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There’s a ton of wrestling content nowadays and unless you’re a hardcore pro-graps fan, you have to decide what to watch when and what to consider leaving out. That’s where we come in to help.
Every week, we are going to run down the big in-ring happenings for the easily accessible US wrestling. This won’t cover your indie needs, but ReverendKain always has you covered in his weekly Sermon on the Mat for that.
Bear in mind, matches could be added after this posts that would definitely change how worth a show is to watch.
Monday
Monday Night Raw (USA Network)
Last week’s Raw ended with a bang when SmackDown Live invaded and laid waste to the red brand. On Tuesday following, Raw opted not to retaliate just yet. Raw putting together a team for Survivor Series is likely going to be a major focus of this show.
Also, Braun Strowman may or may not be dead. But even if he is, he’ll be back soon for revenge against Miz, the Bar, and Kane for murder by garbage truck at TLC. Will the fact these men turned on him lead to him not willing to help Raw in their battle with SmackDown?
Verdict: Last week’s attack sparked a story for Survivor Series that has potential to be really big. It’s worth keeping an eye on.
Tuesday
SmackDown Live (USA Network)
The Survivor Series story will obviously continue here. A Raw attack will always be looming but my bet is a week from this episode.
There are other happenings on the blue brand. Shinsuke Nakamura will face Kevin Owens for the right to join the Survivors Series team. Last week, Randy Orton defeated Sami Zayn to win that right himself. It possible Kevin will be on the outside looking in as well.
Sami Zayn is continuing to be fantastic as a heel, by the way.
Verdict: SmackDown has been pretty consistent lately.
205 Live (WWE Network)
The cruisers continue to do their thing with Enzo as their champ.
Verdict: If you like the cruisers or certified g’s, check it out.
Wednesday
NXT (WWE Network)
NXT continues to build their way to TakeOver: War Game.
This week Drew McIntyre and Andrade “Cien” Almas will sign the contract for their NXT title match at TakeOver. Also, the Authors of Pain will exercise their rematch clause to challenge SAnitY for the tag team titles.
There are three episodes left headed into TakeOver and there’s plenty to be set up with the story surrounding the Undisputed Era, excuse me ERA, as well.
Verdict: NXT has been consistently enjoyable. It’s worth checking out.
Thursday
Impact Wrestling (Pop TV)
While this is the go home show for Bound for Glory, Impact has not been good lately. Wait for Bound for Glory and that fallout. You can probalby skip tonight.
Verdict: I wouldn’t recommend it.
Sunday
NJPW Power Struggle (NJPW World)
According to my man ReverendKain, this is the last big singles show prior to Wrestle Kingdom. And it looks like a good one.
The card is here. There’s an Intercontinental title match between Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi. Plus Will Ospreay will defend his Junior Heavyweight title against the Villain Marty Scrull.
Verdict: It looks like a pretty fun show.
If I could only watch one thing this week, it’d be:
SmackDown
SmackDown Live has been improving as of late. Heel Sami Zayn has been fantastic. We’re getting Fashion Files on the reg more. Daniel Bryan and Shane are at odds a bit over the siege of Monday Night Raw.
I’m very interested in how this big brand war plays out. While it will happen on both shows, I’d take the two hour SmackDown over the three hour Raw.
There’s a ton of other wrestling out there and we can’t cover it all on here. So if there’s something you’re particularly excited for this week, let your fellow wrestling fans know in the comments.
See ya next week!