On a weekly basis, PWTorch staffers James Caldwell and Greg Parks have a casual, yet insightful, Lounge-style chat reviewing the week in TV wrestling and looking ahead to what's next for key storylines, matches, and future events. An occasional "Seinfeld" or "The Office" reference is also mixed in for good measure.

James Caldwell: This is PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell joined by PWTorch columnist Greg Parks for our weekly TV wrestling Chat. I should start numbering these so I can keep track when we hit the 1,000th Chat! On that note, Greg, everything seems to be building toward Monday's Raw with WWE wrestlers doing lots of media and WWE treating this like a PPV event on the level of or surpassing Summerslam. Right now, what do you think the tippy-top top item is for Monday's Raw with all of the item advertised?

Greg Parks: I'm tempted to say the Daniel Bryan-A.J. wedding, just because it has at least something to do with a major current storyline. There are other big items: Rock's appearance, DX's reunion, legends likely being on the show, that sort of thing. But, the Bryan-A.J. wedding as well as Cena cashing in his MITB opportunity against Punk (can't believe I forgot that...it trumps the wedding) are the two major stories.

Caldwell: I agree on those two items - a PPV main event-worthy match on Raw has to be up there, along with a potential major development in a storyline that WWE has focused on for several weeks with Bryan and A.J. Where do you think Brock Lesnar's return fits into this, especially when it involves Triple H? Is that #3 behind those two items, or does Rock's return or something else trump Brock?

Parks: At this point, and it's sad to say, Brock is behind The Rock's appearance, even though Brock's is more tied to a current storyline. I think that's an indictment of how poorly WWE has utilized Lesnar since his return (and Lesnar's possible attitude and antics contributing to that) than how well Rock has been promoted. James, what do you think WWE views as the most important thing from Raw? The Cena vs. Punk match seems like an obvious choice, but it is just a "match" and we know WWE loves their entertainment and weddings. Do you think WWE views the wedding as just as important, or maybe more important, than the title match?

Caldwell: I think WWE views the most important thing being Raw, itself, recognizing Vince McMahon's brainchild as the longest-running, weekly, yada yada yada. Ha! But, that aside, I believe a major event involving Cena is going to be treated like the biggest item on the show. Cena-Punk will be hyped throughout the show and be the main event, while the A.J./Bryan wedding will probably be a top-of-the-hour event, like you said on the Livecast yesterday. And, I think WWE will have a major angle for Cena-Punk that they'll want to save for the end of the show that will make viewers forget about the title being on the line in the sense that they don't want to change the title to Cena, but they don't want to stress Cena being the first wrestler to unsuccessfully cash in the MITB briefcase. Greg, do you see a situation where Cena wins the title, which would set up the re-match or Summerslam, or does Punk walk out of Monday's Raw still champion?

Parks: I think Cena wins and Punk gets his rematch at Summerslam. I would be a little surprised to Cena cash in and lose, even with interference, making him the first person to unsuccessfully cash in the briefcase. But it's possible. You brought up a third possibility on the Livecast yesterday, that the match doesn't get underway at all and something happens causing the match to not take place. WWE would be playing a dangerous game with that one, knowing how much they'll likely hype the match during the show.

Caldwell: That would definitely require an even bigger development than the match itself to make viewers forget about the advertised Cena-Punk match. I think one way they could do that is using the MITB "cash-in" process. Cena still has to come to the ring with the case, hand it over to the ref, confirm he wants to cash in, and off they go. So, perhaps Cena gets jumped before he "cashes in," and the big angle goes down to close the show. It should be interesting to see which of the potential scenarios unfolds - Punk retains, Cena captures title, or no match at all. We could go on and on about the other items advertised and potential scenarios with the Legends returning, but what else are you most interested to see - potential Slater pay-off, what Bret Hart will do, DX reunion, or something else?

Parks: I guess the potential Slater pay-off, but I don't have my hopes high given WWE's penchant for awful (or non-existent) payoffs. I'm a sucker for nostalgia so I'm interested to see what legends will appear and if any changes will be made to the show going forward. Now that we've fully previewed next week's show, let's talk about last week: I thought Raw was decent enough, starting with a nice promo exchange between Punk and Big Show, as well as Jericho and Ziggler (with Ziggler doing most of the work). The matches were okay and I think the tag match and Punk vs. Show were probably the two best on the show. What was your opinion on the overall show and the highs and/or lows?

Caldwell: I thought it was an average show, but not bad by any means. The Money in the Bank fall-out seemed to be secondary to hyping next week's Raw (and understandably so when they want to pop a huge rating next week). I completely agree on Ziggler-Jericho verbally and Punk-Show physically being the top items on the show. I thought Ziggler had a break-out moment on the mic showing verbal range that's been missing with Vickie Guerrero doing most of the talking for him. I also thought Show had an interesting night on the mic with Punk in the beginning, then trying to be the "devil sitting on Cena's shoulder" during the final segment. Is Show doing some of his best career work, or what do you make of Show's role right now?

Parks: Yeah, Show's doing good work, but the stuff with Cena felt way too much like what Kane was doing with Cena just before WrestleMania. It didn't feel different or new, but more like a retread of area they've already covered. I think they just want to tease a Cena heel turn, knowing there's a lot of fans out there who do want to see him turn, and it's almost as if they're needling those fans by having other heels try to convince him to embrace the hate or evil or what have you. We thought Show and Cena were done...do you still see it that way? Will Cena move on to feud with Punk, or do you think they revisit Show vs. Cena again here soon?

Caldwell: Speaking of Kane, there was Kane teaming with Cena on Raw a few weeks ago after trying to get him to "embrace the hate," so, yeah, more of that WWE mindset that the audience forgets about things very shortly after storylines are wrapped up. On Big Show, I feel like Show will be sort of a Kane figure in the middle of the Punk-Bryan feud from a few months ago. I imagine Punk-Cena will be at Summerslam one way or another, and Show will be involved in the TV build-up perhaps trying to pit Cena against Punk and vice versa to try to destroy the top two stars in the company, which would vault him to the top of WWE in his character's mind. It's hard to tell right now if Cena-Punk will be a long-term deal or just for these next few weeks, but I see Show involved with Cena long-term. Greg, another big item from Raw was Rey Mysterio's return. It felt lost in the shuffle by the end of the show, but what did you think of Rey's return, especially resuming a feud with Del Rio?

Parks: I think it was wise to have him return on Raw this past week rather than Raw 1,000, where he would get lost in the shuffle. Even more, I would've preferred him to return on Smackdown, which is a brand that is more identified with him. But, if he resumes his feud with Del Rio, where does that leave Sheamus? Or do they do a Triple Threat match? Randy Orton will be ready for Summerslam...does he face Sheamus at Summerslam? Lots of questions surrounding the World Title coming up, with some maybe answered on Smackdown tonight.

Caldwell: It does feel like this was a way to transfer Del Rio out of the World Title picture, but not seem like he's taking a step down since they remain high on Del Rio. As for the World Title, yeah, they could put things in a holding pattern until Orton returns on the July 30 Raw or they could keep teasing Ziggler cashing in on Sheamus. They could also bring someone back, like a Mark Henry, on Monday's Raw to resume a feud with Sheamus. Very much a holding pattern post-MITB, but I anticipate something occurring next week to set up Sheamus's title match at Summerslam. There have been reports of Triple H wanting longer title reigns for top champions - do you see Sheamus's run extending beyond Summerslam regardless of the opponent, and has Sheamus grown enough as champion for WWE to keep the title on him long-term?

Parks: I think Sheamus will hold it for a while longer, through Summerslam. With Vince though, he may think that one day and change his mind the next. But I don't see anyone, other than maybe Orton, who would be a "better" choice than Sheamus. Ziggler has the MITB, but he really needs to be built back up (and a feud with Jericho could do that) before he cashes in against Sheamus or whomever. Have we seen Jericho turn babyface now to feud with Ziggler, or do you think that was just a one-time thing on Raw?

Caldwell: That was really, really interesting. I could see it turning into a sympathetic, baby ace re-building tour for Jericho trying to prove he's not over-the-hill, as Ziggler suggested. But, at the same time, I think they want the focus on Ziggler since he's a future main-eventer and the timing is right for Ziggler to take that next step. So, I anticipate Ziggler being positioned a little stronger as a heel than we've seen from him this year, but at the same time WWE will try to give Jericho a resurgence to make money with him while he's in the fold. I anticipate a singles match at Summerslam, but who should win is a tough call this early in the feud. I'm very excited to see how this unfolds, for sure. Do you think the timing is right to turn Jericho face or is he better in an annoying heel role?

Parks: He's better as a heel, but I think his current heel schtick has run its course. Many expected him to come back with a new heel act, but it felt like the same old thing and felt old fast. So I certainly don't mind a face turn here - I just hope we see an actual turn. One of the other big things from Raw was The Miz getting involved in the Bryan-A.J. situation via a mixed tag match. Some people are reading into a look he and A.J. shared during the match and I was wondering if you think he'll play a part (given his tremendous history with Bryan) in the wedding? Or where does he fit in upon his return?

Caldwell: Yeah, I'm curious about that because WWE didn't exactly set the world on fire with Miz's return - he was sort of lost in the shuffle in the MITB main event and then placed in a very secondary role in the mixed tag match on Raw. But, like you said, that look between A.J. and Miz could have been something or could have been nothing. It could just be part of the general story that A.J. likes to manipulate and tease men, and Miz just happened to be standing there. That could lead into the general story of A.J. marries Bryan, but continues flirting with everyone on the roster since she's turned crazy and obsessed with manipulation. Or, it could lead to Miz interrupting the wedding and having a bigger WWE role by being involved in the big Bryan/A.J. story. I'll definitely be looking for what they do with Miz on Monday's Raw. Regarding the wedding, Greg, I need a bold prediction! Yes - the wedding goes through (even if there is an interruption) or No - the wedding does not got through.

Parks: I'll say...Yes! Yes! Yes!

Caldwell: Ha! Well-played, sir, well-played. I didn't even see that one coming. Greg, anything else from WWE worth breaking down before tonight's Smackdown with more MITB fall-out?

Parks: I think we hit on all the big items - next week's chat about Raw will be much, much longer I have a feeling. Now, about Smackdown: I thought the show last week had quite a few strong matches peppered throughout the show, but Zack Ryder being in charge fell a little short of expectations. What did you think of Zackdown and Ryder's role on the show vs. expectations of his role from fans?

Caldwell: I think the problem is it was a taped show, so they couldn't go all out with viewers being able to "help Ryder book the show," which seemed to be part of the suggested advertising. So, they seemed to go soft with what Ryder could do - would he really book Khali of all people in a match? C'mon. I thought it was a bit of a letdown, but WWE hasn't treated like Ryder like a star in months, so I didn't have high expectations for his role. Did you feel like they did an adequate job with it or leave something to be desired?

Parks: It definitely left something to be desired. I would've preferred he actually be a part of a match. But as I said, the other matches on the show weren't bad at all. The main event of Sheamus vs. Jericho continued Sheamus' rise to dominance as the top man on Smackdown. What do you think of Sheamus's reign as champion and for all intents and purposes, being the face of Smackdown the last few months?

Caldwell: I go back to what we talked about a few weeks that Orton's suspension was probably the best thing to happen to Sheamus because it allowed Sheamus to be The Guy on Smackdown, rather than sharing the spotlight with Orton. So, I think Sheamus has been able to grow as World champ, albeit held back a bit by not having a consistent feud due to Del Rio's up and down status and D-Bryan moving into the WWE Title picture involving A.J. So, all things considered, I think Sheamus has grown into his role quite well. The match with Jericho last week on Smackdown certainly topped his match with Del Rio at the PPV, though. Do you think Sheamus and Del Rio just didn't have good chemistry Sunday night, or is it a case of Sheamus still needing someone - like a Jericho - to help him along to have an outstanding match?

Parks: I don't think Sheamus is at the stage where he can have a great match with anyone, but I don't thinkt he match with Del Rio at the PPV was designed to be a "great" match; there was enough resting moments and very few highspots that leads me to believe it was almost used as a come-down match from the opening MITB match, as strange is it is to think about a World Title match that way. But, Sheamus certainly has improved his in-ring work as champion. Anything else from Smackdown to touch on?

Caldwell: Looking at the Smackdown MITB match, did anyone besides Ziggler via victory stand out to you with a memorable performance? I keep waiting for Cody Rhodes to stand up and be noticed, but he seems to be stuck with no prospects right now.

Parks: I thought Tensai put in a good performance, and he really stood out to me over the others. Expectations were pretty low for him, so it may not haven taken much, but I thought he did a nice job during the match.

Caldwell: I thought Damien Sandow stood out during the first-half, but seemed to disappear during the second-half, which seemed to be by design to give him some early focus before WWE shifted to Ziggler, Christian, Rhodes, and Tensai. Where do you think Sandow fits in right now on Smackdown? Just kind of feuding with Zack Ryder, or could he move up to a higher level considering the lack of depth?

Parks: A feud with Ryder would be a start, since he really hasn't had a feud yet, but I could see him moving up the ladder quite quickly.

Caldwell: We shall see. Greg, let's go ahead and move to last night's TNA Impact. The big story TNA wanted viewers to take away from the show were the multiple attacks by Aces & Eights on various members of the roster. What did you make of their involvement throughout the show?

Parks: I know there have been a number of NWO knock-offs since their heyday, but I really felt like Aces and Eights came very close to giving that NWO feel with their attacks, where all wrestlers had to be on the look-out and on notice. And, I liked the tease that Roode was behind it, since that gave the announcers someone to speculate about instead of having them act clueless about who could be behind it even though there are obvious candidates like Jeff Jarrett. James, you've been critical of the Aces & Eights storyline from the beginning. Did they do anything last night to, if not make you change your mind, at least make you think there is some promise with this group?

Caldwell: I'm even more down on this angle after last night's show. To me, it feels even more like an NWO knock-off, and not a very well-done version because the guys doing the beat downs look so amateurish and uncoordinated. And, those poor tourists kind of sitting there unsure what to make of what they're seeing almost takes it to an unintentionally comedic level for me. I also didn't like the announcers having to play dumb the entire show jumping to conclusions that Roode was involved, which seemed to come out of left-field since Roode orchestrating a gang-style beat down would be completely out-of-character for him. Roode's character wants all the focus and attention, and, yes, he would gladly take the help of a group beating down his top foe, but he wouldn't be the type to orchestrate the event, just benefit from it. That story being played up throughout the show and the A&E presence from start to finish just didn't work for me. I believe TNA needs to reveal at least one of the individuals so the audience can invest in this. As you can tell, Greg, I'm not in favor of this angle at its current stage! But, if TNA offers a suspect, I could change my mind.

Parks: I think one of the negatives is that we don't know any of the people perpetrating the attacks. TNA has made it clear there is a major force behind it, and I think that's why I'm not as down on the actual attacks - because I know the people doing the beat-downs won't be the actual focus once all is revealed. TNA has the guys in masks to create intrigue, but it also leaves viewers without a real force or person to direct their anger for these attacks toward. It's certainly a muddied situation, but I like how they've gone with this, from not being the real focus for a few weeks, to finally getting the focus this week to advance things a little. But, until Hogan and Sting come back, I don't really see things fully advancing to the next step in the story.

Caldwell: You touched on something I feel is important, which is the audience doesn't know who to direct their anger toward. Obviously, the group going after top babyfaces made them instant heels because they went after the audience's favorites. But, then, attacking and laying out Bobby Roode - the top heel in the company - sort of confused things, I thought. I mean, the audience cheered Roode being taken out. So, this awful, terrible, nasty, destructive force that "put Hogan in the hospital" and injured Sting for four weeks was getting cheered for a split-second. I know TNA wanted to make it seem like the group will go after every and anyone on the roster - heels included - but I thought they did some damage to the overall story by having them take out Roode, too. It will be interesting to see if there is a reveal next week, or, like you said, if the story stays where it is until Sting and Hogan come back. Greg, elsewhere on Impact, the BFG Series dominated the show. What did you make of the five of six scheduled matches that occurred?

Parks: Just to wrap up the thoughts on the attack, it's almost like TNA wants the fans to support the TNA brand (which Roode is a part of) over these "outsiders" like the NWO vs. WCW war. But is the TNA "brand" strong enough for the people in Orlando (tourists included, who don't have that strong connection) to really get behind? Overall, I was a little down on the matches compared to some of the previous weeks, but again, I thought the way the BFG series contestants called out their opponents, and reasoning for it, made a lot of sense. But, one of the things I really liked about Open FIght Night and Gut Check when it debuted was how it felt "different" from the other Impact episodes during the month. This week, despite the attacks, was the first week where it felt like just another episode of Impact.

Caldwell: On the "brand" topic, I sure hope that's not the direction. There have been way too many of those Hogan promos about "taking TNA to the next level," so I hope this doesn't turn into the A&E group trying to "prevent TNA from getting to the next level" for whatever their motivation is. That's so just tired. Pro wrestling needs to move away from that to keep the focus on individual stars (or a group of stars) feuding against other stars (or another group of stars), not trying to "defend a brand." The money is in individual feuds and stars, not "brand feuds," which I think is a contributor to why Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena didn't draw as well as it could have when WWE focused too much on "Lesnar vs. WWE" and Cena trying to "defend the WWE brand" rather than just having a straight-up fight against Lesnar… Moving along, I agree with you on the matches not being as strong as last month and the OFN/Gut Check novelty sort of wearing off. I don't know what it was; I can't put my finger on it, but the show just didn't feel important. Did you get the same sense?

Parks: I think it was the lack of Hogan and Sting, as well as Aries not showing up 'til an hour and 20 minutes into the show, as well as little in the way of Park vs. Ray. Those are the really big, hot deals in TNA right now and they weren't the focus of the show, which didn't make it feel as important. Plus, no Gut Check because of the attack.

Caldwell: Very good point on Aries not appearing until the middle of the second hour. I thought that was odd. If he's going to be the top star by virtue of being TNA champ, then make him feel important. Perhaps things will reset a bit next week now that the DirecTV squabble is complete, so we'll see if they get back on track when they have 100 percent focus on Impact. Greg, let's wrap up with a plug for Gonzo & The Greg this weekend. What's on tap for VIP members?

Parks: In honor of Raw 1,000, we'll be listing our top five favorite Raw moments over the past 999 episodes. Look for that show to be posted Sunday night on pwtorch.com for VIP members.

Caldwell: Excellent! Looking forward to it. Greg, lots to chat about next week following Raw where everyone and their momma is advertised. Have a great weekend and we'll talk next week!

Parks: We sure will, James. Take care!

We suggest these recent related articles...

CALDWELL'S WWE "NXT: HOUSTON" LIVE RESULTS 9/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Balor, Joe, Bayley, more from debut show in Texas

CALDWELL'S LIVE REPORT - 7/12 Lone Star in Houston, Tex.: Alberto El Patron no-shows, Dreamer vs. Hoyt new main event; plus Duggan, Snitsky, Cabana vs. Mahal, Joey Ryan, Rowe vs. Hernandez, Ivellise, Catrina, Houston Carson, one title change, more

CALDWELL: A Top 10 for 10 Years - Hall of Fame, George, Sweet Tea, Studio B, Duke, Three-Pack, and you!