Meatless Rib

I used to run the website you see below. Now I just tweet about wrestling sometimes. My music is at @_dereification_ and I play videogames at @devwilplays.

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

@njpwglobal Hey, I did some #strongstyleshopping at #njpwFS Philly tonight and unfortunately there was a misunderstanding over one of the shirts I asked for in line, and I didn't catch the mistake until long after the show.

Can anything at all be done? I'd really appreciate it.

[Dereification @_dereification_]

New track! https://t.co/ZA5k01IAb4

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

@RixGreat Well, you followed directions exceedingly poorly. So there.

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

#NXTChampionship at #NXTTakeOver Gargano vs Cole: 4.5 stars. (A really strong 4.5, don't at me.)

Last minute booking made the build tough. Unnecessary stipulation, I think. Wonderful build and action bell-to-bell.

Not sure how I feel about Ciampa appearing.

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

I want Candice to turn on Johnny (joining UE) to cost him the #NXTChampionship tonight at #NXTTakeOver

Think about it: Johnny's been a total headcase loser whose drama overshadowed her. She has all the motive in the world & UE could then be represented in the women's division.

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

#NXTTakeOver Baszler vs Shirai vs Sane vs Belair: 3.75 stars.

I think most of what was in the match was very good.

I'm not sure what the finish accomplishes, and I think the build was weird overall.

Multiway matches are always an uphill battle for me critically, too.

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

Bianca Belair is amazing.

#NXTTakeOver

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

I think it speaks volumes of Shayna Baszler's ability that I "academically" admire every aspect of her wrestling and persona, while still wanting to boo her. I think she's super underrated.

(Champion, underrated? Yep.)

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

Strange that they're having a tornado tag match for the women's title at #NXTTakeOver

Oh, it's a four-way?

(Kidding. I do think the booking is all somewhat awkward, though.)

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

Oh my god. That baseball spot between Io and Kairi made me very, very happy.

#NXTTakeOver

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

Handful of woopsies in the women's entrances at #NXTTakeOver imo

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

By the way, I love hard-hitting pro wrestling.

I think I've just yet to see a WALTER match that felt like a compelling story.

So far (at risk of being reductive), I think all I've seen is "WALTER sure is huge and heavy-hitting, yeah?"

I need to see him vs, like, Keith Lee?

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

#NXTUKTitle match at #NXTTakeOver , Pete Dunne vs WALTER: 4 stars.

Pretty undeniable, but the build seemed like nothing special. (I sadly don't make time for NXT UK TV.) Excellent psychology.

I have to admit, WALTER has yet to totally click for me. I haven't seen him much tho.

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

Bit of awkwardness with both Vic and Mauro on commentary for the #NXTUKTitle match, imo.

Nothing horrible so far, but it feels like both are trying to do the same job. Slight stepping on toes here and there. (Which is understandable: both are PBP guys on their brands.)

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

Fantasy booking: WALTER beats Dunne at #NXTTakeOver ; Dunne wins the NXT Championship, which gets (subtly) renamed the NXT World Championship.

Puts a spotlight on NXT UK and makes a clearer, more prestigious hierarchy for NXT titles, imo.

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

By the way, at #NXTTakeOver tonight, regardless of who wins the UK title, the champion will still be a #vegan (just as the UK champion always has been: Dunne, WALTER, and Tyler Bate all eschew animal products in their diets.

De facto WWE Vegan title obv.

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

#NXTTakeOver fans have every reason to be excited about KUSHIDA. Dude is all-around excellent in the ring. Lots of potential in NXT, though I honestly worry a bit about his ceiling (which I think he hit somewhat in NJPW, even with the office maybe not fully utilizing him).

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

#NXTTakeOver Riddle vs Dream: 4.25 stars.

Riddle has been so likable to date but he played heel(ish) perfectly. (Had to: Dream is just too popular.) Brilliant psychology throughout. Great spots too. Nearly exactly what it needed to be.

Drawbacks: slight awkwardness, mild build.

[Meatless Rib @MeatlessRib]

Dream's #NXTTakeOver matches just keep getting better. He's really come a long way bell-to-bell.