:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58092251/CenaCowboy.0.png)
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)
It’s a big holiday where less people so you know what that means? John Cena returns!
What he’s going to do is an unknown. Likely this will be the kickoff to whatever the Face the Runs the Place will be doing during the WrestleMania season. It could be as simple as declaring himself for the Royal Rumble, but perhaps he has an opponent in mind?
Last week, they announced a women’s Royal Rumble, which is really awesome, so they’ll be building that on both Raw and SmackDown for the weeks to come.
Verdict: Cena will be there, but I bet they hold off on the big stuff until they know people will be tuning in.
Tuesday
SmackDown Live (USA Network)
Last week’s SmackDown was a bit underwhelming. Despite being a fallout show, none of the storylines were advanced. In fact the only real new bit of interest was Dolph Ziggler putting his US title down and walking out. Though I bet it’ll be a few weeks until we know where that is going.
Will they start pushing some stories forward or opt to punt the holiday week and pick up in the new year?
Verdict: It’s a tough call. It’s a holiday week and they may just punt both of their main shows. But you never know.
205 Live (WWE Network)
Hideo debuted last week, but that was part of a squash match. It’s possible there a few more of those in his future before he moves on to his first real 205 feud.
Last Monday, Cedric Alexander won the right to face Enzo Amore. That’ll happen eventually, but I don’t see a date announced.
But the real reason to watch this show? Drew Gulak.
Verdict: If you like the cruisers or certified g’s or POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS, check it out.
Wednesday
NXT (WWE Network)
NXT feels like the one legit show of the week.
They’ll crown their number one contender for TakeOver: Philadelphia as Killian Dain, Aleister Black, Lars Sullivan, and Johnny Gargano will compete for that right.
Also, Sonya Deville challenged Ember Moon for a match (though I believe it is non-title).
Verdict: Give this has TakeOver implications, it’s worth checking out.
Thursday
Impact Wrestling (Pop TV)
Impact is continuing their Best of 2017. It’s a clip show.
Verdict: I wouldn’t bother, though it’s a good way to catch up on Impact if you’re thinking of tuning in the new year.
If I could only watch one thing this week, it’d be:
NXT
It feels like a really slow week, but we already know NXT has a big match to look out for.
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!