SURVIVOR SERIES WRAP-UP: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE??? BY: JOHN THOMAS AUSTIN

SURVIVOR SERIES WRAP-UP: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE??? BY: JOHN-THOMAS AUSTIN

     

 So, by now I'm sure everyone has heard about the biggest shock in wrestling since 21-1, Goldberg beating Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series in under 2 minutes. The IWC has been on FIRE lately with debates between smarks, pundits, and nostalgic fans. A lot of people are absolutely ecstatic about Goldie returning in grand fashion, where others are stewing about the beast being conquered. Let's discuss this. I personally think that from a wrestling standpoint, it adds an intriguing chapter to a tale that has been told in sports entertainment since it's inception. I totally agree with Brock losing, I wish the match had been longer, but you win some, you lose some. Let me elaborate on why I think this helps wrestling as opposed to hurting the business.

   

   
  A lot us have lost the sense of "fantasy" when it comes to fantasy warfare. You have people over-analyzing the situation, "Oh, Goldberg is old, etc. Think about the character Goldberg. An unstoppable force who ran over everything in his path. (Short of the beard physically he's almost exactly like he was 12 years ago. Keep the thought in mind that for wrestling, physically Goldie's still young and has avoided most of the wear and tear other wrestlers have dealt with with his sabbaticals). Was he supposed to come back and be Gillberg? Just the arrival of Goldberg in dominant fashion opens up a myriad of possible dream matches. Tell me wheels aren't turning in all of our heads as to what story-lines have the potential been created leading up to Wrestle-Mania, especially with Goldberg entering the Royal Rumble.


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        Let's also talk about the residents of Suplex City who are ready to have a riot over their Mayor's defeat. Yes, we know that Brock was the former UFC Champion, etc. But think about this, going back to a storyline standpoint. Every wrestler has had that one rival who they just couldn't seem to beat. Hogan had Piper, Luger and Dusty had Flair. Sting had Rude, Bret had Perfect, Shawn had Bret, Taker had Shawn (and now Brock), HHH had Taker, Austin had HHH, Rock had Austin. Brock's Achilles heel is Goldberg. What has also eventually happened in most cases is the wrestler getting over on said rival and it being a legendary moment. I'm imagining that eventually Brock gets the                                                                                      
last laugh on Goldberg.

         Finally, I'm going to touch on the fact that Brock was crushed in 2 minutes. People are pissed off and feel like this destroyed the reputation of the beast that has been built up these last 3 years. I disagree, and here's why. Most fights are lost by the overconfident person and Brock in storyline made the mistake of believing his own hype. It's like when the Chicago Bulls went 72-10, during that season one of the teams who handed them a heavy loss was the unseeded Denver Nuggets. Brock in sense forgot who Goldberg was because of his dominance these last few years and expected a cake walk. This will add depth to the Brock character, because after being humiliated he needs to regain his focus, and who better to wake him up than the one who beat the one? Paul Heyman can literally talk a stripe off of a zebra, so this story can be golden if pulled off correctly, with Heyman emphasizing how this loss has created a rabid beast focused only on revenge, even have him come out with an "EAT, SLEEP, CONQUER Goldberg" shirt.

         So folks, this is one of those times where I implore you to trust in the magic of sports entertainment. I see great potential for memorable moments on the horizon!

John Thomas Austin is a journalist/editor for The Wrestling Lariat. In Affiliation with the Triple Crown Network

WGR's NXT Takeover Brooklyn II Postshow Podcast

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the Goons are recapping everything that went down at NXT Takeover Brooklyn II. Joined by special guests Shaun Guillroy and "The Wrestling Gawd" Jameyan Smith, Mark and Anthony start off the show Austin Aries going over No Way Jose, but both men came out looking strong. Ember Moon debuted impressively, but find out why a few of the Goons were more impressed with Billie Kaye! Bobby Roode made his GLORIOUS entrance in Brooklyn and took out Andrade "Cien" Almas. We crap on his finisher being a pumphandle slam, but all in all this was great. The consensus match of the night was the tag match. Drama galore as The Revival retains and rips the heart from Jameyan and Mark. Find out why we enjoyed this match so much. Asuka defeats Bayley again and this should be Bayley's farewell to NXT. In the main event, Samoa Joe defended his title against Shinsuke Nakamura, and in what surprised many of us, Nakamura is the new NXT Champ! We cover it all in a little over a half hour. Click it!


WGR's NXT Takeover Brooklyn II Postshow Podcast

WGR's WWE Battleground 2016 Postshow Podcast

In this edition of Wrestling Goons Radio, Anthony and Adam are breaking down everything that went down at WWE Battleground! We were surprisingly impressed with The Usos and Breezango. Sasha Banks revealed her mystery partner to be Bayley! The Wyatt Family ended their feud with New Day with yet another victory with Bray Wyatt scaring Xavier Woods into Sister Abigail. Rusev retained his US Title against Zack Ryder in what was hopefully. Sami Zayn got his redemption in dramatic fashion over Kevin Owens. Natalya defeated Becky Lynch in our consensus worst match of the night. (We were worried about Becky here). The Miz and Darren Young ended in a Double DQ. This finish made no sense to anybody. We try to make sense of it to no avail. For the final time together, The Club were defeated by John Cena and Enzo and Cass. Randy Orton made his much awaited return to The Highlight Reel. He took some shots at Brock Lesnar which were awesome. Then Jericho caught an RKO outta nowhere. The night ended with the triple threat match, and Dean Ambrose retains to take the title to Smackdown! All in all. We thought this was a very solid PPV setting up the draft that followed. Let us know what you think as well and enjoy the show. Click it!


WGR's WWE Battleground 2016 Postshow Podcast

WGR's Between The Sheets - Brock Wins UFC 200 - July 10, 2016 Podcast

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the goons are back talking about Brock Lesnar's BIG win at UFC 200 against "The Super Samoan" Mark Hunt. We discuss what this means for his Summerslam match with Randy Orton. TNA has completed their Hardy vs Hardy Final Deletion storyline. Did we like it, hate it, or feel indifferent? The Wyatts have challenged The New Day to come to the compound. It sorta feels like the recent TNA storyline, so we compare and contrast the differences. We discuss the upcoming brand split as well. There's a lot to cover in this half hour. Won't you join us? Just click it!

WGR's Between The Sheets Podcast - July 10, 2016 - Brock Wins UFC 200

WGRs Between The Sheets Podcast - The Draft Approaches - 6/24/16

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the goons are covering everything inside the ring and out over the past week and looking forward in the world of WWE and briefly outside of it. Brian Compton hosts this week with Michael Robinson and the returning Dan Tanner. They get into Roman Reigns and the upcoming draft. It appears Roman is bound for RAW with Rollins and Cena is bound for Smackdown with AJ. Find out what they think about that. The guys suggest a triple threat match to split the titles on each brand. Agree or disagree with them? Let us know! Bray Wyatt hyptonized Xavier Woods and the goons are putting this segment over big time. How do you feel about the return of Bray Wyatt? They get off on a tangent that ranges from everything like banning the Banks Statement because it resembles a crossface into Chris Benoit, but its entertaining at least. They discuss whether or not Kurt Angle will return and be inducted into the WWE HOF? Lastly, the goons end the show talking about who could replace Jerry Lawler full time on Smackdown after his arrest. Will it be David Otunga? Let us know your thoughts on that and anything else! Its an hour long episode full of information and entertainment. Click it!


WGRs Between The Sheets Podcast - The Draft Approaches - 6/24/16

WGRs WWE Money In The Bank Postshow Podcast

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the goons are recapping everything that went down at WWE Money In The Bank! Dean Ambrose is your new World Heavyweight Champion! But how? He won the Money In The Bank ladder match earlier in the night and cashed in his prize on Seth Rollins! Where does this leave Roman Reigns with Ambrose? We shall see. In other news, Natalya had finally had enough of the cookie cutter smiling, and she snapped on Becky Lynch. Find out our thoughts on that. Were we impressed by Rusev and Titus O'Neil? The Fatal Four Way tag match had a ton of botches that we get into. And lastly, were we satisfied with the John Cena and AJ Styles match along with the finish? Its an hour long show with special guests Michael Robinson and Comedian Andy Imlay. You don't wanna miss this one! Click it!

WGRs WWE Money In The Bank Postshow Podcast

WGRs WWE RAW Reaction - MITB Go Home Show Podcast 6-13-16

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the goons are recapping everything that happened from the final RAW before WWE Money In The Bank. Were we impressed? We have comedian Andy Imlay on with us this episode to discuss it. Andy is a huge WWE fan with lots of good insight youll hear in this session. Who do we think wins the Money In The Bank briefcase this Sunday? Was the Ambrose Asylum a success? Another boring pointless main event lost our attention. But all in all, we thought it was a decent episode. Let us know what you think! Click it! Thanks to everyone who participated in the Facebook live session as well for this episode.

WGRs WWE Raw Reaction - MITB Go Home Show Podcast 6-13-16

WGRs Between The Sheets 6-11-16 TNA Slammiversary recap and WWE Brand Extension Podcast

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the goons are recapping the results of TNA Slammmiversary. Eddie Edwards is the new X Division Champ, Sienna won the triple threat knockouts match to become the new champion, and Bobby Lashley is the new TNA Heavyweight Champion. What did you think of Slammiversary? Find out what we did. Also, we get into the upcoming brand split yet again, the upcoming return of Bray Wyatt and what his role will be, and a bunch of other things in this half hour plus episode. Click it!

WGRs Between The Sheets - TNA Slammiversary recap and WWE Brand Extension Podcast 6-11-16

WGRs NXT Takeover The End Postshow Podcast

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the Goons are recapping WWE NXT Takeover: The End! 5 matches in a span of 2 hours had us very impressed! The show started with Ty Dillinger going down to the debuting Andrade "Cien" Almas. Were we impressed with this? The American Alpha were defeated by The Revival making Dash and Dawson 2 time NXT Tag Champs. We didn't see this one coming! Did you? The consensus match of the night saw Shinsuke Nakamura defeat Austin Aries in a fantastic back and forth match. Nia Jax dominated most of her match with Asuka, but falls at the end to the kicks of death. The main event saw Samoa Joe retain his NXT title in a cage against Finn Balor as "The Demon". Was this Finn's farewell NXT match? And let us know what you thought! We appreciate everyone that participated in our Facebook Live feature on this episode. Click it!


WGRs NXT Takeover The End Postshow Podcast

WGRs Between The Sheets - The Club Is Back - 6/4/16 Podcast

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the Goons are headed to NXT LIVE in Atlanta, GA tonight! Be looking for plenty of coverage from that! On the show, we discuss the dramatic turn of events for The Club and whether we like it or not, along with the return of John Cena. Seth Rollins plays the quiet game, a la Chris Jericho. We weren't that impressed by that and we tell you why. The New Day and The Club appear to have beef and this means more work for The Club. TNA's production values are laughable as we break down the recent Hardy Boyz segment. ROH is in discussions with New Japan and CMLL about mergering. This has disaster written all over it. Find out why we think so along with Money In The Bank coverage and ending the show with the Cody Rhodes tour which will be making its way to EVOLVE Wrestling. Its an hour long show with plenty to cover and keep you entertained. Click it!

WGR's Between The Sheets - The Club Is Back 6/4/16 Podcast

WGRs Between The Sheets - Brand Split!!!! Podcast 5-29-16

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the Goons are going over life in WWE since Extreme Rules. Seth Rollins is back. Did WWE get his return right? We discuss that. Money In The Bank is just a few weeks away and with the return of John Cena looming, we ponder whether he should be doing that or challenging Rusev for the US Title. The Club is apparently split, but is the faction itself dead? We get into Finn Balor and his possible involvement once he debuts. Lastly, WWE has announced a brand split coming in July. Smackdown will be moved to Tuesdays on USA and go live. We assume there will be a draft. We debate who will run which show and who may represent which roster. Its almost an hour long show with plenty of material to cover. Click it!

WGR's Between The Sheets - Brand Split!!! Podcast 5-29-16

WGR's Between The Sheets Rumors and Extreme Rules Predictions Podcast

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the goons are getting you set for WWE Extreme Rules with the complete rundown and match predictions. We also get into some rumors including Stephanie McMahon taking over after Vince, John Cena returning to win the US Title, and we discuss how terrible we feel "The Club" has been booked entering this Sunday since their debut. Its an hour long episode full of non stop topics. You don't wanna miss this one! Click it!

WGR's Between The Sheets Rumors and Extreme Rules Predictions Podcast

WGR's Between The Sheets Rumor Review Podcast 5-15-16

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio's "Between The Sheets", the boys are talking Bullet Club, or "The Club" as WWE is calling it. Whats going on with their booking? What can be done differently? We discuss when Finn Balor is coming and get into his match announced for Takeover with Samoa Joe. The WWE had Black Friday with Damien Sandow headlining the releases. Whats next for Sandow? We tell you. Lastly, there are a ton of superstars getting ready to return soon. Which ones are we most excited for? Check out this week in the dirt sheets with us. Click it!


WGR's Between The Sheets Rumor Review Podcast 5-15-16

WGRs RAW Reaction Go Home Podcast for Payback

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the goons are talking about the Go Home Show from Monday Night RAW leading into WWE Payback. Ratings were down but we watched, so if you didn't check us out! Shane McMahon is in charge once again until Stephanie shows up with some blockbuster news on who will have future control. AJ Styles and his buddies continue to develop their story with Roman Reigns leading into Payback. It appears the League Of Nations is on the verge of a breakup and we discuss that. Cesaro's charisma is a topic we delve into. We also break the story this week of the Ric Flair incidents and what his future in WWE may hold. This is one you gotta hear! Click it!


WGRs RAW Reaction 4/25/16 - Go Home Podcast For Payback

WGR's Between The Sheets April 22, 2016

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, we debut our newest weekend show "Between The Sheets". We cover everything outside of the ring and on the dirt sheets. No spoilers, No filler. Only substance. We discuss this week Chyna's death and WWE's reaction to it, mainly Hunter and Stephanie. Samoa Joe is the new NXT champion. We get into what it could mean for Finn Balor and The Bullet Club coming forward through Payback. The NXT teams are in the finals of the Tag Tournament, and we go over Baron Corbin's dominant rise. Bray Wyatt's injury and timetable for return is discussed, and lastly we close the show with an important question....will TNA ever die? Its an hour long episode of fun and banter with important information you need to know as a wrestling fan. Click it!

WGR's Between The Sheets Podcast 4/22/16

WGRs RAW Reaction 4-11-16 = Shane Is In Charge Again

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the goons are back with a loaded 5 man panel. We get into everything from Monday Night RAW live from Los Angeles California. Shane McMahon is in charge again. Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt are teamed together in the main event. Dean Ambrose has renamed Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel into The Ambrose Asylum.  AJ Styles retains his #1 contendership in our consensus match of the night against Sami Zayn. There's a new Tag Team Tournament that we discuss, along with a few NXT Debuts and The Bullet Club. Its an hour and a half episode of nonstop banter and debate. Well worth the time and the listen. Click it!

WGRs RAW Reaction 4-11-16 = Shane Is In Charge Again Podcast

WGR's Raw Reaction - Shane Is In Charge

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, Brian and Dan are recapping Monday Night RAW. The postshow from Wrestlemania. Shane McMahon is still in charge? The guys get into that and they are also upset about the crowd trying to hijack shows. They discuss NXT debuts along with Baron Corbin winning the battle royal at Mania. Cesaro makes a glorious return in the main event, but AJ Styles is the new number one contender for Roman Reigns' title. Its an hour plus review for a three hour show. Click it!

WGR's RAW Reaction - Shane Is In Charge Podcast

WGR's Wrestlemania Postshow Podcast #1

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the Goons are reacting to everything that went down at Wrestlemania. Dan tries to be the voice of reason to Anthony's anger. We shed some light on Ryback and his bully gimmick, Team Total Divas defeats Team Lana. Brie impresses and Nikki gets a nice pop in a neckbrace. The Usos put the Dudleyz through a table. 2 of us hate it and one of us loved it.Zack Ryder being the new IC champion, The Rock embarrassing The Wyatt Family, AJ Styles losing to Chris Jericho, Charlotte using Ric Flair to beat Sasha and Becky, Baron Corbin shocklingly wins the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Shane losing to Taker and nearly killing himself, Brock destroying Dean Ambrose in a beatdown, and Roman Reigns is the new world heavyweight champion in the main event. This show is a long one as was the PPV. We turn 7 hours into an hour and a half for you. Click it!

WGR's Wrestlemania Postshow Podcast #1

WGR's NXT Takeover Dallas Predictions Podcast

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the Goons get you set for everything you need to know before WWE NXT Takeover: Dallas tonight! Brian Compton is on site ready to meet Bray Wyatt! We get into that briefly then run down the card for the show. We have two huge debuts in Austin Aries and Shinsuke Nakamura that we are super pumped over! We also suspect the Bullet Club debuts tonight with Finn Balor. Find out our winners and losers in this half hour episode. Stay tuned with us all Wrestlemania Weekend with Wrestling Goons Radio! Click it!


WGR's NXT Takeover Dallas Predictions Podcast

WGR's NXT Takeover and WWE Wrestlemania 32 Special Podcast Preview

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the Goons are back to get you ready for NXT Takeover and WWE Wrestlemania 32. We are one week away from both shows. The guys go over their pros and cons for each show along with a short rundown of the the matches. Next week they will go over their winners and losers. What are you thoughts on the shows? Which do you prefer? Let us know and you could have your thoughts in a segment of the next episode. Its an hour long show of banter and non stop wrestling talk. Click it!

WGR's NXT Takeover and WWE Wrestlemania 32 Special Podcast Preview

Swords and Guns, Part Two: The Rebirth of The Bullet Club

It is exactly one year after the debut of AJ Styles in New Japan Pro Wrestling and once again, Wrestling Dontaku has become the breaking ground for yet another Bullet Club revolution that would prove to be a major turning point for the dominating group.

At Wrestling Dontaku 2014, AJ Style defeats Okaka to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion; subsequently, the once long standing adversary of the Bullet Club, Yujiro Takahashi betrays his fellow Chaos stablemate, Okada and joins the becomes the newest member of the Bullet Club.  This act of betrayal was unprecedented at the time as Takahashi becomes the first Japanese member of the group, once thought to be an “all-gaijin” stable or all foreigner stable.  To have Takahashi join the group was a slap in the face of the not only his former Japanese stable, Chaos but the Japanese people.  But Takahashi would not be the last person to join the Bullet Club.

On November 8, 2014, a young charismatic Kenny Omega would debut in NJPW as the newest member of the Bullet Club; two months later he would defeat Ryusuke Taguchi to become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.  Now that Kenny Omega has gold around his waist, he has a target on his back and begins a yearlong rivalry with Kushida.  During their rivalry, the title would change hands between the two men and their feud would ultimately culminate at Wrestle Kingdom 10. 

The first time the title would change hands is on July 5 at Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall where Omega would drop the title to Kushida.

2 months after his first unsuccessful title defense against Kushida, Kenny Omega finds retribution by defeating Kushida to become a two time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.  This victory would cement Omega’s claim that he is “The Cleaner” of the Junior Heavyweight division and would enter Wrestle Kingdom 10 as the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.

Side Note: 2 Years after their infamous debut, the Bullet Club is making history yet again at Wrestlng Dontaku 2015; Amber Gallows (wife of Doc Gallows) is the only female member of the Bullet Club and becomes one of the first women to participate in a NJPW match in 12 years.  The match would be a six-person inter-gender tag team match between the Bullet Club (Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson and Amber Gallows) versus The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Michael Bennet and Maria Kanellis).  They were ultimately defeated by the Kingdom.

One notable member of the Bullet Club is Cody Hall, son of wresting legend and founding member of the notorious New World Order or simply NWO.  Hall along with the Young Bucks would play a pivotal role in the success and continuous shaping of the Bullet Club by the end of Wrestle Kingdom 10.

Since their undeniably dominant debut back in 2013, the Bullet Club has been a wrecking ball of wrestling talent that solidified the group’s status as a major player in the industry.  Though it has seen old leaders fall and new leaders rise, the group as a whole as managed to stand the test of time.  The “Elite” look to start off 2016 the same way they began their illustrious careers, as an unstoppable force that through change, will evolve and through evolution, will dominate.

 Make sure to listen to Wrestling Goon’s Radio to hear the part three to this article; we will review Wrestle Kingdom 10 in its entirety and reveal what changes lie ahead for the Bullet Club and continue the journey that started three years ago.

Written By: Brian Adam Compton for Wrestling Goons Radio ©

Swords and Guns, Part One: The Birth of the Bullet Club

Wrestling Dontaku is an annual event held in Japan by wrestling promotion, New Japan Pro Wrestling and has become synonymous with birth place to one of the greatest factions in wrestling today, the Bullet Club.

On May 3, 2013, during Wrestling Dontaku, Prince Devitt (at the time was the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion) formed a tag team with his new bouncer, Bad Luck Fale and defeated his former partner Taguchi with Captain New Japan.  You could argue that the Bullet Club was formed when Devitt recruited Fale but their impact on NJPW wasn’t cemented until later in the event.  The now former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi had just defeated Karl Anderson and was met after the match by a ruthless Prince Devitt and company (his new bouncer, Bad Luck Fale).  Karl Anderson would help Devitt and Fale beat down Tanahashi with Tama Tonga soon join in. 

It was by this singular action that the Bullet Club was born.  It was only a matter of time before Devitt would challenge Tanahashi for the title.  Prince Devitt would win his second Best of the Super Juniors tournament.  He then challenges Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Title and is unsuccessful.  Prince Devitt and Tanahashi continued their feud until it’s brutal end during a Lumberjack Deathmatch on September 29 at Destruction, where Prince Devitt was defeated by Tanahashi.

On October 25, we would see the debut of two of the most notable members of the Bullet Club in the Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson whom would play a pivotal role in the reshaping of the Bullet Club.

On November 9, 2013, at Power Struggle, The Young Bucks won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship and on January 4, 2014 at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in the Tokyo Dome, Karl Anderson and the newest member of the Bullet Club, Doc Gallows won the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. 

It should be noted that captured in the picture is the Young Bucks holding the Ring of Honor, PWG and IWGP Junior Tag Team Championships, all of which they held at the same time.

Later in the same event, the defending IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Kota Ibushi would defeat Prince Devitt to become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.  Devitt’s loss marked the end of his 14-month long reign as champion.

On April 6, 2014 at Invasion Attack, a returning Ryusuke Taguchi went one on one against his long standing rival, Prince Devitt.  The Young Buck tried to interfere with the match to help persuade the victory for Devitt but he wasn’t allowing it.  This action caused the Young Bucks to turn on their leader and Devitt to subsequently disassociate himself from the Bullet Club.  The next day,  he announced his resignation from NJPW.  Although, this was seen as the self-destruction of the Bullet Club, it is known that in order to build one up, sometimes you must break them down so that they may rebuild stronger and more powerful.

Later that night, a debuting AJ Styles make his allegiance known and attacks the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada beginning a storied rivalry and the rebirth of the Bullet Club.

Top (left to right): Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows

Bottom (left to right): Nick Jackson, Prince Devitt aka Finn Balor, Matt Jackson

Written By: Brian Adam Compton for Wrestling Goons Radio © 2016

WGR's Around The Squared Circle Podcast - February 28th

In this episode of Wrestling Goons Radio, the Goons are catching you up to speed on everything since the Rumble. Shane McMahon has returned to WWE, AJ Styles & Chris Jericho are apparently a tag team now, The Wyatts continue to be buried before our eyes, and WWE seems to be getting edgier in main event storylines. We discuss all that and rant and rave along the way. The Goons are back in this packed episode! Click it!


WGR's Around The Squared Circle Podcast - February 28

WGR's WWE Royal Rumble Post Week Podcast

n this edition of Wrestling Goons Radio's "RAW Reaction", you get a bonus! We cover everything from the Royal Rumble and all of the fallout including RAW and Smackdown. HHH is the new champ. The Rock is back to start some controversy. And whats next for Roman Reigns? Find out all this and more in this jam packed hour long episode with Brian and Anthony

WGR's WWE Royal Rumble Post Week Podcast

WGR's WWE RAW Reaction - One Vs All

In this episode of WGR's RAW Reaction, Sting is the first member of the 2016 Hall Of Fame Class, Kalisto is the new US Champion, and Roman Reigns get a test before the Royal Rumble in the Main Event with a One vs All match. Brian and Anthony react to everything that went down this week. We give the good and the bad. Were you entertained? Click it!

WGR's WWE RAW Reaction Podcast - One Vs All

My First NXT WTF Moment

My First NXT WTF Moment

By: John Thomas-Austin

   Over the last few years we have watched Triple H evolve (pardon the pun) NXT into the must-watch show for the majority of us wrestling fans. With epic signings as of late, pay-per-views that brought every house down in 2015, and quality storylines that breathe life into the characters, which is something that's been missing in a lot of the matches on Raw or Smackdown, it's hard to complain about what's been given to us from Triple H's version of the Little Engine That Could, and does, on almost every given night. That's the reason I feel a little guilty about the gripe I'm about to make right now..... It wasn't until NXT Takeover: London, that I saw something that made me say out loud, "Wow, they really dropped the ball here". I'm about to take you on a recap of how creative blew the potential of the Bayley/Nia Jax feud and in turn, damaged the build of a monster heel in the process.

   First off, let me plainly say that I am a fan of Bayley and the work she's done in NXT (and her butt, shout outs to Bags), and my comments are in no way meant to discredit her. No worries, I want hugs too. Anyway.... When promos began popping up in the fall of 2015 introducing us to the woman known off-screen as Savelina Fanene, we were greeted with comments like, "Greatness is my destiny" and "Most girls only take what they're given.... I'm not most girls"... So here they are building the seeds for someone about to shake up the division, or so it seemed. After a few weeks of similar teasers, we are finally introduced to Nia Jax in her debut match.                              

Nia Jax debuts at NXT Full Sail

Nothing fancy or technical, but raw, brutal, and powerfully dominant. You can tell she's green, but potentially, the closest thing WWE would ever see to an Awesome Kong (Kharma) ever again. As the weeks went by, we watched a string of squash matches and the character live up to the promos with in-your-face beatdowns of NXT women's wrestlers. It seemed like everything was lined up for an eventual showdown with Bayley, the NXT Women's Champion, whom honestly needed (still does) a big feud after finally conquering Sasha Banks for good, and making quick work of Alexa Bliss and surprisingly, Eva Marie, whom I'm sure most of us are glad didn't get the win in their title match. So they start building the seeds of something potentially epic, with Nia interrupting a Bayley interview and later attacking her after her match, then the week after  throwing her through a door backstage. I'm thinking we're about to see something from the NXT Women's division like a Sting/Vader or Bret/Yoko feud. The stage is set for NXT Takeover: London for a title match and a rivalry that could be potentially more epic than any before it, and it was KILLED IN ONE MATCH. As far as the match itself, it was good, Jax played the crusher heel to perfection as Bayley did the underdog that never gives up (note my choice of words). It was the finish that did damage to both characters, and I'll explain why.

   My complaint is not based on the fact that Bayley won the match. Even that could have been done in a way where neither character lost heat and the momentum from the match continued for weeks on. Have Jax hit a buckle or corner post, Bayley get a quick roll up, Jax attacks her after the match, feud goes on, Bayley gets the true decisive win down the line in a more epic match. Instead, the ending we are treated to completely nulls Jax's entire offense, and turns Bayley into the lady version of Super Cena!!!

Bayley taps out Nia Jax at Takeover

OK, I get kicking out of one finisher, but three? Undertaker doesn't kick out of THREE finishers storywise.... Bayley vs. Brock at Mania, Bayley wins..... Lol. Then to make matters worse, the wrestler that no one could previously KNOCK DOWN gets.... Wait for it...... TAPPED OUT IN HER FIRST PAY-PER-VIEW MATCH. I don't know if other wrestling fans feel this way, but IMO when a wrestler taps out to another, it's worse than being pinned, from a storyline standpoint, it's saying the wrestler that tapped you out OWNS you. The final nail in the coffin was Jax walking up the ramp with her head down like a spanked puppy, with absolutely no flak toward the champion. Aside from the little Bayley superfan who's always in the front row, I don't see how anyone could logically conclude this was the best outcome. What's even more painful is the finish killed the potential heat of the future Asuka/Jax match they teased during Takeover: London. Now it's equivalent to if Apollo Creed had beaten the crap out of Ivan Drago at the beginning of Rocky IV. Who would have given a damn about the fight in Russia then?


This was a huge dropping of the ball from NXT creative, and regardless of the fact that I know that the future potentially holds rivalries that will leave this a far afterthought, I still can't help but be disappointed. I hope that this isn't a sign of things to come in the Women's division when it had been the heart and soul of NXT PPV'S for the majority of 2015. I also can't help but be skeptical about the long-term damage this could potentially do to Nia Jax's character, see Big Show, A.K.A. "Mr. Even when he dominated the fans still looked at him as a joke" bad. Most fans will say that I'm seriously jumping to conclusions here, but hey.... I'm not like most fans..

John Thomas-Austin is a Contributing Editor for Wrestling Goons Radio