Stock Up, Stock Down: Grayson Waller and Other WWE and AEW Stars Shine or Struggle

Welcome back to another exciting edition of the Don't Say The F Word Podcast's Quick Takes. As we approach the highly anticipated SummerSlam and All In events, the pressure is on for WWE and AEW stars to make their mark and secure a spot on the blockbuster pay-per-view cards. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the rising and falling fortunes of Grayson Waller and other notable wrestlers, discuss the final spots in Blood and Guts, and delve into the sizzling rivalry between Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes.

Grayson Waller Impresses in In-ring Debut, a Promising Future Unfolds in WWE

First on our list is Grayson Waller, a newcomer who has been making waves in the wrestling world. Waller's recent in-ring debut on Friday's record-setting SmackDown at Madison Square Garden showcased his potential. Despite losing the match against the legendary Edge, Waller proved his worth and left a lasting impression. For those who missed his stint in NXT, Waller is a highly skilled athlete with excellent mic skills, capable of generating genuine heat from the crowd. With consistent mic time and standout performances, Waller has the potential to become a major player in WWE. A continuation of his rivalry with Edge through SummerSlam could be a captivating storyline that further solidifies Waller's rise to stardom.

Filling the Blood and Guts Teams: A Challenge for AEW

Next, let's discuss the annual Blood and Guts event in AEW. This year, injury setbacks have forced changes to the original plans. With Bryan Danielson and Wheeler Yuta unable to participate due to injuries, there are vacant spots to fill. One possibility is the return of Chris Hero, who could surprise fans by reuniting with his longtime tag team partner Claudio Castagnoli. Another intriguing option is Chris Jericho, who has been involved in previous Blood and Guts matches and recently teased a new alliance. On the other side, Kota Ibushi seems like a logical choice to team up with The Elite, given his history with the group and his current free agent status. AEW has the opportunity to build excitement by announcing the replacements ahead of time, creating a must-see build-up for the event on Dynamite.

Karrion Kross: WWE Must Hit the Reset Button

Turning our attention to Karrion Kross, it's disheartening to see his decline in WWE since his highly anticipated return. Kross faced creative struggles during his initial main roster run in 2021, and despite Triple H taking charge, he hasn't been able to win when it matters most. While Kross possesses an impressive physical presence and an intriguing entrance, his in-ring performances and cryptic promos have failed to deliver. To regain credibility, WWE needs to hit the reset button completely and provide Kross with a fresh start. Taking time off television to heal from his apparent hamstring injury could be a blessing in disguise. Upon his return, a revamped character or a babyface turn could salvage his career and reintroduce him as a serious contender.

Heating Up the Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar Rivalry

The rekindled rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar has the potential to be a marquee matchup at SummerSlam. However, the feud's momentum needs a boost. While their previous matches were solid, the ongoing brawls and interruptions lack substance. Lesnar's motives for targeting Rhodes haven't been adequately explained, leaving fans wanting more from this rivalry. It's crucial to inject fresh elements into their storylines, moving beyond repetitive confrontations. Adding a unique stipulation to their SummerSlam encounter could make it more enticing and elevate Rhodes by granting him a significant victory over an established main event player. To make this rivalry truly captivating, AEW needs to captivate the audience and provide a compelling reason to invest in the outcome.

AEW's Time to Embrace Keith Lee

Lastly, we shift our focus to AEW's handling of Keith Lee. It's puzzling that the company has taken this long to showcase Lee's talents as a singles competitor. After spending his first year teaming with Swerve Strickland, Lee's return to his classic look and singles action is long overdue. Lee's recent tag team matches have received overwhelming support from fans, demonstrating his ability to connect organically with the crowd. AEW should strike while the iron is hot and push Lee into the upper echelons of talent. Consistent television time and strong booking are crucial for his success. Rather than waiting for him to cool off, AEW must seize the opportunity to capitalize on The Limitless One's popularity and propel him into noteworthy storylines.

That concludes this edition of Stock Up, Stock Down on the Don't Say The F Word Podcast. We've analyzed Grayson Waller's impressive rise in WWE, discussed the challenges in filling the Blood and Guts teams, examined the need to hit the reset button with Karrion Kross, explored ways to heat up the Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar rivalry, and urged AEW to embrace the talent of Keith Lee. Stay tuned for more exciting insights and updates on the wrestling world. Until next time, keep enjoying the thrilling action inside the squared circle!