It's been a whirlwind week in the world of professional wrestling, with two major title changes on TV and a host of intriguing storylines unfolding. WWE and AEW have both seen new champions rise, while others have fallen by the wayside. Let's dive into the winners and losers of the week, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Winners
The Bloodline Storyline
In my opinion, the Bloodline storyline is a clear winner this week. The inclusion of Royce Keys into the secondary angle surrounding the stable was a much-needed shot in the arm. Keys' confrontation with Fatu and Jimmy Uso on Friday's edition of 'WWE SmackDown' was a logical and refreshing twist. The story could be headed towards a team-up between the men, as Sikoa has no family, and Keys is trying to 'save' Fatu. This angle adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, providing a much-needed boost to the Bloodline's secondary members.
Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin is a big winner in my books. His return to WWE is a testament to his talent and charisma. Corbin is a big, loudmouth pro football player who can still talk trash and throw a guy around. His presence in the ring is a welcome addition, especially at a time when the company is 'bleeding off big ass-kickers' like Sheamus. Corbin's return booking may have its issues, but he is a perfect fit for WWE's 'weird circus'.
Kenny Omega
Kenny Omega's AEW World Championship victory is a no-brainer. His win over MJF at the Beach Break edition of 'AEW Dynamite' was a feel-good moment, especially considering the company's recent success. Omega's evolution as a wrestler is remarkable. He's lost a step in pace but gained a step in creating big moments. His 'kicking out at one when he feels disrespected' schtick is a crowd favorite, and he understands the age factor, making his exchanges more vicious and impactful.
Losers
Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn's nine-day reign as WWE Champion was a bit of a gut punch. His loss to CM Punk on 'Raw' was expected, but the lack of a proper title defense and a clear direction for SummerSlam is concerning. Zayn's 'mental health break' may be a strategic move, but it doesn't change the fact that he's a loser this week. His lack of appearance on 'WWE SmackDown' and the unclear direction for SummerSlam leave fans with more questions than answers.
Konosuke Takeshita
Konosuke Takeshita's loss to Kyle Fletcher for the AEW International Championship is a shame. His reign as champion didn't live up to the hype, and his involvement in The Conglomeration's business made him a background character. Takeshita's loss to Yota Tsuji in the G1 Climax is a major setback, especially with the introduction of Tsuji's new finisher, the Fire Blaster. Despite his talent, Takeshita's back-to-back losses make it an uphill struggle for 'The Alpha'.
AEW's Championships
AEW's copious number of championships is a double-edged sword. While Kenny Omega's victory is impressive, the company has too much gold on too many men. The title changes and feuds feel rushed, and some championships are rarely defended. Andrade El Idolo's decision to focus on the Don Callis Family titles instead of the AEW World Championship is a prime example of this. The company needs to find a balance to make all titles feel special and relevant.
In conclusion, this week's winners and losers showcase the highs and lows of professional wrestling. The Bloodline storyline, Baron Corbin, and Kenny Omega's victories bring excitement and intrigue, while Sami Zayn, Konosuke Takeshita, and AEW's championship situation present challenges and questions. As an expert analyst, I find these developments fascinating and look forward to the unfolding storylines and their impact on the wrestling world.
