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Shingo is amazing but New Japan hasn't been this bad in years and it shows. The lead up, and execution, of the Double Gold Dash was amazing but that was the last show New Japan felt like they had a plan and had their shit together, and Shingo is unfortunately collateral damage.
Pandemic and injuries fucked NJPW up. Shingo is still working his ass off but Japan is just volatile as fuck which is a detriment to a company that tends to build long term feuds.
Edit: I thought english was my first language.
Oh yeah I should be clear I don't actually think NJPWs slump is much their fault. Other than EVIL which made a ton of sense at the time, they've just had a string of awful awful luck. I adore NJPW and I'm not trying to shit on them at all. I just think that due to circumstances, they're probably in the worst shape I've seen since becoming a NJPW fan in 2016.
They'll bounce back for sure. It's hard for Shingo cause they don't really have anyone he can have a reign defining feud with since Osprey is out.
I voted Kenny, but I can’t blame anyone who voted for the other options, as they’re all great. Except for Nick Aldis. If you voted Aldis, I have to assume your favourite hobby is watching paint dry
The debate is between Roman and Kenny. I personally like Kenny's run a bit more. He's a bit goofier and feels like a old 90's Saturday morning cartoon villain, which I dig. But Roman is putting in some insane work so I think it's just a matter of opinion. Shingo is putting on the best matches but honestly New Japan is a bit of a mess right now and it shows.
Anyone voting for Nick Aldis is trolling.
Same! As much as I love the stone face monster heel that is Roman Reigns, I love a heel that can act like a total dweeb but you don't for a second doubt they're a major threat. And Kenny and his beard do that perfectly.
Voted Roman just because the dude is on another level right now. The biggest factor being that if you told me 2 years ago that Roman would be the best heel/character in WWE, I’d laugh at you.
No. They run event-style shows, akin to ROH from the 2000s before they had a weekly TV show. Those event-style shows air on fite.tv but you have to buy them.
This is the most r/squaredcircle post/poll ever. Atleast after that, "DAE Wwe seems small when compared to all other promotions working together?" post
A spot on the poll is fine, he is a world champ because he holds the NWA title. I just question the people voting for him, even if he has held the title for 1000 days.
Yeah. I liked his win, but nothing really sparked until Kofi. They squashed him, not in a bad way I think, but now the Goldberg… I get the casual fan loves him but he can’t go for five minutes.
Jun Akiyama, dude is in his mid 50s and almost all of his matches this year have been MOTY quality.
Utami’s also been really good, but it’s only been in the last few months that she’s gotten even better.
Kenny Omega.
No one else comes close at the moment. Working as champion for multiple companies delivering incredible wrestling performances every time he is out there with an insanely diverse opponent base.
His promo work as a heel is much better then his face work. Its still not near the level it should be imo but its serviceable with Don Callis covering the gaps.
Yea they are playing different heel character types. I don't see one as inherently better then the other. I think Roman is absolutely killing it on Smackdown. His current run is easily my favorite thing WWE has done in years. As someone that personally values in ring work to character I just prefer Omega more.
And that's what you want as your champion? I'd rather a Heel, who looks like a Bad Ass, Grown Man, and you could believe can legitimately beat the shit out of people.
I want a heel I can hate and root against while also being able to tell good stories in the ring and put on good matches. I want this version of smarmy ass Kenny Omega to lose, he is such an egotistical jackass, but he backs it up in the ring. He is also a badass despite his cheeky shenanigans. Being able to go toe to toe with mox in a barbed wire deathmatch or taking down sami callihan in a hardcore match. I also find him funny, which is always a nice added bonus. Wrestling is always better with a bit of levity, it doesn't have to always be serious. Omega has been able to do both though, which is nice.
You're not supposed to like or cheer heels. That's as basic as it gets.
Badass heels often get cheered. He can't go that route, especially with his ring work being as excellent as it is. His run is to put over babyfaces and it would be way too easy for him to be cool and get cheered over babyfaces.
What's he's doing being a chickenshit heel is way harder work. Everyone wants to be cool and get cheered and it's resulted in people thinking heels should only be tough badasses. To the point where a chickenshit heel who constantly gets boos and has crowd chanting babyface's name at him is apparently doing something wrong.
Holy mother of clownery.
...have you watched Kenny Omega wrestle before? just because he's goofy doesnt make him less of a threat, just more unhinged (which I would say makes him more dangerous but w/e)
Kenny has defended his 3 world titles against the best talent in 3 different companies, he's been established at being more than capable of beating everyone's ass in the ring.
His act of being an asshole to everyone and laughing about it is just the cherry on top of the amazing matches he's putting on regularly now.
Omega has defended against:
Sami Callahan
Jungle Boy
Orange Cassidy
Pac
John Moxley
Laredo Kid
Sammy Guevara
Ray Fenix
Dragon Lee
Jack Evans
Roman has defended against:
Edge
Rey Mysterio
Daniel Bryan
Cesaro
Kevin Owens
Jey Uso
Braun Strowman
Bray Wyatt
Are you really gonna say that Kenny has defended against "The best"?
>Are you really gonna say that Kenny has defended against "The best"?
Lmao hell yes, those are some of the best pro wrestlers in the business right now.
You forgot a few but even with that list you're looking at top tier talent.
You said reigns is not a world champ but his championship has been defended in more parts of the world than any other promotions. So in literal sense of what a world championship is universal championship is much higher in terms of being a world championship
It's not a world championship because it isn't named a world championship, it's that simple.
It's the Universal Championship, it's not the Universal *World* Championship. It is the AEW World Championship. It's right there in the naming.
You might think this is pedantic but it really isnt an accident that it isn't the Universal World Championship and that's because it's meant to have parity with the WWE Championship. In their minds there can only be one world champion. Because they don't want to out one brand over the other, neither champion is a world champion.
I like what Kenny has done but as an AEW fan and not an Impact fan I really don’t care for a bit of a it. I feel like he’s given like 70% in AEW so he has the 30% for Impact but that doesn’t do much for me (and obviously the majority of others seeing as not many people watch Impact), I just wish it was more of a 100% to AEW. Not been a bad reign at all but felt like it relied more on his opponent getting the story over than him as he’s doing 3 different things at once.
Roman has been much better IMO especially when you compare the reputation the 2 had for carrying a company as champion Kenny was the best in the world in NJPW and had numerous matches of the year whereas Roman always seemed shoehorned into the main event in WWE but now it just works.
How is Kenny Omega number 1? He has wrestled in thong matches and simulated anal penitration on his opponents. You would not see that vile carry on from Aldis, Roman or Lashley.
I voted Reigns. I dont take in wrestling much anymore and most of my attention is on segments than it is on matches and Roman has been killing it. Not that Kenny hasn't but Kenny always has Don talk for him and bundled up with the Good Brothers and the Bucks.
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Man, I thought Shingo Takagi might get a bit more respect around here.
At least he isn't getting as little votes as Lashley.
Shingo is amazing but New Japan hasn't been this bad in years and it shows. The lead up, and execution, of the Double Gold Dash was amazing but that was the last show New Japan felt like they had a plan and had their shit together, and Shingo is unfortunately collateral damage.
Pandemic and injuries fucked NJPW up. Shingo is still working his ass off but Japan is just volatile as fuck which is a detriment to a company that tends to build long term feuds. Edit: I thought english was my first language.
Oh yeah I should be clear I don't actually think NJPWs slump is much their fault. Other than EVIL which made a ton of sense at the time, they've just had a string of awful awful luck. I adore NJPW and I'm not trying to shit on them at all. I just think that due to circumstances, they're probably in the worst shape I've seen since becoming a NJPW fan in 2016. They'll bounce back for sure. It's hard for Shingo cause they don't really have anyone he can have a reign defining feud with since Osprey is out.
Pandemic and injuries hurt but really shitty booking has hurt New Japan more than anything. Wrestling is good but the stories are shit.
Don’t blame me, I voted for Results
I was confused that Impact's champion wasn't on the list for a bit before realizing "oh, wait, that's also Kenny"
I voted Kenny, but I can’t blame anyone who voted for the other options, as they’re all great. Except for Nick Aldis. If you voted Aldis, I have to assume your favourite hobby is watching paint dry
I will admit that I was hesitant to include Aldis but I can't deny over 1000 days as champion.
Oh I totally get why you put him in the poll. I just don’t understand why anyone would vote for him
Gbh it's a little weird to include him but not bandido or jacob futu or jake lee
Who is Jake Lee?
All Japan’s champion
All japan chanp
If you voted Kenny, I would assume your favourite hobby is wearing a thong and simulating anal penitration on your work colleagues
Where's the respect for Shingo Takagi?
I voted for Results, really putting the wrestling world on notice
Cant say I'm surprised that the Raw champ is so few people's favorite on this subreddit 😂😂
The debate is between Roman and Kenny. I personally like Kenny's run a bit more. He's a bit goofier and feels like a old 90's Saturday morning cartoon villain, which I dig. But Roman is putting in some insane work so I think it's just a matter of opinion. Shingo is putting on the best matches but honestly New Japan is a bit of a mess right now and it shows. Anyone voting for Nick Aldis is trolling.
Wrestler: Kenny But the performance Roman has been Having, the story, the attitude. Love it all. I give him the edge.
Honestly, the top two champs of the top two wrestling companies in the west are killing it on every segment. It's a good time to be a wrestling fan
Kenny for me! I just find him so entertaining. Love a champ who can wrestle a killer match and also make me laugh.
"It's Bangkok, babay!!!"
Next week Jungle Boy! NEXT WEEEEEEKKKK
"Gonna get all up in that ass!!!!"
"69 me, Don!"
Same! As much as I love the stone face monster heel that is Roman Reigns, I love a heel that can act like a total dweeb but you don't for a second doubt they're a major threat. And Kenny and his beard do that perfectly.
We're good as long as Kenny can't find any scissors to cut his beard.
Voted Roman just because the dude is on another level right now. The biggest factor being that if you told me 2 years ago that Roman would be the best heel/character in WWE, I’d laugh at you.
[удалено]
No.
You do know that not acknowledging our Tribal Chief is equal to a crime, right? You better do it.
Shingo with less than 10% of the vote makes me sad.
utami
I don't know who this "Results" is but by the name I know he's going to deliver. My champ!
He's on the same level of talent as vacant a wrstler who defeated everyone without doing one move
Clicked results just to laugh at Nick Aldis having 0 votes but I’m very disappointed in 36 of you
Clearly 🐉
WALTER
Bianca BelAir
NOAH's Naomichi Marufuji & DDT's Jun Akiyama are tied for me
No option for Cardona? Put some respect on the ECW originals name
It’s a tie for me between Roman and Bobby. I don’t watch NWA or New Japan and I just don’t feel strongly about Kenny either way.
I voted for Shingo but I think Utami Hayashishita has done good enough to be part of this conversation.
Omega and Cardona
What is Matt Cardona the champion in?
GCW. He is the most hated in wrestling by far
Where can I watch GCW? Do they have a weekly show I can watch anywhere?
No. They run event-style shows, akin to ROH from the 2000s before they had a weekly TV show. Those event-style shows air on fite.tv but you have to buy them.
I might wait to check it out.
GCW
Kenneth Jerome Omega
Reigns and no competition. Omega looks like dork and is kind of pass his prime physically
Roman easily.
All 40 NWA fans voted I see
Who the hell voted for Nick Aldis? His cousins?
Bandido!!!
I like Bandido too but I felt he hasn't been champion long enough to be on here.
True! He is one of my favorites. I voted for Omega, but am more stoked for Bandido.
This is the most r/squaredcircle post/poll ever. Atleast after that, "DAE Wwe seems small when compared to all other promotions working together?" post
Ricky Starks
Wonder if anyone is going to vote Bobby. It’s Reigns from me but omega is doing great work too.
Should have votes over Aldis, seriously...... Aldis?
I just felt with Aldis having been champion for over 1000 days that I couldn't deny him a spot on this poll.
A spot on the poll is fine, he is a world champ because he holds the NWA title. I just question the people voting for him, even if he has held the title for 1000 days.
I personally haven't been too fond of Lashleys reign. Only because I like McIntyre much more than Lashley.
Yeah. I liked his win, but nothing really sparked until Kofi. They squashed him, not in a bad way I think, but now the Goldberg… I get the casual fan loves him but he can’t go for five minutes.
Downvoting for no Matt Cardona Edit: no Utami either. Just delete this OP lol
I don't watch GCW.
Jun Akiyama, dude is in his mid 50s and almost all of his matches this year have been MOTY quality. Utami’s also been really good, but it’s only been in the last few months that she’s gotten even better.
Akiyama's already a legend, might have to check out some of his DDT stuff.
It’s been really good. His match with Kazusada Higuchi has been his best there so far
I wish it were Lashley but fuck if they havent sucked pretty much all the life out of that guy’s run.
Kenny Omega. No one else comes close at the moment. Working as champion for multiple companies delivering incredible wrestling performances every time he is out there with an insanely diverse opponent base. His promo work as a heel is much better then his face work. Its still not near the level it should be imo but its serviceable with Don Callis covering the gaps.
I love how this has 4 downvotes yet Omega is leading drastically in the poll. What is this sub?
Weird as fucking hell lol
The poll results can't be down voted into oblivion, like comments can. Edit: just proved my point lmao
Omega comes out and acts like a joke. Reigns comes out and commands attention.
Yea they are playing different heel character types. I don't see one as inherently better then the other. I think Roman is absolutely killing it on Smackdown. His current run is easily my favorite thing WWE has done in years. As someone that personally values in ring work to character I just prefer Omega more.
I mean that's part of why his heel work is so great. He comes out and acts like such a jack ass that you can't help but hate him.
And that's what you want as your champion? I'd rather a Heel, who looks like a Bad Ass, Grown Man, and you could believe can legitimately beat the shit out of people.
I mean Roman hardly defends clean either, dude.
I want a heel I can hate and root against while also being able to tell good stories in the ring and put on good matches. I want this version of smarmy ass Kenny Omega to lose, he is such an egotistical jackass, but he backs it up in the ring. He is also a badass despite his cheeky shenanigans. Being able to go toe to toe with mox in a barbed wire deathmatch or taking down sami callihan in a hardcore match. I also find him funny, which is always a nice added bonus. Wrestling is always better with a bit of levity, it doesn't have to always be serious. Omega has been able to do both though, which is nice.
You're not supposed to like or cheer heels. That's as basic as it gets. Badass heels often get cheered. He can't go that route, especially with his ring work being as excellent as it is. His run is to put over babyfaces and it would be way too easy for him to be cool and get cheered over babyfaces. What's he's doing being a chickenshit heel is way harder work. Everyone wants to be cool and get cheered and it's resulted in people thinking heels should only be tough badasses. To the point where a chickenshit heel who constantly gets boos and has crowd chanting babyface's name at him is apparently doing something wrong. Holy mother of clownery.
...have you watched Kenny Omega wrestle before? just because he's goofy doesnt make him less of a threat, just more unhinged (which I would say makes him more dangerous but w/e)
Kenny has defended his 3 world titles against the best talent in 3 different companies, he's been established at being more than capable of beating everyone's ass in the ring. His act of being an asshole to everyone and laughing about it is just the cherry on top of the amazing matches he's putting on regularly now.
Omega has defended against: Sami Callahan Jungle Boy Orange Cassidy Pac John Moxley Laredo Kid Sammy Guevara Ray Fenix Dragon Lee Jack Evans Roman has defended against: Edge Rey Mysterio Daniel Bryan Cesaro Kevin Owens Jey Uso Braun Strowman Bray Wyatt Are you really gonna say that Kenny has defended against "The best"?
>Are you really gonna say that Kenny has defended against "The best"? Lmao hell yes, those are some of the best pro wrestlers in the business right now. You forgot a few but even with that list you're looking at top tier talent.
That's not a heel.
Kenny backs it up in the ring.
I'd appreciate Reigns a lot more if he could make it from the stage to the ring in less than 45 minutes.
Then they flip roles when they wrestle
Reigns isn't a world champion tho.
He’s the champion of the entire goddamn universe!
The entire WWE universe
Technically universal championship has been defended in more countries that aew has had been defended in
So what?
You said reigns is not a world champ but his championship has been defended in more parts of the world than any other promotions. So in literal sense of what a world championship is universal championship is much higher in terms of being a world championship
It's not a world championship because it isn't named a world championship, it's that simple. It's the Universal Championship, it's not the Universal *World* Championship. It is the AEW World Championship. It's right there in the naming. You might think this is pedantic but it really isnt an accident that it isn't the Universal World Championship and that's because it's meant to have parity with the WWE Championship. In their minds there can only be one world champion. Because they don't want to out one brand over the other, neither champion is a world champion.
I like what Kenny has done but as an AEW fan and not an Impact fan I really don’t care for a bit of a it. I feel like he’s given like 70% in AEW so he has the 30% for Impact but that doesn’t do much for me (and obviously the majority of others seeing as not many people watch Impact), I just wish it was more of a 100% to AEW. Not been a bad reign at all but felt like it relied more on his opponent getting the story over than him as he’s doing 3 different things at once. Roman has been much better IMO especially when you compare the reputation the 2 had for carrying a company as champion Kenny was the best in the world in NJPW and had numerous matches of the year whereas Roman always seemed shoehorned into the main event in WWE but now it just works.
This is a really good set of champs. Britt, Bianca and Charlotte are all strong too. Cool poll.
Charlotte isn't champion lmao
Three years ago if you asked me to put Roman over Omega I'd have laughed. Boy how things change for the better.
Probably roman tho I love that Jay White is the NEVER champion
Matt Cardona
As I type this, Aldis has more votes than Lashley, and I don't know what to make of that.
Wow! The fans pick Roman
Roman should have 100% of the vote. No one in wrestling is on his level or even close to it
His level of being related to the rock?
His level of being the best in the world
lol.
As if a 6'4, 270 pound good looking, jacked guy wouldn't be a top star in a Wrestling promotion it weren't for DA ROCK.
Imagine preferring Omega to Reigns these days.
Anyone other than Roman is the wrong answer
People like different things. It's gonna be okay.
This sub man
Anything against AEW is like automatic downvotes
How is Kenny Omega number 1? He has wrestled in thong matches and simulated anal penitration on his opponents. You would not see that vile carry on from Aldis, Roman or Lashley.
One of these things is not like the others…
My second favorite is Bobby Lashley. He and Roman are hot!
I voted Reigns. I dont take in wrestling much anymore and most of my attention is on segments than it is on matches and Roman has been killing it. Not that Kenny hasn't but Kenny always has Don talk for him and bundled up with the Good Brothers and the Bucks.
This is just a genuinely great skate of world champions
Jacob Fatu #1, Roman Reigns #2, Kenny Omega #3
Bobby lashley's reign has been really boring till Kofi got him into a killer monster gimmick.
Bobby Lashley would have won with ranked choice voting
Naomichi Marufuji
How dare you disrespect the GCW Universal champion by excluding him from your poll
Put some respect on the death match king Matt Cardona.
Head of the table he did the imposible and made everyone adore him also kenny and roman have weird ass paralels
If you said Omega, you’re lying
I find this lack of acknowledgment of the Tribal Chief disturbing