Weekend Wristlock: 5 Booking Mistakes From Summerslam 2018
Summerslam was a very good pay-per-view. There was plenty of excitement, great matches, and solid booking decisions all around. However, that doesn't mean there weren't any mistakes on WWE's part. Now, I don't work in the business, but I feel like there are times when it'd be better for WWE if I did.
Don't get me wrong, with the recent episodes of Raw and Smackdown, we are seeing these decisions unfold, and some look very promising. We will be going through five bad booking decisions made at Summerslam, why I consider them poor choices, and I how would have had them play out instead.
Note: Since we are re-booking from Summerslam, the progress from this week's Raw and Smackdown will not be taken into account of what's considered a "mistake" (for example, The Shield reuniting will not effect a certain entry on this list).
Also, please check out The Enzuigiri podcast, Reddit, and Facebook page!
https://m.facebook.com/groups/theenzuigiri
https://www.reddit.com/r/TheEnzuigiriPodcast
https://m.soundcloud.com/theenzuigiri
We are a group of long-time wrestling fans living in the Tri-State area. We have results, news, and so much more!
5. KO Getting Squashed
What Happened:
Braun Strowman defeated Kevin Owens in under two minutes
Why They Messed Up:
Kevin Owens is a great superstar, and deserves much better than a two minute squash match. I know it kind of makes sense for storyline reasons, but I still hate it, considering he's a forner Universal champion with more talent than most of the current roster.
What Should Have Happened:
First of all (in my opinion), Owens should have won the match. I would have loved to see Jinder Mahal come out and strike Owens, giving him the DQ win. Of course, Kurt Angle would have entered the fray and restarted the match (possibly under no disqualification rules), but KO still could have found some sneaky, underhanded tricks to escape with the win.
4. Alexa Bliss Not Having Alicia Fox By Her Side
What Happened:
Alexa Bliss defended her title against Ronda Rousey, but entered alone, despite almost always having an ally with her for assistance
Why They Messed Up:
Most viewers probably knew Rousey was winning this one, but if Bliss had Fox at ringside, it would at least appear as though she had a plan ready to go.
What Should Have Happened:
It should have been Alexa Bliss w/Alicia Fox vs Ronda Rousey. It sounds kind of petty, but it doesn't make sense considering how important Fox (and before her, Mickie James) has been to her character week in and week out. This would have made Alexa look much more prepared, and Rousey would have looked better with the victory, since she'd have to fend off two superstars instead of one.
3. Dean Ambrose Not Turning Heel
What Happened:
Seth Rollins w/ Dean Ambrose defeated Dolph Ziggler w/Drew McIntyre For the IC Championship
Why They Messed Up:
When we saw the return of Dean Ambrose last week, he debuted a new look. This one featured a haircut, beard, and more muscle. In my opinion, this is not the look of a face, but a heel who doesn't care anymore. Of course, he and Rollins have plenty of history, which is a reason why Ambrose could have stabbed him in the back.
What Should Have Happened:
The match happens exactly the same, only while Ambrose and Rollins are celebrating at the end, the Lunatic Fringe hits him with Dirty Deeds. Ambrose just stares down at his former friend amid a chorus of boos and slowly turns his back and walks out.
With this, a new hate-filled feud is reborn. We've seen these two go at it before, but now the roles will be reversed and it will feel fresh (especially with the IC title on the line).
2. Becky Lynch Turning on Charlotte
What Happened:
With Carmella locked in the Dis-Arm-Her, it appeared as though Becky Lynch would win the Smackdown Women's title by submission. Instead, Charlotte hit the Natural Selection and pinned Becky for the win, leading to Lynch aggressively assaulting her former best friend.
Why They Messed Up:
Becky Lynch is showing plenty of promise as a heel (like in her early NXT days), but most fans love her, and she's so easy to root for. Charlotte should have turned, since she's a Flair, and a natural heel.
What Should Have Happened:
The exact opposite should have happened. Either Flair gets Carmella in the Figure 8 and Lynch breaks it up, and hits a Becksploder for the win, or Charlotte gets in the ring two or three seconds too late, and Carmella taps out. Either way, Flair should have been the one to snap and attack Becky, giving us even more reason to root for the "Irish Lass-Kicker".
1. Samoa Joe Not Winning the WWE Title
What Happened:
Samoa Joe defeated AJ Styles by disqualification
Why They Messed Up:
While I love AJ Styles and his current title reign, I think Samoa is currently the best thing going in WWE as a whole. He's an incredible monster heel with tremendous mic skills, and plenty of in-ring ability.
What Should Have Happened:
Samoa Joe should have had his great match with Styles, ending with the Phenomenal one getting choked out and left unconscious in the middle of the ring. During his celebration, Joe takes the mic and says "Wendy, I've got some good news! AJ is coming home... and you don't have to worry about him being in the ring for a loooong time!"
What is the worst booking decision from Summerslam?
Well, those are my thoughts! Thank you very much for reading, and I'd love to hear your opinions as well! Do you agree or disagree with any of these points? Do you have any Summerslam booking mistakes of your own? Let's hear them in the comments section!
Also, be sure to check out my 5 Takeaways from Raw and Smackdown every Tuesday and Wednesday!
