Well yeah, people were screaming for Bryan to win the titles by the end of the programme. The slow burn is something that's been lost to modern wrestling thanks to guys like Russo and his love of the swerve and nonsensical face/heel change.

As for WWE dialing back the whole Russian bad guy thing? They didn't do it during the first Gulf War so I don't expect them to do it now.

So - Summerslam thoughts all? Steph has to be the hottest talent in WWE. And she's pretty hot too.

Thoroughly enjoyed it mate. I find WWE frustrating at times (eg their stop-start pushes) but when things click they are still an incredible form of entertainment to watch, give me them over a movie any day. The way they can build stars and make you care so much is unbelievable. A perfect example is Swagger v Rusev - two months ago I cared about neither, but found myself really into their match last night, because of the drama created and way all four played they roles superbly. I was however confused by the concept - I could have sworn years ago that with a Flag Match the point was you retrieved a Flag (eg from above a turnbuckle) then could use it as a weapon, but neither flag came into play on Sunday?

I honestly howver cannot think of a match I didn't enjoy. I was worried for Wyatt that his match was going to go badly. Not sure why, I just think Y2J is slowing down now in the ring, and maybe Wyatt is getting by because of his character rather than wresting ability. Fortunately it came off okay IMO.

I actually felt sympathy for Brie that I didn't think I would, so again we'll played to all involved.

Lumberjack match was s one crazy stuff eh!

Main event seemed amazing to watch, but I'm worried for WWE there may be as many cons and pros: Where does Cena go now? Who can they present as a legitimate challenge to Lesnar? Is he going to only be a part-time champion?
However, I am glad they're going with a fresh guy as champion and please dont think I'm a big Cena fan, because the guy drives me nuts like he does everyone else.
Fantastic event though, thumbs up WWE.

On other topics, what are people's thoughts on TNA's uncertain future? (eg the TV deal).
Anyone got any events lined up? I'm doing both Liverpool WWE taping s in Nov, and then TNA in Manchester in Jan if they're still around, lol.
Not sure if anyone here still buys wrestling mags, but was very disappointed to see Powerslam close after fifteen years, thought it was an excellent monthly read. Still do online content though, and FSM is a not-bad replacement.

Oh yeah, and I was disappointed but not surprised when I saw the advert for next year's SummerSlam being in America once again - the Wembley Stadium dream will have to remain just that eh.

Agree with pretty much all of that mate.

Re Lesnar it's amazing how he has made WWE work for him over the last two years - he was blacklisted for years after walking out for an NFL trial; now he supposedly commands $1million a year from them for half a dozen matches, crazy. It must hurt Vince's pride and ego to have to do that, but it's an effect I feel of not continuously building stars. Saying that I am however dying to see Sting in a WWE ring at last. If he ever does work a match I feel it has to be HHH. Nobody could get a fresh babyface (which Sting would be to many young people) over like HHH, as much as I dislike the guy in many ways.

Anyone watched Survivor Series then? Watched it last night on Box Office, went halves with my mate and thoroughly enjoyed it, worth every penny (admittedly you can apply this to the main event alone!). Thoughts:

- Sting was sometimes used badly in TNA IMO (eg the Joker gimmick), but put him on a WWE PPV for five minutes and you have the hottest star in the industry again.

- Ziggler is WWE's MVP. Fantastic performance.

- Big Show turned, how many times is that now?!

- Cena: The Time Is Now (to step aside and drop down to IC level, he's had a great run).

- Mizdow's brilliant!

- Wyatt and Ambrose not bad, even though their fued doesn't really make much sense.

Back to the main event though, what a stunning match and story, WWE could not have done more to get a 55 year old unknown (to most of the families in the audience I'm guessing) over in five minutes, a truly mesmerizing and uplifting moment in wrestling history.

Stinger you truly are The Icon.

The following things annoy me in WWE to the point off switching off forever.

That group of clowns with the rabbit.
Big Show and Mark Henry constant heel to face and vice versa turns.
WWE doing everything to get the other half of the crowd to like Cena.

Hey, don't be a lemon !!!


Oh... that's not helping ?

Just the Cena be thing I say. They say it'll never happen that he turns heel, but after the streak going this year I reckon once WWE finds a new poster boy they will go down that route eventually. And what a shock that would be!

Echo both your sentiments re: Henry and Big Show. Though I must admit I was pretty surprised this time around - they reeled me in with Ryback on the go home shows (well - from the reports I read - not watching a lot of RAW)

SS was great though - proof the show can go on without a title bout.

TLC was a bit dissapointing, with the Ziggler vs Harper ladder match being the highlight, then slowly downhill. Nice to see Reigns returning with his superman punch & spear, how we've missed his diverse skills......

The thing is, I thought Rollins should have gone over against Cena, because that would have made sense story wise.

The only person who can bring the Authority back is Cena. But he has no reason what so ever to ever do that. Unless it's to get his number 1 contender spot back.

A whole ethical dilemma for Cena to face. Some character growth that might encourage people to see him in less 2D terms. What's more important, his integrity or the title.

But no, Super Cena wins again.

Cena "forced" to bring back the Authority, the return of BNB, Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble, UK Network for 9.99, and the "sackings" of Ryback, Rowan & Ziggler.

Welcome to WWE 2015 !

So, anyone subscribed to the Network then? If so how are you finding it?

Looking forward to the Rumble. It sounds like they're ready to push Reigns to the moone (I personally don't think he's ready but maybe that's just me), but I would love to see Bryan win and have his WM moment again, because it just felt so cut-short last year because of the injuries he suffered so soon after.
In terms of surprise entrants there's a Dudley Boyz rumour doing the rounds which I would love to be true.

Anyone doing the TNA tour next weekend? I must confess I hardly watch them on Challenge but am however going to the tapings in Manchester.

Worst Rumble ever sadly...feel bad for Reigns, don't think the crowd was as mad with him winning as they were with the booking of the match...