Royal Rumble 2019 Preview and and Predictions

Preview and and Predictions

As I posted on Twitter and Facebook yesterday, there is no monthly recap this week as planned because of time restraints on me this week.

But, HERE are my Previews and Predictions for the Royal Rumble, right here in my home town. The whole Wrestlementary Crew will be in attendance, and I will be doing a write up from first hand experience during this week.


















So, here we go:

THE CARD

KICK OFF SHOW

Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Buddy Murphy (c) versus Akira Tozawa versus Kalisto versus Hideo Itami

I am behind on 205 Live, so I am not sure of any current storylines or feuds, but I know these four men very well. My favorite performer of these four is Akira Tozawa, with my least being Kalisto. Buddy Murphy has really step it up and proved he is the real deal since last summer. Hideo, he doesn’t seem to be able to get anything really going.

All four guys are high athletic and very good, so I am expecting an exciting, fast paced match. Buddy Murphy’s penchant for power moves adds a different dynamic here, it gives him a slight edge in the match.

• Who Should Win: Hideo Itami – He needs the win NOW, otherwise his WWE career is a total loss.

• Who Will Win: Buddy Murphy – I think he’s put the work in, is in even better shape than he was and has stepped up on all fronts. I think the WWE will move forward with him.

United States Championship Match: Rusev (c) versus Shinsuke Nakamura

I am very interested in this match because of the Lana angle. Nakamura didn’t do anything on purpose to hurt Lana. We know that. Neither did Rusev. We know that. It was an accident. Though both blame each other.

I expect a great match that could steal the show (for Non-Rumble Matches). In the past on Smackdown they have had great matches.

I want Rusev Day, but I think Lana will be the tipping point, will she stay with her Husband, or will she turn?

• Who Should Win: Rusev Day should continue to light the way.

• Who Will Win: Rusev.

MAIN CARD

Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match: The Bar (c) versus The Miz and Shane McMahon

NO. NO. NO! This match should not be happening! Smackdown Live has spent too much time building to this match. It’s embarrassing for the Miz, and Shane shouldn’t be in the ring. Period.

I’m scared the WWE might pull the trigger and put the titles on Miz and Shane – going against the whole ‘New McMahon Era’ promise. Remember WrestleMania last year? Strowman and Nicklaus.

• Who Should Win: The BAR – No Explanation Needed

• Who Will Win: The BAR (PLEASE!)

Smackdown Women’s Championship Match: Asuka (c) versus Becky Lynch

Becky! Becky! Becky!

SD Live has spent great expense and the proper time building this match. This is the MUST SEEE match from the Blue Brand. Hell, they kicked off SD LIVE two weeks in a row and started it off on Fire.

I don’t think Asuka would be champion if Becky hadn’t been injured. And she didn’t beat Becky one-on-one. In fact, I don’t think they have ever had a match (?). Both ladies are super talented, both sport dangerous finishers and both can have great matches.

I am expecting one here.

Asuka is the better striker, and perhaps has a deeper arsenal. Becky is better on the mat and has added more MMA to her move set. Becky’s advantage may be that she is the better brawler and can flip the switch to violence a little easier.

• Who Should Win: Becky Lynch

• Who Will Win: Becky Lynch – She’s too on Fire to Deny.

Raw Women’s Championship Match: Ronda Rusey (c) versus Sasha Banks

So far, A Moment Of Bliss have delivered on the scandal and controversy and as a stage for setting up feuds and matches. Nowhere is this more evident than Ronda calling out Banks on the first BLISS.

I know this is a match a lot of fans want to see and am expecting a great match. Me not so much, I like Ronda and as a Pro Wrestler she is so much better than she was last year – which is no surprise. Sasha, I personally think Sasha is average at best, who can have good matches with talent of equal or better skills. She is a damn good personality and good on the mic though.

I can see the WWE putting Sasha over Ronda for her first loss, I’m just not sure if Sasha is the right person. If it goes that way, I believe a Sasha pin fall victory would be better than Tap Out.

• Who Should Win: Ronda Rousey

• Who Will Win: Ronda Rousey

WWE Championship Match: Daniel Bryan (c) versus AJ Styles

Oh Man – Here it is for the fourth time The Indie Dream Match for the WWE Championship.

The first match was won by AJ Styles during the Crown Jewel controversy.

The second started The NEW Daniel Bryan movement and his hot run. But will the real AJ Styles step up?

This might be the most even match up on the card – and just like the Brock/Balor title match, Vince himself is smack dab in the middle, given the match an extra feel to it.

Daniel Bryan has truly gone total heel as he champ. AJ is showing his passion again chasing for the title. Who will win? But does it matter? Both guys have shown they can carry SD LIVE and do what needs to be done.

• Who Should Win: Daniel Bryan – to continue a hot heel run.
• AJ Styles – perhaps to keep him in the WWE?

• Who Will Win: AJ Styles.

Universal Championship Match: Brock Lesnar (c) versus Finn Balor

What an upgrade here. Finn Balor against Brock Lesnar is more compelling and has more avenues to what can be done with it, than Braun versus Brock, again. Brock’s brawn versus Finn’s speed. Brock’s skill versus Finn’s finesses. The Beast versus All Heart.

If they are allowed to go, then this could be an epic contest – which Finn is used to putting on and Brock badly needs.

The WWE and RAW need a change of guard badly – will this be it?

• Who Should Win: Finn Balor – Balor is the best chance, best choice and best hope for the WWE moving forward. He will bring in more ratings and give them more versatility in the ring and better creative concepts.
• Most importantly, he WILL BE THERE.

• Who Will Win: Finn Balor

I pose this question, after being laid out to start RAW, will Brock Lesnar be facing Finn Balor or The Demon King . . . Or, if WWE truly wants to make a massive statement and prove they are going to adapt and change: PRINCE DEVITT.


Woman’s Royal Rumble Match

I am not going to list all the competitors in this match. I don’t think the participants are fully rounded out and there are always replacements and surprises.

I do wish the WWE had built this match up better. Shockingly I think RAW has done a better job of building the Women’s Rumble then Smackdown has. Smackdown has seemed more content to build Asuka/Becky and just showcase Charlotte as the Defacto winner of the Royal Rumble.

That’s the one problem with this match, this year: It feels like it is set in stone that Charlotte is going to win. I don’t think anyone else has even been built up as a potential winner. Of course, Asuka or Beck and Sasha or Ronda could show up in the Rumble depending on the outcome of their matches and position on the card.

SMACKDOWN TOP FIVE TO WIN RAW TOP FIVE TO WIN
Charlotte Bailey
Naomi Nia Jax
Auska or Becky (if one enters) Ruby Riot
Carmella Natalya
Mandy Rose Ronda or Sasha (if one enters)

The most compelling in-ring confrontation for the Rumble coming out of RAW is still Natty and the Riot Squad. For SD LIVE is it Naomi and Mandy Rose. This storyline is the only reason I have Mandy as a possible pick.

• Who Should Win: Bailey – Bailey is floundering, she would benefit the most from winning. There are also greater creative possibilities with her. Is Sasha wins, would Bailey choose to face her Best Friend at Mania, or go the Smackdown Route?
• Or, imagine this: Bailey versus Ronda at Mania? The Hugger versus the Baddest Bitch On The Planet. Could Ronda bring out the edge in Bailey? Maybe a heel turn.

• Who Will Win: Charlotte Flair – We are talking WrestleMania here. I don’t think the WWE is going to pull the trigger and go with a shocker here. I think Flair versus Ronda is still the Mania.

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

As I wrote for the Women’s match, I am not going to list the participants.

Unlike the Women’s Rumble, I think the WWE has done a good job building this match – even if SD LIVE has lacked a little.

You can build up the Royal Rumble by having people announce that are in the Rumble, dueling back in forth on the mic claiming they will win the Rumble, and – best of all – tease confrontations in the Rumble itself.

So far, at least half a dozen guys have announced they will WIN the Rumble.

As for confrontations, the WWE has built up the possibility of many: there could be a moment where Rollins and Ambrose are in the ring alone. We could see the AOP dominate then face off against Heavy Machinery.

Of course there are storylines that seem to have no implications for the Rumble that could pay off. Think of this: After the RAW Go Home Show Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins could team up in the Rumble to make an impact and move on forward reteamed and gunning for the Revival.

That is how you build the Rumble.

Of course, RAW seems to be building the Rumble around the possibility of Drew McIntyre humiliating everyone.

SMACKDOWN TOP FIVE TO WIN RAW TOP FIVE TO WIN
Samoa Joe Drew McIntyre
Andrade Dean Ambrose
Rusev Seth Rollins
Nakamura Apollo Crews
Byan or AJ Styles (if one enters) Brock Lesnar or Finn Balor (if one enters)

How Awesome would it be if Apollo Crews won? But again, I don’t think they’ll pull that trigger.

Samoa Joe, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre are the best picks – but I’m not sure how the WWE views Joe since he has lost all his title matches.

• Who Should Win: Samoa Joe – Have Joe win, go on a tear to prove himself, and take the title from Lesnar at Mania (if he still has it).
• Seth Rollins – He’s too hot not to give it to him, and he’s turned it up. Imagine if Finn wins, we could get Rollins/Finn at Mania.
• Drew McIntyre – It’s time for the Chosen One to not be the Future, but become the Present.

• Who Will Win: Drew McIntyre

FINAL COMMENTS:

Across the board this is a stacked card and any of these matches could steal the show. It would be nice if for once in the last few years of the ENITRE PPV stole the show.

Expect to see my commentary on the Rumble (and perhaps the month of January) by next weekend.

Later

Ace Masters.

NXT TAKE OVER - PHOENIX

NXT Takeover – Phoenix

When: Saturday, January 26, 2019

Where: Phoenix, Arizona

Venue: Talking Stick Resort Arena

This is NXT Takeover, right here in Phoenix and I (along with Wrestlementary Crew Member Dave Parrish) will be in attendance.




Honestly, I cannot give a full breakdown or Preview of TakeOver because I am so far behind on NXT and only watched the last two Episodes to gear up for being at the show – which will be the fourth NXT show held in Phoenix, and the fourth I have attended.

I can, however, list the card and give my predictions.

THE CARD

As of January 24, 2019

Matt Riddle versus Kassius Ohno
Chris Hero has always been good. Kassius Ohno seems stuck in a rut and never able to break out.

Matt Riddle is legit, nuff’ said.

• Who should Win: Matt Riddle – At this point he is the better bet, with the brighter future.
• Who Will WIN: Matt Riddle.

NXT North American Championship Match: Ricochet (c) versus Johnny Gargano
At one point Ricochet was considered the best in the world not signed to the WWE. And since signing, he has stepped it up even more.

Gargano has found his grove in NXT – becoming better than he ever was before.

This match should be the Highlight of the night.

• Who Should Win: Either Guy.
• Who Will Win: Ricochet

NXT Tag Team Championship Match: The Undisputed Ear (c) versus The War Raiders
Wow, the Ring of Honor lineage is thick in this match. Who would have ever thought we’d see this in WWE and NOT in ROH.

• Who Should Win: The Undisputed Era – it may be too soon for War Raiders.
• Who Will Win: To the winners goes the spoils of war – The War Raiders.

NXT Women’s Championship Match: Shayna Baszler (c) versus Bianca Belair
I am not sure about this, she’s good, but is Belair ready for Baszler?

• Who Should Win: Shayna Baszler
• Who Will Win: Shayna Baszler

NXT Championship Match: Tommaso Ciampa (c) versus Aleister Black
I just recently watched their first match, and I am stoked for this. This is one of those matches where I don’t care who wins.

• Who Should Win: Ciampa – because it’s time for Aleister Black to rock the Main Roster.
• Who Will Win: Vengeance will not be denied – Aleister Black

There we go, those are my thoughts on NXT TakeOver Phoenix. Brief, to the point because I’m not totally up to speed on NXT, but I will be.

That’s it.

Later,

Ace

Blog (s) Hiatus

Well, I’ve said this before, I will say it again: HERE WE GO AGAIN.

In August I put out a Blog Statement announcing I was putting my Blogs to a Monthly Schedule for the remainder of 2018 – excluding Raw Flesh.

The plan was to put them back on track on 2019.

Not long after posting that, after much consideration, I decided to put all Blogs, including RAW FLESH, on hiatus until 2019.

This was supposed to have been announced weeks ago, but didn’t happened because I was sick and spent Halloween in the hospital with pneumonia. Getting better was a more of a priority then posting.

In the New Year, the Blogs will return starting from scratch. I need to prioritize certain things and this is the best decision at the moment – and will be better for the Blogs in the long run.

Upon their return The Burning Mind, This Is A True Story, What I Watch I Review and Raw Flesh will be posted on a Monthly Basis. As the year progresses and things play out I may post more often, perhaps even moving back to a bi-weekly or weekly schedule.

Right now, a monthly schedule will be best.

I will however return to doing the Burning Mind weekly Reviews each Saturday.

Wrestlementary will be handled differently – an actual format for Wrestlementary will be figured out and announced later.

All Blogs Will Return with ‘State of’ initial posts on:

• Monday, December 31st – State of the Master
• Tuesday, January 1st – Wrestlementary
• Wednesday, January 2nd – The Burning Mind
• Thursday, January 3rd – This Is A True Story
• Friday, January 4th – What I Watch I Review
• Sunday, January 6th – Raw Flesh

Then, they will resume being posted on what is (for now) planned as the regular Schedule:

• The Burning Mind – Wednesday, January 9th; Then the FIRST Wednesday of Each Month
• This Is A True Story – Thursday, January 17; Then the SECOND Thursday of Each Month
• What I Watch I Review – Friday, January 25; Then the THIRD Friday of Each Month
• Raw Flesh – Sunday, January 27th, Then the FOURTH Sunday of Each Month
• State of the Master – The Last Day of Each Month
• Wrestlementary – TBA

So, for January expect two posts per Blog, then monthly after that. With Wrestlementary’s schedule to come.

I will still be making periodical postings to Facebook and Twitter with updates as we close in on the New Year.

Thanks.

Ace Masters.

HELL IN A CELL - THOUGHTS & PREDICTIONS

*** A Special Note before we get down to business. In my Blog Statement on Wednesday, August 15th – when I revamped my blogs for the remaining of 2018 – I wrote I would basically do three pieces: Thursday – Discuss the last months Raw and SD Live; Friday – Preview the PPV; Saturday – Predictions.
Well, I tried to keep to that, but when writing the pieces I realized how redundant it is to do a Recap Piece and a Preview breaking down the card with much the same info. So I decided I would do it all in one piece – this one you are reading right now!
Ace***

WELCOME TO WRESTLEMENTARY’S HELL IN A CELL THOUGHTS AND PREDICTIONS

Are we going to Hell? Or is this going to be one HELL of a good time?

Can Hell In A Cell match the Epic WWE Pay-Per-Views/Events that have happened so far in 2018?

The Answer: NO. Because there hasn’t been an Epic event yet this year. Wait, the Rumble? The real one, not the Saudi one.

Can Hell In A Cell be the Epic WWE Pay-Per-View/Event that we all know they can do? The one we want and deserve? MAYBE.

Can Hell In A Cell erase the bad taste of Summerslam? PLEASE.

Can Hell In A Cell be good? WE HOPE.

I know we still have three-and-a-half months, three Pay-Per-Views/Events (one of them SURVIVOR SERIES) left to go, but Hell In A Cell may be the WWE’s last chance to capture its audience this year.

Why?

Because the Holidays are coming up and there are many more things to divert peoples attention, and for people to spend money on.

Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are looming, the NFL season is here, and let’s not forget The World Series is getting closer.

If the WWE wants to keep eyes on the prize and merchandize sales it needs to step up now!

The first step the WWE needs to make (and should have done long before now) is the end the confusion and clarify what matches are actually in the Hell in a Cell. Every year this happens, they announce matches FOR Hell In A Cell (The Event itself), but don’t make clear what matches are IN Hell In A Cell (The Match itself).

Or they could take a note from IMPACT/TNA’s Lockdown PPV and make every match a Hell In A Cell match. Now that would be something. Imagine Rousey versus Bliss inside the Cell, Bliss could go full violent heel.

Still, just to clarify what IS and IS NOT a Hell In A Cell match would be good.

Here’s the good thing, the WWE started building toward the Hell In A Cell PPV the RAW after Summerslam. Here the so-so thing: Three of these matches are basically re-matches from Summerslam (the one difference is Brie and Maryse added to Miz versus Bryan)

Okay, let’s get right to it:

HELL IN A CELL

MATCHES AND PREDICTIONS

Wow, look at this line up, will you.

The Wow isn’t for the matches – it’s because there are 3 RAW and 5 SD Live Matches on the card. Making this an SD Live heavy event and bodes well for it being much better than the normal PPV of 2018.

However, as of Friday, one of those announced matches has been moved to the Kick Off Show, which is only being listed as one hour long.

Is this good or bad? Maybe the WWE doesn’t have high hopes for this show and is focusing more on the Australian Super Show (since they have spent ample time building the only announced match (HHH v Undertaker)).

Or, to be more positive, maybe it is a good thing. Maybe they have decided to try and streamline this show and focus on the quality rather than quantity.

We can hope.

HELL IN A CELL

THE KICK OFF SHOW MATCH

• SD LIVE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: The New Day versus Rusev Day

There has been absolutely no build to this match – at least between the teams. The build was the exact same Build that saw the New Day compete at Summerslam, but win by DQ. A Tag Team Tournament to crown #1 contenders.

New Day won the first tournament. Rusev Day won the second.

One things for sure, a Day will win!

Why New Day Should Win: They are the longer established team – and will go down as one of the greatest of all time. They only just regained the titles, it may be too soon to lose them.

Why Rusev Day Should Win: Because it is becoming harder and harder to ignore the impact and popularity of Rusev Day. How long can the WWE keep Rusev from a title? Or Rusev and English?

Who Will Win: I love both teams. I don’t care who win, I just want to see a great match. But I want Rusev to have a title. So: Rusev Day.

HELL IN A CELL

THE MAIN CARD

THE RAW MATCHES AND PREDICTIONS

• RAW Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey versus Alexa Bliss

At one time I was not looking forward to this match. I wasn’t really sure what they could do to build this match. The build to Summerslam wasn’t good (derailed partly by the Anvil’s Untimely passing and Natalya’s time off), and the match was a terrible squash in a Main Event spot.

After the last two RAWs, the build has elevated this match somewhat. I still think that Ronda is Champ to soon, without a chase or build to her win. Alexa is a solid heel, still growing in the ring. Its help that Alexa has added a new move to her arsenal – Rousey’s own Arm Bar! Could we see Alexa try tapping Ronda out with her signature move?

Why Ronda Should Win: She’s clearly the better of the two, with no way Alexa could beat her one-on-one.

Why Alexa Should Win: Alexa as Champion and Ronda chasing her is a more compelling story, and better for business. Alexa can win as she is vicious and cut throat, but should do so only if Foxxy and Mickie get involved. If this happens, and Alexa wins by group beat down, it protects Ronda and gives her, her first loss without destroying her mystique.

Also, if Alexa wins then her match with Trish takes on new meaning at Evolution – and I guarantee more people will tune in if it becomes a title match and Trish could win one more title.

Who Will Win: Alexa Bliss.

• RAW Tag Team Title Match: Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntrye versus Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins

This is the match I was hoping would be announced. It needed to happen and the Tag Titles on the line are a good thing. These are evenly matched, excellent teams. Dolph and Drew have shown great chemistry together and Dean and Seth are an experience duo.

However, will either team win this match? Might the Revival and/or The B-Team come looking for revenge?

Why Dolph and Drew Should Win: They are the fresher tag team, on a roll and there is more upside to them winning. Let the Shield, Revival and B-Team Chase them. They could be the dominate tag team RAW needs.

Why Dean and Seth Should Win: Because they are the Shield. After two weeks of beat downs, riots, arrest, near arrest, the Shield need something positive. A Win would be it.

Who Will Win: Dolph and Drew.

• Universal Title Match – Inside Hell In A Cell: Roman Reigns versus Braun Strowman

Yes, now this is a build that RAW is getting right.

The Return of the Shield in what should have been a Heel move.

Braun’s Heel turn and joining forces with Drew and Dolph after announcing his Cash-In.

An all-out Brawl to start the 9/3 RAW and The Shield Arrested, and another Brawl on 9/10.

RAW has focused on this Universal Title Match and that is a good thing.

With the Universal Title on an active, full time Work Horse, things should improve as now something can be done with the Title – beyond just wonder where the absentee Champion is.

There has been so many tangents for it, and there are so many possibilities as to what can happen here.

The SHIELD are back, stopping Braun from winning the Title. Braun has aligned himself with Dolph and Drew. Dolph and Drew beat up the Revival and stole their Tag Title Match and took the titles from the B Team.

Will the Shield interfere? Dolph and Drew most certainly will. Could the Revival interfere looking for revenge on Dolph and Drew?

There are so many threads it’s interesting.

I like Braun, but have never been a big Reigns fan. However, Braun is the one opponent that really brings something more out of Reigns.

My one thing against this match right now: Mick Foley. Why? Yes, I know: 20 year celebration of his Hell In A Cell match. It might make sense if it was the first Hell In A Cell match, but it wasn’t. His lack of mobility already affects any pacing this match will have and his presence makes me believe more there will be a swerve.

Why Braun Should Win: It’s his time, and he has called his shot cashing in. He needs to win in order to be truly solidified as the Monster Among Men, as he failed twice before against Lesnar. Braun could be a great Heel Champion for the faces among RAW to chase, and with Dolph and Drew at his side it could be a long hard chase.

Why Roman Should Win: Roman doesn’t need to win, but a loss will hurt him. After finally conquering Lesnar, he needs to follow that up with a win here to cement his Big Dog status. He could get a clean win, or the Shield could help him.

Who Will Win: Braun Strowman.

As always the cage will never keep anyone out, I expected an all-out riot and for Braun to come out with a victory that puts him at the top of the food chain, but protects Roman and sets the stage for more matches.

SD LIVE MATCHES AND PREDICTIONS

Two things I write above are in play here: 1) This is a SD Live heavy show – that’s a good thing. I hope; 2) we only know for sure that one of these matches is in the Hell In A Cell match itself: Hardy versus Orton.

They clarity of this needed to happen weeks ago, many people (myself included) initially thought Daniel Bryan/Brie Bella versus The Miz/Maryse would be in Hell In A Cell, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

• Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella versus The Miz and Maryse

I Love Bryan and The Miz. Maryse is okay. Brie, No. I don’t understand why we are getting a Summerslam Rematch here. I get why Brie is involved after Maryse’s Summerslam sleight of hand, I just don’t think they add anything to the match.

The build has been good, with both women getting involved, and both Couples at one time getting the upper hand. Of the matches from SD Live, this one has had the most physical interaction.

Why Daniel Bryan/Brie Bella should win: Daniel needs a big win, badly. Brie needs on too, especially is she is back wrestling at any regular way. Daniel can also use the boost of getting The Miz off his back if they ever plan on putting a title on him again.

Why The Miz/Maryse should win: A win would help The Miz, but he could survive the loss better than Bryan. Maryse is a nonfactor, as she will probably not be wrestling again anytime soon. The most sense for a Miz win would be if they are planning to elevate him into a title picture sometime soon.

Who Will Win: Daniel Bryan/Brie Bella

• Hell In A Cell Match: Jeff Hardy versus Randy Orton

Of any match on the card, this has the longest current build. It goes back almost three months: to Randy attacking Hardy when he was still US Champion and initially feuding with Nakamura.

Randy has been very vicious and nasty, returning to his heel ways. Jeff it seems has tried to stay centered and in control, but it starting to lose it.

The question I have, it why are they spending this time and putting essentially two part timers in such a spot?

There is one reason I can think of: Broken. With the face paint and “Obsolete” references, the Hell In A Cell would be the perfect place for Brother Nero to resurrect.

Why Randy Should Win: No real good reason, unless they want to use him for future big angles.

Why Jeff Hardy Should Win: Broken. If they are going to tease it, do it. And not in the watered down “Woken” crap way.

Who Will Win: Jeff Hardy.

• SD Live Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair versus Beck Lynch

This build has been done really well, and will the exception of a ‘fan’ attacking Charlotte, has been done with limited interaction.

This build and feud is personal and built upon the characters and a sense of betrayal more than anything else. But who betrayed who is the question.

Becky Lynch as a Heel has been a breath of fresh air and brought out something totally new and unseen in her, which is awesome.

Expect this match to be emotional, personal, hard hitting, vicious, nasty and to steal the show.

Why Charlotte Should Win: Charlotte feels her friend has turned on her for no reason. That Becky would have down the same to Charlotte during their Summerslam triple threat if she had the chance. Charlotte may be right. She will be more emotional and driving in that, but will that keep her from pulling the trigger?

Why Becky Will Win: Because it is her time. Because Heel Becky is even more awesome than Face Becky. Forget straight fire, welcome Straight Cold Fire. Becky will be much more vicious and out to prove it’s her time and take the title.

Who Will Win: Becky Lynch.

• WWE Championship AJ Styles versus Samoa Joe

Talk about getting personal, this is personal. This should be in Hell In A Cell.

What can I really say here? I like the Build, but I think the WWE being isolationist has caused them to drop the ball. Imagine if they build on the ten plus year of this feud outside of the WWE?

How epic could it be?

The Build here is basically the same leading into Summerslam, with very little difference. I hope this match is better than that one.

I’m engaged, but not as much as I should be. The problem is Samoa Joe is supposed to be a bas ass, yet he’s trying to scare little girls?

Why Joe Should Win: A Joe win furthers this feud as adds fuel to the fire. Joe could be the one thing SD Live is lacking: A Dominate Heel Champion.

Why AJ Should Win: the feel good story of a man fighting for his family.

Who Will Win: Samoa Joe. Joe’s tactics might not be ‘bad ass,’ but they are working. AJ snapped at Summerslam and loss the match by DQ. The same could happen here, but I don’t think so. Joe is under AJ’s skin, which will cause AJ to make mistakes and Joe to take him down.

What’s more dangerous than a man who can beat you physically? A man who can beat you physically and mentally.

Joe Wins.


FINAL THOUGHTS:
Initially I was very distant on Hell In A Cell. Very much sort of “whatever.”

But in writing this, and seeing that the entire card is eight matches (one Kick Off Match and seven Main Card), I’ve started to rethink Hell In A Cell.

Already it is a more streamlined and focused card them any other PPV/Event of the year. As I wrote could be the case above. For this PPV/Event the WWE has done a decent job of actually building up the matches, not just throwing as many on the card as possible.

Maybe, just Maybe, Hell In A Cell could be the PPV we need.

The Build is there.

The Talent is there.

Now we just have to see if they can execute it on Sunday.

Ace Masters.

Wrestlementary - A Blog Statement

I have recently posted the full Blog Statement on Facebook and my State of the Master Blog (Read Here: http://thestateofthemaster.blogspot.com/2018/08/state-of-master-blog-statement.html)

This is more or less a condensed version for Wrestlementary.

Wrestlementary will be going monthly for the remainder of 2018, starting September.

In December I will decide whether to keep Wrestlementary monthly, or try a different more manable schedule than before.

For the remainder of this year I will focus on the Main Roster WWE, as I am on NXT, Lucha Underground, Impact, Championship Wrestling From Arizona.

The monthly format for Wrestlementary will be this: On the Thursday before each PPV I will post a monthly RAW and Smackdown Live piece discussing the happenings of the last month leading into the PPV.

Friday I will preview the PPV with a breakdown of the Build to it, and the matches on the Card. Saturday I will post my official predictions.

The following Wednesday I will post my thoughts on the PPV and the Fallout.

I plan on being up-to-date on other wrestling shows I am behind on and discussing them again in the New Year.

Later,

Ace.

SLAMMING OUR WAY TO THE HOTTEST SHOW OF THE SUMMER VOLUME 1 - 8/6/2018

SLAMMING OUR WAY TO THE HOTTEST SHOW OF THE SUMMER

VOLUME 1

The Card to Date (8/6/2018)

Here we go, I am actually writing my first SummerSlam piece.

A little personal history: I, like many fans my age, have seen every SummerSlam when they actually aired. In fact, I’ve probably seen many of them multiple times and I know I have watched specific matches dozens of times (Honky v Warrior; Rude v Warrior in the Cage).

In fact I personally believe more pivotal moments have happened at Summerslam than WrestleMania.

Ok, done.

Let’s talk 2018 for now.

Today, Monday, is only August 6, Summerslam is only 14 day away on Sunday, August 19th and we already have what seems to be a stacked card.

Let’s take a look shall we?

Nine total matches and every main roster title is on the line except or the RAW Tag Titles. Will the B Team defend at Summerslam at all? Probably, but I’ll bet it will be on the Pre-Show.

I would start breaking down the matches themselves now, but I think that would be useless. I wouldn’t be surprised, in fact I expect it, if some of these matches get changed in some way leading up to the show.

Look at the SD Live Women’s Title Match, it was supposed to be Becky’s chance at a one-on-one title shot, but they went and added Charlotte to the match for no real reason. Maybe so both can carry Carmella?

For now I’m going to break down the card like this:

MUST SEE:
WORLD Title Match: AJ Styles versus Samoa Joe

• These two have had great matches, I expected it again. It would be nice if the WWE would build off their decade long past.

LOOKING FORWARD TO:
Braun Strowman versus Kevin Owen – With the Money in the Bank Briefcase on the line.

• Kevin Steen would kill Braun. I’d love to see a better match then Extreme Rules, and I am hoping for it. Both guys have a reason to fight.

Cruiserweight Title Match: Cedric Alexander versus Drew Gulak

• Love Ced. Love Drew. Could steal the show. Expect to see placed on the Pre-Show.

IC Title Match: Dolph Ziggler versus Seth Rollins

• Again? Yes.

SD Live Tag Titles: The Bludgeon Brothers versus ????

• Really open on this match, but I hope it’s The Bar. 

YAWN:
US Title Match: Shinsuke Nakamura versus Jeff Hardy

• I’ve soured on Shinsuke, his act is getting old – even as a heel. Jeff, no thanks.

SD Live Women’s Title: Carmella versus Becky Lynch versus Charlotte Flair

• I was really hoping for a Lynch win in a one-one-one match, even then I wasn’t looking forward to the match. With Charlotte added, it just makes me think they are going to keep the strap on Carmella.

RAW Woman’s Title Match: Alex Bliss versus Ronda Rousey

• I like Bliss. I like Ronda. I don’t expect much of a match, more of a showcase for Ronda. It’s too soon anyway, but that won’t stop them putting the title on Ronda.

UNIVERSAL Title Match: Brock Lesnar versus Roman Reigns

• Who cares anymore?

This is all I am going to do for a breakdown at the moment. Why? Because I am expecting the standard WWE move of making them more ‘interesting’ and ‘must see,’ by changing things up. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more stipulations added, or another match turned into a Triple Threat.

We’ll see.

Keep in mind I have written this BEFORE tonight’s RAW has happened.

My next SummerSlam piece will be Thursday or Friday, where I will discuss any SummerSlam news, notes, new matches or match changes coming out of this week’s RAW and SMACKDOWN LIVE.

Next week, starting Wednesday, August 15th, I will break down the entire card and post my official prediction on Saturday, August 18th.

For now, let try and enjoy the ride to SummerSlam

ACE MASTERS

SUMMERSLAM STATEMENT

SUMMERSLAM STATEMENT

In the few years I have been doing Wrestlementary, I have posted A LOT of blogs, and gone A LONG time without doing anything.

Two years in a row I have tried to do Mania month only to have things fall apart. I have twice announced my return to posting this year, only for it to not happen.

The month of July was railroaded because I ended up dealing with someone else’s problem and having an unexpected and unwanted Terror of a house guest. (Read more at my State of the Master Blog: Insert link).

Now with it being August I am returning to writing Wrestlementary. In fact this will be SummerSlam Month – as I will focus on my thoughts on the WWE for the year-to-date and on the Road to Summerslam.

Will Summerslam be the Hottest Event of the Summer? I’ll let you know.

Over the course of August I will break down and analyze SummerSlam as we learn more about the card after each RAW and SMACKDOWN LIVE.

My first piece will go up Monday, August 6th, in time for the first RAW of August.

In between the SummerSlam pieces I will write my thoughts on RAW, SMACKDOWN LIVE and the WWE in General so far in 2018.

So, for August Wrestlementary will focus on the WWE and Summerslam.

Meanwhile I will also get caught up on other shows I am behind on, and start writing on them again in September.

Ace.