Why Melo, what about “The Mask” and other thoughts?
Sitting at my desk with my morning coffee, there are plenty of spoilers out there. I couldn’t stay quiet; time to do some exploring. Feeling a little under the weather today, the wrestling news cycle never sleeps, nor do the shows.
- Carmelo Hayes wins the United States Title from Ilja Dragunov. When John Cena carried the title, he always had an open challenge. Sami Zayn kept it going, and so did Ilja when he beat Sami for the title. Ilja was pushed beyond his limits when doing the challenges, but I know there is more to him. He defended the title so intensely that I think they hit a wall. Putting the title on Hayes (Rumour that Trick Williams is on his way to SmackDown, which could reignite their feud from NXT). Fans already know the history between these two. Hayes is all flash and ego. Wrestlers who want a title shot might have to earn it, as Melo will be picky about who gets a title shot. This could make him a cockey heel champion. What to do with Ilja, with the Rumble coming, a good place to put him face-to-face with Gunther. Fans actually believe that Ilja could be the one to “break” Gunther.
- The Two Americano’s along with what to do with Rayo/Bravo Americano (Pete Dunn/Tyler Bate). This one could get a little sticky. Chad got injured, the character disappeared for a bit until his return, but everyone knew it was Ludwig Kaiser. If you’re a WWE fan, you know Kaiser’s body type. It was interesting to watch him take on the role, make it his own. The character has also become popular in Triple A. With the rumours of Chad’s return in 2026, what to do with Kaiser in the current role? This can go any number of ways. Does Chad return demanding his rightful property back? Gable said that Kaiser stole his gimmick while Chad was away. Kaiser goes back to his character. (It’s a sticky spot) So to speak, who gets custody of Rayo/Bravo? Pete/Tyler seem to be having fun in this new role, but will they stay with Chad? (Not seen the Creed Brothers on TV since Chad got injured) I can’t find any information on why the Brothers are not on TV right now, but look for their return when Chad is back.
- Women’s Tag Division — In my book, is a bit of a mess. The belts on Charlotte/Alexa were a great move. I think it also gave Charlotte some positive credit back. (I read that it was Alexa who had reached out to Charlotte, who was struggling at the time). I think when they took the titles off them that Alexa would head to the Wyatt Sick. I am still not sure why they put the titles on the Kabuki Warriors (heels with the belts doing everything to keep them at all costs. Once again, nothing changes; Asuka/Kairi are allowed to run amok. I really want to see a tag match between Charlotte/Alexa facing Rhea/Iyo with no interference from anyone else. You can’t look past Nia/Lash with their strength alone; they are going to cause some real headaches.
- Jade Cargill is holding the SmackDown Women’s title. At this point, she is just finding her way as a heel. It feels like they don’t know what to do with her right now. They have a story with Michin, but she is not strong enough to hold her own. I read rumours that they were thinking about a fued with Rhea, but with her working with Iyo right now, that is not possible. The unfinished story is a fued with Bianca Belair. Bianca broke her knuckle and joint in three places in a match during Wrestlemania 41 in the triple threat. Bianca is having issues with the finger not wanting to bend completely. That takes her out of action until further notice. Tiffany Stratton is yet to return, with her absence due to a scheduled break from losing the belt, but also issues with her knee. She has also been travelling with others from WWE on a promotional tour. By all rights, Tiff should get the first title defence.
- Will this be the run to Wrestlemania? The rumour will be running wild right now, with shows being filmed ahead, January 5, when the live shows return, things will get interesting.
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