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5/23 Dot Net One Shots: The Dot Net staff give their quick thoughts from the previous week in WWE, TNA, MMA and indie wrestling

Posted in: Blogs, MUST-READ LISTING
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May 23, 2013 - 03:12 PM

Welcome to the Dot Net One Shots. Each week, we will present a quick "one shot" thought from each staff member about the previous week in each of the following areas: WWE, TNA and Other (MMA, Indies, etc).

WWE

Will Pruett (Twitter - @itswilltime): The introduction of Curtis Axel on Raw has left quite a few people talking. I liked the angle and the attempt to get the young wrestler over, but I too have my qualms. This is one of the biggest opportunities a wrestler could be given this year, so let's all hope Axel delivers.

Jake Barnett (Twitter - @barnettjake): Curtis Axel debuted, and I can't help but feel like WWE did him a bit of a disservice by having Triple H's concussion angle overshadow him. Hopefully we see some kind of TV angle that really puts him on the map in the coming weeks.

Zack Zimmerman (Twitter - @InVasionZim): The Shield vs. Hell No and Kofi Kingston was absolutely one of the best WWE matches in recent memory. What really stood out was Daniel Bryan's intensity and connection with the crowd. I'm hopeful that the "weak link" references will be a storyline to slingshot Bryan up the card as a kick-ass babyface. He is the hottest in-ring performer in WWE right now bar none, it'd be foolish not to capitalize on that.

Ryan Kester (Twitter - @InnominatusTTV): Curtis Axel is the latest Paul Heyman guy, and the world responded with a resounding "meh." I'm reserving my judgement for a night where he gets to display a bit more of his character, but I can understand some people being underwhelmed. This is the best opportunity that Axel is likely to receive, so for his sake, I hope he can rise to the occasion in the coming weeks.

Darren Gutteridge (Twitter - @Dazatheg): Can't help but feel Curt Axel is the wrestling equivalent of "Malibu Stacy - Now with a New Hat!" from the Simpsons. Yes, he's got a new name and manager, but I always found Michael McGillicutty bland both in and out of the ring. Time will tell if I am wrong, and I sincerely hope I am for the good of everyone.

Chris Shore (Twitter - @TheShoreSlant): I am thrilled that Joe Hennig has made his way to the main roster again as Curtis Axel, but I am far less than thrilled at the way they introduced him. I like Heyman being involved, Axel needs a good talker to get him over as a heel, but tying him into a Triple H concussion angle diminishes him greatly. WWE stand by this insane theory that if a guy is made to look bad by a big star, it’s somehow good for that guy. The truth is, no one but the most hardcore fans are discussing Axel today, and that's because everyone is talking about Triple H.

TNA

Will Pruett: One positive about the Slammiversary card, as it now stands: every match has a story. TNA isn't throwing pointless pay-per-view time at random guys. I like the way they are building up feuds, even if I don't always love the stories they're choosing to tell.

Jake Barnett: Sting's promo antagonizing Bully Ray was well done. I can't say I'm overly enthused for the match quite yet, but the idea of it being Sting's last title shot does add some intrigue. I can only hope that once TNA gets everyone back from injury that we see a renewed push for the younger generation of stars.

Zack Zimmerman: I'm enjoying the budding feud between Kenny King and Chris Sabin very much. Their abilities in the ring speak for themselves and having a story behind their tension is what pro wrestling is about. Kenny King is definitely improving on the mic. The three-way format of the X division is a hindrance to the focus of the feud however. Suicide? Really, TNA? Terribly counter-productive and tastelessly named wrestler.

Ryan Kester: It's amazing what a little bit of storytelling can do for a match. Since changing the X Division to its current iteration, the matches involving Chris Sabin are the only ones that really caught my attention and the only ones from which I can readily recall spots. Work rate is a wonderful thing in wrestling, and the spots these men are capable are of impressive, but TNA needs to keep this storytelling up if they want to keep it interesting week to week.

Chris Shore: I want to give TNA credit for having a reason for every single match on the Slammiversary card being there. I want to, but I can't because so many of those stories are lukewarm at best, and they have had more than enough time to heat all of these stories up. It might be a step in the right direction, but they still have a long way to go with this new schedule.

Other (MMA, Indies, Etc)

Will Pruett (WWE App): Are you tired of watching this four minute match? Well then, come on over and watch a meat head watch a four minute match! That doesn't make it better? Then break out your phone and tweet about watching someone watch this match! Maybe I'm weird, but I like watching one screen and one video while I watch anything on television.

Jake Barnett (Daniel Bryan): I think he's earned the benefit of the doubt, but I'm really not digging the idea of Daniel Bryan becoming a heel and feuding with Kane to finally put Team Hell No to rest. We'll have to see how it plays out, but I think there is way too much upside with him being a baby face right now to squander it.

Zack Zimmerman (Concussions): Concussions scare me. For that reason, I'm slightly uncomfortable with some choices WWE has made. Orton bringing back The Punt is awkward, considering Dolph Ziggler suffered a concussion in similar fashion and had three days wiped clear from his memory. I'm also not a fan of Triple H feigning such severe head trauma with the current awareness and concern of multiple-concussion/CTE.

Ryan Kester : The hype train for WWE 2K14 is getting rolling, and wonder, who will be picking it up? The games have a reputation for being a bit disappointing, but they tend to make the rounds in my social group as a good party game. Is anyone else still enjoying the yearly WWE game?

Darren Gutteridge (Summer): With most sports winding down ahead of summer breaks (at least on this side of the Atlantic), this really is wrestling's time to shine. I hope we see a lot of new storylines, superstars, and chances taken on some mid card guys, so everything is in good shape for when said sports come back, and we won't see and knee jerk bookings due to bad ratings.

Chris Shore (Kane): I have to admit, regardless of his political ideology, the idea of "The Big Red Monster" standing there debating a career politician has to be the greatest spectacle I can think of. I have my doubts that Kane could overcome his wrestling history to be successful in a campaign (Katie Vick anyone?), but it sure would be fun to watch him try.

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