Weekly Wrestling Viewing Guide: July 2 - 8, 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

NJPW G1 special Night 2 (NJPW World)

While many of the scheduled matches were last night, tonight’s G1 special focuses on the end of the tournament crowning a new IWGP United States champion.

Plus, no joke, Billy Gunn will be facing Tanahashi for the IWGP Intercontinental championship. Also the Young Bucks will be defending their tag titles against Roppongi Vice.

Unlike last night, this will not be aired live on AXS TV. You’ll need to watch it on their streaming service to watch live or AXS will replay it on Friday.

Verdict: If you’re a fan of New Japan or are interested in checking it out, the crowning of a first ever US champion is a good time to give it a shot. Or if you’re a big fan of Mr. Ass.

Slammiversary XV (pay-per-view)

This is the first pay-per-view of the latest Jarrett era of Impact or GFW or whatever we’re calling it now. It’s also the 15th Anniversary of the promotion, when it came onto the scene as TNA.

Keep an eye on the site and I’ll have a run down of the card later posting soon. But the main event is GFW champion Alberto El Patron vs. Impact champion Bobby Lashley. EC3 will face James Storm in a strap match. Plus, the always entertaining Knockouts champion Rosemary will be facing GFW women’s champion Sienna.

Verdict: While there aren’t any stories/matches that make this much watch, it’s an idea of what is going in the new Impact if you are curious. They are bound to pull out as many stops as possible.

These shows both start at 8 PM EST.

Monday

Monday Night Raw (USA Network)

There’s nothing advertised for Raw, but it’s been a rather fun show as of late. They’ve got Samoa Joe looking like a monster on his way to fight Brock Lesnar. Enzo and Big Cass’ break up continues to deliver. Braun Strowman is back and Roman Reigns has been on point. And we’ll get some build between Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss, a title match with a ton of attitude.

Much like last week, there a good deal of things to keep your eye on.

Verdict: This could be a good episode with a bunch of stuff to follow up on. Keep in on your radar.

Tuesday

SmackDown Live (USA Network)

This is the 4th of the July, and WWE had a choice to make: Punt this episode or stack it. They went with the latter.

John Cena will be returning to WWE on the 4th of July for the second year in a row. Plus, there will be a battle royal to decide the next #1 contender for Kevin Owens’ US championship, Lana will get her third Women’s title match in as many weeks against Naomi, and there will be a rap battle between the New Day and the Usos hosted by Wale!

Verdict: If you’re home, check it out because it seems like there’s a lot going on. If you’re out, and in the States you very well may be, record it on your DVR.

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.

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

Wednesday

NXT (WWE Network)

It’s going to be very very difficult to top last week’s Last Woman Standing match. (Seriously, if you have the WWE Network and you haven’t watched it, go watch it.) But Bobby Roode and Roderick Strong are going to try in their NXT title match.

Plus, eventual enemies Kassius Ohno and Hideo Itami will be teaming up against SAnitY. But the real story is their eventual collision.

Verdict: While titles haven’t changed hands on NXT TV in a long time, it’s worth tuning in for an NXT title match.

Lucha Underground (El Rey Network)

The Cueto Cup continues this week, finishing its first round. We know that Son of Havoc is going to be facing the mysterious Son of Madness, which is likely a look into the past of the Son of Havoc character. Also, Dante Fox will face El Dragon Azteca Jr. and that should be really fun. Also, Sexy Star will face rival PJ Black in another match that should deliver.

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

Thursday

Impact Wrestling (Pop TV)

It’s the Slammiversary fallout show. It’ll probably be worth checking out to see where the promotion is going to go now that they’ve consolidated titles and had their big Slammiversary PPV. We won’t know what will be advertised until after tonight.

Verdict: It may be worth following or seeing what happened after the fact since this will represent what’s coming next for the promotion.

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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!