SummerSlam is here, and it just doesn't feel like it should. Peter Klein breaks down why WWE's creative direction has deflated what should be one of the most anticipated events of the year.

The lack of meaningful stakes, results without consequences, the bloodline reunion undoing one of the best long-term stories wrestling has ever told, and a roster full of exciting performers being blocked by the same veterans cycling through the same top spots. Oba Femi had the King of the Ring. Braun Breaker should have beaten Seth. Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, LA Knight, and others are knocking on the door, and the booking keeps slamming it shut.

Peter also digs into where Triple H has struggled to translate his NXT success to the main roster, why the Cena heel turn felt hollow, and a Christopher Daniels answer from the old Combat Central days on Sportsnet 960 that has stuck with him ever since, and might actually be the solution to what ails WWE's creative right now.

Living Room Lariat is the wrestling podcast from the Couch Potato Diary network. Find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Has professional wrestling lost some of its momentum?

In this episode of Living Room Lariat, I discuss why WWE and AEW don't quite feel like must-watch television right now despite having incredible talent across both companies. Is it a lack of compelling stories? Are companies relying too heavily on established stars? Or is the wrestling landscape simply in a quieter period?

Then, I have some fun fantasy booking what a WWE version of Forbidden Door could look like using the company's current partnerships with NXT, TNA Wrestling, AAA, and Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Do you think wrestling has lost some of its excitement? And what matches would you book for a WWE Forbidden Door event?

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A big wrestling episode of Living Room Lariat with a lot to get through.

The WWE cuts have dominated the conversation, and I give my honest take on all of it, including some thoughts that might not land well with everyone. The talent deserved better. But some of where the frustration has been directed this week feels like it is missing the target entirely.

The RAW after WrestleMania delivered. Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns is going to be a fantastic program. Ethan Page looked like a star from night one. And a few others made strong first impressions in the new WWE year.

AEW Dynamite continues to be must-watch with Darby Allin as champion, and there is a line from his promo that I think quietly opens a very interesting creative door that AEW needs to walk through.

And to close, five WWE performers I think need to be a major focus coming out of WrestleMania season. Some of these are obvious. One or two might surprise you.

🎧 Listen on: Apple | Spotify

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- Partners: C of Dead