Image source: Cageside Seats

WWE's Royal Rumble can, at the same time, be one of the most fun events of the year, as well as one of the most frustratingly predictable.

My TL;DR is that this year's Royal Rumble was exactly that; fun but extremely predictable.

You can hear exactly how well Tom and I did with our predictions by listening to, or downloading Episode 245 of The Spanish Announce Table Podcast. Also, if just our voices aren't enough for you, you can also watch us record the episode on our YouTube channel; The Spanish Announce Tube!

Let's review!

2019 Royal Rumble Kickoff Show

image source: WrestlingRumors.net

Honestly, I kind of get mad at WWE for having these super long kickoff shows. I know that's not really rational, since I don't HAVE to watch them, but I mean, really; do we need this much show?
And why were Rezar and Scott Dawson tagging against Roode and Gable? I feel like they barely try. 
The highlight of the entire thing for me was Shinsuke Nakamura looking like Kane's illegitimate Japanese son. Oh, and he won the U.S. Title.

Smackdown Women's Championship

Asuka vs Becky Lynch

image source: YouTube

Got to admit; I was surprised by the outcome. I banked on WWE's hisotry of trying to fluff the stats in regards to title reigns for their big stars. 
That said, I don't hate this outcome, it keeps Asuka credible, and can fuel Becky Lynch's fire some more. 

Smackdown Tag Team Championships

The Bar vs Shane McMahon & The Miz

image source: WWE Network

It's a good thing this match ended when it did, or else Shane McMahon was going to need the EMTs to treat him for a heart attack.
I still don't get a good feeling that there is going to be a worthwhile payoff for this whole shtick, but if only served to turn Miz face, then it appears to have done it's job.
But now McMiz is the Tag Team Champions of Smackdown; I just don't know if anyone's going to care beyond this match.

RAW Women's Championship

Ronda Rousey vs Sasha Banks

image source: YouTube

I lost count of how many times Ronda Rousey had to pull her shorts out of her crotch in this match, but if you had less than 25 in your office pool, then you lost your money. 
But hey, whatever, no one wants a crotch wedgie when they wrestle. 
I don't really understand why WWE thinks the best way to book Ronda Rousey is as though she's a lamer version of Bayley, but that's what they've decided. The "baddest woman on the planet" got that way by being a nerd that tries too hard to be in with the cool kids. Makes a whole lot of sense, doesn't it? 
Sasha raising the 4 Horsewoman signal worries me that they're going to rush this 4 Horsewomen vs 4 Horsewomen angle; and it sure looks like it's really going to be bad.

Women's Royal Rumble Match

image source: WWE.com

This was WWE's second shot at booking a Women's Royal Rumble match, and I'll give it a grade of a solid not-bad. The beginning and the end were booked and performed pretty well, but the middle was pretty non-inspiring; so congratulations to the women of WWE for finally being treated like equals to the men. 
The big "surprise" came at the end with Becky Lynch taking Lana's spot (due to storyline injury) and eventually winning; which makes the Asuka vs Becky Lynch outcome from earlier make a whole lot of sense.
So now we'll get Becky Lynch challenging for a title at Mania. That feels like a move WWE just HAD to make, given her huge popularity right now.

WWE Championship

Daniel Bryan vs AJ Styles

image source: YouTube

I think it's pretty cool that AJ Styles came out dressed as the backstage green screen, but I think it's even cooler that Daniel Bryan may be starting his own Flock. (Kids, look up Raven's Flock if you don't know what I'm talking about).
The added help of a guy like Erik Rowan is going to do wonders for this new Daniel Bryan character, who is already putting in amazing work. I'm very excited for this.

WWE Universal Championship

Brock Lesnar vs Finn Balor

image source: ComicBook.com

Anybody that pays attention should have recognized the inevitable outcome of this match the moment Finn Balor hit the stage and WASN'T in his Demon outfit.
I don't even really like Finn Balor, but at least him winning would have meant Brock Lesnar wasn't still the champ. That said, I think the WWE now wants to fan those flames; they want everyone booing Lesnar and believing that he's a part timer that they would like to see defeated by ANYONE.
If they ride that wave correctly, it could make for pretty big WrestleMania moment.

Men's Royal Rumble Match


Kudos to WWE for putting Nia Jax in the match. And not just putting her in there but also having her take some actual offensive maneuvers from the men. In no way, can WWE continue to say women are equal to the men, and then "protect" them from men in a fake fight; that's not a consistent message. It's performance art, not a real fight; let them "compete".
That said, I wonder what the outrage would have been had a man entered the Women's Royal Rumble match. Once again, inconsistent messages, but hey, it's wrestling.
So Seth Rollins won, which was predicted by just about everyone alive or dead but it's still probably the best move WWE could make moving forward to WrestleMania. Rollins can go, and he can get the crowd behind him, and will definitely be able to pull off the workhorse routine going against Lesnar, should that be the champion he challenges. (IT WILL BE)

FINAL RUMBLINGS

Some good surprises, but mostly predictable outcomes, as per usual with the Royal Rumble. (And pretty much any WWE PPV). 
I liked the use of Jeff Jarrett vs Jeff Jarrett 2.0, even though I wish they would have had a guitar shot. How in the world do you have Jeff Jarrett in a ring with a guitar and NOT have him get hit with it? I mean, you KNOW Vince McMahon wants to see Jarrett getting hit with ANYTHING. 
Nothing too noteworthy, but it at least set up the table for what WWE seems to want to do with WrestleMania, but that also worries me; is it too early to be able to book half the card? Let's hope for some twists, turns, and swerves. 

But enough about what I thought, what did YOU think? Let us know using #TweetTheTable on Twitter, and we just might read YOUR tweets on the next podcast episode!

Also, buy some merch at the Spanish Announce Merch Table!


wwe.com

We say it a lot on The Spanish Announce Table, that NXT Takeover usually is a better show than the WWE PPV event it shares a weekend with; but that's because it always proves to be true.
Are they better at storytelling? Is the talent better? I suppose a lot of that is subjective, but let's just get into the show and see what happens this time.

NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

Undisputed Era (Strong & O'Reilly) vs The War Raiders

prowrestlingsheet.com

You can tell Triple H runs NXT by the very first wrestler intro. The grand entrance is a nice touch though, to his credit, and really made the War Raiders look like a big deal. Their specific entrance felt perfect; it fit their gimmick really well.
Tom and I have been looking for the return of big alpha male wrestlers that leave destruction everywhere they go, and the War Raiders sure look like they fit the bill.
This match against The Man That Charisma Forgot Roderick Strong and friend of the show Kyle O'Reilly was on-fire right from the start.

Listen to Kyle O'Reilly answer CINCO PREGUNTAS on The Spanish Announce Table Podcast

wwe.com

I like that we get new Tag Team Champions in NXT, and The War Raiders certainly look the part. I'm not sure how well it comes off with them being on top of the mountain and others trying to defeat them, but we'll see how NXT books things moving forward.

Matt Riddle vs Kassius Ohno

wwe.com

The Bro has an unmistakable charisma that is going to take him places in WWE. So, setting him up in a match against a world-traveled veteran like Kassius Ohno was a great move. Charisma alone isn't enough to just thrust someone onto the main stage, and getting to work with someone who can, quite literally, show him the ropes is going to help him tremendously.
All that aside, I feel like Matt Riddle might have the best entrance music in all of wrestling. If you disagree, I can't feel you, BRO!

Wrestle World

This match did a great job of making Matt Riddle look like a beast. I can't imagine anything but big things for this guy's career in WWE/NXT.

NXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Ricochet vs Johnny Gargano

YouTube

This match delivered on every expectation that was placed upon it. It's not often you get young talent with all the energy in the world, where both of them are seasoned veterans, but that's exactly what we got with Ricochet and Johnny Gargano.
I expected this match to steal the entire weekend, let alone the show. As I write this, Royal Rumble hasn't happened yet, so there's a still a chance it doesn't steal the weekend, but it was absolutely a show stealer. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out; go watch it.

YouTube

I like the subtlety of the Gargano character right now. Is he good, is he bad, is he neither? Now, with a title around his waist, that enigma will get some extra focus, and that can only be good things for us viewers. 

NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

Shayna Baszler vs Bianca Belair

YouTube

This match is one that I might have been looking forward to the most. Shayna Baszler is one of the best heels in the business and Bianca Baleair is one of the most promising up and coming wrestlers NXT has on the roster.
This match will forever be remembered for the vicious hair-whip that just might leave a permanent scar on the midsection of Baszler.

Cageside Seats

I thought it was really good booking to have Belair freak out when the referee was knocked out, and she would have had an easy three-count. That felt like a rookie move, and was very believable. 
This match lived up to all of my expectations. 

NXT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Tommaso Ciampa vs Aleister Black

Cageside Seats

This match promised to be an in-ring storytelling classic. Tommaso Ciampa almost always gives us that level of performance, and Aleister Black is no slouch in that department either. 
I still can't get over the feeling that Ciampa is one of the best at making you hate him that I've ever seen. This is made even more evident by the viciousness of his matches. They almost make you feel uncomfortable to watch at times. 

Sportskeeda

I'm really happy that Ciampa won. For whatever reason, Black just doesn't make me feel much, which doesn't work very well as a face champion. If I have no reason to care about him keeping the title, then I'm more likely to want to see the challenger win.

They did it again. From top-to-bottom, NXT Takeover was an entertaining, high-energy show that left me completely satisfied.
Now that All Elite Wrestling is going to become a thing, we'll see if NXT can keep this train rolling. It's probably been easier than it should be for WWE to have such great stars putting on such great matches, when they really didn't have any competition for that talent.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Spanish Announce Table Podcast, for more in-depth discussions on NXT, WWE, All Elite Wrestling and more.
Check out The Spanish Announce Merch Table for some sweat threads and products to show your friend(s) that you are cooler than they are.
digitalspy.com
 A big criticism of WWE television these days is that the storylines don't have much depth to them. 

While it appears WWE is putting more effort than before into fixing this; there still doesn't seem to be much depth. 

So, this feels like a good time to start a new series of articles called: How I Would Write It. (Super creative name, don't you think?)

Let's start with one of those attempts to add depth to the storylines; the Naomi, Uso One, and Mandy Rose saga. (For anyone new to The Spanish Annouandnce Table; Jimmy is referred to here as Uso One, and Jey is known as Uso Two.)

Now, I'll give WWE credit; they ARE trying to make a deeper, more intriguing storyline, so that we'll care more about the feud, and the matches.
However, I would go even deeper, and I would do that by involving Uso Two into the mix.

While the decision to have Rose defeat Naomi on their first match was a good idea, the execution didn't really leave us with much, other than the thought of Naomi having some damaged pride.
Moving forward, I would have Rose find a way to keep winning matches against Naomi. These could be through heel tactics, of course. In fact, that's preferable. 

With each victory, we should notice Uso One seeming to be legitimately impressed with Rose's abilities. Which, would make it not-so-surprising when reports, and photos, surface of Uso One being seen with Rose. 

Now, to be clear, none of these photos and/or reports should be 100% conclusive, leaving open the ability for all to assume that it's actually Uso Two that has been seen with Rose.
Here's where I have a fork in the road. I feel like the easy way out is for Uso One and Uso Two to have conflict between themselves. Uso One is angry that Uso Two would risk such endeavors, knowing full-well what hardships Rose has created for the family, and we eventually get the breakup (for now) of The Usos, and we get Rose & Uso Two vs Naomi & Uso One. 

The other option, the one I like more, is to have it really BE Uso One who is now running around with Rose, and is instead BLAMING it on Uso Two, which wrecks the tag team AND the marriage, leading to Rose & Uso ONE vs Naomi & Uso TWO! 

The latter of these two options just feels so much more scandalous and entertaining.
But what do YOU think? Do you like either of these ideas? Would you do something different? Would you do NOTHING different than what WWE is doing right now? 

Use #TweetTheTable on Twitter if you'd like to respond in 280 characters or less. (266 if you account for the #TweetTheTable)
Send us an email if you can't be that concise; TableShow@gmail.com.

Use that same email on Paypal if you would like to donate to The Spanish Announce Table to help our website and podcast production costs.

If you'd rather get something for your money, instead of merely donating, head over to The Spanish Announce Merch Table and buy some stuff. A small portion of every sale will get sent to Tim and Tom.
Professional Wrestling has a long, storied history full of ups and downs. As with anything, we fans like to get nostalgic and take a look back at where we've been, so we can have a clear picture of where we are going in the future.

That said, let's take a moment and reflect on this day in professional wrestling history.

THE END OF AN ERA - 1971

image source: BarStoolSports

Ivan Koloff defeated Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF World Heavyweight Title in Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Having won the title on May 17, 1963, Sammartino's title reign was a record 2,803 days. A record that has yet to be, and likely never will be, broken. 

I HOPE IT DOESN'T GET CANCELLED... - 1993

image source: Wrestling Forum

The 2nd-ever edition of WWF Monday Night Raw aired live from the Manhattan Center in New York, 26 YEARS AGO!
The main event saw Ric Flair and Tito Santana battle to a no-contest; due to interference by Mr. Perfect. This would lead to a Flair vs Perfect match the following week, where the loser has to leave the WWF!.

THE 3 RUMBLES OF FOLEY - 1998

image source: Bonehead Picks


Mick Foley competed in the 11th-annual Royal Rumble match, 3 different times, once-each as a different one of his 3-Faces of Foley gimmicks. (Dude Love, Mankind, Cactus Jack).
Steve Austin would win this Royal Rumble, his second Royal Rumble victory in-a-row. 

Well, as you can see, a lot can happen on any given day in the crazy world of professional wrestling, so thank you for joining me on this journey, as we reflect upon what happened ON THIS DAY!

Check out our new Spanish Announce Merch Table. A small portion of everything you buy at the table will go to helping us keep this website and podcast free for you!

Also, check out our podcast! You can also watch us record the podcast episodes on our YouTube channel: The Spanish Announce Tube!


image source: Uproxx

If you're like us here at The Spanish Announce Table, you're busy (or lazy) and don't have the time to follow along with all the various professional wrestling news websites and stay up-to-date, with up-to-the minute, breaking news. 

We can, however, skim through the various articles of all of YESTERDAY'S news; and give you all the tidbits and links you need to know to stay up-to-date on YESTERDAY'S NEWS!

REVIVAL, KANELLIS FAMILY REQUEST RELEASE FROM WWE

image source: The Independent

The Revival, Mike Kanellis, and Maria Kanellis have all recently asked for their releases from WWE. The company has made no official statements regarding the matter.
Reports say The Revival also recently requested to work more in NXT. The Revival's history of online-feuds with The Young Bucks have fueled rumors of The Revival trying to join All Elite Wrestling.

Links
https://www.ringsidenews.com/2019/01/16/clarification-on-the-revival-requesting-wwe-release/
https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/report-mike-maria-kanellis-ask-for-their-wwe-releases
http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/mike-maria-kanellis-request-releases-wwe/#.XEAT01xKiUk

CHRIS JERICHO DETAILS WWE, AEW, IMPACT NEGOTIATIONS

image source: Reddit


Chris Jericho discussed numerous details about his signing with All Elite Wrestling on an edition of Talk Is Jericho. 
Jericho said he determined his character role would be more prominent in All Elite, as well as their offer was the biggest contract offer he's ever received. 
Jericho also said he met with Impact Wrestling, received a very good offer, and almost decided to take it; he considers Impact Wrestling to be much-improved and a very good program right now. 
Jericho also said he gave WWE opportunities to match the offer and consider his character ideas, and that he was consistently up front and honest with Vince McMahon. Jericho says he and McMahon ended the discussions amicably. 

Links:
https://www.cagesideseats.com/2019/1/16/18185376/why-chris-jericho-chose-all-elite-wrestling-over-wwe-how-close-to-signing-impact-future-with-njpw
https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/01/chris-jericho-details-talks-with-with-vince-mcmahon-before-649887/
http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/chris-jericho-great-offer-impact/#.XEAXslxKiUk
https://www.ringsidenews.com/2019/01/16/wwes-treatment-of-chris-jericho-helped-him-sign-with-all-elite-wrestling/

ALL ELITE WRESTLING DOES NOT PLAN TO HIRE WRITERS

image source: Bleacher Report


Cody Rhodes told sescoops.com that All Elite Wrestling will not be hiring writers any time soon. Rhodes says the wrestlers will be the writers, though he does envision a time where writers may be beneficial to the product. 

Links:
https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/cody-rhodes-aew-wont-hire-a-writer-any-time-soon
https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/01/cody-rhodes-says-aew-wont-be-hiring-writers-anytime-soon-649896/
https://wrestlingnews.co/aew-news/cody-rhodes-says-no-writers-in-aew-anytime-soon-wrestlers-are-the-writers-were-the-writers/

Obviously this isn't all of yesterday's news, but this is the biggest items that we found noteworthy here at The Spanish Announce Table. There is typically a bunch of indy news, ROH news, etc., but you're on your own for that stuff. Please check out the various links to the great news websites that we look through to find these stories. 

Remember to listen to our PODCAST, watch our YouTube videos, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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SmackDown Live comes to you from Birmingham, Alabama! SmackDown has week-over-week been the best show in professional wrestling. Did that continue tonight? Let's discuss.

THE MAN AMONGST MEN

image source: Rear View Reviews

Becky Lynch still has the world eating out of the palms of her hands. She's feeling every bit of the energy the crowds are feeding her and it's making for a great ride.
The NXT call-ups have also found their way to Smackdown and they are laying the Otis weirdness on VERY THICK. For real, we can't at least have him use actual words, and not speak like a Muppet on Adderall?

EVERYONE IS READY FOR ASUKA (TO HAVE SUBTITLES)

image source: Wrestleview

I like the play of having two competitors both facing members of a tag team to show some form of "superiority" over their future opponent. This particular instance sure doesn't give anyone hope that The IIconics are coming away with those Women's Tag Titles.
I can't understand Asuka at all, and it's the same problem with Shinsuke Nakamura; WWE should not force the English out of these performers. I much preferred Asuka angrily yelling in another language than I did trying to figure out what she was trying to remember how to say.

HOT DOGS FOR EVERYONE (EXCEPT DANIEL BRYAN)

image source: YouTube

AJ Styles thinks Daniel Bryan is an asshole and that you should eat hot dogs if you feel like it. It's hard not to like a guy that says that, right?
For whatever reason, I still can't get past the feeling with AJ Styles that he's a guy that has been told to go act cool, and he's REALLY trying REALLY hard.

WELCOME TO THE USO DIVORCE COURT

image source: WWE.com

This is, on paper, one of the more intriguing storylines in the entire company right now, however I don't think it's quite coming off right; more on that later. 
Uso One and Uso Two do not have that problem, this segment was very believable, and was a nice way to keep a viewer interested in what happens next.

MUSTAFA ALI'S CUP OF COFFEE APPEARS TO BE EMPTY

image source: YouTube

It feels like WWE does stuff like this all the time; where, in the same moment, they accomplish one thing that makes a lot of sense, and another thing that doesn't make hardly ANY sense. 
Yes, Samoa Joe should mercilessly toss some competitors around and beat them up. But, why did they switch things up with Mustafa Ali so fast. Last thing I knew, this guy was putting in great performances and was on a roll, and WWE was going to capitalize on that; and then this. I don't get it.

STEAL HIS LAST NAME AND HE'LL STEAL YOUR SHOW!

image source: YouTube

Rey Mysterio and Andrade (not to be confused with Andrade Cien Almas) put on a match that would have stolen the show at a Pay Per View. 
Now, that's all well and good for one match, but I still don't have any reason to care about either of these characters in the long term. There is no stroyline, no clear goals, no direction: there's nothing.

WELCOME TO THE USO INNS AND SUITES

image source: YouTube

This segment was just weird. I hate to say that, because everyone's on the right track, I just feel like the execution was off. 
It almost felt like everyone was in the 3rd week of their first-ever improv class and they are trying really hard to come up with their lines. 

HAPPY BUMBLING BIRTHDAY

image source: 411Mania

This is another storyline that feels like it's just not being executed right. I like that they've made Miz a sympathetic babyface, that definitely feels fresh. Shane however, isn't hitting the mark for me. 
I hope they can gel better moving forward.

Smackdown still wins the week. They continually put out the best overall show of the week. Will they do the same next week? Check back in to find out!

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Professional Wrestling has a long, storied history full of ups and downs. As with anything, we fans like to get nostalgic and take a look back at where we've been, so we can have a clear picture of where we are going in the future.

That said, let's take a moment and reflect on this day in professional wrestling history.

SOULED ALL THE WAY OUT - 2000

image source: YouTube

WCW hosted it's 4th Annual (and final) Souled Out PPV, 19 years ago in the Firstar Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
WCW 2000 continues to be a laughing stock company year for the professional wrestling industry, and this show, if you were to go back and watch it, can go a long way to showcasing that.
In this show, Kevin Nash defeated Terry Funk in a Hardcore Match to win the title of WCW Commissioner. I'm sure you all remember how well THAT went.
Also, Chris Benoit defeated Sid Vicious to win the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Title. However, Benoit would be stripped of the title on Nitro the next night, as footage would show that Sid's leg was under the ropes during the referee's count.
In reality, Benoit was fed-up with the company and walked out. He would appear on WWF television 2 weeks later.

THE FIRST FINAL - 2005

image source: YouTube

TNA held their first ever Final Resolution PPV from the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida.
This show was highlighted by an excellent Ultimate X match for the X-Division Championship.
AJ Styles would defeat then-champion Petey Williams, and Chris Sabin.

THE FIRST STEP OF AN EVOLUTION - 2010 

image source: Wikipedia

Evolve held their debut event to approximately 300 people in Rahway, New Jersey.
This event featured names including: Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish, Ricochet, Jimmy Jacobs, Johnny Gargano, TJP, Mike Quackenbush, Davey Richards, and Kota Ibushi.
Evolve has come a long way in 9 years, making quite the name for themselves along the way, evidenced by Triple H and WWE/NXT working closely with the organization, even lending Evolve some talent occasionally for special events.

USO-ONE GETS A BETTER HALF - 2014

image source: YouTube

Naomi and Jimmy Uso (I don't know what their real names are and we don't fact-check at The Spanish Announce Table. We DO however refer to Jimmy Uso as Uso 1), were married in Hawaii 5 years ago.
The ceremony that was taped for an airing on an episode of Total Divas.

THAT HAD TO STING A LITTLE BIT - 2014

image source: YouTube

TNA broadcast an episode of Impact Wrestling on this day 5 years ago; one that would prove to be the final company appearance for a man called Sting. Sting would eventually resurface in November, on WWE television.
Sting had a sizeable career in TNA, and you could argue is one of the reasons it continued to have any legitimacy in the mainstream wrestling fans eyes, during the time he was there.
If nothing else, a whole lot of young, up-and-coming talent had the chance to work with one of the most-revered legends in the industry.

Well, as you can see, a lot can happen on any given day in the crazy world of professional wrestling, so thank you for joining me on this journey, as we reflect upon what happened ON THIS DAY!

Check out our new Spanish Announce Merch Table. A small portion of everything you buy at the table will go to helping us keep this website and podcast free for you!

Also, check out our podcast! You can also watch us record the podcast episodes on our YouTube channel: The Spanish Announce Tube!

image source: Cageside Seats

Admitedly I haven't watched much (any) 205 Live since it began. WWE definitely didn't hit the ground running with the rollout of the show. That said, I notice people are saying good things lately, so I've decided to hop back on the bandwagon and watch some 205 Live. Well, I will probably never watch it "live", but you get the idea.

First thing I like is how they have Drake Maverick, the General Manager of 205 Live, narrating the opening of the show, telling us what happened last week, and what we can expect this week. That's a nice touch to set this show apart.

LINCE FELT THE RUSH

image source: WWE.com

Lio Rush is one of my favorites right now. His work on the main rosters as a hype man for Bobby Lashley is so good that other performers should study it.
Rush did just as well on 205 Live as he does in that main roster role. He is extremely comfortable on the mic, and it's very believable and easy to hate.
I also like how Rush, after getting the victory, assaulted Lince Dorado and how pleased he looked with himself.

BACKSTAGE PROMOS!

image source: YouTube

Noam Dar and Tony Nese got up in each other's face in a backstage interview. Dar has a feel of being that smug guy that you just can't prove wrong; like he's earned every bit of his cockiness, and that makes you super mad.

TJP did an amazing job of appearing annoyingly flippant and arrogant while talking to Drake Maverick backstage. He capped the performance nicely by turning and walking away, laughing, while Maverick was still talking. Little character nuances like that can go a long way into making the crowd love or hate a performer.

Next week there will be a Triple Threat  between Hideo Itami, Akira Tozawa, and Kalisto; winner gets a Royal Rumble title match against current Cruiserweight Champ Buddy Murphy.
This week they treated us to promos from the competitors. Well, sort of; Kalisto spoke for himself, but Tozawa had THE Brian Kendrick doing his talking, and Hideo Itami's voice was lended by Ariya Daivari. They have some good mic talent in 205 Live.

MAIN EVENT

image source: YouTube

It's time for the Main Event which has the Champion Buddy Murphy issuing a long-time open-challenge.
Murphy didn't do so well in the pre-match promo. He seemed a little unsure of his lines, and the crowd didn't really seem to care about him.
His challenger was revealed as NXT's Humberto Carrillo (known to indy fans as Ultimo Ninja, look him up).
These two put on a very solid match that saw Carrillo five Murphy everything he could handle; yet Murphy would escape with the victory in the end.

So I'll say it; 205 Live was good. I'll watch again next week!

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image source: Uproxx

If you're like us here at The Spanish Announce Table, you're busy (or lazy) and don't have the time to follow along with all the various professional wrestling news websites and stay up-to-date, with up-to-the minute, breaking news. 

We can, however, skim through the various articles of all of YESTERDAY'S news; and give you all the tidbits and links you need to know to stay up-to-date on YESTERDAY'S NEWS!

STROWMAN CANT WIN; NOT ALLOWED TO LOSE

image source: What Culture

Pretty much every wrestling news outlet covered this story, and the basic idea being put out is that WWE isn't ready for Strowman to win the Universal Title and they also don't want him to LOSE at The Royal Rumble. Therefore, they pulled him in this way, to not make him look weak, and to buy time. 
Is any of that true? Well, WWE has made no official statements, and likely won't ever even come close to doing so. So our offiical answer would be: maybe.
Links
http://www.AllWrestling.com/Content.aspx?ID=123056
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/real-reason-why-braun-strowman-was-pulled-from-the-wwe-royal-rumble/
http://www.AllWrestling.com/Content.aspx?ID=123058
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/reason-why-finn-balor-will-be-facing-brock-lesnar-at-wwe-royal-rumble/

JERRY THE KING LAWLER WILL BE ON THE ROYAL RUMBLE COMMENTARY TEAM

image source: Quickmeme

According to Ringside News, Jerry The King Lawler will be joining Michael Cole and JBL to provide commentary for the Men's Royal Rumble match. 
Also of note, Lawler signed a new WWE contract, something he is accustomed to doing every year. This time, however, Lawler signed for two years. 

WWE THOUGHT THE ALEXA BLISS SEGMENT WAS PG-SEXY

image source: YouTube

Many outlets also covered this story of Alexa Bliss being not-so-covered. The most-discussed idea is that WWE is trying to add back some "Attitude Era-esque" qualities to their show in any way that won't hurt their PG standing. 
The YouTube video of the segment reached 1 million views in one day.
Links:
https://www.ringsidenews.com/2019/01/15/why-wwe-booked-alexa-bliss-angle-dressing-room-on-raw/
https://www.ringsidenews.com/2019/01/15/alexa-bliss-scandalous-segment-on-wwe-raw-goes-viral/
https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/01/alexa-bliss-dressing-room-segment-garners-big-views-on-649853/
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/backstage-wwe-news-on-alexa-bliss-topless-segment-from-raw/

TUESDAY NIGHTS JUST GOT LIVE

image source: Cageside Seats

205 Live is returning to Tuesday nights on the WWE Network, and will air at 9 p.m. U.S. Central Standard Time. (The one true time zone)
Reminder; this is YESTERDAY'S NEWS, and that means you missed the 205 Live return to Tuesday nights. But hey, if you have the WWE Network, then you can watch it whenever the hell you want. 
Links:
http://network.wwe.com/shows/in-ring/205-live
http://allwrestling.com/content.aspx?ID=123060

SLIGHTLY-MORE THAN ALMOST-NOBODY IS WATCHING RAW

image source: Wrestling-Edge

RAW saw a significant ratings jump this week; seeing the highest ratings for the show since September. Of note, Monday Night Football is no longer on, so WWE typically sees significant ratings increases this time of year.
Links:
http://allwrestling.com/content.aspx?ID=123077
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/this-weeks-wwe-raw-sees-big-viewership-increase/
https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/wwe-raw-viewership-for-11419-up-from-last-week
https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/01/this-week-wwe-raw-draws-best-viewership-in-months-649856/
https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2019/1/15/18184453/wwe-raw-viewers-up-big-this-week-braun-strowman-finn-balor-universal-championship-royal-rumble-2019

ANOTHER NAME BITES THE DUST

image source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Another WWE Superstar had their names removed. This time Andrade Cien Almas is now just Andrade.
Links:
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/wwe-star-gets-a-slight-name-change/
http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/andrade-almas-name-change/#.XD7FK1xKjIU
https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/wwe-changes-ring-name-of-smackdown-superstar
https://www.ringsidenews.com/2019/01/15/wwe-makes-change-to-superstars-name/
https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2019/1/15/18184648/wwe-changes-name-andrade-cien-almas-wwe-smackdown.

Obviously this isn't all of yesterday's news, but this is the biggest items that we found noteworthy here at The Spanish Announce Table. There is typically a bunch of indy news, ROH news, etc., but you're on your own for that stuff. Please check out the various links to the great news websites that we look through to find these stories. 

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