mania it gets ended by the bloke who was given number 30 in his first ever title match. Can see it not happening to extend the Rhodes not being a WWE champion story. Good storylines get ruined if they don't have a decent ending, look at the NWO.
I’m in agreement about Rhodes, and still maintain the belief that he’s been shoehorned in as part of the deal.
It’s a 900+ day title reign - ending it a month before Wrestlemania would have been absolutely criminal.
So maybe don't build your best story over the 900+ day reign to end the month before your biggest show?
Zayn has momentum that was catapulting him into being a major player. Cody winning a month later will not give the same 'moment' than Zayn winning would have.
Finn Balor had a 290 day title run end on a house show! Having it end before 'mania would have made it more special and shocking, then factor in Montreal.
If it ends at 'mania it gets ended by the bloke who was given number 30 in his first ever title match. Can see it not happening to extend the Rhodes not being a WWE champion story. Good storylines get ruined if they don't have a decent ending, look at the NWO.
Come on. You’re comparing a 9 month NXT reign with a 2 and a half year reign of the biggest heel in the company who holds the unified world championships.
The challenge WWE have is that there is nobody really on a level of Reigns or even close to it whereby it feels like an entirely justified world champion. Not yet anyway.
Last night’s main event served it’s purpose in providing a massive main event that had a must watch feel about it. And the moment Reigns loses that streak, those main events will diminish in value a little bit. You can’t have that going into Mania, whoever it is against.
I'm still adamant that Rollins is the man to dethrone Reigns eventually, with a lot more buildup than their last match, and a lot of playing on the history between the two. He's also got the moveset and the star quality to be able to take the mantle, the problem is he's naturally a heel with the annoying laugh and flamboyancy.
Or they leave it for another year and strap the rocket to Breakker
It has to be somebody with a fairly new-ish feel who they can just force into a top spot right away, as the rest of the roster doesn't feel believable at world champion level. Zayn included.
Its another possibility as to why they've likely shoehorned Rhodes in right away. He's still got that new car smell for a lot of fans yet still came over with hype of feeling like a top guy. There simply isn't many others they have in that category to work with.
The alternative is that they simply just keep Reigns' streak going into a 3rd year, by which point then yes, it would need to be someone like Breakker who they have intention to just make a top level star right away.
Its probably the trickiest decision booking have had to make since figuring out who was finally going to beat Taker at Mania.
For clarity I wasn't comparing Finn Balor's run with Reigns, try reading the whole line.
Most of Reigns defenses haven't been clean due to the bloodline. If Owens got involved it would have been believable. Not having him come out until after the match was disappointing, shades of One Night Only '97.
Ending the Undertaker's streak was one of the worst things they ever did IMO. Especially to Brock.
For clarity I wasn't comparing Finn Balor's run with Reigns, try reading the whole line.
I can read, thanks. You cited Balor’s reign as a way of indicating that there’s little issue with ending someone’s run at an unconventional moment - in a conversation about Roman Reigns. And it’s pointless because one is infinitely more important than the other (as much as I loved NXT Finn Balor).
Regarding Undertaker’s streak - it surprises me how little it is referenced that it was clearly done to coincide with the debut of the WWE Network which came about the same weekend from memory.
It made little sense from a booking perspective at the time, but it did create possibly the most shocking in-ring WWE moment in Wrestlemania history. And to WWE’s credit, Brock Lesnar’s stock went up enormously after a rocky start to his return and he went on to be the most dominant champion for years afterwards.
Personally would have preferred for the steak to have ended for his final match though - and that should have been a heel Roman Reigns.
My biggest issue was the ending of Lesnar v Lashley. For last 5 years or so Lesnar has either been champion or chasing the championship and to have result to a DQ in a non-title match wasn’t what I wanted to see. Could have got to that outcome without him needing to go low to force a DQ.
In Lesnar defence he could probably tap out in next 10 matches in a row and he would still get the big star treatment.
My biggest issue was the ending of Lesnar v Lashley. For last 5 years or so Lesnar has either been champion or chasing the championship and to have result to a DQ in a non-title match wasn’t what I wanted to see. Could have got to that outcome without him needing to go low to force a DQ.
In Lesnar defence he could probably tap out in next 10 matches in a row and he would still get the big star treatment.
I was talking to a mate earlier and we both said it was a strange finish. Yes it sets up another match at mania but it all made little to no sense.
It would have been much better to have them both throw refs about, brawl outside the ring etc a double count out or double dq would have made much more sense. Would have set up a cage or hiac match for mania. A bit like Taker and HBK in 97.
My biggest issue was the ending of Lesnar v Lashley. For last 5 years or so Lesnar has either been champion or chasing the championship and to have result to a DQ in a non-title match wasn’t what I wanted to see. Could have got to that outcome without him needing to go low to force a DQ.
In Lesnar defence he could probably tap out in next 10 matches in a row and he would still get the big star treatment.
I was talking to a mate earlier and we both said it was a strange finish. Yes it sets up another match at mania but it all made little to no sense.
It would have been much better to have them both throw refs about, brawl outside the ring etc a double count out or double dq would have made much more sense. Would have set up a cage or hiac match for mania. A bit like Taker and HBK in 97.
Not sure if you saw Smackdown - but Bray Wyatt declared he would be going after whoever walks away from the match between Lesnar/Lashley.
My biggest issue was the ending of Lesnar v Lashley. For last 5 years or so Lesnar has either been champion or chasing the championship and to have result to a DQ in a non-title match wasn’t what I wanted to see. Could have got to that outcome without him needing to go low to force a DQ.
In Lesnar defence he could probably tap out in next 10 matches in a row and he would still get the big star treatment.
I was talking to a mate earlier and we both said it was a strange finish. Yes it sets up another match at mania but it all made little to no sense.
It would have been much better to have them both throw refs about, brawl outside the ring etc a double count out or double dq would have made much more sense. Would have set up a cage or hiac match for mania. A bit like Taker and HBK in 97.
Not sure if you saw Smackdown - but Bray Wyatt declared he would be going after whoever walks away from the match between Lesnar/Lashley.
You could have got the same outcome with out making Lenser look weak.
Him not being able to get out of the full Nelson so having to kick him in the balls is weak.
For clarity I wasn't comparing Finn Balor's run with Reigns, try reading the whole line.
I can read, thanks. You cited Balor’s reign as a way of indicating that there’s little issue with ending someone’s run at an unconventional moment - in a conversation about Roman Reigns. And it’s pointless because one is infinitely more important than the other (as much as I loved NXT Finn Balor).
Regarding Undertaker’s streak - it surprises me how little it is referenced that it was clearly done to coincide with the debut of the WWE Network which came about the same weekend from memory.
It made little sense from a booking perspective at the time, but it did create possibly the most shocking in-ring WWE moment in Wrestlemania history. And to WWE’s credit, Brock Lesnar’s stock went up enormously after a rocky start to his return and he went on to be the most dominant champion for years afterwards.
Personally would have preferred for the steak to have ended for his final match though - and that should have been a heel Roman Reigns.
Personally I think the streak should have stayed. I think The Undertaker deserved it and it would have been very unique. Also he did the honours so many times. Rather than the streak ender getting a major rub, it's just been become a foot note. I don't think anyone needed it. Reign's 'It's my yard now' promo was one of the best promos ever though!
First point was to do with the shock factor BTW and stopping that PPV/Premium Live Event show being seen as a dead rubber anymore. Although it's overshadowed by 'mania it's still a big show.
Interested to see how the Omos open challenge goes to Lesnar on raw tonight. Hate the idea of those two working together. Reeks of a piss break during mania match.
Not sure whether it’s Triple H wanting to show his own style, but neither Lesnar or Rousey have marquee matches and been booked for nothing mid card matches.
Christ. If the demand is that high, then I’m surprised they didn’t go for an outdoor stadium.
Then again the unpredictable British weather might have been a concern. Probably why the only big show they’ve done over here since 1992 was in Cardiff which has the retractable roof.
It sold out before I could get tickets, which has really pissed me off as I made plans for the rest of the weekend in London and its my father in laws 60th.
A once in a generation PPV is one thing, a T20 game and maybe an outlaw mudshow on the Sunday is different.
Comments
The seeds sown with The Usos tension between Jimmy and Jey, but with Sami inadvertantly spearing Jey, after all they've been through, is the catalyst to set up Sami and KO finally putting aside their differences to team up and take out that part of The Bloodline at Wrestlemania. That's been the plan for months apparently and I wondered how they'd get to that point whilst still showcasing Zayn, and I think they've juggled it all so well.
Zayn can say he had Reigns beat last night it if wasn't for the ref. Reigns can say "back of the line" to Zayn for pinning him. KO and Sami can be in a programme that keeps them apart from the Cody/Reigns story that now needs to be told.
Everyone comes out of it elevated, and it's got enough backstory and open elements to heat back up again after Mania if they choose to.
They also managed to get a proper reason in for Seth and Logan to fight, they kept Lashley looking strong whilst getting Lesnar's appearance fee in to keep him away from anywhere else, they have Finn a reason to fight Edge 1 on 1 at Mania and bring out the Warpaint, and they heat Asuka back up again for a Mania match that she and her Murder Clown gimmick deserves to be in.
They also made stars out of Reed and Ford in the elimination chamber IMO, and Gargano looked great too.
They have made more stars in 2023 than they have in the last 4 or 5 years. They have made Reigns an even bigger star. Really enjoying WWE at the moment for the 1st time in a long, long time.
Edit: Sorry I stupidly didn't get the location connection 🤦
Cody is someone they will have as a regular main eventer. Not quite sure that would have been Zayn’s destiny outside of this story.
Overall, they did a superb job of making what is usually a ‘connecting’ PPV like Elimination Chamber feel like a massive event of its own.
WWE 'storytelling' is as deep as a puddle.
Zayn has momentum that was catapulting him into being a major player. Cody winning a month later will not give the same 'moment' than Zayn winning would have.
Or they leave it for another year and strap the rocket to Breakker
Its another possibility as to why they've likely shoehorned Rhodes in right away. He's still got that new car smell for a lot of fans yet still came over with hype of feeling like a top guy. There simply isn't many others they have in that category to work with.
The alternative is that they simply just keep Reigns' streak going into a 3rd year, by which point then yes, it would need to be someone like Breakker who they have intention to just make a top level star right away.
Its probably the trickiest decision booking have had to make since figuring out who was finally going to beat Taker at Mania.
Most of Reigns defenses haven't been clean due to the bloodline. If Owens got involved it would have been believable. Not having him come out until after the match was disappointing, shades of One Night Only '97.
Ending the Undertaker's streak was one of the worst things they ever did IMO. Especially to Brock.
Regarding Undertaker’s streak - it surprises me how little it is referenced that it was clearly done to coincide with the debut of the WWE Network which came about the same weekend from memory.
Personally would have preferred for the steak to have ended for his final match though - and that should have been a heel Roman Reigns.
In Lesnar defence he could probably tap out in next 10 matches in a row and he would still get the big star treatment.
It would have been much better to have them both throw refs about, brawl outside the ring etc a double count out or double dq would have made much more sense. Would have set up a cage or hiac match for mania. A bit like Taker and HBK in 97.
Him not being able to get out of the full Nelson so having to kick him in the balls is weak.
First point was to do with the shock factor BTW and stopping that PPV/Premium Live Event show being seen as a dead rubber anymore. Although it's overshadowed by 'mania it's still a big show.
I think Montez Ford will get a big push now
He definitely got the IT factor. Likewise Big E who hopefully should be returning soon.
By the time I got into the website both times they sold out (5 mins into the presale, 8 mins into general sale)
A once in a generation PPV is one thing, a T20 game and maybe an outlaw mudshow on the Sunday is different.