Welcome back to another Monday Morning Q&A where I toss out some questions to get a feel of how you guys and gals are feeling about certain topics.
So here are 5 questions I’d like to toss out for this week. I’ll give my answers, too, but the key here is that I want to know what YOU think! So make sure you chime in!
1) Who do you think should or will induct Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano and The U.S. Express into the WWE Hall of Fame?
My first thought for Paul Heyman would be CM Punk. It’s a means to get him involved in WrestleMania Week, since he’s on the shelf with his injury. They have a connection together, Punk’s a great talker, and I think he could do it well.
Alternatively, Tommy Dreamer could be a good option. Rob Van Dam could work. Even Stone Cold Steve Austin wouldn’t be a bad pick, although I’d certainly think some others would have a higher ranking for Heyman on a personal level. But we don’t know who he would consider to be his go-to choice. It might shock us as some others have done in the past, and we could see someone he was closer to backstage or at an earlier time of his career do the honors, rather than someone from ECW or WWE.
When it comes to Bull Nakano, I wouldn’t have the first clue who she’s close to on a personal level. However, even if she requested someone, WWE’s had plenty instances in the past where they’ve rejected them in favor of suggesting others who are more in-house.
Alundra Blayze is a strong contender. They have history together from Nakano’s only run in WWE. But I could VERY much see this being a case where Damage CTRL inducts Nakano all together, paying homage as the Japanese women currently on the roster to a legendary Japanese icon from the past.
I don’t think it will be Sam Roberts, but you’d imagine he’d be one of the more impassioned presenters, that’s for sure!
When it comes to the U.S. Express, I’m honestly surprised they’re going in this year. I would have thought Bray Wyatt would be inducted by Bo Dallas and Mike Rotunda (and maybe Barry Windham) instead. My only guess is that either Bo is going to induct them, or maybe they bring in someone like Greg Valentine?
As far as my prediction, I think we’ll see Punk, Blayze, and Dallas do the honors.
2) Which Superstar do you think will win the gauntlet on Raw to earn a title shot against Gunther at WrestleMania XL?
It has to be down to either Chad Gable or Sami Zayn. There’s no chance it’s anyone else in the match. But given Zayn’s higher spot on the totem pole, I don’t even think there’s much of a shot that Gable wins this.
I see it playing out with Gable starting against maybe Ricochet. They have a solid match that Gable wins. JD McDonagh is next. Gable beats him rather easily. Bronson Reed is next and puts up a huge fight, eventually beating Gable to everyone’s disappointment. Zayn is next, puts up a good fight and barely beats Reed. Then, Zayn has to overcome Shinsuke Nakamura and he’s able to pull it off.
By no means would I have booked Zayn against Gunther at WrestleMania. However, given the circumstances, it seems WWE was planning on Gunther fighting Brock Lesnar and a lot of this card just hasn’t worked out the way it was planned on December 31st. I get why they’re doing it. I’m just disappointed there’s not something better for Gunther’s title reign and that Zayn doesn’t have a better option than reverting back to a midcard champion.
3) Santana has left AEW. Where would you like to see him pop up next?
To be perfectly honest, as blunt and brutal as this sounds, Santana on his own doesn’t really appeal to me all that much. That’s because even Santana and Ortiz as a tag team was still not one of my more favorite acts in AEW that I was clamoring for 24/7. I liked them well enough, and I thought they should have won the tag titles at some point, but their peak was still not something that made me go crazy.
On his own, at this stage of his career, I can’t see Santana going too far. WWE isn’t going to snatch him up and throw the Intercontinental Championship on him as a featured member of the Raw roster by mid-2024 or anything like that.
If he did get a WWE contract, he’d be sent to NXT. I’m confident in that. And to be honest, I wouldn’t be opposed to that. Maybe he does have more to offer as a singles guy than I’m giving him credit for and we just haven’t seen it (or I just haven’t seen it, to be more fair).
But I think we’re looking at a TNA signing in the future. NWA is too small, New Japan is getting filled up with Nic Nemeth, Jack Perry and Matt Riddle. Touring the indies is well and good if that’s what you want to do, but it doesn’t come with any stability. TNA is one of the more perfect third-tier options to get some footing, feel like a bigger fish in a smaller pond, and still come across as though you haven’t entirely lost your star power.
Plus, TNA is probably going to be losing some people in the next year. They’re going to need to replenish the roster with some new guys and gals. Maybe Santana is a good fit for one of those roles.
4) Any thoughts on John Cena’s new movie, Ricky Stanicky?
My latest FanTracks podcast was watching this film, if anyone’s interested in my live reactions for a watch-along.
The short version of my thoughts could be summed up that I liked this better than Vacation Friends 2, which was a disappointment, a LOT better than Hidden Strike, which was just awful, but I don’t think it surpasses Vacation Friends 1.
John Cena plays the same character he plays in almost everything. It’s a similar curse to what The Rock does in all his movies. Or, for that matter, what most comedic/action stars end up falling into a typecast for. After all, have you really seen Jean-Claude Van Damme play much more than 1 character? How many Jack Black roles have him playing something other than a loud, energetic guy?
So basically, if you like Cena doing the Cena shtick where he goes on some runs, makes some dick jokes and brings in some heart while looking like a fool who can talk his way out of being caught as a liar, you’re going to love all of his bits. If that’s not your thing, you’ll hate the movie, as it’s just that plus some leftover bro comedy vibes from when this was originally written 15 years ago.
Not bad, but it’s not great, either. It’s got some laughs in it and if you’re looking for something to throw on for 2 hours, you might enjoy it. But it’s not winning any Oscars.
5) What were your takeaways from NXT Roadblock?
- Surprised Tony D’Angelo won the #1 Contender’s Match. I think he’s turning heel to win the title and Luca Crusifino will be a key element to that.
- What’s happening with Oba Femi? He’s going to squash Brooks Jensen. But are we setting up Femi against Josh Briggs, Dijak, or both?
- This Shawn Spears and Ridge Holland feud makes no sense. I’m glad Spears is here, but the suspension of disbelief is very high with this setup.
- Arianna Grace is definitely beating Gigi Dolin next week. They don’t set up a “you’re going to have to do something silly if you lose” thing just to have it end without that. See Tiffany Stratton being Fallon Henley’s ranch hand for proof.
- As mentioned in my What if Stand & Deliver were 2 nights article, I think we’re looking at a multi-woman tag team match at that show with Thea Hail, Henley, and Kelani Jordan and/or Wren Sinclair against Jacy Jayne, Jazmyn Nyx, Kiana James and Izzi Dame. That fallout between Hail and Jayne is going to happen next week or the week after.
- I like the idea of the catch clause for No Quarter Catch Crew. Who is challenging for the Heritage Cup next, though?
- Noam Dar being depressed and then snapping out of it was pretty dumb.
- Wolf Dogs are great. Roxanne Perez as a heel isn’t.
Let us know your thoughts about these questions by answering them in the comments!
The WWE Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor bestowed upon professional wrestlers who have made significant contributions to the industry. This year, three individuals have been announced as inductees: Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, and The U.S. Express. As fans eagerly await their induction ceremony, speculation arises regarding who will have the honor of inducting these legendary figures.
For Paul Heyman, there are several potential candidates who could do justice to his induction. One popular choice is CM Punk, who shares a connection with Heyman and is known for his exceptional mic skills. Alternatively, Tommy Dreamer or Rob Van Dam, both of whom have worked closely with Heyman in the past, could be suitable options. Stone Cold Steve Austin is also mentioned as a potential inductor, although others may have a higher personal ranking for Heyman. Ultimately, the decision lies with Heyman himself, and it may surprise fans to see someone from his earlier career or backstage circle take on the role.
When it comes to Bull Nakano, determining her preferred inductor is more challenging. WWE has been known to reject personal requests in favor of suggesting inductors who are more closely associated with the company. Alundra Blayze, with whom Nakano had a notable rivalry during her only run in WWE, is a strong contender. However, it is also possible that Damage CTRL, a group of Japanese women currently on the roster, could collectively pay homage to Nakano as a legendary Japanese icon from the past. While unlikely, some fans humorously suggest that Sam Roberts, known for his impassioned presentations, could be involved.
The induction of The U.S. Express into the WWE Hall of Fame has surprised some fans, as they expected other wrestlers like Bray Wyatt to be inducted instead. Speculation arises regarding who will have the honor of inducting this tag team. One possibility is Bo Dallas, who is the real-life brother of one-half of The U.S. Express, Mike Rotunda. Another suggestion is Greg Valentine, a respected veteran in the industry. Ultimately, fans will have to wait and see who WWE chooses to induct The U.S. Express.
Moving on to other topics, the upcoming Raw gauntlet match to determine Gunther’s WrestleMania XL opponent has fans speculating on the potential winner. The consensus is that it will come down to Chad Gable or Sami Zayn. While Gable is expected to have impressive matches against Ricochet, JD McDonagh, and Bronson Reed, it is predicted that Zayn will emerge victorious. Despite some disappointment in the booking decision to have Zayn challenge Gunther, fans understand the circumstances and hope for a better option for Zayn in the future.
In recent news, Santana has left AEW, leaving fans wondering where he might end up next. Opinions on Santana’s potential appeal as a solo wrestler vary. Some feel that he may not go far on his own, while others believe he could have more to offer as a singles competitor. WWE is unlikely to sign him for a prominent role on the Raw roster, but a stint in NXT could be a possibility. Another option that fans suggest is TNA, which could provide Santana with stability and the opportunity to shine as a bigger fish in a smaller pond.
Shifting gears, John Cena’s new movie, “Ricky Stanicky,” has garnered attention. Reviews of the film indicate that it falls somewhere between Cena’s previous movies in terms of quality. Cena’s portrayal of a character similar to his usual roles receives mixed reactions. Fans who enjoy Cena’s comedic style and ability to bring heart to his performances will likely enjoy the movie, while those looking for something more may find it lacking.
Lastly, NXT Roadblock has left fans with various takeaways. Some notable points include Tony D’Angelo winning the #1 Contender’s Match, potentially setting up a heel turn and a title win. The future of Oba Femi is uncertain, with fans speculating on potential feuds against Josh Briggs, Dijak, or both. The Shawn Spears and Ridge Holland feud is criticized for its lack of coherence. Predictions are made for Arianna Grace’s victory over Gigi Dolin, as well as a multi-woman tag team match involving Thea Hail, Jacy Jayne, and others. The catch clause for No Quarter Catch Crew is praised, while Noam Dar’s storyline is deemed questionable. Finally, the Wolf Dogs receive positive feedback, but Roxanne Perez’s heel persona is met with mixed reactions.
As fans eagerly await the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony and upcoming wrestling events, these questions and speculations add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the world of professional wrestling.