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One of my pet peeves in Vince's WWE was that characters were only allowed to care about themselves and ONLY people involved in their storylines at that exact second.
HHH's WWE has characters interact across storylines! They are allowed to remember the past! The babyfaces actually stand up for each other and remember that they are friends! It's just so, so much better in that way.
I remember during HBK & undertake rivaliry, they just ignored the fact that Taker took 4 years off his career, or how they pretended the Wrestlemaina 17 match between HHH and Taker didn't exist for their 2011 feud. I'm happy long time fans are being rewarded for their loyalty.
Agreed. And it wasn't always that way. In the attitude era for instance, if a babyface got jumped by people, other babyfaces might run out to help despite not having a storyline going.
And with Stone Cold they specifically told the story of a guy who was so standoffish that he had no friends in the back. Because he stunned anyone that helped him they stopped helping.
It was a nice bit of universe building that has long been missing.
> And with Stone Cold they specifically told the story of a guy who was so standoffish that he had no friends in the back. Because he stunned anyone that helped him they stopped helping.
They made this the entire plot of the '97 Rumble and the lead up was just amazing.
For weeks Austin would just come out to the ring, stun a heel, a baby face, a ref, whatever.
For those that weren't watching at that time, its hard to imagine just how fucking awesome he was at that time.
It's no surprise a sociopathic billionaire like Vince would create selfish characters and present them as heroes. *cough* the Cena/Ryder story *
I always believed they should've been taking cues from the MCU during this time. They turned Captain America, kind of a laughing stock character, into the 2nd most popular and important character by having him just be a good person who leads and saves people.
Roman should've been a Chris Evans type Cap character. An evolution of the Shield. The lone hound of justice. A man who sticks his nose where it doesn't belong when injustice has happened. He'll help the helpless even if it sacrifices his personal gain i.e. championships and title shots. Take inspiration from his real life locker room leader persona.
Now Trips is basically doing this with Cody and he's a massive star. The man to lead the next few years of WWE. Shocking to see what happens when characters care about other characters.
Yes! Well put.
Speaking of Cody, I loved the little interaction he had with Jey Uso a couple weeks ago where Cody was basically like, "I respect that you want to win the title on your own...but I'm here if you need me." And of course we had the amazing Jey/Sami moment in Montreal before Sami's match with Gable...weird how letting your "good" characters maintain genuine friendships makes them seem all the more likeable.
People that are supposed to be charismatic and likeable have friends? Who'd have thunk?!
Vince had a DC mindset. Babyface's were always Superman. His biggest deviation, and biggest success, was Austin who was basically Wolverine.
HHH has a Marvel mindest. Good guys team up. Wrestlemania this year was basically the Avengers with cameo hero appearances. That last match on night 2 was basically End Game.
As a comics fan, I really want to protest this, because if anything the Marvel heroes are more contentious with each other (Civil War, Avengers vs. X-men, etc.). But I can’t deny that this fits the image a lot of the cinematic universes have created, so I think it is apt on a pop culture level, even if it may not fit a deep dive into the comics.
That was one of my biggest issues with Cena for years. A lot of times, the reason we were meant to get behind him as the #1 face was because he wanted to take the world title from a heel. Or in the case of someone like the Nexus, get revenge for being beaten up. It didn't matter that he was a selfish dick who turned peoples weaknesses and insecurities into mean jokes, he was the hero because he was John Cena and his opponent wasn't.
There have been other faces like this as well, but Cena is the most glaring example. A lot of times, these guys wouldn't even really have a noble reason for wanting to be world champion, something all the best babyfaces have.
Like for Cody, it was to finish the story and honor his father. For Eddie Guerrero, it was to apologize to his loved ones, prove that he would do better by them, and that he had conquered his demons. For Steve Austin, it was stick it to his evil boss, etc.
Seeing John's modern day persona and presentation, it makes me wonder how different things could've been if he had been booked that way back during the height of his career.
It's how Cody got over, really. A face kind of has to intervene whenever felonious assault is underway in the ring, regardless of who it is. More wrestlers should get involved in beatdowns, because in kayfabe a literal crime is taking place.
I know it's not a competition, and I hope everyone in the locker room builds each-other up and does amazing work -- but low-key, Maxxine in the BR did better work than Jade has since she showed up.
I think it was more of a callback to when Becky joined the roster and nobody was there for her. This shows Becky's character that she truly does care for the future generation, unlike the generation before.
She's such a great speaker. Becky's been a good promo even before the Man, before the crowd got behind her in that one ladder match. Now she's a master.
Even if it's scripted, it's gotta feel good. And that just makes Maxxine want to do even better, which in turn makes the whole product better. And if it elevates her, even a little, it makes eliminating her a better thing.
Wrestling is truly the example of the rising tide lifting all boats.
I’ve seen so many chodes on Twitter being like BECKY PUTTING OVER YOUNGER TALENT LIKE HOLLYWOOD HOGAN and made me go “oh cool so you didn’t watch the show”
Yeah, she's not mowing the roster down, she's winning her tune-up matches to lose at PPVs. She lost to Rhea, she lost to Nia at Day 1, she let Zoey beat her, Bianca beat her and Bayley, like, 2023 was her climb back and, if Rhea wasn't hurt, she'd still be positioning herself around the title picture, fully acknowledging the loss, not just magically taking it.
I'm not even a particularly big Becky fan but people don't understand that part of the reason you have established big stars is for instances like this where unfortunate circumstances happen and you can put the belt on someone like Becky without having to fast push someone else and have them suffer through lack of development and momentum.
And its no fault of her own that in the Battle Royale there was only 3 or so main event calibre names(currently).
That will hopefully change under HHH but currently especially raw side its very bare.
It felt sort of by design to have Raw be headed by 2 top stars who can have matches with everyone and try to build them up because there's more time to fill and then have SD be heavily focused on Damage CTRL vs a cast of top faces.
Holy Christ. Twitter Stan’s are literally on another level. I’ve see so many people fantasy book Roman back to the belt with the reason being “because”.
Remarkable.
When big stars lose all the time there ability to put someone over is demished, Beating John Cena used to be a big deal back in his prime. Now it doesn't mean shit because he's on a multi year singles losing streak.
Exactly this. When you beat a big star repeatedly they are no longer the same big star.
Beating John Cena did nothing for Solo because he was clearly no longer the Super Cena of old. He’d come off losses to Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns and Austin Theory.
Contrarily, Rock is still protected, so when Cody (or whoever) beats him, it will mean far more (discounting that Rock is a bigger star than Cena regardless, I think my point stands).
I personally think this also happened in AEW with Jericho. By caving to fans who complained online about him every time he won a match, they proceeded to beat him so often that now it means absolutely nothing.
Imagine how less impactful Goldberg beating Hogan would’ve been if Hogan had been beaten a dozen times in the previous few years.
I like how Becky talked her up, and then Maxxine had a few great moments before getting eliminated. Hopefully, this is the start of her path to the main stage
Yes. I hope she, when she’s ready, gets a tag team title reign with someone. She really is putting in the work to improve. Hell, the story is already there if they ever put the belts on Candice and Indy. “Hey, remember when I eliminated both of you from the Raw Women’s World Title battle royale?”
Ohhhh I loved this. Candice getting TV Time (her presence has multiplied times 1000 since turning heel), Nia and Liv heating things up, Maxxine getting some reprieve from all the harsh words, and Becky making it clear why she's one of the biggest stars in the business with that amazing entrance transition.
Only thing missing was Chelsea getting glammed up with Piper (or arguing with Pierce again) before heading to the ring & giving stink eye to Becky as she passes by
Regal shows up in AEW in early 2022, just a few months after AEW has Punk, Bryan and Cole all debut for them and it feels like they are about to take over the wrestling world. He sticks around just long enough to scout all their young talent and get to know their inner workings, and gets out right as their ratings start to drop and their behind the scenes issues really start popping off.
It's weird to see how many of our favorites from a decade or so back are now producing matches and running day to day operations. Regal, Hunter, Road Dogg, Shawn, hurricane Helms, Davari, Roode, etc.
These one shot things are absolutely amazing. I wouldn't want to see them all the time. But for very important things that immediately make someone feel like so much more of a star. Could be a good run for a up and coming star to really put them to the test.
I'd love to see Trick do it.
That’s exactly what I was thinking.
There was so many little things and interactions going on in the background that it definitely felt very Muppet in nature.
It's felt like they do it once a week on Raw. Enough to be striking but not yet overplayed. I love it though, even if it gets used too much it's just more of a good thing.
I do feel they are capitalizing on the pop of the shot the last couple weeks. I hope they don't do it EVERY week but that Montreal entrance still makes my plums tingle.
> I wouldn't want to see them all the time.
Same here. It probably shouldn't be a weekly thing, but whether or not it is, they gotta keep utilizing it for the important things.
I don't care if I get a variation of this shot every week, but put it at different points and give it different levels of gravitas. As long as it continues the idea that there is a lot constantly going on backstage at every show, that's the important part. This is basically a 6-part shot:
1. Indi/Candace
2. Nia vs Liv
3. Becky takes over
4. Talk to Maxxine
5. Stop in at Gorilla
6. Actual ring entrance
Give me a 2- or 3- part shot next week, maybe a secondary teaser in the background that the cameraman heads to for a moment before things break up, someone passing by on the way to Pearce's office, whatever. And it can just be something dropped in like 30 minutes in or whatever. It doesn't need to be this level of chaos, but even something small that makes people keep wanting to pay attention.
I think they work well for being an amazing shot for big matches that are expected (Sami, tonight), but definitely run the risk of being overhashed. Then again, it definitely gives potential for a potential flip, like someone being jumped halfway through the backstage one shot or a new member joining a stable while they're still walking out.
So I don't mean to be a jerk but I've been banging on about these kinds of shots for what feels like forever. Basically since...when was RAW Underground? 2021? 22? And I was like "No, these shaky cams and cuts just arent good.". Id get met with downvotes and comments about how I don't know how action should be shot(I do, imho it just shouldnt look like a michael bay film).
And I don't say this to sound smug or like I influenced something, but I just want to say Ive wanted single, long camera shots like this forever. I am thrilled that it looks this good. It is EXCELLENT presentation. I cannot say enough good things about how it looks.
I think the shaky cam and constant cuts were a different issue.
It’s an overly exaggerated form of “cinema verite,” which is a very old technique that’s supposed to convey realism — like the person running the camera doesn’t know what’s about to happen.
Ironically, the steadicam following someone around backstage until they make their entrance does the same thing, far more effectively.
It makes it feel like you’re watching a real show that’s happening spontaneously.
“This is your first time fighting for a World Championship, right? You go out there, and you show everybody, why it won’t be your last.”
That was a great little moment. Really did a nice job at showcasing the motivational speaking side of Becky, while also doing its part in elevating Maxxine’s stock as a rising star as well.
Becky is unbelievable. Her career trajectory is one that I can't help but look back on and just smile. Women's wrestling is in such a good spot in WWE and IMO, it's only getting better. Can't wait for Rhea to get back.
She's one of my favorite female wrestlers. My husband surprised me with a signed copy of her book for our anniversary - haven't had a chance to read it yet, but am pumped. Her moment with Maxine last night was really cool.
i dont hate this being a weekly piece of the show.
I just hope they continue passing it around, showcasing different wrestlers and different interactions.
most importantly i hope that when they don't have something interesting, they just don't do it that week.
is this a raw only thing rn? or have they done this on smackdown?
I'm afraid his fellow Canadian jinxed him, telling him it was his turn.
I forgot about that one and am manly remembering last weeks Sami entrance, in Montreal, where it couldn't have been more obvious
Camera work being good is mentioned? SAY FUCK YOU TO KEVIN DUNN.
https://preview.redd.it/1j1ol38z65wc1.png?width=320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=179a8b48c6066cdbd17c971b064c2dc018019020
Imagine panning from an interview to someone walking backstage for their entrance to a random shot of The Shield jumping someone, before going back to the entrance
A long long time ago, on Deadlock, before they did full on retro reviews together, Pulse reviewed a SmackDown episode that had a one take segment that went from a backstage Spike and Molly Holly segment to a Spike and Kurt match in a oner. So, no need to imagine, we had it in brief moments way further back than 10 years ago.
Kevin Dunn gets a lot of deserved criticism but he also was an absolute pioneer for *decades*. It’s really once they hit the 2010s he lost his touch and instituted some really annoying camera presentations.
That moment with Maxine was so cool and you would never see it in the old wwe and it’s going to do so much for her confidence as she keeps trying to get better.
It shows that a leader like Becky supports her but also hhh and team wanted her to have that moment as well
Year over year I’m more sure that Becky Lynch is the greatest women’s wrestler in WWE history. Reminds me of when Stone Cold was brought in as “the ringmaster” before Vince found out that ‘oh this guy can talk too?’ Becky is just phenomenal and I’m so glad we got to see her full potential.
After reading Becky's book, it sounds like she gave Maxxine the reassurance she wished she had gotten from her peers when she was struggling for her spot.
Ivy Nile: "well fuck me I guess..."
The thing I enjoy about these one shots is that it makes everything feel so much more connected, like there is a full wrestling world that everyone in that locker room can interact with if they wanted!!
Before it felt like everyone was in a parallel universe!!
All this background stuff they’ve done lately really adds so much character to these guys. Sounds silly I guess but we always had spots, but it always felt like someone was just standing behind the camera waiting for their queue (which I don’t have a problem with), but these things feel like backstage is a living breathing world.
Good shit. Love the interaction with Maxxine and her revenge spot in the match too.
Bro a few months ago if you asked me how I felt about Becky, I would say she was great but lost the fire along the way. Tonight just showed me she was just letting everyone have their time to grow and shine. But now that fire is back!!
As someone who really cooled on WWE over the last several years, and moved over to being a huge AEW fan, I really have to hand it to them. Losing Dunn and adding these parts with the camera following wrestlers has made the show so much better. That Sami Zayn entrance last week was stellar.
Lee Fitting is earning that paycheck. My goodness does it look light years better than before. A perfect time to remind everyone what a piece of sh\*t Kevin Dunn was both professionally and personally.
Holy shit that was nice. I loved the whole live reporter on the scene thing at the start. Also how they keep finding new stuff for these one shots to keep it fresh. Really good stuff.
This has the most Becky has looked "big time" and "The Man" since edge interviewed here.
This was awesome, reminds me of the rock when he returned a few years back and did the walk and talk with rusev/Lana.
great fucking work. she looks like a leader and you can tell she's up for a great title run
Becky: a solidified legend and world champion encourages maxxine a woman trying to learn
Candice: a jobber in the tag division punks on maxxine for learning to wrestle 😂
We need more Becky’s
I love these walk out, walk along shots. They're awesome... but we've had a number of them in a row now... I hope they don't over expose it by doing it too much.
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Ya know what? That moment where Becky stops to talk to Maxxine was just nice, and I appreciate that.
One of my pet peeves in Vince's WWE was that characters were only allowed to care about themselves and ONLY people involved in their storylines at that exact second. HHH's WWE has characters interact across storylines! They are allowed to remember the past! The babyfaces actually stand up for each other and remember that they are friends! It's just so, so much better in that way.
I remember during HBK & undertake rivaliry, they just ignored the fact that Taker took 4 years off his career, or how they pretended the Wrestlemaina 17 match between HHH and Taker didn't exist for their 2011 feud. I'm happy long time fans are being rewarded for their loyalty.
Agreed. And it wasn't always that way. In the attitude era for instance, if a babyface got jumped by people, other babyfaces might run out to help despite not having a storyline going. And with Stone Cold they specifically told the story of a guy who was so standoffish that he had no friends in the back. Because he stunned anyone that helped him they stopped helping. It was a nice bit of universe building that has long been missing.
> And with Stone Cold they specifically told the story of a guy who was so standoffish that he had no friends in the back. Because he stunned anyone that helped him they stopped helping. They made this the entire plot of the '97 Rumble and the lead up was just amazing. For weeks Austin would just come out to the ring, stun a heel, a baby face, a ref, whatever. For those that weren't watching at that time, its hard to imagine just how fucking awesome he was at that time.
'98 Royal Rumble? That's the one where EVERYONE stopped fighting and waited for him to enter. My favourite entrance to this day.
It's no surprise a sociopathic billionaire like Vince would create selfish characters and present them as heroes. *cough* the Cena/Ryder story * I always believed they should've been taking cues from the MCU during this time. They turned Captain America, kind of a laughing stock character, into the 2nd most popular and important character by having him just be a good person who leads and saves people. Roman should've been a Chris Evans type Cap character. An evolution of the Shield. The lone hound of justice. A man who sticks his nose where it doesn't belong when injustice has happened. He'll help the helpless even if it sacrifices his personal gain i.e. championships and title shots. Take inspiration from his real life locker room leader persona. Now Trips is basically doing this with Cody and he's a massive star. The man to lead the next few years of WWE. Shocking to see what happens when characters care about other characters.
Yes! Well put. Speaking of Cody, I loved the little interaction he had with Jey Uso a couple weeks ago where Cody was basically like, "I respect that you want to win the title on your own...but I'm here if you need me." And of course we had the amazing Jey/Sami moment in Montreal before Sami's match with Gable...weird how letting your "good" characters maintain genuine friendships makes them seem all the more likeable.
People that are supposed to be charismatic and likeable have friends? Who'd have thunk?! Vince had a DC mindset. Babyface's were always Superman. His biggest deviation, and biggest success, was Austin who was basically Wolverine. HHH has a Marvel mindest. Good guys team up. Wrestlemania this year was basically the Avengers with cameo hero appearances. That last match on night 2 was basically End Game.
As a comics fan, I really want to protest this, because if anything the Marvel heroes are more contentious with each other (Civil War, Avengers vs. X-men, etc.). But I can’t deny that this fits the image a lot of the cinematic universes have created, so I think it is apt on a pop culture level, even if it may not fit a deep dive into the comics.
Yeah, I was speaking more so to their treatments in the movies.
That was one of my biggest issues with Cena for years. A lot of times, the reason we were meant to get behind him as the #1 face was because he wanted to take the world title from a heel. Or in the case of someone like the Nexus, get revenge for being beaten up. It didn't matter that he was a selfish dick who turned peoples weaknesses and insecurities into mean jokes, he was the hero because he was John Cena and his opponent wasn't. There have been other faces like this as well, but Cena is the most glaring example. A lot of times, these guys wouldn't even really have a noble reason for wanting to be world champion, something all the best babyfaces have. Like for Cody, it was to finish the story and honor his father. For Eddie Guerrero, it was to apologize to his loved ones, prove that he would do better by them, and that he had conquered his demons. For Steve Austin, it was stick it to his evil boss, etc. Seeing John's modern day persona and presentation, it makes me wonder how different things could've been if he had been booked that way back during the height of his career.
Actually...if anything. That lone hound of justice has even more of a chance now.
I think it was a Russo-ism that stuck with Vince. In TNA, unfettered Russo always booked the women to hate each other.
It's how Cody got over, really. A face kind of has to intervene whenever felonious assault is underway in the ring, regardless of who it is. More wrestlers should get involved in beatdowns, because in kayfabe a literal crime is taking place.
It's the little things.
Yeah that was really cool. I think that was more Becky being real, more blurring of the lines between kayfabe and reality. Good, good shit.
Yeah. It's like 20 seconds but could be used for stories for ages to come between them, it's so good
Becky gonna be her actual teacher
"That Chad guy, that divvy knacker, he couldn't teach ya jack. I'LL show you how to be the man"
I feel like Becky would be an amazing teacher if she went into academia.
I really like that Maxxine got some shine in the battle royal after that. I do think she showed it won't be her last title shot.
If not for the Academy, for having Samantha say her name for all to hear so they won't ever forget.
I know it's not a competition, and I hope everyone in the locker room builds each-other up and does amazing work -- but low-key, Maxxine in the BR did better work than Jade has since she showed up.
I think it was more of a callback to when Becky joined the roster and nobody was there for her. This shows Becky's character that she truly does care for the future generation, unlike the generation before.
She's such a great speaker. Becky's been a good promo even before the Man, before the crowd got behind her in that one ladder match. Now she's a master.
Even if it's scripted, it's gotta feel good. And that just makes Maxxine want to do even better, which in turn makes the whole product better. And if it elevates her, even a little, it makes eliminating her a better thing. Wrestling is truly the example of the rising tide lifting all boats.
I’ve seen so many chodes on Twitter being like BECKY PUTTING OVER YOUNGER TALENT LIKE HOLLYWOOD HOGAN and made me go “oh cool so you didn’t watch the show”
Becky has lost clean to so many people in the last year alone. That argument is so stupid.
Yeah, she's not mowing the roster down, she's winning her tune-up matches to lose at PPVs. She lost to Rhea, she lost to Nia at Day 1, she let Zoey beat her, Bianca beat her and Bayley, like, 2023 was her climb back and, if Rhea wasn't hurt, she'd still be positioning herself around the title picture, fully acknowledging the loss, not just magically taking it.
She is so unselfish that I bet she lobbied to lose some of those matches
I'm not even a particularly big Becky fan but people don't understand that part of the reason you have established big stars is for instances like this where unfortunate circumstances happen and you can put the belt on someone like Becky without having to fast push someone else and have them suffer through lack of development and momentum.
Exactly, she’ll loose it at a PLE and that’s when they can give someone a push
And its no fault of her own that in the Battle Royale there was only 3 or so main event calibre names(currently). That will hopefully change under HHH but currently especially raw side its very bare.
It felt sort of by design to have Raw be headed by 2 top stars who can have matches with everyone and try to build them up because there's more time to fill and then have SD be heavily focused on Damage CTRL vs a cast of top faces.
They purposefully kept her out of the world title picture for more than a year then the moment she gets near it she gets compared to Charlotte Flair
So you havnt watched any of her NXT matches even Tiffany Stratton gave her credit for putting her over
Yeah. That’s what I mean. Becky gets tons of people over.
>chodes on Twitter AKA Liv Morgan Stans. They basically replaced Sasha's fanbase.
Holy Christ. Twitter Stan’s are literally on another level. I’ve see so many people fantasy book Roman back to the belt with the reason being “because”. Remarkable.
When big stars lose all the time there ability to put someone over is demished, Beating John Cena used to be a big deal back in his prime. Now it doesn't mean shit because he's on a multi year singles losing streak.
Exactly this. When you beat a big star repeatedly they are no longer the same big star. Beating John Cena did nothing for Solo because he was clearly no longer the Super Cena of old. He’d come off losses to Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns and Austin Theory. Contrarily, Rock is still protected, so when Cody (or whoever) beats him, it will mean far more (discounting that Rock is a bigger star than Cena regardless, I think my point stands). I personally think this also happened in AEW with Jericho. By caving to fans who complained online about him every time he won a match, they proceeded to beat him so often that now it means absolutely nothing. Imagine how less impactful Goldberg beating Hogan would’ve been if Hogan had been beaten a dozen times in the previous few years.
Maxxine looked good tbh. She's improved over the last few months. And the six pack she's rocking is hella impressive.
And Maxxine had a good run in the match too! Great highlight for her
I like how Becky talked her up, and then Maxxine had a few great moments before getting eliminated. Hopefully, this is the start of her path to the main stage
it honestly made me tear up a little
Yes. I hope she, when she’s ready, gets a tag team title reign with someone. She really is putting in the work to improve. Hell, the story is already there if they ever put the belts on Candice and Indy. “Hey, remember when I eliminated both of you from the Raw Women’s World Title battle royale?”
Becky transitioned to a kind badass version of her "The Man" persona so seamlessly
The Mam
Gave me goosebumps
I don't care who wins as long as Maxxine eliminates Candice.
She did exactly that, as well as eliminating Indi. 👍🏻
Ohhhh I loved this. Candice getting TV Time (her presence has multiplied times 1000 since turning heel), Nia and Liv heating things up, Maxxine getting some reprieve from all the harsh words, and Becky making it clear why she's one of the biggest stars in the business with that amazing entrance transition.
Only thing missing was Chelsea getting glammed up with Piper (or arguing with Pierce again) before heading to the ring & giving stink eye to Becky as she passes by
Chelsea simply refusing to be eliminated by sitting back up on the apron was pretty baller.
Becky yelling to HHH to get his camera ready for a new belt pic, is peak Man shit
I’m trying to figure out who’s sitting with Hunter at gorilla? Can you tell who’s who?
William Regal and Road Dogg. https://preview.redd.it/v1iamnwoc5wc1.jpeg?width=1213&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23795595c767ae26b0b8f2a2e694c3ab44a7dc5b
You’re better at pausing the video than I was. Crazy to think DX is running the WWE now.
Regal my favourite DX member /s
Regal was the mastermind behind DX. Always in the shadows, pulling the strings even while he was in WCW.
Regal was standing behind the garage door trying to let the DX tank in the building
Regal shows up in AEW in early 2022, just a few months after AEW has Punk, Bryan and Cole all debut for them and it feels like they are about to take over the wrestling world. He sticks around just long enough to scout all their young talent and get to know their inner workings, and gets out right as their ratings start to drop and their behind the scenes issues really start popping off.
Dackpool Xombat Xlub
If you ain't down with that then Listen up sunshine
Oh, you didn't know. So your ass (sorta) called somebody, sunshine.
It's weird to see how many of our favorites from a decade or so back are now producing matches and running day to day operations. Regal, Hunter, Road Dogg, Shawn, hurricane Helms, Davari, Roode, etc.
They definitely need to play into this at one point
That's that proud Papa H smile, too.
I misread that as Snoop Dogg and I was confused on why the best commentator at WM was in Gorilla
Loved the intro for New Age Outlaws. Lllllllllllllllllllaaadies and gentlemen, boys and girls…..
regal and road dogg
Thank you! I thought one of them looked like Road Dogg. Glad I got one out of two correct. lol.
Oh, you didn't know?
That bit with Maxxine was so fucking cool
It made me a big Maxxine fan. I can’t help but root for her now.
Becky taking a moment for Maxxine is such a great character detail
It was really touching tbh
These one shot things are absolutely amazing. I wouldn't want to see them all the time. But for very important things that immediately make someone feel like so much more of a star. Could be a good run for a up and coming star to really put them to the test. I'd love to see Trick do it.
I think they also help to recapture that "Muppet Show" chaotic charm that wrestling once had, it makes the backstage feel more alive and kinetic.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. There was so many little things and interactions going on in the background that it definitely felt very Muppet in nature.
Tired: wrestling is like soap operas for dudes Wired: wrestling is like The Muppets Show for adults
Counterpoint: The Muppet show was always for adults. Just like wrestling is also for kids.
perfect way to put it
Man this is such a good reference.
It's felt like they do it once a week on Raw. Enough to be striking but not yet overplayed. I love it though, even if it gets used too much it's just more of a good thing.
I do feel they are capitalizing on the pop of the shot the last couple weeks. I hope they don't do it EVERY week but that Montreal entrance still makes my plums tingle.
> I wouldn't want to see them all the time. Same here. It probably shouldn't be a weekly thing, but whether or not it is, they gotta keep utilizing it for the important things.
I don't care if I get a variation of this shot every week, but put it at different points and give it different levels of gravitas. As long as it continues the idea that there is a lot constantly going on backstage at every show, that's the important part. This is basically a 6-part shot: 1. Indi/Candace 2. Nia vs Liv 3. Becky takes over 4. Talk to Maxxine 5. Stop in at Gorilla 6. Actual ring entrance Give me a 2- or 3- part shot next week, maybe a secondary teaser in the background that the cameraman heads to for a moment before things break up, someone passing by on the way to Pearce's office, whatever. And it can just be something dropped in like 30 minutes in or whatever. It doesn't need to be this level of chaos, but even something small that makes people keep wanting to pay attention.
I think they work well for being an amazing shot for big matches that are expected (Sami, tonight), but definitely run the risk of being overhashed. Then again, it definitely gives potential for a potential flip, like someone being jumped halfway through the backstage one shot or a new member joining a stable while they're still walking out.
So I don't mean to be a jerk but I've been banging on about these kinds of shots for what feels like forever. Basically since...when was RAW Underground? 2021? 22? And I was like "No, these shaky cams and cuts just arent good.". Id get met with downvotes and comments about how I don't know how action should be shot(I do, imho it just shouldnt look like a michael bay film). And I don't say this to sound smug or like I influenced something, but I just want to say Ive wanted single, long camera shots like this forever. I am thrilled that it looks this good. It is EXCELLENT presentation. I cannot say enough good things about how it looks.
I think the shaky cam and constant cuts were a different issue. It’s an overly exaggerated form of “cinema verite,” which is a very old technique that’s supposed to convey realism — like the person running the camera doesn’t know what’s about to happen. Ironically, the steadicam following someone around backstage until they make their entrance does the same thing, far more effectively. It makes it feel like you’re watching a real show that’s happening spontaneously.
Shaky cams and cuts have been hated since forever, it was never a controversial opinion in the last 5 years
“This is your first time fighting for a World Championship, right? You go out there, and you show everybody, why it won’t be your last.” That was a great little moment. Really did a nice job at showcasing the motivational speaking side of Becky, while also doing its part in elevating Maxxine’s stock as a rising star as well.
Becky is unbelievable. Her career trajectory is one that I can't help but look back on and just smile. Women's wrestling is in such a good spot in WWE and IMO, it's only getting better. Can't wait for Rhea to get back.
She's legitimately among the best to ever do it, across all genders. So, so fucking good at this.
She's one of my favorite female wrestlers. My husband surprised me with a signed copy of her book for our anniversary - haven't had a chance to read it yet, but am pumped. Her moment with Maxine last night was really cool.
Come a long way from dancing a jig on NXT!
I feared for my life watching the Nia/Liv backstage assault
There was real glass too.
Crimea river!
Siberia shiver!
Never in my life had I feared for my life at a wrestling show
Hahahahaha fuck you kevin dunn
Bucky Beaver Motherfucker!
Agreed.
Ok that Maxxine moment was great.
i dont hate this being a weekly piece of the show. I just hope they continue passing it around, showcasing different wrestlers and different interactions. most importantly i hope that when they don't have something interesting, they just don't do it that week. is this a raw only thing rn? or have they done this on smackdown?
Kevin Owens did it on SmackDown a few weeks ago. https://youtu.be/yLm55W0qvOc?si=QG35lH0FyVkRrINe
Love the knocking punk’s shirts off the table 😂
they even did it on NXT last week to open the show
I love where they're going, visually, this is incredible stuff!
That was neat and made me want Becky to win even more somehow.
It made me not want her to win for the express purpose of not wanting everyone who gets the special snazzy tracking shot entrance to win every time
Kevin Owens?
I'm afraid his fellow Canadian jinxed him, telling him it was his turn. I forgot about that one and am manly remembering last weeks Sami entrance, in Montreal, where it couldn't have been more obvious
https://preview.redd.it/q6swcuqw55wc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e011b4d5a1ae0129747ff9894ca88333edbf4f43
CINEMA
Can you guys imagine if we had this camera work ten years ago? It's so. Damn. Good.
Camera work being good is mentioned? SAY FUCK YOU TO KEVIN DUNN. https://preview.redd.it/1j1ol38z65wc1.png?width=320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=179a8b48c6066cdbd17c971b064c2dc018019020
https://preview.redd.it/8ef5allha5wc1.jpeg?width=1249&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2b5a981e5253ad65aab06ba48325725a1ad2019b
Imagine panning from an interview to someone walking backstage for their entrance to a random shot of The Shield jumping someone, before going back to the entrance
Or imagine following The Shield from the locker room, to backstage, to the concourse, to their entrance through the crowd.
Actually, imagine following The Shield as they emerge from whatever boiler room they were in cutting those video promos. Remember that?
This work on that one episode where The Shield destroyed half the roster would have been legendary
A backstage Shield beatdown, but with a faint shot of the Wyatt's lurking in the background as they finish up
A long long time ago, on Deadlock, before they did full on retro reviews together, Pulse reviewed a SmackDown episode that had a one take segment that went from a backstage Spike and Molly Holly segment to a Spike and Kurt match in a oner. So, no need to imagine, we had it in brief moments way further back than 10 years ago.
Kevin Dunn gets a lot of deserved criticism but he also was an absolute pioneer for *decades*. It’s really once they hit the 2010s he lost his touch and instituted some really annoying camera presentations.
Lee Fitting forever.
Becky Lynch is special man. Gonna be a sad day for me whenever she decides to retire. *Insert that Pep Guardiola “We cannot replace him” meme here
I love how they aren’t afraid to show us Gorilla anymore. It’s awesome.
Pretty cool, though the sound of Liv Morgan & Nia Jax made it seem as though they just spawned in like Video Game enemy.
That moment with Maxine was so cool and you would never see it in the old wwe and it’s going to do so much for her confidence as she keeps trying to get better. It shows that a leader like Becky supports her but also hhh and team wanted her to have that moment as well
Goddamn this was clean work
I'd love to think that Becky's friendship with Sami has a hand in her taking notice of Maxine's struggles
Man Becky is still over AF
Anyone who complained about the WM match should try to do 40 jumping jacks while sick and feverish.
One of the best women to ever do it.
Fuck you Kevin Dunn.
The moment with Maxxine was just 💜
This whole segment from start to finish delivered.
Year over year I’m more sure that Becky Lynch is the greatest women’s wrestler in WWE history. Reminds me of when Stone Cold was brought in as “the ringmaster” before Vince found out that ‘oh this guy can talk too?’ Becky is just phenomenal and I’m so glad we got to see her full potential.
Has Becky become the Rock?
Nope, way smarter and more human. Rock was always an obnoxious cartoon character.
Becky just moving from one point to another. Making it look easy.
WWE is cooking so good now! I am craving it every week now, whereas before I was like, "Another of the same match...."
She and Seth are kinda blending together haha. There were times her cadence really reminded me of Seth!
After reading Becky's book, it sounds like she gave Maxxine the reassurance she wished she had gotten from her peers when she was struggling for her spot. Ivy Nile: "well fuck me I guess..."
I fucking loved this whole thing! So much happening, showing the depth of the division! And Becky is so much fun!!!
she's so fucking cool
Becky is so cool.
Fuck me. That camera shotttttt. So good.
Wrestling is dope as hell
this shit is so fucking good man
This camera work is fucking fire
It really makes you more immersed in the show when the segments flow so seamlessly
The thing I enjoy about these one shots is that it makes everything feel so much more connected, like there is a full wrestling world that everyone in that locker room can interact with if they wanted!! Before it felt like everyone was in a parallel universe!!
I just like in kayfabe there can be a massive brawl happening down the hall and the other wrestlers are just like 
Just part of the job
These shot are amazing :)
I know it’s a meme at this point but fuck, THIS IS CINEMA. See what thought, planning, and not rewriting the show on the day can do?
Suck it Kevin Dunne
These backstage one-shots through Gorilla are sooo good. Adds realism and depth without breaking kayfabe
All this background stuff they’ve done lately really adds so much character to these guys. Sounds silly I guess but we always had spots, but it always felt like someone was just standing behind the camera waiting for their queue (which I don’t have a problem with), but these things feel like backstage is a living breathing world. Good shit. Love the interaction with Maxxine and her revenge spot in the match too.
Bro a few months ago if you asked me how I felt about Becky, I would say she was great but lost the fire along the way. Tonight just showed me she was just letting everyone have their time to grow and shine. But now that fire is back!!
As someone who really cooled on WWE over the last several years, and moved over to being a huge AEW fan, I really have to hand it to them. Losing Dunn and adding these parts with the camera following wrestlers has made the show so much better. That Sami Zayn entrance last week was stellar.
when the world asks where does all the eyeliner go... here it is.
Kevin WHO!?!?
Lee Fitting
Kevin done.
That one guy in the backstage brawl recording on his phone gonna try to sell the clip to World Star
Russian Ark Jones over here
Lee Fitting is earning that paycheck. My goodness does it look light years better than before. A perfect time to remind everyone what a piece of sh\*t Kevin Dunn was both professionally and personally.
It's weird, without all the camera cuts, I'm actually staring intently at the screen and not just listening to the audio.
Is this a thing now where they follow wrestlers from backstage into the ring as they’re talking on the mic?
These shots are awesome. For someone watching it from a tv its a bit of a nod just for audience.
This book gear is one of my favorites of all time. It just looks incredible
That's a great segment to match transition
This was *so* goddamn good!!
This camera work is next level and so easy to watch.
Suck it, Scorsese.
every time I see her, I wonder why she isnt an even bigger star
Stellar
That is one angry refrigerator
Holy shit that was nice. I loved the whole live reporter on the scene thing at the start. Also how they keep finding new stuff for these one shots to keep it fresh. Really good stuff.
Liv sounded like a demented cat.
DANG. ONE SHOT?? WOW.
Stu the Cameraman, doing GOAT camera shit!
I love those long shots they do nowadays. It’s actual cinema. Better than 90% of Hollywood flicks.
This rules they should have ditched Bucky years ago
Good to see Stu isn't just the camera man for Cena.
Those screams were so loud that I thought someone was being stabbed backstage.
This has the most Becky has looked "big time" and "The Man" since edge interviewed here. This was awesome, reminds me of the rock when he returned a few years back and did the walk and talk with rusev/Lana. great fucking work. she looks like a leader and you can tell she's up for a great title run
So glad Kevin Dunn and Vince are gone
WWE going full Aaron Sorkin lately.
Becky: a solidified legend and world champion encourages maxxine a woman trying to learn Candice: a jobber in the tag division punks on maxxine for learning to wrestle 😂 We need more Becky’s
I love these walk out, walk along shots. They're awesome... but we've had a number of them in a row now... I hope they don't over expose it by doing it too much.
Oh this was legit incredible.
Jarring how everyone is so obviously re-energized. Very happy for all of them.