Best and worst of WWE Stomping Grounds- CM Punk & AEW chants, Major title change 

I did not have much hope for WWE Stomping Grounds, heading into the show. When I wrote the preview for the Live Card two nights ago, I was certain that the show would be a dud.

I mean it's just that we're so used to seeing major stakes like a Money in the Bank contract on the line or an advertised dream match (at least on paper) like The Undertaker vs. Goldberg, that Stomping Grounds seemed very underwhelming. And yet, this disadvantage turned out to be the strength of the show, because the full-timers delivered in droves.

Here is my 'best and worst' assessment from the show and I urge you to keep in mind that this is just my opinion and not the gospel. So, if you have a slightly different point of view, please feel free to voice it in the comments.

All opinions are welcome in this article.

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#1 Best: Lacey Evans as the special guest referee

I know that opinions will be very divided in this regard, so let me just start off my painting a picture. Lest you forget, before Stomping Grounds even happened, everyone was of the opinion that Baron Corbin does not begin in the main event picture.

In the latest WWE NEWS, How did WWE conceal his weaknesses and build a new star in the process? They put Lacey Evans in the role of the special guest referee, which, in my opinion, was a stroke of genius because even though Seth Rollins would bludgeon everyone to death like Negan from the Walking Dead, he would not raise his hands to hit a woman.

It was a fantastic match, which set up a Becky Lynch run-in for the finish. The crowd was hot for the same, and when Rollins finally won the match, the crowd erupted.

See WWE Stomping Grounds Results, Highlights of event, & more on WWE Stomping Grounds Results page

#1 Worst: Not giving ideas a chance

The moment Lacey Evans was brought in as the special guest referee, the audience began their usual nonsense of 'AEW' and 'CM Punk' chants. I don't get why the audience complains that all of WWE's ideas are the same when they don't give any idea a chance at all.

I've been in audiences where the crowd hijacks a show with 'CM Punk' chants and it's really annoying to hear. I'd advise anyone in the audience to let an idea play out before they begin to boo it.

These knee jerk reactions are the precise reason why WWE is reluctant to try any long term ideas. It can be extremely discouraging for the performers involved, especially someone like Seth Rollins who takes so much pride in his craft.

The next time someone complains about WWE not thinking out of the box, ask yourself if you gave them a chance!

#2 Best: Kofi Kingston's leap

I'll be honest here. The crowd did not seem to be into the Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston match at all when it began. Maybe it was because we already saw the match at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia or maybe it was because of the placement in the actual match card.

But whatever the case may be, both men worked a great match with a lot of psychology involved from the opening bell onwards. There were many points where they swerved the audience into believing that the match was going a certain way, before taking us in another direction altogether.

However, the best thing by far about the match was how it ended. Just when it seemed that Dolph Ziggler had the match won, Kofi Kingston would come to life all at once and leap over him to remain the reigning, defending, and undisputed WWE Champion.

#2 Worst: Not ending the Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon saga at Stomping Grounds

Everyone loves ice cream. And one of the reasons that we love it so much is because we don't have it every day. Now imagine having ice cream for the rest of your life, every single day for every single meal.

However much you may love ice cream, there comes a point when you tire of it almost entirely. I can say it with utmost certainty that I don't like Roman Reigns or Drew McIntyre as much as I love ice-cream and I was, honestly, tired of this feud in the weeks leading up to WWE Stomping Grounds. But then the two men had a solid match at WWE Stomping Grounds and I was okay with the result.

But then, much to my horror, another match was announced, this time a handicap match. Stop the pain already, WWE!

#3 Best: Drew Gulak as the new Cruiserweight Champion!

I admit that I don't get to watch as much 205 Live as I'd like to. But because I watch RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and Impact every single week, any more wrestling would just make my brain explode.

I am familiar with Drew Gulak from the time I used to watch 205 Live and also from the amazing work that he has been doing on NXT, working with the likes of Kushida. There are few better 'workers' in the roster and the Cruiserweight match on the Kickoff reminded me of what I've been missing out on.

Tony Nese and Tozawa were incredible in their own right and they held their own during the match. But I'm especially happy for Drew Gulak who now gets the chance to carry the brand on his shoulders as Champion.

What a well-deserved accolade for this talented young man.

#3 Best/worst: Ricochet's win/Samoa Joe's loss

As happy as I am to see Ricochet as the new Champion, Samoa Joe's latest reign as the United States Champion has been woefully short, which seems to pretty much be the career trajectory that he's followed ever since coming to the WWE main roster.

He just has not seemed like the same monster that he was back in NXT when he terrorized the roster. I suppose Vince McMahon does not see him in the same light that Triple H did. That said, I'm really happy that Ricochet is the United States Champion and I'm doubly glad that he's getting a push in the roster.

As always, I will end with a picture of The Goddess and ask you what you thought of her match. Do you think Nikki Cross will turn on her next?

Or will she be the one to turn on the Twisted Sister of WWE?