20250515 Better Late Than Never

this episode of the If We Had thePencil podcast, hosts Sean and Matt discuss the recent passing of wrestlinglegend Sabu, reflecting on his impact on the industry. They delve into WWE'sbranding strategies, particularly the placement of sponsorships in the ring,and express concerns over rising ticket prices and corporate greed affectingfans. The conversation shifts to a comparison of the quality of SmackDownversus Raw, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each show. They alsoexplore the women's division, focusing on Jade and Charlotte's storylines, andconclude with a discussion on the importance of the tag team division inkeeping SmackDown relevant. In this segment of the conversation, the hostsdelve into various wrestling matches, focusing on their expectations,reactions, and the storytelling elements involved. They discuss John Cena'simpactful promos, the highlights of the Backlash event, and the evolution ofwomen's wrestling through unique moves. The analysis extends to Gunther's matchwith Pat McAfee, emphasizing the storytelling aspect, and concludes with abreakdown of the main event featuring RKO and AA dynamics. In thisconversation, Sean and Matt delve into various aspects of wrestling, focusingon John Cena's recent performances, the concept of overbooking in matches, andthe significance of storytelling in WWE. They discuss Cena's evolvingcharacter, the impact of ref bumps, and the potential for complex narrativesthat resonate with both younger and older audiences. The conversation alsotouches on the role of R-Truth in enhancing storylines and speculates on futuredevelopments in wrestling, including the dynamics of factions and characterturns. The conversation delves into various aspects of wrestling, focusing oncharacter dynamics, alliances, and the evolution of storylines. Key discussionsinclude the potential for character development through alliances, thechallenges faced by wrestlers like Chad Gable, and the importance of titles inestablishing a wrestler's status. The hosts also explore the quality of tagteam wrestling, the significance of trust issues in storylines, and theevolution of the women's division. Overall, the conversation highlights theintricate storytelling that defines modern wrestling.