Weekly Wrestling Viewing Guide: June 18 - 24, 2017

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. (“In-ring” meaning no Talking Smack nor Total Divas). This won’t cover your indie needs, but ReverendKain always has you covered in his weekly Sermon on the Mat for that. Ring of Honor won’t be making the weekly recap, but you can always find them on their website.

Bear in mind, matches could be added after this posts that would definitely change how worth a show is to watch.

Sunday

Money in the Bank (WWE Network)

While SmackDown is not at its best currently, there’s plenty to look out for on this pay-per-view (PPV). There’s two Money in the Bank ladder matches, including the first ever one involving the women. The matches can be fun and more importantly, the briefcase adds an x factor to the shows following.

Every time the champion is vulnerable, there’s a chance we’re going to see an impromptu title match and possible title change. Even if Mr. or Ms. Money in the Bank doesn’t show up, the fact that they can adds an extra level of drama. Starting this show, all the champions need to watch their back and fans need to pay attention a bit more closely. Because there’s a chance for a shocking moment.

Tonight will also be the first single’s match for Lana on WWE TV and it’s a title match against Naomi. Jinder Mahal will defend his WWE title against Randy Orton in the Viper’s hometown. And the New Day have a chance to win the tag titles from the Usos.

I have a feeling (and that can mean little) that this will be a fun show, despite a somewhat lackluster build.

Verdict: While I wouldn’t call it “Must Watch,” Money in the Bank shows are often entertaining.

Monday

Monday Night Raw (USA Network)

What’s Roman’s announcement?

That’s the big question coming into this show. The Big Dog wasn’t on Raw last week, but they announced he’d have a big SummerSlam announcement tonight. Will he challenge for the title (but then perhaps get someone like Finn Bálor who lays claim to the gold as well)? Does he want to fight free agent John Cena? Will this at any way tie into Seth Rollins’ announcement on SportsCenter the same night?

They will also continue to build to Brock/Samoa Joe on their way to Great Balls of Fire. Though we may not see both men on the same show until the PPV since the pull apart brawl was last week.

Verdict: Outside of an announcement that you can probably find on-line right after, there’s nothing advertised for this show that deems it a must watch episode.

Tuesday

SmackDown Live (USA Network)

With SmackDown holding a PPV two days prior, there’s nothing advertised for this show. Since the multi-person feuds will be over, hopefully they’ll start focusing on some singles feuds. There will be two people with Money in the Bank cases (unless someone cashed in at the PPV), and that always adds a little excitement.

Also, Daniel Bryan is back!

Verdict: It’ll depend on what happens at the PPV, but this episode will be the beginning of the next direction for the blue brand.

205 Live (WWE Network)

With the cruisers on both Raw and 205 Live, this show never feels vital unless they advertise something title related prior. But it gives the stories more time and allows the characters to breathe.

This week Drew Gulak, who is on an anti-high flying crusade, will face the impressive Mustafa Ali while Jack Gallagher will face Tony Nese.

Verdict: If you like the cruisers, check it out.

Wednesday

NXT (WWE Network)

This week, Kassius Ohno will face Aleister Black. I expect that match to be really awesome.

Peyton Royce will be facing the returning Ember Moon as well. Moon is likely on her way to a rematch with Asuka in the future. (Granted Asuka has to get past Nikki Cross the following week.)

Verdict: It may be worth tuning in for Ohno/Black alone

Lucha Underground (El Rey Network)

The Cueto Cup continues this week. But more importantly, Cage, possessed by a God, murdered Councilman Lawrence Delgado with a single punch last week. So hopefully we’ll get fallout from that.

Verdict: Lucha Underground is always a fun show. If it’s your bag, watch it.

Thursday

Impact Wrestling (Pop TV)

Week three in India doesn’t have anything big like the X Division title match last week, but they’ve already advertised a couple things.

EC3 and Bobby Lashley will face James Storm and Alberto El Patron, which will represent two of the top matches for the up coming Slammiversary PPV. Also, Allie and the demonic Rosemary will team up against Sienna and Laurel Van Ness. The odd couple pairing of Rosemary and Allie has been quite fun.

Slammiversary is only two weeks away. Impact will be focused on that this week and next.

Verdict: It is most certainly not “Must Watch” but if you’re curious what the Slammiversary show will look like, tune in the next couple weeks.

Friday

Best in the World (Ring of Honor)

The main event is Cody Rhodes vs. Ring of Honor champion Christopher Daniels. I fully expect Cody to win the promotion’s top prize. Here’s the full card if you’re interested.

---

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!