In This Corner: Being Thankful

Thanksgiving is a time in which most people share what is they are thankful for in life. Whether it be family, health, friends, their jobs, etc. Thanksgiving has often been a time in my life that has been filled with some sort of memories involving wrestling. The Survivor Series, Starcade, backyard wrestling with my friends/cousins, or playing wrestling games on Nintendo 64.

So, with all that in mind, here is what I am thankful for in wrestling in 2018:

1. Becky Lynch and the women’s main event picture: Becky Lynch is the man. Seriously, she is the most over superstar on the roster. While her injury cost her the Survivor Series match with Ronda Rousey, it helped further her legacy in establishing her as the top start on the roster. It also opened up the door for the Flair/Rousey dream match to happen a few months earlier. And let’s not forget Nia Jax, who know is one of the most dis-liked women on the roster. One injury opened the door for all four of these women to have main event caliber story lines heading in to 2019. I’ve been disappointed overall with the women’s evolution, but as JR would say, “business is about to pick up.”

2. Impact still being in existence: It has been a few trying years for Impact wrestling. The Billy Corgan ownership debacle, lawsuits, etc. However, they are still plodding along like the little engine that could. While the change to a later time slot has being an issue for the company, the overall product the company is putting out has been the best it’s been in the last few years. If the company can find a new television deal, they will be on the right track

3. AJ Styles and the long title reign: AJ Styles has long been one of the most talented wrestlers in wrestling. The question was always asked by wrestling fans if AJ Styles worked for WWE, what would happen? Styles finally got his due in 2018 with the historic world title reign. In a day and age where it seems like titles change hands every other day, its refreshing to see the company get behind Styles for a lengthy title reign, and have a championship mean something again. While I don’t agree with how he lost it on a live episode of Smackdown, I am thankful for the return of the person who defeated him.

4. The return of Daniel Bryan: Many thought that Daniel Bryan would never wrestle again. However, after many months of rumors that he would go to NJPW or ROH at the end of his WWE contract, Daniel Bryan returned at Wrestlemania. Now, a mere eight months after his return, Bryan captured the World Championship from AJ Styles on Smackdown, and put on an impressive match with Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series. Here is to hoping Bryan gets a lengthy title reign as well.

5. The accessibility of wrestling in general: I wrote a few months ago that this is wrestling’s new golden age (read that article here) Let’s face it, wrestling is everywhere. It isn’t like when I was a young lad back in ancient times where we had to tape trade. Every promotion has a streaming service, so you can catch whatever shows you miss, or normally wouldn’t have access to. Indie promotions are on the rise, and odds are there is a local promotion running a show within driving distance of you this weekend.  There really hasn’t been a better time to be a wrestling fan.

What are some of the things that you are all thankful for in wrestling ? Please comment and discuss below.