WWE Discussion thread- Raw/SD/PPV - Page 2035

bjho852 · 01-13-2026, 11:38 AM

Well, age-wise, AJ Styles isn't in his prime either (he and Cena are only a few months apart!), yet Gunther resorted to cheating for the win. It wasn't that way against Cena.

Winning against past-the-prime Cena might not be a big deal, but making him tap out is, at least IMO.
Winning in such a decisive, if not a dominant way, against Cena, then now resorting to cheating against Styles...and on top of that, Gunther himself technically tapped out first, so yes, I think that the booking yesterday is counterproductive.

mtr · 01-13-2026, 11:51 AM

Maybe agree to disagree but I think it makes sense and it's an interesting story that they're telling. Gunther had that long reign with the IC title but he's kinda been a punk with no heart ever since he lost to Sami.

Gurds · 01-14-2026, 11:13 PM

Sounds like Powerhouse Hobbs is signing with WWE. Bummed he's leaving AEW but I hope he succeeds in WWE

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

Cracktoast · 01-15-2026, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurds

Sounds like Powerhouse Hobbs is signing with WWE. Bummed he's leaving AEW but I hope he succeeds in WWE

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

Ask Rusev how that worked out for him. Hobbs will get buried in the mid card and hardlt used. His best bet is go to NXT or TNA.

jmarascojr · 01-15-2026, 09:24 AM

Put him in a tag team with Oba Femi or set up a new Nation of Domination with him Oba and Omos...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurds

Sounds like Powerhouse Hobbs is signing with WWE. Bummed he's leaving AEW but I hope he succeeds in WWE

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

thenightman · 01-15-2026, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmarascojr

Put him in a tag team with Oba Femi or set up a new Nation of Domination with him Oba and Omos...

I hear he's going straight to the main roster. I'd like to see him on Smackdown. I'd like him to start off as Trick Williams muscle.

Jaypers · 01-16-2026, 09:18 AM

Since there isn't a TNA thread, I'll just say I didn't like the AMC debut. The Elegance Brand segment was especially cringe (Perez Hilton? Seriously?), as was Gia trying to mingle with "celebrities" at ringside (what was Candace Michelle doing there, anyway?).

The opening match with the Hardys was just ok. AJ's promo was mid.

I'm guessing Sonya Deville (Daria) didn't fool anyone with her attempt at a face promo, or at least I wasn't. Why is she there? She's a charisma vacuum. I was hoping we'd seen the last of her in WWE.

As for the main event, why were there no interference after the ref took a bump? Did anyone besides me think Nic Nemeth (or anyone) would come out?

Cracktoast · 01-16-2026, 09:48 AM

I'm willing to give it a pass as the first episode; you knew they were going to go over the top with returns of past stars and whatnot, rather than focusing on the actual current talent. In the long run we should see more WWE crossover matches.

Dixie Carter getting booed out of the building was hilarious though

Jaypers · 01-16-2026, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracktoast

Dixie Carter getting booed out of the building was hilarious though

If she'd gotten put through a table again that would've saved this episode. Instead we got a hug.

mtr · 01-16-2026, 11:39 AM

Today's Smackdown card. I love tournaments so really looking forward to this week's episode. Sami vs Ilja rematch should be a banger.

Undisputed WWE Title #1 Contendership Qualifying Match: Randy Orton vs. The Miz
Undisputed WWE Title #1 Contendership Qualifying Match: Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
Undisputed WWE Title #1 Contendership Qualifying Match: Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa
Undisputed WWE Title #1 Contendership Qualifying Match: Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov
WWE United States Title Match: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. TBD
Drew McIntyre to appear

hammerva · 01-16-2026, 12:49 PM

At this point, being a fan of TNA is like being a fan of a grading company that you used to for years and years and considered an "alternative" even though it has been clearly bought and comprised by the biggest brand on the market that was your "competition"

Jaypers · 01-16-2026, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtr

Undisputed WWE Title #1 Contendership Qualifying Match: Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov

The one I'm looking forward to most.

Sami vs. Drew would have a good back story, as Sami's never been able to beat him (0-11).

On the other hand, Ilja vs. Drew sounds like the better match to me. They've never faced each other one-on-one on tv before, either.

mtr · 01-16-2026, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaypers

The one I'm looking forward to most.

Sami vs. Drew would have a good back story, as Sami's never been able to beat him (0-11).

On the other hand, Ilja vs. Drew sounds like the better match to me. They've never faced each other one-on-one on tv before, either.

I'd like to see Sami get the win and finally be world champ. Maybe he wins this tournament and loses to Drew at the Rumble but then wins Elimination Chamber and gets the title at Mania.

Priest also has history with Drew so I could see him winning the tourney but in that case I would hope that Drew would beat him and then move on to someone else.

Cracktoast · 01-16-2026, 05:18 PM

Did I miss something or is it weird only 1 match has been announced so far for SNME next week ?

mtr · 01-17-2026, 08:45 PM

Please let the upcoming tag title match be the end of the MFT vs Wyatts feud. Their segments have consistently been the worst thing on Smackdown for weeks now.

Cracktoast · 01-18-2026, 01:09 PM

Word is Roman Reigns is only scheduled for 3 appearances in 2026, all at major PLE's ( Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WM 42 ). WWE is doing this to make his limited appearances feel more meaningful and exciting. It's also worth noting his current contract ends after WM 42 and there is no guarantee that he will resign in the short term, as he wants to transition more into the movie side of things. If so it appears The Bloodline story is finally done and we have come to the end of an era.

thenightman · 01-18-2026, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracktoast

Word is Roman Reigns is only scheduled for 3 appearances in 2026, all at major PLE's ( Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WM 42 ). WWE is doing this to make his limited appearances feel more meaningful and exciting. It's also worth noting his current contract ends after WM 42 and there is no guarantee that he will resign in the short term, as he wants to transition more into the movie side of things. If so it appears The Bloodline story is finally done and we have come to the end of an era.

I wonder who he could be facing at WrestleMania. Keep in mind, with him only making 3 appearances, there will be no build, or the person he's facing will have to do all of the heavy lifting. There are very few people who can do that.

mlc3423 · 01-18-2026, 04:01 PM

Just saw a cheesy (No pun intended) WWE Doordash commercial during the Pats/Texans game

Wonder what kind of special Doordash Wrestlemania match is planned?....

JustinVerlander07 · 01-19-2026, 03:13 PM

....so the AJ Styles retirement tour is 2 weeks away from ending? Woah.

bjho852 · 01-19-2026, 03:16 PM

So Gunther won't be in the Rumble match? Is the door now open for Sami Zayn to win it, if Gunther won't do double duty?

JustinVerlander07 · 01-19-2026, 03:35 PM

The Natalya heel turn seemed obvious when she hasn't been on TV forever and came out tonight, not really sure where that goes other than Maxxine gets some wins. Another great match between Becky and Maxxine, though. They've had a great feud.

thenightman · 01-19-2026, 03:49 PM

When will raw be back in the states? These early shows are killing me.

JustinVerlander07 · 01-19-2026, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenightman

When will raw be back in the states? These early shows are killing me.

Next week they are in Montreal, following week Philly. It's too bad because as someone who doesn't work Monday's I love it.

bjho852 · 01-19-2026, 04:42 PM

Oh oh, another legit injury, this time from Je'von Evans.

bjho852 · 01-19-2026, 04:47 PM

And looks like part of Unreal season 2 will look into the R-Truth-WWE contract saga.

01-13-2026, 11:38 AM	#50851
bjho852 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 4,330	Well, age-wise, AJ Styles isn't in his prime either (he and Cena are only a few months apart!), yet Gunther resorted to cheating for the win. It wasn't that way against Cena. Winning against past-the-prime Cena might not be a big deal, but making him tap out is, at least IMO. Winning in such a decisive, if not a dominant way, against Cena, then now resorting to cheating against Styles...and on top of that, Gunther himself technically tapped out first, so yes, I think that the booking yesterday is counterproductive. __________________ Instagram (IG): bjho852 Last edited by bjho852; 01-13-2026 at 11:43 AM.

01-14-2026, 11:13 PM	#50853
Gurds Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 8,739 gurds22 gurds	Sounds like Powerhouse Hobbs is signing with WWE. Bummed he's leaving AEW but I hope he succeeds in WWE Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk __________________ Dress code: Black tie optional. Just like life.

01-16-2026, 09:18 AM	#50857
Jaypers Bowman Scout Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: IL Posts: 52,679 cardboardconglomerate	Since there isn't a TNA thread, I'll just say I didn't like the AMC debut. The Elegance Brand segment was especially cringe (Perez Hilton? Seriously?), as was Gia trying to mingle with "celebrities" at ringside (what was Candace Michelle doing there, anyway?). The opening match with the Hardys was just ok. AJ's promo was mid. I'm guessing Sonya Deville (Daria) didn't fool anyone with her attempt at a face promo, or at least I wasn't. Why is she there? She's a charisma vacuum. I was hoping we'd seen the last of her in WWE. As for the main event, why were there no interference after the ref took a bump? Did anyone besides me think Nic Nemeth (or anyone) would come out? __________________ Impervious to baiting. Last edited by Jaypers; 01-16-2026 at 10:12 AM.

01-19-2026, 03:13 PM	#50869
JustinVerlander07 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: michigan Posts: 18,183 gladdyontherise gladdyontherise	....so the AJ Styles retirement tour is 2 weeks away from ending? Woah. __________________ Collecting Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers, Michigan State Spartans, Miz, Jey Uso, Kelani Jordan, Macho Man, WWE "Cavs in 7. Write it down"

01-19-2026, 03:16 PM	#50870
bjho852 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 4,330	So Gunther won't be in the Rumble match? Is the door now open for Sami Zayn to win it, if Gunther won't do double duty? __________________ Instagram (IG): bjho852 Last edited by bjho852; 01-19-2026 at 05:31 PM.

01-13-2026, 11:51 AM	#50852
mtr Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 406	Maybe agree to disagree but I think it makes sense and it's an interesting story that they're telling. Gunther had that long reign with the IC title but he's kinda been a punk with no heart ever since he lost to Sami.

01-16-2026, 09:48 AM	#50858
Cracktoast Member Join Date: May 2024 Posts: 2,277	I'm willing to give it a pass as the first episode; you knew they were going to go over the top with returns of past stars and whatnot, rather than focusing on the actual current talent. In the long run we should see more WWE crossover matches. Dixie Carter getting booed out of the building was hilarious though

01-16-2026, 11:39 AM	#50860
mtr Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 406	Today's Smackdown card. I love tournaments so really looking forward to this week's episode. Sami vs Ilja rematch should be a banger. Undisputed WWE Title #1 Contendership Qualifying Match: Randy Orton vs. The Miz Undisputed WWE Title #1 Contendership Qualifying Match: Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams Undisputed WWE Title #1 Contendership Qualifying Match: Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa Undisputed WWE Title #1 Contendership Qualifying Match: Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov WWE United States Title Match: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. TBD Drew McIntyre to appear

01-16-2026, 12:49 PM	#50861
hammerva Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 679	At this point, being a fan of TNA is like being a fan of a grading company that you used to for years and years and considered an "alternative" even though it has been clearly bought and comprised by the biggest brand on the market that was your "competition"

01-16-2026, 05:18 PM	#50864
Cracktoast Member Join Date: May 2024 Posts: 2,277	Did I miss something or is it weird only 1 match has been announced so far for SNME next week ?

01-17-2026, 08:45 PM	#50865
mtr Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 406	Please let the upcoming tag title match be the end of the MFT vs Wyatts feud. Their segments have consistently been the worst thing on Smackdown for weeks now.

01-18-2026, 01:09 PM	#50866
Cracktoast Member Join Date: May 2024 Posts: 2,277	Word is Roman Reigns is only scheduled for 3 appearances in 2026, all at major PLE's ( Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WM 42 ). WWE is doing this to make his limited appearances feel more meaningful and exciting. It's also worth noting his current contract ends after WM 42 and there is no guarantee that he will resign in the short term, as he wants to transition more into the movie side of things. If so it appears The Bloodline story is finally done and we have come to the end of an era.

01-18-2026, 04:01 PM	#50868
mlc3423 Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 1,506	Just saw a cheesy (No pun intended) WWE Doordash commercial during the Pats/Texans game Wonder what kind of special Doordash Wrestlemania match is planned?....

01-19-2026, 03:35 PM	#50871
JustinVerlander07 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: michigan Posts: 18,183 gladdyontherise gladdyontherise	The Natalya heel turn seemed obvious when she hasn't been on TV forever and came out tonight, not really sure where that goes other than Maxxine gets some wins. Another great match between Becky and Maxxine, though. They've had a great feud. __________________ Collecting Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers, Michigan State Spartans, Miz, Jey Uso, Kelani Jordan, Macho Man, WWE "Cavs in 7. Write it down"

01-19-2026, 03:49 PM	#50872
thenightman Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 6,944	When will raw be back in the states? These early shows are killing me.

01-19-2026, 04:42 PM	#50874
bjho852 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 4,330	Oh oh, another legit injury, this time from Je'von Evans. __________________ Instagram (IG): bjho852

01-19-2026, 04:47 PM	#50875
bjho852 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 4,330	And looks like part of Unreal season 2 will look into the R-Truth-WWE contract saga. __________________ Instagram (IG): bjho852