[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread VI**]

Way too many call-ups during this roster shakeup IMO. And head scratching ones like No Way Jose? That gimmick has a short shelf life and I see it fizzling out quickly. The WWE needs to prune that roster and cut the fat, people like Mojo and Cin Cera and a ton of other names should be cut or sent back down to NXT to make room for people that could actually do something worthwhile on the main roster. Way too overloaded now.

 

So as I posted above, after last night I'm calling Elias and Bliss to SD for sure.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread VI**]

Elias is one of the most over wrestlers of recent memory

 

Totally. Elias is one of my absolute favorites, and I’m sad he was sacrificed for Lashley when there are plenty of others they could have used. I felt the same about sacrificing Alexa to Ember Moon. That just tells me Alexa and Elias are going to Smackdown. :/

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread VI**]

The IWC has turned on nakamura after last night tbf. I dont know why. I thought the match was good. One of them should have been a heel though to make the match dynamic better

 

I’m not a Nakamura fan but I thought that match was great for what it was. But, I much prefer the face/heel dynamic and enjoyed the heel turn more than the actual match. It at least gave Nakamura some character, instead of “guy who wrestles”, which is the same issue I have with Auska. She’s just this colorful person who wrestles and I just don’t get it.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread VI**]

Good to know you are laughing at him for caring about WWE storylines, less than 24 hours after you typed up MULTIPLE posts about your thoughts on WWE matches. Cute.

 

He's what I classify as an IWC mark. These are the people that care about Dave Meltzer's ratings, 55 minute matches, and strong style. It's a brand of wrestling I just don't care about. But the thing is, that's their opinion and they're entitled too it. There isn't anything wrong with what he likes ... it's just not my thing, and they just can't let me enjoy something I because they don't like it.

 

I care more about trash talking on the mic and 5-15 minute matches to resolve drama than I do about a bunch of choreographed moves. I can suspend disbelief, but I have a limit as to how long. A wrestling match gets like 15-20 minutes max from me before my suspension of disbelief vanishes and I remember they're just running through a bunch of choreographed moves, and it just kills the moment for me. That's why I prefer shorter matches and higher drama. That's why characters like the Miz and Alexa Bliss appeal to me, and characters like Nakamura and Asuka do absolutely nothing for me. They're likey the exact opposite in that opinion, which is fine for them.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread VI**]

I'm pretty convinced you don't give NXT a shot at all. I completely understand it not being your style. It's pro wrestling, everyone has their likes and dislikes, that's what's great about this time in the wrestling business is there is something for everyone. That said, to say NXT doesn't have character development or good storylines is just flat out incorrect. Their matches and their ppv's are always great but the reason people get so invested in the characters is because of how they're presented and the build ups in these feuds.

 

I've legit tried to watch it, but it just doesn't do anything for me. Also, while there are storylines, it's not like there are a lot of them -- it's like an hour show once a week with a rare PPV ... there just isn't much time for storylines or character development in between the 30 minute matches I don't care about.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread VI**]

So... what do you care about? The good WWE storylines? lol. Stories, wrestling, character development are all better on NXT compared to the main roster.

 

I mean, I get it too -- I prefer watching the main product just for historic sakes... watching NXT is like watching the minor leagues instead of the major leagues, but when the minor leagues are putting on a product that is consistently better than the main product in every avenue... you should check it out.

 

NXT Takeover in Chicago this June. I'm looking forward to going there.

 

Yes, I care about the characters and storylines, thanks for asking.

 

I'm happy you think NXT is consistently better, but I disagree. It's almost as if this is opinion or something! I have watched NXT, and they have far less to deal with, 1 hour shows, rare PPVs, small rosters where only a handful of people appear on a show, and I further disagree about the characters, the character development, and the stories. Other than the main event, I don't see much story, and even then it's just about wrestling matches and 15 minute entrances.

 

It's not my style. I don't care about the product.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread VI**]

I don't follow WWE like I used to, but if you really think HHH has no say on every day WWE storylines, works, etc, then you're nuts.

 

And if Lesnar is such a problem, stop giving him so much f***ing money. Having a world champ who shows up 10x/year is bad for the product anyway.

 

Yeah, people put too much stock in this HHH is the reason everything is good in NXT and 205Live, and Vince is ther reason everything is terrible on RAW/SD. Hunter probably has quite a hand in the everyday operations on Raw and SD, as well as Stephanie and Shane, Road Dogg, Arn Anderson, etc...

 

NXT and 205 are designed for completely different audiences, and can therefore be booked/treated much differently than the main roster.

 

EDIT: I for example, have ZERO interest in NXT and 205live, I do not watch them, nor do I care how good a match is. It's the same reason I dismiss New Japan, I just don't care. If it's not WWE main roster, I have NO interest.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread VI**]

I really enjoyed everything about Mania except the Raw and SD tag-title matches. Loved the rest of the show.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

Saw this posted on another forum as an idea from a fan:

 

At WM they should show Taker laying in an open grave with a tombstone that says RIP and a man standing over him with his back turned to the camera. He turns around and it's Joe. Joe tells Cena he is the reason Taker couldn't accept his challenge and that's because you belong to me and Joe comes out and destroys Cena.

 

 

lol, I think it's a good idea

 

Crrrrrringe.

[2018 Workout Thread]

Just do a few of these and you'll be good to go.

 

 

It's hard to tell what's going on here, but it's possible the person that recorded this accidently took that as a tricep exercise, when it's actually a legit back exercise (still not the best form, though). Unless, of course, that person doesn't know that what they're doing is a back exercise, and they think they're working triceps.

[2018 Workout Thread]

One of the best tricep workouts you can do is the supinated pulldown -- palms facing the ceiling on the cable machine, pull down, controlled negative. I do this with a cambered bar (the zigzag bar that looks like this \_/\_/), which makes the grip more natural.

 

Not that you asked, but my favorite tricep routine:

 

7 sets supinated 2 hand pulldowns on a cable machine (8-12 reps per set) and slowly ramp the weight up.

 

Yes, this is a VERY high volume routine, so be careful with it. Also of note, with this supinated grip, you won't be able to do nearly as much weight, but you'll likely feel it target the muscle much better. At least, it does for me, but not everybody is the same.

 

3 sets of skullcrushers (8-12 reps per set)

 

3 sets of dips with weighted chains to failure. I'll start with one chain over my shoulders, then add another on sets 2 and 3. Note that dips also target the lower chest as well as the triceps, (they mimic a decline bench press).

 

Some gyms don't have chains, so you could use a dip machine for added weight, instead. Of course, being that you're tricep isn't feeling all that great right now, you'll likely want to ease up on this for the time being until you can rebuild the strength in that arm. Just keep in mind it's not how much weight you lift, it's how well you lift it.

[2018 Workout Thread]

Since someone revived this...

 

For the past week I seem to have bizarrely lost 10% of the strength in my right arm tricep. It doesn't hurt, I just all of a sudden in one arm can't lift as much as I previously could. I've dropped about 40 lb on bench and tricep overhead presses - like the difference between 200 and 160. I have no idea why. Bicep exercises are normal, it only hits me as weak on a select few exercises

 

Any guesses?

 

Could just be a minor strain, because that sounds like a minimal loss of power. If you lost half your strength or more and felt numb or tingly, I'd probably say it was nerve related (likely c6/c7 area of the neck), but I'm doubting it with that minimal of a strength loss. I'd try a different set of tricep workouts for a bit and see if it self-corrects, especially since it doesn't seem to be hurting you.

 

I also see a lot of people talking about foam rolling, but it does nothing for me. As a matter of fact, stretching does nothing for me, which is why I don't bother. Also, cold stretching and stretching during workouts has been proven to cause power loss, so I don't recommend that, either. Warm muscles are the only muscles that should be stretched, but again, I don't bother unless I feel specifically stiff for some reason, which is almost never.

 

Warm up, cardio, strength train, go home.

[2018 Workout Thread]

Depends on how many classes you want to do and what stage that particular studio is in. I was a pre-construction member so I pay 129/month (usually is 159) for unlimited classes and access to any club in the country (I go when I travel). Basic (4 per month) is 60 bucks, and I believe 8 is 100.

 

I would recommend for new people 2-3 classes per week at first.

 

Goddamn that's expensive. I pay like 40$ a month for my gym membership, but I'm not into taking classes or anything.

[2018 Workout Thread]

Yes, you've joined my cult. Its addictive as f***. I've been a member for going on 3 years. Its amazing. The endorphins keep me sane.

 

My goal from now until June 1 is single digit body fat. My trainer gave me a plan, lets see what happens

 

I've achieved this. It's funny how I hate wearing shirts all of a sudden.

 

But I basically do the Rock's weight lifting routine (of course, in relation to my bodyweight, not his, so I'm not pressing 300+ pounds), and quite a bit of his diet plan. I cheat a bit more than he does, but still...it's worked. 6-7 days a week in the gym for the past year.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

More excited for Bliss and Nia than Taker/Cena? Bliss continues to be the worst in-ring performer on the roster.

 

There is far more to wrestling than ... wrestling.

 

As a matter of fact, to this day I find the actual wrestling aspect to be the least entertaining aspect of the sport, especially when it doesn't contain any story or character. When I was a kid and I didn't know it was all predetermined, the wrestling was far more interesting. Today? It's just a stunt show, which is great, but when it goes on for too long it just gets monotonous.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

Welp, we all know who's winning the MMC too. I will still watch it because it's pure entertainment compared to the weekly shows.

 

Yet another thing this stupid streak is ruining.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

The Reigns promo was great last night. Painting him as the company man (because he is) and raising some questions about Brock (even if fake) is the right way to go.

 

Absolutely agree on this. It felt emotionally driven from the "company man", and that's why it worked. This is how Reigns needs to always talk.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

I agree that the Banks/Bayley moment was lost there, however, they could have just as easily done that moment in a 2on2 Banks+Bayley vs. James + Bliss for example and not had Asuka/Nia be part of the match.

 

I'm a fan of Asuka and the streak, I think it has helped the division in some respects, but I understand your points here. I only hope that they use the streak to elevate a talent properly. For that, they must let a true babyface defeat her such as Bayley, Kairi Sane, Becky Lynch.

 

The problem with the streak is that in the end, it will only really help one person, and even that'll be momentary at best. Once the streak is busted, other people defeating Asuka doesn't mean nearly as much anymore, and on top of that, the problem comes in the fact that the person that does beat Asuka -- let's say it's Bayley, or Lynch, or Banks for instance -- so what? So one of them toppled Asuka, meanwhile Bliss and Charlotte have both beaten *all of them* from pillar to post for years...so what's it really mean in the end?

 

It's just too much of a time investment to end up meaning practically nothing.

 

The only way an undefeated streak ends up meaning anything is if you have 2 characters with similar streaks of similar length that have never met one on one -- and when they do meet there would be actual intrigue as to who will win...but that's not what's going to happen.

 

In the end, this streak ending amounts to nothing, because no matter who you have beat her, someone will have already beaten that person...so at best it becomes a footnote of a bragging right.

 

Bayley: I'm the one that defeated the undefeatable Asuka!

 

Bliss: And? I've beaten you like 9 times.

 

Baylay: Oh.

 

Whatever.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

Bayley vs. Sasha - This is something that interests me, but they've done it pretty half-ass. This should be a title feud elevating both competitors in a legendary WM match, but instead it's likely heading to a non-title feud at best, and at worst a kick-off show pre match for s***s and giggles. I'm interested in this, but I fully expect a botched storyline 90%.

 

There would be enough heat between Banks/Bayley that this match wouldn't need a title if it was booked properly -- of course, because they have to protect Asuka's stupid streak, the crucial moment in this feud was basically buried last night. And the streak *is* stupid, because it makes everything predictable and boring. Nobody is saying make her lose clean, but for the love of God, there is no intrigue in anything she does so long as it continues.

 

So, what's my gripe with this undefeated streak? It's affecting everyone at this point -- even those she's not directly involved with -- and it's flat out hurting the entire division.

 

The 6 woman tag on RAW highlights the problem with this never ending streak.

 

Bayley's refusal to tag in for Banks last night *SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MEGA MOMENT* in the evolution of Bayley's character. Should have been being the key words. After Sasha turned on her in the Elimination Chamber, Bayley's refusal to tag in on RAW should have resulted in Banks/Bayley/Asuka LOSING that match. That's how big of a character moment that was for Bayley. But of course, Mrs. Invincible needed to go over to protect the streak, which rendered Bayley's refusal to tag in meaningless. It totally killed how big of a moment that was between Bayley/Banks because they ended up winning regardless.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

...and I don’t apologize for being a complete Alexa mark. Her mic ability and character work are why she’s awesome.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

Great woman's match, amazingly poor storyline booking.

 

Made Sasha look like a moron for turning on Bayley and losing.

Absolutely made Bayley an unlikeable character as she continuously looks like a fool.

The past 2-3 weeks of storylines of freindships were all useless in this match. So useless.

And, very obvious predictable winner/outcome.

 

But still, good wrestling. So, enjoyable match.

 

Can’t disagree with anything you said here. I agree with the useless alliances storytelling all these weeks which amounted to nothing.

 

Great match, and loved Alexa retaining (of course) her post match interview was great.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

:notworthy

 

Maybe Brian is irrelevant?

 

... Eh, anyway.

 

Yeah, agree on all your points, it was rather odd -- but everything about it was well done except the back story, which is what left me feeling perplexed, I guess. What helps (or doesn't) is that we all know Reigns is winning EC, so I could easily snore on the story anyway.

 

Either way, there are some impressive efforts being made by the wrestlers as they gear up for WM. Nice to see.

 

...and just now on the pre-show Rollins basically agreed with everything I said, by saying what happened on Monday night didn’t matter ... all that matters is tonight.

 

Yes.

 

Exactly.

 

So it’s a good thing you put yourself through hell for zero reason.

 

Sometimes these “writers” baffle me.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

It was great. Anyone who thinks otherwise is irrelevant. Everyone came out looking good.

Loved the backstage interviews of the guy eliminated during the match. Felt legit and authentic.

They definitely changed their creative ways since Raw25.

 

Can’t wait for Reigns to win Sunday so we can go back to the predictable ways. Braun is the only option but they’ll pass unfortunately.

 

This is an incredibly markish outlook, and honestly, I dislike this attitude from a lot of "modern wrestling fans". No, anyone that thinks otherwise isn't irrelevant, they just don't share your opinion.

 

That said, now you get my opinion on the matter...

 

Now, all I ask is you hear me out before you dismiss my opinion as "irrelevant", please.

 

The wrestling was fantastic, as were the backstage interviews after the eliminations, which actually felt real and not rehearsed as usual. This was a much better format, and the interviewers were used perfectly here, seeming to add a lot of emotion to the losses. This aspect of the show was REALLY WELL DONE. THAT SAID, by and large, it made absolutely no f***ing sense. Creative is so -- I don't know how else to word it -- but devoid of creativity that they couldn't possibly come up with some sort of stakes to make this gauntlet matter?!

 

I don't know, maybe the lone survivor of this gauntlet got a guaranteed shot at the IC title post EC, regardless of the outcome? Whatever the case may be, they could have EASILY come up with something to explain why a group of guys just 6 days out of the Elimination Chamber would kill themselves in this match. Instead, they put these guys into a random gauntlet with nothing at stake, and they go out there and kill themselves for 2 hours ... just for the sake of killing themselves for two hours?

 

It made everyone involved other than Strowman look like a f***ing idiot (and only because Strowman came out last). Why? Because in six days they'll get a chance to fight these same people FOR A SHOT AT THE WORLD TITLE AT WRESTLEMANIA. They all point at the WM sign enough, so they should know how important it is. Logically speaking, the SMART thing to do would have been to THROW the gauntlet match BECAUSE IT'S MEANINGLESS (I would have LOVED to have seen Miz do this, showing his smarts so he could go into the EC fresh, as opposed to banged up like everyone else). Instead, they all kill themselves for two hours and now when they actually fight the match and it matters -- in kayfabe, in just six days -- they're banged up from fighting in this match for nothing.

 

What sucks about this is the actual wrestling was fantastic, it just made no sense in story...and this falls one the lazy ass shoulders of creative.

 

So yea, while the action was great ... some simple story to up the stakes would have made it wayyyyyy better.

 

---

 

Most brutal match of the night was Asuka vs Microphone.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

lmfao.

I'll admit that that scenario makes Bayley relevant and would make her a main event playa, but that destroys everything bayley is about. Bayley is the ultimate babyface and that's why she is #1. Having her side with Bliss as a heel (while an interesting idea) is devastating to what Bayley is. At that point, might as well just rename the character. Bayley should never go heel.

 

My point is Bayleys character is dead anyway, ever since she won the title, that character was done for.

 

It’s time they move on and recreate her now.

[**World Soxtalk Championship Wrestling Thread V**]

I think you are sadly right about Bayley (my numba 1). They destroyed her underdog gimmick by giving her the title on Raw against charlotte. Just an insanely stupid thing to do that I've written about in this thread multiple times.

Repacking her as a snarky babyface is a smart idea on her way to regaining glory. I'd be down with that.

 

I'm with you in regards to becky, completely underused and possibly even better than Charlotte in the ring.

 

I think you need to give Asuka some time. She is fantastic in the ring and while her undefeated streak may be a hamper on her matches currently, it should set up for some great feuds down the road after they built her completely up. Someone has to break her undefeated streak (unfortunately, that likely will be Ronda Rousey and not an up and comer or someone like Banks/Bayley who could use it down the line to regain relevancy).

 

Man, I miss Bayley having that spark. Why did they put her on the microphone week in and week out, UGH.

 

Bayley could be fine on the mic, if they put her in the right position. When they do have her talk, she's too "woe is me" and pandering as of late, and she seems unsure about the things she's saying because, quite frankly, this writing team just has no attention span. That said, while promos aren't her strong suit, that could be solved by giving her someone that she can snark off of.

 

I don't write for the WWE, but if I did, I'd pitch the following storyline for Bayley:

 

Alexa Bliss is clearly looking for some sort of help/sidekick based on her saving Mikey James from Absolution -- not because she cares about James, but because she's looking for some backup in the Elimination Chamber. Mickey James is the wrong choice for this all things considered.

 

Bayley would be a MUCH BETTER fit for this role. It's perfect for her. So how do we get there? Bliss should bump into Bayley backstage, and in her "annoyed at the world" b****y tone of voice, completely berate her for being such a clueless idiot. Call her the dork in school nobody liked, poke fun at the side ponytail and the constant pandering for "hugs", etc...but instead of taking the predictable route the WWE would usually go with and have Bayley challenge Bliss to a rematch -- Bayley should be left looking like an idiot.

 

In a later segment, Bayley should go to Bliss and tell her she doesn't get it...she doesn't know what it's like to be "that girl". That one that's never belonged (this plays off the old Bayley underdog character) and Bliss can say, you don't have to be that girl, you choose to be. So why don't you hug your ass out of my locker room, loser...

 

NEXT SHOW Bayley should be shown losing a match, her frustration growing even further. Have Renee Young go to interview her and have Bayley put on a typical cringeworthy Bayley promo -- and an exasperated Bliss interrupts her. Tells her to stop talking, she doesn't owe any of these idiots an explanation and she sounds like a moron anyway. Have Bliss berate the crowd for picking on the "nerd of the WWE", etc. The idea of Bliss berating others for doing exactly what she does needs to come across pretty clearly here.

 

Later in the show, Absolution attack Bayley backstage, and leave her laying, making fun of her all the while. When Absolution exit, Bliss enters the scene and calls her pathetic...but says come find me when you get your butt up off the floor -- I know what it's like to get attacked by those girls (throwback to when Absolution attacked Bliss).

 

In a later segment, we show Bayley take a deep breath and knock on Alexa's door...end scene.

 

NEXT SHOW. Now we start repackage Bayley as cool girl Bliss's new sidekick, and we slowly start rolling out appearance changes. Gone is the side ponytail -- you can film vignettes with Bliss telling her to change her appearance, etc...and slowly the rest of Bayley's look begins to change. More edgy colors, no silly tassels, etc. At this point, wherever Bliss goes, Bayley follows. Now Bliss cuts promos for the both of them while Bayley stands beside her and laughs/snarks -- lobbing verbal grenades at whoever Bliss is talking about.

 

This Bayley would be infinitely more interesting and it sets up a babyface turn in the future for Bliss when Bayley starts getting more successful than even she is -- and now cool girl Bayley tells Bliss she doesn't need her anymore.

 

Or whatever.

 

Keep Bayley how she is so she can continue to suck.