In this edition of Glitter and Slam we'll examine some notable moments from the first women's Royal Rumble match and how quiet tears set the tone on the first steps toward Wrestlemania.
THE RUMBLE & RAW
(In case it wasn't apparent, Rowdy Ronda pointed to the Wrestlemania sign several more times so fans wouldn't mistakenly think she was asking Stephanie McMahon to validate her parking. Or something.) (Source: ringsideintel.com)
A mix of the current stable, some NXT notables and many stars of the past did the job. As interest beyond hardcore fans begins to gain momentum, the Rumble introduced casual and new fans to the stars of now, some NXT stars of the future and brought in a heaping helping of female stars of the past. It was as fun to watch as many men's Rumble matches, even with some of the odd things that were the equivalent of biting into an unpopped kernel when enjoying theater popcorn.
(Lita got respect for her battle scars in the form of low-impact bumps, but she made the most of this trip down memory lane. Source: WWE.com)
For some reason Sasha Banks continuously went after opponents as they were eliminating other wrestlers. Sarah Logan, especially got pummeled as she first tried to eliminate Becky Lynch. The Riott Squad's muscle could have eliminated several women had Banks shown more strategic thinking. Corey Graves spotted this immediately and echoed fan sentiments that the Boss needed to get a clue. Banks wowed fans however with plenty to cheer about, as she lasted 54 minutes, Wonder Woman tights and all – including fan service in the form of a staredown with the 30th entrant, Trish Stratus.
Out of all the alumni and active stars that gave us tantalizing dream match moments, one former women's champ made the boldest physical statement. Molly Holly showed WWE that the women's revolution should have happened far sooner and unlike many of her peers of yesterday, she could still go. Quickness, stiff kicks and a hefty dose of chutzpah proved it.
(Molly's jog down the ramp warmed up the hammies for several kicks to opposing faces. Source: WWE.com)
Asuka's win was almost a foregone conclusion weeks ago, after Paige's in-ring career ended with a nasty stinger aggravating her recently healed neck, but the Empress did it in grand style at number 25, and showed at the end how much American crowds have embraced her. After an uneven 2017, her build is one thing being done correctly.
A complete breakdown in this column is superfluous and doesn't beat simply viewing the women's Rumble yourself. It was great fun, even with some of the headscratching moments. The wrap-up with Ronda Rousey's debut was questionable, though. Having the former UFC champ come out at the same time as Asuka reveled in her victory watered down both moments a bit and her crashing WWE's big party could have been reserved for Elimination Chamber to spread the big PR moments out. Oh, and she needed to chill on the sign-pointing after the second time.
(Source: WWE.com)
Asuka would, however get her chance on the following Raw to do her part in getting the train to the Show of Shows rolling with the Boss.
(Banks was at her eyecatching best as she donned her war camo. Source: WWE.com)
Sure, there were question marks about her physical narrative in the Rumble, but Sasha Banks was prominently featured and kept fans on edge during her near-hour in the fight, and she rode that momentum into Raw.
Immediately she got in Asuka's face as Stephanie opened the show to congratulate the Rumble winner. The Boss is at her best when she has a giant chip on her shoulder. It shines through in the ring as well as in her mic work.
Many fans across social media still wish for the snuffed-out heel turn from a year ago because Banks is at her absolute best when she is fueled by anger. She's so good that the slightest pursing of the lips, the random hip pop and even a single visible tear can blow the doors off. In these moments, she's so good botches can be forgotten, every move counts, and her matches radiate an intense energy.
(Only in pro wrestling can you do someone a favor by kicking them in the face. Asuka saves the botch. Source: WWE.com)
Asuka and Banks could have been a great Pay-Per-View event, and both women approached it like Mania was already here. It was a solid, fun and stiff match that compelled fans like nothing seen from Sasha Banks since her feud with Charlotte Flair in 2016.
It was a good thing Banks was on point mostly, otherwise her botched suicide dive would have killed the energy. Had she not rebounded to continue to the Asuka lock conclusion, even the Empress's master stroke to pass of the miscue as a result of a crisp kick to the face would not have been enough.
(Source: WWE.com)
The sublime ending, which was almost too good for the rest of the match, would not have been without Banks letting some of the real emotion creep to the surface. After finally tapping out to the Asuka lock – the first time she submitted since losing the title to Charlotte in the 2016 Ironman match at Roadblock: End of the Line – Banks lay flat on her back in the middle of the ring, eyes shut with the unmistakable shine of tears rolling down her temple as she bit her lip.
(After all the violence a single trail of tears sets the tone for what comes next. Source: WWE.com)
WWE creative may be wanting to revive the heel turn that was nixed a year ago in light of Bayley's failure to be the champion they hoped for. Except for championship gold, Banks has had the exposure, screentime and apparent treatment on television as someone integral to the big picture in the womens division and to a degree beyond.
If the sting of angry tears translates into fuel for more compelling storylines and moments going into Elimination Chamber and beyond, few will not be eclipsed by Sasha Banks. Of course, the emphasis should be on "if."
No comments:
Post a Comment