{"id":202955,"date":"2025-08-17T14:05:55","date_gmt":"2025-08-17T19:05:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=202955"},"modified":"2025-08-17T14:05:55","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T19:05:55","slug":"wwe-rising-stars-fading-stars-graves-rules-sami-entertains-and-sky-soars-while-cenas-sucks-rusev-rambles-and-the-mfts-are-doa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2025\/08\/17\/wwe-rising-stars-fading-stars-graves-rules-sami-entertains-and-sky-soars-while-cenas-sucks-rusev-rambles-and-the-mfts-are-doa\/","title":{"rendered":"WWE RISING STARS &#038; FADING STARS: Graves Rules, Sami Entertains, and Sky Soars, while Cena&#8217;s Sucks, Rusev Rambles, and the MFT\u2019s are DOA"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-351923413\" class=\"pwtor-before-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><hr \/><b>SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... <\/b>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?show_id=3076978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=false&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"140px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n<hr \/><\/div><div>\n<p>Life is full of ups and downs.\u00a0\u00a0Take mine, for example.<\/p>\n<p>For years, I have enjoyed monthly WWE PLE&#8217;s for just $10 as part of my Peacock subscription.\u00a0\u00a0In 2026, I\u2019ll gonna have to pony up 30 bucks a month to get them on ESPN.\u00a0\u00a0Ouch.<\/p>\n<p>Few of us experience such weekly peaks and valleys as a WWE performer.\u00a0\u00a0One week you\u2019re hot, the next, you\u2019re not.<\/p>\n<p>So many wrestlers have unexpectedly risen to greatness, fallen into obscurity, or both.\u00a0\u00a0Sometimes this is due to factors that are invisible to fans, like backstage politics or wellness policy violations.<\/p>\n<p>More often, their fortunes rise and fall depending on a combination of what the roles they are given and their competence in performing.<\/p>\n<p>Who stood out this week, and who fell flat?<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Rising Star of the Week:\u00a0Corey Graves<\/h3>\n<p>The single greatest improvement to WWE programming in recent weeks has been Corey Graves\u2019s return to Raw color commentary.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s not simply that Graves is quick-witted, an expert in wrestling history, has chemistry with Michael Cole, and tells a compelling story, although all of these apply.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the relief from the irritants we suffered in Pat McAfee\u2019s commentary that benefits Raw most.\u00a0\u00a0McAfee&#8217;s ignorance of WWE storylines, his distracting antics, encouraging Cole\u2019s to act like a nerd, and scatological humor greatly outweighed his enthusiasm and star power.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-1156103469\" class=\"pwtor-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Raw fans now understand that the grass isn\u2019t always greener on the other side of the fence.\u00a0\u00a0We didn\u2019t know how good we had it until Graves was gone.\u00a0\u00a0Mashed potatoes and WWE commentary are just better with &#8220;Gravy!&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>1st Runner-up: Sammy Zayn<\/h3>\n<p>Despite many high profile losses, Sami Zayn consistently makes the most of his TV time. His matches are always good, his acting is just spot-on, and his earnestness makes him easy to root for.<\/p>\n<p>Even Sami\u2019s somewhat frequent losses are as much feature as flaw, as they add an element of unpredictability to every match. Since you never know for sure if he\u2019s going to win, his matches remain intruiging until the final bell.<\/p>\n<p>His only weakness, an unremarkable look, works to Sami\u2019s advantage as it reinforces his role as an everyman and perpetual underdog.<\/p>\n<p>Although he\u2019s far from the main event scene, Sami continues to invoke his quest for his first world title.\u00a0\u00a0This helps reinforce the sense\u00a0\u00a0that Zayne is truly on a journey.\u00a0\u00a0Even though it\u2019s not certain if he\u2019ll ever get there, or maybe because of it, fans can\u2019t help but root for him.<\/p>\n<h3>2nd Runner-up: Iyo Sky<\/h3>\n<p>What a nerd!<\/p>\n<p>When we talk about what makes Sky great, her top-notch ring work is the first thing that comes to mind.\u00a0\u00a0And for good reason.\u00a0\u00a0Sky has been the glue in the WWE\u2019s best women\u2019s matches of 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Sky\u2019s wrestling ability has always been phenomenal. The secret to her 2025 success has been a newfound connection with the audience.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-192710033\" class=\"pwtor-content-1 pwtor-entity-placement\"><!-- Tag ID: pwtorchcom_test_300x600 -->\r\n<div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __300x600\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Years of playing it cool as part of Damage CTRL didn\u2019t work.\u00a0\u00a0Sky has made fans care about her via her dorky earnestness.\u00a0\u00a0Much like Erin, receptionist in later seasons of &#8220;The Office,&#8221; Sky\u2019s clueless cheerful is endearing.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes Sky\u2019s cheerfulness goes too far.\u00a0\u00a0The Raw after Summerslam, having just lost the championship, she was as joyful as ever, underselling the title\u2019s significance and the agony of defeat.<\/p>\n<p>This week\u2019s match with Roxanne Perez, even handicapped by a cheap finish, was a showcase for both women and the best match on\u00a0Raw.\u00a0\u00a0Even in defeat, Sky looked great. An apparent upcoming feud with her Asuka, the only woman who can match Sky in the ring, promises to be even better.<\/p>\n<p>Champion or not, the Genius of the Sky continues to soar.<\/p>\n<p><em>ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW&#8230;<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Check out the latest episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-show covering the latest episode of Smackdown: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spreaker.com\/episode\/wwe-smackdown-post-show-8-15-keller-barnett-talks-drew-cody-follow-up-sami-switching-shows-and-merits-of-strong-brand-split-more--67386776\">CLICK HERE<\/a> to stream (or search \u201cwade Keller\u201d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"WWE SMACKDOWN POST-SHOW (8\/15) - Keller &amp; Barnett talks Drew-Cody follow-up, Sami switching shows and merits of strong brand split, more\" src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?episode_id=67386776&amp;theme=light&amp;playlist=false&amp;playlist-continuous=false&amp;chapters-image=true&amp;episode_image_position=right&amp;hide-logo=false&amp;hide-likes=false&amp;hide-comments=false&amp;hide-sharing=false&amp;hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200px\" frameborder=\"0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Fading Star of the Week: John Cena<\/h3>\n<p>John Cena\u2019s Smackdown follow-up to an excellent Summerslam main event was a fumble.\u00a0\u00a0The former champ made absolutely no mention of losing his WWE Championship (no longer referred to as \u201cUndisputed\u201d) to Cody Rhodes, focusing only on how much the crowd cheered him.<\/p>\n<p>Cena totally buried the headline, failing to give Rhodes credit for victory or sharing a shred of disappointment in defeat or the end of his historic 17th title reign.<\/p>\n<p>Apparently self-obsessed, Cena focused on his desire to be cheered rather than doing his job: to portray a compelling character in an ongoing drama. Instead of passing the torch to Cody and putting over the importance of the most prestigious championship in all of wrestling, Cena showed that neither matters as much as his ego.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s time for the \u201cgreatest of all time\u201d to realize that the show must go on after his retirement, and give back to the business that made him a star.<\/p>\n<h3>1st Runner-up:\u00a0\u00a0The MFT\u2019s<\/h3>\n<p>This family tree could use some pruning.<\/p>\n<p>Solo\u2019s best mic work isn\u2019t enough to save WWE\u2019s newest faction from mediocrity.\u00a0\u00a0His followers are bland, uninteresting, and unprepared for the opportunity they\u2019ve been given.\u00a0\u00a0Smackdown\u2019s spotlight only reveals their weaknesses.<\/p>\n<p>An extended run on NXT would serve them well.\u00a0\u00a0Otherwise, the MFT\u2019s would be better utilized by putting over acts with more potential, a\/k\/a pretty much every other wrestler on the program.<\/p>\n<h3>2nd Runner-up:\u00a0\u00a0Rusev<\/h3>\n<p>In spite of strong ring work and plenty of TV time, the Bulgarian Brute\u2019s heel run isn\u2019t working. His mission statement to make other wrestlers better by beating them up makes no sense.\u00a0\u00a0Fans aren\u2019t motivated to boo or cheer this beloved star; we\u2019re just indifferent.<\/p>\n<p>Rusev needs a change in direction and some better writing if he\u2019s to make an impact in today\u2019s WWE. Until then, Rusev Day will serve as a memorial to what a big deal he used to be.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wade Keller Post-show (8\/15) - WWE Smackdown w\/cohost Jake Barnett\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uKpnVNuSuHQ?start=1&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pwtor-end-article-groups pwtor-entity-placement\" id=\"pwtor-3699581456\"><div id=\"pwtor-877963961\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU FOR VISITING<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>Life is full of ups and downs.\u00a0\u00a0Take mine, for example. For years, I have enjoyed monthly WWE PLE&#8217;s for just $10 as part of my Peacock subscription.\u00a0\u00a0In 2026, I\u2019ll gonna have to pony up 30 <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2025\/08\/17\/wwe-rising-stars-fading-stars-graves-rules-sami-entertains-and-sky-soars-while-cenas-sucks-rusev-rambles-and-the-mfts-are-doa\/\" title=\"WWE RISING STARS &#038; FADING STARS: Graves Rules, Sami Entertains, and Sky Soars, while Cena&#8217;s Sucks, Rusev Rambles, and the MFT\u2019s are DOA\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":202560,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,4309,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-202955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opnionandanalysis","category-rising-star-fading-star","category-specialists"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-10-at-12.00.38-PM.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=202955"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202955\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":202956,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202955\/revisions\/202956"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/202560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=202955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=202955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=202955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}