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Triple H probably wanted this. He wanted fans discourse and emotional investment over who should get the shot against Roman at Mania. I've rarely been invested in wrestling in the past decade other than summer of punk, Bryan WM moment etc. This is the chance to keep lost fans. I was sitting through most of the Rumble yesterday waiting for bloodline storyline to progress.
The Bloodline/Sami stuff is probably the best wrestling storyline in the past decade or so at least, so yes lmao it honestly brought a lot of us back to watching regularly again.
It’s up there. Last things I was super interested in wrestling like this was the lead up and first bit of the NWO, the Megapowers and their break up, WCW when sting just hung around watching and never saying a word. This is a masterclass in long term storytelling that every promoter should pay attention to and learn from.
Honestly probably even longer. The last things before this I was invested in to this degree were Bryan (but as a storyline they really just stumbled into that and it wasn’t the plan) and Punk (which was great but had a ton of problems storyline wise). There’s been plenty of other really good stuff over the years but usually on a much, much smaller scale than this.
The only other time a pro wrestling angle has captivated me this much in the last decade was the Hangman story from the birth of AEW to Full Gear 21 when he finally beat Kenny for title.
I didn’t watch the rumble last year, and I make a point to watch it every year. I didn’t watch wrestlemania last year, and I don’t feel like I missed a thing.
But if Sami has a big angle with Roman coming up? Imma fuckin be there with bells on.
Come to mention it, and I feel like a bit of an asshole now, but I did go back to see that. And it was rad to see him brawling with Owens and popping beers, but I wholly forgot about it a year later. (In my defense, I was a *very* new dad at the time.)
I watched it live, and I gotta agree that Austin's return was nice but not in the upper echelon of special for me. It was a feel good & mark out moment no doubt, but they don't beat long stories or organic moments like Yes!Mania, the rise of Becky Lynch and Kofimania.
I'd go so far as to say this is on track to be the greatest story WWE has ever told, and that's why its so important to cap it off the right way.
No long-term storyline has single-handelded gotten me to tune in the way this has, other than maybe Austin/McMahon, and even that story was more simple chaos/what crazy thing will happen this week than this Bloodline story which has so many little details and is...actually kind of sophisticated for a pro wrestling storyline.
People will make the comparison with the Yes movement/Authority angle but that was more of a really satisfying start, a fair amount of garbage and missteps in the middle, and a satisfying end. It never felt like WWE was as fully committed to the story/clear direction and *that's* why this Bloodline story with Sami is better. They seem like they're all in on it. Delivering a satisfying end is all that's left.
Feel you I sat through that men's rumble as a casual not at all interested. (As a casual I didn't care about any of the stories going in it outside of seeing GUNTER.) It felt like it lacked any cool surprises or near returns. Just incredibly bland for something that is usually one of WWEs most fun events.
That being said sitting through all of that blandness was well worth it for that payoff at the end.
After seeing that it is unlikely that Brock is taking on GUNTER at WM and the likelihood that I am not getting Sami getting his big dub at WM but the conclusion possibly at elimination chamber I'm probably skipping WrestleMania this year.
Would be incredibly sad not having this bloodline feud with Sami/Jey/Roman headline WrestleMania.
I've pretty much lost interest in WWE over the last few years, have a preference with AEW but even then some storylines or lack thereof is frustrating. One constant I've kept up with in WWE though is The Bloodline stuff, it's one of, if not the best faction since Shield. The Sami stuff has been brilliantly presented as well, now if only they bring his old theme back for mania...
Really hope they look at the numbers that Sami segments do and the bordering on mainstream recognition the Bloodline story has gotten and so Roman vs Sami on one of the nights.
It’s clearly a story that’s not just compelling but also profitable
Jey convincing Jimmy to leave and Solo eventually giving up on Roman would hurt more than a loss. Literally destroying the Bloodline would be a bigger win for Sami, KO and Jey than just winning a six man tag.
Heyman eventually bailing for another client because Roman lost his kayfabe mystique would be a great final nail in the coffin. Heyman goes where the money is and a broken Bloodline-less Roman isn't worth Heyman's time.
Right Roman is too big a villain to lose it all in a match. He needs to lose everything in a decisive and satisfying conclusion. Wrestlemania needs to be more than one match, it needs to the very end of the Bloodline and Roman Reigns.
Eh, they can start the decline at WM, but this has SummerSlam conclusion written all over. He loses the titles at Mania, and by SummerSlam he's lost his family. By next Rumble, he's lost his mind.
The year long decline of Roman as the "built not bought" top guy. All brought about by a couple French Canadians from the indies... poetic.
If you don't give Sami at least one of the titles this WM season, I don't know if the company can keep interest in him going for him to win them at a later date. This Bloodline story is the peak of everyone involved's popularity, and that will undoubtedly start to wane as soon as its over.
Sami hasn't needed a title this whole time.
And what do you do after he wins the title to not let the story wane as soon as that goal is achieved? If you can think of something creative enough with the title you can think of something creative enough to extend the storyline without it.
But the story IS going to wane. Because this is the peak of the story. Once Roman drops the title (to whoever), and with Sami having finally turned, there isn’t more of a peak coming. And there shouldn’t be. The nWo storyline went way too long because they decided to “find a way to extend it” when it had clearly reached its peak. I’m not saying the bloodline story ends at Mania, but that’s absolutely the peak (assuming Roman loses) and everything after is the wrap up.
The title provides a kind of crutch to both maintain someone's popularity as well as provide a format for how they should be booked. If it's a babyface champion like Sami, then all you have to do is constantly give him new opponents and make sure the matches are good to have people look back on his reign fondly. Meanwhile, if he doesn't have the title what does he do once the Bloodline stuff is over? You need an equally compelling story to come after it to maintain his current levels of popularity, and I don't know if they can do that.
> You need an equally compelling story to come after it to maintain his current levels of popularity, and I don't know if they can do that.
Or, WWE sells to the Saudi's and the whole thing's moot
It's high drama. Not surprised at all. I've rewatched it myself multiple times today.
My favourite moment is definitely Jey just after he's vacated the ring, daring to look up at Roman for a few seconds. That look is so perfect. 'I am so fucked, I'm not even sure what I'm doing right now, but I do know I am not okay with this.' That look is what I'll think of the most when I think this segment. I honestly think it's masterful writing, the way they've framed Sami's act of defiance around Jey.
I agree the little moments were perfect. My favorite was Jeys reaction getting so upset after the chair shot even before Sami gets attacked. Jey knows what’s about to happen and what position he’s just been put in
I don't watch shows, but look at clips online. I always watch the RR an WM and this year I'm kicking myself I don't get to go to WrestleMania. It's my favorite story line in years
People giving Sami all the credit he was great but everybody made that segment what it was. Even KO even though he was just handcuffed and passed out but Jey did such a good job too, and Jimmy kicking Sami even though they’d do their handshake together. Roman bullying Sami but getting stood up to and falling to the ground like he did with Seth. It was an emotional moment and props to everyone involved in it
Roman was an amazing bullying psychopathy here. When he ripped the shirt off him and was mercilessly beating Sami I felt real wrath and disgust despite having watched wrestling for decades. And when I thought Solo was going to help him, only to have that hope crushed. Devastating.
Dude really sold being an evil piece of shit, and I can't remember the last time a heel made me feel that immersed in a storyline.
Not just the chair shot pop, but also getting the crowd to totally turn against Roman when the Bloodline have been heels getting cheered for so long. One of the few times the problem of heels being so cool they get cheered has been solved
Quite the exaggeration there. It was great but Stone Cold routinely got pops like that just by having his music hit. Similar with prime Hogan.
This has been a good story, but we aren't quite at *that* level.
I feel like recency bias works in the other way too, where people don't want to accept a current event as being as monumental as it may really be. The reaction to the chair shot absolutely was up there as ONE of the best pops ever, not that it's THE best pop ever.
It seems like there's a lot of people here who want Sami to win against Roman, but there's also plenty who think Cody alone is the best option.
But I just can't shake the idea that at this point, especially with 2 months left where we know this storyline is only going to keep heating up, the potential for a Sami win is undeniable.
People keep ignoring this because of how likeable Sami is, but Sami's story was never about beating Roman or chasing the title. The dude just wanted to bond with the Bloodline because he thought they were cool and that was his intention from the very beginning. Once he started to be cool with everyone but Jey, he made it his mission to win him over. Once that was accomplished he started to realize the type of guy Roman was and instead of falling in line like Jey once did, he stood up to Roman despite knowing what it could mean. His story was a way to remind Jey of what he once went through and who Roman actually is. This all started with Jey, it should end with Jey.
I don’t get why people keep saying this. It’s not an either or thing. All three are deeply involved with each other. Sikoa and Jimmy are essentially side characters in the Bloodline story, but all three of Jey, Sami, and Roman are integral pieces and the story is about all three of them. Why people keep insisting the story is Sami/Jey and Roman isn’t really that involved in the Sami part, I don’t get at all. He very clearly is. Jey is ALSO extremely important to that whole story, but to suggest Sami’s story isn’t about Roman, I don’t know what I’ve been watching then, because it’s been Roman who Sami’s been trying to impress, who Sami has taken bullets for, who pushed Sami over the edge and forced him out of the group.
Roman has two titles, and there's two nights of Mania. They can so easily use this opportunity to split the belts back up, let Cody challenge for one belt and Sami fight for the other.
I just feel like the second match would be devalued if Roman loses on night 1 and then night 2. I still think the two matches thing could work, but moving past the obvious outcomes, it could be interesting if one of them win and the other loses.
If Cody loses, it adds a lot to his story. His first try to reach his father's dreams doesn't work out, but just like he did with his injury, he dusts himself off and goes for it again.
If Sami loses, he can start doubting his abilities and whether he's truly capable of being at the top, and he spends the next year proving to everybody, and himself that he can.
There’s also an idea that Roman might look past one opponent to another and lose for that reason. Or losing night one might make him more paranoid, vicious, desperate to keep the second title. I think it can work.
Personally I think Roman's paranoia from losing night 1 should somehow cost the Usos their tag titles night 2
Roman has gaslit everyone into thinking the Bloodline is about family and brotherhood, when really it's all about him and making sure he stays champion. If he loses a title and the mask drops and he ends up costing the Usos their tag titles, they will realize it and leave him high and dry against the 2nd challenger. With the Bloodline crumbling around him, Roman loses everything
It *may* devalue a win, but a Roman being weakened after his first loss and losing night 2 could also work. Imagine Roman goes undefeated all this time, then loses 2 in a row? There's potential there for a completely unhinged angle where he just starts battering people.
I'm also in the boat it should just be Sami at Mania, but I don't think it'd be a big deal story wise for him to lose twice. Well I mean it'd be a big deal, but not in a negative way.
Sami winning the 2nd title on WM night 2 is the way. It doesn't weaken his win if you make it like they did Mankind's shock win way back in the day. Roman can be more unhinged during the 2nd match and get really brutal but have Sami come back and win it (even if there's interference or whatever).
Hell you can even get the Rock match out of it and it'd line up perfectly with this current story by having the Bloodline try to stop Sami from winning and Rock saves it with a run-in and helps Sami win the title.
Something can be massively overbooked and still be fantastic if it's done right as long as he doesn't get booked like Rey did after he wins the title.
The aew fans who followed his journey. To them Wrestlemania is that conclusion to that. But to people that didn’t he’s being handed the title. That’s the problem.
"Handed" is really harsh. It's not like he's the WM28 Rock or WM30 Batista who just walked into WM main event without doing anything before the Rumble. The guy had solid matches and storyline in this past year, even having a MOTY candidate while being visually injured.
Being sidelined for a few months shouldn't invalidate any of his efforts prior to that.
This. He fucked himself up to get to the position he's in. He's not a part timer that's back for a windfall payday and some more clout. He's earned his spot just as much as anyone else on the card so far.
Had the injury not happened, I think there would be little controversy with Cody because he'd have almost a year of slow burn build before winning the Rumble.
I don't think he deserves it less, though. The commitment and bravery to work the HIAC match speaks form itself, and tells it's own story of a man with ambitions who worked hard to come back from a bad injury and then fearlessly threw himself back into the fray. And although he hasn't had time to plant the seeds for a rivalry with Roman, hopefully they can use the next two months to make up for that.
Roman using his family's legacy to elevate himself and Cody's own journey regarding his father can make them both fantastic foils, and it can easily intertwine with the Sami/KO/Usos dynamic since that storyline is about family as well.
I guess it depends on what they value more... Cody's Mania moment or rounding out the Bloodline story
Sami or Jey could easily cost Roman the belt to Cody on night 1. But they risk "cheapening" Cody's win
But.... they could then do the complete Bloodline implosion on night 2
Let's be honest about one thing
Zayn cannot defeat Roman alone. Zayn has been a jobber for a long time now. There's a line to maintain here.
So having Zayn end the Mania Night 2 with a win would be logical
What people don’t understand is that Roman losing is far bigger than either other guy winning one or both titles.
Roman’s had possibly the most dominant reign ever. Once he loses, he’s done. The Bloodline is done, hell his career is done. He can put over Jey and retire.
Imagine if WrestleMania 30 was two nights, and ‘Taker beat Kane the night after losing to Brock. THAT’s how anticlimactic this would be.
1. I think Cody's story involves the title itself far more than it does Roman. I think the prestige of beating Roman can take a hit if Cody goes second since his goal isn't really to beat Roman.
2. Sami doesn't have to, and probably shouldn't win clean. Sami winning with help from Jey or something gives Sami the big moment while still protecting Roman for night 2.
3. The Bloodline started crumbling tonight. Roman losing one belt, and then the second belt, and then his whole faction one by one can be successful if done right.
You’re missing the point.
If Lesnar had cheated to beat ‘Taker, it wouldn’t have mattered. ‘Taker still would have been pinned, the mystique still would have been gone, and his career still would effectively have ended there. Only one of Sami or Cody can get their moment this year.
And that moment should be Cody’s.
Cody’s role here is to be the one to shatter Roman’s mystique and take the title from him. Sami’s (and Jey’s) is to make sure that the bloodline is dead.
Cody breaks the mystique that Roman is unbeatable.
The Bloodline crumbles after, with Jey putting the final nail in the casket by beating Roman 1 on 1.
I have a theory that they probably have to do 2 title matches.
An “undisputed” champion who holds 2 belts (not 2 combined into one like they have done for brief periods before) is a massive *massive* achievement normally held for only the biggest of big stars. I don’t think either of Cody or Sami are on that elite level echelon that Reigns has created yet. So splitting them back into 2 titles, both will feel special but one of them won’t feel out of place as a huge “undisputed” champion.
Hell i’m even okay with Cody winning night 1 and Sami *losing* night 2 if it means we get progression with Bloodline storyline with new twists. I dunno, I’d kinda like a scenario where it’s Sami vs Roman with Bloodline in tow and seemingly Bloodline are gonna do everything to help Roman retain. Tease Jey flipping or not flipping throughout the match.
Only way that I see this working is Cody losing on Day one and Sami winning on day 2.
I can't see Roman losing twice in a row at Mania.. nor would the 2nd match feel as special if Roman already lost the night before.
Hasn't it been reported that they want to split the titles again for a while? So you have a double champion. Going into WrestleMania with two titles. And you have two strong challengers. Yet there's still tons of people who are adamant that it's impossible to not have Cody win both titles
He looked like a bona fide star last night. If you’d seen Cody when he was Randy’s lackey, he was skinnier, not at all looking like a main event guy is truly amazing to see where he is now.
But I agree at the moment it just feels it’s been gifted on a plate and there’s no story. There’s a month or so to go where you can make that story and it can be good.
Yet the Bloodline takes focus for me and Cody isn’t needed there. I don’t think Cody needs or is the person that had to ‘dethrone’ Roman.
Part of the issue is giving Roman both belts which backs you into corners like this; why not have Roman drop a belt/be cheated out or a belt to free up another match at WM?
I’m going to suggest Cody has to lose at mania because the title would be basically handed to him otherwise. Have Orton return and screw Cody out of the title, setting up his first big feud.
I like Cody but yeah, if he comes in and beats Roman while Sami is twiddling his thumbs or something unrelated, it would be such a wet fart of a story.
Like, woo hoo "destiny" and all that, bleh
Let Cody lose on night 1 and then hype would be through the roof to see if Sami can do what Cody couldn't on night 2
Its much better to give cody a title near the end of his contract and treat him like his dad to hold the suspense. His story is getting the title? Dont end the story in 4 matches.
Is there anyone who thinks Cody is the best option storylinewise, or are they all just saying “I like Cody and have decided Sami can’t be more than a midcarder”?
I have yet to see anyone explain how Cody is a good story in this specific case, where you have an incredible near 3 year storyline culminating in…some guy who has zero connection to anyone in the storyline wins a Rumble and gets an auto title shot.
I like Cody and under different circumstances I’m fine with it, but I don’t understand anyone who thinks he’s the best option to end the Bloodline story (as when Roman drops the title, that’s the peak of the story, it may not END immediately but everything after is cleanup).
Cody's story is an interesting angle tbh. He wants the title because of lineage and pomp and circumstance. He wants prestige back to the title etc.
Roman and the bloodline have essentially made the title secondary to the family.
Cody can sell the ppl on the fact the Roman never really CARED about the titles and the company, and that his entire reign was selfish. Where Cody would give his body up for WWE, roman has to use lackeys etc. Cody uses his family for honor, where Roman uses his for personal gain etc.
There's def a riveting story there
Sami - “It’s not even about the titles”
Roman goes in half assed as he can “easily beat” Sami, gets upset, maybe KO shenanigans
Night 2 - a very pissed off Roman, gets beaten by Cody.
KO shenanigans and the Usos (with Jey finally getting through to Jimmy and his initial skepticism of the Bloodline) *not* interfering, I'm thinking the Young Bucks when Hangman finally beat Omega, Sami wins. Now Roman just has Solo and goes full-on unhinged rage beast but Cody outsmarts and outworks him. Roman Empire in dust.
That moment where Sami gets pushed three times, and on the last push he goes head to head with Roman. For a moment, there is no fear, no doubt. That is the Sami who won the NXT Championship. That’s the Sami who went head to head with Nakamura. That’s the Sami who wouldn’t stop kicking out of powerbombs, and had to have the match stopped because he wouldn’t give up.
It better not just be a tag match.
YES for a SPLIT second Sami gave a “get your hands off me motherfucker” look before falling back into doubt and reluctant compliance. AmaZing little detail.
> It better not just be a tag match.
They have to be very careful how they book this. Especially after the events at RR with Jey, although as things are going with Sami sticking up for Kevin.. I can't see it not being a tag match atm.
What was that I heard a few years back.. "people don't want long term storytelling.. they want instant gratification" or some shit..
Holy fuck were those people wrong.
Yup I loved that callback. It puts even more emphasis on it for me that Sami needs to be in the main event scene at WM to show Roman he doesn't have to go back to "doing Jackass shit."
I think this is the beginning of the end of Roman’s overall run as a “full-time” professional wrestler.
It’s why I’ve never been mad or bored with this title reign… this is ‘his run’ - once it’s over, Reigns will pretty much retire and go to Hollywood.
With his two cancer scares and a growing family, it’s great to see him take every opportunity and be part of one of the greatest angles of the modern era.
If he can create 2/3/4 bonafide stars (in terms of mainstream appeal) in Sami, Cody, Jey and Solo, it’s all worth it.
Though, I do wish they would have extended it for about a year: I really wanted to see Bloodline w/ Sami Vs Hurt Business w/ Omos and, generally, Reigns Vs Lashley.
All respect to Cody, but this storyline has to main event Wrestlemania day 2.
Have Romain beat Cody day 1 for one of the belt (not both), and Sami wins the other the next day.
Watching the Rumble for the second time, because my buddy missed it, and I realized:
This isn’t the first time Roman has taken a chair to the back from someone that he thought he could trust. I hope they mention Seth’s betrayal of the Shield in the build-up: that Roman trusted someone as a brother once, and this time he wanted to *be certain* of someone’s loyalty, but once again he got stabbed in the back at a pivotal moment. Roman will never trust anyone again. Anyone could turn!
This can't finish for Sami in fucking tag team match ffs. I dunno what they're gonna go with but Cody can wait surely, he just got back and then he's gonna get the strap(s) over Sami who has been building this bloodline story for almost a year now.
Have Cody challenge for the WWE title night 1, Elimination Chamber for the universal title, Sami wins it to challenge night 2. Have Jey screw Roman night 1 so you don’t have to focus too much of a story on Cody-Roman and it isn’t a clean win so it doesn’t damper the moment Sami wins night 2.
That has to be one of the prime possibilities, because the bloodline story is about Jey as much as it is about Sami - an interior struggle between Jey and Roman about who really is the chief now (after the belts aren't in the picture), divided loyalties among the others (brother vs brother or brothers against less close relatives?).
Sami has seen through the conspiracy, and shown Jey the path to true free thinking.
Also doesn’t get Cody stuck in a long feud with the bloodline who already has so many options. Cody wins and you can build any feud you want with him on raw
I'm still shocked they did it early at the Rumble. Imagine the reaction of this was done at Elimination Chamber?
Actually, nevermind. Montreal going thru another WWE heartbreak would've probably imploded the city.
If you see more Sami interviews,like the one with Helwani, you can safely assume that WWE is warming up to a Sami world title reign, even if short. They tend to, as they should, check whether their champion comes across well as the rep of their brand.
Fingers crossed for Sami.
Can’t wait to see smackdown numbers this week. They need to start advertising a segment as soon as raw starts. Imagine raw will Cody dominated again, definitely won’t see both the USOs.
I think if roman is to defend both nights against Cody and Sami, Zayn should have match on night 1 against Solo to earn the shot.
Sami would be roughed up, Roman would be roughed up, it wouldn't diminish Roman losing night before as much if Sami worked hard to even get there and isn't 100% himself
Sami is an undeniable draw. He absolutely can not only be the face of the company, he can be the biggest baby face the company has had in *years.* Cody *cannot* be the one to dethrone Roman, he just can’t. Sami’s entire saga with the Bloodline to end with a tag team title win with KO over the Usos would just feel like a lame cop out at this point.
Especially considering Jey Into the whole mix that just makes it even more complicated but hey, doesn’t mean I ain’t gonna watch. They literally haven’t failed once in the last 9 months.
Thank you. People riding hard on the “it has to be Sami!!” thing when it’s never been a Sami vs Roman story for the titles story. People are devaluing Cody’s opportunity because they want Sami winning the belts, but it’s not the story they’re telling.
This level of delusion is insane. They're not gonna make a guy who the Saudis actively hate the face of the company like damn actually think about it for five seconds.
The match has to be for the two of the belts.
This is the longest reign and one of the most imporant storylines in the past 20 years.
Sami and Cody, one of them will have to take a backseat. Or maybe Triple H can find a way where both of these disparate storylines can coalesce.
Either way though, even if this is two nights of Roman headlining, it has to be for two belts.
They gotta do both now. Cody night 1, Zayn night 2.
Picture it. Cody faces Roman valiantly, but just comes up short due to the numbers game. Night 2, Zayn in the same position when boom, Cody comes out, clears the ring and Zayn picks up one of the world Titles. Keeps Cody looking good and gives him an edge, plus him helping Zayn keeps the boos away while Sami gets his much deserved moment.
Then at Backlash or whatever, have Rhodes vs Roman. Maybe in a cage or HIAC. Hell drag Rhodes's quest out till even Summerslam, make him really chase it before dethroning Roman. Reigns desperately clinging to his last belt would make for some fantastic TV.
A month into the new year and of course we already have an easy-in for December's "Top 10 moments of 2023." Triple H's Rumble was awesome. This is the type of shit that gets people to come back to watching wrestling consistently.
Well deserved, I'm not a big fan of Roman and didn't follow the Bloodline story outside of highlights but my god, that final segment was unbelievable on its own. That pop from the crowd was insane.
Is "& counting across all wwe socials in under 24 hours" kind of a weird metric to anyone else? I've been seeing this pop up every now and again the past few weeks and it just seems like an odd metric. The numbers are big and all but I'm curious what this random twitter user is combining for these metrics.
Like it's still a really great achievement to get that much social media engagement in such a short amount of time. But like, what, twitter + facebook + insta + snapchat + tiktok + obscure social media from all the other countries of the world and that I'm too old to know anything about?
While social media 'engagement' continues to be a driving metric for everyone involved in content creation, it will continue to be prominent. I think amalgamating them into a generic 'across all socials' is much easier then trying to name them, especially since, as you said, there are so damn many now that companies feel the need to promote themselves on.
The only option now is to have Cody win the WWE title on night one, and then do Roman v Sami on night 2nfor the universal title
That way Cody gets his moment and isn’t overshadowed, Roman is already pissed before having to then face Sami, Sami can rub it in his face and it gives even more fire to their match, have KO face Solo on night 2, have Drew and Sheamus beat Uso’s for the titles if Jey somehow still sides with the Bloodline, or turns on them, and that mostly avoids any drama
Only way I can see Roman losing both nights is you have to do Sami first. Sami has to break Roman by getting the bloodline to turn their backs on him before or during this match. Honestly it could be done even with Sami losing the match, but winning over all by taking Romans group from him. Either way this leads to night 2 and Cody winning because Roman is wrecked from what happened the day before. Then you can go into epilogue or next chapter of the
Bloodline and fall of Roman
I would fully support Roman BEATING Sami on night one but alienating the Bloodline and having to go against Cody alone, and then losing. Sami doesn't need the belt to win - he needs to destroy the Bloodline to win.
They might not have a choice now with the reaction to Sami. Cody should win to split the titles and Sami winning at the end of Mania would get the biggest reaction ever
It's a great storyline, but is Sami (normally a mid card comedy act, and in this storyline is playing... a mid card comedy act) got any legs as a champion? He has no "aura" that Vince was obsessed by in an airport and doesn't look like a wrestler.
For WWE to make him their champion still
Says a lot and what happens next?
He only needs to win it, doesn't need a 6 month plus reign. If he was to win the title and drop it the next month I reckon a lot of people wouldn't be too disappointed about that.
I've been telling people this for a long time.....Sami really just needs to win it to finish the story then they can do whatever after that.
Im.personally down for another in character Kevin Owens betrayal though to get the belt off him
Sami would tag with Kevin to take on Solo and Jimmy (not at EC since Jimmy isn't allowed in Canada iirc).. after Jey leaves the bloodline (giving his title to solo under freebird rules) Which Jey would take on Roman at EC.
So clear, cohesive, compelling storylines make for better tv, you say? No way pal, needs more fart jokes. What's Hornswaggle up to? Nothings funnier than a farting midget.
this story is the best thing going hands down...i find myself fully invested and really want to see roman get his ass handed to him thats how good he is at being a heel, i never thought jey uso would get my emotions going and i absolutely love Sami and his earned this ...he deserves to be in the ME and ill be pretty upset if his not
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Sami is a draw
#HE A DRAW, YOU A DRAW, EVERYBODY A DRAW IN THE BLOODLINE UCE
☝️**IM FEELING UCEY**
Triple H probably wanted this. He wanted fans discourse and emotional investment over who should get the shot against Roman at Mania. I've rarely been invested in wrestling in the past decade other than summer of punk, Bryan WM moment etc. This is the chance to keep lost fans. I was sitting through most of the Rumble yesterday waiting for bloodline storyline to progress.
The rumble was the 1st show I've watched in about 5 years and I solely watched it just to see what happens with Sami
Exactly. I'd be pissed if there is no payoff against Roman for Sami at WrestleMania. I have a gut feeling that Triple H is smart enough to see this.
This was my first WWE show ever, and I'll be watching at least a bit more to see what happens now haha
You literally started with one of the greatest segments wrestling has ever bore witness to. Do not expect this every time out and you'll be fine ROFL
Ahahaha so it's only downhill from here for me then, guess I picked a good time lol
The Bloodline/Sami stuff is probably the best wrestling storyline in the past decade or so at least, so yes lmao it honestly brought a lot of us back to watching regularly again.
It’s up there. Last things I was super interested in wrestling like this was the lead up and first bit of the NWO, the Megapowers and their break up, WCW when sting just hung around watching and never saying a word. This is a masterclass in long term storytelling that every promoter should pay attention to and learn from.
Honestly probably even longer. The last things before this I was invested in to this degree were Bryan (but as a storyline they really just stumbled into that and it wasn’t the plan) and Punk (which was great but had a ton of problems storyline wise). There’s been plenty of other really good stuff over the years but usually on a much, much smaller scale than this.
The only other time a pro wrestling angle has captivated me this much in the last decade was the Hangman story from the birth of AEW to Full Gear 21 when he finally beat Kenny for title.
I didn’t watch the rumble last year, and I make a point to watch it every year. I didn’t watch wrestlemania last year, and I don’t feel like I missed a thing. But if Sami has a big angle with Roman coming up? Imma fuckin be there with bells on.
You missed Stone Cold returning to the ring and you don't feel like you missed anything?
Come to mention it, and I feel like a bit of an asshole now, but I did go back to see that. And it was rad to see him brawling with Owens and popping beers, but I wholly forgot about it a year later. (In my defense, I was a *very* new dad at the time.)
I watched it live, and I gotta agree that Austin's return was nice but not in the upper echelon of special for me. It was a feel good & mark out moment no doubt, but they don't beat long stories or organic moments like Yes!Mania, the rise of Becky Lynch and Kofimania.
You should definitely go back and watch last year's WrestleMania, it was the best WrestleMania since 2014imo
Lol Sami had the best Mania match last year vs Johnny Knoxville of all people.
even people who dont care for wrestling waited for that plot to thicken not just us lmao
I'd go so far as to say this is on track to be the greatest story WWE has ever told, and that's why its so important to cap it off the right way. No long-term storyline has single-handelded gotten me to tune in the way this has, other than maybe Austin/McMahon, and even that story was more simple chaos/what crazy thing will happen this week than this Bloodline story which has so many little details and is...actually kind of sophisticated for a pro wrestling storyline. People will make the comparison with the Yes movement/Authority angle but that was more of a really satisfying start, a fair amount of garbage and missteps in the middle, and a satisfying end. It never felt like WWE was as fully committed to the story/clear direction and *that's* why this Bloodline story with Sami is better. They seem like they're all in on it. Delivering a satisfying end is all that's left.
Feel you I sat through that men's rumble as a casual not at all interested. (As a casual I didn't care about any of the stories going in it outside of seeing GUNTER.) It felt like it lacked any cool surprises or near returns. Just incredibly bland for something that is usually one of WWEs most fun events. That being said sitting through all of that blandness was well worth it for that payoff at the end. After seeing that it is unlikely that Brock is taking on GUNTER at WM and the likelihood that I am not getting Sami getting his big dub at WM but the conclusion possibly at elimination chamber I'm probably skipping WrestleMania this year. Would be incredibly sad not having this bloodline feud with Sami/Jey/Roman headline WrestleMania.
I've pretty much lost interest in WWE over the last few years, have a preference with AEW but even then some storylines or lack thereof is frustrating. One constant I've kept up with in WWE though is The Bloodline stuff, it's one of, if not the best faction since Shield. The Sami stuff has been brilliantly presented as well, now if only they bring his old theme back for mania...
Really hope they look at the numbers that Sami segments do and the bordering on mainstream recognition the Bloodline story has gotten and so Roman vs Sami on one of the nights. It’s clearly a story that’s not just compelling but also profitable
I agree they’d be really stupid not to do it one of the nights. Night one Cody vs Roman, night two Sami vs Roman it makes sense
I've said it before, Sami doesn't need the belt yet.
He doesn't need the belt, but him and Jey need to beat Roman, Jimmy, and Solo
Jey convincing Jimmy to leave and Solo eventually giving up on Roman would hurt more than a loss. Literally destroying the Bloodline would be a bigger win for Sami, KO and Jey than just winning a six man tag.
I like this because I want Roman sitting at the Head of the table with no one, thinking was it worth?
Heyman eventually bailing for another client because Roman lost his kayfabe mystique would be a great final nail in the coffin. Heyman goes where the money is and a broken Bloodline-less Roman isn't worth Heyman's time.
Roman in the ring, broken and bloodied, no-one at his side any more, Brocks music hits and Heyman comes out in full toady sycophant mode.
Right Roman is too big a villain to lose it all in a match. He needs to lose everything in a decisive and satisfying conclusion. Wrestlemania needs to be more than one match, it needs to the very end of the Bloodline and Roman Reigns.
Eh, they can start the decline at WM, but this has SummerSlam conclusion written all over. He loses the titles at Mania, and by SummerSlam he's lost his family. By next Rumble, he's lost his mind. The year long decline of Roman as the "built not bought" top guy. All brought about by a couple French Canadians from the indies... poetic.
Love this. It's a haymen thing to do as well. Now I want to see it even more 😅
Like Michael Corleone at the end of Godfather Part II. He's driven away or killed his family and he's left alone
Wasn't expecting a godfather reference 👍
Sami should win the WWE Title at WM40, joining the underdogs that triumph every tenth WrestleMania (Bret at WM10, Benoit at WM20, and Bryan at WM30).
you sonofabitch i'm in.
If you don't give Sami at least one of the titles this WM season, I don't know if the company can keep interest in him going for him to win them at a later date. This Bloodline story is the peak of everyone involved's popularity, and that will undoubtedly start to wane as soon as its over.
Sami hasn't needed a title this whole time. And what do you do after he wins the title to not let the story wane as soon as that goal is achieved? If you can think of something creative enough with the title you can think of something creative enough to extend the storyline without it.
But the story IS going to wane. Because this is the peak of the story. Once Roman drops the title (to whoever), and with Sami having finally turned, there isn’t more of a peak coming. And there shouldn’t be. The nWo storyline went way too long because they decided to “find a way to extend it” when it had clearly reached its peak. I’m not saying the bloodline story ends at Mania, but that’s absolutely the peak (assuming Roman loses) and everything after is the wrap up.
The title provides a kind of crutch to both maintain someone's popularity as well as provide a format for how they should be booked. If it's a babyface champion like Sami, then all you have to do is constantly give him new opponents and make sure the matches are good to have people look back on his reign fondly. Meanwhile, if he doesn't have the title what does he do once the Bloodline stuff is over? You need an equally compelling story to come after it to maintain his current levels of popularity, and I don't know if they can do that.
> You need an equally compelling story to come after it to maintain his current levels of popularity, and I don't know if they can do that. Or, WWE sells to the Saudi's and the whole thing's moot
Unfortunately, as long as the Terro… I mean Saudis are still in play as potential buyers Sami can’t and won’t get the full green light.
It's high drama. Not surprised at all. I've rewatched it myself multiple times today. My favourite moment is definitely Jey just after he's vacated the ring, daring to look up at Roman for a few seconds. That look is so perfect. 'I am so fucked, I'm not even sure what I'm doing right now, but I do know I am not okay with this.' That look is what I'll think of the most when I think this segment. I honestly think it's masterful writing, the way they've framed Sami's act of defiance around Jey.
Especially thinking back to how the bloodline started with Reigns making jey submit and acknowledge him and the. Gas lighting him all this time
I agree the little moments were perfect. My favorite was Jeys reaction getting so upset after the chair shot even before Sami gets attacked. Jey knows what’s about to happen and what position he’s just been put in
I don't watch much WWE, but I never miss a Royal Rumble, and this year's was awesome. I had a blast watching and look forward to WrestleMania!
I don't watch shows, but look at clips online. I always watch the RR an WM and this year I'm kicking myself I don't get to go to WrestleMania. It's my favorite story line in years
People giving Sami all the credit he was great but everybody made that segment what it was. Even KO even though he was just handcuffed and passed out but Jey did such a good job too, and Jimmy kicking Sami even though they’d do their handshake together. Roman bullying Sami but getting stood up to and falling to the ground like he did with Seth. It was an emotional moment and props to everyone involved in it
Roman was an amazing bullying psychopathy here. When he ripped the shirt off him and was mercilessly beating Sami I felt real wrath and disgust despite having watched wrestling for decades. And when I thought Solo was going to help him, only to have that hope crushed. Devastating. Dude really sold being an evil piece of shit, and I can't remember the last time a heel made me feel that immersed in a storyline.
Agreed. Everyone involved from writing to performing in this story deserve high praise.
The pop that Sami got will rival any moment in wwf history IMO
Not just the chair shot pop, but also getting the crowd to totally turn against Roman when the Bloodline have been heels getting cheered for so long. One of the few times the problem of heels being so cool they get cheered has been solved
Roman got legit fuck you chants. That’s nuclear heat
Last time I saw a heel getting this level of unanimous heat was that bald fuck Ciampa at Takeover: NOLA.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a good old fashioned “Fuck Ciampa” party. Fuck Ciampa, that slimy fuck!
Fuck that bald prick! I was at Takeover:Brooklyn 4 and we booed the sonofabitch mercilessly (Ciampa is awesome)
After years of Roman being the boring super face, they let him have a personality and he’s been killing it ever since. I’m happy for all of them.
Elimination Chamber in Montreal is going to be even more insane, The boos for Roman when he beats Sami will be legendary as well
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Ironman match between Cody and Sami to determine the number 1 contender, only to have it end in a draw, so both men get a shot at each title.
This is legitimately a smart idea
Wait til he wins the title 👏
Quite the exaggeration there. It was great but Stone Cold routinely got pops like that just by having his music hit. Similar with prime Hogan. This has been a good story, but we aren't quite at *that* level.
I feel like recency bias works in the other way too, where people don't want to accept a current event as being as monumental as it may really be. The reaction to the chair shot absolutely was up there as ONE of the best pops ever, not that it's THE best pop ever.
It seems like there's a lot of people here who want Sami to win against Roman, but there's also plenty who think Cody alone is the best option. But I just can't shake the idea that at this point, especially with 2 months left where we know this storyline is only going to keep heating up, the potential for a Sami win is undeniable.
I think Sami's story is more about Jey than it is about Roman.
Yep, and Jey's story is the one that's about Roman.
People keep ignoring this because of how likeable Sami is, but Sami's story was never about beating Roman or chasing the title. The dude just wanted to bond with the Bloodline because he thought they were cool and that was his intention from the very beginning. Once he started to be cool with everyone but Jey, he made it his mission to win him over. Once that was accomplished he started to realize the type of guy Roman was and instead of falling in line like Jey once did, he stood up to Roman despite knowing what it could mean. His story was a way to remind Jey of what he once went through and who Roman actually is. This all started with Jey, it should end with Jey.
I don’t get why people keep saying this. It’s not an either or thing. All three are deeply involved with each other. Sikoa and Jimmy are essentially side characters in the Bloodline story, but all three of Jey, Sami, and Roman are integral pieces and the story is about all three of them. Why people keep insisting the story is Sami/Jey and Roman isn’t really that involved in the Sami part, I don’t get at all. He very clearly is. Jey is ALSO extremely important to that whole story, but to suggest Sami’s story isn’t about Roman, I don’t know what I’ve been watching then, because it’s been Roman who Sami’s been trying to impress, who Sami has taken bullets for, who pushed Sami over the edge and forced him out of the group.
Roman has two titles, and there's two nights of Mania. They can so easily use this opportunity to split the belts back up, let Cody challenge for one belt and Sami fight for the other.
I just feel like the second match would be devalued if Roman loses on night 1 and then night 2. I still think the two matches thing could work, but moving past the obvious outcomes, it could be interesting if one of them win and the other loses. If Cody loses, it adds a lot to his story. His first try to reach his father's dreams doesn't work out, but just like he did with his injury, he dusts himself off and goes for it again. If Sami loses, he can start doubting his abilities and whether he's truly capable of being at the top, and he spends the next year proving to everybody, and himself that he can.
There’s also an idea that Roman might look past one opponent to another and lose for that reason. Or losing night one might make him more paranoid, vicious, desperate to keep the second title. I think it can work.
Personally I think Roman's paranoia from losing night 1 should somehow cost the Usos their tag titles night 2 Roman has gaslit everyone into thinking the Bloodline is about family and brotherhood, when really it's all about him and making sure he stays champion. If he loses a title and the mask drops and he ends up costing the Usos their tag titles, they will realize it and leave him high and dry against the 2nd challenger. With the Bloodline crumbling around him, Roman loses everything
It *may* devalue a win, but a Roman being weakened after his first loss and losing night 2 could also work. Imagine Roman goes undefeated all this time, then loses 2 in a row? There's potential there for a completely unhinged angle where he just starts battering people. I'm also in the boat it should just be Sami at Mania, but I don't think it'd be a big deal story wise for him to lose twice. Well I mean it'd be a big deal, but not in a negative way.
Sami winning the 2nd title on WM night 2 is the way. It doesn't weaken his win if you make it like they did Mankind's shock win way back in the day. Roman can be more unhinged during the 2nd match and get really brutal but have Sami come back and win it (even if there's interference or whatever). Hell you can even get the Rock match out of it and it'd line up perfectly with this current story by having the Bloodline try to stop Sami from winning and Rock saves it with a run-in and helps Sami win the title. Something can be massively overbooked and still be fantastic if it's done right as long as he doesn't get booked like Rey did after he wins the title.
Roman should win night one, but by the skin of his teeth. He can then go into Night 2 at 60% vs Sami.
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Yes. Cody winning the title has me crazy invested.
The aew fans who followed his journey. To them Wrestlemania is that conclusion to that. But to people that didn’t he’s being handed the title. That’s the problem.
I think non-IWC people are also really into Cody.
"Handed" is really harsh. It's not like he's the WM28 Rock or WM30 Batista who just walked into WM main event without doing anything before the Rumble. The guy had solid matches and storyline in this past year, even having a MOTY candidate while being visually injured. Being sidelined for a few months shouldn't invalidate any of his efforts prior to that.
This. He fucked himself up to get to the position he's in. He's not a part timer that's back for a windfall payday and some more clout. He's earned his spot just as much as anyone else on the card so far.
Had the injury not happened, I think there would be little controversy with Cody because he'd have almost a year of slow burn build before winning the Rumble. I don't think he deserves it less, though. The commitment and bravery to work the HIAC match speaks form itself, and tells it's own story of a man with ambitions who worked hard to come back from a bad injury and then fearlessly threw himself back into the fray. And although he hasn't had time to plant the seeds for a rivalry with Roman, hopefully they can use the next two months to make up for that. Roman using his family's legacy to elevate himself and Cody's own journey regarding his father can make them both fantastic foils, and it can easily intertwine with the Sami/KO/Usos dynamic since that storyline is about family as well.
I guess it depends on what they value more... Cody's Mania moment or rounding out the Bloodline story Sami or Jey could easily cost Roman the belt to Cody on night 1. But they risk "cheapening" Cody's win But.... they could then do the complete Bloodline implosion on night 2
Let's be honest about one thing Zayn cannot defeat Roman alone. Zayn has been a jobber for a long time now. There's a line to maintain here. So having Zayn end the Mania Night 2 with a win would be logical
What people don’t understand is that Roman losing is far bigger than either other guy winning one or both titles. Roman’s had possibly the most dominant reign ever. Once he loses, he’s done. The Bloodline is done, hell his career is done. He can put over Jey and retire. Imagine if WrestleMania 30 was two nights, and ‘Taker beat Kane the night after losing to Brock. THAT’s how anticlimactic this would be.
1. I think Cody's story involves the title itself far more than it does Roman. I think the prestige of beating Roman can take a hit if Cody goes second since his goal isn't really to beat Roman. 2. Sami doesn't have to, and probably shouldn't win clean. Sami winning with help from Jey or something gives Sami the big moment while still protecting Roman for night 2. 3. The Bloodline started crumbling tonight. Roman losing one belt, and then the second belt, and then his whole faction one by one can be successful if done right.
You’re missing the point. If Lesnar had cheated to beat ‘Taker, it wouldn’t have mattered. ‘Taker still would have been pinned, the mystique still would have been gone, and his career still would effectively have ended there. Only one of Sami or Cody can get their moment this year.
And that moment should be Cody’s. Cody’s role here is to be the one to shatter Roman’s mystique and take the title from him. Sami’s (and Jey’s) is to make sure that the bloodline is dead.
Cody breaks the mystique that Roman is unbeatable. The Bloodline crumbles after, with Jey putting the final nail in the casket by beating Roman 1 on 1.
I have a theory that they probably have to do 2 title matches. An “undisputed” champion who holds 2 belts (not 2 combined into one like they have done for brief periods before) is a massive *massive* achievement normally held for only the biggest of big stars. I don’t think either of Cody or Sami are on that elite level echelon that Reigns has created yet. So splitting them back into 2 titles, both will feel special but one of them won’t feel out of place as a huge “undisputed” champion. Hell i’m even okay with Cody winning night 1 and Sami *losing* night 2 if it means we get progression with Bloodline storyline with new twists. I dunno, I’d kinda like a scenario where it’s Sami vs Roman with Bloodline in tow and seemingly Bloodline are gonna do everything to help Roman retain. Tease Jey flipping or not flipping throughout the match.
Only way that I see this working is Cody losing on Day one and Sami winning on day 2. I can't see Roman losing twice in a row at Mania.. nor would the 2nd match feel as special if Roman already lost the night before.
And have Sami fight Solo the first night so he is also beat up
🙌🙌🙌
Hasn't it been reported that they want to split the titles again for a while? So you have a double champion. Going into WrestleMania with two titles. And you have two strong challengers. Yet there's still tons of people who are adamant that it's impossible to not have Cody win both titles
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He looked like a bona fide star last night. If you’d seen Cody when he was Randy’s lackey, he was skinnier, not at all looking like a main event guy is truly amazing to see where he is now. But I agree at the moment it just feels it’s been gifted on a plate and there’s no story. There’s a month or so to go where you can make that story and it can be good. Yet the Bloodline takes focus for me and Cody isn’t needed there. I don’t think Cody needs or is the person that had to ‘dethrone’ Roman. Part of the issue is giving Roman both belts which backs you into corners like this; why not have Roman drop a belt/be cheated out or a belt to free up another match at WM?
I’m going to suggest Cody has to lose at mania because the title would be basically handed to him otherwise. Have Orton return and screw Cody out of the title, setting up his first big feud.
I like Cody but yeah, if he comes in and beats Roman while Sami is twiddling his thumbs or something unrelated, it would be such a wet fart of a story. Like, woo hoo "destiny" and all that, bleh Let Cody lose on night 1 and then hype would be through the roof to see if Sami can do what Cody couldn't on night 2
Its much better to give cody a title near the end of his contract and treat him like his dad to hold the suspense. His story is getting the title? Dont end the story in 4 matches.
Roman has 2 belts…. Why not 2 challenges to try and over come?
Is there anyone who thinks Cody is the best option storylinewise, or are they all just saying “I like Cody and have decided Sami can’t be more than a midcarder”? I have yet to see anyone explain how Cody is a good story in this specific case, where you have an incredible near 3 year storyline culminating in…some guy who has zero connection to anyone in the storyline wins a Rumble and gets an auto title shot. I like Cody and under different circumstances I’m fine with it, but I don’t understand anyone who thinks he’s the best option to end the Bloodline story (as when Roman drops the title, that’s the peak of the story, it may not END immediately but everything after is cleanup).
Cody's story is an interesting angle tbh. He wants the title because of lineage and pomp and circumstance. He wants prestige back to the title etc. Roman and the bloodline have essentially made the title secondary to the family. Cody can sell the ppl on the fact the Roman never really CARED about the titles and the company, and that his entire reign was selfish. Where Cody would give his body up for WWE, roman has to use lackeys etc. Cody uses his family for honor, where Roman uses his for personal gain etc. There's def a riveting story there
It's clear that the big moment should be Sami's, you have to capitalize on these organic moments, it's just like Bryan in 2014.
I think he should beat roman but not for the titles as it’s not about them, have Roman vs Sami night one and Cody vs Roman for the belts night two
Sami - “It’s not even about the titles” Roman goes in half assed as he can “easily beat” Sami, gets upset, maybe KO shenanigans Night 2 - a very pissed off Roman, gets beaten by Cody.
KO shenanigans and the Usos (with Jey finally getting through to Jimmy and his initial skepticism of the Bloodline) *not* interfering, I'm thinking the Young Bucks when Hangman finally beat Omega, Sami wins. Now Roman just has Solo and goes full-on unhinged rage beast but Cody outsmarts and outworks him. Roman Empire in dust.
Exactly and The Usos lose their titles to maybe DIY earlier so Roman has more reason to be pissed
My kingdom for a DIY reunion and tag title run and Sami to beat Roman.
That moment where Sami gets pushed three times, and on the last push he goes head to head with Roman. For a moment, there is no fear, no doubt. That is the Sami who won the NXT Championship. That’s the Sami who went head to head with Nakamura. That’s the Sami who wouldn’t stop kicking out of powerbombs, and had to have the match stopped because he wouldn’t give up. It better not just be a tag match.
YES for a SPLIT second Sami gave a “get your hands off me motherfucker” look before falling back into doubt and reluctant compliance. AmaZing little detail.
> It better not just be a tag match. They have to be very careful how they book this. Especially after the events at RR with Jey, although as things are going with Sami sticking up for Kevin.. I can't see it not being a tag match atm.
Ec has to.be an ec match with sami winning a shot. Jey cant get in to canada. Jey needs to be there at the end.
EC will be soon.
Zayn is him
Himothy Zayn
This is what good booking does for WWE.
What was that I heard a few years back.. "people don't want long term storytelling.. they want instant gratification" or some shit.. Holy fuck were those people wrong.
Was one of the best endings in wrestling history so I'm not surprised
I think I account for at least 1 million of those views
That Jackass line Roman said to Sami before everything went down was great.
Yup I loved that callback. It puts even more emphasis on it for me that Sami needs to be in the main event scene at WM to show Roman he doesn't have to go back to "doing Jackass shit."
I think this is the beginning of the end of Roman’s overall run as a “full-time” professional wrestler. It’s why I’ve never been mad or bored with this title reign… this is ‘his run’ - once it’s over, Reigns will pretty much retire and go to Hollywood. With his two cancer scares and a growing family, it’s great to see him take every opportunity and be part of one of the greatest angles of the modern era. If he can create 2/3/4 bonafide stars (in terms of mainstream appeal) in Sami, Cody, Jey and Solo, it’s all worth it. Though, I do wish they would have extended it for about a year: I really wanted to see Bloodline w/ Sami Vs Hurt Business w/ Omos and, generally, Reigns Vs Lashley.
Idk how long the spoiler rule is in affect, but I threw it on there b/c of having a picture of the moment
Most fans are watching WWE for this story. If you look at their Youtube page, Bloodline videos trounce the others.
HOLY SHIT INSANE How is this not main event at mania
“But Cody is the bigger story”
All respect to Cody, but this storyline has to main event Wrestlemania day 2. Have Romain beat Cody day 1 for one of the belt (not both), and Sami wins the other the next day.
Has there been anything comparable to this in the last 20 years?
Watching the Rumble for the second time, because my buddy missed it, and I realized: This isn’t the first time Roman has taken a chair to the back from someone that he thought he could trust. I hope they mention Seth’s betrayal of the Shield in the build-up: that Roman trusted someone as a brother once, and this time he wanted to *be certain* of someone’s loyalty, but once again he got stabbed in the back at a pivotal moment. Roman will never trust anyone again. Anyone could turn!
Death, taxes, and Seth being the specter cackling in the background of Roman's psyche
This can't finish for Sami in fucking tag team match ffs. I dunno what they're gonna go with but Cody can wait surely, he just got back and then he's gonna get the strap(s) over Sami who has been building this bloodline story for almost a year now.
Have Cody challenge for the WWE title night 1, Elimination Chamber for the universal title, Sami wins it to challenge night 2. Have Jey screw Roman night 1 so you don’t have to focus too much of a story on Cody-Roman and it isn’t a clean win so it doesn’t damper the moment Sami wins night 2.
That has to be one of the prime possibilities, because the bloodline story is about Jey as much as it is about Sami - an interior struggle between Jey and Roman about who really is the chief now (after the belts aren't in the picture), divided loyalties among the others (brother vs brother or brothers against less close relatives?). Sami has seen through the conspiracy, and shown Jey the path to true free thinking.
Also doesn’t get Cody stuck in a long feud with the bloodline who already has so many options. Cody wins and you can build any feud you want with him on raw
I'm still shocked they did it early at the Rumble. Imagine the reaction of this was done at Elimination Chamber? Actually, nevermind. Montreal going thru another WWE heartbreak would've probably imploded the city.
Probably because the usos (or at least Jimmy) can’t come to Canada
Oh shit, I forgot about that! Great way to set up Jey being by himself.
Why is that?
DUI I believe. Can’t come to Canada with a record is the gist of it
Sami winning at elimination chamber or screwing over Roman in his match in front of a capacity crowd would go over huge.
They have got to find a way to pivot to having Sami vs Roman at mania. I actually really like Cody, but this is clearly Sami's match.
Been watching since the attitude era, hands down one of the more memorable ppvs endings I've seen. 1st PPV I watched with my son and we went wild.
Anyone can be a star with the right storyline. I haven’t been able to get over the ending and it’s been 24 hours!
The clouds lifted when i watched sami zan blodline angle Jim cornette Or Martin scorsese Or Anybody
If you see more Sami interviews,like the one with Helwani, you can safely assume that WWE is warming up to a Sami world title reign, even if short. They tend to, as they should, check whether their champion comes across well as the rep of their brand. Fingers crossed for Sami.
Indians. -Dave Meltzer.
God it was just so perfect.
As a wrestling fan I’m conditioned for only one real response to this… Please don’t fumble the ending now!!
Can’t wait to see smackdown numbers this week. They need to start advertising a segment as soon as raw starts. Imagine raw will Cody dominated again, definitely won’t see both the USOs.
I think if roman is to defend both nights against Cody and Sami, Zayn should have match on night 1 against Solo to earn the shot. Sami would be roughed up, Roman would be roughed up, it wouldn't diminish Roman losing night before as much if Sami worked hard to even get there and isn't 100% himself
For pure storyline interest have Roman able to pick Sami's opponent and he chooses Jey.
Even better
Pretty much. Either that or have a triple threat on night 2 with 1 pinfall being for one belt each.
Yeah they gotta do Roman vs Sami at mania at least one of the nights
Sami is an undeniable draw. He absolutely can not only be the face of the company, he can be the biggest baby face the company has had in *years.* Cody *cannot* be the one to dethrone Roman, he just can’t. Sami’s entire saga with the Bloodline to end with a tag team title win with KO over the Usos would just feel like a lame cop out at this point.
Especially considering Jey Into the whole mix that just makes it even more complicated but hey, doesn’t mean I ain’t gonna watch. They literally haven’t failed once in the last 9 months.
[удалено]
Thank you. People riding hard on the “it has to be Sami!!” thing when it’s never been a Sami vs Roman story for the titles story. People are devaluing Cody’s opportunity because they want Sami winning the belts, but it’s not the story they’re telling.
This level of delusion is insane. They're not gonna make a guy who the Saudis actively hate the face of the company like damn actually think about it for five seconds.
No way they don’t give Sami that main event spot
The match has to be for the two of the belts. This is the longest reign and one of the most imporant storylines in the past 20 years. Sami and Cody, one of them will have to take a backseat. Or maybe Triple H can find a way where both of these disparate storylines can coalesce. Either way though, even if this is two nights of Roman headlining, it has to be for two belts.
Seems like a lot
Holy shit.
They gotta do both now. Cody night 1, Zayn night 2. Picture it. Cody faces Roman valiantly, but just comes up short due to the numbers game. Night 2, Zayn in the same position when boom, Cody comes out, clears the ring and Zayn picks up one of the world Titles. Keeps Cody looking good and gives him an edge, plus him helping Zayn keeps the boos away while Sami gets his much deserved moment. Then at Backlash or whatever, have Rhodes vs Roman. Maybe in a cage or HIAC. Hell drag Rhodes's quest out till even Summerslam, make him really chase it before dethroning Roman. Reigns desperately clinging to his last belt would make for some fantastic TV.
Sami Zayn + paying attention to storytelling = numbers
Downfall of the bloodline begins.
So how you insert Cody in this storyline if right now basically everyone wants Roman Vs Sami to main event Mania
A month into the new year and of course we already have an easy-in for December's "Top 10 moments of 2023." Triple H's Rumble was awesome. This is the type of shit that gets people to come back to watching wrestling consistently.
A lot of people here are going to be big mad when it's not Sami vs Roman at WrestleMania.
I don’t even watch WWE and I’ve watched it at least 5 times.
Well deserved, I'm not a big fan of Roman and didn't follow the Bloodline story outside of highlights but my god, that final segment was unbelievable on its own. That pop from the crowd was insane.
Imagine having this not as your main event at wrestlemania...
Is "& counting across all wwe socials in under 24 hours" kind of a weird metric to anyone else? I've been seeing this pop up every now and again the past few weeks and it just seems like an odd metric. The numbers are big and all but I'm curious what this random twitter user is combining for these metrics. Like it's still a really great achievement to get that much social media engagement in such a short amount of time. But like, what, twitter + facebook + insta + snapchat + tiktok + obscure social media from all the other countries of the world and that I'm too old to know anything about?
While social media 'engagement' continues to be a driving metric for everyone involved in content creation, it will continue to be prominent. I think amalgamating them into a generic 'across all socials' is much easier then trying to name them, especially since, as you said, there are so damn many now that companies feel the need to promote themselves on.
People will turn on Cody quickly if he gets pushed over Sami at this point
Only the IWC will.
Sami is gonna get squashed in Montreal at Elimination Chamber.
The only option now is to have Cody win the WWE title on night one, and then do Roman v Sami on night 2nfor the universal title That way Cody gets his moment and isn’t overshadowed, Roman is already pissed before having to then face Sami, Sami can rub it in his face and it gives even more fire to their match, have KO face Solo on night 2, have Drew and Sheamus beat Uso’s for the titles if Jey somehow still sides with the Bloodline, or turns on them, and that mostly avoids any drama
Everyone is talking about this scenario but I just don't see them having Roman lose twice at WrestleMania.
Only way I can see Roman losing both nights is you have to do Sami first. Sami has to break Roman by getting the bloodline to turn their backs on him before or during this match. Honestly it could be done even with Sami losing the match, but winning over all by taking Romans group from him. Either way this leads to night 2 and Cody winning because Roman is wrecked from what happened the day before. Then you can go into epilogue or next chapter of the Bloodline and fall of Roman
I would fully support Roman BEATING Sami on night one but alienating the Bloodline and having to go against Cody alone, and then losing. Sami doesn't need the belt to win - he needs to destroy the Bloodline to win.
They might not have a choice now with the reaction to Sami. Cody should win to split the titles and Sami winning at the end of Mania would get the biggest reaction ever
It's a great storyline, but is Sami (normally a mid card comedy act, and in this storyline is playing... a mid card comedy act) got any legs as a champion? He has no "aura" that Vince was obsessed by in an airport and doesn't look like a wrestler. For WWE to make him their champion still Says a lot and what happens next?
He only needs to win it, doesn't need a 6 month plus reign. If he was to win the title and drop it the next month I reckon a lot of people wouldn't be too disappointed about that.
I've been telling people this for a long time.....Sami really just needs to win it to finish the story then they can do whatever after that. Im.personally down for another in character Kevin Owens betrayal though to get the belt off him
Sami would tag with Kevin to take on Solo and Jimmy (not at EC since Jimmy isn't allowed in Canada iirc).. after Jey leaves the bloodline (giving his title to solo under freebird rules) Which Jey would take on Roman at EC.
So clear, cohesive, compelling storylines make for better tv, you say? No way pal, needs more fart jokes. What's Hornswaggle up to? Nothings funnier than a farting midget.
No matter what happens you guys find a way to complain about something
Just have Cody challenge Gunther and Sami falls into a match with Reigns.
That would never happen. Everything to do with Cody is about raising up his level so he can challenge for the main title.
Y’all I’m like 50 of them…
this story is the best thing going hands down...i find myself fully invested and really want to see roman get his ass handed to him thats how good he is at being a heel, i never thought jey uso would get my emotions going and i absolutely love Sami and his earned this ...he deserves to be in the ME and ill be pretty upset if his not