For those wondering, yes, a new instalment of The 5 News Week will be up next week (if you're new, basically every Sunday, I report on the 5 major or minor news of the week hence the name "5 News Week").
It's just something I'm releasing given that I haven't reviewed RAW yesterday. But for now, here are a few news I guess?
NXT Japan Ain't Happening?
The Japanese wrestling scene is something I'm not all too familiar with (I mean, you're the resident WWE shill, Omar, what do you think?).
But, I've been keeping an eye on news regarding NXT's latest expansion in the land of the rising sun for several months now and trust me, there are so many reports dating back several months about this topic that will easily fill 2,000 words. I ain't gonna do all of that.
Almost 2 months ago, Dave Meltzer said in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there's been a worry regarding NXT entering the Japanese wrestling market. Here's the full context of that sentence (from Heel By Nature):
"Right now in Japan there is a lot of concern across the board about WWE entering the marketplace, particularly now when all but the top companies are vulnerable because of being unable to run shows due to the coronavirus.” Meltzer stated. “The idea is that if WWE makes the move soon, most companies will be in a weakened state financially and will have more trouble competing and surviving. "
This is before the exclusive report from Tokyo Sports stating that AJPW and WWE have been in "secretive talks" since last summer.
Speaking of Tokyo Sports, in their article about the WWE layoffs, there was a brief mention regarding the likelihood of an NXT Japan and the piece basically said that the promotion ain't happening due to the financial cutbacks.
Honestly, I'm glad that NXT Japan is no more (will see in the future) like let Japan be its own thing when it comes to pro wrestling.
Thoughts On Apollo Crews' "Injury".
I finally caught up with this week's edition of Monday Night RAW and it was boring for the most part (by the way, Samoa Joe is a nice addition to the commentary team).
However, the best part of this borefest of a show is Apollo Crews' story and where it's leading to. Crews pinned Andrade in a 6 man tag team match with the best looking sit out powerbomb I've ever seen to date.
Vega was so mad at that pinfall that in a backstage segment, she offered a United States championship match later in the night against her client, Andrade to which Crews obviously accepted.
Throughout the match, Andrade targets Apollo's left leg and because of the damage done to his leg, Apollo "isn't medically cleared to take part in the Money In The Bank match".
This whole arc so far has been fantastic to witness and it makes it even better as a fan of Apollo Crews.
They went from grabbing our attention due to the amount of screen time the guy gets to now building sympathy for Apollo Crews and the eventual payoff will be worth it at least I hope that's the scenario.
And that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this short read. The Coherent Wrestling Wednesdays will be up, as usual, tomorrow where I recap both NXT and AEW Dynamite.
What do you think about the news I just talked about and follow me on the tweets @omartheplayaguy. Anyways, stay safe smarks.