EOTR Tag Team Tuesdays: Three Tag Team Reunions Smackdown Live Needs

By @AmeenKnows 

Last week I touched base on the state of the Smackdown Live Tag Team Division. I could have used harsher words to describe just how much disdain I actually have for the grotesque state of said division, but I like to play nice. And yes, I used the words grotesque and disdain so you can see I know fancy words. However that's unimportant. I've thought up 3 particular teams I would want to see reunited on Smackdown. Three teams that I think could bolster the division and breathe new life into it. I wanted to use actually plausible actions instead of doing something like randomly putting Rollins and Ambrose back together and moving them to the Blue Brand.

*Luke Harper and Erick Rowan
-I kicked off with Harper and Rowan because its the easiest option to book. Gimmick aside, it's very clear that WWE just doesn't see how special Luke Harper really is as a singles star. He may not wow you with the showmanship, but Harper can get his hands dirty with the best of them. Erick Rowan hasn't done anything, besides creep out Renee Young, and it's clear creative has no plans for him similar to the first split the two experienced in 2014 when Harper was Intercontinental Champion for a week and Rowan was in a stairs match. Putting them together brings back an interesting dynamic where they both will become the hardest hitting and most physical team on the brand which bodes well meshing with Highflyers (Usos) and more technical/hybrid styles (The New Day). Also, the duo doesn’t speak so they can float between tweener as a face to knock off the Usos or as a heel randomly attacking the New Day.

*Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
-This is the most unlikely of the three teams due to character but would be the most exciting to see. Sami Zayn is the loveable underdog babyface and Kevin Owens is the trash talking prizefighter who hates his bestfriend. In order to set this up it would take a huge change of heart from either star thus making it highly unlikely since both are really good in their roles. Teaming up in ROH was one of my favorite things about both of them. They were so in sync with each other from years of knowing each other so each match became special because they presented something different each time. With them in the Division you know you're going to get two talkers who can carry the division if need be and can make forgotten guys who randomly get a title shot (like the Ascension) look good with a good amount of time in a match.

*Moustache Mountain
-I figured this one would also be hard to pull off considering no United Kingdom Tournament competitor will be called up anytime soon and WWE clearly sees Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne as the clear cut runners of the division, so pairing up with Trent Seven as Moustache Mountain in WWE seems a bit unlikely, however that doesn't mean it wouldn't be fun. The current Progress Tag Team Champions are fun to watch because of their showmanship, similar to fellow Brit Jack Gallagher, and their abilities to wrestle their asses off. They've got two good fighting styles that usually always mesh well together: a brawler and a mat wrestler. I don't have to tell you how great potential matchups will be. Just search "Moss & Slater vs Moustache Mountain" and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

-Ameen

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Eyes on the Ring 7:19 PM  No comment

Eyes On WWE: The 5 Best Matches At WWE Battleground

By @TrueGodImmortal

Battleground is coming up and while I'm not entirely excited about this year's event, in the past, this event has spawned some good matches. Today, I wanted to look at the best matches in the PPV's history. Let's get into it.

5. John Cena vs Kevin Owens
US Championship Match
Battleground 2015

-The three match series between the two stars culminated in this excellent contest that was just below the quality of the first two matches. This was a back and forth battle that saw both men give it their absolute all and Owens should have won this contest and the US Title, but of course, Cena walked away with the victory. Everything about this match was great up until the final minute, when Owens lost by submission. I don't think a submission loss did much to help Owens and his momentum, and because of that, this match is not higher on the list.

4. The Usos vs The Wyatt Family
2 Out Of 3 Falls Tag Team Title Match
Battleground 2014

-Before their Day One Ish, the Usos were trapped in a limited gimmick and had to let their talent show in the ring. During this run, they would have consistently good matches against the best of the best in the tag team division at the time, and there was no greater series for them than against The Wyatt Family in 2014. This match was great and saw some really entertaining action where near fall after near fall made the crowd even more into it, after it was tied 1-1. The Usos won this near 19 minute contest and retained their tag team titles 2-1 in this 3 falls match.

3. Cody Rhodes and Goldust vs The Shield
Battleground 2013

-At the initial Battleground event, this Tag Team Match was the best match on the card without question. The story was built perfectly, with Cody going through hell and back after losing his job. He finally decided that enough was enough and with his father Dusty in his corner, he teamed up with his brother Goldust, who was also fired at one point to try and get reinstated. If The Shield won the match, the Rhodes family in general would have been terminated forever. However, after 14 minutes of great action, the Rhodes brothers ended up winning and getting their jobs back. It's unfortunate that they didn't do much after this story, but this match was superb from beginning to end.

2. Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match
Battleground 2016

-The match we all waited for. The Shield Triple Threat. It lived up to the hype, but was unfortunate because it deserved to headline Summerslam instead. Regardless, with the brand extension coming and Ambrose heading to Smackdown, this match was set and ready to go. The contest went about 20 minutes and had great action throughout. All three men showed up and showed out, but only one man could emerge victorious. That man would prove to be Ambrose on this night, and he was heading to Smackdown with the WWE Title in his possession with one of the biggest wins of his career.

1. Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens
Battleground 2016

-The best match in the short history of the event was supposed to end the most infamous rivalry of the last 10 years in the business. However, the rivalry wasn't really ending, but the match was a classic. Owens and Zayn went back and forth for 19 minutes, giving each other everything they had to try and walk away with the victory. Zayn had struggled to get a convincing victory over Owens, but that changed on this night when Sami would have his hand raised. This great rivalry added another epic chapter here.

-True 

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Eyes on the Ring 1:53 AM  1 comment

Eyes On WWE: The 5 Best Wrestlers In WWE Today

By @TrueGodImmortal

Today, I wanted to do a quick look at the 5 best wrestlers today in the WWE. When deciding my list, I had to look at what each wrestler brings to the table in terms of matches, in ring ability, promos, and overall entertainment value. With that criteria, these are the top 5 wrestlers today in WWE. Let's get into it.

5. Samoa Joe 

-Now, I debated putting someone like Miz or Ambrose on this list, but Joe has all the tools to be one of the best and he doesn't disappoint promo wise or in the ring. After good matches with Seth Rollins, a solid but short match with Brock Lesnar, and nothing but gold promos since his arrival on the main roster, Joe has been top tier since he stepped on to the RAW scene.

4. Seth Rollins 

-I wanted to put Seth at no. 2 for the stride he has made since returning from injury. He has been great in the ring since his return and he had one of the best matches at Wrestlemania with Triple H. He's had some great TV matches and has finally settled into his comfort zone as a babyface, earning the WWE 2K18 cover. He's got some gold promos as well, but his best work is in the ring. Seth is still one of the best. That won't change.

3. Kevin Owens 

-The Face of America is no longer the US Champion, but he's still one of the best wrestlers today. Owens has the total package and should be the WWE Champion sooner than later. Promo wise, he might be the absolute best, and his promos never get old. Owens is entertaining in the ring as well, as he allows his personality to shine even in a match. His matches with Sami Zayn, Chris Jericho, and of course AJ Styles are some of the best this year.

2. Neville 

-I would have never expected Neville to be the savior of the Cruiserweight Division, but he's found his comfort zone as the most consistent performer in the company. He's put on countless great matches and I enjoyed his feud with Austin Aries. Neville never disappoints and his heel character is the most comfortable I've seen him since he's been in WWE. Neville remains one of the best in the business and he's easily top 3 in the WWE today.

1. AJ Styles 

-Make it clear: AJ Styles is the best wrestler in the world today. Simply put. So, naturally, he makes the no. 1 spot on this list. The truth be told, AJ has been the best wrestler in WWE since he came into the company. He had an excellent 2016, and though 2017 has only seen him steal the show with Shane McMahon at Wrestlemania, he also put on great matches with everyone he stepped in the ring with from Kevin Owens to Dolph Ziggler to John Cena to Baron Corbin and more. Thbe biggest future match in the making has AJ involved in it and should be a Wrestlemania or Summerslam main event. AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura. AJ is the king of the WWE castle and that's not likely to change anytime soon. The current US Champion needs the WWE Title back.

-True 

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Eyes on the Ring 1:51 AM  1 comment

Eyes On MITB: Money In The Bank 2017 Preview

By @TrueGodImmortal

Money In The Bank has been my favorite non big 4 PPV for years now. It has the best matches, whether MITB or the one on one contests, and this year, we could see something special again. The Smackdown only PPV is sure to be a fun watch, and with two special MITB matches, along with a solid lineup overall, this event could be fun. It's only 5 matches on the card, which is relatively short for a PPV card, but there could be more matches made going forward. For now, let's check a look at this event and what could be in store.

*Smackdown Women's Title 
Naomi vs Lana

-This match is odd. Lana is unproven and hasn't shown that she can compete much, yet here she is in the title match at MITB. This match is not one I'm looking forward to, but I hope I ended up shocked and surprised. Can Lana show out and steal the spotlight from Naomi? Logic would say that if WWE has plans for Lana, that she doesn't lose this match decisively because if she does, any momentum she could have goes completely out the window.  Will Naomi retain? I'd say so, but there's no telling with the WWE. I'd say Naomi wins by DQ.

*Smackdown Tag Team Title Match
The Usos vs The New Day

-I'm not sold on the Usos and this new style. Their promos are loud and boisterous, but make little sense. Their catchphrase is nonsensical honestly, as the logic of "it's not paranoia, it's the Usos" is awful. However, they are great in ring competitors and can put on solid matches. If I'm WWE, I'm adding Breezango, who have gotten super over on Smackdown, and American Alpha, who virtually won the title and got extremely misused. New Day is back in the title picture and for some odd reason, I see them winning this match and injecting some life again into the tag title picture. Will The Usos retain? Or will their 4 month reign come to an end? I'd go with New Day winning and then Smackdown injects the other teams I mentioned earlier in a future match, probably at SummerSlam.

*Smackdown Women's MITB Match 
Charlotte vs Becky Lynch vs Tamina Snuka vs Natalya vs Carmella 

-I recently discussed this on the site and I'm not entirely sold on this match, but I'm hoping it is a great contest. The ladies make history and have an opportunity to steal the show on the night. I think Charlotte ends up with the victory, as her momentum could use a big win, but there's something to be said about Carmella and her chances. I don't expect a lot of high flying, but I do think we will see a few notable bumps, and possibly a big move from a ladder through a table as well. Give this match about 15-20 minutes and let the women shine, and I think this can exceed the hype. Still, I'm picking Charlotte to win.

*WWE Championship Match 
Jinder Mahal vs Randy Orton 

-Truth be told, there's nothing about this feud or match that I care about. Jinder sucks, Orton is boring when chasing the title, and this feud has nothing redeeming about it. I'd rather not see any man win, and have someone just cash in on them if this match closes the night. Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer to see a Styles vs Orton vs Cena title match at SummerSlam with Styles winning the belt, but I could see Mahal retaining with a feud with Cena for the belt as his next step. What's working against Orton here? The fact that MITB is in his hometown of St. Louis, and most faces never win the title in their hometown, let alone win matches period there. I'll go with Mahal retaining unfortunately and I can't wait until this experiment is over.

*Smackdown MITB Match
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Kevin Owens vs Baron Corbin vs AJ Styles vs Sami Zayn vs Dolph Ziggler 

-This is the biggest match of the card and the one with MOTY potential. Nakamura is the man. Owens is the man. Styles is the man. Those three alone make this a match worthwhile, but add in Ziggler and Zayn, along with the on the rise Corbin and you've got the recipe for a classic. I'd like to see Nakamura win, but I don't see him walking out with the briefcase and the same has to be said for AJ Styles as well. I think we might see Nakamura vs Owens for the US Title soon, and that leads me to believe that Owens could very well end up winning the briefcase. However, the smart money is Baron Corbin, as he can continue to develop more and more with the briefcase by his side. I'd love to see Sami Zayn win as a dark horse, but logic would point to either Corbin or Owens winning this match. If I had to make a choice, I'll say Corbin ends up winning in a way that no one enjoys, and he begins the monster push he's been rumored to get for a while.

Money In The Bank could be a great event, and I just hope... sincerely that we don't see Mojo Rawley. I'll probably not get my wish, but with a short yet sweet lineup like this, MITB could very well be a great event. Only time will tell.

-True

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Eyes on the Ring 1:46 AM  No comment

Eyes On MITB: The 5 Best 1 On 1 Matches At The MITB PPV

By @TrueGodImmortal 

Now that the WWE has decided to turn the Money In The Bank PPV into a Smackdown only PPV, we decided it was only right to take a look back at the best matches that DIDN'T involve the briefcase at the event. What are the best non MITB/1 on 1 matches at the PPV? Let's take a look at the 5 greatest.

5. CM Punk vs Daniel Bryan 
WWE Championship 
Money In the Bank 2012

-This match was a continuation of the feud between Punk, Bryan, and AJ Lee. AJ Lee was the special guest referee, and Bryan and Punk would go at it in a really solid contest that saw both men get more aggressive than usual. With a No Disqualification stipulation, this wasn't your average technical classic like we saw at Over The Limit 2012, but this was different. Tables and weapons got involved, AJ got involved, and Punk walked away with the 1-2-3 victory to retain the WWE Championship. I feel like this match is honestly forgotten, but it was a truly entertaining contest that might have been even better and higher on this list IF AJ Lee was never involved.

4. Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins 
WWE Championship 
Money In The Bank 2016

-Initially, I wasn't excited about this match, but I know Seth and Roman have good chemistry, much like Seth and Dean do (Seth and Dean had a great match in 2015 that just missed the list). This match went a bit too long, and started off slow as it was Seth's first big singles match since his return from injury. However, once the pace picked up, both Reigns and Rollins went at it with vigor and a fire, giving each other everything they had to get a hold of that WWE Championship. Reigns was the defending champion, and the belief that Rollins had his number. Sure enough, Rollins DID have his number and as Reigns went for a big spear, Rollins countered it into a Pedigree and picked up the clean pinfall victory. Now, after the match, Ambrose ended up cashing in his briefcase and walking away with the big time victory, but Reigns vs Rollins really didn't disappoint and Rollins getting the huge victory meant a lot to his comeback.

3. Kevin Owens vs John Cena 
US Championship 
Money In The Bank 2015

-I'm more partial to their classic match at Elimination Chamber, but if I can be honest, this was just as good, if not more exciting at times than that contest. However, when you're trying to outdo one of the best matches of the year already, it can be quite the challenge. Luckily for us as viewers, both Cena and Owens were willing to put it all on the line. After 20 plus minutes of great action, Cena would pick up the victory and get his win back from the previous contest, but Owens looked great even in a loss, a rare occurrence where WWE made a truly concise decision booking wise that hurt neither one of the participants in the match. While I would have rather witnessed Owens win, Cena won in a fashion that seemed to hint at a rematch. Sure enough, we got one the following PPV.

2. AJ Styles vs John Cena 
Money In The Bank 2016

-It was surprising that AJ Styles made his way to WWE, but it was even more of a surprise when WWE gave us Cena vs Styles just a few months after his arrival and right when Cena returned from injury. This match was built well with AJ turning heel to kick off the feud, and the actual match itself didn't disappoint. Styles and Cena went back and forth giving each other everything that they had, and it would take some slick interference from Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to help turn the match in Styles' favor. Styles would pick up the 1-2-3, and walk away with the biggest victory of his career in a true classic. Styles vs Cena is without a doubt a great feud and this was the match that kicked off their epic run.

1. CM Punk vs John Cena 
WWE Championship 
Money In The Bank 2011 

-This is one of the greatest matches in WWE history. The build for it was epic, Punk was extremely over, and Cena was ready for the challenge. With the thought of Cena possibly losing his job if he didn't defeat Punk, along with the possibility of Punk leaving the WWE with the championship and going elsewhere, this match had so much riding on it. It was a true big fight feel and sure enough, Punk and Cena delivered. For nearly 40 minutes, the two biggest stars of the last two eras went back and forth until something had to give. Punk would end up getting the upper hand and hitting the GTS for a clean pinfall victory, one of the few times that happened on WWE PPV or TV. Punk winning was the right call and after he won, the image of him leaving with the WWE Title is one of the most iconic moments of the last 10 years in wrestling and because of that, there's no way you can put any other match from this short PPV history above it. This is the best match in MITB history period.

-True

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Eyes on the Ring 1:29 AM  No comment

Eyes On MITB: The 2017 Money In The Bank Ladder Match

By @TrueGodImmortal 

Smackdown is bringing back the MITB PPV this year as an exclusive, and they've announced two matches so far. One, the WWE Champion Jinder Mahal (wow....) will defend against Randy Orton, who will be looking to have his rematch. However, despite that horrible match, what we will see that's sure to be a lot of fun is the 6 Man Money in The Bank Ladder Match, featuring what some of us have christened the new "Smackdown 6". Baron Corbin, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Dolph Ziggler, AJ Styles, and Shinsuke Nakamura will do battle in a few short weeks for the most important briefcase in WWE, the Money In The Bank briefcase. So, with the match official and the participants announced, who will walk away with the win? Let's take a look at each participant.

*Baron Corbin
-I think there's a huge chance that Corbin will walk away with the victory and the briefcase, as his momentum continues to dwindle with back to back losses to Sami Zayn after losing a feud to Dean Ambrose. With that behind him and knowing WWE booking, Corbin is definitely a favorite to walk away with the briefcase, and if I'm being honest, I could very well see him cashing in the same night or perhaps at Battleground (the next Smackdown PPV) or on a summer episode of Smackdown. If this were to be case however, it would totally ruin the plans that I thought WWE had of Orton vs Styles for the WWE Title in a huge dream match feud, and puts Corbin in the driver seat that I don't think anyone wants him to be in.... yet. Though, in a weird scenario, we could see Corbin cash in, win, then drop the belt to soon to be returning John Cena..... which sounds oddly realistic. No one wants that, which means WWE will likely do it.... of course.

*Sami Zayn
-All of a sudden, Zayn is building momentum up after being reduced to a talented jobber these last few months. The move to Smackdown hasn't paid off yet minus two wins over Corbin, but he's still painted as the underdog. So, as the underdog, he'd have to have a shot to win this briefcase, right? Right? Not at all. There's literally no chance that Zayn walks away with this briefcase and I think he truly has the lowest odds possible of winning the briefcase of all the competitors honestly. If Zayn does win, I suspect he'll end up in that rare club of stars who lost their MITB cash in.

*Dolph Ziggler
-Right below Zayn is Ziggler in terms of who has the smallest chance of winning. Ziggler and Zayn are in the match to fill out the rest of the lineup and make the match more exciting and intriguing. Will Ziggler have a chance to win? Who would he feud with over the title? Nakamura? Orton? Owens? Styles? While those matches aren't bad to watch, Ziggler hasn't been a viable option in a while and is only in the new Smackdown 6 to fill his role as the good worker who can sell for guys. He's the WWE veteran in this "new era" and he will end up selling for all of the guys involved in this, which could end up being a lot of fun to witness, but he has no chance to win and he shouldn't anyways.

*Kevin Owens
-Surprisingly, I think Owens has a great shot at winning this match even as the US Champion and my reasoning is simple: Owens vs Orton in the future for the title. Now, don't get me wrong: I think there's a chance he doesn't win, but I do think if he won, it would easily make him the biggest heel on the brand, and since we know Jinder Mahal is a novelty act sure to fall off in the next few months, what better way to make Owens the man in the WWE by giving him the briefcase as well as the US Title. Truthfully, I think Styles vs Owens will happen again and Styles will take the US Title from him, which will see Owens move up into the WWE Title picture if this was to happen. Owens cashing in to beat Orton or someone else who holds the belt would be amazing to witness and his crowning would put him in the driver's seat again.

*AJ Styles
-In any other match, I'd say Styles would be the smartest choice for winning this match but something tells me he will end up getting a title shot soon anyways. AJ vs Nakamura is the match we need for Wrestlemania and I think the WWE could do one of two things, and that's pull the trigger early at SummerSlam, or let Styles begin another lengthy title run and start the Nakamura push to the main event and an eventual Royal Rumble win. It makes so much sense that I don't see Styles winning this match, but still getting a title shot very soon, likely at SummerSlam. It makes so much sense, but unfortunately with WWE, that means you won't see it happen. I'd love AJ to win, but something tells me he doesn't get the briefcase here.

*Shinsuke Nakamura 
-Nakamura should be your favorite. Though I think he won't win, I do think he should be the favorite. He's the hottest thing in the WWE right now and the biggest star on Smackdown next to AJ Styles. The fact that Nakamura has come in and instantly gotten over is a testament to his greatness, but the reality is, Nakamura is on a path to greatness with the WWE Title sooner than later and a briefcase win would put him square in the driver's seat.

So who wins? My pick? Corbin or Owens. I think the heels of tomorrow need to win, as I can't see Styles or Nakamura winning, but if they did, I'd not be mad at it. I just hope we get Styles vs Nakamura at Wrestlemania 34 for the WWE Title. It might be the biggest matchup possible for the Smackdown brand. However, we have a MITB match to look forward to, and it should be one hell of a contest to witness.

-True

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Eyes on the Ring 3:55 AM  No comment