Greetings.
As most of my readers know, I’ve been outspokenly critical of the WWE – justifiably so, I might add, for resorting to far too many swerve finishes, including run-ins, DQ’s, referee bumps and other bogus technicalities, especially in title matches and main events, to the point where that type of thing has almost become the rule rather than the exception. To my way of thinking, that sort of illicit and ill-conceived cop out has not only cheapened the integrity of the belts, but has unnecessarily disillusioned and pissed off legions of fans – many of whom, sadly, are no longer fans.
Having said that, I’m pleased to see that the powers that be in the WWE appear to have been listening to my ongoing pleas to cut back on the bullshit and seem to be taking affirmative steps to restoring some perceptible legitimacy to the titles, by having straight, no nonsense finishes in two of the main matches this past week, the women’s world title match between Charlotte and Sasha Banks and the elimination match between Roman Reigns and Finn Balor, to determine who would be facing world champion Seth Rollins at SummerSlam.
The women’s title match, in particular, was gratifying and satisfying. In the past, as many of you know, I’ve expressed my dissatisfaction with the state of women’s wrestling in general – finding it to be more about tits and ass, over choreographed and sterile high-spot exhibitions and not enough actual wrestling to warrant being taken seriously.
Having said all of that, I have to admit that I was extremely impressed and surprised with the compelling and riveting women’s title match between Charlotte and Sasha last week on RAW – culminating in Sasha winning the belt; as well as the stellar performance rendered by Reigns and Balor in the elimination match to determine who would be facing WWE champion Seth Rollins at the upcoming Summer Slam pay-per-view, which resulted in Finn going over.
It was once said of iconic former heavyweight boxing champion, Smokin’ Joe Frazier, that he gained more glory in defeat during his epic “Thrilla in Manila” loss to Muhammad Ali, than for any match he ever won in his illustrious career. The same can likely be said for both Charlotte and Roman, for their courageous and inspired performances last weekend – both of which were certified match of the year candidates.
Charlotte and Sasha, in particular, impressed me with their hard fought, spirited performance, which was as good a women’s match as I’ve seen in years and, in going down to defeat, Charlotte’s stock, nonetheless, rose appreciably. I have no doubt that her dad Ric, who was one of the foremost practitioners of the same brand of selfless old school wrestling, must have been beaming with unabashed pride, afterward. Good on you Charlotte (and Sasha) – you both raised the bar for women’s wrestling to unprecedented new highs and deserve full marks for your uplifting performance, which was one for the ages!
As for the much maligned Roman Reigns, he, too, rose to the occasion in glorious fashion – losing the match, but ultimately gaining new found respect within the industry for having placed the interests of the business ahead of his own, personal interests.
Up until now, to be quite honest, like many of you, I’ve been somewhat disinclined to take Roman all that seriously as a bonafide worker. His initial stint as a member of the somewhat gimmicky Shield wasn’t all that awe inspiring or auspicious and, like many another second generation types, it was widely perceived that he may have been given an unwarranted fast track to stardom early on, simply because of his father, Sika, who had been star in the WWE back in the 80’s.
As such, a lot of skeptics had serious doubts about whether Roman was up to the task and worthy of the mega push he’d been given. After his selfless and gut wrenching command performance last week against Balor though, he’s certainly made a believer out of me and, I suspect, legions of other fans.
Without equivocation, I give him full marks for his inspired performance – which was even more impressive given some of the personal issues he’d been dealing with as of late. Congratulations, my man, for a selfless and compelling profile in courage! I’m sure that Roman’s dad and his uncle Afa – both of whom launched their careers back in the day in my dad’s Dungeon and are old and dear friends, must also be beaming with pride.
While Sasha Banks and Finn Balor are obviously the main beneficiaries of the stirring performances rendered by Charlotte and Roman, I think the fans and the whole WWE promotion are the real beneficiaries – which is what it’s all about.
In closing, I realize that one good weekend doesn’t necessarily atone for all the egregious mistakes and ill-conceived manifestations that the powers that be in the WWE have perpetrated in the past decade or so, but this certainly is an encouraging indication that perhaps the decision makers in Stamford, Connecticut have taken a bold, new step in the right direction, insofar as restoring legitimacy, respectability and vibrancy back into our business. I couldn’t be more pleased and, dare I say, proud.
Props to you, Vince, Hunter, Stephanie, Shane and/or whomever else is responsible – keep up the good work!
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