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 ReverendClaire always has you covered in her 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
Raw (USA Network)
This week, they look to build up the Triple H/Undertaker match in Australia when Triple H returns to television. Mick Foley will also be on TV, celebrating the 20th anniversary of being thrown off Hell in a Cell. That will likely be to help sell the brutality of the Cell in general, but since it was Undertaker who tossed him off, this could all be part of promoting the main event of a very big Australian house show as well.
Also Ronda Rousey and Natalya will face Alexa Bliss and Alicia Fox ahead of the Women’s title rematch in a week.
Last week, the Shield were wrecked by the entire heel locker room.
Verdict: Honestly, I say skip it.
Last week’s Raw was really bad. And even though they’ve got some legends coming in, there’s one big thing to remember: They’re going up against the first week of Monday Night Football. Often, WWE just punt their shows knowing that their audience is taking a hit. And this week has back to back games so Raw doesn’t really have a moment they’re not against football.
The combination of a really bad last Raw last week and the probability they’re punting this week makes this an episode to watch at your own risk.
Tuesday
SmackDown Live (USA Network)
Much like Raw, this serves as your go-home show for Hell in a Cell.
Charlotte will face Sonya Deville, but it’s all about waiting for Becky Lynch to attack again. This is probably the hottest thing going on either brand.
Also the Bar face Rusev Day with the winner facing the New Day at Hell in a Cell. Does the fact that the Bar face New Day for the titles at the Super Show-Down kind of serve as a spoiler for this match? Maybe. But even if it ends up being that way, this should be a good match.
We’ll also see the final touches of Brie Bella & Daniel Bryan vs. Miz & Maryse as well as AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe.
Verdict: While Raw is slumping, SmackDown is not. It’s been very solid for months now with no real duds.
205 Live (WWE Network)
This is your spot for all your cruiserweight action.
Verdict: This show is it’s good when I watch it (the matches often deliver) but I’m never that excited to watch it in advance. The talent and in-ring work are certainly there, but the stories don’t hook me to where I’m eager to put it on.
Wednesday
NXT (WWE Network)
This week, Bianca Belair will face Nikki Cross.
Usually there’s more advertised for the show ahead of time, but there’s nothing on their website or on their Twitter. The week after this is the Ricochet vs. Pete Dunne title vs. title match (which will rule) but there’s nothing else advertised for this week.
Likely, William Regal will continue his investigation into Aleister Black’s attack and we could see what the state of mind of Johnny Gargano is as his obsession with Tommaso Ciampa continues to cost him.
Verdict: NXT is a show that consistently delivers though this week doesn’t seem like a big episode. The women’s match should be very good but outside that, there isn’t much to go on.
Lucha Underground
Wrestling meets telenovela continues.
Verdict: This is a generally fun show. It’s not really a show to pick and choose episodes though. Given the way they tell their stories, this show is more “Watch it all or don’t” than other wrestling programs.
Mae Young Classic (WWE Network)
The first round of the second Mae Young Classic continues.
This week’s match ups:
- Deonna Purrazzo vs. Priscilla Kelly
- Zeuxis vs. Aerial Monroe
- Kacy Catanzaro vs. Reina Gonzalez
There is usually a fourth match but WWE doesn’t have it listed on their website or WWE Network.
Verdict: The first episode was very enjoyable as we continue to get to known the field of women. I’m very curious to see what former American Ninja Warrior will bring to the table, and I’m also looking forward to seeing the more established Deonna Purrazzo, who has herself a WWE contract.
Thursday
Impact Wrestling (Pop TV)
Advertised for this week:
- Brian Cage vs. Kongo Kong
- Update on Johnny Impact after he was attacked last week
- The Lucha Bros in action
- Grado & Joe Hendry have a surprise for Katarina (catch up with that story here)
Verdict: This show is seemingly coming out of their post-Slammiversary slump. With a little over a month until Bound for Glory, things should start to heat up soon.
If I could only watch one thing this week, it’d be:
SmackDown Live
It was between SmackDown and the MYC this week. But since we’re still just in the first rounds of the tournament, I’m going with SmackDown. It’s been consistently good and that Becky Lynch/Charlotte feud is hot right now.
Let us know what you’d choose below.
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!