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When I was talking to my editor about whether or not to do a Best and Worst for this Network special, the initial response was a 'no!' Everyone thought that it would be little more than a glorified Live Event and in many ways, it was.
But then again, there were so many emotions that ran through the course of this hour-long program, that I felt like I had to write about it. Because we're all sports entertainment fans, these men and women are a part of our lives on a weekly basis. Everyone in the WWE roster is a part of our extended family, whether we admit it or not!
And to have one of the men that we've seen so often for the last seven years step away from the business is always a very notable thing. Which is why I shall attempt to review the special in 'Best' and 'Worst' columns.
As always, I invite your comments and suggestions.
#1 Best: The commentary
The commentary desk was right by the ringside area, like a lot of old-school promotions would have, most notably WCW. It was so close to the ring, that Elias and Finn Balor actually teased a spot where the two men seemed like they would crash through the table, but actually didn't.
I'm guessing that Michael Cole, Corey Graves and especially Renee Young did not have anyone telling them what to do in this instance, and their commentary was a lot better than we're otherwise used to. Young regaled us with stories about her first date with Ambrose, and also opened up about his emotions before this historic match.
Graves knows the men personally, and he shared his insights too. It was a very good outing for an otherwise restrained commentary desk, I thought.
#1 Worst: Babyface wins
Remember how I said at the start that I was worried that this show would be like just another WWE Live Event? Unfortunately, that is exactly how it turned out to be.
Except for the main event which was significant because Dean Ambrose was leaving WWE, there was nothing else of note on the show at all. I mean the most hardcore fan could have missed this show and have just tuned in to RAW next week, and not have missed anything at all, really.
The most notable reason why I'm calling the show a glorified Live Event is because the babyfaces picked up all the wins in all of the matches that happened during the show. One could make an argument that all of them needed a good showing but the fact of the matter is that it was extremely predictable.
It was not must-watch television.
#2 Best: Ember Moon
It is easy to forget just how good Ember Moon is. But the fact of the matter is that when the bell rings, she makes it a point to remind you how she's one of the best in the roster. Bayley also looked fabulous while working with the Riott Squad.
The thing that everyone remembers about Ember Moon is her finisher, but she's good at a lot more than just The Eclipse, in my personal opinion. She brings a fire and an intensity to her performance that not many in the WWE roster seem to have, except maybe Ronda Rousey. I think that she would be a great opponent for Becky Lynch, somewhere down the line.
I'm a little torn about this, so how would you guys rate Corey Graves constantly picking on Sasha Banks then? Would you say it's a best or a worst?
#2 Worst: The attempt at humor
So, let me preface this by saying that I think that Elias is great. He plays the audience of whichever city he's currently in like they're strings on his guitar. It's the people who perform with him that end up being disappointments, in my opinion.
Finn Balor twisted the words of Elias' chorus in such a lame manner, that I felt like what Elias was originally saying was a lot funnier. The Riott Squad were a nightmare, and I think Corey Graves echoed the sentiments of the entire WWE Universe when he said that he was regretting all the decisions that had brought him to this point.
I don't mind goofy comedy when it is done well, but Kurt Angle used to do back during the Attitude Era. But someone needs to show those clips to the writers who're writing these incredibly painful segments.
#3 Best/worst: The Shield splits up
All good things in life must someday come to an end, irrespective of how successful it does become. I mean The Beatles split up at the very height of their popularity. You had Seinfeld end on a high note in its 9th season, with 75 million viewers tuning in to watch the last episode. Every good story eventually comes to its final chapter.
Everything about The Shield's final chapter was perfect, from the opening vignette to the actual match (Baron Corbin has come a very long way as a heel), to the farewell address at the end of the Network special. As the crowd chanted 'please don't go' at Ambrose, one couldn't help but feel that the moment was quite bittersweet.
The occasion was perfect but the moment was tragic. Having seen The Shield in action live, I'm quite upset that I'll never have that same privilege again.
So, to cheer me up, here's an absolutely unrelated .gif of Alexa Bliss.
