Raven Admits He Needed Therapy Over Never Winning WWE World Title

 

Raven revealed that a major regret in his wrestling career was never becoming WWE World Champion. This gap in his achievements made him feel as though his career wasn’t fully successful, despite his many accomplishments.

He shared that these feelings prompted him to seek therapy, where he was encouraged to stop holding himself to such a high standard and to acknowledge and accept his successes.

Although he never won WWE’s top title, Raven achieved numerous other milestones, including multiple WWE Hardcore Championship reigns, two ECW World Heavyweight Championships, and the NWA World Heavyweight Title during his TNA tenure.

AJ Styles vs Undertaker, Bliss injury, Hero schedule, more!

photo courtesy: inquisitr.com|

- There were plans for AJ Styles to defend his WWE World title against the Undertaker at Royal Rumble, according to PWInsider. The shift to John Cena came around the same time the Creative team was changed up with the dismissal of Managing Writer Tom Casiello.

- The “injury” Alexa Bliss suffered during Tuesday’s Women’s title match was possible because the champ’s elbow joints are hypermobile (aka “double jointed”); she did not break or dislocate anything.

- Speaking of SmackDown injuries, Heath Slater Tweeted after the show he thought he’d been hurt in the tag title match, but later said he got a clean bill of health from the medical team.

- Chris Hero is working for Evolve on Royal Rumble weekend, including a show running at the same time as TakeOver: San Antonio, so if he is still coming to WWE, it won’t be until February.

- After working the first match in 205 Live history, the Bollywood Boys were sent back to the Performance Center, as management thought they needed more work.

source: cagesideseats.com

Was Baron Corbin Carried Through That Incredible WWE Championship Match?

SmackDown ended the year with a big triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship, as AJ Styles and Dolph Ziggler’s planned title match got a monkey wrench shaped like Baron Corbin thrown into the works. Corbin, who made his debut this year, ended 2016 finding himself in a title match. More than that, he was dominate for much of the match, even if he didn’t end up winning.

The question is, is this a sign of things to come? More to the point, should it be? The WWE clearly liked Corbin to begin with, because in his debut he won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. That’s an easy way to give a guy a boost and make him look tough. It was something of a hook for him, even if it became increasingly silly to hear him announced as the winner of said battle royal. Then, he found himself feuding with guys like Ziggler and Kalisto, always ending up with the upper hand in the end. He was on Smackdown’s main Survivor Series team, until he was “injured” by Kalisto and Shane McMahon took his spot. Getting in that match would have likely signified big things for Corbin. Just look at where Braun Strowman’s trajectory has gone since he was in that match. Instead, he had to wait a little until he got something even Strowman hasn’t gotten; a title shot.



Corbin was good in the match, but he definitely benefited from working with Styles and Ziggler. They were taking huge bumps and making Corbin look great. That’s not Corbin’s fault. Styles and Ziggler make everybody look good. That’s part of what makes them such talented wrestlers. However, Corbin showed he could carry his own. He seems like he has the skills to be a key cog in the Smackdown machine. He has something of a personality. That whole “Most Metal Athlete” thing helps just as much as the battle royal win, probably. He’s middling on the mic, but as a big heel, that’s all he really needs to be. It’d be too early to give Corbin a real feud with somebody like Styles. They need to find a good face for him to have a program with. Perhaps Dean Ambrose would be good for that, but he’s tied up with The Miz at the moment. Corbin ended 2016 showing the potential he has. Now he just needs to capitalize on it.

source: wrestlingrumors.net

Bray Wyatt On James Ellsworth Possibly Beating AJ Styles And Response to Matt Hardy

- During the interview, Wyatt was asked about making a run for the WWE Championship, whether it be from AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose or James Ellsworth, which caused Wyatt to groan. Wyatt noted that AJ Styles is a world-traveled athlete and that while he hates Styles, Styles is world-class. "James Ellsworth, kudos and hooray for him," Wyatt said. "But we're talking AJ Styles here. It's not going to happen."

- As noted, Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt have been going back-and-forth on Twitter after Hardy extended an invite to the Wyatts to appear at Thursday's Total Non-Stop Deletion episode of Impact Wrestling. Matt Hardy responded to Wyatt's last tweet, you can check out the full exchange below:

Matt says: I FORMALLY invite MeekMahan's #SDLive Champs, The Family of Wyatts, to #TotalNonstopDELETION.Our universes must collide. #Apocalypto

Bray says: @MATTHARDYBRAND you know where to find us...

Matt says: I do. And if #BrotherNero & I have to come there to make this MANDATED war happen, WE WILL. We are DESTINED to collide, Family of Wyatts.

2016 Royal Rumble Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

photo courtesy: wwe.com

The stake has recently been raised in WWE.

For the first time in Royal Rumble history, the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion must defend his title in the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match when the champion Roman Reigns enters the annual rumble match on Jan. 24.

The match was announced by WWE Chairman and CEO Mr. McMahon on the Jan. 4 edition of Raw (WATCH), after Reigns defeated Sheamus in a title match which was officiated by Mr. McMahon. Heading into that night, the WWE Chairman had guaranteed Reigns that he would not leave Raw as champion. In spite of the fact that Reigns proved Mr. McMahon wrong that night, but now the question hold - will The Big Dog resist the chances and defeat 29 other Superstars in the up-coming Royal Rumble Match?


Reigns vs. Sheamus - Mr. McMahon Guest Ref: Raw, Jan. 4 (WATCH)


Reigns on defending his Title in the Rumble: Raw, Jan. 4, (WATCH)

The annual pay per-view of the year, the Royal Rumble Match is completely an unique match for it's rules. Before the match, every one of the 30 Superstars draw their entrance number which is earlier determined. The Superstars who draw Nos. 1 and 2 starts the match, and every 90 seconds a new Superstar joins the match until every one of the 30 Superstars have entered the ring. The only way to be eliminated is to be thrown over the top rope with both feet touching the floor.

So far, the following Superstars have been declared official participants in the match:

1. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns
2. Chris Jericho
3. Bray Wyatt
4. Erick Rowan
5. Luke Harper
6. Braun Strowman
7. Dolph Ziggler
8. Ryback
9. Big Show
10. Curtis Axel

Seth Rollins tells the stories behind his tattoos: Superstar Ink

WWE World Heavyweight Champion and United States Champion Seth Rollins reveals the personal meanings behind his tattoos in a conversation with Corey Graves on the debut episode of Superstar Ink.

WWE Battleground 2014 Predictions: WWE Title Match: John Cena vs. Roman Reigns vs. Kane vs. Randy Orton

photo courtesy wwe.com

At Money in the Bank, Cena captured his 15th heavyweight championship, much to the dismay of a WWE Universe that has grown tired of his act. Sunday night at Battleground, he will defend that title against The Authority's Randy Orton and Kane and breakout star Roman Reigns in a huge Fatal 4-Way main event.

There has been noticeable tension between Cena and Reigns, who have had several heated staredowns in the weeks leading into the event. The crowd responses to the teased encounter between them have been phenomenal, proving that WWE could have a big-money match on its hand if it chooses to go in that direction.

Over the last two weeks, the attention has turned toward the growing dissension within The Authority, most notably that involving Kane and Orton. It intensified Monday night when Orton dropped the Demon with an RKO, ensuring that the Big Red Monster will have plenty of anger to unleash when the two take to the ring for the Battleground main event.

With one of the biggest shows of the year right around the corner, do not be surprised if the booking helps set up some of the highest-profile bouts on the SummerSlam card.

Prediction: John Cena

There are only two realistic choices to leave Tampa with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Reigns is as hot as any other babyface on the roster and has been accepted with open arms by a fanbase desperate for anything but the neon-wearing champion they have now. A win for him would be the culmination of a tremendous push over the last two months.

The danger of rushing him into a situation he is not prepared for, however, is significant and could result in the irreparable damage.

That brings us to the aforementioned neon-wearing champion, who is the unquestioned face of WWE and the company's resident "Superman." When faced with tremendous adversity, he always manages to come out with his head held high and his arm raised higher.

With the timing not right for Reigns and no chance of Orton or Kane winning the gold, Cena should retain and enter SummerSlam with the top prize in professional wrestling for the second consecutive year.

source: bleacherreport.com

Bray Wyatt Needs to Stay Away from the WWE Title Picture

photo courtesy: latinpost.com

Keep Bray Wyatt away from the WWE World Heavyweight Championship title picture.
This summer has been chaos for WWE and the title with Daniel Bryan's health questions. I've heard a lot of requests from fans to do something fresh and put the title on Wyatt.

But I think that's a short-sighted view, one which doesn't consider the big picture.

The title would not do anything better for Wyatt than what he's already doing. Yes, eventually he will have a title run—but that's eventually.

Being champion right now will expose weaknesses. Once he has the title, WWE has to make a firm decision on if he's a heel or face—a decision that is slowly and organically going to be made for the company as more fans cheer Wyatt. Other questions, such as what to do with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, will have to be answered as well when the babyface days are officially here for Wyatt.

This all doesn't need to happen right now.

There is a lot of grey area surrounding Wyatt, and it plays to his advantage. A title on him makes that positive go away.

Wyatt is still on the heel side of the fence, but a growing movement is taking place. The announcers acknowledge this every time he comes out to an arena full of iPhone lights being held up. What's going on with Wyatt is very special. A title will detour all of it and make him the subject of being chased because he carries the gold.

He will be the hunted once he becomes the champion.

Right now, Wyatt has built so much off of being the mysterious hunter. His feuds with Kane last summer, Bryan last winter, John Cena last spring or now Chris Jericho—Wyatt struck first in all of them. The opponents weren't calling him out; he was seeking them out for one reason or another.

photo courtesy: wrestleenigma.com

The armchair bookers who want him as champion right now probably don't see that it would go against part of the magic that's worked in his year on the main roster.

If he has the title, then he has to lose it. Looking at his big matches so far, it's been easy to forget that he's lost because of how well disguised the defeats have been. Wyatt still feels like he is somewhat undefeated.

He beat Kane. He beat Bryan at Royal Rumble. He got a win over Cena, and it took a violent and physical match at Extreme Rules for Cena to end that feud. This doesn't fit with a title run right now.

Another thing to remember is that we can learn a lot from the past. Wrestling goes in cycles.

I compare Wyatt to characters like The Undertaker, Mankind and Kane. Characters all with Hall of Fame credentials—so that's a good start. Characters that all were above the rest in terms of not being billed as normal. Maybe supernatural is too strong of a word for Wyatt, but I still think he falls in this category with those other three classic names.

He comes from his own mysterious place. He has his own mysterious entourage. He speaks like nobody else.

Length or number of title reigns is never a big, bold point when talking about the careers of The Undertaker, Mankind and Kane. That's because they didn't need the title. They had such mystery and respect due to their unique gimmick matches, promos and theatrics that winning championships was never required to get them over.

The title was too real for them.

Fans can reach over and touch the title. Fans can go buy the title at the merchandise stand. You can't reach out and touch the elements of uniqueness and theatrics a guy like Wyatt possesses. You can only feel and absorb.

As I said, eventually Wyatt will be WWE champion. It will likely come in a similar way it first did for Mankind in January of 1999. The character will have evolved and been humanized to a point where we know more of Wyatt's background—and he's a babyface.

Wyatt will have at least a title reign or two, but he won't need them, and they won't be long.

When Wyatt's career is over, we will talk and remember a lot of things, but they won't involve how many times he's been a world champion. We'll be talking about the promo he cut, the amazing match he had and the imagery of his presentation.

source: bleacherreport.com

Is Bray Wyatt Fortune Enough to Win At Money in the Bank Ladder Match

photo courtesy: sportskeeda.com

The sinister Bray Wyatt as champion is an electric storyline.

He's a new face, an exciting, improving prospect zooming up WWE's ladder. Choosing him is investing in the future, testing out a potential new marquee talent and trusting that he fulfills the promise he has shown so far.

WWE knows for sure it's getting A-level promos every night. Wyatt has nailed his promos throughout his run, and the WWE title in his possession only gives him more ammo for his diatribes.

His vicious, hard-hitting style makes his future title bouts appealing. Daniel Bryan could close out his story with "The Eater of Worlds" when he returns. A feud with Sheamus promises to be a top-notch battle, and should Wyatt turn babyface, he makes a fun foe for Brock Lesnar.



Wyatt hasn't won any titles yet. Boosting him all the way to world champ is a hurried route. He's young and has only had a short time on the main roster.

At his best, he's been stellar, but some of his matches have been subpar. His Inferno match against Kane last year comes to mind first. The Steel Cage match against John Cena at Extreme Rules disappointed as well.

Can Wyatt be consistent in the spotlight? Can he deliver against a variety of foes? Will his current popularity fade?

These are the biggest concerns for WWE when considering whether or not to crown Wyatt. Going with the unproven requires a touch of blind faith. Cesaro, Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt appear to be top-tier talent in the making, but WWE doesn't know that for sure.

The company must either trust its instincts and go with one of these up-and-comers or return to what's worked in the past. It can leap into the unknown or carefully step somewhere familiar.

source: bleacherreport.com

Chances Of John Cena To Stand Tall At Money in the Bank Ladder Match

photo courtesy: prowrestlingpowerhouse.com

Dependability and security are WWE's should it decide to have John Cena be champion. He has been the cornerstone of the franchise for years.

Choosing him to be the company's top guy isn't so much a promotion for him as it is a confirmation.

There will be a plethora of fans in neon cheering him on should he win. Kids, many members of the military and casual fans will be happy to see the ultimate good guy triumph once more.

Cena as a champion sets up a big SummerSlam match against just about anybody. If Daniel Bryan is healthy by then, a rematch has great promise. Another go-round with Brock Lesnar is a money match as as well.


Cena winning is the most boring and predictable option on the table. Fans have seen this story play out several times already, as Cena is already an 11-time WWE champ. He last held the title last August, a reign sure to be fresh in fans' minds.

Should his next reign come at Money in the Bank, WWE misses out on a chance to elevate a new star, to offer something new.

Even without the title, Cena has remained a marquee figure. Other Superstars need that prop more. Handing it to him has little dramatic effect and doesn't affect his career nearly as much as it would that of someone yet to stockpile so many accomplishments.

source: bleacherreport.com

Will Cesaro Out Shine At Money in the Bank Ladder Match

photo courtesy: sportskeeda.com

Should Cesaro exit the TD Garden in Boston with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, fans will be buzzing. Despite being a heel, Cesaro is increasingly popular. His hard-hitting style was once underappreciated, but now his uppercuts are inspiring audiences to howl.

WWE would help build a new star by adding Cesaro's name to the world title history books.

He offers a fresh, exciting alternative to John Cena, Randy Orton and the old guard. "The King of Swing" has been on the cusp of becoming a headliner in 2014. Giving him that role would be fun to watch, the crowd scooting ahead to see how he does.

As a bonus, Cesaro as champ means more for Paul Heyman to brag about. Count on him being astoundingly irritating should his client capture the gold.

The company would then have a litany of great options for the next few pay-per-views. Cesaro vs. Daniel Bryan, Cena or Brock Lesnar are all potential classics. Cesaro has had great showings against Bryan and Cena in the past, and a battle of Heyman guys against Lesnar promises to be a magnum opus for "The Swiss Superman."


WWE would have to approach a Cesaro reign with uncertainty. He has yet to be in a headlining position. Would he be able to handle the spotlight? Would his popularity hold?

Those are the questions WWE will have in additions to ones about Cesaro's mic work. He has been extremely dependent on Heyman. That didn't hamper Lesnar in the past, but he has a powerful presence that Cesaro has yet to display. Watching Lesnar stand next to Heyman is like watching a lion snarl alongside a lion tamer.

Cesaro hasn't proved that he can be magnetic on that level.

source: bleacherreport.com

Chances Of Alberto Del Rio to Win At Money in the Bank Ladder Match

photo courtesy: wrestlingvalley.org

Alberto Del Rio enters Money in the Bank as the dark horse, despite his experience.

Fans are focused on the red-hot Roman Reigns, the emerging star in Bray Wyatt as well as John Cena looking to return to the company's top spot. Going with Del Rio here would be a shocker. The unexpected route would make for some widened jaws on June 29.

Like Sheamus, it's been years since he was WWE champ. It was back in 2011 when CM Punk began his historic reign by besting Del Rio.

That means that there is an element of freshness to Del Rio winning but coupled with security on WWE's part.

Once he wore the championship, WWE knows that it would have fantastic matches in the upcoming main events. Del Rio is an experienced, accomplished ring worker with standout showings in the past against Dolph Ziggler, Cena and Christian.

The concerns about another Del Rio reign, though, center around how much appeal his matches would have.


Del Rio's bouts are well-worked and technically sound, but he lacks the kind of presence to make fans care about the results. Cena isn't a better wrestler than him, but his matches tend to feel bigger and more significant than Del Rio's.

Imagining whom Del Rio would face in the coming months isn't exciting. Del Rio against Brock Lesnar doesn't feel like a SummerSlam match. Cena vs. Del Rio at Battleground isn't going to draw fans in. It's too familiar a matchup, the spark from their rivalry long gone.

Del Rio also has the least amount of momentum of his opponents. While Sheamus, Cesaro and Reigns have been winning a number of matches and getting a lot of the spotlight, Del Rio is without much of a narrative right now.

That is likely to leave a Del Rio victory at Money in the Bank feeling hollow.

source: bleacherreport.com

Is Roman Reigns The One Who Will Win At Money in the Bank Ladder Match

photo courtesy: auburnpub.com

Crowning Roman Reigns at Money in the Bank would be a case of culling momentum when it's still gathering speed.

Reaction for Reigns has grown louder and more passionate, fans roaring for him when he nearly won the Royal Rumble and when he stood opposite Rusev in a Battle Royal that decided who would next enter this Ladder match. He offers fans a new face in the title scene, an exciting alternative to going with a man who has previously held the championship.

With the title around his waist, his feud with Triple H would now feature a title match. He would be a thrilling option as Brock Lesnar's SummerSlam opponent, one beast looking to topple another.

Even if Reigns' turn as champ is short, adding this win to his resume and getting him valuable experience in the spotlight help build toward the future.

WWE can't have John Cena and Randy Orton main event WrestleMania 31, 32 and 33. The audience hungers for novelty, for emerging stars to take great strides. WWE can have Reigns do that at Money in the Bank.


Of the three men in the match who have yet to win the WWE title, Reigns is the most unproven. Bray Wyatt and Cesaro have had far more opportunities in longer singles matches.

Reigns, meanwhile, has spent the majority of his run in tag team action. Questions about if he can translate his explosive, exciting offense into lengthier in-ring stories remain unanswered.

That's true as well for his mic ability. He has shared talking duties with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose for the most part. WWE can't be sure of what he can do with the spotlight zeroed in on him.

He certainly looks like top-tier talent at times, but Money in the Bank may be too early to have him ascend that high. After a feud with Triple H and another high-level star, the "Reigns as WWE champ" conversation will be much different. For now, there's a big risk of the company moving too fast to award him that honor.

source: bleacherreport.com

Will Randy Orton Overcome at Money in the Bank Ladder Match

photo courtesy: wrestlingtimesx.wordpress.com

WWE can enter another Randy Orton world title reign with confidence. He has certainly been in this position before, winning a total of 12 world championships in his career.

He's a reliable top heel, able to work standout matches against just about anyone. His mic skills are underrated as well. While not an elite mic worker, he can effectively irk the crowd with his arrogance as he proved in early 2014 and for much of his career.

Orton has faded from prominence lately, becoming a nondescript figure in The Authority's entourage. A win here gets him a bigger share of the spotlight and allows him to return to more autonomous villainy.

An Orton victory will induce deja vu. At last year's event, Orton won the Ladder match at the main event.


In addition, it hasn't even been three months since he lost the title at WrestleMania 30. He won the belt back in October, beginning his eighth reign. "The Viper" spent much of the second half of 2013 either with that championship or as the No. 1 contender.

Beyond that, though, Orton and John Cena have hovered around the world title scene for years.

Going with Orton once more here is sure to inspires a lot of sighs. It would be the latest resume booster for a man with a bloated one.

One also has to wonder how thrilling his upcoming title match options would be. Seeing Daniel Bryan take him on once he returns has little spark. It's a pairing WWE has to let rest for a long while. Orton vs. Cena at Battleground or SummerSlam lacks freshness as well.

source: bleacherreport.com

Will Sheamus Win The Money in the Bank Ladder Match

photo courtesy: wrestleenigma.com

A Sheamus reign promises hard-hitting, compelling fights in main events to come. Chest-hammering and jaw-kicking await his challengers.

That physical style makes him an intriguing opponent for Brock Lesnar, should he come back at SummerSlam with his eyes aimed at the world title. There are few Superstars on the roster who could realistically engage Lesnar in a brawl, doing more than surviving against him.

Sheamus is one of them.

Sheamus vs. John Cena (with a Sheamus heel turn) has some appeal as well, as does Daniel Bryan challenging him upon his return from injury. Those two have had stellar matches before (Extreme Rules 2012 in particular), and WWE would have plenty of history to draw on.

"The Celtic Warrior" has also been at the mountaintop before. The company knows what it will get with him as champ.

Although it would be his third WWE title win, Sheamus hasn't held that belt since 2010. There's both a familiarity and novelty about him taking it home once more.


Should Sheamus earn the victory on June 29, he would have to vacate the United States Championship. He has recently upped its prestige by defending it more often than previous champs and bringing his star power to the title.

Having him simply toss it aside in favor of a superior championship devalues the U.S. title.

As WWE champ, he's sure to get additional mic time. His mic work is a downgrade from many of the potential winners at the event. The company doesn't often let Sheamus say more than a handful of words, preferring to let him just ball up his fists and get to work.

It's harder to do that with him at the top spot.

source: bleacherreport.com

Update on the Next WWE World Heavyweight Champion

photo courtesy: whatculture.com

The state of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is literally up in the air.

With Daniel Bryan’s recovery from neck surgery keeping him on the sidelines for longer than expected, he is no longer the holder of those coveted title belts. Instead, you can find them dangling above the WWE ring, a symbol of the upcoming Ladder match that will take place at Money in the Bank for the vacant straps.

But given that this plan was put into action on such short notice, it’s difficult to predict who will be booked to win the match and capture the gold.

The fact that there are seven participants doesn’t make it any simpler. Furthermore, the presence of relatively newer names in the title picture—namely Cesaro, Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns—allows a number of exciting prospects.

If F4WOnline (via Marc Middleton of WrestlingInc) is anything to go by, we could be set to see a more established name leave the TD Garden with the belts in tow.

F4WOnline reports that John Cena is apparently in line to win the WWE World Heavyweight Title at next Sunday's Money In the Bank pay-per-view.

It was previously reported that word from within WWE was that a heel would be leaving Money In the Bank with the title. During Monday's RAW, it appeared they may be grooming Roman Reigns for the title as they had him work his way into the match but that may not be the case as it's likely too soon for Reigns to have a title run.

So much for giving the new guys their chance. But I suppose if we look at the bigger picture, this one makes more sense.

Perhaps it is too early for one of the aforementioned trio to win the top prize. Besides, either one would arguably benefit more from a prolonged program which sees them finally come up triumphant—much like Daniel Bryan recently (minus the neck surgery, of course).

photo courtesy: zap2it.com

And if the report by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is anything to go by, Brock Lesnar looks set to challenge for and win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at this year’s SummerSlam. So what would be the point in having Reigns, Wyatt or Cesaro hold the titles for a mere few months?

With this in mind, a Cena win looks more logical. His value is too high for a short-lived title reign to damage his standing, and Cena vs. Lesnar would fit the WWE’s preferred formula of heel vs. face, though it probably wouldn’t fit the fans’ preferred formula of avoiding rehashes of old Cena matches.

On that note, what about a Randy Orton win?

Orton vs. Lesnar would certainly be fresh, as would Sheamus vs. Lesnar, though I think the fans would be more invested in the former contest. As for the seventh participant, Alberto Del Rio, his stock isn’t high enough to warrant a main event at SummerSlam with Lesnar, so I can’t see the WWE going down that route.

All in all, I still imagine that WWE will go with Cena. Having him win would be the easiest way to transition to a Lesnar title run. But I’m really starting to think that Orton could be a suitable victor.

A main event clash with Lesnar could be just what The Viper needs to rejuvenate his stagnating position in the WWE, and even though it would be heel vs. heel (barring a face turn from Orton), it would likely be a more favorable choice amongst fans than Cena vs. Lesnar II.

Of course, much of this discussion has been based on the assumption that Lesnar will indeed compete for the title at SummerSlam. If he doesn’t, then that only casts further doubt on the situation.

Either way, this proves one thing—the Money in the Bank match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is shaping up to be a thoroughly intriguing affair.

Please feel free to comment below with your opinions on this one, as well as any predictions you may have or thoughts on the article itself.

source: bleacherreport.com

Seth Rollins Should Not Win WWE World Heavyweight Championship

photo courtesy: sethrollinsfans.tumblr.com

During a recent podcast, I mentioned the unlikelihood of WWE pulling the trigger on Seth Rollins as WWE world heavyweight champion.

Apparently, and obviously, many within the Internet Wrestling Community feel differently:

Did I mention that putting the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on Seth Rollins would be #BestforBusiness?
— Ryan (@thingofswings) June 13, 2014

btw Seth Rollins could legit win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at MITB, like, IT'S AN ACTUAL POSSIBILITY.
— Mr. 434 (@over_as_hell) June 11, 2014

RT if you would want to see Seth Rollins and Daniel Bryan feud over the #WWE World Heavyweight Championship this Summer. #MainEvent
— Bryan (@BryanIsWWE) June 4, 2014

@WWERollins for WWE World Heavyweight Championship. #WWE #Raw
— Shawn Shashidharan (@shawnitch) June 16, 2014

Someday I hope Seth Rollins gets the WWE World Heavyweight Championship #Rollinator pic.twitter.com/ODYqxfsaUo
— Solrac (@AwesomeSolrac) May 12, 2014

As of this writing, five wrestlers have qualified for the WWE Money in the Bank main event, which will be competed for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. They are Cesaro, Bray Wyatt, Alberto Del Rio, Randy Orton and Sheamus.

With two spots left in the group free-for-all, John Cena—currently in limbo following a lengthy feud against Bray Wyatt—should be considered the favorite to fill one of those spots.

Cena would complete a pool of wrestlers who would be seen as relatively low-risk choices to carry the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in Bryan's absence. Cena and Orton are proven commodities, who have enjoyed multiple world championship reigns of significance.

Sheamus too has reigned as WWE and world heavyweight champion on separate occasions, and he has been legitimized as of late by elusive victories over Cesaro, Dean Ambrose and Wade Barrett. If that doesn't indicate WWE's trust in the Celtic Warrior, nothing will.


Del Rio may have an outside shot to win at best, but he, like the three aforementioned combatants, has carried multiple world championships.

WWE even conveyed Del Rio as a low-risk option during the May 26 of Raw, when Stephanie McMahon was seen conversing with Del Rio, presumably to court him as WWE world heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan's replacement.

Bray Wyatt and Cesaro, who would be seen as the more risky choices, have already been accepted by the WWE audience as credible (cool) heels.

Wyatt is coming off a major feud against top star Cena, which included a match at WrestleMania XXX. Meanwhile, Cesaro went over in a field of 31 at the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at the same supercard.

When juxtaposing Rollins' singles accolades against the current Money in the Bank pool, which again currently doesn't include Cena, he pales in comparison.

It's almost as if the participants in this year's Money in the Bank match had to fulfill certain backstage job qualifications:

• One full year as a singles star on the main roster a must (vignettes included)
• World championship experience preferred
• One-on-one experience at WrestleMania strongly preferred
• Non-generic theme music a plus

If Rollins' resume were to be submitted for this match, he likely would have received a rejection letter from Stamford, and rightfully so.

Not only should Rollins not win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship just weeks into his singles career on the main roster, he shouldn't even be booked near the title picture.

Rollins' major beef is currently with The Shield. He will only continue to develop as a character as WWE tells the story of his decision to leave The Shield and the bitter war that follows.



A possible second Money in the Bank match—to feature Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns—would not only further The Shield feud, it would make Rollins relevant with a win.

That second Money in the Bank match would obviously carry less stringent qualifications. WWE only has so many former world champions even in this day and age of diluted championships. A Money in the Bank match contrary to the announced "All-Stars" would be more fitting for an up-and-comer like Rollins.

A WWE World Heavyweight Championship win, on the other hand, would be too much, too soon. A loss in the championship Money in the Bank Ladder match would immediately brand Rollins as not worthy of his major push. It would be difficult to be taken seriously as a singles star following a big-match loss, especially with very little to justify being in a singles main event to begin with.

There is no need to take a risk on an unproven upstart, especially when WWE's Bryan risk has thus far gone awry.

source: bleacherreport.com

Kane Is the Best First Challenge for Daniel Bryan's WWE World Championship

photo courtesy: wrestlenewz.com

Kane was verbally assaulted on the April 14 edition of Monday Night Raw by Stephanie McMahon.  Stephanie was calling out The Big Red Machine on a couple of different issues, most notably Daniel Bryan as the new WWE world champion.

And by the time the spot was over, it had become apparent to fans that Kane had once again found the devil inside.  He is now targeting Daniel Bryan, and there's no better first challenger for the WWE World Championship.

The truth is that it was likely only a matter of time before Kane became The Devil's Favorite Demon once again.  He has spent nearly six months in a business suit while the familiar red mask rested under protective glass.

And that glass was not there to protect the mask; it was there to protect the other WWE Superstars.

photo courtesy: wwe.com

Kane was the ultimate monster, the red menace who stalked one talent after another.  Long before Brock Lesnar was the beast incarnate, Kane wore the mantle proudly.  He terrorized the roster as a heel, and he brought fans to their feet as a babyface.

And the common denominator between the two characters is the entertainment value.  Simply put, Kane is very good at what he does, and there are very few Superstars as well-rounded and firmly established as he is.

So despite the fact that he is a veteran whose best years are likely behind him, the truth is that Kane still has a lot to offer in WWE.  It's because of this that he was meant to wear the black and red once again. He was also meant to feud with Bryan for the championship.

The reason for that lies in the history that the two men have together.



It was back in 2012 when The Big Red Monster and WWE's biggest underdog crossed paths in what many referred to as the "anger management" storyline.  It was due to their individual issues with temper and aggression that caused them to feud in the first place, and it eventually brought them together as a tag team.

While under the care of Dr. Shelby, Team Hell No embarked upon one of the most entertaining angles WWE fans had seen in years.  Kane's unsubtle, not-so-silent rage was tempered by Bryan's neurotic personality, and the two made for some very funny moments in WWE.

But when Team Hell No captured the WWE tag titles and later feuded with The Shield, the laughing gave way to awe and respect.

Kane and Bryan became a very polished, very well-rounded tag team.  Fans saw their rise in the company and their transition from comic relief to the alpha males of the tag team division.  Team Hell No had arrived, and their partnership had peaked at the perfect time.

Of course, a peak usually leads to a valley, and by the time Team Hell No split, it was a moment that fans had actually been anticipating.  But that split has ultimately led fans to the moment that is now before them.

Kane will almost certainly be the first challenger for Daniel Bryan's WWE World Championship.  Their past makes the perfect backstory, and their present roles are the perfect connection to their impending rivalry.

It's each man's present spot in the company that is the most vital element contributing to Kane's potential role as Bryan's first challenger.

photo courtesy: wwe.com

Kane is WWE's director of operations, the man who has been at Triple H's right hand since October of 2013.  He has enforced The Authority's rule over the locker room and has run the show whenever Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were not on TV.  Kane successfully translated his ring character to the corporate killer that fans know him to be now.

And standing on the opposite side of The Authority is the man who destroyed its death grip on the WWE world title.

Daniel Bryan is the man who raged against the machine, the man who fought against The Authority and won.  He took the industry's top prize from Triple H's handpicked top star in Randy Orton, thus ending The Authority's hold on the company's top spot.

And now Bryan will come face to face with Kane, who will undoubtedly be looking for redemption on behalf of The Authority.  The Big Red Machine has an ax to grind against the man he once reluctantly called his partner and friend.

Kane is the best first challenger for Daniel Bryan's WWE World Championship.  When the two men come together now, the entertainment value will likely be just as strong as it ever was before.

source: bleacherreport.com

Raw Result 4/7/14: Triple H vs. Daniel Bryan (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)

photo courtesy: wwe.com

"This fairy tale could end."—JBL.

Fans chant for 3MB to help Bryan.

"We are not breaking this down to a war. This is not happening."—Triple H.

Backstage, Kane spilled the secret that Triple H had ordered the beatdown on The Shield weeks ago on SmackDown. Still, Stephanie McMahon demanded that The Shield make sure Daniel Bryan lost the title.

That's what Randy Orton and Batista had in mind as well. They ambushed the world champ right before his scheduled match with Triple H, Batista hitting a Batista Bomb on Bryan.

Kane added a chokeslam to the onslaught.

That's when Triple H sauntered out to begin the match. The Game was just about ready to devour the already fallen prey when The Shield entered.

Triple H ordered the trio to stand down.

Roman Reigns knocked Triple H over with a spear and a brawl erupted. The Shield surrounded The Game, who soon felt Bryan's knee crash against his jaw.

Kane pulled Triple H out of the ring, and The Shield and Bryan stood side by side in the ring.

Rather than just repeat the same tired tale of The Authority cheating Bryan out of wins, WWE has shifted the stars of this drama. Adding The Shield creates a compelling dynamic.

This could be setting up a stable-versus-stable battle that will remind fans of the Attitude Era.

It's not exactly clear where the company is heading, but in a good way. There are a number of forks WWE can take from a new version of Evolution re-forming to a Reigns vs. Triple H bout being set up for the future.

Regardless of where WWE goes, the last moments of Monday's Raw kept fans wanting to watch how things develop from this point.

source: bleacherreport.com

Raw Result 4/7/14: Daniel Bryan Celebrates on Raw

photo courtesy: wwe.com

"You deserve it!" Chants break out.

"The hairy Cinderella sees midnight."—John Bradshaw Layfield when Triple H came out.

"This is my show and there's not a damn thing you can do about it."—Triple H to Bryan.

Daniel Bryan entered the ring with his newly won championships in tow as the arena welcomed him with booming "Yes!" chants. He tried to address the fans only to have even louder chants wash over his voice.

The celebration ended quickly, though.

The Authority stomped down to ringside, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon wearing matching sneers.

Bryan lifted his titles right in front of the COO's face, tempting him to come into the ring. Triple H told him that his moment wouldn't last. He put him in a championship match against himself.

WWE made the right choice in highlighting Bryan right away. That led to the show beginning with a fiery energy rather than having Undertaker's loss overshadow his moment.

The magic that is Bryan's connection with fans remains awe-inspiring.

Bryan and The Game get a chance to continue the excellence they produced at WrestleMania. That main event allows Bryan's reign to begin in explosive fashion.

source: bleacherreport.com