By Matthew Klink (@klinkmatt)

6/3/2018

While I’ve definitely shown all of my cards, in regards to where my allegiances lie, I still think my notions on Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre are worth listening to. We are over a month into their campaign to own the show and without a loss on their collective record, they stand tall (Drew McIntyre…really tall) over their recent competition.

As they continue to run through the roster, I wonder what’s next for the duo. I’m still a little concerned with their standing on the main roster, after all, they are nowhere to be found on the Money in the Bank card. They also look to be forming somewhat of a feud with Chad Gable. This scares me because I still know there is the possibility that they use this as an opportunity to reunite American Alpha and cause the collapse of the Ziggler/McIntyre run. My third concern is their lack of representation on Hulu. It may be a silly claim, but it could mean more going forward.

Hulu is the opportunity for the WWE to meet the mainstream. Hulu, using different algorithms along with measuring opportunity to find reasons for an individual subscriber to become a long-term, loyal consumer, has the responsibility of recommending WWE programming. That connection between the consumer and WWE programming could be a long standing fandom that Hulu would see as an opportunity to get that customer familiar with a new way to watch Raw and Smackdown. The other reason, for making those connections, could be to reunite a former fan with brand new programming. The WWE would want to ensure that their very best segments, matches and promos are available on Hulu, to create a curious fan or (ideally) a new, loyal, returning fan.

The fact that Hulu and the WWE feel they would be successful with Bobby Lashley and Sami Zayn segments over Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler is truly troubling. Either in their own decision making or what they see in the future of the former “Chosen One” or “the Show Off”.

Hopefully I’m over-thinking this and they just feel that the Ziggler/McIntyre/Gable feud is better for the hardcore fan compared to the Hulu consumer, but it at least causes a somewhat measurable amount of concern.

The match for McIntyre and Gable was a good one. I like the story being built around McIntyre. The fact that his raw power, size, and agility will overcome the spirit and enthusiasm of a Chad Gable. While Drew took the upper hand early (as he slapped the bejeezus out of Gable while shouting “You’re not on my bloody level”), Gable’s never give up attitude helped get in some late offense and cause a huge fan of McIntyre, like me, sweat bullets. This, however, allowed McIntyre to practice what he preaches. He got the better of Gable, even though Gable was demonstrating that incredible level of heart and determination. Whatever Gable could amass; it just wouldn’t be enough!

 I look around the recap wires and see low grades and the notion of this build being predictable or boring. I urge the fans to remember the parallels between story and real life for Ziggler and McIntyre and cheer for these two to reach the top of card. Sure, Ziggler’s voice is definitely a deterrent to superstardom and McIntyre has his silly background in 3MB, but with their combined abilities and McIntyre’s intimidating demeanor, we might finally have a formidable opponent for Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, and…the Beast…Brock Lesnar! For that to happen, we’ve got to appreciate this great combination, while we have it!

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