It's been a whirlwind week in the world of professional wrestling, with two major title changes on TV and a host of intriguing storylines unfolding. The WINC staff has been hard at work analyzing the week's events, and the results are in. From Kenny Omega's triumphant return to the top to Sami Zayn's abrupt title reign, here's a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers of the week.
Losers
Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn's nine-day reign as WWE Champion was a bit of a rollercoaster. While it was clear he was a transitional champion, his title defense against CM Punk on 'Raw' was a bit of a letdown. Not only did he lose, but he didn't even make it to 'Saturday Night's Main Event,' let alone SummerSlam. His direction is now unclear, with Punk defending against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam and a potential match against GUNTHER on 'Saturday Night's Main Event.' It seems like Zayn's time as champion was a bit of a missed opportunity, and he's now taking a 'mental health break.'
Konosuke Takeshita
Konosuke Takeshita, also known as 'The Alpha,' had a rough week in both AEW and NJPW. In AEW, he lost the International Championship to Kyle Fletcher, and in NJPW, he suffered a loss to Yota Tsuji in the G1 Climax tournament. Takeshita's reign as AEW International Champion was short-lived, and his recent setbacks in NJPW have raised concerns about his performance. With two major losses back-to-back, Takeshita's path to redemption looks challenging.
AEW's Championship Overflow
AEW's copious number of championships is a double-edged sword. While it showcases the company's depth, it also leads to confusion and underutilization. Kenny Omega's AEW World Championship victory was a highlight, but the company's other titles, such as the TNT Championship and the National Championship, feel somewhat inferior. The congestion of titles makes it difficult for fans to keep track, and some championships are rarely defended, leading to a sense of disorganization.
Winners
The Bloodline Storyline
The Bloodline storyline received a much-needed boost with the introduction of Royce Keys. His confrontation with Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso on 'WWE SmackDown' added a layer of complexity to the stable. Keys' attempt to reason with Fatu and his emphasis on the importance of family dynamics within the Bloodline is intriguing. If WWE continues to explore this angle, it could lead to some exciting developments, especially with the potential for a SummerSlam match between Keys and Fatu.
Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin is a perfect fit for WWE's current landscape. His return booking, despite some issues, showcases his talent and charisma. Corbin's presence fills a void left by big ass-kickers like Sheamus. His character, a mix of personality and size, is exactly what WWE needs right now. Whether he becomes Danhausen's heavy or a force to be reckoned with, Corbin's return is a welcome addition to the roster.
Kenny Omega
Kenny Omega's victory over MJF at the Beach Break edition of 'AEW Dynamite' was a triumph. His evolution as a wrestler is evident, and his ability to create big moments is unparalleled. Omega's reign as AEW World Champion is a testament to his skill and popularity. The speculation surrounding his future matches and the potential for a title change at AEW All In London 2026 is exciting. Omega's reign promises to be a thrilling ride, and fans can't wait to see what's next for the champion.
