On Episode 114, we begin things with an interview we conducted with the founder and Editor In Chief of The Barbwire Blog, Matthew Hollie. In a 35 minute plus discussion, we talk about all sorts of topics involving The Barbwire Blog, as well as Matthew’s thoughts on related topics such as Shinsuke Nakamura vs Finn Balor, Battleground, The Brand Extension Draft, the Brock Lesnar situation, the CWC, and much more. It is a comprehensive round table discussion of many of the pertinent subjects in pro wrestling during this very busy and very historic time.
We then move on to review Monday Night Raw from July 11, 2016. It featured a Battle Royal to determine the new #1 contender for The Miz’s Intercontinental Championship. Who prevailed to earn a shot at the gold at Battleground? Rusev would accept the challenge of Zack Ryder for a shot at the United States Championship…but not until Ryder had been beaten down by Sheamus. Seth Rollins presented The Rollins Report, Dean Ambrose got annoyed, and we ended up with a match for the WWE Championship between the two, one on one, on the Raw before The Draft. The New Day visited The Wyatt Family compound and we give our brutally honest opinion on the whole segment, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But the big moment of Raw came at the end when Vince McMahon announced the Commissioners for Raw and Smackdown Live. Who did Vince announce as being the head honcho’s for both brands? Tune in to Episode 114 to find out.
We then move on to review NXT and this was really all about one thing: Shinsuke Nakamura vs Finn Balor. Yes, the NXT Champion, Samoa Joe, returned to NXT TV but the champ was largely irrelevant due to the fantastic match that we saw between Nakamura and Balor. This was an instant classic and will draw heavy consideration for Match of The Year. What made the match so good? We review and analyze this huge dream match in detail for you on Episode 114.
Most of us who watch the WWE and then report on it look at things a certain way. Most of those who listen to pro wrestling podcasts are a different type of fan, a more hardcore version if you will. But what do teenagers think of Raw? Is it still cool? Can teens relate to the product being put out by WWE? On Episode 114, we tried to get some answers to this. Dave’s 14 year old daughter, who has been to Summer Slam, WrestleMania, Raw, Smackdown, and numerous house shows, has become rather bored with the product. For Episode 114, she watched Raw and she gave us her review. It is a funny, honest, and, at times, very harsh review of WWE’s flagship program from the mind and lips of a 14 year old who, like most of them out there, has far greater access to the world than most of us did at that age. It is a definite change of pace but a useful one for anyone who ever wondered, “Hey…does this stuff still appeal to teens any more?”