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
Great Balls of Fire Pay-Per-View Event (WWE Network)
For a B-level pay-per-view (PPV), Balls has the chance to be really fun. Samoa Joe has looked superb going into his match with Brock Lesnar. Despite the outcome really not being in doubt, it should be a fight between two heavyweights.
The ambulance match between Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman should also be good as these two have delivered together in the past.
While the rest of the card doesn’t pop, the 30-minute Iron Man tag match could be enjoyable and I’m really looking forward to Enzo and Cass just to see what emotion they bring to it. Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss has had little time to build, but there’s going to be a lot of attitude in that match.
Verdict: This is one of those secondary shows that has the ability to deliver.
Monday
Monday Night Raw (USA Network)
It’ll be the Balls fallout so nothing is advertised. But it’s the first episode on the road to SummerSlam so it’s the start of the fresh feuds.
Verdict: It’ll depend on what happens at Balls, but Raw’s been fun as of late so keep it on your radar.
Tuesday
SmackDown Live (USA Network)
So we have a new United States champion. At a house show (a Raw house show none-the-less), AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens to win the US strap. There’s no doubt that KO is going to have plenty to say about that this Tuesday.
Rusev and John Cena are both back. That’s reason to be excited, though how excited will depend on how much you’re into them rehashing their old roles from the last time they feuded.
And there is still two people walking around with briefcases they can cash in for world titles at any time.
Verdict: There’s nothing big advertised, but the blue brand seems to be on an upswing after a stale go of it post Shake-Up. It doesn’t feel must watch, but keep your eye on it.
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. However don’t tune in looking for Austin Aries. He’s been released.
Verdict: If you like the cruisers, check it out.
Wednesday
NXT (WWE Network)
It’s the third title match in three weeks, this time the Authors of Pain will defend their tag titles against Heavy Machinery, though this one doesn’t excite as much as the Last Woman Standing match two weeks ago and Men’s title match last week. Personally, I’m not sold on Heavy Machinery as actual contenders to the Authors titles and don’t know how the AoP will look when they’re the more experienced team in the match.
TakeOver: Brooklyn isn’t far away and they will start setting up the big matches for that. Asuka is on hiatus and won’t return until they find competition for her. We also need to fine out who Bobby Roode will be facing.
This is the return of Johnny Gargano since his partner Tommaso Ciampa betrayed him. Unfortunately, Ciampa is out until next year with an injury so that story will be on hold.
Verdict: Of the last three weeks, this isn’t as “must see” given the title match. But NXT has been consistently fun since WrestleMania season.
Lucha Underground (El Rey Network)
We’re onto the second round of the Cueto Cup and the match to look out for this week is Marty “The Moth” Martinez vs. Fenix. Fenix and ring announcer Melissa Santos have a flirtatious thing going on. Marty is the biggest creeper alive and has an unhealthy, likely dangerous obsession regarding Melissa. That will make for some interesting happenings during their match.
Verdict: Lucha Underground is always a fun show. If it’s your bag, watch it.
Thursday
GFW Impact Wrestling (Pop TV)
Impact had a successful Slammiversary (creatively and apparently numbers wise compared to last year). Last week on Impact, there was too much filler, but the actual story beats hit. They had a world title rematch between champion Alberto El Patron and Lashley. The challenger looked to have it in the bag when Konnan’s LAX stable interfered on behalf on Patron. However, Alberto was too out of it to know what was going on. Is he a willing member of LAX or is this all some mind game from Konnan?
Moose will defend his Grand Championship against NOAH wrestler Naomichi Marufuji. Plus, Gail Kim has a big announcement this week and we get the continuation of the Super X Cup, a single elimination tournament that shows off different X Division style athletes from different promotions.
Verdict: Impact has been more solid as of late, though they aren’t there yet. But it’s worth keeping on your radar to see what they’re up to.
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!