One thing about the WWE that I give nothing but praise for is the fact that it is always able to tie itself in with current events. From world news to the latest buzz in the world of pop culture, comments from the WWE commentary team shows how tapped in the company is to what’s trending around the world.

As a fan of the hit comedy sketch show, Saturday Night Live, I smiled wide when Michael Cole referenced the show’s 40th Anniversary special that had aired the previous night on February 15th. While Bad News Barrett has been giving his bad news with his BNZ newscast, a parody of TMZ, Dean Ambrose, his opponent for the Intercontinental Championship that coming Sunday at FastLane, channeled his inner Chevy Chase when he portrayed his version of an anchor from Weekend Update, SNL’s famous parody-news sketch. Connecting directly with the previous night’s SNL special, along with the parody of something that presents the news, the WWE was once again able to connect its story lines with the current events of today in an enjoyable way.

-Celine

In light of the recent #GiveDivasAChance movement, this is something that should be discussed. On the February 16th edition of RAW, there was a segment in which the Bella Twins stole Paige’s ring gear, leading to a scene of her running out in only a towel, frantically trying to locate her gear and eventually having to borrow a fairy/princess outfit of one of Adam Roses’ Rosebuds. While some thought the bit was hilarious, complete with Paige giving a curtsey in the ring and embracing her different attire for the night, others on social media complained that such a move pushed the women a step back, resorting to catting high school-esque girl feuds.

While it was all fun and games, was it something that put too much silliness into the storyline of the divas, who have historically struggled to gain widespread respect until recently. Or, on the other hand, was it a nice creative twist that provided more depth to their story with humor? Both sides have reasonable arguments, but if the segment made you smile, laugh, or gave you some type of joy, then it properly did its job.

-Celine

On Tuesday, February 18th, the wrestling world was shaken when Samoa Joe announced that he had parted ways with TNA Impact wrestling. While I wish nothing but the best of luck for Samoa Joe and his future, it is times like this when I wonder what will be in store for his future. Will he make the leap to the WWE. Will he head to ROH or Lucha Underground or just go on the indie circuit. At 35 years old, he has a few more years left in him so it will be interesting to see where he’ll go next. He has the talent so wherever he goes, he’ll be successful, having been a world champion.

Then you have situations like Justin Gabriel, who recently left the WWE. What’s next for him. With what some would say frustrations with the direction he was going in, will he be able to be utilized better elsewhere, or would it be in the best interest of a wrestler to stay with the WWE until the time is right, whenever that is destined to happen, if ever. The decision to leave a wrestling company is purely personal and it depends on the person, but it is interesting to follow the paths of those who leave any professional wresting company to see where they go next on their path.

-Celine