It's been a whirlwind week in the world of professional wrestling, with two major title changes on TV and a host of other developments that have left fans buzzing. From WWE to AEW, the action has been intense, and the WINC staff has been busy sorting out the winners and losers. Here's a breakdown of the biggest moments and who came out on top (or not).
Winners
The Bloodline Storyline
In a refreshing change of pace, the Bloodline storyline has been a bright spot this week. The inclusion of Royce Keys into the secondary angle surrounding the stable has breathed new life into the story. Keys' confrontation with Fatu and Jimmy Uso on Friday's edition of "WWE SmackDown" was a logical and intriguing development. His attempt to reason with Fatu, emphasizing the absurdity of infighting within the Bloodline family, added depth to the narrative. While Keys' alliance with Sikoa and the MFTs might not be a sure thing, the story has the potential to take an interesting turn, especially with the looming SummerSlam match against Fatu.
Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin is a force to be reckoned with, and his return to WWE has been a welcome addition. His big, loudmouth personality and physical presence make him a perfect fit for the WWE's chaotic circus. Despite some issues with his booking, Corbin's return is a significant win for the company, especially as they shed big ass-kickers like Sheamus. With his potential as a top star, Corbin's comeback is a testament to his talent and the right mix of personality and size.
Kenny Omega
Kenny Omega's victory over MJF at the Beach Break edition of "AEW Dynamite" was a momentous occasion. After nearly five years, Omega has reclaimed the AEW World Championship, solidifying his status as one of the top stars in the industry. His evolution as a wrestler, adapting to the age factor and creating big moments, has been a sight to behold. The speculation surrounding his reign and potential matches adds to the excitement, making Omega a clear winner this week.
Losers
Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn's nine-day reign as WWE Champion was a bit of a disappointment. His loss to CM Punk on "Raw" and the subsequent lack of direction for SummerSlam have left fans questioning his future. With Punk defending against Cody Rhodes and a potential match against GUNTHER, Zayn's prospects seem uncertain. His "mental health break" and absence from "WWE SmackDown" only add to the mystery, making him a clear loser this week.
Konosuke Takeshita
Konosuke Takeshita's reign as AEW International Champion came to an end, and his loss to Kyle Fletcher on "AEW Dynamite" was a setback. His involvement in The Conglomeration's business and the lack of excitement surrounding his title defenses have left fans underwhelmed. Takeshita's loss to Yota Tsuji in the G1 Climax opening night further dampened his momentum. With two major losses in a row, Takeshita faces an uphill battle to reclaim his status as a top contender.
AEW's Championship Overload
AEW's copious number of championships has become a burden rather than a benefit. The company's focus on multiple titles has diluted the significance of the AEW World Championship. With Kenny Omega's victory, the spotlight should have been on him, but the constant reminder of other titles within the company has taken away from the main event. The congestion of titles and the lack of clear storylines for some champions, like Andrade El Idolo, have made AEW's championship scene feel chaotic and unfocused.
In the world of professional wrestling, the week's winners and losers have left fans with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. As the storylines unfold and the championships change hands, the only constant is the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling, where the next big moment is always just around the corner.
