IWC Scum — Shower Thoughts from SkitZ (Tracking Cena’s 17th, Drew Takes a Backseat, Montez Ford Exploring, All Gas No Breakker & More)

Welcome back to the column that puts the incessant whining and complaining in IWC. I’m a scatterbrained schmuck named SkitZ, and this is the disturbing manner in which my mind works.

When I’m zoned out thinking about wrestling in my cramped little apartment shower, there’s usually 3 separate voices bickering back and forth over various topics. I refer to these internal annoyances as Me, Myself & SkitZ. One comes off cheerful and optimistic, one can’t help but be pissy and pessimistic, and the third personality serves as an amalgamation of the other two. He’s the sensible, common ground of the group if you will. Altogether they make up my own personal debate team; only the arguments last a lifetime. You can imagine how unbearable the three of them are the day after a noteworthy wrestling show.

With all this gossip stemming from RAW’s pitstop in Brussels, such as Cena sprouting a victim complex and Jey Uso nearly landing himself in a vegetative state, my cluttered head could use a good cleansing. As I slingshot my girlfriend’s shower cap across the bathroom and reach for some shampoo, the inner dialogue begins…

Myself: You actually enjoyed Cena’s first heel promo? How? There was no new music. No new ring gear. No mention of his affiliation with The Final Boss. Nothing except illogically bashing the fans wearing his merch for not supporting him. What a reach.

Me: Cena’s explanation made perfect sense! WWE’s fanbase never fully embraced the guy, despite him giving them everything he had. I believe the promo will age well. Besides, I’m sure John’s gonna delve deeper into his motives next Monday night.

Myself: I’m just sayin’… the dude had months – years really – to carefully craft his first heel promo, and that’s what he storms out the gate with? Cena stood there microphone in hand calling us awful for like 20 minutes, and Cody came down and cooked him in 1/10th that time. Plus, Rhodes should be out for Travis Scott’s eyeballs after what happened at Elimination Chamber.

SkitZ: Speaking of cooking, how about you let things simmer for a bit? We still have over 4 weeks until ‘Mania. I’m torn on whether or not I should even write a reaction column in response to what Cena said on RAW. Every keyboard warrior across the web has already given their two cents on the matter, and mine would just be-

Myself: Nobody cares to hear it, buddy. Please spare us another self-serving wrestling blog.

SkitZ: Tough luck because you’re stuck listening to me regardless. Cena’s reasoning behind the turn was justified, and delivered pretty damn well I thought. After such a universally praised heel turn, his follow-up promo was always gonna be overanalyzed. Fans had 16 days to manifest theories and build unrealistic expectations. When it comes to the IWC, Cena was right in that we have an insatiable appetite for consuming wrestling that’s never satisfied, even after being content the night before. Based on all that, WWE booked it perfectly. What jumps off the page at me is the fact that John Cena hasn’t competed for a World Title at WrestleMania in 12 YEARS.

Myself: Exactly. Doesn’t that worry anyone? Cena hasn’t had a great showing at the event in at least a decade. That’s an eternity in wrestling years.

Me: Don’t fret. Cena still has what it takes. He showed as much in Toronto at the Elimination Chamber. Also keep in mind, this is a guy who fought for a World Title at ‘Mania 8 times in 9 years!

Myself: Jesus Christ, that’s excessive.

SkitZ: I mean not really. Hogan worked 6 WWF Championship Matches in 9 years, and one of those occasions saw him walk in with the belt, but not defend it. Then there’s Triple H, who went a whopping 8-for-10 between 2000-2009. The only thing that prevented him from a 9th opportunity was pulling another Nash in ‘07. And you know who’s tied with Hunter? The Tribal Chief thanks to his run from 2015-2024.

Me: Ahhh I love statistics! How about Taker, HBK and Orton? Are they in the same category?

SkitZ: Not even close.

Myself: Nerds. You know, now that I think about it… Roman would’ve gone 10-for-10 over that stretch if his leukemia hadn’t returned, and he didn’t sit out WM36 because of COVID. Sheesh, and people thought Hogan and Cena were shoved down our throats. Clearly cancer and a dry cough are the only forces capable of defeating The OTC on the big stage.

SkitZ: And you say we’re the ones romanticizing about reigns.

Me: One I’m really looking forward to is how the Street Profits fare now that they’ve won their first Tag Team Titles in over 4 years!

Myself: Pfft please. Ford & Dawkins will be lucky if they even make it through WrestleMania weekend with the belts. The current SmackDown tag scene is an absolute shitshow.

Me: That’s by design!

Myself: Yeah well mission accomplished. We’re on the fast track to another multi-team cluster this year at WM41 that includes two teams who couldn’t sell a pop if they made ads for Pepsi.

SkitZ: That’s because Coca-Cola is the superior product, but I digress. The depths in which DIY’s drowning in infinite silence on the main roster is crazy considering how over they both were in NXT. Meanwhile, Motor City Machine Guns look like two middle aged dudes who work at your local mall. I swear Chris Sabin is cosplaying as 2016 Dean Ambrose in those backstage segments. Going back to the Street Profits though, what the hell ever happened to Montez Ford’s singles push?

Me: Great point. He had a star-making performance in the Elimination Chamber 2 years ago, and his frog splash is RVD-approved!

SkitZ: Breakout moment for sure. Or so it seemed. I was certain Montez would move on to challenge Theory for the U.S. Title at WrestleMania 39. Maybe even win it, but then he just reverted back to teaming with Angelo Dawkins. Bizarre move on management’s behalf, seeing as how Ford possesses all the tools to be a successful solo star.

Me: Agreed. Nobody else in WWE has those kinda hops! Montez could be an NBA player.

Myself: He reminds me of a younger Shelton Benjamin, but with charisma.

SkitZ: Well that’s wildly stereotypical.

Myself: And what our third party said wasn’t!?

SkitZ: You leave him be. Hunter definitely should’ve let Ford raise his solo cup and party on alone. Putting the Street Profits with Lashley felt counterproductive; for Montez at least.

Myself: That’s because The Pride stable was nothing more than a cheap imitation of the Hurt Business. It’s also hard to book a payoff when the main draw leaves for more money elsewhere.

Me: Well I for one enjoyed Bobby mentoring Ford & Dawkins. And I’m happy that Lashley bet on himself and went to AEW where he’s afforded better opportunities.

Myself: You mean like being part of yet another watered down version of the Hurt Business? Yeah, have fun with all that.

SkitZ: All I know is Ford will be 35 in May, and the window for a singles push is rapidly closing on the Fresh Prince of Belair’s.

Myself: Wouldn’t it be king? And doesn’t Fresh Prince of Balor make more sense?

SkitZ: What does he have to do with anything? Stop screwing up my wordplay.

Me: I’m excited for us to find out who this newest member of the Judgment Day is! Hopefully it’s Aleister Black. Or Roxanne Perez.

Myself: Hell no. Neither of them need the rub of being in the Judgment Day. The faction collectively wins about one televised match per month, so where’s the benefit in joining them anyway?

SkitZ: Judging by all this mounting tension between Finn and Dom, I suspect it will play out 1 of 2 ways. Either the group splits after WM41, or JD returns right before they implode and saves the squad.

Me: Could you imagine if, after Dom suggested they add Penta, it’s actually his brother Rey Fenix who joins the Judgment Day? Holy plot twist!

Myself: You’re giving WWE’s Creative Team far too much credit. When Fenix finally makes his debut, he’ll be right by Penta’s side. Hunter always lumps the Latinos together.

Me: There’s plenty of time to reunite the Lucha Bros later on down the road. I just can’t picture Penta hanging in the Judgment Day’s locker room when both he and Balor are chasing after the same belt.

Myself: I can’t help but wonder sometimes where Finn would be if not for the Judgment Day… probably on his third stint in NXT. Balor’s record in big matches reminds me of when Vince would stick a jobber with the losing streak gimmick.

SkitZ: There’s a lot of losing streaks that need to end at ‘Mania when it comes to capturing gold. Unfortunately for those guys, they’re all midcarders on RAW chasing Bron Breakker. He could very well lose in Vegas, but the reigning IC Champ-

Me: Is my early favorite to win the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble!

Myself: How about waiting your turn, pipsqueak. As much as I’d love to see somebody challenge Bron 1-on-1 at WrestleMania, we’re clearly heading for yet another clusterfuck. Triple H dragged out this grand slam champion storyline with Sheamus for so long that the Irishman’s body might not even make it to the milestone. Chad Gable is a year or two overdue for a midcard title, but now he’s gone full Lucha Underground on us and-

SkitZ: Hey for the record, I’m totally on board with the American Made Luchador facing Rey Mysterio at WM41, whether there’s a title involved or n-

Myself: Shut up and don’t interrupt while I’m in the middle of my spiel. As I was saying, Gable feels like he’s charting into Blue Blazer territory, which could prove to be a career killer. Kaiser seems poised for great things in 2025, but how does Ludwig go about doing that without winning a singles championship sooner rather than later?

Me: Hmmm he could feud with Rollins after ‘Mania! Or form a tag team with Dragunov after he returns from injury.

Myself: Must you always have such shit ideas? Why would Kaiser want a partner when he just kicked his previous one to the curb less than a year ago? And your boy Seth is gonna have his hands tied up for the foreseeable future thanks to that Punk obsession and Roman fetish he can’t shake.

SkitZ: Please don’t put that mental image in our heads.

Me: Wait, what about Penta and Balor’s chances of becoming the next IC Champ?

Myself: Finn? Seriously?? The dude hasn’t won a singles title on the main roster in 6 years. And yeah, Penta might be Hunter’s shiny new play thing, but him going over at ‘Mania feels rushed to me.

SkitZ: …So Breakker retains at WM41?

Myself: Yeah probably.

SkitZ: Wow, what a complete waste of my time.

Myself: Nah, that was Drew’s mindset when they paired him with Priest.

Me: I wish people would stop disrespecting Damian. Priest more than earned his spot at WrestleMania with the work he put in throughout 2024!

Myself: Why are you always yelling? Take it down a notch and listen. McIntyre deserves better this time of year and everyone knows it. As a matter of fact, it’s become a recurring theme over the course of Drew’s career. If not for CM Punk tearing his triceps in the ‘24 Rumble, McIntyre would’ve been left watching the World Heavyweight Title bout from the sidelines. In 2023, Drew was forced into the ongoing rivalry between Gunther and Sheamus.

Me: Those three had arguably the best triple threat match in ‘Mania history!

Myself: You’re missing the point as per usual. The year prior, McIntyre drew Baron Corbin as an opponent for WrestleMania 38… Enough said. Even when he finally became Vince’s chosen one in 2020, Drew celebrated his crowning achievement in front of an empty arena. And by the time fans were allowed back in a year later, VKM had McIntyre tapping out to boring ass Bobby Lashley in the opener. No wonder the dude is so bitter.

SkitZ: He isn’t the only one apparently. Sounds like you’ve really taken it to heart. Beating on about all of Drew’s trials and tribulations as if they’re not a vital part of what makes McIntyre’s character kick. He seamlessly blends reality and fiction, which is how he’s slowly managed to win over the people who crapped on his program with Priest. Well most of them anyway. Next you’re gonna tell me how Drew deserves to face Cody at WrestleMania more than Cena does.

Myself: That’s because you were already thinking it. Wanna know why that is? Because you know it’s true! While Cena was off shooting movies and making a few WWE dates per year, McIntyre’s been a constant beast for the company week in and week out. If they weren’t hellbent on giving Cody Rhodes a babyface win in front of his entire family, Drew should’ve been next in line to dethrone Roman.

SkitZ: You’re right about one thing though. Drew has one thing Cena can’t match, and that’s loyalty. The man’s been to hell and back for WWE, and he deserves the spotlight more than anyone else.

Myself: But here we are, stuck in this mess of Cena vs. Rhodes. Drew’s over here in the corner, twiddling his thumbs, waiting for the opportunity to catch a break. He’s done everything the company’s asked of him, and still, he finds himself out of the title picture once again. It’s a real shame.

Me: Yeah, but that’s the nature of the business, right? It’s all about timing. Cena’s turn works for the story they’re telling. It doesn’t always make sense in the moment, but in the long run, it’ll make for an interesting WrestleMania match.

Myself: I guess. But it doesn’t sit right with me that McIntyre is just another piece on the board, never really at the front of the pack. He’s one of the most skilled wrestlers on the roster, and yet he’s being overshadowed.

SkitZ: It’s frustrating, I get it. McIntyre has the size, the skill, the charisma, but he’s not the guy that WWE is focusing on right now. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for a guy like Drew who has been carrying the company for so long.

Me: But that doesn’t mean he’s done for. The story isn’t over. Drew still has time to make it back to the top. It just takes the right storyline, the right opportunity. He’s been there before. Who’s to say he won’t be again?

Myself: Yeah, but for how long? By the time that “right moment” comes around, is it too late? We’re already talking about Cena vs. Rhodes, Roman continuing his reign, and guys like Ford and Gable trying to break through. Drew’s time might not come again unless something drastic changes.

SkitZ: Well, maybe that’s the case. But until then, there’s still plenty of talent in WWE to keep us entertained. The future is full of possibilities, and McIntyre isn’t done yet. It’ll be interesting to see where he fits into the picture moving forward.

Me: That’s the beauty of wrestling, though. We never know what’s coming next. One minute, we’re complaining about a star not getting the recognition they deserve, and the next, they’re back in the spotlight. It’s what keeps us hooked, right?

Myself: Yeah, yeah. Fine. But I’m not holding my breath for Drew to get his moment at ‘Mania. It’s too crowded as it is.

SkitZ: For now, sure. But I wouldn’t count him out just yet. He’s got more fight in him than most people realize.

Myself: You want him to wait another whole year? Why? So McIntyre can be pushed aside once again and demoted to a midcard feud with LA Knight or some shit like that?

SkitZ: Show The Megastar some goddamn respect. I was kinda hoping Knight would work McIntyre at WM41 after what happened between them in the men’s Rumble. Nevertheless, I have a hunch that Drew will make another appearance ‘Mania weekend beyond just his match with Priest.

Myself: Quit trying to set me up for disappointment.

Me: Actually, he may be onto something. McIntyre recently mentioned how he chatted with The Rock in Toronto, and that there’s big plans on the horizon!

SkitZ: See, this guy gets it. There’s been plenty of chatter surrounding who else might sell their soul to The Final Boss, and nobody’s more over getting screwed than Drew. Tell me you couldn’t picture him turning up towards the end of Cody versus Cena and costing Rhodes the title.

Myself: Alright, you’ve got my attention.

SkitZ: McIntyre goes to work for The Rock, and his first order of business is taking the belt off Cody and putting #17 around Cena’s waist. Rhodes is protected in the loss and then has Drew to contend with afterwards before he gets another crack at Cena.

Myself: You’re the one who needs another crack upside the head if you think that’s how this whole thing is gonna play out.

SkitZ: Just remember, you heard it here first. My scenario also opens the door for Cena and McIntyre to feud later in the year when they inevitably start butting heads.

Me: That’s a genius idea! I could definitely see it happening.

Myself: Of course you agree with him. What a shocker. Do you ever have any of your own thoughts or opinions?

Me: Well I wouldn’t count on Chelsea Green dropping her Women’s United States Championship anytime soon. Not with the security detail she’s strutting around with nowadays!

SkitZ: Chelsea’s character work has been top notch for awhile now, but I say give Zelina a chance at carrying a title. Put Vega over at ‘Mania and let her run with it for 3-4 months.

Myself: What has Zelina done to warrant that type of push?

SkitZ: Everything Vince and Hunter have tasked her with, she’s crushed as a performer. I’m also a softie for any cute chick who’s into anime.

Myself: You weak pathetic man. I’m praying Chelsea retains just to spite you. Her stable being comprised of wayward women whose partners were fired is classic WWE repackaging.

Me: Maybe that means Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark will become part of Chelsea’s group soon!

Myself: Ain’t no way the lesbian Bushwhackers are joining Green’s Secret Service.

Me: Then how about Alexa Bliss?

Myself: That’s a sore subject for me, asshole. Alexa being removed from all WrestleMania related events is a bad sign.

SkitZ: So was the news that there were big creative plans for Bliss and the Wyatt Sicks, who’ve been more stop-start in WWE than Jeff Hardy when he’s off the wagon again. Alexa had that epic return at the Royal Rumble, followed by a promising performance in the women’s Chamber, and the company hasn’t done shit with her since. Booking a supernatural stable like the Wyatts is tricky business in 2025. Triple H might be a visionary in many ways, but trying to recapture that original magic was a mistake in hindsight. Now the group is nothing but an inconsistent nostalgia act. They should’ve waited until the Wyatt Sicks were at full strength, and just had Alexa feud with Liv or Roxanne in the meantime. Now we get neither, and Bliss is back on eternity leave. Total buzzkill. How hard is it to put a mask on some random jobber so the rest of The Wyatts aren’t forced to sit idly by killing time while one member rehabs? Hunter sucked balls at booking Bray, and it’s been more of the same thus far with Bo’s crew.

Me: Are you okay, SkitZ? You seem a little hot under the collar.

Myself: Seriously man, who gets heated over such trivial bullshit? Snap out of it.

SkitZ: Huh. Now that you two mention it, my skin does feel like it’s boiling…

Because my upstairs neighbor just flushed the toilet and fucking scolded me! GAHHHHH DAMN YOU TO HELL, JOE. I didn’t even hear the water pressure change this time. Really need to get my own place before I become a burn victim.

Twitter: writersblock_skitz (@SirSkitzAlot)
Email: skitztmrlop@gmail.com