WWE shakes things up

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The 2018 WWE Superstar Shakeup is in the books. I'm not going to analyze each move (which you can see here), but I will comment on a few things that stand out to me. Many online say it looks like SmackDown Live got the upper hand in the changes. I tend to agree with that, but believe the moves could jumpstart the careers of several Superstars on their respective shows.

Courtesy: WWE

I like that most tag teams and other factions are staying together. However, the split of Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable disappoints me. The duo was one of my favorites on the SmackDown Live roster. This, of course, could lead to a reuniting with Jason Jordan who is out with an injury. Let's face it, the tag team scene needs help, even with the Shakeup

I know Maria Kanellis just had a baby. I have no idea what the future holds for her. I do hope she returns to Raw with her husband Mike. Without her, the concept of Mike Kanellis doesn't make a whole lot of sense. 

Courtesy: WWE

Miz moving to SmackDown Live will be good as he and Daniel Bryan have natural chemistry. I would still like to see Miz with some sort of backup. The Miztourage is staying on Raw, which concerns me about the futures of Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas. I hope Maryse is able to rejoin her man on the blue brand down the road too.

NXT call-ups are great. Several new talents from that roster will be appearing on both Raw and SmackDown Live. But the reality is, sometimes these new faces and names get lost in the shuffle. Let's face it, what works in NXT doesn't always translate well on the main roster (see Bo Dallas). Or other talents will end up becoming future endeavored soon.

Charlotte stays on SmackDown Live

The biggest surprise to me was Charlotte Flair not going to Raw. I assumed with losing the SmackDown Live women's championship she'd move on. I'm curious to see how Carmella's title run is booked from here. 

Overall though I'm excited about the changes and fresh feuds. I'm also looking forward to the Greatest Royal Rumble later this month and upcoming BlackLash show which goes back to the dual-branded format.

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Congratulations, it's a son

Father-son united
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The big payoff from the Kurt Angle 'love' angle has played out on Monday Night Raw. Despite lots of speculation of it being either Dixie Carter or Stephanie McMahon, WWE switched gears and revealed the secret is that Angle has a son. That son is former SmackDown Live tag team champion Jason Jordan.

I'm relieved that the surprise wasn't a love affair with Stephanie or Dixie. Honestly, I've enjoyed the break from Stephanie being on TV. And I'm not sure how a Dixie run on WWE TV would work, although I'm willing to give it a shot in some other storyline. 

Kane & Paul Bearer
Courtesy: WWE

Of course, this isn't the first time a wrestling storyline has involved a father-son duo that isn't actually father and son. Kane and Paul Bearer comes to mind. This angle worked for me as a fan. WWE did an excellent job telling the Undertaker's backstory and why Kane and Bearer both played a role in it. 

Hornswoggle & Finlay
Courtesy: WWE

The father-son relationship between Finlay and Hornswoggle was a bit less believable. I realize as I write this that may sound ridiculous that a 300-pound monster covered in red from head to toe is related to a portly man in white face paint and jet black hair is more believable than an Irishman being the father of a leprechaun, but hey it's my blog, right? I didn't hate the Finlay-Hornswoggle story (at least it was better than Vince McMahon being the daddy), but it wasn't one of my favorites.

Courtesy: WWE

In my 1-2-3 cents, the Angle-Jordan connection can be a great story. One of my first questions was 'why is Corey Graves involved?' He answered that during commentary, explaining he and Jordan were good friends in NXT and he wanted to help unite Jordan with his biological father. I did laugh when Booker T suggested Jordan being on Raw is a conflict of interest because the General Manager is his father. I instantly thought of the McMahon family, but I digress.

American Alpha
Courtesy: WWE

Even though I'm bummed American Alpha didn't get a long run on the main roster, I'm glad they didn't just split Jordan and Chad Gable and have them feud, especially since that's what's going on right now with Enzo and Big Cass. Jordan and Gable have great potential on their own and putting them on different rosters is a good idea right now. 

Only time will tell what's next in this angle (pun intended). I have to believe since Kurt made such a big deal out of the implications the announcement would have on his career that there's still more to come than just the hugs and handshakes we saw after the initial announcement.

Carmella is money

Ms. Money in the Bank, again
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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As suspected, Carmella has won the WWE's second ever Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match. This, of course, was the rematch from last week's event on pay per view. Storyline wise the "do over" match was needed because of the interference by James Ellsworth. In my 1-2-3 cents, it's because of the backlash from fans who were upset that a man "won" the first ever women's version of the match.

Chairwoman
Courtesy: WWE

Right now there are plans for me to voice more of my feelings on that situation on any upcoming Positive Cynicism podcast with Chad, so I'll save all it for that show in the coming weeks. However, WWE made the right decision banking on Carmella. Admittedly she's one of those characters I didn't think was going to make it after debuting on SmackDown Live last year. When she was first drafted (last I might add) she seemed out of place without her NXT buddies Enzo and Big Cass.

In fact, up until a couple months ago, I was still holding out for WWE to do a reunion of sorts for that trio. But then the genius idea came about to pair her with Ellsworth. The combo has been gold. I'm thoroughly entertained by these two and Carmella has stepped up her game both in the ring and on the mic. I also really dig the money printed gear she's wearing too.

Airborne
Courtesy: WWE

I had picked Carmella a couple weeks ago to win the MITB because I believed her character was most fit to portray the Ms. Money in the Bank character. The build to an eventual cash-in will be amazing and only topped by Carmella becoming the SmackDown Live Women's Champion. She's a classic case of a Superstar I wasn't high on at first and becoming a fan of in the long run. So maybe there's still hope for Baron Corbin...

Do over: Money in the Bank women's edition

Preparing for MITB Part 2
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The women of SmackDown Live are getting a second chance to do their historic Money in the Bank ladder match. The first encounter over the weekend ended with James Ellsworth climbing the ladder, grabbing the briefcase and dropping it into the waiting arms of Carmella. 

Returning SDL General Manager Daniel Bryan ruled that Carmella has to hand over the briefcase. The reason: Ellsworth interrupted one of the most important moments in the history of women's wrestling in WWE. The moment will now be "re-lived" on SmackDown Live on June 27.

Ellsworth grabs the case
Courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

All five of the original participants will compete in the match, Carmella, Tamina, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Natalya. In my 1-2-3 cents, Carmella will win again. It makes no sense to take the case away from her and keep her in the rematch. If she cheated and did things that are "unprecedented", wouldn't it make more sense to keep her out of the second match as a punishment? Or perhaps I'm reading too much into it.

The cynic in me wonders if this was the original plan or if WWE is responding to the backlash online. I heard several complaints that a man interfering in the match was a setback for the women's wrestling movement within the company. I don't necessarily agree with that point of view, but I certainly understand it. Remember, it's all a work, no matter how we get to the end result.

Ms. Money in the Bank
Courtesy: WWE

Carmella is the best suited for the Ms. Money in the Bank gimmick. Her character has come a long way since debuting on the main roster and she and Ellsworth work very well together. The promo she cut on the post-MITB SmackDown Live was her best yet. This is just a minor setback for the couple and I have no doubt Carmella will make a fabulous SmackDown women's champion sooner rather than later. You can bank on that.

Did the Superstar Shakeup happen too soon?

Orton & Wyatt
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The question of the day: Did the Superstar Shakeup happen too soon? Short answer: Yes. But since I get paid by the word, I'll go into long form here. (Editor's note: I don't get paid by the word.) 

Owens & Jericho
Courtesy: WWE

I have enjoyed the stories coming out of the Shakeup and my only criticism is it seems to have happened too soon after WrestleMania. Loose ends weren't tied up before Bray Wyatt went to Raw and Kevin Owens went to SmackDown Live. Because of this, there are now two championships that are no longer on Raw being defended on a Raw event. It's not a huge deal, but when it comes to the brand split and pay per views, I prefer only the big four shows to have inter-brand matches.

I have more thoughts on the upcoming Payback event, but since it's only Tuesday and I hope they're going to add another match or two, I'm going to wait until later in the week to weigh in on those thoughts. Overall though I'm pleased with the way stories are currently developing. I would have waited until after Payback to do the Shakeup. 

Hooray for Bollywood

Randy Orton addresses Jinder Mahal
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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To say SmackDown Live this week was full of surprises would be an understatement. This is going to come off as a backhanded compliment, but I am trying to be sincere in my words. The Six-Pack Challenge for the number one contender to the WWE Championship was filled with men I would have never thought of in the main event scene. No offense to Mojo Rawley, Erick Rowan and Jinder Mahal, I just didn't have them on that level. But I am looking forward to seeing what's in store for Mahal.

"The Bollywood Boyz" help Jinder

The former member of 3MB won the challenge and will face the champ at the May event Backlash. I like that the Bollywood Boyz (I'm not sure that's what they'll be called on the main roster) helped Mahal pick up the win. The Indian Royal has never really been given a shot and actually has floundered a great deal since returning to WWE last year. The addition of the Boyz gives the SmackDown Live tag team division some new life as well.

Mahal beats Zayn
Courtesy: WWE

I don't expect Mahal to win the gold in his first attempt. But I do hope WWE Creative does something over the next month to build him up as a credible contender for the championship. SDL lost some big names to Raw in the Superstar Shakeup so the blue brand is in a rebuilding mode.  Not only did The Miz, Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt all leave, but John Cena is on a break and Rusev is out injured. Development of new top tier guys is needed ASAP.

I had hoped AJ Styles would be named number one contender, but I'm looking forward to his battle with Kevin Owens (assuming he retains against Chris Jericho at Payback). There's also the assumption that Orton will beat Wyatt on the same card (still not sure why the SDL top belt is being defended on a Raw event). 

Once again I'll sit back and enjoy the ride and look forward to being live in the crowd at Money in the Bank. It's only two months away, but the entire complexion of the SDL roster could be completely different in that short time. 

Bring back JR

JR!
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It was great hearing Jim Ross call the main event at WrestleMania 33. It's been way too long since JR has been a part of WWE programming. Ross announced on his podcast, The Ross Report, that he's signed a new two-year deal with the WWE, but will do a few projects with them and continue working with New Japan. But with Mauro Ranallo's recent departure, now is the perfect time to make JR the voice of SmackDown Live.

While announce teams may not necessarily make or break the deal when it comes to watching a show, adding JR to any WWE product will get my attention. If the commentary gets too boring/annoying etc. I will mute the TV and just watch the action. That would never be the case with JR, as he is the voice of at least a couple generations of wrestling fans.

When he was at WrestleMania it was clear he hadn't missed a beat. It was great having a familiar voice back on the air. The voice of WWE (sorry Michael Cole, I really don't mean any disrespect) is back. It's time to utilize him more.

Shaking things up

Maryse & the Miz
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Superstar Shakeup 2017 is in the books, and overall I'm impressed with how it was executed. There weren't any splits of tag teams or manager/valet setups, which is good. Lana is staying with Rusev on SmackDown Live and the Miz and Maryse will remain a pair on Raw. I had concerns teams like the New Day or Enzo and Big Cass would end up getting separated.

Wooo!
Courtesy: WWE

It's interesting that Bray Wyatt is now on Raw. I'll be curious to see if there's any kind of interaction with Braun Strowaman on the show. It seems like neither man would really need to have their alliance anymore. I'm happy to see Charlotte Flair coming to SmackDown Live. As mentioned before, the Bayley, Sasha, Charlotte story was getting a bit stale. Injecting Alexa Bliss into the Raw Women's Championship picture is great, but all signs are pointing to a Sasha heel turn, at least it appears that way to me. I'm hoping Tamina is ready to get back into the ring because the SDL women's roster lost two full-time and talented women along with Maryse (I don't know how much more she'll wrestle). 

The KO Show moves...
Courtesy: WWE

I'm not sure why they traded the Intercontinental and U.S. champions between shows, but I'm glad they didn't keep both champs on the same show. Maybe the IC title will get some shine on Raw with Universal Champion Brock Lesnar being a part-time Superstar. I believe Kevin Owens will beat Chris Jericho at Payback and remain on SDL. But I was hoping for a faction with him, Samoa Joe and possibly Cesaro on Raw. 

The rosters have new looks for the post-WrestleMania season. Change is good and I'm looking forward to the build up to Money in the Bank (I'll be there) and SummerSlam.

Superstar Shakeup thoughts

Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Everyone has an opinion on the upcoming Superstar Shakeup. Some are calling it a draft, others say it's a trade. Either way, you can bet there will be a lot of unpredictability associated with the shakeup. Instead of saying what I think will happen, I'm going to share what I want to see happen. These are two totally different things, but it's easier to share what I want.

The Revival
Courtesy: WWE

At least one tag team will split up. I'm not a huge fan of this happening like it did the year they split the Dudley Boys and the Hardys. Well established tag teams should stay together. Now that The Revival has been called up and The Hardys have returned we're getting a little diversity in the division. But with Simon Gotch being released, the Vaudevillains are no longer around (personally I enjoyed this team a lot in NXT). 

I thought New Day would be the most likely to be split, but now I'm thinking it could be Big Cass and Enzo. They've played around with doing both guys as singles stars, but I think Enzo would make a great mouthpiece for someone. I still enjoy the New Day and their merchandise. It appears to be selling well, so I'm hoping WWE keeps them intact and maybe tweaks them a little. That could be something as easy as switching brands.

The women (yes I know it's an old pic)
Courtesy: WWE

Beating a dead horse, but the women all need to be under one brand. There's simply not enough ladies on either roster to keep things fresh enough without resorting to the same matches or combination of matches. However, I know all the women on Raw or SmackDown Live will never happen. Sasha Banks needs to turn whether she stays on Raw or moves. She's not believable as a face. I wouldn't mind seeing Mickie James have a go at some of the Raw women and perhaps even a short title run with Charlotte Flair eventually winning the belt again by the end of the year.

I like AJ Styles on SmackDown Live. He's really owned the show and moving him to Raw as some have speculated may result in him getting lost in the shuffle. I'd much rather see AJ regain the championship from Randy Orton in the next couple of months and finish out 2017 as a strong champion.

JR returns
Courtesy: WWE

Other champs need to stay put. As far as announcers go, I'd love for JR to return to weekly TV, but I'm not going to hold my breath for that opportunity. Corey Graves has actually started growing on me. As for the future of the SmackDown Live team, only time will tell.

I know I didn't go far out on a limb, but that's about all that's on my mind at the moment. Honestly, I wouldn't hate it if as one blog I read today by Greg DeMarco suggested that nothing changes at all. With the new call ups and recent departures, WWE has the talent and I believe the creative mind to freshen things up without a Superstar Shakeup. But we shall see soon enough. In closing, if they really do want to shake things up, how about starting the show with a match instead of a 20-minute talking segment?

Understanding the Undertaker

He's back...
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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By now you've likely seen The Undertaker's return on Monday Night Raw. He announced his intentions to enter the 2017 Royal Rumble. His last appearance at the event was in 2010 when he defeated Rey Mysterio in a World Title match. But his last time in the Rumble itself was in 2009. 

The premise set forth by WWE and The Undertaker Monday night made sense to me. He's not technically been drafted by Raw or SmackDown Live so it didn't bother me that he was on Raw. And as he explained, New Orleans was where the WrestleMania Streak came to an end, further winning the argument to have The Phenom on Raw.

But here's where I put on my nitpicky douchebag hat. (I'm not really wearing a hat, but you know what I mean.) Rewind less than two months ago when Undertaker returned to SmackDown Live for the first time since WrestleMania 32. His pep talk to the Survivor Series team included the line "I'm back, taking souls and digging holes." He also mentioned SmackDown always being his home, but I'm letting that one slide due to the reasoning in the above paragraph.

He wrapped up his speech to the team by telling them if they lost at Survivor Series they'd have reason to fear him. It was a great appearance and worked to motivate the team as Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton became the team's survivors. 

Now for the nitpicky part... he said, "I'm back." during both appearances. True he was indeed back for that appearance, but when I hear that phrase, I assume the person saying it means they're back for good. But I know what happens when you assume. We did that when The Rock had a similar spiel a few years ago. Had the team lost at Survivor Series, would he have returned to the next SmackDown Live event?

Courtesy: WWE

At the very least though it appears that The Undertaker will be "back" for a few months, as he is in the Rumble and one would assume (I know) no matter outcome there he's going to be a part of WrestleMania 33 (please don't let it be against Braun Strowman).

Sorry for the negative tone of this post. I didn't intend for it to be. I have no problem with Taker being in the Rumble. I just hope it's a way to set up his match at Mania without involving the championship. 

Welcome back, Show Off

Snapped!
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I have been waiting for years for what happened Tuesday night on SmackDown Live. After straying from his heel and show off ways, it appears Dolph Ziggler is getting back to his roots. The frustration came to a boiling point after he lost to Baron Corbin (I can't even...) and he took out his anger on good guys like Kalisto and Apollo Crews.

Courtesy: WWE

I've been a fan of Dolph's since the character's debut in the fall of 2008. If Mr. Perfect and Billy Gunn ever had a kid, it would have been Ziggler. He's great in the ring and on the mic. But I was never a big fan of the good guy persona, especially the brief stint with Lana. My hope is Dolph's new attitude takes us back to the Show Off character and less reliance on mimicking some of the mannerisms and wardrobe of Shawn Michaels.   

Courtesy: WWE

The sky is the limit for Dolph, despite his near decade with WWE. He needs to get past what appears to be an early rivalry with Crews. I like him too, but Creative has done a poor job of making me care about the guy. Ziggler has the potential to be one of SmackDown Live's top heels. Another run with the World Title would be great, but not necessary to define Ziggler's career. He's more natural in that cocky, heel role so let him run with it again. Just please don't let he and Corbin start teaming together...

The Miz should be the number one contender

The Miz
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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SmackDown Live has established a new number one contender for A.J. Style's WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Dolph Ziggler outlasted the Miz, Dean Ambrose and Luke Harper to earn the next championship match (since James Ellsworth has the flu). The Show Off will get his opportunity at the December 27 edition of SmackDown Live.

Dolph is ready for the title
Courtesy: WWE

I'm a huge fan of Ziggler's, but it's time for the Miz to step back into that main event picture. Since regaining the Intercontinental Championship from Zack Ryder on the Raw after WrestleMania the Miz has been on fire. Pairing he and his wife Maryse has reignited the former reality star's career. I find the two the most entertaining aspect of SmackDown Live.

The Miz facing Styles would be an interesting dynamic as well. We don't often see heel vs. heel matches. Plus it would be a great way to showcase a champion vs. champion encounter. I realize Raw is doing that this weekend at Road Block, but to my knowledge, The Miz and A.J. have yet to go at it one on one. 

Miz in action
Courtesy: WWE

A Miz-Styles match could be in the works for a bigger event like the Royal Rumble or the February pay-per-view. Ziggler winning was a pleasant surprise. It'll be interesting to see how SmackDown Live closes out 2016. I've been impressed with the show since the brand split and I'm sure we won't be disappointed with this title match in two weeks.

James Ellsworth is more over than Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman beat James Ellsworth
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Until July of this year, few wrestling fans knew who the heck James Ellsworth was. He seemingly drew the short straw and was the first of many enhancement talents to face the monstrous Braun Strowman. The former Wyatt Family member destroyed Ellsworth in a matter of moments. But there was something about Ellsworth that resonated with fans.

The indy wrestler and promoter faded away as quickly as he arrived on the scene in WWE. But then in September, Ellsworth reappeared on SmackDown Live to team up with AJ Styles. But the Miz pounced and took out Ellsworth and I figured he would fade away again.

Ellsworth wins!
Courtesy: WWE

Then last week on SmackDown Live, Ellsworth PINNED Styles in a non-title match. Sure Dean Ambrose was the ref and made a fast count, but the win reignited the WWE Universe's admiration for the lovable loser. This week he competed for the championship. Not surprising, he did not win the belt but did win the match by disqualification. In the process, Ellsworth gained a whole new level of superstardom as a result. 

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Now consider this. Strowman destroyed Ellsworth three months ago. In that time he has received 0 championship matches. In fact, Strowman hasn't even had a non-title match. Something else to consider, Ellsworth has a new t-shirt in WWE Shop. Guess who doesn't? Yep Strowman. And as Ambrose pointed out, Ellsworth has more victories over AJ Styles than John Cena. It's mind boggling, but cool at the same time.

Ellsworth's hard work in the indies and being able to capitalize on that early popularity in WWE has changed his life. Congrats to him. Oh, and if you'd like to see Ellsworth in person, (and you live in the southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, western Kentucky area) head to Cape Championship Wrestling on Saturday, Oct. 29.