All Elite Wrestling (AEW) adds a fourth weekly show to its line-up with the debut of Rampage this weekend. Who’ll be watching?
SummerSlam goes down on a New Zealand Sunday for once. Has this change in day done anything to alter our levels of excitement?
He had the moves on Dancing With The Stars, but can William Waiirua hang in his pro-wrestling debut?
Join us as we answer these—and more—questions in this week’s Gimme Five!
***
1. AEW Rampage comes to AEW Plus via Fite TV this Saturday. What’s your appetite for a fourth weekly AEW show?
AJ Murtagh (@AJMurtagh):
I’m looking forward to Rampage. It’s only an extra hour, and I don’t religiously watch Dark and Dark Elevation so it will be easy to fit in. Like Kenny Omega, I hope it places more focus on the women’s division.
Steve McCleary (@SJMcCleary):
It’s only the second on TV, and if Rampage can start strong and maintain that momentum (like the second show seems poised to do…) then hopefully it’ll stay relevant, like SmackDown rather than Thunder. Biggest hopes are more time for the women’s division.
Grady Hooker (@GradyHooker):
I think, if done right, it’ll be must-watch like Dynamite. I can pass on the two Dark shows, but they are also great supplemental content.
Sammy G (@RealSammyG):
I jumped off the AEW bandwagon pretty fast, to be honest, so another programme is neither here nor there for me. If I hear something awesome happens, I’ll watch it.
David Dumn (@david_dunn):
Dynamite has become must-see over the course of 2021, and I’m sure Rampage will follow suit.
2. WWE SummerSlam is little over a week away, with most of the top matches locked in. How excited are you to experience SummerSlam on a Sunday?
AJ:
I’m looking forward to the novelty of a weekend pay-per-view from WWE. The card looks solid so I’m up for it. I’m excited to see Reigns vs. Cena; I think this match will exceed expectations.
Steve:
It’s always nice when a pay-per-view falls on a day we can enjoy here in New Zealand. I look forward to it, providing enough Superstars are still employed by then to have the event.
Grady:
I think the card could be better, but I can’t sit here and tell you that Roman Reigns vs. John Cena isn’t going to be a banger of a match.
Sammy:
I would usually need to take a day off work for “the big four” of WWE, so to have SummerSlam on a Sunday is quite exciting. As an added bonus, it’s also being broadcast at Event Cinemas around the country!
David:
I think the move to a New Zealand Sunday certainly lends itself to SummerSlam being experienced as a more social event over here. With most of the country off work, why not get together with friends or at an Event Cinema to check out what will be WWE’s highest-attended event of the year?
3. Social media sensation William Waiirua will make his pro-wrestling debut at IPW Anarchy on September 4. Has Waiirua got the moves to take down The Dapper Dynasty?
AJ:
Waiirua certainly has the dance moves but time will tell if has the wrestling moves to hang with The Dapper Dynasty. Waiirua has shown a huge amount of dedication in his training with Short and Liger but Dunn, de Jong, and Stone are a deadly combo as we saw at Fans Bring the Weapons. Waiirua may regret this choice.
Steve:
He’s going to die. But what a way to go.
Grady:
No. Who does he think he is, trying to step into the squared circle against three of the best New Zealand wrestling has ever created? I hope his life insurance is up to date.
Sammy:
The Dapper Dynasty are legends in New Zealand pro-wrestling. With their combined knowledge and experience, I would be very disappointed to see them fall to a “social media sensation”.
David:
As the IPW General Manager, I wouldn’t have signed the match if I didn’t think Waiirua had the skills. The Dapper Dynasty had better not underestimate their opponents, or they’ll find themselves embarrassed on September 4.
4. New Zealand-born Toni Storm is the newest member of the SmackDown roster. Who do you want to see Toni take on next?
AJ:
I’m excited to see Toni on SmackDown going forward and would love to see her in title contention sooner than later. I’m keen to see her tie it up with Bayley eventually as well as Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks.
Steve:
Not only do I not know who’s still left on the roster, but I’m scared that if I name anyone who is, they’ll be released before this feature is out.
Grady:
Toni is going to run over the entire SmackDown women’s division. There are many fresh match-ups, but an eventual clash with Bianca Belair or Sasha Banks is going to be pretty hype.
Sammy:
Either Sasha Banks or Bianca Belair (depending on the outcome of their SmackDown Women’s Championship match at SummerSlam).
David:
Toni Storm vs. Sasha Banks couldn’t be anything short of spectacular. The sooner I can see those two lock-up, the better.
5. The Rock’s Jungle Cruise and John Cena’s The Suicide Squad are dominating the box office worldwide. Who else from the pro-wrestling world would you like to see detour into Hollywood?
AJ:
In terms of a mainstream action hero, I can see both Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley making the leap. Becky Lynch is a given with her drama background and natural charisma. I think Daniel Bryan/Bryan Danielson could carve out a career in indie films too.
Steve:
Kris Statlander in a new Men in Black.
Grady:
There is this guy called The Miz who I think would do great in acting. Jokes aside, I think Sheamus has enough charisma to be able to pull off some good roles.
Sammy:
Bray Wyatt. WWE had all the elements to create a truly terrifying vehicle for The Fiend on film but seriously dropped the ball with his recent release. I still hope Bray makes his way to Hollywood in the future.
David:
Drew McIntyre made a barren WWE Performance Center watchable throughout much of 2020, so the Scotsman could certainly be captivating on the silver screen.
