Why Is The "Brand To Brand Invitation" A Thing Now?
The first 3 out of the 5 News stories are all related to Smackdown in some way shape or form so here we go.
This past week's episode of Monday Night RAW saw the return of the wildcard rule *coughed once* I mean the debut of the brand to brand invitation in which any superstars can appear on the opposite show.
During yesterday's episode of Smackdown, Micheal Cole had more to say regarding the brand to brand Invitational in that superstars are allowed to make their presence in a different WWE brand only 4 times a year.
The real question is, why is this all happening? There are two reported reasons that somehow connect with each other?
Post Wrestling and John Pollock stated that it was the request of the networks and the hope from WWE is that "it will be a simpler version of the wildcard rule" (John should've put *sigh* before wildcard rule but that's just me).
Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio (from Sportskeeda) said it was due to the decline of ratings as of late.
I don't know why the network execs requested this initiative but this move is interesting because the abysmal wildcard rule didn't do much with the ratings so why do it this year?
By the way, over and under 100% WWE breaks their own rules with the brand to brand invitation?
Otis Reveals Which Championship He's Going To Cash In On.
Otis was also in yesterday's episode teaming up with Braun Strowman against The Miz and John Morrison in the main event.
I was originally going to scrap this news story because there was a 50/50 chance that the episode might include a cash-in but it didn't so yay for more content!
Otis spoke with digital spy which the interview happened before the 2020 Money In The Bank ladder and Otis was asked which championship he's willing to cash in:
"If I get the briefcase, we're challenging for the Tag Team titles," he said.
"I don't think there's a rule of what titles to challenge for, so we're going to challenge for the Tag Team titles, cash it in and that's what's going to happen... if I can get up that ladder."
I actually agree with Otis there. To my knowledge, WWE hasn't said whether the contract is only for a World Championship match opportunity or not so maybe this might fit within the storyline or not? Will see how WWE explains it.
Quick Thoughts On Smackdown Yesterday.
I've mentioned Smackdown a lot in two of these stories so might as well talk about the show, right? I didn't review the latest episode of Smackdown because of one thing, laziness.
But I did watch the whole thing and it was enjoyable. I'm not going to talk about everything on that show but here are some notable things.
Naomi's return felt so underwhelming in my opinion considering how her appearance in this year's women's Royal Rumble match took Black Twitter by storm and the fact that WWE hasn't capitalized it is probably one of the most missed booking opportunities in recent memory.
Sonya Deville' backstage promo was great as well as Daniel Bryan's match with Drew Gulak (I just read that Gulak has been released and his match was a great way to end Gulak's run in WWE).
While I'm not a fan of the idea of the brand to brand invitation, I thought Charlotte Flair's utilization in the Bayley and Sasha Banks arc was amazing and it actually enhanced the story. If you wanna see the quick recap of the most recent episode, here it is:
Like: The Charlotte Flair, Bayley and Sasha Banks story, Sonya Deville's backstage promo, Daniel vs Drew Gulak Intercontinental championship tournament.
Didn't Like: Naomi's loss and how underwhelming it was.
SummerSlam In Boston Remains As Scheduled!?
If you don't know, August is only 3 months away and WWE is committed to the August 23rd date in Boston according to WrestleVotes even though the likelihood of it happening in the city is less.
They're looking for arenas in the FL, GA and somewhere in the American South.
WrestleVotes went on to put out that SummerSlam might be pushed to September and there's no word on a Takeover special.
In other words, WWE's strategy is similar to Warner Bros and their commitment to the July 17th theatrical release date of "Tenet" and the August 14th release of "Wonder Woman 84" which I'm not gonna lie, I'm excited to watch those movies but I'm not going to a movie theatre until this pandemic is behind us.
Who Does Sammy Guevera Want To See Wrestle In AEW?
One half of Le Sex Gods, Sammy Guevera, was interviewed by a French YouTube channel/site called Catch Club. During the discussion, The interviewer, Ali Haider, asked him on which WWE stars Guevera would like to be featured in AEW (from WrestlingInc):
"I'd want to pick up Kurt Angle, if he can still wrestle every now and then," Sammy said. "We don't need him to wrestle every week. Just select dates to keep his prestige. He could have some awesome matches not only with myself but with a lot of other guys. I feel like he's a guy that can teach us a lot.
"Zack Ryder, it would be dope to have him. He's super creative. He was one of the first people on YouTube with the True Long Island Story. He blew up and made something of that before anybody that I know of. What a genius to capitalize on this tool that we all have".
I don't know about Kurt Angle wrestling once more given that his last few performances were not great.
I feel like Zack Ryder and his persona suits him better in the independent scene but anything is possible in this industry.
What do you think about the news I just reported and follow me on the tweets @omartheplayaguy. Anyways, stay safe smarks.
Comments
Post a Comment