For Wrestling and MMA fans, this weekend is an All You Can Eat Buffet

For years, the real world and films have taught us that we need more to consume in our lives. AT&T proclaimed that “more is better”, while Gordon Gekko famously said, “Greed — for lack of a better word — is good.” Wrestling and MMA fans have an insatiable appetite, always wanting something to raise the bar. The fans fit very well with the opening lines. It looks like those same fans will get their fix.

This weekend should be quite a rush. Let’s start on the MMA side of things:

UFC 202: McGregor v. Diaz II

It’s the highly anticipated sequel that has a chance to be better than the original (very rare nowadays). Conor McGregor will look to prove this Saturday that he has what it takes to beat Nate Diaz. No more talking, its time to get this show on the road. Plenty of places will be open for the fight, as this PPV may be on par with UFC 200 in regards to hype.

There are more fights besides the main event during the next two days. Other fights on the card feature Anthony Johnson against Glover Teixeira, Rick Story against Donald Cerrone and Raquel Pennington against Elizabeth Phillips. With UFC 203 on the horizon, UFC 202 will look to continue the momentum UFC has had in 2016.

Onto the pro wrestling side of things:

Evolve 66 and 67

2016 has been a banner year for Evolve. Along with the great talent they have, the company has also been utilizing their relationship between WWE and TNA Impact. Everyone will have an important role tonight and tomorrow at 8pm in Maryland and 3pm in Brooklyn.

The main takeaway from Evolve’s mega weekend is the in-ring return of Cody Rhodes. Since leaving WWE, Cody has been preparing for the run of his career. He starts his “freedom” against one of the best wrestlers in the world today: WWE Cruiserweight Classic competitor Zach Sabre, Jr. That should be one heck of a fight, and that’s only night one. The next night, Cody will face off against Chris Hero. This weekend is the chance for the former Stardust to show what WWE missed out on. By the end of the weekend Cody might get battered and bruised, but he’ll look to give people their money’s worth doing so.

Other matches on the card:

• Matt Riddle will look to fulfill part of his destiny by facing Timothy Thatcher for the Evolve World Title. In a No Holds Barred match, Riddle might get his chance to shine and show how great he is for wrestling.
• Cedric Alexander will face TJ Perkins in what could be the final hoo rah in the Indies for Cedric. Since his epic bout against Kota Ibushi in the CWC, it looks like Cedric may be WWE bound. He had his moment, and now he may get rewarded for it.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTDcQyh0cck

• Ethan Carter III and Drew Galloway will “invade” Evolve and look to make an Impact “pun intended”. Their “shoot fights” with Evolve talent have been very entertaining.
• Regardless if he loses the title, Thatcher will face Drew Gulak in the ultimate grudge match. Fans are excited for this bout, which should be a great outing between these two rivals.
• Tony Nese, Tommy End and much more will appear.

Ring of Honor: Death Before Dishonor

ROH and New Japan Pro Wrestling team up once again tonight to put on a possible game-changing event. The main takeaway from this is the match between Jay Lethal and Adam Cole for the Ring of Honor World Title. As I’ve stated before, Lethal has been the best champion in professional wrestling today. That title reign may come to an end thanks to the newest member of the Bullet Club. Adam Cole (BAY BAY) has shown a ruthless side not seen before. With several Bullet Club members set to appear at the event, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some shenanigans involved.

By the end of the night, we could see a new ROH World Champion. If that’s the case, the Bullet Club could actually change the entire landscape of professional wrestling.

Tier 1 & Warriors of Wrestling Presents: Empire State of Mind

Tonight in Brooklyn, familiar faces and new stars will look to shine in a combined event hosted by two great promotions. One of the reasons I am pointing this event out is because of a familiar face. Maxwell Jacob Feinstein will challenge Max Caster for the Create A Pro Championship. The young star is looking to make his true impact in the squared circle by having gold around his waist. It’s a moment MJF has been waiting for, mainly because he believes he deserves it. Can’t argue with that. Good luck Mr. Feinstein. And don’t forget, he’s better than you and you know it.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylI_EqPUBs4&feature=youtu.be

NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II

Last year, NXT rocked the Barclays Center. This year, they look to actually knock the building down. NXT has a much different roster compared to a year ago (even a month ago). This could be the last time we see Bayley in a NXT ring, and I can’t wait for her and Asuka to go to war. We should also see a very athletic tag team match between The Revival and the team of Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.

WWE has a lot to think about in regards to NXT Champion Samoa Joe facing Shinsuke Nakamura. The latter is undefeated while Joe is the dominant champion. How the company goes about this will be very interesting to look into.

One more thing about this event: I can’t wait for the NXT PPV debut of Bobby Roode. It should be GLORIOUS. Here is his theme music for your enjoyment.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7oMBq1vkCM

WWE SummerSlam  

Here we have the main course. The brand split comes into full force for Sunday’s event. It appears the entire company (minus Sami Zayn) is on the card (which will probably be 4+ hours). There is something for everyone to enjoy during the “Biggest Party of the Summer”:

• Dean Ambrose v. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Title (The ultimate underdogs)
• Seth Rollins(!) v. Finn Balor (!) for the WWE Universal Title (still a terrible idea/name)
• Brock Lesnar v. Randy Orton
• Roman Reigns v. Rusev for the U.S. Title (here’s hoping for another Reigns loss to justify his suspension)
• Sasha Banks v. Charlotte for the Women’s Title
• John Cena v. A.J. Styles
• New Day v. Gallows and Anderson for the Tag Titles
• The Miz v. Apollo (Creed) Crews for the Intercontinental Title
• Enzo Amore and Big Cass v. Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens (awesome team)
• Cesaro v. Sheamus
• Carmella, Becky Lynch and Naomi v. Natalya and Alexa Bliss (Eva Marie just got suspended, so there could be a surprise appearance. Bayley? Nikki Bella? Santina Marella? Bueller?)

Well, that is a stacked card for ONE NIGHT. Let’s see how the company produces under extreme pressure.

I’m sure there are more events going on, which makes this weekend that much better. With so many choices, how could you get bored? I have provided you with the possibilities, it’s up to you to execute. Whether you sit back and relax or actually go to an event, you know you’re in for a good time. This weekend is a huge treat for us fans, so let’s embrace it. You never know when a weekend like this will happen again.