Fans searching for fresh takes on this past week’s WWE and AEW action want straight talk, honest opinions, and clear insight into what happened and what might come next. The hosts of Wrestling Uncensored, Dave Simon and Pro Wrestler Genesis Johnny North, and their online viewers shared honest and blunt views about the current wrestling scene. They dove into the latest WWE story twists involving major names like Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and The New Day. They also sized up AEW’s roster changes, tournament brackets, and continuing challenges with talent depth and storytelling. Let’s look at the biggest topics they covered, what they liked, what they rolled their eyes at, and where they think this might head.
(Call to action: Watch the replay on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick. Listen to the audio podcast wherever you get your podcasts!)
The Changing Face of WWE Storylines
WWE’s Heavier Focus on Certain Talent
This week, the conversation highlighted how WWE’s roster seems ready to shift. The hosts brought up recent events on SmackDown, Raw, and upcoming premium live events that could shuffle key players. Dave Simon said: “Cody Rhodes wrestled Chad Gable in the main event, and Gable just showed up out of nowhere on SmackDown.” This random crossover felt odd. The talk centered on the WWE draft rules, which WWE promised would fix brand splits, but they never stick to the plan. Johnny North joked: “I’m waiting for the excuse of like, well, it’s raining outside, so a Raw guy had to come inside the SmackDown building to wrestle.”
Their point was clear: WWE treats brand boundaries as suggestions. Chad Gable appearing on SmackDown to face Cody Rhodes was an example. This kind of loose roster movement makes it hard to take any brand split seriously. Dave and Johnny seem tired of it. As Dave put it: “They make a big deal out of the draft every year and then it just doesn’t matter.”
Shifting Title Scenes and Kevin Owens’ Feud
Kevin Owens was a major subject. He attacked Cody Rhodes on SmackDown, and they brawled to end the show. Owens did a backstage car interview with Michael Cole instead of appearing in the ring. Dave said: “Wasn’t it amazing that they had a dash cam already installed, multiple angles, so overproduced?” Johnny nodded at the over-the-top production. The hosts felt WWE tries to make spontaneous moments look too polished, making it seem less real.
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Owens is annoyed at Cody for siding with Roman Reigns in the past. Cole pointed out that Owens should also be mad at Sami Zayn for supporting Roman at one time, but Owens focuses only on Cody. Dave said: “Michael Cole said that and I was like, oh, yeah, it exposes Kevin Owens a bit.” This subtle on-air logic test made Owens look inconsistent. The hosts think this might mean Owens won’t win when he finally faces Cody for the title. It’s more of a step to advance Cody’s eventual WrestleMania angle.
Fans looking ahead know the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season drive the biggest stories. The hosts guess about who might win the Royal Rumble. They mentioned names like Roman Reigns, John Cena, and maybe CM Punk. Johnny said: “I think it’s either Cena or Roman, and whoever doesn’t win would win the chamber.” This guess highlights fan uncertainty. Right now, there’s no locked top contender for WrestleMania. Typically, by December, fans have a clue. Dave said: “Right now, I’m not sure who is going to face who at WrestleMania.” That feeling of uncertainty is unusual and might mean WWE is still deciding their direction.
The New Day’s Heel Turn and Big E’s Absence
One of the week’s biggest WWE storylines involved The New Day. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods turned vicious on Big E, who returned just long enough to try and help them. Dave described the moment: “They said horrible things about Big E, blaming him for not coming back from injury sooner, comparing him to Edge, Angle, and others who returned from neck injuries.” This angle was a major shock. The New Day has been fan favourites for a decade. Seeing them berate Big E was harsh and unexpected.
Woods and Kofi are now full-blown heels, setting a new direction. The hosts liked the storyline shock factor. Dave called it: “Dastardly stuff. They made fans sad and shocked. This is probably the only way to turn New Day heel, by saying something terrible to their friend Big E.” The turn gives them a fresh purpose and might lead to Big E’s heroic comeback down the road. Whether Big E ever returns to the ring or not, the storyline provides depth and emotion for Kofi and Woods, who needed something new.
Injuries and the War Games Fallout
The hosts spent time criticizing WWE’s approach to dangerous matches, specifically War Games. Dave said: “They opened the show bragging about injuries—Bronson Reed, Tonga Loa, Jimmy Uso. They treat these injuries like a badge of honour.” He complained that a wrestling company should not celebrate real injuries. This is not good storytelling—just proof that matches are too risky.
Johnny agreed, saying War Games felt like unnecessary chaos. Injuries weaken future matchups and rob fans of talent depth. The hosts feel that the current WWE leadership doesn’t understand the traditional aim of wrestling: appear dangerous without actually sidelining wrestlers. Dave said: “Wrestling is about working safely. They’re showing off injuries like it’s a good thing.” This approach concerns them. They blame leadership decisions since the merger and the influence of executives who aren’t wrestling people.
AEW’s Tournament Structure and Fresh Challenges
The Continental Classic: Early Standouts and Confusing Brackets
AEW’s Continental Classic got attention from the hosts. It’s a round-robin tournament with two groups: the Blue League and the Gold League. They liked seeing names like Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, Claudio Castagnoli, and Daniel Garcia involved. Dave said: “Okada has four points, Kyle Fletcher has six, Shelton Benjamin got a win and a loss, and it’s still early.”
This format brings excitement, but it can be tricky for casual viewers. Keeping track of points and matches is not simple. Still, for hardcore fans, it’s something fresh. Johnny said: “I think Okada and Fletcher will be a big one, and Ospreay versus Claudio at Winter is Coming sounds great.” The Continental Classic adds a sports-like feel. Fans can follow who advances without guesswork. The hosts seemed eager to see how it unfolds and if AEW can keep viewers engaged for the entire tournament.
Talent Depth and Mid-Card Jumbles
The hosts also touched on AEW’s reliance on random Battle Royals to find challengers. They saw a recent Dynamite battle royal meant to find an opponent for MJF’s dynamite diamond ring. It ended with Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly both winning. Dave said: “Why not just finish the battle royal with one winner? Now we have two winners who must wrestle again for the shot. It’s so dumb.”
This annoyance reflects AEW’s habit of overcomplicating simple booking. Fans want a clear winner, not a messy finish. The hosts found it silly that the battle royal was full of lower-card wrestlers no one believed would win. Johnny said: “You had no belief in any of those guys, it was always gonna be Adam and Kyle at the end.” This kind of booking feels like filler.
MJF, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Odd Storylines
The MJF storyline with Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly was another AEW topic. MJF started as a babyface but ended up as a heel again, while Adam Cole turned on him and revealed himself as the devil. Now they’re dragging out the angle. Dave said: “It’s all so bad, MJF stuck with these jabronis, this story started with MJF as a babyface, now he’s a heel, it’s all confusing.” Johnny hopes once Cole faces MJF, they can move on. The complicated story, Cole’s injury angles, and Kyle O’Reilly’s sudden involvement made viewers roll their eyes.
AEW’s challenge is to keep MJF’s momentum strong and not bog him down in silly drama. Fans come to see MJF’s wrestling and promos against top-tier opponents. Instead, he’s stuck facing the same crew. The hosts think AEW needs to push forward and get MJF into bigger feuds that show off his main event skill.
Moxley’s Crew Facing Real Opposition
Jon Moxley and his group—who have been running roughshod over AEW—finally faced pushback. Hangman Page, Jay White, and Orange Cassidy teamed up to send Moxley’s gang running. Dave said: “This was the first time Moxley actually got beat down and had to run away.” That’s important. When a villain stable always wins, fans get bored. Seeing Moxley cornered makes the story interesting. Now viewers can guess at a possible four-way match at the World’s End pay-per-view: Moxley vs. Hangman vs. Jay White vs. Orange Cassidy.
Johnny liked this development. He said: “At least now you can believe there’s a threat to Moxley’s crew.” High-level players like Hangman and Jay White give this feud credibility. This is where Hangman belongs, in top spots, not wasted in side feuds.
Women’s Division Changes and More
WWE Women’s US Title Tournament
WWE introduced a new Women’s US title. The hosts discussed Tiffy Time (Tiffany Stratton) winning a triple-threat match to advance in the tournament. Dave said: “Tiffy Time won, she’ll face Michin, and we’ll also have Bailey vs. Chelsea Green, then a final.” Johnny hopes Tiffany faces Bailey. He said: “That’s the money match, Bailey and Tiffany.” They want star power for this new belt. The worry is WWE might go with lesser names, but a big match is what fans want.
At least the women’s division is trying new ideas. A mid-card women’s belt gives more stories and attention to female wrestlers outside of the main title picture. The hosts prefer top-tier matches, so they hope for Bailey vs. Tiffany in the final to give the belt instant credibility.
AEW Women’s Matches Improving, But Slowly
AEW’s women’s division got a quick mention. Anna Jay faced Penelope Ford on Dynamite. Dave said: “They’re better than they were, but still not at a level where I go wow what a match.” He sees improvement, but not to the point that fans get excited about these matches. Johnny said: “Anna Jay vs. Mercedes could give her best match so far.” The idea is that a top-level wrestler like Mercedes Martinez can help Anna Jay shine.
AEW’s women’s division has talent, but it needs more standout performers and stronger booking. The matches feel like stepping stones rather than must-see events. Still, progress is progress. Over time, if AEW focuses on steady improvement, these matches might become highlights.
Unleash the wrestling fan in you every morning with the exclusive Wrestling Uncensored Coffee Mug, brought to you by the Ringside Report Network Pro Wrestling Show! Crafted meticulously with vibrant designs and a splash of audacious colours, this mug is a tribute to the unbridled spirit of pro wrestling and a must-have addition to your […]
The audience chimed in through chat comments. TK, a viewer, said: “Come on Dave the product is better than when Vince was there.” This shows some fans believe WWE has improved under new leadership. Dave disagreed, saying big pictures matter: “They’re setting dangerous precedents, focusing on short-term hits, charging huge ticket prices, and not delivering top matches.”
The hosts encouraged fans to watch the replays and follow their shows. They shouted out supporters like Angelo. Dave said: “Angelo Contigonis does, I see you Angelo in the chat, thank you Angelo.” Engaging with their viewers directly shows that these opinions form in real time with listener input. The audience reacts to the product changes just like the hosts do—confused by odd booking, intrigued by new stories, and worried about pricing.
Key Takeaways
Brand split rules mean little in WWE, causing confusion about who appears where.
Kevin Owens’ logic for going after Cody Rhodes rather than Sami Zayn feels shaky.
The New Day’s heel turn against Big E shocked fans and gave them a new direction.
WWE bragging about real injuries raises concerns about long-term thinking.
AEW’s Continental Classic adds structure and interest, but complicated booking might turn off casual fans.
MJF’s storyline is bogged down by too many steps and not enough big payoffs.
Women’s divisions are experimenting with new titles and matches. Improvement is ongoing, but star power is needed.
Conclusion
Wrestling Uncensored’s 710th show made it clear that wrestling fans want logic, consistency, and payoff from WWE and AEW. Dave Simon and Genesis Johnny North called out the nonsense, praised what worked, and hoped that as the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania seasons approach, WWE will tighten their plans. AEW can keep excitement going with its tournaments and stable wars if it trims unnecessary clutter. Fans demand better storytelling and matches that feel real, not forced. Looking ahead, the community keeps watching, waiting, and hoping for the best.
(Call to action: Check out the episode replay on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick. Listen to the podcast on your favourite platform. Support Ringside Report Network at membership.ringsidereport.net!)
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From the New Day’s Shocking Heel Turn to AEW’s Continental Classic: This Week’s Must-Read Pro Wrestling Insights
Fans searching for fresh takes on this past week’s WWE and AEW action want straight talk, honest opinions, and clear insight into what happened and what might come next. The hosts of Wrestling Uncensored, Dave Simon and Pro Wrestler Genesis Johnny North, and their online viewers shared honest and blunt views about the current wrestling scene. They dove into the latest WWE story twists involving major names like Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and The New Day. They also sized up AEW’s roster changes, tournament brackets, and continuing challenges with talent depth and storytelling. Let’s look at the biggest topics they covered, what they liked, what they rolled their eyes at, and where they think this might head.
Check out Johnny’s Review of the Trailer Park Boys’ Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties
(Call to action: Watch the replay on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick. Listen to the audio podcast wherever you get your podcasts!)
The Changing Face of WWE Storylines
WWE’s Heavier Focus on Certain Talent
This week, the conversation highlighted how WWE’s roster seems ready to shift. The hosts brought up recent events on SmackDown, Raw, and upcoming premium live events that could shuffle key players. Dave Simon said: “Cody Rhodes wrestled Chad Gable in the main event, and Gable just showed up out of nowhere on SmackDown.” This random crossover felt odd. The talk centered on the WWE draft rules, which WWE promised would fix brand splits, but they never stick to the plan. Johnny North joked: “I’m waiting for the excuse of like, well, it’s raining outside, so a Raw guy had to come inside the SmackDown building to wrestle.”
Their point was clear: WWE treats brand boundaries as suggestions. Chad Gable appearing on SmackDown to face Cody Rhodes was an example. This kind of loose roster movement makes it hard to take any brand split seriously. Dave and Johnny seem tired of it. As Dave put it: “They make a big deal out of the draft every year and then it just doesn’t matter.”
Shifting Title Scenes and Kevin Owens’ Feud
Kevin Owens was a major subject. He attacked Cody Rhodes on SmackDown, and they brawled to end the show. Owens did a backstage car interview with Michael Cole instead of appearing in the ring. Dave said: “Wasn’t it amazing that they had a dash cam already installed, multiple angles, so overproduced?” Johnny nodded at the over-the-top production. The hosts felt WWE tries to make spontaneous moments look too polished, making it seem less real.
Owens is annoyed at Cody for siding with Roman Reigns in the past. Cole pointed out that Owens should also be mad at Sami Zayn for supporting Roman at one time, but Owens focuses only on Cody. Dave said: “Michael Cole said that and I was like, oh, yeah, it exposes Kevin Owens a bit.” This subtle on-air logic test made Owens look inconsistent. The hosts think this might mean Owens won’t win when he finally faces Cody for the title. It’s more of a step to advance Cody’s eventual WrestleMania angle.
Fans looking ahead know the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season drive the biggest stories. The hosts guess about who might win the Royal Rumble. They mentioned names like Roman Reigns, John Cena, and maybe CM Punk. Johnny said: “I think it’s either Cena or Roman, and whoever doesn’t win would win the chamber.” This guess highlights fan uncertainty. Right now, there’s no locked top contender for WrestleMania. Typically, by December, fans have a clue. Dave said: “Right now, I’m not sure who is going to face who at WrestleMania.” That feeling of uncertainty is unusual and might mean WWE is still deciding their direction.
The New Day’s Heel Turn and Big E’s Absence
One of the week’s biggest WWE storylines involved The New Day. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods turned vicious on Big E, who returned just long enough to try and help them. Dave described the moment: “They said horrible things about Big E, blaming him for not coming back from injury sooner, comparing him to Edge, Angle, and others who returned from neck injuries.” This angle was a major shock. The New Day has been fan favourites for a decade. Seeing them berate Big E was harsh and unexpected.
Woods and Kofi are now full-blown heels, setting a new direction. The hosts liked the storyline shock factor. Dave called it: “Dastardly stuff. They made fans sad and shocked. This is probably the only way to turn New Day heel, by saying something terrible to their friend Big E.” The turn gives them a fresh purpose and might lead to Big E’s heroic comeback down the road. Whether Big E ever returns to the ring or not, the storyline provides depth and emotion for Kofi and Woods, who needed something new.
Injuries and the War Games Fallout
The hosts spent time criticizing WWE’s approach to dangerous matches, specifically War Games. Dave said: “They opened the show bragging about injuries—Bronson Reed, Tonga Loa, Jimmy Uso. They treat these injuries like a badge of honour.” He complained that a wrestling company should not celebrate real injuries. This is not good storytelling—just proof that matches are too risky.
Johnny agreed, saying War Games felt like unnecessary chaos. Injuries weaken future matchups and rob fans of talent depth. The hosts feel that the current WWE leadership doesn’t understand the traditional aim of wrestling: appear dangerous without actually sidelining wrestlers. Dave said: “Wrestling is about working safely. They’re showing off injuries like it’s a good thing.” This approach concerns them. They blame leadership decisions since the merger and the influence of executives who aren’t wrestling people.
AEW’s Tournament Structure and Fresh Challenges
The Continental Classic: Early Standouts and Confusing Brackets
AEW’s Continental Classic got attention from the hosts. It’s a round-robin tournament with two groups: the Blue League and the Gold League. They liked seeing names like Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, Claudio Castagnoli, and Daniel Garcia involved. Dave said: “Okada has four points, Kyle Fletcher has six, Shelton Benjamin got a win and a loss, and it’s still early.”
This format brings excitement, but it can be tricky for casual viewers. Keeping track of points and matches is not simple. Still, for hardcore fans, it’s something fresh. Johnny said: “I think Okada and Fletcher will be a big one, and Ospreay versus Claudio at Winter is Coming sounds great.” The Continental Classic adds a sports-like feel. Fans can follow who advances without guesswork. The hosts seemed eager to see how it unfolds and if AEW can keep viewers engaged for the entire tournament.
Talent Depth and Mid-Card Jumbles
The hosts also touched on AEW’s reliance on random Battle Royals to find challengers. They saw a recent Dynamite battle royal meant to find an opponent for MJF’s dynamite diamond ring. It ended with Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly both winning. Dave said: “Why not just finish the battle royal with one winner? Now we have two winners who must wrestle again for the shot. It’s so dumb.”
This annoyance reflects AEW’s habit of overcomplicating simple booking. Fans want a clear winner, not a messy finish. The hosts found it silly that the battle royal was full of lower-card wrestlers no one believed would win. Johnny said: “You had no belief in any of those guys, it was always gonna be Adam and Kyle at the end.” This kind of booking feels like filler.
MJF, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Odd Storylines
The MJF storyline with Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly was another AEW topic. MJF started as a babyface but ended up as a heel again, while Adam Cole turned on him and revealed himself as the devil. Now they’re dragging out the angle. Dave said: “It’s all so bad, MJF stuck with these jabronis, this story started with MJF as a babyface, now he’s a heel, it’s all confusing.” Johnny hopes once Cole faces MJF, they can move on. The complicated story, Cole’s injury angles, and Kyle O’Reilly’s sudden involvement made viewers roll their eyes.
AEW’s challenge is to keep MJF’s momentum strong and not bog him down in silly drama. Fans come to see MJF’s wrestling and promos against top-tier opponents. Instead, he’s stuck facing the same crew. The hosts think AEW needs to push forward and get MJF into bigger feuds that show off his main event skill.
Moxley’s Crew Facing Real Opposition
Jon Moxley and his group—who have been running roughshod over AEW—finally faced pushback. Hangman Page, Jay White, and Orange Cassidy teamed up to send Moxley’s gang running. Dave said: “This was the first time Moxley actually got beat down and had to run away.” That’s important. When a villain stable always wins, fans get bored. Seeing Moxley cornered makes the story interesting. Now viewers can guess at a possible four-way match at the World’s End pay-per-view: Moxley vs. Hangman vs. Jay White vs. Orange Cassidy.
Johnny liked this development. He said: “At least now you can believe there’s a threat to Moxley’s crew.” High-level players like Hangman and Jay White give this feud credibility. This is where Hangman belongs, in top spots, not wasted in side feuds.
Women’s Division Changes and More
WWE Women’s US Title Tournament
WWE introduced a new Women’s US title. The hosts discussed Tiffy Time (Tiffany Stratton) winning a triple-threat match to advance in the tournament. Dave said: “Tiffy Time won, she’ll face Michin, and we’ll also have Bailey vs. Chelsea Green, then a final.” Johnny hopes Tiffany faces Bailey. He said: “That’s the money match, Bailey and Tiffany.” They want star power for this new belt. The worry is WWE might go with lesser names, but a big match is what fans want.
At least the women’s division is trying new ideas. A mid-card women’s belt gives more stories and attention to female wrestlers outside of the main title picture. The hosts prefer top-tier matches, so they hope for Bailey vs. Tiffany in the final to give the belt instant credibility.
AEW Women’s Matches Improving, But Slowly
AEW’s women’s division got a quick mention. Anna Jay faced Penelope Ford on Dynamite. Dave said: “They’re better than they were, but still not at a level where I go wow what a match.” He sees improvement, but not to the point that fans get excited about these matches. Johnny said: “Anna Jay vs. Mercedes could give her best match so far.” The idea is that a top-level wrestler like Mercedes Martinez can help Anna Jay shine.
AEW’s women’s division has talent, but it needs more standout performers and stronger booking. The matches feel like stepping stones rather than must-see events. Still, progress is progress. Over time, if AEW focuses on steady improvement, these matches might become highlights.
Wrestling Uncensored Mug
Unleash the wrestling fan in you every morning with the exclusive Wrestling Uncensored Coffee Mug, brought to you by the Ringside Report Network Pro Wrestling Show! Crafted meticulously with vibrant designs and a splash of audacious colours, this mug is a tribute to the unbridled spirit of pro wrestling and a must-have addition to your […]
Audience Thoughts and Reactions
The audience chimed in through chat comments. TK, a viewer, said: “Come on Dave the product is better than when Vince was there.” This shows some fans believe WWE has improved under new leadership. Dave disagreed, saying big pictures matter: “They’re setting dangerous precedents, focusing on short-term hits, charging huge ticket prices, and not delivering top matches.”
The hosts encouraged fans to watch the replays and follow their shows. They shouted out supporters like Angelo. Dave said: “Angelo Contigonis does, I see you Angelo in the chat, thank you Angelo.” Engaging with their viewers directly shows that these opinions form in real time with listener input. The audience reacts to the product changes just like the hosts do—confused by odd booking, intrigued by new stories, and worried about pricing.
Key Takeaways
Conclusion
Wrestling Uncensored’s 710th show made it clear that wrestling fans want logic, consistency, and payoff from WWE and AEW. Dave Simon and Genesis Johnny North called out the nonsense, praised what worked, and hoped that as the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania seasons approach, WWE will tighten their plans. AEW can keep excitement going with its tournaments and stable wars if it trims unnecessary clutter. Fans demand better storytelling and matches that feel real, not forced. Looking ahead, the community keeps watching, waiting, and hoping for the best.
(Call to action: Check out the episode replay on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick. Listen to the podcast on your favourite platform. Support Ringside Report Network at membership.ringsidereport.net!)
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Related Posts:
Adam Cole, AEW, Anna Jay, audience commentary, Bailey, Big E, brand split, Cody Rhodes, Continental Classic, Dave Simon, Johnny North, Jon Moxley, Kevin Owens, MJF, pro wrestling storylines, Royal Rumble, The New Day, Tiffany Stratton, women’s US title, Wrestlemania, Wrestling Podcast, Wrestling Uncensored, WWE
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